John Fawcett
Catch Of The Day 20 x 35" Watercolor
Ashley Greets Beckwourth 24 x 36" Oil
James Beckwourth (1798-1866) was mixed race, born into slavery in Virginia, and was freed by his master (and father), and later relocated to St. Louis where he made connections with fur traders. He was hired in 1824 by Wm. Ashley, who founded the Rocky Mtn. Fur Co., as a wrangler on his expedition to explore the Rocky Mountains. The adventurous young men who joined up were known as “Ashley’s Hundred”. Ashley, an entrepreneur, devised the rendezvous system where trappers, fur traders, and Indians would gather annually to exchange goods and socialize. Beckwourth became a legendary guide and trapper, and lived with the Crow tribe, even marrying a chief ’s daughter. Before Beckwourth eventually left the Rocky Man. Fur Co., Ashley looked to him for assistance with trails, the best hunting and trapping areas, and in dealing with Indians. Here, the two greet each other at a rendezvous after a long absence.
John Fawcett was born in 1952 in Iowa, attended college on the East coast, and returned to Iowa to attend Veterinary School at Iowa State University where he graduated in 1978. Upon graduation he moved to Pennsylvania with his wife Elizabeth, where they opened a veterinary clinic. In 1996 they sold the clinic so that he could paint full time. They now divide their time with their Labrador Retrievers and Quarter Horses between a farm in Pennsylvania and a ranch in northwest Colorado.
Dependable 21 x 14" Watercolor The Drivers 9 x 12" Oil
www.johnfawcettstudio.com www.LegacyGallery.com.
Artist Focus
Legacy Gallery-Jackson,WY. July 25, 2019
During the height of the mountain man era, a huge rendezvous was held in 1832 at Pierre’s Hole, currently the area of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Named for “le grand Pierre” Tivanitagon, a Hudson’s Bay Company trader, this valley or “hole” provided numerous beaver rich streams and plentiful game. This was one of the largest rendezvous in the Rocky Mountains with four hundred mountain men and several hundred lodges of Nez Perce and Flatheads, and over three thousand horses. Usually lasting over two weeks, these yearly gatherings provided trappers an outlet for trading and resupplying themselves, as well as for recreation and entertainment, gambling, contests, and games.
“John Fawcett is an artist who has accomplished a rare feat in the art world by mastering both watercolor and oil. This diversity, along with his tremendous talent, allows him to depict his subject matter in a way that immediately connects with the viewer. He has established himself as one of the premier artists working today and his resume includes being represented by some of the top art galleries in the country.” – Tom Tierney & Allan Duer Art of the West Quillwork 12 x 10" Oil
Under The Cover Of Darkness 30 x 40" Oil
Horses were an integral part of the Native American society by the mid 19th century. The Plains Indian society was changed by its ability to move frequently, hunt buffalo herds as they roamed, and quarrel with other tribes. Wealth and power often equated with the number and quality of horses the chief and his family owned. It was common, because of their value, to obtain horses by any means possible like the braves here stealing “ under the cover of darkness”.
Trading At Pierre’s Hole 30 x 40" Oil
Robe Of Valor 12 x 9" Watercolor
The northern Plains Indians had three types of buffalo hides they painted: abstract geometric designs painted by women, exploit robes painted by men who performed brave deeds, and winter counts painted by men. While tepees and shields bore more spiritual symbols, the exploit robes depicted heroic deeds. The paint used to adorn the buffalo robes was usually made from pigments found in nature: berries, lichen and moss, vegetable matter, and soil. This dignified brave wore his robe proudly, reflecting on his moment of glory.
Heads Up 20 x 24" Oil
Panel Discussion 16 x 20" Oil