DALLAS, TX.- Contemporary and historical western artists will be included in Heritage Auctions’ Fine and Decorative Arts featuring the Gentleman Collector Signature Auction Sept. 22-25 in Dallas. The Art of the West will make its second appearance in 2017 with quality works from Maynard Dixon, Gene Koss, Peter Hurd, Clyde Forsythe, Glenna Goodacre, Robert Bateman, David Manuel, Blanche Grant, Clarence Ellsworth, James Fetherolf and additional western artists.

“As the western market continues to thrive and market values continue to increase, I wanted to make sure that Western Art remains accessible to collectors at various levels,” said Alissa Ford, Director of Western Art at Heritage Auctions. “This season we have combined forces with our Gentleman Collector auction and will be offering Southwestern crafted furniture and American Indian beadwork, in addition to western paintings and bronzes.”

One of the most interesting and rare items on offer is a collection of self-portraits and drawings by the Cowboy Artists of America rendered on leather. Seventeen Members of the Cowboy Artists of America on the 1975 Trail Ride (est. $1,500-2,500) represents the 1975 Trail Ride which was one of the earliest rides hosted by Dick Wootten at the Red River Ranch in Springer, New Mexico. These rides were a bonding session between the artists, during which they would camp in tents and tepees and sit around a campfire in the evenings. This ride included acclaimed artists such as Bill Owen, Joe Beeler, John Clymer, Gordon Snidow and James Reynolds.

Artwork by famed artists make auction debut
Blanche Grant settled in Taos in 1920 and became one of the few recognized female artists of the West. Where Arroyas meet Taos, 1921 (est. $5,000-7,000) is a superb example of her fascination with the New Mexico landscape. Much like Indian Tales, Taos, 1922, sold by Heritage for a record of $62,500, Where the Arroyas meet Taos displays a vibrant palette of dynamic but precisely placed brushwork. Grant’s paintings are extremely rare to come to the market and many of her works are housed in the collection of the Museum of the Southwest in Los Angeles, The Harwood Foundation in Taos and at the County Courthouse.

James Fetherolf began his career working for major Hollywood productions studios such as Disney and later turned his attention to easel painting. He is recognized for his precise rendering and fine detail that capture the magnificent power of the Western setting. Valley Guardians II, oil on canvas, (est. $3,000-5,000), highlights Fetherolf’s talent to attract the viewer’s attention through the use of brilliant light, grand skies and highly refined foregrounds.

Another acclaimed artist coming out of the Hollywood production studios was Clarence Ellsworth, who spent his life working in the West and befriending the Shoshone, Blackfoot and Sioux tribes. Ellsworth did not promote his work during his life but his artwork, especially his Indian portraits, is prized now by collectors nationwide. With its modernist lines and stark palette, A Moonlit Messenger, 1935 (est. $3,000-5,000) is reminiscent of the workings of Buck Dunton and feels deeply inspired by the Taos Society of Artists. The cool colors of the landscape are a perfect backdrop to the warm hues of the figures.

A highlighted addition to the auction is Maynard Dixon’s Hoopla Girl and Hoopla Boy(two works) (est. $1,500-2,500). This playful pair of caricatures captures Dixon’s abilities as a multi-versed artist and talented illustrator.

Gene Kloss’ nationally acclaimed and meticulous etching skills are on full display with Pueblo Firelight Dance, 1952 (est. $2,000-3,000). This is a beautiful example of one of her many Pueblo-inspired landscapes.

David Manuel began his career as a painter before moving to bronzes. His commissions include three monuments of John Wayne which led the creator of The American Legend, John Wayne, (est. $3,000-5,000) to be recognized as the “Authorized Sculptor” for Wayne Enterprises. His bronze works have been displayed in the Department of Justice and White House. These come to us directly from John Wayne’s son, Patrick Wayne.

Additional items of interest include Charles H. Pabst’s The Winter Trek (est. $2,000-3,000), Clyde Forsythe’s High Noon (est. $2,000-3,000), a Texas Horn and Leather Chair, late 19th-early 20th century, (est. $1,000-2,000) and a Theodore Baldwin Pitman Watercolor with Six Associated Pitman-Painted Plates and the Artist's Personal Sketchbook, from the first half 20th century (est. $1,000-1,500).