The Bell Riders

After a successful trail ride, the Cowboy Artists of America create small works for a summer online show.

Every year the Cowboy Artists of America gathers its members for a trail ride that serves as the foundation of the group. Each year is unique. The first one was held on a ranch in Mexico. There have been rides in every Western state, and even Hawaii. Last year’s was nearly rained out. The 2023 trail ride, on the iconic Bell Ranch in northeastern New Mexico, had no rain, but it did have wind. Lots of it.

Jack Sorenson, Cowboy TeePee, oil on linen, 8 x 10”

C. Michael Dudash, Dust & Dusk on the Bell, oil on linen, 6 x 12”

But the members soldiered through it as they rode with the famous riders of the Bell. The ranch, known for its long history and massive size at nearly 300,000 acres, is credited with making a Western artist out of Robert Lougheed, who painted frequently at the ranch after taking a 1960 commission for horse paintings by National Geographic. This history was not lost on the current CA members, who frequently invoked Lougheed’s name during the spring round-up, the branding and the moving of the remuda from camp to camp.

Wayne Baize, Topping Out of Madera Canyon, oil, 18 x 24”

Phil Epp, Daybreak on the Bell

After returning home from the ride, the CA members immediately began painting small works for what would become Cowboy Trails – Inspired by the 2023 Annual CA Trail Ride, an online small-works sale beginning July 6.

Teal Blake, The Bell Horse, watercolor on vintage 1899 ledger, 11 x 8½”

Works in the show include Teal Blake’s watercolor The Bell Horse, created on an antique ledger from 1899; Wayne Baize’s oil Topping Out of Madera Canyon; Phil Epp’s Daybreak on the Bell, showing his magnificent colors and dramatic composition; Dust & Dusk on the Bellby C. Michael Dudash; and two tent scenes by Brandon Bailey and Jack Sorenson.