Examine a painting and it will reveal the essence of the artist. Barbara East is an artist, a cowgirl, a keeper of the land. Her life philosophy and beliefs shine through her art with every brush stroke. Horses, ranching and tough work have always been a part of her life. In summer months, Barb East manages cattle grazing in the high country, where she is also the keeper of the range with an ever watchful eye for "something not right" on the job and an equally watchful eye for something remarkable enough to paint.  The life East leads is the inspiration behind every painting, her life as a cowgirl and an artist inseparable.

Barbara’s obsession with horses and drawing began at age 2 1/2 . With perseverance, determination and grit she pursued her goal of being a professional artist. Livestock and range management is also an art and a second career which just naturally fell into place. Fascinated with the world in miniature, Barb East became renowned for her intricate watercolors on cigarette papers, and  larger works in egg tempera. Her recent focus has turned to large pieces commemorating the histories of family ranches, agricultural organizations or life careers. "Beneath the central theme lies an intricately drawn collage of events, traveling through time, unraveling the history of something very special." Barbara East refers to the commemorative pieces as "accomplishing something meaningful, something that has a sense of purpose."