Pick-up Line-up, Cheyenne

original watercolour  11X29"

Having been affiliated with rodeo most of my life, I've become a huge fan of the pick-up men, and find that most of my awareness during a performance is on them and their magnificent horses.  These men are truly (along with the bullfighters) the unsung heros of the arena. These guys are cowboys, and their horses are without fail, fearless, athletic big, and beautiful!

A few years ago I was treated to behind-the-chutes seats to the rodeo in Cheyenne, and got to see their ENORMOUS arena...so big it requires as many as 6 pickup men at a time.  Out back were tied up at least 20 of their horses, saddled up and ready to go.  Needless to say, it was heaven for this artist.