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MARTIN GRELLE "Night Stop", WESTERN HORSES SHACK NOCTURNAL 24 x 36 CANVAS
By Martin Grelle
Located in San Antonio, TX
Martin Grelle
(Born 1954)
Clifton Texas Artist
Image Size: 24 x 36
Frame Size: 33 x 45
Medium: Oil on Canvas
1978
"Night Stop" Nocturnal Western painting
Signed lower left
Biography
Martin Grelle (Born 1954)
Martin Grelle, b. 1954, Clifton, Texas, (United States)
Born and raised in Clifton, Texas, Martin Grelle still lives on a small ranch a few miles from town. His studio sits in the picturesque Meridian Creek Valley, surrounded by the oak & cedar-covered hills of Bosque County, just a short distance from his home, but also within a few miles of the family and friends who are so important in his life. He has two sons, Josh & Jordan, who have left home to pursue their own dreams, but who stay in touch frequently. Martin's parents, Ervin & Ella, have both passed from this life, but he still has his brothers, Carl & Marvin, living nearby, as well as his sister, Mary, who lives in Ft. Worth.
Martin began drawing and painting when he was very young, and was fortunate to have James Boren and Melvin Warren, two professional artists and members of the Cowboy Artists of America, move to the area when he was still in high school, and it has had a lasting impact on his direction and career. Mentored by Boren, he had his first one-man show at a local gallery within a year of graduating from high school in 1973. In the nearly 40 years since that time, he has produced some 30 one-man exhibitions, including annual shows in Scottsdale, Arizona since 1989, and has won awards of both regional and national importance at shows around the country.
He was invited into membership with the Cowboy Artists of America in 1995, fulfilling a dream begun in the early 70's when he first met Boren and Warren. That same year he was invited to participate in the first Prix de West Invitational at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Since that time, he has won the Prix de West Purchase Award, twice (one of only seven artists to do so), the Nona Jean Hulsey Rumsey Buyers' Choice Award, twice, the CA People's Choice Award in 2002, the CA Ray Swanson Award in 2008, the CA Buyers' Choice Award in 2011 and 2012, and the Silver Award for Water Solubles in 2012. He was awarded the Legacy Award by The Briscoe Museum in 2012, for his impact on western art.
Other major invitational exhibitions and sales Martin has participated in include The Masters at the Autry Museum in Los Angeles, and the inaugural Quest for the West at the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis, the Coeur d'Alene Auction, and the Jackson Hole Art Auction. Martin has also been featured in a number of publications throughout his career, including multiple appearances in the following magazines: Art of the West, Western Art Collector, Southwest Art, Western Art and Architecture, Persimmon Hill, American Cowboy, Western Horseman, Informant, Wild West, and True West's magazine's 2011 Best of the West Source Book. He was honored with a retrospective showing of his work, along with fellow CA artist, Herb Mignery, for the Gilcrease Museum's Rendezvous Show 2013.
Martin has a real sense of responsibility to his collectors, which fills his heart every morning when he walks into the studio, believing that what he does is a gift entrusted to him from God, and must not be left unused or taken for granted, but developed and improved upon. His parents and Jim and Mary Ellen Boren, all set that example for him - an example of not only striving to be the best artist he can be, but the best man he can be as well.
Beyond his studio, Martin strives to pass on what others have passed to him. He has given multiple demonstrations around the country, teaches an annual weekend workshop along with his good friend, and fellow CA, Bruce Greene - which they have done for 22 years straight - and mentors other aspiring artists by critiquing their work. He has donated work to a large number of organizations to aid in their progress, including The Bosque Arts Center in Clifton, Texas.
He has twice served on the board of directors for the CA organization and is currently serving as President. He is also involved with The Joe Beeler Foundation, founded by the Cowboy Artists of America to coincide with their mentoring program, which provides scholarship opportunities for artists seeking to improve their skills, and has served as President of the Foundation for the past year as well.
Education
Self-taught; mentored by James Boren
Cowboy Artists of America Museum, Kerrville, TX, Workshop, Harvey Johnson/Melvin Warren, 1983
Bosque Conservatory, Clifton, TX, Workshop, Bettina Steinke...
Category
1970s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
"STAGECOACH TO NOWHERE" El Paso Artist WESTERN COWBOYS DESERT & MORE
By Lester Hughes
Located in San Antonio, TX
Lester Hughes
(1938-2021)
El Paso Artist
Image Size: 18 x 36
Frame Size: 20 x 38
Medium: Oil on Canvas
"Stagecoach To Nowhere"
Biography
Lester Hughes (1938-2021)
From El Paso, Texas...
Category
20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
"HACIENDA BLANCA" TEXAS HILLCOUNTRY WILDFLOWER LANDSCAPE FARMHOUSE FRAME 39X49
By G. Harvey
Located in San Antonio, TX
G. Harvey (Gerald Harvey Jones)
(1933-2017)
San Antonio, Austin, and Fredericksburg Artist
Image Size: 30 x 40
Frame Size: 39 x 49
Medium: Oil on Canvas
1965
"Hacienda Blanca" Texas ...
