Oil Paintings

Cowboys

Drafts

The hot, dusty grounds behind the chutes and bleachers are teaming with cowboys, horses and livestock preparing for the afternoon's festivities. These cowboys study the schedule and program for the 2000 Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo events. The horses catch a "snooze" in the afternoon sun before starting a day's work.

"Team Meeting" 18” x 24” oil ©2004 Deborah Rae Nelson
SOLD

This six-horse Percheron Hitch team opened the Cheyenne Frontier Days 2000 rodeo events. The ground pounding I felt was not an earthquake, but graceful and beautifully groomed 2000-pound draft horses working in unison. It was an awe inspiring experience to hear the crowd hush as the drivers talk to their hitches. A lot of people probably do not realize that voice commands are a big part of how they control their horses. "Team-Up!" the wagon master called. The right lead gelding started off rearing, then settled and leaned into the harness.

"19 Hands x 6" 24"x36" oil ©2000 Deborah Rae Nelson
SOLD

Draft Horses

Featured

Rock and Roll shown by Dick Edder, owned by Elizabeth Edder of Colorado Springs, CO. I have watched Rock and Roll compete in Pueblo at the Colorado State Fair, and Denver at the Stock Show.

In times gone by, heavy work around ranches was done through the brute pulling power of these muscular horses. Communities created competitions as part of their local festivals to see whose team could pull the most weight. Horse pulling matches often became a main attraction during festivals in ranching communities. Some teams of horses can pull as much as 5 tons; 10,000 pounds.

"Rock 'n' Roll" 24” x 18” oil ©2006 Deborah Rae Nelson
FOR SALE
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This six-horse Percheron Hitch team opened the Cheyenne Frontier Days 2000 rodeo events. The ground pounding I felt was not an earthquake, but graceful and beautifully groomed 2000-pound draft horses working in unison. It was an awe inspiring experience to hear the crowd hush as the drivers talk to their hitches. A lot of people probably do not realize that voice commands are a big part of how they control their horses. "Team-Up!" the wagon master called. The right lead gelding started off rearing, then settled and leaned into the harness.

"19 Hands x 6" 24"x36" oil ©2000 Deborah Rae Nelson
SOLD

These dapple grays headed out for work to pull the 103rd Annual Cheyenne Frontier Days hay wagon and junior got to tag along. This pint-sized paint draft colt became one of the stars when he was included in the parade festivities. Many of the foals of the working drafts are herded together in a holding corral--their day care center for the day. They neigh in high-pitch squealsand kick up their heels, displaying their protest at being separated from Mom.

"And Baby Makes Three" 24” x 36” oil ©2000 Deborah Rae Nelson
FOR SALE
For sales and inquiries, please contact the ARTIST

For folks who have never seen these massive animals (the Belgians range between 2,000 and 2,800 pounds in weight), the draft pull is sure to be an eye-opener! The Draft Horse Pull is one of the most popular show attractions. This Belgian was impatient to get to work, pawing the ground and swinging back and forth churning the dirt in his tie area. His cleatedshoes enable him to get traction and lean into the harness with his partner during the heavy-weight draft pull competitions. I found him behind the arena stands at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo, Colorado.

"Big Boy" 18" x 24" oil ©2000 Deborah Rae Nelson
SOLD

Horses' decorations can be as simple as ribbons and plaiting or as elaborate as ear coverings and medallions. Braiding the mane and tail of a horse is an important part of its decoration, requiring skill and patience on the part of both parties to get it all in place. Braiding styles vary not only from country to country but also among breeds. Sometimes styles are related to function, depending on whether a horse is hitched to a wagon or presented "in hand." This is "Bob," a black Percheron from the Willow Springs Ranch in Monument, Colorado. I have heard his owner admit that he is her "favorite" among all their stable.

“Bob” 24" x 36" oil ©2000 Deborah Rae Nelson
FOR SALE
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Of all the heavy horses the Percheron is probably the most lively and dynamic breed, qualities which are further enhanced by a particularly friendly disposition. This breed hails from the Le Perche region in France. This particular pair is "Hoffa" and "Cleat" from the Willow Springs Ranch in Monument, Colorado. Surprisingly, Hoffa, on the left, strikes the classic pose; he is usually theclown of the group.

"Black Tie Affair" 24” x 36” oil ©1999 Deborah Rae Nelson
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These two beautiful Belgians are my favorite team to paint. I have taken many of them and have plans for them to appear in more paintings. The mane on the horse on the left reaches well below her neck. And it has incredible visual and tactile texture. I just can't get enough of these two! If you wouldl like to know more about the origins of this painting, please visit The Making of Like Father, Like Son.

"Like Father, Like Son" 24" x 30" oil ©1999 Deborah Rae Nelson
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The American Belgians are often taller and not as heavy as their European ancestors. They are predominately chestnut in color with blond manes and tails. This pair was maneuvering an obstacle course competition at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo. What a sight and sound they make as they move through the course, harness chains ringing and hooves pounding.

