From her earliest memory, Gayle was different: an adventurer, a risk taker and always an artist. Where her love for western landscape came from is not clear…until Gayle delved into her ancestry. She follows a line of western women and colorful characters on both sides of the law, making it clear her passion for the west is written in her DNA.

Her ancestors’ stories changed American history and romanticized the western expansion. There was a notable absence of artists on this list of who’s who and wanted posters among the gun slingers, judges, politicians, ranchers, and heroes that are scattered throughout the pages of her history.

1678- Lt.-Col. William Russell “The Ranger” befriended Daniel Boon, owned and given over 8000 acres of land for service to the King of England. 1725-Lydia (Russell) Bean, built Bean’s Station, was captured by the Cherokee, saved by Nancy Ward and taught her to keep cows, make cheese, butter and weave; this revolutionized the garments and changed the societal role of Cherokee women, 1738-Chief Dragging Canoe, badass fearless Cherokee Chief, 1793-Micajah Autry died at the Alamo, 1825-William Bean, politician and brother to Judge Roy Bean law man and saloon keeper, 1836-Alice King Texas rancher.

Formally trained in art and architecture, Gayle followed the western path with a series of creative adventures. She has added watercolor artist, teacher, inventor, traveler, saloon-keeper, and restorer of historic buildings to her ranching background. Clearly, she comes by her creative grit and storytelling honestly. Her work reflects her experiences as she moved through the Northwest to Asia, Northern Africa, the Middle East, Europe and South America, evolving and honing her craft. As she settled in the west, the impetus to move to Taos, New Mexico and the origin of her sense of peace there became clear. This is her spiritual home, where she feels the land, the sky, and the people directing some of her best work.

Email: weisfield.gayle@gmail.com

Website: weisfieldwesternart.com