"On Point" Jack's loyal adoration and reverance was unmatched. He was an inspirational individual, and a prime example for all of us.
Originals
Without something to Love...Love has no meaning.
"Flowers for Mom." I relived my boyhood fantasies as I created this piece. It feels like a self portrait. Memories flooded my soul of galloping across wide open meadows and fields bareback & bridle-less on our family horse Molly. I can still feel my hands full of horse hair and the absolute freedom. I carved on wooden fences & trees, picked rocks, played in the creeks, and plucked "Flowers for Mom." How fortunate I am to have these blissful childhood memories. -Andy Mast
"Wise & Noble" I wanted this portrait to be so simple, that its elegant. He is in his everyday clothes and you go straight to the soul of Jack.There are no distractions and there is nothing to hide. I did not want anything in the way of his wisdom, obedience, and spirit. If Jack, could talk he could share a lot of wisdom. -Andy Mast
On a calm, quiet, day, in wide open spaces, few words are spoken by these Loyal Companions. The mutual respect and gratitude among these three is not expressed in spoken words, but in the deeds they do, from grateful & solitary hearts.
My friend, a retired veterinarian, and his dog Jack, are real inspiring hands. Many are the foals & calves that have been delivered, by these kind hands, as were the many round-ups, in which these two made the best team. These Seasoned Hands, are a true testament of hard work and much love.
Not always do the best farm or ranch Partners carry the biggest wallet, but many times its our noble four legged companions that do not let us down and help us get the job done. This little drawing was a real joy to create.
Relationships… Is what this piece is all about -Another good friend of mine underneath a lone cottonwood in one of my favorite spots in the valley, With Faithful Companions by your side… one under your arm and another sniffing on your shoulder… at this moment, life couldn’t get any better!
For many years I had this profile in my head of our family's Percheron stallion Zeus, with his graceful form almost like a silhouette against the western sky. He displays so much strength, & power and is one of the most majestic, gentle, creatures I have ever known. My goal was to create a solitary feeling and perhaps even a little loneliness in this piece. I like solitude, because that is the place where I'm closest to creation, and real reflection can happen without being distracted from the noise of the world. From a high vantage point on a windswept ridge, Zeus, looks for his band of mares, where the view and distant vistas takes your breath away. He is high, and yes, a little lonesome.
I am excited to share my latest drawing fresh off the drawing board, featuring a dear friend, which I have titled "Alone Together." My desire for this piece was to express the connection, and partnership between man & horse. The composition & design of the horse's neck coming down towards the cowboy, keeps a soft harmonious, connection between the two. The cowboys left hand & arm leads your eye back around to the horse. This softly invites the eye in a continuous circular motion, with the focus never leaving the two. I intentionally created a tonal background with the light illuminating the two to create almost a divine quality. To me it feels symbolic that God's Love always surrounds us through the grind of every ordinary day. "Alone Together" expresses there is "Glory in the Grind" with two great partners right beside you - the visible & invisible... a horse sniffing on your shoulder & God in your heart.