Loren Eiseley (1907-1977) was an anthropologist and an ecologist. In his 1957 book, The Immense Journey, he wrote, “If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.” Our brains and hearts are about 73 percent water. We use it for growing our food and for cleaning up, and it is used in religious ceremonies as a symbol of spiritual cleansing and rebirth.
Western pioneers often found it an insurmountable barrier to cross but in calmer conditions, bathed, watered their livestock, washed their clothes and drank from the abundant stream and rivers. 
Trailside Galleries, Morning Chore, oil on canvas, 9 x 12”, by Mian Situ.
Mian Situ travelled throughout his native China studying its people “trying to capture the rhythm of their lives” and depicting them at their daily activities in his paintings. He lived in Canada for 10 years before coming to the United States. The late John Geraghty, a trustee of the Autry Museum of the American West, encouraged him to paint the West.
In his 9-by-12-inch work Morning Chore, two pioneer women gather water from a stream, their covered wagon and oxen paused on the bank. His impressionistic painting embodies his fascination with light, both as it illuminates and as it reflects.
Gallery 1261, Across the Late Winter Creek, oil on linen panel, 12 x 7”, by David Grossmann
David Grossmann’s 12-by-7-inch panel, Across the Late Winter Creek, foreshortens the space and suggests depth at the same time. It also becomes an abstraction with the obvious brushstrokes emphasizing surface and paint applied on top of canvas. Rocks in the foreground provide an incomplete way toward the far bank and the stand of trees arises in what appears at first to be an impenetrable wall. Distant trees only slowly reveal themselves.
Grossmann’s painting process is a form of meditation for him, an experience we can participate in as we contemplate the subtleties of his paintings.
Manitou Galleries, September Sky, 9 x 12”, by Don Brackett.
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Sly as a, 20 x 16”, by Richard Clifton.
Steve Kestrel grew up on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert in southern New Mexico, and now lives on a 62-acre wildlife preserve in Colorado. He often carves directly into stones he finds along a creek, but turns to bronze casting for works with finer detail. Pondhawks at Waterline depicts the delicate dragonflies among the grasses along the edge of the water captured for eternity in bronze, belying their 10-day life cycle.
Continue reading to explore the many artists that delight in small works to depict their Western inspirations. Artists and galleries also provide quality insights on pursuing a collection.
Top left: Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Horned Owl, 8 x 10”, by Nelson Tucker. Top right: Mike Call, Thunder Chief, bronze, 13 x 20 x 8” Bottom: Mike Call, The Great Ruse, bronze, 14 x 22 x 8”
Gerald Peters Gallery, Pondhawks at Waterline, bronze, 5 x 11½ x 12”, by Steve Kestrel.
With a family ranch in the Texas Hill Country, A.C. Lindner finds boundless sources of inspiration for her paintings. The artist enjoys painting nature, animal and still life subjects which reflect her country lifestyle and Western heritage. Barnyard Bunny was inspired by a young cottontail she found resting by her horse barn.
Lindner suggests purchasing artwork that “plucks at your heart strings,” she says. “It’s even better if it will stand the test of time and be likely to appreciate in value. Try to build a collection within a particular theme or genre, as if curating a museum exhibition.”
While Luann Houser works in oil to produce fine art miniatures, it’s her fascination with history that provides the themes in many of her paintings. “Dedicated research and annual trips to the West, living history re-enactments and rendezvous provide me with endless inspiration for my art,” she explains. “My paintings utilize a representational, traditional process that demands delicate detailed brushwork, exquisite use of color and strong composition skills. 
Ross Buckland, Wild Rose Country, oil, 9 x 12"
A.C. Lindner, Barnyard Bunny, oil on panel, 11 x 8 ½"
“To say that 2020 is a unique and forgettable year would be an understatement,” says artist Ross Buckland. “As much of the world continues to witness some pretty distressing events unfold, it’s good to remind ourselves that, in time, things will certainly get better and to remember that there is still a world of wonders outside waiting for us to return to and rediscover. The greater focus of my painting efforts has always been to depict two of my lifelong passions—aviation and the landscape. Let’s add to that and celebrate some of the life below the wing.”
In his piece Wild Rose Country, Buckland states, “I’ve always loved this view of the Alberta foothills, near Jumping Pound. I use to fly over this every day in my previous life as a flight instructor.” 
Artell Harris, Out My Front Door, oil, 12 x 24"
In Plainsmen Gallery’s upcoming Fall Harvest show, are gems such as Behind the Shadows by David Yorke, depicting a Native American woman holding a feather to sheild her eyes. The show features outstanding Western and wildlife art by 23 nationally known artists. Traditional and contemporary paintings, drawings, sculptures and giclee prints of all sizes will be on display at the gallery and online.
