Back Forty
Back Forty (2014)
18½×24 Pastel on Pastel Paper
Original is Sold
Jumping in the old pickup to survey the Back Forty has been his favorite escape for years. The remoteness of the amber hills completely soothes his soul. Sometimes he strips down for a dip in the stream, or just lays in the truck bed soaking in the sun. He mostly comes alone, though occasionally he’ll bring a young farmhand to show him the lay of the land.
Over the years I've painted quite a few cowboys, but it wasn't until I finished that I realized this is my first rear nude cowboy! It's pretty surprising, given how much I like cowboys and butts. In pastel, I loved contrasting his smooth, warm skin against the hard metal of the blue truck and the rugged, dry texture of the rolling landscape.
