Originals

A historic old stage stop in east Custer County between Wetmore and Pueblo Colorado, this weathered structure stands near Highway 96 atop Jackson Hill. As I worked on this drawing, I often found myself wondering: If these walls could speak, what stories would they tell? I like to imagine that within these walls, many a weary traveler or wayfaring stranger found warmth, shelter, and a moment of sweet rest before continuing their journey.
Just a few days after I began this piece, the Aspen Acres Fire ignited. As I drew, the very hills captured in this artwork were burning. For a time, this old stage stop stood not far from the fire's path, and its fate was uncertain.
Knowing this, granted me an even deeper sense of meaning and reverence for this stage stop. Thankfully, this enduring landmark survived and is still standing — a resilient reminder of the past.

-Andy Mast

 Jack’s adoration and love for his master was truly inspiring and deeply felt. It needed to be captured with pencil. Destined for the Cheyenne Frontier Days Art Show & Sale July 16, 2026 Adoration will be paired with Obedience, for a dual debut!

 Jack’s obedience and love to his master was truly inspiring and deeply felt. It needed to be captured with pencil. Destined for the Cheyenne Frontier Days Art Show & Sale in July, Obedience, will be paired with Adoration, for a dual debut!

Always on the watch like a loyal shephard, Jack's observant eyes never miss a detail on the ranch, or on the range. Even as he takes a well earned respite, he never forgets his purpose. -Andy Mast

The minimal amount of light in this piece I felt so keenly with my own life at that time. For days I would go into the studio in attempt to work on its progress but lacked the strength, only to collapse in defeat.  The cowboy’s posture is stooped and spoke to me of my own debilitation. The dim light beam faintly shining down on the cowboy and his horse, matched my own dim ray of hope in life. The expression of the horse is the soul of this work. Among all the darkness and exhaustion the horse’s body is erect and full of life. He seemed to be bubbling with energy. His body wraps around the weary cowboy almost as if embracing him. The eye of the horse the most important of all, exemplifies the incredible amount of strength I pulled from to get through those tough times.

After a long day, this cowboy takes a moment to appreciate the scene unfolding before him as shadows of glory move across the valley. This piece I’ve held in my mind and heart for over four years before my pencil ever touched the paper. This is the pasture in front of my bunkhouse with the view I see most every day. The sharp pyramid is one of the local focal points “Horn Peak” in the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. After a lot of contemplation and waiting patiently for it all to happen, I found the perfect group of horses to fit my vision, to work with my “Closest Cowboy.”

The darkness in the clouds reflect the storms of life I’d just lived through. The rays of light coming through the clouds represent hope. The horse and dog are “Best Friends” and show the relationship that animals share on the farm, and metaphorically the friendship I felt from my caring friends during my illness. The rocky foreground signifies the rocky trail I traveled. To the right we get a glimpse of wide open–spaces that spoke to me that the future was endless, full of opportunity and hope. I felt like the horse and dog, they just emerged from the shadows of the barn and wait for the master, looking toward the future, basking in the light of hope.

“A Resting Place”. Not a bad place for a break when you are out in wide-open spaces and no trees close by. I’ve wanted to draw this outhouse for a few years and finally it reached fruition. This humble dwelling is located on the local historic Beckwith Ranch. This quaint building always takes me down memory lane when I visit. It reminds me of our own outhouse when I was a kid. When as a young innocent lad, (or not) I would try to scare the girls on their way to the privy! Times have changed.

The perspective, space, the land, the light and this lone cottonwood here in the valley, made this rural county road a must to capture in pencil. We are all on a journey towards the future. In life we do not see where our path may lead but we trust in due time to reach those glorious mountain tops.