Over the years I lived in the desert, visitors were often surprised to learn that there are cattle living in what can be such a harsh environment. I was asked “What do they EAT?” But what looks like a barren wasteland to some still looks like a buffet to many creatures, offering up mesquite beans, cacti, grasses, and other tidbits. Certain cattle, such as the criollo cow, are especially well-adapted to desert life. They require little other than space to roam and do their bovine thing, and are increasingly being utilized as a more “environmentally friendly” cow.

I snapped the photo that inspired this piece off of the remote, dusty, and bumpy Mineral Mountain Road near Superior, Arizona. This guy and some pals were making good use of the palo verde shade in the heat of the late-spring day. The name “Moochaca” is a play on a regional beef dish they serve in Arizona called machaca, which is traditionally made from dried beef. I thought this guy could probably relate to being dry!

This piece was created with watercolor and gouache paint on Aquabord. As a final step, it was sealed with UV protective sealer.

This painting measures 6x6" and sold unframed. Due to the nature of the surface used it does not need to be framed behind glass. It ships free.