Ramble On

Golden aspens surround two riders who have paused deep in the autumn woods, painted here by Mark Maggiori, a French born artist who has become one of today's most recognized painters of the American West. Wrapped in a striking red and white patterned blanket, one figure twists around to glance back, while the second sits still atop a dark brown horse. The mood is gentle and unhurried, as though the pair stopped mid ride to trade a few words or just breathe in the quiet of the forest.

Maggiori carries forward the spirit of early twentieth century cowboy painters, yet he brings a fresh, contemporary energy to the tradition. His love of bold color shows clearly in the way the yellow leaves seem lit from within, glowing warmly against the darker trunks and shadows behind them. His path to painting was an unusual one, since he started out as a musician and even led a French rock band before picking up the brush. The title "Ramble On" comes from a Led Zeppelin song, a playful wink to those earlier days and a fitting name for this peaceful moment between two travelers.