Ken Steinnerd Fine Art

Synchronicity
Synchronicity
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Edition Size 75 - $105.00
Print Size - 11" x 14"

There is something holistic regarding Tundra Swans. These beautiful birds pair for life, migrate thousands of miles each spring to breed in the Arctic and subarctic tundra, where they inhabit shallow pools, lakes and rivers. It is reported when migrating these birds can fly at altitudes of nearly 27,000 feet. Migratory swans can be seen flying in V-formation as they leave their winter homes along the east and west coasts of North America and central Mexico heading to summer breeding grounds on the west and northern coasts of Alaska and Canada. Tundra swans can be seen in New Mexico. There is something wonderfully peaceful and majestic to come across a pair of Tundra swans on an isolated mountain lake as they make their migration.

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The Watcher
The Watcher
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Edition Size 75 - $65.00
Print Size - 8" x 12"

Working horses always seem to appreciate the opportunity to rest quietly whether tied to a trailer or fence post but even tired horses can get into trouble. I have always found it a very good idea to be close to tied horses as a precaution. Chasing after a loose horse in the Alaska Range on a rainy night cured me on letting my guard down even for a short period of time. The fence rail perched cowboy’s duty is to babysit their mounts to ensure a quiet rest for both man and horse.

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The Challenge
The Challenge
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Edition Size 75 - $145.00
Print Size - 12½" x 17¾"

This watercolor painting titled “The Challenger” is a visual story of the American mustangs that live in the grassland areas of the western United States. The Bureau of Land Management manages the U.S. mustang population and allows the horses to roam on 34 million acres of public land. Most of the mustang populations are found in the Western states of Montana, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming, Utah, Oregon, California, Arizona, North Dakota and New Mexico. Some also live on the Atlantic coast and on islands such as the Sable, Shackleford, Assateague and Cumberland Islands.

Mustangs live in herds of varying size. The herd consists of one stallion, around eight females and their young, though separate herds have been known to blend when they are in danger. The herd is led by a mare, and a stallion that is over 6 years of age. In dangerous situations, the head mare will lead her herd to safety, and the stallion will stay and fight. This painting depicts a stallion challenging the dominant stallion for the small group of mares.

It is estimated that at the peak of their population in the early 1800s there were millions of mustangs in the west and the best guess is between 3-5 million. There continues to be controversy in western states related to the feral horses and donkeys for grazing and living space. The mustang is a living symbol of the American west.

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The Offering
The Offering
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Edition Size 75 - $85.00
Print Size - 9½" x 13½"

"This painting is one of my favorites. The principle subject in the painting is making “An Offering” to the Creator as thanks for all she has received and learned throughout her life. Every day I am learning to see God's presence in my life and my art. "

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Turquoise Trail Volunteer Dept.
Turquoise Trail Volunteer Dept.
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Edition Size - 75 - $55.00
Print Size 7½" x 10½"

One of my favorite places to visit is Madrid, New Mexico, a coal-mining ghost town that is coming alive. While touring the Old Coal Town Museum I saw this old pumper fire truck that had seen service with the Turquoise Trail Volunteer Fire Department. In my attempt to research the old fire truck I discovered that Madrid used a “different” technique to fight fires in its early days dynamite. Water was a precious resource and dynamite was plenty in this coal-mining town. No attempt was actually made to put out the fire but dynamite was used to eliminate the fuels ahead of the fire so the fire would burn out.

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Valles Caldera
Valles Caldera
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Edition Size 75 - $115.00
Print Size - 11¾" x 16¾"

Valles Caldera is a 13.7 mile wide volcanic caldera in the Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico. This painting is of the East fork of the Jemez River as it flows through Valle Grande within the caldera. Valles Caldera is known as Valles Caldera National Preserve and a part of the National Forest System. The 89,216 acre preserve is a beautiful place and has been visited for thousands of years dating back to prehistoric times @ 11,000 years ago.

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Walking the Colt
Walking the Colt

Edition Size 75 - $85.00
Print Size - 9¾" x 13½"

I really enjoyed sketching and painting this watercolor painting, “Showdown” for a variety of reasons. Anytime I pass through the Abiquiu area in northern New Mexico the exotic terrain with colorful rock formations remind me of an old John Wayne western. Within my childhood memory I can see and experience the 19 century as it was portrayed in westerns of bygone days. When you move through these areas of beautiful New Mexico it is very easy for your to ponder life in these hard but colorful areas as remnants of old adobe homes and ranches can still be see and experienced. This is the subject matter I enjoy painting and presenting to you. Everything in this painting you can experience today in the southwest and here in New Mexico including the American Mustang. Come visit and see it for yourself and witness the dreams and struggles of pioneers in the southwest.

