**First Time At Auction**
Thomas R. Gillenwater (American, 1926-2009). "Headin' Fer' Texas Little Darlin'" bronze, 1995. Edition 1 of 50. Inscribed with title, date, edition number, and signature behind horse's front right hoof. A romantic bronze sculpture by award winning artist Thomas Gillenwater entitled "Headin' Fer' Texas Little Darlin'". Gillenwater's sculpture depicts a cowboy on horseback bidding his sweetheart farewell with a kiss. Gillenwater provides the viewer with special little touches that bring this amorous moment to life - a gate embellished with a flowering vine that one might imagine just swung open when the woman ran up to give her hubby a smooch; the bows and finely delineated lace trimming her dress with it voluminous ripples of fabric; the way the man's hat is tossed back so that he can embrace his love; the movement of the horse's mane as he turns his head toward the couple, thus redirecting the viewer's gaze; the cowboy's western garb as well as the supplies - saddle bags, canteen, and lasso - strapped to his horse; we could go on and on as this bronze presents no end of delightful details. Size (bronze): 12" deep x 14.75" W x 17.75" H (30.5 cm x 37.5 cm x 45.1 cm); 20.75" H (52.7 cm) on included custom stand.
Thomas R. Gillenwater's passion for Western art began during childhood when he drew in his words "horrible little horses, Tarzans and cowboys" on the back of cardboard shirtboards that came with laundered shirts. However, his childhood enthusiasm would lead to a successful career as a sculptor of beautiful bronzes like "Headin' Fer' Texas Little Darlin'". According to Gillenwater's obituary, "Having chosen a career in commercial art after serving in WWII, Tom illustrated children's books, cartoon strips and advertising sketches for newspapers. In 1963 he moved from Ohio to California, and worked as a graphics supervisor in the aerospace industry, until his love for Western Art became his passion. As an award winning sculptor working in bronze, his work was featured in numerous art shows and displayed in art galleries around the country." (Orange County Register, August 20, 2009)
Provenance: private Boulder, Colorado, USA collection
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#177477
Condition
Inscribed with title, date, edition number, and signature behind horse's front right hoof. Mounted on a marble and wood base that is furnished with a brass plate inscribed with the title of the sculpture. Overall intact and excellent.