Billy Schenck: Episode 2

Step inside the world of Billy Schenck, the legendary contemporary Western Pop artist often called “the most interesting man in the West.” In this exclusive Blue Rain Gallery Podcast episode, Schenck shares stories from his six-decade career—from his early days experimenting with Francis Bacon–inspired works, to his pioneering role in Pop Western painting that redefined the genre.

Hear Schenck recount his time in New York with Andy Warhol and the Velvet Underground, his transformation of movie stills into iconic Western scenes, and his innovative approach blending Pop Art, Photorealism, and Western storytelling. The conversation covers his Cadillac Cowboy series, powerful female figures like Phaedra, caption paintings, and his rodeo-inspired works that bring authenticity and grit to the Western art world.

As one of the founding figures of the Contemporary Western and Southwestern Art movement, Schenck’s influence is undeniable—his bold color fields, flat planes, and cinematic imagery have inspired generations of artists and collectors alike