"Hopalong...blew another smoke ring. He was waiting for the gun to waver."

Artist:

N.C. Wyeth

(American, 1882 - 1945)
Artist:

Frank E. Schoonover

(American, 1877 - 1972)

"Hopalong...blew another smoke ring. He was waiting for the gun to waver."

Alternate Title(s):"Calmly blew several heavy smoke rings around the frowning barrel"; Hopalong and Shorty; Holding the Claim
Medium: Oil on canvas
Date: 1906
Dimensions:
36 × 24 in. (91.4 × 61 cm)
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City, OK
Accession number: SUPP2000.2404
Research Number: NCW: 2404
InscribedLower left: Schoonover---Co. / 1906
ProvenancePrivate collection to 1980
References Christine B. Podmaniczky, N. C. Wyeth, Catalogue Raisonne of Paintings (London: Scala, 2008), O.2, p. 833; John R. Schoonover, et al, Frank E. Schoonover, Catalogue Raisonne (New Castle, DE: Oak Knoll Books, 2009), vol. 1, ps. 143, 145
Curatorial Remarks"A funny thing happened to-day. Schoonover was unexpectedly called to N.Y. and he had a drawing underway for Outing which is due to-morrow. He asked me to finish it which I have done. I don't know how we shall sign it. F. N. E. C. S. W. I guess." (NCW to "My dear brother," dated by NCW "Saturday night" and in another hand May 1, 1906, Wyeth Family Archives). Wyeth's comment, "a funny thing," would indicate that this kind of assistance was not a matter of common practice among the Pyle students.
For more information about this painting see the entry in the Frank E. Schoonover catalogue raisonne (Newcastle, DE: Oak Knoll Press) or see www.schoonoverfund@schoonoverfund.org.
Image Source for printed Catalogue Raisonne:Digital photography directly from painting