Gathering the Piñon by Jake Haverstick

Set in a striking, gorgeous wooden frame designed by his wife, this is a wonderful painting by Western artist Jake Haverstick. An impressive size, the piece immediately commands attention and thoughtfulness.

Seen trekking across the Southwestern landscape is a group of weary but earnest looking piñon harvesters, carrying large bags on their heads and shoulders as well as buckets, bundles, and other items. At first glance the group looks possibly to be just a family, but upon closer observation one can see more figures in the background coming up the hill as well. There are numerous women in the center of the piece, and one of them carries a small child on her back, in addition to the package balanced upon her head. Another child can be seen carrying a heavy load, near one of the women who would likely be his mother.

In the front is a man on horseback leading the way. On the back of the horse, he too carries a sash. Seen on the other side of the piece are two more travelers coming up the hill, each also carrying large items.

Jake Haverstick was known for his breathtaking landscapes and scenes, and this piece is certainly no exception. In addition to the incredibly thought-provoking scene of hard-working piñon gatherers, the landscape is illustrated impeccably behind them and around them. The shrubbery and vegetation known to New Mexico is in the forefront of the piece, as well as behind the group, eventually giving way to the mountain peaks off in the distance. Haverstick painted these peaks with a dark indigo color, in contrast to the lighter colors seen in the foreground. The sky, so profound and abundant in the Southwest, is depicted in a vibrant blue with rich, whitish-gray clouds throughout.

From a technical standpoint, the brush strokes in this piece are exceptionally skillful and soothing to the eye. They suit the scene perfectly and offer a textured and organic appearance.

Pieces like this allow the viewer to reflect on the numerous hardships in life, many of which seem to be necessary for survival and even growth, as well as the beauty of nature and its divine order. Perhaps, despite their struggles, these meek piñon collectors, depicted harvesting the crop in the high desert, are playing their part in the divine order as well.

The painting is signed in the bottom right corner, "Haverstick" along with his hallmark. The following text is handwritten on verso: "Gathering the Piñon". It is framed in an elaborately designed frame, made specifically for the piece by the artist's wife, Fay. The frame is carved, textured, and carefully painted.

Jake (Ralph E.) Haverstick (1898 - 1962) was a painter who lived and worked in New Mexico. While living in Taos, Haverstick met and was mentored by W. Herbert Buck Dunton, a member of the Taos Society of Artists. He and his wife Fay eventually moved to Albuquerque. He lived there for the remainder of his life, painting Western images. Fay made beautiful, handcrafted frames for the works of Jake and other notable Albuquerque painters. Haverstick passed away in 1962.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Gathering the Piñon by Jake Haverstick is from a private collection

Recommended Reading: Paintings of the Southwest by Arnold Skolnick

TAGS: Western Art, Taos, New Mexico, Taos Society of Artists, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Jake Haverstick