Olaf Carl O.c. Seltzer (american, 1877-1957) Watercolor And Pencil

Olaf Carl Seltzer (American, 1877-1957) Watercolor and Pencil "Pack Mule" Pack Mule Watercolor and pencil on paperboard 4-3/4 x 6-1/4 inches (12.1 x 15.9 cm) (sight) Signed lower right: O. C. Seltzer PROVENANCE: Manitou Gallery, Cheyenne, Wyoming; Collection of Frank P. Gibbs, acquired from the above, 1987; Acquired from Estate of the above at auction. Condition Report: Paperboard measures 7.375 x 8.75; light overall paper discoloration and matburn with faint possible foxing; framed under acrylic. Framed Dimensions 10.5 X 12 Inches Biography: O.C. Seltzer was born in Copenhagen and began his training there as an artist at the age of twelve. However, his schooling was cut short by the tragic death of a family member and his subsequent move with his mother to Great Falls, Montana in 1892. He found work in Great Falls as a cowboy and as a machinist for the railroad. Several years later, he met Charles M. Russell, and the two became fast friends – a friendship that would be lifelong. They frequently took painting trips together, visited each other’s studios, and critiqued one another's work. Both artists chose to paint the Indians, cowboys and ranch life of Montana. Charlie Russell worked long and hard to convince his good friend to give up working for the railroad and to paint full time, given his obvious talent, which he finally did. Seltzer's work is often compared with that of his best friend and mentor, C.M. Russell, the preeminent Montana artist. Their styles were so similar that the work of Seltzer is often attributed to Charlie Russell. C.M. Russell himself was of the opinion that painting alongside Seltzer had greatly influenced his own art in terms of color and values. Although Seltzer and Russell painted in both oil and water solubles, O.C. Seltzer’s greatest skill as an artist is perhaps best demonstrated in his watercolors and gouaches. A true master at depicting the cowboy life of the Northern Plains, Seltzer’s Pack Mule demonstrates that he was equally adept at capturing the cattle culture of the Southwest. Along with Edgar Paxson, Ace Powell and C.M. Russell, O.C. Seltzer remains as one of the most iconic artists of Montana and the mountain West. Please review the description and photos and ask any questions you may have prior to purchasing. Shipping to the lower 48 States ONLY to a physical address – Alaska/Hawaii, P.O Boxes & International Shipping require additional purchase of shipping. Item is sold “AS IS”. Photos of item are provided, and description included above.