Lad Odell (American, 1947-2020). "The Pack Train Leader" watercolor and pastel on paper, 1978. Signed with date in lower right, and again with date and title on backing of frame. A striking watercolor and pastel image titled "The Pack Train Leader" by Western artist Lad Odell depicting a lone figure standing with arms folded. Dressed in the traditional clothing of a rancher, crowned by a brimmed hat with a slouchy, blue tunic, a studded utility belt, and flared leather pants, he turns his head to his right with a determined gaze and distinctive, bearded profile. A pair of spectacles rests atop his sharp nose while he furrows his brow, as though contemplating his next decision for running the land. The ambiguity of his surroundings intensifies the nature of the piece, making the pack train leader the sole focus and inviting the viewer to ponder his innerworkings. Size of artwork: 11.5" W x 15.25" H (29.2 cm x 38.7 cm); of frame: 20" W x 24" H (50.8 cm x 61 cm)

Born in Los Angeles in 1947, Lad Odell was a realistic painter of the historical and the present West. Odell once stated, "Western art is a delightful contribution to the lives of people all around the world. It reaches the imaginations of adventurous people everywhere. It truly is art from the heard of the average man. It is art to be lived with, to inspire." According to "Contemporary Western Artists" by Peggy and Harold Samuels, "By the time Odell was ten, he had traveled across Europe and the Middle East. In four more years, he had lived in fourteen different places, ending up again in California. Odell himself was interested in the history and anthropology of the American Indian He graduated from Westmont College in Santa Barbara with a degree in psychology and human relations, having spent one college year in Holland where he was exposed to Rembrandt's works. After several years as an account supervisor, he discovered Western art and that shelved his plans for a master's in psychology. Because he had no funds for art school, he taught himself in pastel and watercolor, and what began as a hobby became full time.

He talks about Western art as a philosopher, saying that 'Western art believes in external reality and man's responsibility to handle the real world. It is not introspective or self-indulgent. The criticisms about Western art are not artistic but philosophical. Western art reflects absolutes, a real world, a real bad, a real good, a real right, a real wrong. It is philosophically reassuring to a world which is beginning to realize it cannot survive if there is no down and no up.'" (New York: Bonanza Books, 1985, p. 386)

Provenance: private Erie, Colorado, USA collection, acquired on July 20, 1978; ex-Trailside Galleries, Jackson, Wyoming, USA

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#179680

Signed with date in lower right. Artwork is set in custom frame under glass and has not been examined outside the frame but appears to be in excellent condition. Frame has a few nicks and old inactive insect holes, though they may be intentional for a rustic aesthetic. Title, date, and signature are handwritten on frame backing. Wired for suspension and ready to display.