Saturday, October 31, 2009
Bevo - University of Texas Longhorn Mascot
So this little painting is a blatant admission that I could use a little cash added to my PayPal account! When it dries a bit, I will show the frame, as well. But you can trust that it fits this little painting to a "T" and makes it a nice gift to give that University of Texas fan OR to just keep for yourself!
Psalm 139:23
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts
Thursday, October 29, 2009
The Party Begins Now - illustration cowboy oil painting book cover
I really had fun with this painting and I'm proud of the fact that I did not rush through it and followed my "game plan". I also thought a lot about the title and all it's levels.
If you notice, the horse in the foreground is wearing a rope halter - not a bridle. While painting this, I imagined the story behind it. These guys are trappers and they have been to the rendezvous and traded in their furs for supplies and things they need for the next year. Part of the trade was for whiskey (that's obvious). But the guy in the foreground also traded his well broke horse for a young, unbroke animal - a green horse that needs a lot of riding and experience before he becomes a solid mount. The trapper takes a risk in giving up his dependable horse for the young one, but if he recognizes a "diamond in the rough" and can successfully bring the young horse along in his training, then he has made a wise decision.
But in the meantime, the party begins now and the two friends can celebrate their good fortune!
I will take a better photo (with no glare) when it is truly finished, but you can get an idea now, and I can start on the next one. I suspect this one will go to the Dutch Art Gallery in time for Christmas, if I don't sell it myself first. CONTACT ME if you want it first!!!
Isaiah 40:8
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Party Begins Now - WIP
nodp
One nice result of taking pictures of my work as I go, it makes the things I need to correct more obvious, especially if I reduce the image to black and white.
It immediately has become obvious that the foreground cowboy's left foot need to be a darker value and since his hat is nearly lost in the sky, I will probably turn it black. The distant mountain fades nicely - I like that. The rear cowboy doesn't though, so I may glaze him to make him retreat more into the background, tho not too much, because I still want to see some detail in him.
The fore-ground is next, and I plan tall grasses with high mountain flowers - some lupine and Mexican hat, perhaps. And a couple large rocks, maybe. This is the only part of the painting that I did not plan in detail before I began. I will sketch it out after I research my huge "library" of photos of mountain tops.
All the images I use in all my paintings are entirely my own. I may surf Internet images to clarify a question I have regarding a costume or era in history, but the backgrounds and people and animals I use are all mine, taken by me of either staged events with models or simply images I have come upon by chance. I take my camera with me everywhere!
These two characters were acquired at the Mountain Man Rendezvous in Pine Dale, Wyoming summer 2008. They weren't all wearing truly authentic costumes, but then I doubt I would know the difference anyway, although I AM learning a lot about period clothing.
Howard Terpning is the master of Americana period painting. I would be happy with 1% of his library of research material....
Jeremiah 49:16
The terror you inspire and the pride of your heart have deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks, who occupy the heights of the hill. Though you build your nest as high as the eagle's, from there I will bring you down," declares the LORD.Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Learn to Paint in Dallas!
The Dutch Art gallery in Dallas where we (Daily Painters of Texas) held our recent show is sponsoring some workshops. If you live in the area, you might want to look into it! nodpPsalm 63:4
I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.Monday, October 26, 2009
Party Begins Now - WIP update
I literally worked all day on this painting. Eight hours with a break for lunch and to go to a church meeting this evening. I really like it, too, which is something I rarely say about ANY painting. I am following a procedure that has worked well for me in the past - with a careful consideration of composition, drawing, color and value. I recognize already that the blue, flowered shirt needs a little punch and I may attain that with a glaze.
So far, so good. I may hate it when I'm done, but today I still like it.
Tomorrow I work on the foreground horse's legs and the mountain man in the background (and maybe the distant mountain).
I have a commission waiting in the wings, but I need to get the models arranged first, so I can't start on it for a couple more weeks. The collector is wanting it completed Dec. 24 and I am making no promises. When I was in desk top publishing - years ago - and working out of my home, I had contract to produce a yearly magazine that was due at the printers Dec. 23, which meant Thanksgiving AND the weeks prior to Christmas was spent with me getting advertising and copy straight and approved and proofed. Back then, everything was cut and paste and a nightmare to rearrange and/or change - and there was ALWAYS last minute changes. For three years I dreaded the holidays - it was a relief when I quit that business and started changing oil for a living instead...but that is a another story...
