Tom Ryan (1922-2011)
April Cowboy (Four Sixes), 1985
oil on canvas
16 x 24 inches
25 x 32.75 inches (frame)
signed lower right: Tom Ryan 1985 CA

Tom Ryan dedicated his life to depicting the contemporary cowboy scene. He branched off from the typical historical episodes and scenes of the Old West depicted by Remington, Russell, Leigh, and Schreyvogel, to concentrate on the lives and struggles of today’s ranchers. Although Ryan knew his way around a horse and cattle, he once said, “I’m not a cowboy. I’m a spectator watching cowboys. That’s where I get my ideas from, watching them work.” According to American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame member and Texas ranching authority Jim Jennings, the cowboy Ryan featured in April Cowboy is Hoss Morris who took care of the mares on the Four Sixes at the time Ryan was painting.

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