Cowgirl Sandy Photography

08/31/2026

The 2027 calendars are in the works. Headin to the printer tomorrow ; ; ;

08/30/2026

God promises that He can and will take situations that Satan meant for evil and turn them to good for those who are called according to his purpose . Trust and believe!

08/28/2026

I LIFT YOUR NAME ON HIGH
headed to Westcliffe tomorrow to our wall at 3rd Street Gallery. If you are out and about I will be working at the gallery all day and would love to visit

08/26/2026

NO SCHOOL LIKE OLD SCHOOL
Well I did a little experiment and had this image printed on wood. It came out quite a bit more rustic than I hoped for …so what do we do? Go even more rustic with framing. Now it is pretty darn cool for the story it tells. Photo doesn’t do it justice

08/18/2026

ON THE PROWL
24” x 20” overall size. Image is from Custer State Park and printed on metal. Rustic leather frame with antique brass nailheads.
Available
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08/18/2026

The Shufelt family expresses profound gratitude for the love from fans, friends, and family celebrating Shoofly's wonderful life.

Robert “Shoofly” Shufelt (1935–2026)

Robert “Shoofly” Shufelt, an acclaimed New Mexico artist whose finely detailed graphite drawings documented the lives of modern-day cowboys and the ranching culture of the American Southwest, passed away on August 13, 2026. He was 91.

Shufelt was born in Champaign, Illinois. He studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Lake Forest College, and the University of Illinois before beginning a career as a commercial illustrator.

His life and artistic direction changed in 1976… after he moved west and began living on a cattle ranch near Wickenburg, Arizona. Immersed in ranch life, Shufelt found the subjects that would define his career… working cowboys, horses, cattle, and the quiet routines of life on the range. He later moved to New Mexico, where the family has lived since 1991.

Widely known by the nickname “Shoofly,” Shufelt became recognized for graphite pencil drawings that captured the people, animals, equipment, and landscapes of contemporary ranching. His work reflects close observation of the cowboy way of life and was frequently reproduced in limited-edition lithographs. Galleries in Scottsdale, Tucson, Santa Fe, and Jackson, Wyoming represented his artwork.

His drawings are exhibited at museums across the United States, including the Desert Caballeros Western Museum, Tucson Museum of Art, Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, and the Museum of the American Cowboy in Colorado Springs, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, and The New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, to which the Shufelts gifted their complete Shoofly print collection.

Shufelt received numerous awards, including the Great American Cowboy Award and the New Mexico Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, one of the state’s highest honors.

He also documented his experiences and artistic approach through several books. His published works included “Shoofly: Drawing from Experience,” released in 1995; “Raised on Good Pasture,” created with Audrey Hankins and released in 1997; and “The Point of My Pencil,” released in 2002.

Shufelt will be remembered for preserving the character of the modern American cowboy. An accepted "Hand" working alongside his subjects…he never staged his vision with a camera, but rather from his heart, with patience and an intimate knowledge of his medium and ranch life. He recorded a culture built around hard work, horsemanship, and the relationship between humans, animals, and the land.

08/16/2026

FREEMAN THE BLACKSMITH
My second attempt at light painting. So much to learn and I sure put too many items in one scene for a rookie. Can’t tell you how much fun this is. I had 101 shots that I tried to combine into one. Plus it started to thunder and threaten rain just before we finished. I’ll try the next one inside .
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08/16/2026

08/10/2026

ON THE PROWL (AKA GRUMPY OLD MAN)
Sunday afternoon fun in cool air conditioning.
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08/09/2026

BE STILL AND WAIT ON THE LORD.
While watching the chaos of the buffalo rut in Custer State Park late last month God spoke to me through this little guy. The scene was late afternoon getting close to golden light . The bulls were pursuing the cows and the entire herd was in stress from the heat. This little red dog found a quiet place to be still. So young and so innocent that its instincts told it to just lay quietly through the chaos and heat and rest. I was waiting somewhat impatiently for the grand fight between bulls. I had driven seven hours to get there for the evening light and activity. I always pray for God to use me and keep me safe on every trip. He always shows me something. This evening He was talking right to me and I wanted to share with all of you.
In this world whether it be the state of our country and world or our personal health struggles or even achieving goals it is easy to become so anxious that we can’t be still and focus on the incredible blessings Almighty God has for us every day. I need that reminder daily. Be blessed and remember that God is always our refuge .