Originals

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

“Beyond the Horizon.” Fresh off the drawing board! This handy, young, 11 year old cowboy, grabbed my attention at a local branding. He was an observant, willing, hand. He always seemed to be at the right place at the right time with various duties. In a rare moment, I saw him standing alone just beyond the busy rhythms of swirling ropes, flying dirt, and clouds of dust. He was focused, taking in the whole scene in front of him. As I was drawing this piece, I was pondering the importance of these young men and women who are the future to our western heritage, agriculture, and way of life. This young man is gazing “beyond the horizon” as if looking toward the future with courage and hope. He may not realize how his youthful energy, and laborious chores are preparing him for his success in the years to come. His work ethic inspired me to draw a young iconic image of the west, the next generation of cowboys. -Andy Mast 

This hearty 'lil filly is a baby Percheron, raised on the home farm. This cute gal is inquisitive, but not sure about being petted- Being a typical stand-offish "Shy Girl."

 On a local ranch, his little tyke is surrounded by his best friends as he "Waits On Dad." Minutes seem like hours in Allen's little world, as he anticipates the return of his father. Rocky, the Golden Retriever, and Rio, the Blue Roan, help him pass the time as he, dreams about the day when he's old enough to accompany dad on a large cattle drive. According to the evidence carved onto the privy, his imaginations and dreams have also traveled, far beyond his dad's cattle drive on open plains. He spilled the beans with his pocket knife, as he carved initials deep into the wood, of a sweetheart he secretly loves, when attending the local one-room schoolhouse. -Andy Mast

“Clara’s Barn.” My new drawing of a local rustic barn, used to be owned by a valley resident Clara Reida. Many locals will recognize this structure east of town on Highway 96 as you begin your descent down towards Hardscrapple. Old-timers knew Clara’s Appaloosa horses and her legacy more intimately than I do, but my life was enriched with the opportunity to meet her multiple times before her passing. Her story of her impact on this valley and community inspired me to draw this barn as a small tribute for her. This structure is not merely a barn tucked by a hill. For me, it feels like a local icon, a reminder of what this valley once was. A remembrance of an individual whose hard work, simple kindness, and purpose created an endearing life story that impacted even me, a new-comer. It is my hope that this drawing may symbolize a tiny part of Clara’s life well lived. -Andy Mast

Created as a pair with "Eyes of Wisdom". No words are needed. Words would only get in the way of Jack's "Quiet Confidence" and discernible wisdom.

Created as a pair with with "Quiet Confidence". No words are needed. Words would only get in the way of Jack's kindness and discernible wisdom.

“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 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.