Jack van Ryder (Amer., 1899-1967), "Canyon Symphony", oil on canvas, framed in a "motyka fume"

sight: 24 x 28 in., frame: 28 x 32 in.

Provenance: Property from Mrs. Jack van Ryder, who donated to the Tucson Museum of Art; thence acquired by a Tucson, Arizona collector

Jack van Ryder, a self-taught artist born on a ranch outside Tucson, is celebrated for his authentic and detailed depictions of the American West, drawing from his diverse experiences as a cowboy, rancher, rodeo performer, and map-maker. Encouraged by famed Western artist Charlie Russell, van Ryder began painting oils early on, but his style truly matured during his leadership in the 1926 California map-making project, where he developed a delicate, hyper-realistic approach focused on Arizona’s landscapes and flora. Known for his serene, pastel-tinged works with strong light-dark contrasts, van Ryder also gained recognition for his pen and ink drawings, exhibiting in prestigious New York galleries and earning acclaim as a quintessential Western artist.