WARA World Finals Round 1 – Just A “Little” Checkup Original Pastel Painting

The WARA Western Art Rodeo Association’s World Finals starts today! There are three rounds in the World Finals throughout December with Round 1 voting being from Dec 3rd – 7th. For Round 1, I’ve entered JUST A “LITTLE” CHECKUP, a 16” x 20” pastel painting of Keith Danielson (Hooper Crossing Ranch) checking on Lil’ Duke when he wasn’t feeling well. To vote for Lil Duke:

When I showed Carla (the photographer) the finished pastel, she told me the story behind the photo and has given me permission to share it with you:

“OMG! This brought tears to my eyes! This has always been one of my favorite pictures. I may have told you… Ali (granddaughter) was here, and she was only about 12 yrs old. She came in and said, “Lil Duke doesn’t feel well.” How she knew at that age that he was beginning to colic still amazes me! He survived and I adore this photo of Keith in his favorite, threadbare shirt.” She went on to say, “Ali also helped to walk, walk, walk Lil Duke to help him through it.”

I fell in love with the reference photo when I first saw it (because it’s so darn cute!) but I love the story behind it even more! Horse people (of all ages) are a special breed of people…🤠

If you’d like to vote for Lil Duke: