Winter Cattle Drive (likely "Heading for Shelter")
Painting on canvas or board • Jack Hines (attributed); American, 1923-2015. The signature in the lower right and stylistic handling align with his later Montana period works.
Style & Movement
Western American Realism / Contemporary Western Art
Medium & Technique
Oil and/or Acrylic on canvas; executed with wet-on-wet brushwork, palette knife texture for snow banks, and impasto highlights on the cattle and cowboy figures.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1980-1995)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 24 inches (sight), in a landscape orientation.
Subject Description
A group of cowboys on horseback herding Hereford cattle through a deep, snow-covered landscape. The composition uses a diagonal line to lead the eye toward the distant mountains, which are shrouded in mist or falling snow. The narrative focuses on the harsh conditions and labor of ranching life in the American West.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the painting appears to be in its original frame and demonstrates good color saturation and structural integrity.
Estimated Market Value
$2,500 - $4,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$2,000 - $3,500 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired from a Western Art gallery or regional auction in Montana or the Southwest; appears to have been held in a private collection for several decades.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of the 'Cowboy Artists' influence of the late 20th century. Hines was a notable educator and painter known for his ability to capture atmospheric light and the authentic daily life of the modern rancher.
Notable Features
Features a distinctive 'barbed' or carved rustic wooden frame common in high-end Western art galleries of the 80s; visible signature in the lower right corner; notable use of cool blue and violet tones in the shadows of the snow to create depth.
Condition Issues
Minor surface dust and very slight yellowing of the varnish layer; possible light 'craquelure' consistent with age; minor nicks on the carved wooden frame.
Conservation Recommendations
Light surface cleaning by a professional conservator; maintain in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight; no immediate restoration required.