Life of a Cowboy
Drawings by Jack Sampson, Sr.
1894-1964
Newberry Building
Shown at right are the original paintings that still remain, starting at the bottom of the stairs, going up to the second floor of the building. They were drawn free hand, from memory, without reference or study. He could draw horses in any position or situation.
He called this series — “life of a cowboy” The last- shown the cowboy coming to a bad end — hung from a tree limb for stealing horses.
The work was done with ivory black, thinned with boiled linseed oil — his brush, a sable-quill, used by sign painters. Most, was done with single stroke.
Norman Newberry was head of the Newberry Store — commissioned the work. As the son of Jack Sampson, I was a helper on his jobs — after school and on Saturdays. I was 14-15 years at the time, remember him drawing them. The famous Newberry saddles were on display – the saddle craftsmen working, two old harness makers — busy behind them with their big machinery — Dad, decorating the walls.
In later years, my Dad became well known for his gun engraving, fine furniture and wood carving.
Jack Sampson, Jr., author
November 24, 2006
Writer known as “young Jack” now 87 years old with his wife in their living room.