BIO

Edgar Sotelo, a fourth-generation artist from Durango, Mexico, continues a rich family legacy of artistry passed down from his great-grandfather, grandfather, and father. He came to the United States to attend Texas Tech University, graduating in 1988. Edgar paid his way through school by selling his early pencil drawings, demonstrating his dedication to his craft from a young age. In the early 1990s, encouraged by his wife Michelle, he transitioned to oil painting, discovering a medium that allowed him to express even more depth and richness in his work.

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Living in Sulphur Springs, Texas, with his family, Edgar’s life is closely intertwined with the subjects of his art. On their ranch, he and Michelle raise American Quarter Horses, and their three daughters, who have inherited the family’s creative talent, contribute to the vibrant artistic spirit of the household.

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Edgar’s paintings are a reflection of his way of life, deeply rooted in the values of honesty, respect, and tradition—principles central to the code of honor upheld by true cowboys and charros. His commitment to these values ensures that every scene he paints is authentic and true to life, capturing the rugged beauty and integrity of the cowboy lifestyle.

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To accurately represent this world, Edgar doesn’t just observe from a distance—he immerses himself in the life he paints. He regularly attends charreadas (Mexican rodeos) throughout Texas and visits ranches, where he rides alongside working cowboys. This firsthand experience allows him to truly understand the nuances of their daily lives, ensuring that every brushstroke carries the weight of genuine experience. Through his art, Edgar not only depicts the scenes he witnesses but preserves and honors the cowboy way of life, keeping it alive for future generations.

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His work is a celebration of the enduring spirit of the American cowboy and Mexican charro, portraying their traditions with an authenticity that can only come from living what he paints.