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This is a visual story of the cattle breeding done on the Picosa Ranch near Floresville, Texas. Santa Gertrudas and Longhorn cattle are being bred on the Kowalski family’s ranch (formerly belonging to Gov. John Connally) to create a sturdy beef cow that is well-adapted to the South Texas landscape and weather. Mint Julep is the name of the matriarchal Longhorn cow who enjoys a privileged status in the herd.

Limited edition giclée canvas prints with artist touches are available in two sizes:

20" x 24" - edition of 50 $475 uf......$595 f

16" x 20" - edition of 250 $350 uf..... $475 f

This is a figure study, mostly of toes. Mike loved the way the men were posed so naturally, and the boys were so animated. While it is just a moment in the day of three men who have stopped to have a ‘cool one,’ it appears to be quite a treat for the four boys who are looking at role models for their future. Whatever story you see in the painting, you can’t help but enjoy the differences in the stages of maturity. Mike didn’t change the clothing at all from the photograph, taken in Vera Cruz, Mexico, except to add the flag, but he did revise the angles of the building that help us to focus on the boys and men.

Mike has outdone himself this time. He has presented in perfect scale the pleasures of life as a Taos rancher. Who hasn't envied the person who owns this pasture just outside El Prado, under the shadow of the grand Taos mountains?
Those shadows in the foreground give contrast and compliment to the massive mountains, and the almost abstract treatment of the trees and cattle is pure delight.

Albuquerque's crisp skies create a canope for the ancient San Felipe Mission and the drama that unfolds there daily. Roses bloom throughout the courtyards and parishioners make their pilgrimages. Mike has captured a rose of a day.