the buffalo book Wendell Minor

Here we observe a depiction centered around a large bison, dominating the foreground and commanding immediate attention. The animal is rendered in dark, earthy tones – primarily blacks, browns, and grays – suggesting strength and resilience. Its posture conveys a sense of alertness; it appears to have paused, its head turned slightly as if observing something beyond the frame. A thick mane obscures much of its neck, adding to an impression of wildness and untamed power.
Behind the central bison stretches a landscape populated by other members of the herd. They are less sharply defined than the foreground animal, appearing as darker masses receding into the distance. This creates depth within the composition and emphasizes the solitary nature of the featured bison, even amidst its community. The background is characterized by muted colors – ochres, yellows, and soft browns – evoking a vast, open plain under an indistinct sky. A range of mountains can be discerned on the horizon, adding to the sense of scale and emphasizing the expanse of the environment.
The artist’s brushwork appears loose and textured, contributing to a feeling of immediacy and naturalism. The lack of precise detail in the background suggests a focus on atmosphere rather than photographic realism.
Subtly, the painting seems to explore themes of solitude, strength, and the relationship between an individual and their environment. The bison’s posture implies vigilance, perhaps suggesting a constant awareness of potential threats within its habitat. The vastness of the landscape reinforces the sense of isolation, while also hinting at the enduring presence of these creatures in this particular ecosystem. There is a quiet dignity to the scene; it evokes a feeling of respect for the animal and its place within the natural world.