Rattlesnake
The Work
In Rattlesnake, Colorado artist Richard Ingersoll explores the darker, more surreal edges of Western identity. This 11x14-inch oil painting moves beyond traditional portraiture, presenting a figure that feels both grounded in the frontier and untethered from reality.
Executed with a rich, painterly texture on a sturdy cradled wood panel, the work centers on a weathered cowboy whose gaze—marked by piercing, glowing red eyes—suggests a supernatural or predatory transformation. The eponymous rattlesnake winds through the figure's clothing with a serpentine grace, acting as both an ornament and a warning. Ingersoll’s use of oil allows for a beautiful depth of field, contrasting the soft, hazy horizon against the sharp, menacing details of the snake’s scales and the man’s intense expression.
Features
- Traditional Medium, Modern Vision: Masterful oil technique used to create a mood of "Western Noir."
- Cradled Wood Panel: Painted on a premium wood panel with a deep profile, providing a substantial, high-end feel that does not require a frame.
- Intimate Scale: At 11x14 inches, this piece is an ideal "gem" for a curated gallery wall or a standout focal point for a smaller space.
Collector's Note
"Richard Ingersoll has a gift for capturing the 'ghosts' of the American West. Rattlesnake is a compelling acquisition for collectors who gravitate toward narrative art that balances technical skill with an eerie, unforgettable atmosphere."