Melvin Charles Warren (1920-1995)
Cowboys of the Sangre de Cristo, 1978
oil on canvas
36 x 60 inches
46.5 x 70.25 inches (frame)
signed lower right: Melvin C. Warren CA 1978

Melvin Charles Warren was asked to join the prestigious Cowboy Artists of America in 1968 and during his membership tenure he garnered numerous awards as both a painter and sculptor. He specialized in depicting scenes of the heroic West and gained his perspective from his early experiences of ranch life. Considered by many as one the best Western artists of the late 20th century, his avid collectors included former Texas Governor John Connally and President Lyndon B. Johnson who hung several of the artist's paintings in the White House.

This painting by the artist demonstrates his ability to capture the everyday life of working cowboys in their various environments which in this case is on a ranch near the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Colorado in the dead of winter. Very large Melvin Warren paintings like this one are especially rare and highly sought-after by Western art collectors.

The painting appears to be in good condition. Under UV examination, there is no evidence of restoration or inpainting.