Artist Alexandra Verboom Fritz explores the world of ranching today in Western Canada. Her paintings highlight the life of the working cowboy/cowgirl the cattle they work and their trusty partners to get the job done, the cow-pony. This collection will be released in two parts, the first in Spring of 2025, the second in Fall of 2025.

The first part of the collection will be available for prerelease purchase starting April 15th to newsletter subscribers and April 16th to the public. The first part of the collection will then be showcased at Horse Expo Canada in Red Deer, AB April 25-27, 2025.

The second part of the collection will be available for prerelease purchase in September 2,  2025, it will then be showcased at a solo exhibition for Alexandra at the Kamloops Courthouse Art Gallery in Kamloops, BC. The exhibition is on from September 5 - 26th with an opening reception Saturday, September 6th from 1:00 - 3:00 pm. 

 Newsletter subscribers will be given the opportunity for prerelease purchase in April & September. To sign up please visit https://averboomfritz.com/newsletter/
 

Artist’s Statement
I created this collection of paintings in response to the misconception that the cowboy way of life is obsolete. As the wife of a working cowboy and a western artist, I am continually amazed by how many people are unaware that this way of life still exists today. Many believe the West has faded into history or that it only persists in the southern States. Through this collection, I aim to challenge these notions by highlighting ranch life in Western Canada—honoring the men and women who keep the traditional West alive. I hope my art serves as both documentation and legacy, capturing modern western life for future generations.

Throughout this body of work, the cowboy/cowgirl is depicted in their element—working cattle from horseback amidst diverse range conditions and weather. Intentionally, there are no recognizable faces; I want the subjects to remain anonymous and universally relatable, emphasizing the collective spirit rather than individual identities. The collection also invites viewers to reflect on the profound relationship between stewards—ranchers and cowboys—and the land and animals entrusted to their care. These stewards are among the most dedicated people I have encountered, prioritizing responsible land and animal management.

My artistic process is rooted in creating authentic representations of ranch life. I primarily work in water-soluble oil paints, which allow me to maintain a safe studio environment for my two young children, who are often underfoot. I approach my paintings with what I call 'loose realism'—aiming for realistic proportions and highly detailed subjects, but supported by loose, expressive landscapes that evoke the vastness and atmosphere of the West. I often work from multiple reference images—using elements from different photos, such as the horse and rider from one, the cattle from another, and the landscape from yet another—to compose my scenes. I build my paintings in many layered brushstrokes, gradually developing texture and depth, where the visible brushwork adds vitality and movement to each piece.

It is my hope that viewers leave this exhibit with a renewed appreciation for the resilience and enduring spirit of those who carry on the traditions of the west. Through my paintings, I aim to honor their hard work, their deep connection to the land, and their unwavering commitment to stewardship—responsibly caring for the land, animals, and community. Ultimately, I want my art to serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving and valuing the cowboy life—ensuring that the legacy of ranch life and the principles of stewardship continue to inspire and guide future generations.

I specialize in creating custom paintings that capture the heart and soul of the West. Whether you’re a rancher, a cowboy, or simply a lover of wide open spaces and majestic horses, my commissions offer a unique way to immortalize your cherished memories and special moments.

Each painting I create is more than just a work of art; it is a heartfelt tribute to the people and animals who mean the most to you. Crafted with deep care and meticulous attention to detail, your vision will come to life on canvas.

I am especially honored to have had the privilege of creating commemorative pieces for those facing the loss of a beloved horse or livestock. These paintings serve as lasting tributes and beautiful ways to keep the memory of your companions close to your heart.

Explore my commissions page to learn more about how I can bring your vision to life. Whether it’s a family portrait on the ranch, a stunning landscape, or a tribute to a cherished horse, each painting tells a story—your story.

If you’re interested in commissioning a custom painting, please contact me directly to inquire about availability. Let’s work together to celebrate the beauty and richness of your experiences in the West through an unforgettable work of art.

For more information please email [email protected]

 

As a painter of the West, I see my role as a storyteller—dedicated to capturing the authentic spirit of ranch life and cowboy culture. My journey into this world was unconventional: I didn’t grow up on a ranch. Instead, I was introduced to the cowboy way of life through my work as a bookkeeper at the Gang Ranch in BC. There, I fell in love with the land, heritage, and traditions of cowboying. Due to a horseback riding accident that left me with chronic pain, I was unable to participate actively in ranch life. Instead, I turned to painting as a way to contribute to this world I cherish.

 

Through my art, I aim to preserve the stories, values, and resilience of those who dedicate their lives to caring for the land and livestock. My paintings depict cowboys and cowgirls in their element—working cattle from horseback amid diverse landscapes and weather conditions. To emphasize the universal nature of their work, I intentionally omit recognizable faces, focusing instead on the collective spirit shared by those who steward the land and animals. An important theme in my work is the role of family—highlighting the passing down of traditions. Throughout each piece, the land remains central, symbolizing the foundation of ranching life.

 

I primarily work in water-soluble oil paints, employing a 'loose realism' style—combining highly detailed, realistic proportions of my subjects with expressive, layered brushwork in the landscapes that evoke vitality and movement. As the wife of a working cowboy, my references are limitless; I capture images at ranches across Western Canada, often blending multiple reference photos to reflect the varied landscapes and daily realities of ranch life. Through this approach, I seek to convey authenticity and emotion, honoring the resilience and dedication of these stewards.

 

Looking ahead, I aspire to deepen my exploration of Western life—focusing on themes of family and the stories of women in ranching. My goal is to foster a renewed appreciation for the resilience, stewardship, and enduring bond between ranchers, cowboys, land, and animals. I want my art to serve as a lasting tribute—preserving the legacy of cowboy life and ranching traditions—and to inspire future generations to uphold these principles.

‘In the Line of Duty: Cowboys at Work’ is a tribute to the resilience, skill, and unwavering dedication of those who live and work on the ranch. Through this collection I explore the dynamic moments of cowboying set against stormy skies and the warm glow of late afternoon sun—scenes that capture both the perils and rewards of ranch life. 
Each painting depicts a cowboy or cowgirl in the midst of pursuit, showcasing their strength, precision, and perseverance amid unpredictable weather and challenging terrain. 
Using acrylics in a limited palette inspired by the traditional Zorn palette (with the addition of Ultramarine Blue), I aimed to evoke the dramatic interplay of light and color that characterizes these fleeting yet profound moments of daily ranching life. 
These works celebrate the courage and dedication of cowboys and cowgirls, whose unwavering commitment keeps the spirit of the West alive.