Empire Ranch Country - Southern Arizona Art

Artworks of Ranch Heritage and Grassland Beauty by Murray Bolesta Fine Art Prints!

My distinguished, diverse collection celebrates Empire Ranch country in southern Arizona. This valley, including the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area and the historic Empire Ranch, demonstrates so clearly the diversity of landscapes in southern Arizona. When Hollywood wanted both desert cactus landscapes and grassy ranch country, they'd come here to Tucson! Both exist within a few minutes' drive.

What Makes This Collection Special

  • Abundant artistic subjects: This area provides me with so many glorious art subjects which I have fully exploited over the years, for sure. I turn my head in all directions and find notable compositions for artistic expression—from sweeping grasslands to rugged mountain backdrops and ranch building
  • Cinematic landscapes: Major films including "Oklahoma!" (1955), "Red River" (1948), and "The Last Outpost" (1951) utilized these diverse landscapes, showcasing both Sonoran Desert and prairie environments
  • Rich Cultural Layers: Located southeast of Tucson near Sonoita and Elgin, between the Santa Rita and Whetstone Mountains, this region supported Apache and O'odham peoples for millennia. Spanish ranching began in the 1700s, followed by American cattle operations like the Empire Ranch (established 1876). Railroad expansion and nearby mining booms in Tombstone and Bisbee drove development. Unfortunately, overgrazing severely disrupted Cienega Creek, the San Pedro River watershed, and native prairie grasslands, causing erosion and water table decline that continues impacting the ecosystem today.

Southern Arizona Ranch Art

My artworks celebrate the enduring rugged charm of grassland country and ranching heritage—perfect for Western enthusiasts and Arizona landscape lovers.