Hello, I’m Annie.
I have a fondness for green tea, a long hard gallop on horseback, grounds-keeping, dirt roads, a nice rifle, good friends, adventure, elegance, and mysterious old estates. I love old films. And well told stories. I’m an artist and aficionado of the American west. And a collector of well-bound books.
I live in rural America.
I have loved westerns for as long as I can remember. There is something in me that delights in seeing strong men, beautiful women, horses, blazing guns, comradeship, and daring courage on the silver screen. Honestly though, the biggest things that draw me to westerns are none of those I just mentioned. What I really love most are the morals, character, and the story of good triumphing over evil.
Many of the old western films and TV shows of yesteryear were stories chock full of folks who did what was right in spite of intense pain. Men who had not only grit, but also the sound moral judgement and discernment that enabled them to meet the challenges and tests thrown at them with boldness and moral clarity.
The fight of a man with courage who stands up for justice and truth against evil men and ideas never looses it’s appeal to me.
Westerns are inspiring films.
It should come as no surprise that when I started drawing as a youngster most of my artwork was of horses and cowboys. The years have flown by and my drawings of necessity have expanded to include many different subjects and themes, but my favorite genre, the one that I love to work in most, is still the western genre.
I sell my artwork in The Western Desk shop.
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F.A.Q.
Favorite books/articles on art?
Here’s a short list to get started, more will be added in the future!
–Drawing The Head and Hands by Andrew Loomis. Copyright 1943. An excellent book on quality structure. One of the most technically helpful books I’ve ever used in my work. Titan Books republished it in a handsome hardback in 2011.
–Death of Meaning and the Death of Art by Douglas Bond, 2018.
-Chapter 14 in That Hideous Strength by C. S. Lewis (1945). Yes, it is a fiction book. 🙂 The first part of chapter 14, taken in the context of the book, is a remarkable reminder of the worldviews and mental/moral effects of various bizarre and rule-breaking modern “art” forms.
What are a few of your favorite westerns?
- Comanche Station (1960) is a favorite, as are several other of Randolph Scott’s fine westerns.
- The Big Country (1958)
- Stagecoach (1939)
- 3:10 to Yuma (1957)
There are many little-known westerns that I have found far superior to their famous counterparts. For example The Tin Star (1957) starring Henry Fonda is a far better “deserted-sheriff” type film than the award-winning High Noon (1952). High Noon is a story of cowardice and self-preservation. The Tin Star is a story of manliness and self-sacrifice.
If you’re in for some serious thinking and discussion–and don’t mind a sober film–The Ox Bow Incident (1942) is a good one for provoking thoughts on duty, your obligation to act, vengeance, and such. But I warn you, it’s not your typical western for a fun night.
The Magnificent Seven (1960) is another I enjoy.
Quite honestly, I often find I have certain favorite director whose western films I love watching–just because that director has a certain artistic touch, or generally can be counted on to tell a certain kind of story. And the occasional favorite actor; like Randolph Scott.
One of these days I’ll finishing answering this question and put my real Top-10 Favorite Westerns list here. 🙂
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