Robert "Shoofly" Shufelt The Reata Artist Proof Signed Lithograph

Robert "Shoofly" Shufelt (American, b. 1935), The Reata, Artist Proof lithograph. This detailed black-and-white scene portrays a cowboy working horses with his reata (rope), a quintessential image of ranch life in the American West. Shufelt’s graphite mastery is evident in the lifelike textures of the horses’ coats, the dusty corral ground, and the weathered figures at work.

Details:

• Title: The Reata
• Medium: Lithograph
• Edition: Artist Proof
• Signed: In pencil lower right with embossed Shoofly seal
• Date: 1976 (in the plate)
• Frame: Professionally framed behind glass with beveled wood matting

Artist Biography:

Robert “Shoofly” Shufelt (b. 1935) is one of the foremost interpreters of cowboy and ranch life in contemporary Western art. Born in Champaign, Illinois, and educated at the University of Illinois and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he began his career as a commercial illustrator before moving to Arizona in 1976 and later to New Mexico. There, surrounded by working ranchers, he immersed himself in the lifestyle that became his lifelong subject.

Renowned for his graphite drawings, Shufelt achieved extraordinary depth and atmosphere using only pencil, capturing the grit, camaraderie, and dignity of the cowboy. His works have been widely exhibited in galleries and museums including the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and the Desert Caballeros Western Museum. He has received numerous honors, including the Great American Cowboy Award (2005), New Mexico Artist of the Year (2007), and the New Mexico Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts (2014).

Shufelt’s works remain highly sought after for their authenticity, technical mastery, and ability to preserve the living traditions of the American West.

Condition:

Good condition overall, with no visible damage to the lithograph. Frame and mat remain clean with only minimal handling wear.

Dimensions:

Overall (framed): 32 x 37 in.
Visible image: 19 x 23 in.