I found some aspects of the yearly round up difficult to watch, but round ups are a long standing tradition in Hawaii and I was interested in learning about an essentially humane way to raise cattle. I accepted the invitation to spend the day with a wonderful community at work and play. Paniolos on horseback herded the cattle into a funnel of fences and as the animals made the final turn I took this photograph that became the painting. The thunder of all those hooves churning up dust, charging forward thrilled the senses. I was behind a metal fence that did not feel terribly secure, but the cattle turned into a pen and when they realized there was nowhere to go they milled around as if it was just another day. Most of them had been through this routine before. The animals were strong and healthy, lowing gently.

I didn’t want to know which ones were old enough to be culled. I wanted them all to head back up the mountain for another year of being cows on a mountain in Hawaii, with a stellar view and only each other for company. In a perfect world eh? I suppose this painting speaks to not always getting what we want. I appreciated knowing that some cows have a more interesting life than standing in a feed lot and their magnificence shone charging down a mountain.

Cattle round-up detail. I gave the cowboys anonymity as I wasn’t able to ask for their permission to publish their photos.