Category
1960s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
"SEER" GESSO CARVED OIL ON WOOD PANEL HOUSTON ARTIST MID CENTURY MODERN
Located in San Antonio, TX
David Adickes
(1927 - present)
Houston Artist
Image Size: 10 x 8
Medium: Gesso, Carved, Oil on Wood Panel
"Seer"
Biography
David Adickes (1927 - present)
Adickes spent most of his professional life teaching, painting, and creating small bronzes. Now mainly known as a creator of giant sculpture, A commission for Houston's Performing Art Center in 1982 marks the beginning of his giant sculpture design. After the 36-foot tall cellist called the Virtuoso in a cubist style, he created a number of abstract works, including a giant cornet for the jazz stage at the 1984 World's Fair in New Orleans, Louisiana. Sculptor David Adickes is known for a major project titled Presidents Park in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he created 42 portraits bust of American presidents. Each sculpture is twenty feet tall, and their size was the subject of much protest and controversy. However, a court ruling allowed them to stay. President of Texas, followed by his 42 statue tribute to United States Presidents. Adickes has degrees in mathematics and physics which serve him well in the engineering of his works. Working on a giant sculpture series which includes the Beatles, and he hopes to end with a 280-foot tall cowboy statue...
Category
20th Century Impressionist Mixed Media
Materials
Wood, Gesso, Oil
G. Harvey "The New Filly" Western Snow Scene, Cowboys, Horses 36 x 42 framed
By G. Harvey
Located in San Antonio, TX
G. Harvey (Gerald Harvey Jones)
(1933-2017)
San Antonio, Austin, and Fredericksburg Artist
Image Size: 24 x 30
Frame Size: 36 x 42
Medium: Oil on Canvas
1975
"The New Filly"
Mr. Ger...
Category
Early 2000s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
"CALIFORNIA WILDFLOWERS" CALIFORNIA ARTIST FRAMED 15.75 X 18.75
Located in San Antonio, TX
Marc Graigson
California Artist
Size: 9 x 12
Frame: 15.75 x 18.75
Medium: Oil on Board
"California Wildflowers"
Category
20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
"EARLY SANTA BARBARA" CALIFORNIA ARTIST FRAMED 17.5 X 20.5
Located in San Antonio, TX
William Ballantine Dorsey
(1942-2019)
California Artist
Size: 11 x 14
Frame: 17.5 x 20.5
Medium: Oil on Canvas
"Early Santa Barbara"
Biography
William Ballantine Dorsey (1942-2019)
O...
Category
20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
"CALIFORNIA LANDSCAPE" CALIFORNIA ARTIST FRAMED 23.5 X 27.5
Located in San Antonio, TX
William Ballantine Dorsey
(1942-2019)
California Artist
Image Size: 16 x 20
Frame Size: 23.5 x 27.5
Medium: Oil on Canvas
"California Landscape"
Category
20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
"NORTH HUNTINGTON BEACH" CALIFORNIA ARTIST FRAMED 22.75 X 26.75
Located in San Antonio, TX
Darwin William Duncan
(1905-2002)
California/Minnesota Artist
Image Size: 16 x 20
Frame Size: 22.75 x 26.75
Medium: Oil on Canvas
"North Huntington Beach"
Biography
Darwin William Du...
Category
20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
"LILY PADS" DATED 1912. SAN ANTONIO RIVER. OLIVE BRACK (1890-1957)
Located in San Antonio, TX
Olive Brack San Antonio River
(1890-1957)
San Antonio, TX
Image Size: 12 x 18
Frame Size: 15.5 x 21.5
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Dated 1912
"Lilly Pads"
Biogra...
Category
1910s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
"KING WILLIAM HOUSE" SAN ANTONIO TEXAS WATERCOLOR
Located in San Antonio, TX
Caroline Shelton
Image Size: 5.5 x 8.5
Frame Size: 17 x 19.5
Medium: Watercolor
"King William House"
Category
20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Watercolor
"PRICKLY PEAR" TEXAS HILLCOUNTRY
Located in San Antonio, TX
Dorothy Johnson
Image Size: 12 x 16
Frame Size: 14.5 x 18.5
Medium: Oil
"Prickly Pear"
Category
20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
"NATIVE" NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN PORTRAIT
Located in San Antonio, TX
Cynthia Wiggins
Austin Artist
Image Size: 14 x 11
Frame Size: 19 x 16
Medium: Oil
"Native"
Category
20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
"THE BRAVE" NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN PORTRAIT
Located in San Antonio, TX
E. Salazar
Texas Artist
Image Size: 23.75 x 17.75
Frame Size: 29.5 x 23.5
Medium: Oil
"The Brave"
Category
20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
"ECHO SPRINGS WHISKEY" KENTUCKY'S BEST PRODUCT CIRCA LATE 1800'S
Located in San Antonio, TX
Antique Advertising Signs
Image Size: 24 x 17
Frame Size: 27.5 x 21.5
Medium: Lithograph
Late 1800's
"Echo Springs Whiskey" Kentucky's Best Product
Category
Late 19th Century More Art
Materials
Lithograph
"ALLELUJAH" HAND PAINTED ETCHING FRAMED 15 X 14 CIRCA 1960'S
By Margaret Putnam
Located in San Antonio, TX
Margaret Putnam
(1913-1989)
San Antonio Artist
Image Size: 7 x 5
Frame Size: 15 x 14
Medium: Hand Painted Etching
Circa 1960's
"Allelujah"
Margaret Putnam (1913-1989)
Margaret Putnam...
