Ask About Me depicts Ray Lockamy, an elder statesman of the Rough Riders Horsemen Association of Clinton, MD whose deep knowledge of horse culture is widely respected within the community. Often described as a “horse whisperer,” Lockamy is known for his intuitive, almost unspoken communication with animals, developed through decades of experience and care.

Edwards presents him standing with quiet authority, his posture relaxed yet commanding, holding tack that signals readiness and familiarity rather than performance. The composition and scale emphasize his larger-than-life presence, while careful attention to clothing, gesture, and expression conveys discipline, wisdom, and ease. The painting honors Lockamy not only as a rider, but as a keeper of knowledge and tradition.

Ask About Me, 2026

Oil, silver foil on canvas

60x80”

This large-scale painting presents a full-length figure standing with quiet authority against an architectural backdrop of warm, earthen tones. The subject, a Black man dressed in working cowboy attire, leans slightly into his stance, one hand resting on his hip while the other loosely holds a length of tack or rope. His posture is relaxed yet grounded, conveying self-possession and familiarity with the space he occupies.

He wears a light green plaid button-up shirt with rolled sleeves, the fabric rendered with crisp geometry and subtle shifts in tone. Deep blue trousers anchor the figure, their weight and sheen carefully modeled through layered paint. A cream-colored cowboy hat sits firmly atop his head, its curved brim casting soft shadows across his face. His expression is thoughtful and reserved, with textured marks defining his features and adding emotional depth.

The background is composed of wooden panels and vertical structural elements in rust, tan, and muted white, arranged in strong linear blocks that contrast with the organic presence of the figure. The scale of the canvas—60 x 80 inches—amplifies the subject’s physical and psychological presence, inviting the viewer into an intimate encounter defined by dignity, labor, and quiet resilience.