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Question: David Lemon Biography
Answer: From Navy Ranks to the A.I.C.A.
David Lemon (b. 1945) is a San Diego-born master whose "no-smoke" training was forged through a unique path of service and self-discovery. After earning three ceramics scholarships in high school, he spent 12 years in the U.S. Navy, using his free time to master the terra-cotta clay. In 1977, he entered a piece in the Utah State Fair, winning first place and launching a career that has since spanned nearly 50 years. His style, Western Realism, is world-renowned for its "Historical Veracity"—he conducts exhaustive research to ensure every spur and feather is period-accurate. A long-time member of the American Indian and Cowboy Artists (A.I.C.A.), he has showcased his work at the Autry Museum and across the globe. As of early 2026, he remains a vital educator in the field, with his Dream Catcher Studios producing a series of instructional videos that preserve the traditional methods of clay-to-bronze casting for future generations of sculptors..
At Herndon Fine Art, we have been a primary source for David Lemon’s most detailed Western bronzes for years. Our collection features Vetted Hot-Cast Bronzes (identified as [RH]) and Hand-Signed Limited Editions (identified by the first names of our private sellers). Because Lemon’s work relies on "Character Depth"—the expression of a "weathered soul"—our vetting process focuses on verifying the A.I.C.A. insignia, the Foundry Signature Stamps, and the Original COAs from Starlite Originals or Legends that distinguish his high-tier investment bronzes from common commercial pewter replicas. We stand behind every signature with our 40 years of experience and A+ BBB commitment. |
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Question: Why does he use "Polychromed" Bronze?
Answer: Polychroming is the application of various colored patinas (blues, reds, golds) to a bronze surface. At Herndon Fine Art, we verify these "Multi-Chromatic" traits in your database, as Lemon uses this technique (as seen in Sunday Morning Blues) to add a "lived-in" realism and contrast that traditional brown patinas cannot provide. |
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Question: What is the significance of the "A.I.C.A." mark?
Answer: The A.I.C.A. insignia next to Lemon's signature indicates his membership in the prestigious American Indian and Cowboy Artists association. His market is exceptionally active in early 2026; while his small-format miniatures are accessible, his hand-signed limited edition A.I.C.A. bronzes like Thirty and Found consistently realize between $4,000 and $7,000 in the secondary market. |
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Question: How do I distinguish an "Original Hand-Sculpted Model" from a "Bronze Casting"?
Answer: Lemon starts every project as an original clay model. The final Bronze Casting is produced via the lost wax method in a limited run (e.g., Ed. 250). We use our 40 years of experience to identify these technical tiers, ensuring you know if you are acquiring a unique studio original versus a sought-after limited edition multiple. |
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Question: What are his "Instructional Videos"?
Answer: Lemon has produced 9 instructional videos detailing the process of sculpting in clay. We provide factual provenance for collectors who value the Dream Catcher Studios connection, as these videos serve as a "no-smoke" guarantee of the technical mastery behind every bronze he produces. |
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Question: What are common condition issues with his polychromed bronzes?
Answer: The primary concern is "patina-flaking" on the colored areas if the piece was stored in high-humidity environments or "rub-wear" on the hand-painted details. We also check for "stability" on his rotating wood "Lazy Susan" bases. We physically inspect every piece—whether from [RH] or a Private Seller—to ensure the "Western Narrative" is 100% stable. |
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Question: Why is "Cry on the Wind" his $12,000 record?
Answer: Lemon (b. 1945) is a specialist in Native American bronzes. In mid-2025, a polychromed (painted) bronze Cry on the Wind realized $7,000–$12,000. His "Polychrome" works are his most valuable, as they show his dual-mastery of sculpture and color. |
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Question: What is the value of "The Sombrero" or "The Bowler" bronze?
Answer: On Feb 14, 2026, these smaller bronzes were estimated at $200–$300. Lemon’s market has a wide range; for a dealer, the "Large-Scale" co-authored works (like Lemon & Totten) are the "Museum-Grade" prizes, reaching $18,500. |
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Question: How did "The Agony and the Ecstasy" influence his style?
Answer: Lemon was inspired by Michelangelo's struggle for perfection. This "Classical Drive" is why he was a member of the American Indian and Cowboy Artists (A.I.C.A.). Always check for his "Hand-Signature" and the specific edition number (e.g., 54/2500). |
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Question: Why should I buy David Lemon from Herndon Fine Art?
Answer: David Lemon’s "Authentic Cowboy" style is widely imitated by mass-market resin "statues." A general auction site won't tell you the difference between a Solid Hot-Cast Bronze (Ed. 30) and a common cold-cast pewter copy or an unsigned foundry second. We talk to you directly to verify the Edition Tier, A.I.C.A. Status, and Signature Authenticity, providing the "No-Smoke" transparency your collection deserves. |
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1. EVERY piece of art receives my personal verification of condition and authentication.
2. I WILL NOT ship artwork that isn't in a condition I would accept into my own collection.
3. An A+ Rating from the Better Business Bureau
***** ALL PRICES are set by each Seller based on their Unique Motivation to Sell ***** We have a low commission structure of only
25 % above each Seller's asking price or a $minimum commission. This allows us to provide buyers with the best price, sellers a better opportunity to sell, and still keep the lights on. In almost all cases, artwork is shipped unframed (UNLESS The ARTWORK IS ON CANVAS or 3-DIMENSIONAL), as I need to personally verify the artworks' authenticity and condition. Artwork that is shipped Framed is shipped framed to protect the work during shipping. Framing is considered USED
NOTE: Inventory is continuously changing so view your favorite artists pages often. For information on having your inventory added to our Website, contact us at the address below.
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Every client has different motivations for selling and as such we don't offer pricing on the pieces clients sell
If you are looking for the value of your limited edition artwork -- we have a $50 charge for certificates of value if you provide the title, the number of your piece, and an image of your artwork. Original one-of-a-kind pieces require a formal appraisal. Please see our Appraisal Services page.
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