Category
1960s American Modern More Art
Materials
Oil, Etching
MORE THAN PRETTY" GRAPHITE PENCIL DRAWING HORSE FRAMED 30X24
Located in San Antonio, TX
Howard Halbert
(Born 1957)
Texas Artist
Image Size: 20 x 14
Frame Size: 30 x 24
Medium: pencil on paper
"More Than Pretty"
HALBERT - Biography
Halbert was born and raised in North Ce...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Realist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors
Materials
Graphite
"TRUSTED FRIENDS" GRAPHITE PENCIL DRAWING GUN AND FLAG FRAMED 34 x 24
Located in San Antonio, TX
Howard Halbert
(Born 1957)
Texas Artist
Image Size: 16 x 26
Frame Size: 34 x 24
Medium: Graphite Drawing
"Trusted Friends"
HALBERT - Biography
Halbert was born and raised in North Ce...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Realist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors
Materials
Graphite
"RENAISSANCE MAN" CIRCA 1960'S FRAMED 15 X 14
By Margaret Putnam
Located in San Antonio, TX
Margaret Putnam
(1913-1989)
San Antonio Artist
Image Size: 6 x 5
Frame Size: 15 x 14
Medium: Hand Painted Etching
Circa 1960's
"Renaissance Man"
Margaret Putnam (1913-1989)
Margaret ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern More Art
Materials
Oil, Etching
"THE MYSTERY" GOUACHE FRAMED 18 X 20
By Margaret Putnam
Located in San Antonio, TX
Margaret Putnam
(1913-1989)
San Antonio Artist
Image Size: 8 x 10
Frame Size: 18 x 20
Medium: Gouache
"The Mystery"
Margaret Putnam (1913-1989)
Margaret Putnam left an artistic legac...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern More Art
Materials
Gouache
"MOUNTAINS WITH CENTURY PLANT" FRANED 29.5 X 33.5
By Don Warren
Located in San Antonio, TX
Don Warren
(1935-2006)
Austin Artist
Image Size: 20 x 24
Frame Size: 29.5 x 33.5
Medium: Oil
"Mountains with Century Plant"
Biography
Don Warren (1935-2006)
Most of my works are blue...
Category
20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
"KENDALL COUNTY RANCH" BLUEBONNET LONGHORN FRAMED 53 X 73
By Eric Harrison
Located in San Antonio, TX
Eric Harrison
(Born 1971)
Texas Hill Country Artist
Image Size: 40 X 60
Frame Size: 53 x 73
Medium: Acrylic
2015
"Kendall County Ranch" Longhorn Bluebonnet
Eric Harrison (Born 1971) Texas Hill Country Artist Bluebonnet painting...
Category
2010s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
"Rural Texas Charm" Bluebonnets and Longhorns near Kendalia Texas Painting
By Eric Harrison
Located in San Antonio, TX
Eric Harrison
(Born 1971)
Texas Hill Country Artist
Image Size: 36 x 48
Frame Size: 45 x 57
Medium: Oil
"Rural Texas Charm" Longhorns Bluebonnets
This pain...
Category
2010s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
"FRANK REAUGH" PALLET BRONZE DATED 2014 1/30 TEXAS ARTISTS, SCULPTOR & SUBJECT
Located in San Antonio, TX
Garland Weeks
(1942-Present)
Lubbock Artist
Image Size: 12 x 9
Frame Size: 17 x 14
Medium: Bronze
2014
"Frank Reaugh" Bronze Relief Pallet depicting Frank Reaugh at his easel.
Category
2010s Impressionist Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
"AFTER SOROLLA" PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN
Located in San Antonio, TX
Cynthia Wiggins
Austin Artist
Image Size: 14 x 11
Frame Size: 20.5 x 17.5
Medium: Oil
"After Sorolla" Portrait
Category
20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
"ADOBE CHURCH" NEW MEXICO DATED 1943 FRAMED 28.75 X 33.25
By Edmund Daniel Kinzinger
Located in San Antonio, TX
Edmund Daniel Kinzinger
(1888-1963)
Waco Artist
Image Size: 18.5 x 24
Frame Size: 28.75 x 33.25
Medium: Pastel
Dated 1943
"Adobe Church" New Mexico
Biography
Edmund Daniel Kinzinger ...
Category
1940s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Pastel
"ROCK ISLAND Rail Road LINES" ROCKY MOUNTAIN LIMITED VINTAGE 1907 ADVERT SIGN
Located in San Antonio, TX
Antique Advertising Signs
Image Size: 20 x 40
Frame Size: 25 x 45
Medium: Lithograph
Date: 1907
"Rock Island RR Lines" Rocky Mountain Limited Vintage Sign
Railroad
Category
20th Century Realist Landscape Prints
Materials
Lithograph
"WESTERN MOUNTAIN LANDSCAPE" AUSTIN ARTIST FRAMED 27 X 46
By A.D. Greer
Located in San Antonio, TX
A. D. Greer
(1904-1998)
Austin Artist
Image Size: 21 x 40
Frame Size: 27 x 46
Medium: Oil
"Mountains"
Biography
A. D. Greer (1904-1998)
A.D. Greer (Austin Artist)
An artist, poet, le...
Category
1960s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
"LAZY AFTERNOON" ON THE RIVER FRAMED 24 X 30
By John Austin Hanna
Located in San Antonio, TX
John Austin Hanna
Born 1942
Fredericksburg Artist
Image Size: 18 x 24
Frame Size: 24 x 30
Medium: Oil
"Lazy Afternoon"
Biography
John Austin Hanna Born 1942
John Austin Hanna - Frede...
