Move to Winter Pasture
Painting on canvas • Western American School; style strongly suggests an artist such as Bill Owen or a contemporary follower of the Cowboy Artists of America (CAA).
Style & Movement
Western American Realism / Contemporary Western Art
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas, utilizing painterly impressionistic brushwork with wet-on-wet blending for the atmosphere and impasto for the snow texture.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1980–1995)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 36 inches (unframed); landscape orientation.
Subject Description
A winter cattle drive featuring Hereford cattle led by cowboys on horseback. The composition uses a diagonal recession to create depth, showing a line of cattle stretching toward a misty mountain range. The imagery emphasizes the ruggedness and cinematic heritage of American ranch life.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the canvas appears taut and the paint film is stable with no visible flaking.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $3,500 USD (dependent on definitive identification of the signature).
Auction Estimate
$1,200 - $2,500 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a Western art gallery or regional auction in the Southwestern United States. No specific labels are visible in the photograph.
Art Historical Significance
Illustrates the enduring appeal of the 'Working Cowboy' aesthetic in 20th-century American art, maintaining the traditions established by Remington and Russell through a mid-century realist lens.
Notable Features
Housed in a traditional 'Spanish' style carved wooden frame with a linen liner, characteristic of high-end Western art presentation from the 1970s and 80s.
Condition Issues
Minor dust accumulation on the surface; light mechanical cracking may be present but is not visible at current resolution; the wooden frame has minor scuffs on the edges.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning to remove environmental grime; ensure the painting is kept away from direct UV light and humidity fluctuations.