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Wedgewood Wedding Gazebo
Wedgewood Wedding Gazebo
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Edition Size 50 - $75.00
Print Size - 12" x 9"

My daughter Susan married at the Wedgewood Resort in the wedding gazebo. She planned her outdoor wedding for over a year and on the day of the wedding it was raining cats and dogs. A few hours before the wedding the skies cleared and it was a beautiful wedding on a wonderful Alaskan evening in Fairbanks, Alaska.

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Winter Range
Winter Range
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Edition Size 75 - $95.00
Print Size - 9½" x 13¾"

Putting this painting together allowed me to “day dream” being in the boots of the cowboy in the red and black Filson coat. This painting combines several things I have always enjoyed; snow, horses, outdoors, and old structures telling a story

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Winter Wagon
Winter Wagon
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Edition Size - 75 - $105.00
Print Size 10½" x 14¾"

The Winter Wagon is located in Tijeras New Mexico with the San Pedro Mountains in the background. The ravages of weather and time are taking a toll on old wooden wagons manufactured during the 1800s found tucked away in fields. Just looking at the wagon I am reminded of stories my Mother and Grandmother told of farming and moving about on the Kansas prairie by horse and wagon.

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You Got Mail
You Got Mail
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Edition Size 75 - $130.00
Print Size - 12" x 17"

“You got Mail” highlights the anticipated pleasure of receiving mail in the 1900 southwest. Country folk made up the majority of the US population of 76 million at the turn of the 20th-century. Early mail delivery to rural America was usually contracted by the US Postal Service to stage lines as well as individuals. In the most rural and remote areas weekly or monthly mail deliveries were often made on horseback into the 1940s. How different than today with e-mail being delivered in seconds.

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The Last Buck
The Last Buck
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Edition Size 75 - $75.00
Print Size - 8½ " x 12¾"

When I decided to do this painting I believed it would be a good challenge for me due to the deep contrasts between light and dark. There is actually an art term for this effect it is called “chiaroscuro.” The word Chiaroscuro itself is Italian, and roughly means, “light and dark.” It was first used to describe a type of drawing on medium-dark paper where the artist created both darker areas with ink and lighter areas with white paint. This painting is the second that I have done in a chiaroscuro style and I am already planning another. Watercolor painting for me is both a way to challenge myself and a creative outlet. I enjoyed painting “The Last Buck” from start to finish and look forward to painting others in this deep contrast style.

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Winter on the Pecos
Winter on the Pecos
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Edition Size 75 - $135.00
Print Size - 12 " x 17"

My art is very much a reflection of my feelings along with my personal beliefs. Painting “Winter on the Pecos” was an inner reflection and experience for me that provides much of what my soul requires to stay balanced and be nourished. Painting this scene took me back to my many visits to his magical place where inner peace is found. The Pecos River originates in the mountains near Santa Fe, New Mexico. This beautiful river valley is very narrow and with rising mountains covered with dense forest of pines that sing in the constant breezes it is a paradise to see and visit. For me it is a welcome oasis of peace and tranquility.

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Closing Fence Gate
Closing Fence Gate
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Edition Size 75 - $100.00
Print Size - 10 ¼ " x 14 ¼"

“Since the first patent in the United States for barbed wire was issued in 1867 to Lucien B. Smith of Kent, Ohio, ranchers have been using barbed wire and these wire fence gates to control livestock. These gates are used throughout the US and I have wrestled with countless ill-fitting gates in my lifetime shredding jackets, shirts, pants legs and fingers!”

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Magdalena New Mexico Windmill
Magdalena New Mexico Windmill
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Edition Size 75 - $100.00
Print Size - 14 ¼ " x 10 ¼"

“You have probably seen windmills like these before, if not in person, then in pictures or on television. Also known as “windpumps” or “wind engines,” they power a mechanical apparatus that draws water out of the ground. They share a general silhouette—reinforced tower, slatted fan wheel, rudder-like tail—and most are around forty feet high. They have names like Butler Oilmatic; Dempster 12A; Baker Direct Stroke; Southern Cross; The Whizz; Fairbury No. 33; Aermotor 602. Although still very common in the southwest they are beginning to disappear from the landscape being replaced by solar technology. Windmills have had a good run being in use since the 1st century AD. I came across this iconic windmill in the mountains south of Magdalena, New Mexico. Old ranch buildings and windmills give you a picture into the past which I love to experience in my adventures throughout the southwest.”

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