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"The Davilla Brothers - Bronc Riders" James Bama

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:350.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 1,200.00 USD
 The Davilla Brothers - Bronc Riders  James Bama
Featured in this lot is this James Bama Signed Limited Edition, "The Davilla Brothers - Bronc Riders", #22/1250, 1983, hand signed in pencil on the right middle close to the border, COA included. "These two brothers, Mark and Dave, were both from a small tyown in New Mexico. The previous summer they had worked ina Wild West show in upper New York State. Dave, the older of the two, was dressed more like an old style sheriff, and Mark wore contemporary western rodeo clothes. They were very handsome young men. They held part time jobs during the day to help pay their entry fees at the night rodeos. Mark was married to a sixteen year old girl who also worked days to help out. I tried to capture a mood of two young boys, far away from home, feeling the insecurity of their situation, and apprehensively awaiting their next ride." James Bama (1926-2022) was an American artist known for his realistic paintings and etchings of Western Subjects. Life in Wyoming led to his comment, "Here an artist can trace the beginnings of Western history, see the first buildings, the oldest wagons, saddles and guns, and be up close to the remnants of Indian culture ... And you can stand surrounded by nature's wonders." Bama is considered by many as the most "realistic" illustrator in a galaxy of talented artists. Through his simple, yet powerful compositions, he breathes life and humanity into his subjects. Critics and collectors classify him as a Western artist. He calls himself an "American Realist." In a profile piece about artists who have made the successful transition from illustration to painting western art in Art of the West , Bama says,"It was cheaper than having to build a set. I could do winter stuff in summer and summer stuff in winter. I was busy." In an extremely successful twenty-two year career as a commercial artist, he produced book covers, movie posters and illustrations for such notable magazines as The Saturday Evening Post, Argosy and Reader's Digest. Bama's style is marked by detailed realism tempered by a compassionate understanding of his subjects. This Limited Edition Signed print is in very nice condition, slight creases noted along borders but not on the visible print area, no other obvious marring noted. Measures 19"W x 22.5"L.