Story by Kelly Lynch, photos by L.A. Design
Larry Pirnie was born in Iowa in 1940 and always dreamed of cowboys and outlaws. He has spent his life making a significant impact on Western culture through art and, as of February 8th, is now an inductee of the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame. So, let’s take a look back at Larry’s life, philosophy, and impressive list of achievements.
Pirnie spent his childhood drawing horses and cowboys. He attended college on a basketball scholarship, and his roommate lived in Massachusetts, near Norman Rockwell’s home. During a school break, Pirnie visited his friend’s hometown, and after meeting Rockwell, he was inspired to pursue an art degree. He later transferred to the Pratt Institute in New York and, after graduating, began a career in advertising. During this time, he learned how to market his art and sustain himself as an artist.
Initially, Pirnie’s artwork resembled that of more traditional Western artists, but he wanted to stand out and do something bold. He thought back to his childhood drawings and the bright crayons he used. Realizing that most Western art was depicted in muted tones, he saw an opportunity to create something truly unique by infusing vibrant colors into his work. This change proved to be an immediate success, and his art began selling rapidly.
Pirnie’s success didn’t stop there. He met Lynne Himes, a gallery owner who reached out after purchasing one of his pieces. The two quickly formed a strong connection, and Lynne became not only his agent but a close friend also. Her mission has been to share his talent and joy with the world, far beyond the borders of Montana. More than just selling his art, she has been a steadfast partner, supporting him through life’s challenges.
Over the years, Pirnie has contributed to various creative projects across Montana. One of his favorite community pieces is a horse named Paint at the Missoula Carousel, a beloved attraction where children eagerly wait for their turn to ride the brightly colored horse. His paintings also adorn hospital walls, bringing patients strength and hope in difficult times. These stories are easy to believe as his art has a way of filling people with joy and optimism the moment they see it, which is precisely why he continues to create.
Now, as he grows older, Pirnie has slowed down significantly—but he has never stopped. Many of his works remain in circulation and have retained their value over time. With meticulous records of every painting he has ever created, collectors can easily determine the worth of his work. Though he only transitioned to digital records at age 80, much of his archive remains in other formats. Still, he enjoys looking back at his life’s work, saying, “As I look back on my life, I love myself and my pictures more than I ever have.”
It’s clear that someone as creative and generous as Larry Pirnie, with his deep love for the Western spirit, is more than deserving of a place in the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame. In his own words, “I thought I’d never even have the chance,” but we couldn’t be prouder or more privileged to have him enriching our lives—one stroke at a time.
Larry Pirnie was born in Iowa in 1940 and always dreamed of cowboys and outlaws. He has spent his life making a significant impact on Western culture through art and, as of February 8th, is now an inductee of the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame. So, let’s take a look back at Larry’s life, philosophy, and impressive list of achievements.
Pirnie spent his childhood drawing horses and cowboys. He attended college on a basketball scholarship, and his roommate lived in Massachusetts, near Norman Rockwell’s home. During a school break, Pirnie visited his friend’s hometown, and after meeting Rockwell, he was inspired to pursue an art degree. He later transferred to the Pratt Institute in New York and, after graduating, began a career in advertising. During this time, he learned how to market his art and sustain himself as an artist.
Initially, Pirnie’s artwork resembled that of more traditional Western artists, but he wanted to stand out and do something bold. He thought back to his childhood drawings and the bright crayons he used. Realizing that most Western art was depicted in muted tones, he saw an opportunity to create something truly unique by infusing vibrant colors into his work. This change proved to be an immediate success, and his art began selling rapidly.
Pirnie’s success didn’t stop there. He met Lynne Himes, a gallery owner who reached out after purchasing one of his pieces. The two quickly formed a strong connection, and Lynne became not only his agent but a close friend also. Her mission has been to share his talent and joy with the world, far beyond the borders of Montana. More than just selling his art, she has been a steadfast partner, supporting him through life’s challenges.
See Larry Pirnie’s art represented with the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame Artists display at Best of the West booth 25 at the Great Western Show March 20-23, 2025 at Montana ExporPark.