cr JustinWells-06-ChangingMounts Justin Wells

The drawing depicts a scene of controlled chaos centered around a group of horses and a lone figure wielding a lasso. The composition is dominated by the mass of equine forms, rendered with varying degrees of detail that suggest both movement and individual character. A palpable sense of energy emanates from the animals as they surge forward, their musculature suggested through careful shading and line work.
The central figure, presumably a wrangler or cowboy, stands firmly planted amidst this flurry of motion. He is positioned slightly off-center, his body angled towards the viewer while simultaneously engaged in directing the horses. The lasso he holds is taut, suggesting an active attempt to manage the herd’s direction. His posture conveys both authority and focused effort; he appears resolute despite the surrounding activity.
The background establishes a rural setting. A sparse collection of trees and scrub vegetation defines the horizon line, while a rudimentary structure – possibly a shed or stable – sits further back on the right side of the frame. The inclusion of this building hints at human presence beyond the immediate action, grounding the scene within a working landscape.
The artist’s use of grayscale enhances the dramatic effect. The tonal range emphasizes the play of light and shadow across the horses bodies, contributing to their three-dimensionality and sense of vitality. The limited palette also lends a timeless quality to the depiction, evoking a feeling of authenticity and tradition.
Subtly, the drawing explores themes of control versus freedom, human intervention in nature, and the demands of rural labor. The wrangler’s efforts to contain the horses can be interpreted as a metaphor for broader struggles – attempts to impose order on unpredictable forces or to reconcile individual desires with collective needs. The discarded saddle and gear near the foreground suggest a moment of pause or transition, hinting at the cyclical nature of work and rest within this environment. Ultimately, the drawing captures a fleeting moment in a larger narrative of human interaction with the natural world.