bovine

Bovine is anything relating to cows.  The cows I paint are from a family beef cattle ranch once owned by my husband’s grandfather and uncle, and now jointly run by his cousin.   The cows are soulful + curious, and represent, to me, a deeply authentic way of life.   I have seen the rancher and his wife use such a gentle touch to work their herd.  They lay a still hand on a head to quiet an anxious cow getting examined or vaccinated.  The gentleness is moving, and the lifestyle, authentic and affecting.  The cows themselves will stand and watch you, gazing with their big dark eyes and long eyelashes, communicating a sort of wisdom and contentedness that is very affecting.  Ranching is a complex balancing act involving animal husbandry, business savvy, and a keen stewardship of the land.  I believe there is also poetics and artistry involved.  The “curiouscowportraits” allow my hand to come through my work, my colors to be free, my strokes to be felt, my vision to be my own.  And I can take these lessons back to my other work.

The numbers in the portrait titles identify the particular cow and indicate her year of birth and her parentage.  I honor these cows by using their specific numbers. 

All original paintings are for sale.   Please email me at kjstdesign@gmail.com with any questions about price and shipping.