Maynard Dixon embellished themes that encompassed the timeless truth of the majestic western landscape, the humanity of its memorable people, and the religious mysticism of the Native American. In an attempt to uncover the spirit of the American West, Dixon roamed its plains, mesas, and deserts-drawing, painting, and expressing his creative personality in poems, essays, and letters. Written in a very personal style, this biography includes anecdotes from Dixon's children, historical vignettes, and interviews with those who knew the artist.

Donald J. Hagerty is the author of many publications on Maynard Dixon and other historic and contemporary artists. Having organized numerous museum exhibitions, he is a frequent lecturer for libraries, museums, and galleries. He lives in Davis, California.

A personal portrait of an early-20th-century painter.