John Rule Bronze and Saddlery

12/28/2025

I’ve been deeply honored to be commissioned to create a bronze sculpture of Teense Willford.

As I’ve worked on this piece, I’ve thought a lot about the kind of man Teense was — someone who carried the spirit of Wyoming in the way he lived, served, and connected with people. He had a way of making others feel welcome, seen, and at ease. That kind of presence is rare.

Music was part of who he was, a way he shared himself with the world. I chose to sculpt him with a guitar in his hands because it felt true — a symbol of his voice, his stories, and the quiet moments that bring people together.

This is just a glimpse of the work in progress, but every line is shaped with gratitude and respect. It’s an honor to help preserve the memory of a life that meant so much to so many.

10/18/2025

04/26/2025

Wonder what I’m creatingg right now?
Well it’s not time to tell! But thought I’d share what public works and things I have accomplished
Down Stream Drifter at Oklahoma Community College OKC, OK
W.P. Bill Atkinson at Midwest City, OK
Annie Oakley at National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
Chopping Cotton at Grapevine, TX
Bob Funk “Man of Vision” at Yukon, OK
5 years of membership drive art for National Cowboy and Western Heritage
Museum
4 sculptures for Annie Oakley Society
Bust of Oklahoma Governor, Kevin Stitt
Sculpture for Volunteer of the Year Award for National Cowboy and Western
Heritage Museum
5 year participant of prestigious Small Works...Great Wonders
10 times chosen to create World Champion saddles for PRCA
Best of show Southern Plain Art Show 2014, 2017, 2019
Best of show at Bosque Art Show 2024
Top Hand Award Panhandle Plains Museum art show (artist choice)
Award winner Western Design Conference Jacksonhole, WY.
Art and architecture Editor’s choice for excellence
Articles in National Publications such as Cowboys and Indians, Western Horseman, Persimmon Hill, and Art and Architecture
Commissioned to do Centennial Saddle on Display at Oklahoma History Centerd

01/21/2025

There is no shortcut between work and success.. just grit and dust!…presenting
“YOUNG GUN… BIG DREAMS”
18 x 7 1/2 x 7 1/2 in.
45.7 x 19.1 x 19.1 cm

01/21/2025

No one eats until the cookie calls.. presenting “Sourdough Slim”
Editions Available

12/01/2024

Good morning artists and art lovers!
Wanting to let everyone know most pieces posted are and will be available! I don’t allow for many additions but I’d say 90% of the works are available for purchase.
I do have some availability for commissioned work! Please feel free to contact me!

11/30/2024

“Grand Entry”

11/30/2024

“Supplication”

11/30/2024

“Good Dancing Woman”

11/30/2024

During construction of Liichokoshkomo’ the Annie Oakley Society contacted me,” Rule said. “They wanted to do a sculpture of Annie to commemorate the fabulous area. Truly it was an honor and a privilege to create Annie knowing that she will reside in her place for years and years to come!”

11/30/2024

From National Cowboy Musesum’s Small Works Spotlight article!
“Wind Driven” was inspired by an Edward Shariff Curtis photo portrait taken near the turn of the 20th century. The photo titled “Many Goat’s Son” captures a young Native American man wrapped in a blanket “bundled up from the desert wind, or guarded from what spirit is in the wind,” Rule said.

“Disconnected” shows a wild bucking horse. The piece went through several changes before Rule decided on the final composition. The viewer is left to decide how this dangerous scene turns out for the cowboy.”

To see the rest of this article go to:
https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/blog/artist-spotlight-john-rule/

11/30/2024