b. 1942. Bill Owen was born in Arizona to an artist mother and a cowboy father. This legacy would serve to influence the direction of his life. From an early age Owen exhibited natural talent as an artist and began drawing with encouragement from his mother. As a young man he worked on various ranches, an experience that gave him first-hand knowledge of the cowboy life he would later paint. Owen utilized his insider experience as a ranch hand to accurately depict the disappearing lifestyle of the cowboy. At the age of 31, he was invited by one of the founders of the Cowboy Artists of America to join that prestigious organization. Since becoming a member in 1973, Owen has won a total of 31 awards including three Best of Show Awards and four CA Awards. The latter is a highly coveted award that is voted on by the general membership, and in essence is recognition from one's peers.