Alexandra Verboom Fritz
Douglas Lake, BC
Painting the traditional west alive today North of the boarder.
MessageAlexandra Verboom Fritz (born 1991 in Vernon, BC) was raised in the scenic landscapes of the Cariboo region of British Columbia, where she developed a deep connection to horses and the natural world. Completely self-taught, Alexandra began exploring painting at an early age by studying the brushstrokes and color compositions of other artists’ work. Through trial and error, she developed her own distinctive style of loose yet accurate brushwork that she is now known for.
Verboom Fritz’s paintings celebrate contemporary cowboy culture and ranching life, capturing the resilience and tradition of those who work the land. Her signature 'loose realism' style combines precise, detailed portrayals of her subjects with expressive, textured brushwork that highlights the diverse scenes of Western Canada. Inspired by her personal observations as a cowboy’s wife and her experiences within the cowboy community, her work seeks to honor their stories and enduring spirit. She often works from multiple reference photos, blending elements to create scenes that reflect the varied landscapes and daily realities of ranch life.
Today, Alexandra resides on Douglas Lake Ranch near Merritt, BC, where she balances her roles as a mother, ranch wife, and artist. Her days are filled with caring for her children, tending her garden, and working in her home studio. She recently completed a new collection, The West is Still Alive: Cowboys, Cattle & Cowponies, for her forth solo exhibition launched in September 2025, exploring themes of cowboying traditions and family life on the ranch. Looking ahead, Alexandra dreams of collaborating with ranching communities and ultimately finding ways to share Western culture and stories with audiences worldwide through her art.
Statement
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.
All artwork provided by Alexandra Verboom Fritz is one-of-a-kind, authentic, original work.
All copyright and reproduction rights are reserved by the artist Alexandra Verboom Fritz.
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