"Rarin' to Go" 24" x 30" oil ©1999 Deborah Rae Nelson
FOR SALE
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Flowers

Featured

I was lucky to catch a photo of this giant sunflower in the morning sun whilerunning errands. I was thankful to follow my own suggestion of always carrying my camera with me. Because on my way home from the errands, there was nothing left but cut stalks. Someone had collected a bouquet!

"Ladybug, Ladybug..." 10" x 8" oil ©2003 Deborah Rae Nelson
SOLD

The beautiful Botanic Gardens in Denver offer a feast for the eyes and photographer. This Hibiscus brings back memories of the vegetation and flowers that were abundant where I grew up in Southern California.

"Hibiscus" 7" x 5" oil ©2002 Deborah Rae Nelson
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Foals

Featured

Little "Spot" was orphaned shortly after being welcomed to this world. He was adopted by a trusty 30-something gelding named Bud who showed him the ropes of being a horse. And he was handfed by his proud owners, Doug and Ruth Ann Wood, at the DRW Ranch in Castle Rock, Colorado. I caught him shading himself on a bright early spring day under this spreading oak tree.

"Shady Spot" 24" x 36" oil ©2003 Deborah Rae Nelson
SOLD

This leggy young Thoroughbred colt was turned out with his mother and other mares and foals on a ranch in Larkspur, Colorado. If his nose wasn't down nibbling the tender new spring grass, it was in my camera lens or over my sketch book. He was a scamp, more interested in what I was up to than playing with his pasture friends.

"Making Ends Meet” 36” x 24” oil ©1999 Deborah Rae Nelson
FOR SALE
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I watched the first day of school for about a dozen young colts at a ranch in Larkspur, Colorado. They all had halters on for the first time and were having a tough time adjusting to them. I think the halter on this one's friend bothered him more than the halter on himself. I was lucky to capture the moment. It didn't take long for them to get used to their new tack.

"Mom! He’s Touching Me!" 8" x 10" oil ©1999 Deborah Rae Nelson
SOLD

Horses

Featured

Little "Spot" was orphaned shortly after being welcomed to this world. He was adopted by a trusty 30-something gelding named Bud who showed him the ropes of being a horse. And he was handfed by his proud owners, Doug and Ruth Ann Wood, at the DRW Ranch in Castle Rock, Colorado. I caught him shading himself on a bright early spring day under this spreading oak tree.

"Shady Spot" 24" x 36" oil ©2003 Deborah Rae Nelson
SOLD

A local equestrian and equine photographer from Castle Rock wanted to have the beauty of her liver chestnut mare, Miss Priss, captured in oils. The source photographs were taken when Miss Priss was in her prime. Although she is "seasoned" in her senior years, she is still captivating. I was privileged to visit Miss Priss in the open mesa pastures above Castle Rock on a cool fall day while discussing the details for the painting with her owner.

"Miss Priss" 13" x 11" oil ©2001 Deborah Rae Nelson
SOLD

For folks who have never seen these massive animals (the Belgians range between 2,000 and 2,800 pounds in weight), the draft pull is sure to be an eye-opener! The Draft Horse Pull is one of the most popular show attractions. This Belgian was impatient to get to work, pawing the ground and swinging back and forth churning the dirt in his tie area. His cleatedshoes enable him to get traction and lean into the harness with his partner during the heavy-weight draft pull competitions. I found him behind the arena stands at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo, Colorado.

"Big Boy" 18" x 24" oil ©2000 Deborah Rae Nelson
SOLD

This leggy young Thoroughbred colt was turned out with his mother and other mares and foals on a ranch in Larkspur, Colorado. If his nose wasn't down nibbling the tender new spring grass, it was in my camera lens or over my sketch book. He was a scamp, more interested in what I was up to than playing with his pasture friends.

"Making Ends Meet” 36” x 24” oil ©1999 Deborah Rae Nelson
FOR SALE
For sales and inquiries, please contact the ARTIST

I watched the first day of school for about a dozen young colts at a ranch in Larkspur, Colorado. They all had halters on for the first time and were having a tough time adjusting to them. I think the halter on this one's friend bothered him more than the halter on himself. I was lucky to capture the moment. It didn't take long for them to get used to their new tack.

"Mom! He’s Touching Me!" 8" x 10" oil ©1999 Deborah Rae Nelson
SOLD

A group of riding friends and I spent a weekend in Fraser, Colorado with our horses. At dawn on Saturday morning I caught this beautiful image of Gary Wilson's Tennessee Walker gelding, PK, warming up in the arena before heading out on trail. He "thundered" just past me, hooves pounding, and I caught a seriesphotos I was able to reference for this painting. It was a rare and fleeting moment when the lighting was perfect and the moment memorable.

"Morning Thunder" 24" x 30" oil ©1999 Deborah Rae Nelson
FOR SALE
For sales and inquiries, please contact the ARTIST

Early on a winter morning after a fresh snow fall, my friend, Gary Wilson, phoned and said he would not letthe pasture horses out of the barn until I could get to the ranch with my camera. He said that when the horses have been in for a couple of days during a storm that they are a sight to behold when they run the hills in the fresh snow. It was like watching a winter ballet. I can still feel the snow flakes stinging my face as the horses would run circles around me, trying to get me to join in the fun. They included me in their dance as one of the herd.

