Rodeo Series(1992-1995)

Rodeo Fever: The Rodeo At Jackson Hole, Wyoming, c. 1995

The Artist’s Own Statement: When I visited Jackson Hole, Wyoming for the first time in 1991, I was in no way prepared for the spectacle of it all. From the moment we arrived, I felt that we had walked into a world unto itself and I knew at some point I would recreate the feelings and visions of that first rodeo. The excitement and power of that evening was mesmerizing/ Starting with the “Grand Entry,” I experienced the sense of pageantry and the excitement as I watched the cowboys preparing and relaxing before the upcoming events. The bronco event with the dirt, horses and cowboys all flying I could barely see through the dust. The majesty and power of the bulls, the courage of the riders...The danger the clowns put themselves into as they enticed the animal away from the rider…. The action, motion and precision timing of the calf roping and team tying. The barrel racing with the cowgirls so eager to display their quickness and handling of their horses as they go through the loops. Since that first evening, I have been to many more rodeos, making many sketches, taking photos and talking to the cowgirls and cowboys themselves. When I decided to attempt to depict the rodeo experience, I realized that rather than work on a series of small paintings, it was necessary to create an environment with a panoramic view of the rodeo in its entirety. I wanted to paint my version of the rodeo from beginning to end, and wanted it to encompass the viewer. To accomplish this, I designed this work to be mounted into and out of the corner of a room so that standing before it you are literally surrounded. So, I set up nine panels in my studio, together adding up to 27 feet. Pastel seemed to be the perfect medium to use. They are dry pigment, in stick form that, when used layer upon layer, build to a beautiful richness and brilliance, yet, at the same time allow wonderful subtleties to develop. I added and subtracted various figures and animals to strengthen the composition as time went on, always working from my sketches from the various rodeos I saw. Many figures in the final work will be recognizable to residents of Jackson Hole as they are the actual men and women who regularly participate in the rodeos. Three years later, I finished. My hope is that I was able to convey the action, pace, sprit and raw strength of the animal as he meets man and the beauty and excitement of that encounter! Today, Rodeo Fever mural is on display at the Holland Hotel, located in Alpine, Texas, the home of the N.C.A.A. Rodeo.