The Mysterious Rider

Original oil on board painting measuring 43 x 22 inches, 48 x 27 outside of frame.

Artist Statement

Recognition of the tireless work ethic and values of the hardworking West and its enduring impact was the inspiration for this painting. “The Mysterious Rider” is the title of a book by Zane Grey. When reading reviews of this book, I came across this excerpt. It spoke to me and I knew this title was right.

“All human beings have a significant affect on each person to whom they associate. The importance of the Rider’s role in this novel is ultimately how he relates to each character and influences their destiny in his brief time with them. To me, this was the strongest message in this enduring Western tale.”

Many of the items in the still life are actually those of “mysterious riders”― sourced from Arizona. The concept is an enduring and powerful one which is important to me as well. In our own ways we all are mysterious riders, influencing and/or being influenced by others.

This style of painting is known as tenebrism. It is a style that uses strong contrasts of light and dark, where darkness becomes a dominating feature of the composition. It is similar to using a spotlight to add drama and create this sense of objects becoming “lost and found” in the shadows.