Lad Odell (American, 1947-2020). "The Horse Trader" watercolor and pastel on paper, 1978. Signed with date in lower right and again with title on backing. A fascinating portrayal of Western daily life; a watercolor and pastel image titled "The Horse Trader" by American artist Lad Odell depicting two men - one in Western attire and the other Native American - examining a blanketed steed. Seemingly engaged in a transaction of the animal, as suggested by the title of the piece, both figures stand with their backs to the viewer as the horse faces left, adorned with a feather on his head and his tail tied up a in a knot. The older, Western-dressed man places his hand on the animal as the indigenous male crouches down. One can almost imagine a conversation between the two concerning the qualities and condition of the steed. Note how Odell's keen sense of light and detail highlight the realism and tactile quality of the image. Size of artwork: 15.25" W x 11.25" H (38.7 cm x 28.6 cm); of frame: 24" W x 20" H (61 cm x 50.8 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, Pp. 386)

Provenance: private Erie, Colorado, USA collection, acquired on June 12, 1978; ex-Trailside Galleries, Jackson, Wyoming, USA

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#179679

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 insect holes, though they may be intentional for a rustic aesthetic. Small marking to interior of glass on left side. Title, date, and signature are handwritten on frame backing. Wired for suspension and ready to display.