Just Another Day

The Story Behind the Painting
The cowboy featured in ‘Just Another Day’ is BC cowboy Hank Rashke at a branding at the Gang Ranch in BC. I was intrigued in this piece by the contrast between the rider's relaxed and casual position and the horse's intensity as she bears down and holds the calf while it is branded. I echoed this contrast in the contrasting colours of the bay roan's coat and burnt sienna background with the blue hues of the rider's clothing and the saddle pad.

Hank Rashke has been cowboying at the Gang for longer than most people can remember. He's a quiet and laid-back guy who whenever someone asked how he was, he would just shrug his shoulders as if to say without words, "Well, it's just another day,” thus inspiring the title of this piece. Hank is not known to be a man of many words, but he sure can get a job done.

One time he and another cowboy were hunting for strays near Hungry Valley at the Gang Ranch. Following some tracks to a meadow they found a few pairs who took off and swam Big Creek across to the neighbour’s range. After a lengthy pursuit the cowboys were finally able to get around and push the cattle back to the creek. However, the cattle would not renter the frigid waters. Hank suddenly came flying out of no where, pushing his way through the brush, and ramming his horse into the hesitant cattle. The pairs were propelled across the creek, and the cowboys were able to trail them home.