Trail Blazer, charcoal


Little fact o   .   .   .   Did you know that US Justice Sandra Day O’Connor was a cowgirl at heart?  In 2002 Justice O’Connor was inducted as a Cowgirl Honoree at the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.  She was born in El Paso, Texas growing up on her family’s cattle ranch (yes, she can ride and shoot).   If you would like to learn more here is the link to the museum and write-up on Justice O’Connor http://www.cowgirl.net/?s=sandra.

Living in Texas it’s not unusual to see cowgirls, beautiful gals they are who look every bit the part, from their hats to boots, and they love their trucks!  I saw one such young lady the other day and thought I’d give a quick go at capturing what I imagined she must look like after working a long winter day at the ranch.

Trail Blazer (8×5) is a simple charcoal sketch of the young lady I imagined.  Here’s to all those cowgirls out there ~

Trail Blazer

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PLEASE DON’T COPY OR USE MY IMAGE WITHOUT RECEIVING MY PERMISSION FIRST – SEE DISCLOSURE ON THE RIGHT PANEL.

About Mary

Oil Pastelist
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39 Responses to Trail Blazer, charcoal

  1. Elisa Ruland says:

    Cowgirls have strong work ethics so it doesn’t surprise me that one of our greatest Supreme Court Justices once wore chaps. Beautiful sketch, Mary.

    • Mary says:

      I haven’t visited this drawing in a while, thank you Elisa for taking time to go through my drawings – that means a lot. Thanks for your generous comment oh- she was a great Justice!!

  2. potterwillam3 says:

    I love cowgirl pics!!

  3. I like this one very much. It just seems to jump out at me!

  4. I’m afraid I would be a little…scared by a cowgirl!
    But your sketch is beautiful!
    robert

  5. An absolute original for sure! Love the subject and I love cowgirls, for many years me and my husband used to go to watch rodeos and this lady totally has the attitude of a tough cowgirl who stands her ground! Great sketch Mary!

    • Mary says:

      Just something for fun Eva, as the Fort Worth Stock Show was recently in town for several weeks and cowgirls were everywhere the plenty – from tots to elders. I just love seeing the culture and how ingrained it is in this young ones, especially when the do the rodeo’s and show their animals (competition is really strong and tough). So glad you enjoyed the piece – I’ll bet you guys had the best of times. Attitude was exactly what I was after, thanks for noticing (her head and hat need to be better balanced w/proportions of her body,but will do for now as a sketch).

      I have about 20 daffodil buds ready to open, as well as Pink Magnolia buds, but we’re expecting an ice storm tomorrow – I’m hoping they don’t die. Thanks again and enjoy your weekend,

  6. Love the relaxed though confident gesture.

  7. Painting for Joy says:

    I love cowgirls. I could never pull it off though! I’m afraid of horses.

    Enjoying your rendition of her. She has the attitude for sure! It’s tough to recreate what we saw earlier but you did a super job!

    • Mary says:

      Hi Rhonda, I think I’ve ridden a horse once – lol, I’ll stick to drawing. Thanks very much, I did want her to have a bit of sas!

      • Painting for Joy says:

        My horse story is this: my younger sister is a horse women and when we were teenagers she got me on a horse against my better judgement. She walked the horse with the reins and halfway into my terrifying ride she informed me that this particular horse had a habit of tripping on rocks and falling. What?? Sure enough before we ended my ride, the stupid horse went down with me on it. Talk about scared out of my wits! Never again. I stay away from the magnificent horse. 😊

        • Mary says:

          Wow Rhonda what a story – sounds like the horse “wasn’t on “firm ground”, ha! But not funny for you – leaves a lasting impression, too bad. I’ll bet you were scared, made me nervous just reading about your experience.

  8. dorannrule says:

    History and art – a natural combination. Thanks for both. 🙂

  9. Another stylish, accomplished work,
    Miss Mary..Well done!

    uncle john

  10. Jane Lurie says:

    I did not know that about Sandra Day O’Connor. Love your charcoal sketch, Mary.

  11. Mary you inspire us all, as you are always trying and adapting to new challenges and with great results! Thankyou for sharing your gift with us. 🙂

  12. ĽAdelaide says:

    I loved her! Guess that goes without saying… ❤️❤️❤️

  13. Oh I love this one, Mary! Do you sell any of your drawings? N 🙂

  14. coastalcrone says:

    A great tribute to cowgirls! Really nice! I read her book, “Lazy B,” about growing up on a remote ranch. She came a long way!

  15. Trail blazer….that’s this drawing, in more ways than one…bravo!

    • Mary says:

      Thanks so much Cynthia – that’s cool to read. I see two areas that could be addressed, but for another time I might do a full drawing of her with a ranching background. We’ll see, but I’m happy for the reaction she has received.

  16. Great sketch, Mary. Love how you are inspired by your surroundings. I love cowgirls, and we have many in our family… a few cowboys, too. 🙂

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