Page 10 - 2021 March Sealed Bid Catalogue

Lot 2—EDWARD BOREIN—Bucking Bronc with Rider
I will leave only an accurate history of the West, nothing else but that. If anything isn’t authentic or just right, I won’t put it in any of my work. —Ed Borein to his friend Fred H. Warde, Santa Barbara, 1930
Like Charlie Russell, Edward Borein brought a cowboy credibility to his artwork. Skilled in roping, riding, saddle making, and lasso-braiding, the artist prided himself on producing only authentic depictions of the real West. In describing his artistic philosophy while complimenting his friend Russell, Borein had said: “The reason Russell’s pictures are so lifelike is because Russell lived the life he painted. I have done the same thing....and that’s the only way you can learn to paint it.”5
Bucking Bronc with Rider represents a distinct talent of Edward Borein. In it, the artist showcases his ability to convey all the muscles, motion, and mayhem even within more modest dimensions. Borein excels in his compositional abilities at this scale regardless of medium: watercolor, ink, etching or pencil. In Lot 2, Borein proves his ability to individualize works, even thouse which depict subjects to which he returns with regularity.
Without question, Edward Borein kept notable company. His list of friends included artists Maynard Dixon, Olaf Seltzer, and New York illustrators. Other friendships included those with Teddy Roosevelt, Annie Oakley, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Jack London.6 Two of Borein’s most cherished friends were Charlie Russell and Will Rogers.
Lorne Wilson, a friend who had a dance studio next to Borein’s commented: “These three men, Will Rogers, Charles Russell, and Ed Borein were friends of long standing. They were the real thing. No drugstore cowboys here. They knew the west, its plains, mountains, horses, cattle, and Indians. Each had the happy faculty of catching the light side of a situation, and were wonderful storytellers. To spend the night in their company was a rare treat.”7
This special trio of friends was forever acknowledged in the poignant announcement of Edward Borein’s acceptance into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame:
The late Edward (Ed) Borein, the famous Santa Barbara artist, rejoined his old companions, Will Rogers and Charlie Russell in the National Cowboy Hall of fame during the 11th Annual Western Heritage Awards Banquet and Ceremony in Oklahoma City Saturday night.
—Santa Barbara, News-Press, Monday, April 26, 19718