subject: Western Cowboys -classic Cards-paintings And Sculptures In Bronze [print this page] I would like to begin this article for all the readers to understand,one thing about myself and that is when the classic images of the American Cowboys in action on oil paintings or sculptured in Bronze,on the cattle drive for my reviews it just brings back my compassion for the American West.
My personal experiences are real with the unbelievable opportunity to tour the west on an extended vacation when I was a teenager. What an exciting adventure for me to visit the Cowboy States of Wyoming,Eastern Montana,North Dakota and Western Nebraska.
There is no comparison of the American West and the East.
My imagination just goes wild to think of being on the cattle drive,branding cattle with an open fire in the high heat of the day.what a great experience that would be. To some individuals the cowboy is considered as a guardian of the plains because of the amount of time that is needed to complete the cattle drive. The cowboy would be in full view of all the changes that were taking place,particular with the amount of water and how is was being controlled or allowed to run free.This would affect the farmers and their crops,water is needed for survival.
I think the most important person on a cattle drive is the cook wouldn't you agree?. Just think for a moment he is responsible for the wagon,food supplies,medical supplies,water for cooking and other miscellaneous items which in all probability filled his wagon to its capacity.
The menu was that of beef,beans,bacon,coffee and perhaps any special treats for the cowboys if someone should celebrate his birthday. I think everyone survived on this simple menu and with the conclusion of the evening meal there could be some form of entertainment if anyone could play the guitar,use a harmonica and sing an old time favorite of(oh-Susanna) would help conclude a hard day on the trail.
When you are reviewing your favorite oil paintings,or bronze statue of the western cowboy. Please look at how he is sitting high in his saddle and portrays the image of being,manly,ingenious,competent, and skillful after all you needed all of this personal strengths to survive on the open trail. His saddle is designed to secure his canteens,lariat,saddle bags,long coat and weather wrap. For his personal protection he usually carried a heavy caliber revolver like the 44-40 or the Colt 45. Rifles were also carried but not as often because of their weight.
