I See It Too – an original oil painting by Andrew Knez Jr.

by Joshua Shepherd

Attendees of the CLA’s live auctions are regularly treated to a stunning array of arms and accoutrements from some of the longrifle culture’s best artisans, but the bidders at the 2016 event will be afforded a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: the chance to own an original painting by noted frontier artist Andrew Knez.

The oil-on-canvas masterwork, titled I See It Too, depicts a mounted frontiersman gripping a lon-grifle balanced across the pommel of his saddle; more than that, it’s a truly exceptional depiction of the frontier character. Both horse and rider have clearly seen something on the trail that demands their atten-tion – perhaps game, smoke, or Indians but the artist has lent the painting a bit of edgy mystique. The rifleman and his mount are obviously “intent on something”, says the artist, “but it’s not life or death yet. I like to leave a little bit of the imagination to the viewer.”

The remarkable canvas constitutes one of the showcase offerings for this year’s auction and is sure to attract a good bit of appropriate attention from collectors. “We all need to support the CLA in whatev-er way is practical,” says Knez. His donation of I See It Too is, observes the artist, “is the most sensible way to raise funds” for a worthy cause: the continued vitality of the Contemporary Longrifle Association.

Andrew is a member of the American Plains Artists, Artists of the American West and a signature member of the National Oil and Acrylic Painters’ Society.

An extensive display of Andrew’s work may be viewed at http://www.andrewknezjr.com. We have included just a few photos here

You may contact Andrew at 724-969-3200