Mark Swanson (Arizona / California / South Dakota, b. 1958), "Strays", oil on masonite, signed and dated lower right, 1979, signed again and titled on the verso

sight: 12 x 16 in., frame: 21.25 x 25.25 in.

Provenance: Property from a Plano, Texas collection

Mark Swanson developed his artistic foundation through an early interest in drawing, high-school studies of ancient civilizations, art history, and the Old Masters during a trip to Europe, and subsequent art classes in California and Prescott, Arizona. His uncle Gary Swanson introduced him to the Western genre, while his uncle Ray Swanson became a particularly important mentor; Mark worked under Ray for two and a half years after establishing himself in Prescott. Swanson is known for meticulously authentic paintings and drawings of cowboys and mountain men, with his dedication to historical accuracy extending to handcrafting props such as moccasins and leggings used in his compositions. His preferred form of expression remains drawing, although his professional work encompasses both drawing and painting.