Jim Bob Swafford
Jim Bob was born in 1940 in Decatur, Texas the county seat of Wise. Jim Bob grew up as an oil field brat, as his dad followed the oil boom town jobs in the mid 1940s. In the late 40’s and into his teen years, Jim Bob spent his time tending to the small family farm in Ropes, Texas. Jim Bob was the oldest of three boys and tended to most of the chores, like chopping cotton, tending livestock, milking, planting, and harvesting. He was a member of the 4H and FFA (Future Farmers of America). The drought in the mid 50’s caused the family to sell the farm and move to San Angelo, Texas. For the first time, Jim Bob attended a high school with an art department. It was an eye-opener to a talent he felt was always inside him. His first art award was at graduation from high school in San Angelo, Texas he was honored as the Art Student of the year. Other awards followed throughout Jim Bob’s career. His proudest art association is being one of the “Leanin’ Tree” artists. Leanin’ Tree, Inc. is in Boulder, Colorado. Jim Bob's artwork has been featured in “Western Horseman” magazine as well as featured on the cover of the “Rocky Mountain Rider” magazine. Invitational art shows include “Artist of the West” in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and “Artist West of the Concho” in San Angelo, Texas. The national exhibit includes “Top 100 exhibit Arts for the Parks” in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and “Images of America” in the Nations Calendar.
Swafford studied art at Lubbock Christian University and Abilene Christian University and graduated with a BA degree with a major in art. After a successful career in business and extensive travel Swafford became aware of the individual art styles of each area of the country and how they were influenced by climate, quality of light, attitudes, and lifestyles. He has absorbed into his style elements of what he sees as unique to the south and west of the country. Over time, Swafford’s style has moved towards stronger use of color and an emphasis on the essence of his subject matter. The artist paints southwest, landscapes, western lifestyle, cowboy life, wildlife, and flowers.
Currently, Jim Bob is the founder and CEO of Scandia Wind Southwest LLC based in Bovina, Texas. Scandia Wind is developing the “Mariah Wind Farm” project. Jim Bob and his wife Kay live in the small rural town of Bovina, Texas the old headquarters of the XIT ranch.
· Top 200 – “Arts for the Parks” Jackson Hole, Wyoming
· “Artist of the West Invitational” Colorado SpringsColorado
· “Artist West of the Concho Invitational” San Angelo, Texas
Trade Shows:
· National Cowboy Symposium
Magazines:
· Featured Artist in “Western Horseman” Magazine
· Featured Artist on the cover of “RockyMountain” Magazine Montana
Publisher of Swafford’s Artwork:
· “Leanin’ Tree” Bolder, Colorado
Contact Information:
Jim Bob Swafford
PO Box 783
1000 8th Street
Bovina, Texas 79009
Home Phone: 806-251-1015
Email: jim@scandiawind.com