Chasing The Antonito Train To Chama

Chasing the Train out of Antonito is an original oil painting on canvas by R.B. Christian. The painting was inspired by visit to Antonito Colorado where the artist took the historic narrow- gauge steam train (the iconic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad) from there down to Chama New Mexico. As the train left the station, the artist was poised with camera and anxious to take photos of the trek across the desert into the mountains. Standing at the very back of the train with the brakeman, the artist noticed a horse and rider start at a gallop near the train station. The train had a fair lead over the cowboy and his horse but they almost caught up to the train when suddenly the cowboy pulled back on the reins and turned his horse around. But R.B. Christian had more than enough time to take several photos to develop a painting from. This original oil painting captures the energy of the American West, with the rider keeping pace through the dry golden landscape of the San Luis Valley under clear Colorado light. The scene celebrates the iconic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and the classic Western subject of a cowboy and horse in motion beside the tracks. Warm light, open country, and the distinctive narrow-gauge train make this a vivid depiction of southern Colorado’s railroad heritage and cowboy life.