Watercolor took center stage in Fort Worth, Texas, this October as Idaho artist Leslie Lambert brought her luminous interpretations of Western life to Fashion Week Stockyards Style, proving that the spirit of the West looks just as good in paint as it does in fringe and leather.
Lambert was one of only 15 artists nationwide invited to participate in the event’s Modern Masters of the West program — a showcase that celebrates the intersection of fine art, fashion, and Western heritage. Partnered with PH Barn Door, the American Paint Horse Association’s Stockyards storefront, she demonstrated her signature technique of pouring layered watercolor washes to build depth, movement, and light. The result? Dynamic, contemporary images of ranch life, livestock, and the enduring Western spirit.
Her artistry didn’t just wow audiences; it earned her the Honorable Mention Award — one of only three awards presented, alongside Best of Show and People’s Choice. The honor placed her among the top artists in attendance and led to a prime spot next to the runway during the event’s fashion walk, where her fluid, expressive process became part of the spectacle as she demonstrated her process live.
Fashion Week Stockyards Style is one of the premier celebrations of Western culture, blending fine art, design, and performance against the historic backdrop of the Fort Worth Stockyards. Lambert’s inclusion in the high-profile event is just the latest indication of watercolor’s growing prominence in contemporary Western art circles.
From the ranch to the runway, Lambert’s approach bridges tradition with modern flair. Her success in events like this one offers further proof of watercolor’s ability to turn heads in today’s art market.
Lambert is a Signature Member of Cowgirl Artists of America, a member of Women Artists of the West, and the author of Watercolor 365. Her paintings are held in private collections across the U.S. and Canada.
