Collection: Lawson, T. Allen

T. Allen Lawson studied drawing and portraiture at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. He furthered his formal studies attending the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts in Old Lyme, Connecticut. Born and raised in Sheridan, Wyoming, the American West is an integral part of him. A lifelong student, his dedication to and love of his profession is always evolving as his interests and influences continue to offer new challenges. 

Lawson is drawn to the quieter side of life. Over time he has developed a discipline of patiently observing and studying the often unnoticed rhythms and subtleties of his surroundings.  In his paintings he strives to build layers and textures with pigment to create the abstraction and nuanced depth he feels in nature and the world around him. 

He has won numerous awards, including: Founder’s Prize, Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts; Golden Thunderbird Award, Maynard Dixon Country; Red Smith Memorial Award (twice), National Museum of Wildlife Art.  At the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, he has won the Spirit of the West Award, the William Weiss Purchase Award, and the Juror’s Choice Award.  At the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, he has won the Prix de West Purchase Award, the Robert Lougheed Memorial Artists’ Choice Award (twice), the Directors’ Choice for Outstanding Landscape and the Donald Teague Memorial Award. He was also chosen by the President and First Lady to create the painting for the official White House Christmas card in 2008.