Move to the Winter Range
Painting on canvas • Likely signature in lower right corner suggests a regional Western American artist; style is reminiscent of Bill Owen or Gary Niblett (Cowboy Artists of America members)
Style & Movement
Western American Realism / Contemporary Western Art
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas; employs wet-on-wet brushwork, impasto for snow texture, and atmospheric perspective for the background mountains
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970-1990)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 30 inches; Landscape format
Subject Description
A winter cattle drive featuring Hereford cattle being moved through deep snow by three cowboys on horseback. The composition uses a diagonal recession to create depth, set against a backdrop of hazy, blue-hued mountains.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the canvas appears taut and colors remain vibrant. The frame shows minor surface wear commensurate with age.
Estimated Market Value
$2,500 - $5,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,500 - $3,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a Western art gallery or regional auction; the style suggests a domestic US collection, particularly in the Southwest or Mountain West.
Art Historical Significance
A classic example of the 20th-century revival of Western frontier themes, documenting the harsh realities of ranching life and following the tradition of Frederic Remington and Charles Russell.
Notable Features
Housed in a traditional 'Spanish Colonial' style carved wood frame with a linen liner, typical for high-end Western art of the 1970s and 80s.
Condition Issues
Visible surface dust and minor nicotine or environmental yellowing of the varnish and the linen liner of the frame.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning and a fresh coat of archival varnish; storage in a climate-controlled environment away from direct UV light.