Well-known artist G. Harvey and his wife took a research trip recently to San Francisco. While there, they were charmed by quaint Powell Street where Cable Cars chugged along through the showers one afternoon. Lights reflected on the wet street making it shine like a jewel.
There are two cable car lines that begin at the Powell/Market turntable. One called the Powell-Mason runs up over Nob Hill and down to Bay Street at Fisherman's Wharf. The second, the Powell-Hyde line runs over Nob and Russian Hills before ending at Aquatic Park near Ghirardelli Square. A third line, called the California, runs East-West and only crosses Powell; it runs from the Financial District, through Chinatown, over Nob Hill and stops at Van Ness Avenue.

G. Harvey's art appeals to collectors worldwide who cherish the works created by the legendary artist.  No one tells the stories of the "Cowhands of the West" as well as the artist.  With a rainstorm behind them, these cowboys lead their pack horses and guide their steeds slowly through rocky, mountainous terrain.  As the sun sets on a long day's ride, these "Cowhands of the West" look forward to returning home to the warmth and rest that will prepare them for the next morning and wherever their day will take them..

This painting was inspired by a trip to Colorado during the winter of 2007. Driving on snowy highways can be treacherous; but riding horseback through the rough country in the Rockies, is a lot more difficult and dangerous. And often, the cold is extreme with no relief from a bright sun. The cowboy life may be romantic, but dealing with the worst nature has to offer on a regular basis takes a special man,  and a special horse. And a lot of luck.

G. Harvey is one of the most admired and collected artists in America.  The artist's turn-of-the-century scenes take the viewer back to the genteel streets of our country's early days.  This month's release, featuring our nation's Capitol in the background, teems with people shopping, dining, and enjoying being together.  The glow of street lamps brings a magical sense to the evening.  The American flags stand tall and wave gracefully to remind us of the heritage of our wonderful country.

__Long-time friend of Focus on the Family, Christian artist G. Harvey is one of America's most recognized and collected living artists. As a celebrated painter and sculptor, G. Harvey is renowned for his portrayals of turn-of-the-century western scenes and American city life. He enjoys uncovering historic details and then using them to build drama or emotion in a composition. "Evening Memories" is just such a painting. G Harvey was in New York with his wife Patty and the memory of their time together was something he wanted to capture on canvas. It is one of their family's favorites. "Evening Memories" is a gallery quality lithograph featuring a smaller image this year. The 12" high X 9" wide print is hand-numbered ready for framing.

"Hard Tack & Mail" was previewed at G. Harvey's show at Legacy Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona, in early 2009. It was one of the most popular pieces in the show as it features a Texaco gas pump and the comraderie of the cowboys hanging out in the warmth of the gas station on a cold winter evening. 

G. Harvey's "Line Shack Cowhands" tells the story of the men of the West who travel to remote locations and live and work there. For weeks and months, they live in a man's society, like bachelors, without the comfort - or the cooking - of their wives or mothers. For certain, it can be a hard life, but it's a hard life surrounded by perhaps the most dramatic vistas in the world. In "Line Shack Cowhands" the guys are leaving the warmth and protection of the cabin to move further into the crisp, cold snow white world.

Packin' Alone is vintage G. Harvey. Little appeals to the artist as much as the day by day life of the cowboy. Packin' Alone has its advantages and disadvantages. Being alone with one's horses in some of the most beautiful and dramatic country in the world can be inspiring; but being alone when the elements are not favorable or when disaster strikes can be formidable. So, Packin' Alone only begins the story as the cowhand starts his journey. Who knows what might inspire or befall him in the days to come?

G. Harvey painted this exciting Denver scene after a trip to Colorado. He has captured the excitement of  Denver in its early years with this scene featuring the D & F Tower and bustling activity on Larimer Street. 

On a recent trip to New York City, the artist and his wife enjoyed attending the theater - a real treat in New York where you see the best of the best. Afterward, they realized that he had never painted the theater district at the turn of the century - an exciting, colorful scene with all the patrons dressed for a lovely evening out. And so, "The Theater Crowd" came to be.

After decades of painting subjects ranging from New York to International cities to the Civil War, G. Harvey always returns to his heritage, the American West. Growing up, he heard tales from his grandfather about life in Texas at the turn of the century, which intrigued him and played on his imagination and creativity. And today, years later, it is still portraying the life and hardships of the American cowboy that gives him the most pleasure. Those stories still live on in his mind and in his heart - where great paintings begin.

This new G. Harvey painting is breathtaking. The riders and their pack horses are surrounded by some of the most dramatic landscape to be found in the West.  The light virtually glows setting the canyon walls almost afire. And this warmth is contrasted perfectly with the crisp cold of the light snowy covering under foot. 

Some of G. Harvey's most popular city scenes have had two elements in common: flower shops and New York City. Vendors on Fifth Avenue is a excellent example of pieces that have carved out Harvey's unprecedented career. For more than four decades, G. Harvey paintings and reproductions have been among the most popular across the country and abroad. 

G. Harvey has an uncanny way of painting the most mundane moment in a cowboy's existence and making it exciting to the viewer. Just the thought of starting out early in the morning with little more than his bedroll, beans for dinner, a slicker to keep him dry and his best friend, his horse, would put fear into many city dwellers. But, that is the life of the American cowboy and it's that life Harvey shares with those who love his work.