A Gentle Lead, 8x6in, Oil on panel
$395 Framed
>Purchase Through Wilde Meyer Gallery
About this oil:
This small oil painting (6 × 8 inches) depicts a quiet moment during a training session: a gentle cowboy leading a young horse, the two moving together with trust and calm intention. Rather than focusing on spectacle or drama, the painting centers on the relationship itself—the subtle dialogue between human and animal that unfolds through body language, pace, and presence.
I have long believed that those who work with horses in humane, thoughtful ways—often referred to as “horse whisperers”—deserve deep respect. Horses are remarkably intuitive creatures, acutely aware of energy, emotion, and intention. To work with them effectively is not about dominance, but about patience, gentleness, and persistence. In this piece, I wanted to reflect that philosophy by keeping the interaction understated and sincere, allowing the quiet cooperation between the cowboy and the young horse to speak for itself.
The scale of the painting encouraged a loose, impressionistic approach, emphasizing gesture and mood over fine detail. Simplified forms and expressive brushwork suggest movement and connection, while the restrained palette supports the sense of calm and focus inherent in this kind of work. The young horse’s tentative curiosity and the cowboy’s steady guidance are conveyed through posture and rhythm rather than explicit narrative.
This painting is my homage to the many skilled horsemen and women I have encountered over the years—people who understand that true horsemanship is rooted in empathy and mutual respect. It celebrates the quieter side of the Western tradition, where trust is earned step by step, and where the most meaningful moments often happen far from the spotlight.
