The Cowboy Way: Drawings by Robert ’Shoofly’ Shufelt

The first artwork ever to be displayed at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum belonged to Robert “Shoofly” Shufelt. Fifteen years after he graciously loaned some of his lithographs for a temporary exhibit, Shufelt and his wife, Julie, donated his collection to the museum for a long-term exhibition.

“Robert Shufelt is world-renowned,” said Museum Chief Curator Toni Laumbach. “He is among the best in the field of fine art that depicts the cowboy and daily ranch life.” Shoofly’s respect for ranching as a way of life is clearly stated in his art. He has raised horses and cattle, and his art portrays a story of hard work and relationships with animals.

Shufelt, who says being an artist “is a compulsion, not a decision,” is a master of the pencil. He brings to life dramatic imagery with bold sunlight and shadow. Each original drawing is astonishing with complexity of composition and disciplined draftsmanship. The prints are done in runs of 300 or less.