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Lot Essay
The present work will be included in the forthcoming Complete Catalogue Raisonné of G. Harvey's Works.
As a result of the great friendship between Pickens and G. Harvey, the two spent countless weekends enjoying Mesa Vista Ranch and discussing new ideas for paintings. When Pickens expressed interest in a stampede picture, Harvey painted Rawhide and Thunder, a powerful image depicting the landscape of Mesa Vista.
Rawhide and Thunder reveals Harvey's empathetic approach to painting the American cowboy by exuding a sense of moral purpose and genuine understanding for their way of life. He admired cowboys' integrity most, saying, “Their word is their bond. They help each other out.” (as quoted in B. Olivo, "Artist G. Harvey Shines Light on the Quiet Times of Long-Gone Eras," My SA, September 19, 2010) Rather than swinging blazing guns or engaging in high drama, Harvey’s cowboys are working cattlemen, shown hard at work or in a moment of rest. “A cowboy working stock is genuine. If you miss that, then you miss the whole point.” ("Artist G. Harvey Shines Light on the Quiet Times of Long-Gone Eras") In Rawhide and Thunder, a group works together to wrangle a herd of cattle as they race against an impending storm. The perils of the job - fierce lightning, rugged terrain and even a tornado - heighten the realities of life as a cowboy maintaining his livelihood.
As a result of the great friendship between Pickens and G. Harvey, the two spent countless weekends enjoying Mesa Vista Ranch and discussing new ideas for paintings. When Pickens expressed interest in a stampede picture, Harvey painted Rawhide and Thunder, a powerful image depicting the landscape of Mesa Vista.
Rawhide and Thunder reveals Harvey's empathetic approach to painting the American cowboy by exuding a sense of moral purpose and genuine understanding for their way of life. He admired cowboys' integrity most, saying, “Their word is their bond. They help each other out.” (as quoted in B. Olivo, "Artist G. Harvey Shines Light on the Quiet Times of Long-Gone Eras," My SA, September 19, 2010) Rather than swinging blazing guns or engaging in high drama, Harvey’s cowboys are working cattlemen, shown hard at work or in a moment of rest. “A cowboy working stock is genuine. If you miss that, then you miss the whole point.” ("Artist G. Harvey Shines Light on the Quiet Times of Long-Gone Eras") In Rawhide and Thunder, a group works together to wrangle a herd of cattle as they race against an impending storm. The perils of the job - fierce lightning, rugged terrain and even a tornado - heighten the realities of life as a cowboy maintaining his livelihood.