This is a somewhat humorous situation, at least for the cowboy not in the cactus. I know how the one in the cactus feels. When I was breaking horses, I was in the canyon one winter morning, and the youngster I was on bucked me off. I landed in the middle of a snow-covered patch of prickly pear. I eventually had to throw my coat away. There was no way to remove all the thorns.

This pony is patiently waiting for his next job. Most good horses love to work as much as their cowboys do. I have to say that of all the horses I've painted over the years, my favorite color of horse to paint is a bay roan like this one.

This cowboy is on the floor of the Palo Duro Canyon, and he is obviously tracking something. I just hope he takes a moment to appreciate the beauty he's riding through.

I enjoy painting mirror reflections, but this one is not really a mirror reflection. If you'll notice, there are only three horses reflected in the water. The background for this painting is one of the most scenic places in America, near Ridgeway, Colorado.

The Comanche painting that appears here can still be found in Palo Duro Canyon. I changed the location a bit to protect it from possible vandalism. It was painted on the rock with red clay and depicts a turkey hunt. The figure on the left is the hunter. The next figure is blessing the hunt and pulling them in, and we can see the three turkeys. In my story-line these cowboys are admiring the talent of this unknown Comanche artist.

I enjoy this type of painting, where the viewer gets to write the back-story. We don't know if this is a posse looking for a hidden outlaw or if this is a group of outlaws searching for a lawman. You decide. This print is in my web-site store under Old West.

A lone Comanche brave overlooks his camp in the Palo Duro Canyon. The Comanches called the Palo Duro "sacred canyon" and for good reason. It was Heaven on earth to their people. It had unlimited timber and water. It sheltered them from the wind and there was abundant wildlife and buffalo. The Palo Duro provided everything needed.

I've said before, I don't often paint paints unless there's an Indian somewhere nearby. Here's an exception. That foal made sure he kept his momma between him and me the whole time I was in that pasture.

This cowboy has stopped mid stream to give his horse a break and to check his surroundings. There's nothing better than being horseback in high country.

This cowboy has temporarily stopped work to thank his pardner. If you've ever seen a good cow dog at work, they are amazing. They make a cowboys work much easier. This print is available in my online store. https://lnkd.in/gNWQTEG