An Oregon artist who moved to
Florida, Nate Owens stock in trade captures the character of his
subjects whether serious or funny. His humorous camaraderie between a
cowboy and his horse have become very popular with the card company,
Leanin'Tree.
Water and its value in the West has always been fiercely defended and often led to gunfire on the range when disputed. Water availability was more important than quality to early ranchers, farmers, and their animals as they had to drink what they could get. Owens used situations such as "The Poisoned Waterhole" to depict a tired cowboy soaking his feet in the water trough. His horse's expression tells just how bad the water is. Nate Owens and Gene Favell shared an enjoyment of such humorous situations and Gene couldn't resist adding the fun of the "Waterhole" to the museum collection.