Originals

This scene was inspired on a pack trip in the back country of western Colorado. We set up camp and two days later it dumped 15 inches of snow on us. We were camped here for nearly two weeks. One evening in the silence and early twilight, I encountered this striking scene. This solitary evergreen stood strong and tall bearing the snow's heavy load. For me, it represented much character of strength and endurance.
Traversing this country on foot in snow is not for the faint of heart. Life in the wilderness is fragile and amazing. Mother Nature, & Creation, will teach you good life lessons. This work is all about solitude. Where we get acquainted with our own selves.
-Andy Mast

This local 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

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.