On April 11, at the beginning of Scottsdale Art Auction’s second session, 17 exceptional pieces by Will James will be offered from the A.P. Hays Collection. Hays, who died in 2025, was a well-known art dealer all around the West, but especially in Scottsdale, where he had a gallery and shop full of art, books and authentic cowboy gear, some of which is now in the permanent collection at the nearby Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West.
Will James (1892-1942), Smoky and Clint, oil, 28 x 22 in. Estimate: $50/75,000
Although Maynard Dixon was famously Hays’ favorite artist, he also took an interest in James, the famous author and artist from the early 20th century. The author didn’t live a long life and died at age 50, but not before proclaiming his love and affection for the Western way of life. “In his final book Will James chose to capitalize his last written words: ‘THE COWBOY WILL NEVER DIE.’ If true,” Hays wrote, “his own body of work will have much to do with assuring that mortality.”
Will James (1892-1942), A Heeler in the Slack, oil, 24 x 36 in. Estimate: $50/75,000
Works in the sale include A Heeler in the Slack, showing a cowboy struggling to control a roped cow that’s hellbent on escape. The oil is estimated at $50,000 to $75,000.
Will James (1892-1942), Young Cowboy, watercolor, 11 x 15 in. Estimate: $10/15,000
Another major work being offered is Smoky and Clint, with estimates of $50,000 to $75,000. The painting was used on the cover of the first edition of the illustrated version of James’ 1926 novel Smoky the Cowhorse. The book was such a hit, with children and adults alike, it won the 1927 Newbery Medal for children’s literature, and was adapted to film three times. In an article for the American Library Association, writer Barbara Elleman adds context to the win. “A cowboy with a quick wit, James was amazed to find Smoky winning the Newbery, saying it had been published as a book for adults. ‘I don’t know about that medal, but it’s fine with me.’ Some librarians criticized the book as too full of ‘cowboy lingo,’ saying that boys and girls would never read it. Others (among them undoubtedly the Newbery committee) found it ‘a bit of poetry in disguise,’ full of humor, color and excitement. The story did in fact prove highly popular and continual reprints necessitated new plates in 1955.”
Will James (1892-1942), There Was Room for None But Experienced Men, graphite, 13½ x 18¾ in. Estimate: $10/25,000
Other lots include Young Cowboy (est. $10/15,000), Calf Roping (est. $20/40,000), the graphite drawing Bucking Horse (est. $8/12,000) and the mixed-media work His Rambling Trail had Covered Thousands of Miles of Range Land (est. $12/18,000). —
Scottsdale Art Auction
April 10-11, 2026
7176 Main Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 945-0225
www.scottsdaleartauction.com
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