Every auction is different, but it’s generally accepted that the first dozen or so lots are meant as warm-ups for the crowd. These initial lots are intended to ease the bidders into the sale and get them accustomed to the flow. During the 2026 Scottsdale Art Auction, the first five lots served these purposes.
And then came the sixth lot.
Will James (1892-1942), Smoky and Clint, oil on canvas, 28 x 22 in. Estimate: $50/75,000 SOLD: $990,000
It was Will James’ Smoky and Clint, a 1926 illustration for James’ award-winning book Smoky the Cowhorse. Bidding started casually enough, with bids bouncing around the room as the work first eclipsed its low estimate of $50,000, then its high estimate of $75,000. And then the bidding didn’t stop. Auctioneer Jason Brooks was fielding collectors in the room, on the phones and online, and moseying along at a decent pace as it hit $100,000, then $250,000, then $500,000. By the end, it came down to two interested parties, neither of which was willing to let go, until one did. When the dust settled, Smoky and Clint sold for $990,000. It obliterated James’ previous auction record of $150,000 set in 2014.
Nicolai Fechin (1881-1955), Carmencita, oil on canvas, 20 x 16 in. Estimate: $600/900,000 SOLD: $1,020,000
“Needless to say, we were a little overwhelmed at how extremely well the Will James piece did,” says auction partner Brad Richardson. “It’s the most famous piece by the artist, so we knew it would bring in the bidders, but we had no idea there would be so much interest. All it takes is two bidders, and that’s what happened here.” Richardson adds that the auction had 17 James works from the A.P. Hays collection, and the whole collection sold for $1.75 million.
Over two sessions, the Scottsdale Art Auctionbrought in more than $16.5 million with a 97 percent sell-through rate. More than 1,400 bidders registered for the sale, with a high number of online bidders who participated. “This was one of our very best sales,” Richardson says.
Frederic Remington (1861-1909), The Broncho Buster, bronze, No. 56, 23¼ in. Estimate: $250/350,000 SOLD: $690,000
Other top lots were three works by Nicolai Fechin, including Carmencita, a portrait with a high estimate of $900,000 that sold for more than $1 million. Cast no. 56 of Frederic Remington’s The Broncho Buster (est. $250/350,000) sold for $690,000.
Kyle Polzin, America Endures – 250 years of Valor and Virtue, oil on canvas, 64 x 33 in. Estimate: $75/125,000 SOLD: $336,000
The sale also featured new world records for a large contingent of contemporary Western artists such as Eric Bowman, Tim Solliday, Ed Mell, Billy Schenck, Colt Idol, G. Russell Case and Kyle Polzin, whose painting America Endures – 250 years of Valor and Virtue (est. $75/125,000) sold for $336,000. More than 30 new artist world records were set at the sale. —
Top 10 Lots Scottsdale Art Auction, April 11-12, 2026 (including buyer’s premiums)
Artist Title Low/High Est. SOLD
Nicolai Fechin Carmencita $600/900,000 $1,020,000
Will James Smoky and Clint $50/75,000 $990,000
Frederic Remington The Broncho Buster $250/350,000 $690,000
Nicolai Fechin Still Life, Floral $300/400,000 $396,000
Kyle Polzin America Endures… $75/125,000 $336,000
John Clymer The Métis Brigade $200/300,000 $300,000
Martin Grelle Last of the Pemmican $250/350,000 $270,000
Nicolai Fechin Consuelo $175/275,000 $252,000
Howard Terpning Scout from Fort Bowie $250/350,000 $240,000
Billy Schenck Blood on the Horizon $45/65,000 $216,000
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