The Journey

Tamara Rymer is widely regarded as a highly accomplished Western artist, celebrated for her evocative depictions of Americana, particularly themes involving horses, Native Americans, and the Southwestern lifestyle. Her work has earned her a strong reputation in the Western art community, as evidenced by her participation in prestigious exhibitions and her affiliations with notable art organizations. Rymer has been a multiple year participant in the Cowgirl Up! art show at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum in Wickenburg, AZ, which is considered a top event for women Western artists in America. She has also exhibited at the C.M. Russell Museum show, The Russell, further cementing her status among leading Western artists.

Her art is internationally collected and included in both public and private collections, such as the State of New Mexico’s public collection, indicating a high level of recognition and appreciation, as well as Commercial acquisitions, including Ramada Inn. . 

Rymer’s memberships in respected organizations like the New Mexico Watercolor Society —where she holds Signature member status—and the Oil Painters of America, also reflect her standing in the art world. Additionally, her work has garnered multiple national awards, and her paintings are praised for capturing the “action of peace,” a quality that resonates deeply with viewers, as noted by a follower from Montana who admires how her art conveys a serene connection with horses.

Rymer’s self-taught journey, inspired by her family’s history, adds authenticity to her work, which often focuses on the unspoken bond between rider and horse, set against minimalist backgrounds that emphasize the subject. Her ability to work in both oil and watercolor, along with her attention to detail— influenced by artists like Schreyvogel—further enhances her reputation as a skilled and versatile artist.

In turning to her own family’s history to find a deep well of inspiration, Tamara's mind and art have been fueled by stories of cowboys and traders, travelers and outlaws, horses and Native Americans who crisscrossed the ranch owned by her great-grandparents. 

Tamara's G-grandmother was of Cheraw descent. She and family members moved to Texas after an Executive Order of U. S. President James K. Polk, allowing members of the Old Settler and Ridge Party Cherokees to leave Indian Territory. They were to settle and re-establish a government in Texas in order to protect their lives and that of their families. A near civil war state had  existed in the Cherokee Nation following the forced removal of 1838-39. The community they established was the Mt. Tabor Indian Community, which consisted of several different tribe affiliations. Tamara  continues her ancestry research  looking further into her heritage, which  fuels her journal in art. 

A self taught artist.Tamara's first art achievement came as a child, when selected by the Texas Parks and Rec. for creating a poster for the Texas Highways Dept. clean highway campaign. Multiple awards have come since that time. 

Working in oil and watercolor, Tamara feels both mediums tell their own stories with the subject. Building layers and creating light, in both paint types, is a fascinating avenue.

Painting the west and further west, Tamara is also an avid snorkeler, capturing art from the Pacific as well. She feels the differences between the southwest and ocean-island  environment compliment each other.

In public and private collections throughout the world, Tamara's membership affiliations include, the New Mexico Watercolor Society, where she is a Signature member, the Oil Painters of America, and the American Quarter Horse Association.