Original artwork description:

This large format realism painting captures the exhilarating spirit of the American West. Inspired by the majestic beauty of the Grand Canyon, I sought to evoke the sheer thrill and freedom experienced by two riders as they gallop on powerful horses along the canyon’s edge. The river snakes far below, while mountains stretch endlessly into the horizon, all under a bright sun that casts long, dramatic shadows across the landscape.

The scene is one of powerful contrasts—the bright, sunlit day against the dark shadows; the towering canyon walls against the vast open sky. The two cowboys are caught in a moment of pure exhilaration, their clothes and the horses’ manes whipping in the wind, embodying the essence of living in the present and embracing the wild, untamed beauty of the landscape.

This piece was inspired by the works of Frederic Remington and Albert Bierstadt, both of whom masterfully captured the rugged grandeur and dynamic energy of the American West. Through this painting, I hope to transport viewers into this moment, allowing them to feel the rush of adrenaline, the vastness of the landscape, and the profound sense of freedom that defines the Western spirit.

Oil paint was the natural choice for this work, allowing me to achieve the depth, richness, and subtle tonal variations necessary to bring this powerful scene to life. The medium’s versatility enables the strong, powerful lighting and the long, dark shadows to be rendered with striking realism, enhancing the viewer's connection to the scene.

Materials used:

Oil on Canvas

Tags:
#grand canyon #western art #cowboys horseback #adventure freedom #mark maggiori 

A River Runs Through (2024)

Oil painting 
by MICHAEL STEWARD

£18,158.47 Alert

Original artwork description
Minus

This large format realism painting captures the exhilarating spirit of the American West. Inspired by the majestic beauty of the Grand Canyon, I sought to evoke the sheer thrill and freedom experienced by two riders as they gallop on powerful horses along the canyon’s edge. The river snakes far below, while mountains stretch endlessly into the horizon, all under a bright sun that casts long, dramatic shadows across the landscape.

The scene is one of powerful contrasts—the bright, sunlit day against the dark shadows; the towering canyon walls against the vast open sky. The two cowboys are caught in a moment of pure exhilaration, their clothes and the horses’ manes whipping in the wind, embodying the essence of living in the present and embracing the wild, untamed beauty of the landscape.

This piece was inspired by the works of Frederic Remington and Albert Bierstadt, both of whom masterfully captured the rugged grandeur and dynamic energy of the American West. Through this painting, I hope to transport viewers into this moment, allowing them to feel the rush of adrenaline, the vastness of the landscape, and the profound sense of freedom that defines the Western spirit.

Oil paint was the natural choice for this work, allowing me to achieve the depth, richness, and subtle tonal variations necessary to bring this powerful scene to life. The medium’s versatility enables the strong, powerful lighting and the long, dark shadows to be rendered with striking realism, enhancing the viewer's connection to the scene.

Materials used:

Oil on Canvas

Tags:
#grand canyon #western art #cowboys horseback #adventure freedom #mark maggiori 
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MICHAEL STEWARD

Location Canada

About
With a career spanning 35 years in painting, graphic design, advertising, and motion picture visual effects—including winning an Oscar for visual effects for First Man 2018—art has been a central... Read more

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