Job 35:9
"Men cry out under a load of oppression; they plead for relief from the arm of the powerful.Sunday, October 25, 2009
Stand Off - 16 X 20 WIP
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Georgia's BFF
Our friends and neighbors, John and Sandy, are on a Mediterranean cruise and we are caring for their dog-child, Joy. She is a 2 year old American Eskimo (Spitz) and is Georgia's best girl friend. (Her best boy friend is Walker, my daughter's Cocker/King Charles pooch).
Joy arrived Wednesday morning. That evening Georgia gathered ALL the toys around her (including Joy's) into the middle of the living room and snarled at Joy if she even looked in her direction. The following morning they were best buds and proceeded to wrestle and chase one another through the house and into the yard. The mayhem will continue for another 2 weeks until Sandy and John come home.
I actually feel honored that my friend trusts us with her pooch. Sandy and John have always had an American Eskimo - and even rescued their last one. And when she died, it was a couple years before they felt they could love another.
I know the heartache you feel when you lose a treasured pet. And the issues you can have when forced to leave it in a safe environment for a long period of time. Joy visits here regularly, though, so she feels quite at home and is, if fact, already a part of our routine. And I am enjoying her wonderfully happy nature and her smiling face! And so is Georgia!
Friday, October 23, 2009
New Neighbors - completed
Sometimes it's hard for me to stop painting on a piece - especially when it's one I really like, and I do really like this one. Often I "live" with them for a while - and I always notice a few more things that I can do - most of the changes quite tiny and probably unnoticed by anyone other than myself. Mike often has suggestions, too, and his are usually accurate and valid. He likes this one as is, though, so I'm declaring it finished.
I recently sold another painting that I have used as my signature piece on my business card. I may use this one next since it is so colorful and quite representative of the direction I have taken lately. AND it will fit the card!
Daniel 2:21
He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.Thursday, October 22, 2009
Party Begins Now - WIP
I have decided that quickly finishing small paintings just isn't the direction I need to continue in. I much more enjoy the thoughtful planning, construction and layering required for the more detailed work that I have been painting lately. I still like the little ones when they are employed as a color study/composition design orientaion - but I REALLY enjoy the final painting details - like the one I am working on here.
I lay in the darks and undercolors first - quickly, and then come back after this is dry and put in the "real" colors. I like placing a yellow underpainting under the skies, too, because they seem to glow when the blues and violets are placed over it.
I thought you might also enjoy the process of this one. This is "stage one" and it's 24 X 30 - pretty large. The characters were gathered at the Mountain Man Rendezvous in Pine Dale, Wyoming 2 summers ago. The foreground horse will be red - background one will be black. Long grass and wild mountain flowers with hazy mountains in the distance. Foregound man has a blue floral shirt, coyote fur on his saddle. Background guy is carrying a whiskey jug. Both look like they are about to fall off their horse!I promise you will be surprised at the final painting - it will look nothing like this!
The title has meaning on several levels...we'll go into that later, but part of it is because of the head gear on the forefront horse...think about it!
I'm having fun with this one - now it has to sit for at least a week before I can work on it again.
And Pam, YOUR painting will be up next - hopefully finished!
Proverbs 20:21
An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning will not be blessed at the end.Tuesday, October 20, 2009
New Neighbors! - illustration oil painting book cover art
The gallery show Saturday at Dutch Art in Dallas went very well.
Ecclesiastes 7:21
Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you.Friday, October 16, 2009
Granbury Paint Out and Gallery Show Opening
Somehow I got myself talked into participating in a "paint out" in Granbury, Texas this weekend. For those of you not experienced with this I shall explain. A "paint out" is where artists set up their easels and painting supplies in some windy, dusty, hot or cold location, forgetting their aprons and palettes. They paint totally on location, embarrassing themselves terribly in their total ineptitude. At least I do.
I am totally out of my element when I leave the studio - like a fish out of water. But I wanted to stretch myself - like when I participated in John Poon's Plein Aire workshop in Jackson, Wyoming 2 summers ago. He was a wonderful teacher, but Jackson Hole in the summer is NOT the place to be painting Plein Aire. Bugs, wind, dust, heat, sun glare...all the reasons WHY I love my climate controlled, bose stereo filled, electronically up-to-date studio.
The Granbury Paint Out is 3 days, but I can only participate today, and I'm waiting to go there until this afternoon. It's cold and overcast right now with promise of some sun and high 60's later. I shall wait for later. I have already selected a historical site to paint - an old log cabin that is reported to be the first post office in Granbury. It appears to be 100 years old and has not been restored. I will have to learn its history in the very least.

Tomorrow is the grand opening of the Daily Painters of Texas' gallery show at the Dutch Art Gallery in northeast Dallas. If you are in the area anytime during the next couple months (at least until the end of November), please go by. I promise you won't be disappointed.