Category
20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
"FARMHOUSE AND BARN" FRAMED 22 X 24
Located in San Antonio, TX
D. Weston
Image Size: 16 x 20
Frame Size: 22 x 24
Medium: Oil
"Farm House & Barn"
Category
20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
"MISSION CONCEPCION" SAN ANTONIO TEXAS FRAMED 23 X 27
By Eric Harrison
Located in San Antonio, TX
Eric Harrison
(Born 1971)
Texas Hill Country Artist
Size: 16 x 20
Frame: 23 x 27
Medium: Oil
"Mission Concepcion" San Antonio Texas
Painted in 2017
Eric Harrison (Born 1971) Texas Hill Country Artist Bluebonnet painting...
Category
2010s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
"SHRIMP BASIN" GALVESTON TEXAS INK AND WATERCOLOR DATED 1962
By Buck Schiwetz
Located in San Antonio, TX
Buck Schiwetz
(1898-1984)
Houston Artist
Image Size: 12.5 x 22
Frame Size: 25.5 x 34.5
Medium: Ink & a little watercolor
Dated 1962
"Shrimp Basin, Galveston"
Buck Schiwetz (1898-1984...
Category
1960s Impressionist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors
Materials
Ink, Watercolor
"REHE IM MORGENLICHT" DEER IN MORNING LIGHT ERIC HARRISON FRAMED 36 X 30
By Eric Harrison
Located in San Antonio, TX
Eric Harrison
(Born 1971)
Texas Hill Country Artist
Image Size: 30 x 24
Frame Size: 36 x 30
Medium: Oil
2021
"Rehe im Morgenlicht" Deer in Morning Light
Bio & Artist Statement Eric H...
Category
2010s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
"TEXAS AUTUMN" TEXAS HILL COUNTRY ROBERT WOOD
By Robert W. Wood
Located in San Antonio, TX
Robert Wood (G. Day)
(1889 -1979)
San Antonio Artist
Image Size: 24 x 36
Frame Size: 34 x 46
Medium: Oil on Canvas
"Texas Autumn"
Biography
Robert Wood (G. Day) (1889 -1979)
A painte...
Category
20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
"THAT WHICH REMAINS" REIGONALIST LITHIOGRAPH Texas DeForrest JUDD 1942
By DeForrest Judd
Located in San Antonio, TX
Deforrest Judd
(1916 - 1993)
Dallas Artist
Image Size: 9 1/4 x 12 1/2
Frame Size: 17 x 20.25
Medium: Lithograph 6 of 7
Dated 1942
"That Which Remains" Regionalist
Biography
Deforrest...
Category
1940s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Lithograph
"LAS GOLONDRINAS" SANTA FE NEW MEXICO UNFRAMED
Located in San Antonio, TX
Cynthia Wiggins
Austin Artist
Image Size: 12 x 16
Frame Size: Unframed
Medium: Oil on Canvas
"Las Golondrinas" Santa Fe
Category
20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
"TIBET" PORTRAIT 12X14 FRAMED JOHN AUSTIN HANNA
By John Austin Hanna
Located in San Antonio, TX
John Austin Hanna
Born 1942
Fredericksburg Artist
Image Size: 5 x 7
Frame Size: 12 x 14
Medium: Oil
"Tibet"
Biography
John Austin Hanna Born 1942
Biography
John Austin Hanna Born 19...
Category
20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
"CATTLE LANDSCAPE" TEXAS HILLCOUNTRY, FRAMED 28.5 X 34.5
By Rolla Taylor
Located in San Antonio, TX
Rolla Taylor
(1872-1970)
San Antonio Artist
Image Size: 24 x 30
Frame Size: 28.5 x 34.5
Medium: Oil
"Cattle Landscape"
Biography
Rolla Taylor (1872-1970)
Taylor, originally from Galv...
Category
20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
EDWARD BOHLIN 1920s-1930s SILVER ART PARADE SADDLE HOLLYWOOD WESTERN ARTIST VAIL
By Edward H. Bohlin
Located in San Antonio, TX
Circa Late 1920s - Early 1930s. It is all Bohlin made and marked to include the saddle, the headstall and the breast collar. All made in Hollywood California. The only non-Bohlin item is the bit which appears to also be early California. There is some interesting provenance of the fine saddle. It was commissioned by Charles R. Bell, married to Margaret Vail Bell who was the daughter of Walter Vail. On the Bolin nameplate it has engraved, Vail Ranch as well as made for Charles Bell. Charles Bell Died in 1939.
The Vail Ranch has some great Western History which I will go into a little detail. You see, not only am I selling Saddles, but I’m also selling History.
If you want to skip the history lesson you can just scroll down past the following info to images of the saddle.
It’s no secret that ranching runs in the family blood. There is no greater example of that than California Rangeland Trust CEO Nita Vail. On April 14, 2018 Nita had the opportunity to witness her great-grandfather Walter L. Vail’s induction into the Hall of Great Westerners at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. This high honor is bestowed by the Museum to “exceptional individuals who have made an indelible impact upon the history of the great West.” A pivotal figure in early California and Arizona ranching, Walter Vail joins just over only 200 individuals who have been inducted into this esteemed hall.
The Vail legacy of advocacy and ranching lives on strongly through his descendants, including Nita.