For collecting, Plainsmen recommends purchasing a painting or sculpture because you truly love it, rather than viewing it strictly as an investment.
Artist Fay Gustafson expresses, “Every time I view the colorful offerings at the opening and closing of each day, my imagination cannot comprehend the arraignments of the unlimited colors used.” Her piece Fire on the Horizon, perfectly illustrates the challenge an artist has to capture the essence of feeling and color that nature provides.
Mike Call, Mohawk Lacrosse Player, bronze, 25 x 10 x 12"
Manitou Galleries’ Annual Small Works show will feature work by guest artists, as well as new work by gallery favorites. A treasure trove for collectors, art lovers and gift givers, the exhibition includes small works with no restrictions on materials or subject matter. “We celebrate small works at Manitou Galleries because it is a great way to discover new artists,” says Manitou representatives. “It’s a venue for collectors to purchase original artwork at a wonderful price, and also a vehicle to appreciate the importance of small works. The show features paintings, sculpture and jewelry that’s 12 inches or smaller.
Celebrating its 39th annual event in 2021, Southeastern Wildlife Exposition continues to present the finest in wildlife and sporting art. Held in Charleston, South Carolina, and known as the premier wildlife art show in the east, SEWE features acclaimed wildlife artists from across the nation as well as Canada and South Africa. Boasting all original artwork, the fine art gallery of SEWE encompasses nature inspired art ranging from sporting and North American big game, to African art and landscapes.
Clockwise from top left: Manitou Galleries, Frida, acrylic on canvas, 12 x 12”, by Nocona Burgess; Plainsmen Gallery, Behind the Shadows, oil, 8 x 10”, by David Yorke; Manitou Galleries, Come Sit by Me, bronze, 6 x 8 x 7”, by Liz Wolf; Ross Buckland, Dinner Music, oil, 9 x 12”
Each year, the show recognizes one accomplished artist who creates the events anticipated featured painting. SEWE is delighted to name Mark Horton, known for his unique paintings of Lowcountry landscapes, as the 2021 featured artist.
From his earliest years, Mike Call has always enjoyed drawing painting and sculpting. Call has completed many sculpture projects including a series celebrating the history of the Boy Scouts. His bust of Robert Baden Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts movement, is displayed in public and private collections across the world. Call was also commissioned to create a limited-edition sculpture of the Gilwell Oak to be sold at Gilwell Park during the International Jamboree. Proceeds of the sale went to benefit Gilwell Park.
Top: Faye Gustafson, Fire on the Horizon, oil on canvas, 11 x 14” ; Bottom left: Luann Houser, Shawnee Autumn, oil, 3 x 4"; Bottom right: Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Forest Drummer, 14 x 10½”, by Ott Jones.
Call has also completed a number of projects for the lacrosse community. For his piece Thunder Chief, inspired by the connections between lacrosse and Thunder in Iroquois traditions, Call states, “I envision Hinon, the chief of the Thunderers rearing back in preparation to launch his shot at the speed of lightning. The arrangement of my sculpture was inspired by a bow and arrow with the arrow pulled back at greatest tension, anticipating the massive release of energy that will hurtle the ball towards the goal.” —
Featured Artists & Galleries
A.C. Lindner
lindnerstudios@yahoo.com
www.aclindner.com
Artell Harris
1944 N. 1600 West, Mapleton, UT 84664
(801) 636-5126. imrdfur@hotmail.com
www.artellharrisfineart.com
Faye Gustafson
(520) 820-1694, faye@fayegustafson.com
www.fayegustafson.com
Gallery 1261
1261 Delaware Street Suite 1, Denver, CO 80204
(303) 571-1261, www.gallery1261.com
Gerald Peters Gallery
1005 Paseo De Peralta, Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 954-5700, www.gpgallery.com
Luann Houser
Bodenheimer-Mayer House Gallery
204 N. Columbus Street, Lancaster, OH 43130
bodenheimermayerhouse@yahoo.com
www.bodenheimermayerhouse.com
Manitou Galleries
123 W. Palace Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 986-0040, info@manitougalleries.com
www.manitougalleries.com
Mike Call
1583 Sorrento Drive, Woods Cross, UT 84087
mike@mikecallfineart.com, www.mikecallfineart.com
Plainsmen Gallery
2141 Main Street, Dunedin, FL, (727) 734-8200
art@plainsmen.com, www.plainsmen.com
Ross Buckland
Rossbuckland1@hotmail.com
www.rossbuckland.com
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
Charleston, South Carolina
(843) 723-1748, www.sewe.com
Trailside Galleries
P.O. Box 1149, 130 E. Broadway Town Square
Jackson Hole, WY 83001, (307) 733-3186
www.trailsidegalleries.com
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