Gale F. Trapp, 2009
Acrylic on hardboard 24×36″
Contemplation
2009
Is this painting about a good man gone bad? Is this a man contemplating his first lawless actions?
Is the whiskey a morale builder or fortification before a ruthless act? Are the saddlebags for carrying personal effects? Or, for carrying loot from a planned hold up?
The proximity of the rifle indicates a close friend whose bite is lethal. The waist gun provides added protection… but from what?
The setting is a saloon, maybe for a clandestine meeting with those in the background – playing one last hand of Fargo.
The Hurricane Lamp banishes shadows to the far corners of the saloon where darkness covers the covert actions of co-conspirators or – friends.
The Spittoon is a reminder of the careless nature of the men who haunt the premises.
The bar is an attempt at refinement, where refinement is not wanted.
So, what do you think? Is this a good man gone bad?
TrappersWildWest 
He looks like he’s been on the road awhile and been thinking
about that drink to wash down the dust.
Thanks – nothing like a slug of whiskey to wash down the dust.
Thanks for your feedback on my blog. I think your’s is pretty awesome. Adore the paintings. Maybe next stop for you is the wild south-west via Taos, New Mexico … the Enchanted Circle is bound to inspire 🙂
Love Taos, so I think you are right, I need to visit the Enchanted Circle.