All these years later, Nita carries the mantle of advocacy for ranchers in her own work at the California Rangeland Trust. Reflecting on her great-grandfather’s induction ceremony in Oklahoma, Nita says, “Witnessing my great-grandfather’s induction with family and friends was an incredible experience and a reminder of why I do what I do. Ranching plays an integral role in the culture, economy, and quality of life in California. Generations later, I get to honor Walter L. Vail’s legacy in my work with the California Rangeland Trust every day, preserving those open spaces for new generations and partnering with ranchers to continue to sustain life on the range in California.”
Walter Vail History
A native of Liverpool, Nova Scotia, Walter Vail purchased the 160-acre Empire Ranch southeast of Tucson, Arizona in 1876, along with an Englishman named Herbert Hislop. In 1882, the Empire Land & Cattle Company was formed with Walter L. Vail as principal shareholder. Over the years Vail, along with various partners, expanded the original land holdings to include over one million acres. The year after Walter purchased the Empire Ranch, the Southern Pacific Railroad built a railroad line, which was great news for the Vail family as it provided a means for them to ship their cattle.
Edward L. Vail, George Scholefield and Bird at the mouth of Rosemont Canyon ca. 1896-1898
Standing Up for Ranchers
In the fall of 1889, the Southern Pacific Railroad announced they would raise cattle freight rates by 25 percent. They ignored loud protests from ranchers who had already been hit hard by depressed cattle prices. In response, the Vails made a plan to drive the cattle overland themselves without the railroad. They knew that, if they were successful, they could break the railroad’s monopoly on the ranchers and force prices down.
Walter’s brother Edward Vail and foreman Tom Turner volunteered to drive the almost 1,000 steers on the 300-mile trip to the Warner Ranch in San Diego. The journey ahead would be grueling. Most of their trip was through desert with water sources 15 to 30 miles apart.
The ranchers would face a slew of obstacles—a stampede, a chaotic Colorado River crossing, an encounter with a group of horse thieves. In spite of all the dangers and challenges, they reached their destination. Just 71 days after leaving Arizona, the Empire cowboys arrived at the Warner Ranch. They had only lost 30 steers.
The historic Empire Ranch Trail Drive of 1890 inspired other Arizona ranchers to make similar drives as a stand against the railroad. That fall, a group of Arizona cattlemen met and agreed to fund improvements to establish a safe cattle trail from Tucson to California.
In response to the united stand of the ranchers, sparked by the Vails, the railroad finally agreed to restore the old freight rate—on the condition that the cattlemen would make no more cattle drives.
Walter Vail led by example, but he was also an active representative of ranching interests in the legislature. He served in the 10th Arizona Territorial Legislature in 1878 and in 1884 on the Pima County Board of Supervisors. He introduced two significant bills: One proposing the creation of Apache County in the northeastern corner or Arizona Territory, and the other calling for the repeal and replacement of a Pima County fencing ordinance. Elected to the Arizona Stock Growers Association in 1884, Walter L. Vail advocated for levying fines on outfits that brought diseased cattle into the Territory, proposed a system of recording brands and earmarks, and requested the establishment of the livestock sanitary commission to oversee quarantines on infectious diseases, and tighter trespass laws.
Moving to California
In the late 1880s when a long drought hit Arizona, the Vails began leasing California pastures and shipping increased numbers of their cattle there to fatten. This marked the beginning of Walter’s efforts to purchase land in Temecula Valley.
Vaqueros (Mexican cowboys) at the Empire Ranch in Arizona
In 1890, with growing corporate holdings in California, Walter Vail established his headquarters in downtown Los Angeles and moved his family there. By this time, he had pieced together four Mexican land grants—Pauba Rancho, Santa Rosa Rancho, Temecula Rancho and Little Temecula Rancho—to form the Pauba Ranch. Eventually, the Vails would own more than 87,500 acres surrounding the little town of Temecula. In 1892 they leased Catalina Island and in 1901-1902 in partnership with J. V. Vickers, they purchased most of the interests in Santa Rosa from the estate of A.P. More. In March of 1894, Vail and Gates joined Vickers in setting up a third cattle company, the Panhandle Pasture Company, with the hopes of expanding new markets in the east. The Panhandle Pasture Company bought seven thousand acres of grassland in Sherman County, Texas, and an equal amount across the line in Beaver County, Indian Territory (later Oklahoma).
Walter Vail was tragically killed in a Los Angeles streetcar accident in 1906. After his death, the Empire Land & Cattle Company (later renamed the Vail Company) assumed control of all his ranches and other real estate holdings. Walter had five sons and they would all have a hand in running the various ranches and the Vail Company as whole throughout their lives. The Empire Ranch in Arizona was sold in 1928. The Temecula area ranches continued to operate until it was sold in 1965. Santa Rosa Island, the last of Walter Vail’s holdings, was sold to the National Park Service in 1986, and ranching operations shut down there in 1998.
Walter Lennox Vail (May 13, 1852 - December 2, 1906) was an American businessman, cattle dealer, and politician. He is known for his Empire Land & Cattle Company (later the Vail Company), which spanned over one million acres throughout five states.[1] Vail has been called "a pivotal figure in early California and Arizona ranching."
Early life
Vail was born in Liverpool, Nova Scotia on May 13, 1852, to Mahlon Vail, Sr. and Eliza Vail.
