We’re Back in the Saddle Again 1946

Gil Elvgren made this artwork, "We’re Back in the Saddle Again," using graphite, and probably a kneadable eraser that he carefully dabbed to pull out highlights. You can almost smell the dust of the rodeo arena as the artist is sketching out and thinking through the composition. He starts with a classic set-up, the girl on the horse, and a sweeping upward gesture with her hand that mirrors the horse's front legs. I imagine Elvgren thinking about the curves and how the lasso is echoed in her curls. You can see how the artist is playing with the ideas of Americana, and bringing a modern freshness to them. It's amazing to observe his decisions about composition, what to include, and what to suggest. This artwork is related to the practices of Norman Rockwell and other American illustrators. There is an exciting conversation between these artists about the depiction of contemporary subjects, and their ability to evoke mood and atmosphere.