This piece captures a serene moment of anticipation and preparation, where a herd of horses pauses along a creek in late autumn light. I employed layered brushwork with water-soluble oils to evoke a strong interplay of light and shadow enhancing the mood of the scene, representing the dualities present in the life of a rancher: the brightness of hope as well as the somber realities of nature's cycles. This contrast invites viewers to ponder the balance between work and rest, activity and contemplation, as they navigate seasonal changes in their own lives.

Artist Bio
Alexandra Verboom Fritz (1991) is a self-taught artist known for her 'loose realism' style that celebrates cowboy culture and ranch life in Western Canada. Residing on Douglas Lake Ranch near Merritt, BC, she balances her roles as a mother, ranch wife, and artist, creating work that honors the resilience and enduring bond between ranchers, land, and animals. Her art aims to foster appreciation for these traditions and inspire future generations to preserve their legacy.