Career
Empire Ranch
The headquarters of the Empire Ranch in the modern day
Vail left his family's Plainfield, New Jersey house in the middle of 1875 to pursue riches in the West. He worked for a few months in Virginia City, Nevada as a mine's timekeeper, but in November he wrote of his intention to get involved in Arizona's sheep business. He, along with an Englishman named Herbert R. Hislop, then purchased the Empire Ranch along with its 612 cattle on August 22, 1876. The purchase from Edward Nye Fish and Simon Silverberg cost $1,174 at the time and was only 0.25 square miles (0.65 km2). Vail had met Hislop for the first time in August of that year, at the Lick House in San Francisco. Vail also became the main shareholder of the Empire Land & Cattle Company, which was formed in 1882.
Politics
Vail additionally served in the House of Representatives on the 10th Arizona Territorial Legislature for two years, starting in 1879. He was one of five representatives from Pima County. There, he proposed the creation of Apache County in the northeast. In 1884, Vail was elected to the Arizona Stock Growers Association, where he introduced many laws relating to cattle farming.
California
Vail moved his main operations to California in the late 1880s due to a long drought in Arizona. He started leasing Californian land mainly in Temecula Valley, but established his headquarters in downtown Los Angeles. By this time, he had already bought four ranches: the northern half of Rancho Little Temecula, Rancho Pauba, Rancho Santa Rosa, and Rancho Temecula. Later, Vail would own over 135 square miles (350 km2) surrounding the city of Temecula. He also leased Santa Catalina Island and Purchased Santa Rosa Island in 1892 and 1901, respectively. Vail, along with Carroll W. Gates and J.V. Vickers, set up the Panhandle Pasture Company, which bought about 22 square miles (57 km2) in Sherman County, Texas and Beaver County, Oklahoma.
Personal life
Vail married Margaret "Maggie"[a] Newhall in 1881, with them having five children: Nathan Russel, Mahlon, Mary, Walter Lennox Jr., and William Banning (who used his middle name) together.
In 1890, a Gila monster bit Vail on his middle finger, and for years thereafter he experienced bleeding and swelling in his throat, which was thought to be caused by the venom from the bite.
Death
Vail died at 54 on December 2, 1906, due to complications from a tram (Trolley Car) accident in Los Angeles. He was cremated, then buried at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery on December 6.
Legacy
Vail's sons took over the company after his death, renaming it to the Vail Company. The Empire Ranch was sold in 1928, and the Temecula ranches were bought by a syndicate of companies, including Kaiser Aluminum, Kaiser Industries, and Macco Realties in 1965. Santa Rosa Island was acquired by the National Park Service in 1986, and ranching ceased in 1998.
Vail was inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in 2018.[2] Various properties have been named after the Vail family including: Vail Headquarters, an outdoor shopping mall, Vail Lake, and Vail, Arizona.
In 1867, German immigrant, Louis Wolf, and his Chumash wife, Ramona, built a small adobe trading post next to Temecula Creek. Their Wolf Store helped launch the Temecula community, serving as a saloon, livery stable, legal services, hotel, general store, stagecoach stop, post office, school and employment agency. After Louis and Ramona’s deaths, their land and other Ranchos were purchased by Arizona cattle baron Walter Vail. By 1905, the 87,000-acre Vail Ranch became one of the largest cattle operations in California, stretching from Camp Pendleton to Vail Lake to Murrieta. It operated through the late 1970’s when it was sold to build Temecula’s housing. Some of the ranch’s oldest buildings survived in a cluster around the long-vacant Wolf Store. Together they would wait more than 40 years to be restored and once again become a center for community life in the Temecula Valley.
In 1905 after his death, Wolf’s Temecula was purchased by Arizona cattle baron Walter Vail, along with three other Ranchos totaling 87,500 acres. The sprawling Vail Ranch spread from South of Highway 79 to South of Clinton Keith Road, East to Vail Lake Resort and West to Camp Pendleton and continued operations through the late 1970’s when it was sold for housing subdivisions. The remaining buildings that comprised the Vail Ranch Headquarters, several having been demolished, have sat mostly vacant since then awaiting their restoration and re-use.
John N. Harvey, Edward L. Vail, Walter L. Vail, 1879
Ned Joins the Partnership - May 1879
In May of 1879 Walter’s older brother, Edward Lang Vail, known as Ned, joined the Empire Ranch partnership. He had no ranching experience but quickly learned. The Empire Ranch herds were finally sufficiently developed for sale, and the Empire Ranch found a ready market in the town of Tombstone and its nearby mines. Walter finally had sufficient funds to begin to pay off some of the loans from his Uncle Nathan and Aunt Anna.
North end of the original four rooms of the Empire Ranch House.
Empire Ranch Census Records - 1880
The 1880 U.S. Census documents that eight men were living full time at the Empire: the partners, Walter Vail, John Harvey and Ned Vail; John Randolph Vail, Uncle Nathan and Aunt Anna’s son; John Milton Requa, nephew of Isaac Requa who hired Walter in Virginia City; John Dillon, who was instrumental in locating the Total Wreck Mine; Tomás Lopez, a herder; and Mon Ta, the cook.
Section of Official Map of Pima County by Roskruge 1893.
The Southern Pacific Railroad Arrives in Pantano - April 1880
In 1880 the Southern Pacific Railroad finally reached Tucson and by April it was extended to Pantano, north of the Empire Ranch. The availability of rail transportation was a major boom to the Empire Ranch as it was now possible to sell cattle and beef to markets beyond Southern Arizona. The railroad also increased the availability of goods in Tucson and allowed for much quicker and safer transportation to California and the East.
