The Defensive Line, oil, 30 x 48 inches
Exhibited: The Breckenridge Gallery
Private collection 
 
About this work:
One autumn morning I went for a drive at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge near Denver and my way was blockaded by a group of American Bison. They held the road and prevented anyone from driving through and reminded me of a defensive line of a football team, although this lineup would outcompete even the strongest professional team.
 
This is one of those pieces that seemed to paint itself...once I had the inspiration, the most challenging part of painting it was to keep from working it too much. I wanted it to remain loose and light, while highlighting the communication between horse and rider.