Wild West Weekly, pulp cover, December 14 1935 1935

Robert G. Harris made this pulp cover for Wild West Weekly in 1935 with a riot of dynamic brushstrokes. Harris embraces the speed of the moment with his mark-making. The brushwork is so present; you can almost feel the energy he put into each stroke, especially in the lower part of the image, where the cowboy kicks up dust. It's not about perfection but about capturing a feeling, an impression of motion, as if Harris is saying, "Here’s the Wild West, take it or leave it!" The colors, though somewhat muted, feel appropriately dramatic, and the red scarf really pops. The cowboy's face, with its sharp lines and determined expression, draws you right into the action. In a way, this piece reminds me of Guston’s later, more cartoonish style. It's like Harris is winking at us, reminding us that art can be both serious and a bit of a playful performance.