Heritage Auctions | March 25, 2025 | Dallas, TX

Enduring Spirit

Heritage Auctions highlights the sculptors and painters of the American West in its March sale.

By Alyssa M. Tidwell

The upcoming auction Visions of the American Westwill feature more than 100 lots running the gamut of Western fine art, from historic works by Charles M. Russell to contemporary offerings by David Barbero. With accessible price points for collectors of all levels, the auction celebrates the enduring spirit and artistry of the West in a market where Western and Native American art continues to remain in high demand.

Charles M. Russell (1864-1926), Saddling Up, ink on paper, 6¾ x 9¼ in., initialed lower left: ‘CMR.’ Estimate: $15/25,000

Collectors should keep their sights set on a few particularly noteworthy pieces. Among these is Russell’s sketch Saddling Up, depicting two cowboys getting their horses ready. “This pen-and-ink sketch by Charles Marion Russell is in the catalogue raisonné and exemplifies Russell’s mastery in capturing the daily lives of cowboys with remarkable authenticity,” says Alissa Ford, head of sale. “The composition, filled with intricate details, conveys a sense of movement and camaraderie among the figures. The attention to the texture of the grass, the muscular forms of the horses and the casual postures of the cowboys reflects Russell’s deep understanding of his subject matter. This piece epitomizes his ability to document the Western spirit with both precision and artistry.” The sketch is estimated to fetch between $15,000 and $25,000.

Bill Anton, Southwestern Pastoral, oil on Masonite, 25 x 34 in., signed lower left: ‘Bill Anton’. Estimate: $5/7,000

Another highlight is an oil by Bill Anton titled Southwest Pastoral, a canyon scene of a cowboy and his horse taking a breather. The painting has a presale estimate of $5,000 to $7,000. “Bill Anton’s Southwest Pastoral exemplifies his refined ability to encapsulate the quintessential spirit of the American West,” Ford reflects. “The painting presents a contemplative moment, depicting a cowboy at rest, kneeling beside his horse in a serene, sunlit valley surrounded by grazing cattle and framed by imposing canyon walls. Diverging from the dynamic and often dramatic imagery typically associated with Western art, this work offers a quieter, more introspective perspective on a round-up. Anton’s use of warm light and shadow evokes a sense of tranquility while emphasizing the rugged beauty of the landscape. His meticulous attention to detail, evident in the cowboy’s attire, the horse’s tack, and the nuanced textures of the environment underscores his commitment to authenticity.”

Karl Thomas, Winter Colors, Grand Canyon, oil on canvas, 30 x 40 in. signed lower right: ‘Karl Thomas’. Estimate: $5/7,000

Other artists in the upcoming sale that Ford says to keep an eye on include Dave McGary, Richard Schmid, Millard Sheets, David Mann, Allan Houser, Glenn Dean and Fremont Ellis.