Woody Jackson, affectionately known as the “Cowman,” began his artistic journey with Vermont Holsteins in 1972. Inspired by the picturesque landscapes of Vermont after graduating from Middlebury College, Jackson found his calling in art and the serene beauty of the Vermont countryside. Working on local dairy farms, he was captivated by the cows against the vibrant backdrop of the Champlain Valley and the Adirondack Mountains. The black and white patterns of the cows stood out against the rich greens, golds, and fiery sunsets, becoming a central motif in his emerging artistic vision. These early experiences laid the foundation for his now-iconic Cow Prints.
Seeking to refine his artistic skills, Jackson retreated to his grandparents’ kitchen in Jackson, New Hampshire, transforming it into his studio. Here, he dedicated himself to creating a portfolio of paintings to apply to art school in New York City. His Vermont cows traveled with him in spirit, appearing in his first painting – a Jersey and a Holstein set against Mount Washington under the Big Dipper. After years of exploration, working in apple orchards, and printmaking at Middlebury College, Jackson held his first exhibition in April 1974, aptly titled “Cows.” These early cow prints were zinc plate prints, characterized by simplified forms and flat colors that emphasized the striking black and white patterns of the cows.
A pivotal moment arrived in 1983 when Jackson, then living in Brooklyn after earning an MFA from Yale, received a call from Ben Cohen of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream. Ben envisioned using Jackson’s cow prints for his burgeoning ice cream company. This collaboration led to a billboard image and t-shirt design just as Ben & Jerry’s expanded beyond Vermont for the first time. Jackson’s whimsical and recognizable cow prints became synonymous with the brand, contributing to Ben & Jerry’s worldwide recognition. Simultaneously, Jackson began marketing his cow print images on t-shirts, cards, calendars, and various other products, building a nationwide wholesale and mail-order business. In the early 1990s, his enterprise peaked, employing 25 staff and generating nearly $2 million in sales, a testament to the widespread appeal of his cow prints.
Today, Woody Jackson operates as a sole creator from his Vermont home, focusing primarily on original oil and watercolor paintings. However, the enduring popularity of his cow prints means he continues to sell t-shirts, prints, cards, and select items featuring his signature bovine designs. With his family largely grown, Jackson remains deeply connected to Vermont, finding it an inspiring place to live, paint, and appreciate cows. Reflecting on his career, he acknowledges the profound impact of cows on his life and artistic success, stating, “The cows have been very, very good to me.” His legacy as the “Cowman” and his iconic cow prints endure, celebrated for their unique blend of rural charm and artistic innovation.
