Painting completed in: 1984

As I watched this little fellow on his father's horse this summer at the Stamford Cowboy Reunion, I tried to imagine the things he was thinking; was he chasing bandits; winning a championship rodeo; riding the pony express? I remembered some of the daydreams I'd had as a child and wondered why we seem to fantasize less as we grow up. It occurred to me that at a time such as childhood when we have the least amount of control over our lives we use our imagination much more. Because I make my living using my imagination I sometimes take for granted the great release this state of mind can provide and I can't help but wonder how much better life could be for everyone if simple daydreaming were encouraged more by our society.