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By Barby Schacher – Award-Winning Western Artist
A Symbol of Recognition: Receiving My Belt Buckle as an Award-Winning Western Artist
When the championship belt buckle arrived in the mail, I didn’t expect it to hit me the way it did. As I held it in my hands, the weight of it felt heavier than the metal itself—it held memories, hard work, and quiet moments spent behind the easel, layer by layer.
In 2019, I was honored to be named the World Champion in the Dry Medium Category by the Western Art Rodeo Association (WARA). That title came after a series of online competitions throughout the year, where my pastel paintings—like Moment of Silence, Thankful for the Dawn, and Cowboy in the Fog—earned top awards and connected with collectors and fellow artists alike.
Even though WARA is no longer active today, that buckle remains one of the most meaningful recognitions I’ve received in my career as an award-winning Western artist.
A Year of Growth and Recognition
2019 was a whirlwind for me as a pastel artist. It was the first time I consistently entered my pastel paintings into national Western art competitions. I was still learning and growing with every piece, but the encouragement I received gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward
Throughout that year, several of my pastel works were recognized:
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“Moment of Silence” – Best of Show and 1st Place, Dry Medium (Frontier Stampede, August 2019)
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“Thankful for the Dawn” – 1st Place, Dry Medium (World Finals, Round 3, December 2019)
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“Cowboy in the Fog” – People’s Choice Award and 2nd Place, Dry Medium (Autumn Roundup, July 2019)
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“The Power of Faith” – 1st Place, Dry Medium (Summer Shootout, June 2019)
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“All Business” – 2nd Place, Dry Medium (Wild West Open, May 2019)
Every piece told a story rooted in the traditions of Western life—ranching, cowboys, early mornings, and quiet strength. That’s what I love most about this genre: it carries the spirit of heritage, heart, and hard work.
Why the Buckle Matters
The buckle isn’t just an award. It’s a reminder of where I started—and how far I’ve come. I didn’t grow up dreaming of art competitions. I just knew I loved to draw. Years later, picking up pastel pencils reawakened that love, and somehow, it led me into the world of Western art competitions.
That recognition in 2019 opened doors. It helped me grow in confidence and pushed me to apply for national art shows. Eventually, I became a Signature Member of Cowgirl Artists of America and an Associate Member of WAOW – Women Artists of the West.
Both are outstanding organizations for women in Western and representational art, and I highly recommend them to any artist looking to find connection and growth.
More Than an Award: A Tribute to the Journey
Being called an award-winning Western artist still feels a bit surreal to me. I’ve never sought recognition for its own sake. I just want to create meaningful art that honors the people, animals, and stories of the West.
But that buckle reminds me that people saw something in my work worth recognizing—and that’s a gift I don’t take lightly.
It also brings back the memory of all the Facebook friends (and others) who took the time to vote for my pastel pieces for People’s Choice Awards throughout the year. That kind of encouragement is something I’ll always treasure.
If you’re an artist entering competitions, or even just wondering if your work will resonate—keep going. Your passion, dedication, and persistence matter. The rewards might not always come in the form of trophies or buckles, but they will come.
Thanks for Being Part of This Journey
If you’ve followed my work, encouraged me, or shared one of my paintings—thank you. I’m so grateful for every kind word, every connection, and every opportunity to share this love of Western life through pastel.
If you’re just discovering my artwork, I invite you to browse my latest pastel paintings here, or follow along on Pinterest and Instagram.
Thanks for stopping by. 🤠🎨
— Barby Schacher
Award-Winning Western Artist
