Even if color photography existed in the first half of the nineteenth century, no photographer could have captured the spellbinding drama of the Westward expansion more vividly than did William Ranney. Whether the terror shown in the eyes of the wild mares as their stallion is lassoed by a buckskinned caballero with brilliant red sash and bandana set against an endless prairie and pastel sky [this painting probably from the memory of Ranney’s Texas experience during its war for independence from Mexico], or the triumphant return home of tattered American Revolutionary War veterans, Ranney portrays not only the sights, but the spirit of this heroic period of American history. This exhibit is not to be missed!

— Ron P, April 2, 2007, 7:41 p.m.

We recently enjoyed the W. Ranney exhibit in Fort Worth.The portraits particularly interested us. Did Ranney ever use pastels in any of his work?
We have 2 portraits of ancestors that lived in NYC from 1805-1883. They got married in 1828 and had pastel portraits done after that date. We presently
have them in our home and they have a striking resemblance to the portrait
of his wife and the gentleman. Our portraits are not signed (that I can see.)
I wonder if these could’ve possibly been done by Ranney. The style of clothing and the large dark eyes resembled his pictures. Do you have any ideas on how to investigate? Thanks

— Anonymous, May 6, 2007, 7:37 p.m.

William Ranney is really something. We could learn a lot from his work that i can say from the bottom of my heart.

— location, May 15, 2007, 7:55 a.m.

I agree with you that even if color photography existed in the first half of the nineteenth century, no photographer could have captured the spellbinding drama of the Westward expansion more vividly than did William Ranney.

— Engineers Beneficial Association, June 16, 2007, 10:45 a.m.