Empire Ranch land acquisitions are highlighted in red. Courtesy of Dave Tuggle
Land Holdings Expand-1881-1882
Starting in 1881 the land holdings of the Empire Ranch expanded considerably. They acquired Charles and Agnes Paige’s Happy Valley Ranch near the Rincon Mountains in 1881. 1882 saw the addition of Don Alonzo Sanford’s Stock Valley Ranch totaling over twenty-eight square miles of grassland between the Whetstone and Empire Mountains.
Charles Bell Bohlin Saddle. All of the leather has been professionally cleaned and conditioned. All of the sterling has been professionally polished as are all of my saddles.
THE BOHLIN BRAND IS AS ICONIC AS THE FAMED WESTERN STARS that wore it. The late actor Richard Farnsworth sported a recognizable gold steer-head Bohlin buckle...
Category
1930s Realist More Art
Materials
Silver
"A TEXAS BREED" G. HARVEY SCULPTURE. BRONZE TEXAS LONGHORN SCULPTURE
By G. Harvey
Located in San Antonio, TX
G. Harvey (Gerald Harvey Jones)
(1933-2017)
San Antonio, Austin, and Fredericksburg Artist
Image Size: 8 inches tall
Frame Size: 8 inches across
Medium: Bronze Sculpture
"A Texas Bre...
Category
2010s Impressionist Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
"RANCHERS REWARD" COWBOYS, HORSEBACK, FRAMED 41 X 59 G. HARVEY TEXAS ARTIST
By G. Harvey
Located in San Antonio, TX
G. Harvey (Gerald Harvey Jones)
(1933-2017)
San Antonio, Austin, and Fredericksburg Artist
Image Size: 30 x 48
Frame Size: 41 x 59
Medium: Oil
"Ranchers Reward"
Dated 1975
Mr. Geral...
Category
1970s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
"A FINE WELCOME" WESTERN COWBOY ARTISTS OF AMERICA 38 X 50 FRAMED NOCTURNAL
By Gary Niblett
Located in San Antonio, TX
Gary Niblett
(Born 1943)
New Mexico Artist
Image Size: 24 x 36
Frame Size: 38 x 50
Medium: Oil
"A Fine Welcome" Nocturnal Western
Biography
Gary Niblett (Born 1943)
Born and raised in Carlsbad, New Mexico and living with his wife, Monika in Santa Fe, Gary Niblett is a painter, primarily with oil, of western scenes especially Navajo and Pueblo Indians, cowboys on horses in landscape, and frontier genre. He has also done paintings from his travels such as Streets of Warsaw and Women of Golondrinas, and during these travels exhibited work in Moscow, Taiwan, Beijing and the Royal Watercolor Society in London.
From birth, Niblett grew up with the American West as a part of his daily life. Recognizing his talent, local ranchers paid him to do portraits of his horses. After high school graduation, he attended the Art Center School of Design* in California and then spent eight years in Los Angeles with Hanna-Barbera* animation studios as a background and animation artist. There he met his wife, Monika, and they married in 1970.
Deciding to focus on western art, Niblett left commercial art in 1973. He and his wife, Monica, returned to New Mexico where they live in an adobe style home. In New Mexico, he has received much attention for the quality of his painting. In 1990, he was named "Distinguished Calendar Artist" for New Mexico Magazine, and one of his oil paintings is in the collection of the New Mexico state capitol building. He has also been featured in magazines such as International Fine Art Collector, Time, Saturday Review and New Mexico Magazine.
In 1976, Niblett was voted into the Cowboy Artists of America...
Category
1980s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
"FORDING AT DUSK" COWBOYS, HORSEBACK, RIVER CROSSING FRAME 44 X 62 G. Harvey
By G. Harvey
Located in San Antonio, TX
G. Harvey (Gerald Harvey Jones)
(1933-2017)
San Antonio, Austin, and Fredericksburg Artist
Image Size: 30 x 48
Frame Size: 44 x 62
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Dated 1976
"Fording At Dusk"
...
Category
1970s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
" THE SPIRIT OF TEXAS " HUGE, 84" TALL BRONZE BUCKING BRONCO COWBOY WESTERN
By G. Harvey
Located in San Antonio, TX
G. Harvey (Gerald Harvey Jones)
(1933-2017)
San Antonio, Austin, and Fredericksburg Artist
Image Size: 84 Inches Tall
Medium: Bronze Sculpture
Dated 2006 I can deliver in Texas or o...
Category
Early 2000s Impressionist Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
"Bluebonnet" Texas Wildflowers
By Rolla Taylor
Located in San Antonio, TX
Rolla Taylor (1872-1970) San Antonio Artist Image Size: 24 x 30 Frame Size: 30.25 x 36.5 Medium: Oil on Canvas Circa 1920s/30s "Bluebonnets"
Biography
Rolla Taylor (187...
Category
1930s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
"Token Trees" Circa 1930 Dallas Artist / Arkansas /Colorado Artist
By Olin Travis
Located in San Antonio, TX
Olin Travis (1888-1975) Dallas, Tx. Image Size: 7.5 x 11.5 Frame Size: 15.5 x 19.5 Medium: Oil on Board "To a Good Friend A small token of appreciation"
Biography
Olin Travis (1888-1975)
Travis, Olin Herman. 1888-1975. Dallas. Landscape, portrait, and Figure painter, graphic artist, muralist, teacher, writer.
