The Outlaw

“Take yourself back to a time of innocence, when in your dreams you ride horses on the plains, conquer the wilderness of the wild frontier; be part of the posse, the Sheriff or the Outlaw…” – Mackenzie Thorpe

In this Mackenzie Thorpe limited edition sculpture for sale, three children dressed as cowboys stand together as if they are ready for a fight. The central figure wears a red bandana around his face, one of Thorpe’s signature and most recognizable colors. His hands are behind his back as if he has something to hide, perhaps he has already drawn his guns. The figure on the left holds a toy rifle and inquisitively looks into the distance. On the right, a child wearing a cow print vest has his hands on his holsters, ready to draw.

These figures appear to be young boys dressed up as cowboys, living in their playful world of imagination. They are dressed plainly, in simple clothing with patterned bandanas or bolo ties and classic hats. They seem surprised, as if the viewer has caught them in the middle of their game. All of the figures are shown in Thorpe’s iconic style, with big feet and sturdy shoes, to remind us to keep our feet firmly planted and to stay grounded. The nearly blank faces suggest that the viewers are meant to see themselves, or someone they know, as the figures. Our imaginations can run wild. Are they children playing dress up in their cowboy costumes or are they in the wild west, getting ready to break up a fight?

Thorpe loves the unassuming things in life like his childhood memories and cowboys. Some of Thorpe’s favorite memories are of growing up in Northern England and playing American cowboys in the streets of his neighborhood. He tends to revisit the cowboy series in his artwork as it gives him a feeling of nostalgia. The cowboy offered an escape to a world of imagination and adventure. He fondly remembers watching programs on his knob turn tv that only received a few channels, one of which was American and “Spaghetti” westerns that were so popular at the time. His artwork is heavily influenced by his favorite Westerns including The Lone Ranger and The Searchers. He also strongly identified with the film “Lust for Life” starring Kirk Douglas as Vincent Van Gogh. Thorpe understood the tortured, artistic soul that was Van Gogh.

This captivating and charismatic Mackenzie Thorpe artwork is available for sale at the Marcus Ashley Gallery in Lake Tahoe along with several others from the series. The cowboy is a perfect fit with the western aesthetic that can be seen in our region. Marcus Ashley Gallery is one of Lake Tahoe’s premier fine art galleries, situated in Heavenly Village’s bustling shopping district. The gallery has been locally owned and operated for 18 years, providing luxury customer service, as well as any recommendations for upcoming community events.