During his career, Sam Savitt illustrated nearly 150 books. This dramatic, high-energy rodeo scene was for one of them and includes both publisher’s marks and corrections by the artist. Drawn in black ink, this drawing on medium-weight paper measures 11 by 15 inches. It has no mat. (SOLD)

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This simple watercolor is a snapshot image that captures a typically western scene. This artwork measures 4 by 8 inches. It is held in a plain white mat board for its protection. (SOLD)

This watercolor painting of a Clydesdale appeared in Sam Savitt’s 1962 book “Around the World with Horses.” The painting, which measures 8 by 10 inches, is held in a plain white mat board for its protection. Despite being 60 years old, it is in excellent condition.

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Thoroughbred sketch 2

This sketch in charcoal pencil was drawn on-site at a thoroughbred horse breeding farm in Maryland in 1965. Sam Savitt often preferred these quick sketches over photography when preparing for a future drawing or painting. This drawing on medium-stock paper measures 13 by 17 inches — the dimensions of his sketch pad.

This sketch in charcoal pencil was drawn on-site at a thoroughbred horse breeding farm in Maryland in 1965. Sam Savitt often preferred these quick sketches over photography when preparing for a future drawing or painting. This drawing on medium-stock paper measures 13 by 17 inches — the dimensions of his sketch pad.

This watercolor is classic Savitt — a relatively simple treatment that displays rodeo riding with energy and accuracy. This artwork measures 14 by 14 inches on a very paper stock (perhaps light cardboard). It has no mat or frame. (Sold)

Completed during the last decade of his life, Sam Savitt depicts the inherent loneliness of the Pony Express rider in this expansive oil painting (42 by 30 inches). While the Pony Express mail delivery service lasted only 18 months (1860-61), it is ingrained in the lore of the American West and represents the country’s first transcontinental communications system. This is the largest piece of artwork in our collection. (SOLD)

Since the 1950s, Sam Savitt frequently illustrated the covers of books, more than 130 by other authors, plus 15 of his own. The right half of this watercolor, whose entire image measures 13 by 19 inches, would have been the front cover. (That’s why the signature appears in the center. ) The left side of the painting was the back cover. Price $1,000. (SOLD)

This 8-by-10-inch rough sketch of an Arab soldier on horseback was done in preparation for a more finished product that appeared in a magazine article. This watercolor sketch is basically impressionist, but the subject matter is quite clear. Price: $225. (SOLD)

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