Born and reared in Dallas, Travis attended public schools there. in his youth he received instruction from R. Jerome Hill...
Category
1920s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
" Bluebonnets San Antonio Texas " Texas Ranch Scene Texas wildflowers
By Charles Harvi Altheide
Located in San Antonio, TX
Charles Harvi Altheide
(1874 - 1951)
San Antonio Artist Texas, Kansas, Missouri
Image Size: 11 x 15
Frame Size: 23.5 x 27.5
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Dated 1941
"Bluebonnets San Antoni...
Category
1940s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
"Onion Creek" Austin Texas
By Morris Walton Leader
Located in San Antonio, TX
Walton Leader (1877-1966)
Austin Artist Image
Size: 28 x 36 Frame Size: 34 x 41
Medium: Oil on Canvas
1930s Onion Creek Austin Texas
Biography ...
Category
1930s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
"On the Hopi Reservation" Rare Adobe Scene by Dawson Dawson-Watson circa 1927
By Dawson Dawson-Watson
Located in San Antonio, TX
Dawson Dawson-Watson "On the Hopi Reservation" Has two different old gallery labels on the verso from Santa Fe Galleries.
(1864-1939)
San Antonio Artis...
Category
1920s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
"PIKE PLACE PUBLIC MARKET" FRAMED 34 X 46 CITY STREET SCENE G. HARVEY
By G. Harvey
Located in San Antonio, TX
G. Harvey (Gerald Harvey Jones)
(1933-2017)
San Antonio, Austin, and Fredericksburg Artist
Image Size: 24 x 36
Frame Size: 34 x 46
Medium: Oil on Canvas
"Pike Place Public Market"
G....
Category
1990s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
"RIDIN' HIGH" COWBOY HORSE WESTERN ACTION MOTION NICE!!!
Located in San Antonio, TX
E. Salazar
Texas Artist
Image Size: 15 x 13
Frame Size: 19 x 17
Medium: Oil on Canvas
"Riding High"
Category
2010s Realist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
"SCOUTS" NATIVE AMERICAN, INDIAN, 47 X 37 FRAMED NICE!!!
Located in San Antonio, TX
E. Salazar
Texas Artist
Image Size: 40 x 30
Frame Size: 47 x 38
Medium: Oil on Canvas
"Scouts"
Category
2010s Realist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
"QUANAH PARKER" NATIVE AMERICAN, INDIAN PORTRAIT BIG VERTICLE BEAUTIFUL COMANCHE
Located in San Antonio, TX
E. Salazar
Texas Artist
Image Size: 40 x 30
Frame Size: 47 x 37
Medium: Oil on Canvas
"Quanah Parker"
Category
2010s Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
"ALAMO" BLACK FOLK ARTIST Leon collins
By Leon Collins
Located in San Antonio, TX
Leon Collins
Birthdate Unknown
Galveston / Navasota Texas Artist
Image Size: 36 x 24
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
"Alamo"
Leon Collins Birthdate Unknown
"The inspiration comes from my g...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
"BULL AND BIRD" BLACK FOLK ARTIST Leon collins
By Leon Collins
Located in San Antonio, TX
Leon Collins
Birthdate Unknown
Galveston / Navasota Texas Artist
Image Size: 24 x 36
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
"Bull and Bird"
Leon Collins Birthdate Unknown
"The inspiration comes f...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Animal Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
"GOLFING" BLACK FOLK ARTIST Leon collins
By Leon Collins
Located in San Antonio, TX
Leon Collins
Birthdate Unknown
Galveston / Navasota Texas Artist
Image Size: 24 x 36
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
"Golfing"
Leon Collins Birthdate Unknown
"The inspiration comes from my...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
"WILD DOG" BLACK FOLK ARTIST Leon collins
By Leon Collins
Located in San Antonio, TX
Leon Collins
Birthdate Unknown
Galveston / Navasota Texas Artist
Image Size: 24 x 36
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
"Wild Dog"
Leon Collins Birthdate Unknown
"The inspiration comes from m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Animal Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
"VISION IN MY MIND BIG MAMA" BLACK FOLK ARTIST Leon collins
By Leon Collins
Located in San Antonio, TX
Leon Collins
Birthdate Unknown
Galveston / Navasota Texas Artist
Image Size: 36 x 24
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
"Vision in my Mind Big Mama"
Leon Collins Birthdate Unknown
"The inspir...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
"MISSION IN TEXAS" BLACK FOLK ARTIST Leon collins
By Leon Collins
Located in San Antonio, TX
Leon Collins
Birthdate Unknown
Galveston / Navasota Texas Artist
Image Size: 22 x 34
Frame Size: Unframed
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Dated 2025
"Mission in Texas"
Leon Collins Birthda...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
"ROADSIDE CAMPOUT" BLACK FOLK ARTIST MULTIMEDIA
By Johnny Banks
Located in San Antonio, TX
Johnny Banks
(1912-1988)
San Antonio Artist
Image Size: 8 x 16
Frame Size: 13.5 x 21.5
Medium: Multimedia on Paper
Dated 1985
"Roadside Campout"
Biography
Johnny Banks (1912-1988)
In...
Category
20th Century Impressionist Mixed Media
Materials
Mixed Media