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Mountain Oyster Club Art Show – A Milestone for My Western Art
I was deeply honored to have two of my Western pastel paintings, “Cowboy in the Fog” and “All Business,” juried into the Mountain Oyster Club Art Show 2019 — the club’s 50th Anniversary Art Show and Sale in Tucson, Arizona.
This prestigious Western art show in Tucson draws collectors, art patrons, and talented artists from across the country. I was looking forward to attending in person, but due to a medical emergency, I wasn’t able to travel. Still, I was incredibly grateful to be part of such a meaningful event in the Western art world.
Both Paintings Sold at the 2019 Mountain Oyster Club Show
I’m thrilled to share that both original pastel paintings sold during the show. It’s always rewarding to know a piece resonated with someone enough to take it home. I consider it a blessing to see these stories captured in pastel find a place in private collections.
Award-Winning Western Pastel Painting
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Original: SOLD
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Dimensions: 24″ x 36″ unframed
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Awards:
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People’s Choice Award – WARA “2019 Autumn Roundup”
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2nd Place, Dry Medium – WARA “2019 Autumn Roundup”
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This piece captures the quiet solitude of a cowboy and a herd of cattle emerging through the early morning fog. The atmosphere tells the story—soft light, gentle edges, and a moment you can almost feel.
Western Horse Portrait in Pastel
Pastel by Barb Schacher – SOLD
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Original: SOLD
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Dimensions: 14″ x 11″ unframed
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Awards:
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2nd Place, Dry Medium – WARA “2019 Wild West Open”
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This close-up portrait of a Palomino Quarter Horse speaks volumes without a single word. There’s no mistaking the intensity—that steady eye, that tightened rein, that quiet power. He’s all business!
The Story Behind the Paintings: "Cowboy in the Fog" & "All Business"
Both “Cowboy in the Fog” and “All Business” are pieces that hold a special place in my heart. “Cowboy in the Fog” is one of those moments frozen in time—a cowboy emerging from the mist with the soft silhouette of his horse barely visible through the morning fog. This piece was inspired by the feeling of quiet solitude that often accompanies early mornings on the ranch. I wanted to capture the stillness, the almost tangible calm of the scene. The fog provides an ethereal softness, which contrasts with the quiet power and strength of the cowboy and his horse. It’s a moment of quiet reflection amidst the demanding nature of ranch life, making it one of my favorite pieces to date.
“All Business,” on the other hand, is a powerful portrait that celebrates the strength and focus of the equine spirit. The Palomino Quarter Horse, with its intense eyes and poised demeanor, commands attention. There is an undeniable energy in this painting—the steady gaze, the taut rein, and the overall sense of readiness. It’s a portrait of determination, capturing the essence of the horse’s role in ranch work. This piece speaks volumes without needing words, reflecting the unspoken understanding between horse and rider that drives the heart of ranching life.
Both paintings reflect my deep respect for the traditions of the American West and my dedication to capturing its spirit through Western pastel art. Being able to showcase these works at the Mountain Oyster Club Art Show 2019, especially during its 50th anniversary, was an unforgettable milestone in my artistic journey.
About the Mountain Oyster Club Art Show
The Mountain Oyster Club Art Show is one of the most respected Western art exhibitions in the United States, held annually in Tucson, Arizona. The 2019 event marked its 50th anniversary, celebrating tradition, craftsmanship, and the heart of the American West.