"The Dance" 24" x 36" oil ©1999 Deborah Rae Nelson
SOLD

Robin was my horse and was 25 years old at the time I painted her portrait. I thought it a fitting celebration for her first 25 years. She brings me such joy and companionship. We ride for hours in the local hills enjoying the Rocky Mountain scenery and wildlife. She is steady on the trail, rarely spooking and never being stubborn. Recently a large white tail deer sprang out of the scrub oak right in our path and she didn't flinch; I can't say as much for myself.

This painting hangs in a special place over the fireplace in my studio.

April Snow "Robin" 24" x 18" oil ©1998 Deborah Rae Nelson
NFS

This image was captured on a very crisp snowy day in Castle Rock, Colorado. Snow was actually falling at the time and lucky for me I had my camera along when these two began to frolic and romp in the winter pasture. The horses belong to two of my riding friends. The black one is Toma and the chestnut is King. They were steadfast pasture companions and King was what the name implies, "The King."

"Buddies" 36" x 24" oil ©1998 Deborah Rae Nelson
FOR SALE
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The chestnut horse on the left is my own half Arab/half paint mare. "Hey Baby" is the greeting that Iuse when walking up to her. This pose with herturning her head and giving me all of her attention warms my heart. I wish I could capture the welcoming "nicker" she always sends my way. The white Arab gelding with smoky eyes belongs to Nicole Sandersfeld-Wilson from Elizabeth. Colorado.

Landscapes

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My husband and I were driving through the valley at the base ofthe Tetons when I realized what a beautiful scene was in the foreground. We stopped and I was able to get a series of photos and sketches. This scene was one of my favorites because it hada sense of majesty and peace. There were both horses and mules grazing with wildflowers in abundance.

The Park Avenue formation in Arches National Park is named for the sheer walls on both sides of Courthouse Wash which reminds the visitor of New York. At this location you will see excellent examples of the three major rock formations found in the park, the Navajo Sandstone, the Carmel Mudstone formation and the Entrada Sandstone. A beautiful time to take pictures at the Park Avenue viewpoint is between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m., in the early spring or fall. The sky then is likely to be extremely deep blue, which makes a fabulous setting for the coral red sandstone.

My husband and I were hiking in the Arches National Park. Our longest hike was almost over. We were very hot, tired and thirsty as the trailhead came into sight. However, a trail marker pointing the way to the Partition and Navajo Arches caught our attention. We did not succumb to our fatigue, but went ahead and took in the two sites. How glad we were that we made the journey! Both formations are worthy of being painted. I painted "Partition Arch" twice. This painting is 16" x 24". I also painted a miniature.

My husband and I were hiking in the Arches National Park. Our longest hike was almost over. We were very hot, tired and thirsty as the trailhead came into sight. However, a trail marker pointing the way to the Partition and Navajo Arches caught our attention. We did not succumb to our fatigue, but went ahead and took in the two sites. How glad we were that we made the journey! Both formations are worthy of being painted.

My husband and I were driving through the valley at the base ofthe Tetons when I realized what a beautiful scene was in the foreground. We stopped and I was able to get a series of photos and sketches. This scene was one of my favorites because it hada sense of majesty and peace. There were both horses and mules grazing with wildflowers in abundance.

Miniatures

Featured

The Park Avenue formation in Arches National Park is named for the sheer walls on both sides of Courthouse Wash which reminds the visitor of New York. At this location you will see excellent examples of the three major rock formations found in the park, the Navajo Sandstone, the Carmel Mudstone formation and the Entrada Sandstone. A beautiful time to take pictures at the Park Avenue viewpoint is between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m., in the early spring or fall. The sky then is likely to be extremely deep blue, which makes a fabulous setting for the coral red sandstone.

I was lucky to catch a photo of this giant sunflower in the morning sun whilerunning errands. I was thankful to follow my own suggestion of always carrying my camera with me. Because on my way home from the errands, there was nothing left but cut stalks. Someone had collected a bouquet!

The beautiful Botanic Gardens in Denver offer a feast for the eyes and photographer. This Hibiscus brings back memories of the vegetation and flowers that were abundant where I grew up in Southern California.

My husband and I were hiking in the Arches National Park. Our longest hike was almost over. We were very hot, tired and thirsty as the trailhead came into sight. However, a trail marker pointing the way to the Partition and Navajo Arches caught our attention. We did not succumb to our fatigue, but went ahead and took in the two sites. How glad we were that we made the journey! Both formations are worthy of being painted.

My husband and I were driving through the valley at the base ofthe Tetons when I realized what a beautiful scene was in the foreground. We stopped and I was able to get a series of photos and sketches. This scene was one of my favorites because it hada sense of majesty and peace. There were both horses and mules grazing with wildflowers in abundance.

I watched the first day of school for about a dozen young colts at a ranch in Larkspur, Colorado. They all had halters on for the first time and were having a tough time adjusting to them. I think the halter on this one's friend bothered him more than the halter on himself. I was lucky to capture the moment. It didn't take long for them to get used to their new tack.

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Oil Paintings

Cowboys

Draft Horses

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Foals

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Landscapes

Miniatures