I have already sold 2 painting there, and I am no where near the best artist on display.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Mountain Top
I also started a large painting today - an enlargement of "New Neighbors" and I am really pleased with the progress. I began with a monochrome underpainting of cobalt blue and cad red dark and white. I have partially blocked in the sky and will begin adding color Wednesday.
I did the little painting with left over paint, and I will sell it Saturday to the person who makes me the best offer over $15. Really.
WOW!!!! And I may continue these little bargains for a while - so keep watching! There will be no PayPal button on these posts - you will have to e-mail me.
Luke 21:28
When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.Saturday, October 10, 2009
Ricky's Mare
Ricky's Mare - black quarter horse mare oil painting
My friend Ricky has some really nice mares & they have even nicer foals. His wife, Debbie, is a hair artist. Her shop is at their farm. I always take pictures of Ricky's mares when I go get a hair cut.
I am playing around with some new techniques and colors. This was rendered partly with a palette knife with lots of paint.
Actually I want to use up my cotton canvas because I am about to step up to linen and only linen. Sooooo prepare for a LOT of experimentation, because I have a LOT of cotton canvases!
Click HERE to view more horse paintings by Debbie Grayson Lincoln.
Ezekiel 48:19
The workers from the city who farm it will come from all the tribes of Israel.
Media: oil
Size: 12 in X 12 in (30.5 cm X 30.5 cm)
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Cowboy Up 2
This is the second time I have painted this image. This one was requested by a lovely lady in Germany who is also buying another painting with a colorful sky background.
The best part of my job is the art lovers I get to "meet" from around the world - both the collectors as well as the artists. The Daily Painters are scattered around the globe. If I were younger (and richer) it might be a fun goal to travel and meet everyone. We have several artists in the Netherlands and UK, as well as Norway, Belgium, France, Chile and Canada. What an interesting trip THAT would be!
Want to see MORE of my COWBOY AND HORSES paintings? CLICK HERE
Proverbs 4:14-16 14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. 15 Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.16 For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall.
Media: oil on panel
Size: 8 in X 6 in (20.3 cm X 15.2 cm)
Price: $115 USD
How to Purchase:
This painting is sold
Monday, September 28, 2009
Longhorn Winning Attitude
The UT longhorns beat Texas Tech last week in Austin. When I attended Tech in the early 70's that was always THE game to attend - ESPECIALLY in Austin. I had a number of friends that went to UT, so the rivalry was even more intensified.
I am getting the winter garden planted this week. We had some wonderful rains last week and the garden soil is perfect for tilling. We have had a problem with the deer eating just about everything, so I have purchased two motion detector, solar powered LED flood lights. I plan to place them near the spot I think the deer enter and focus the lights on a scarecrow. Most of the winter veggies I can cover with fiber glass row covers, but it's too hot in the summer (and expensive) to cover everything, so I am hoping to work out the bugs with this system by Spring. I have also heard of a motion detector water sprayer that sounds effective. I am open to suggestions...
Another project for this winter will be a chicken house...stay tuned.
Philippians 1:15
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
Media: oil on canvas
Size: 12 in X 12 in (30.5 cm X 30.5 cm)
Price: $115 USD
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Something to Crow About
Includes shipping and insurance
Day or night, this rooster crows continuously. He's a "towny", too, so there's a few people thinking about rooster stew!
My friend Bettye Key paints chickens and sunflowers. I have one of her chicken paintings, and in celebration of her birthday yesterday , I gave her one of mine. So I figured I needed to "restock" my inventory of chicken paintings with this one. I have an almost unlimited source of poultry models in "town". Cecil Rasberry has a little farm in the middle of Morgan Mill and all the loose chickens are attributed to him. There's some pretty fancy roosters in the group, with this one being my favorite. There appears to be a continuous re-shuffling of the hen-harems, too. One day a rooster will seems to have ALL the hens and the next, they are with another macho crower. I think rooster wars are rare, but I have witnessed a battle once, and it did not have a happy outcome. The looser was pretty battered and was picked on for several days after and eventually died. I don't know what he did to deserve it, but things stayed calm for quite a while afterwards.....
2 Chronicles 32:8
With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles." And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.
Media: oil on masonite
Size: 5 in X 7 in (12.7 cm X 17.8 cm)
Price: $115 USD
How to Purchase:
Friday, September 18, 2009
Bear Lake Bear - Cuchara Colorado

I started this painting in the camper last month and had to finish it. Every time I paint bear Lake I am transported back there with fond memories. We are already planning next summer's trip. I think I have painted this same scene at least 4 times, and I still haven't gotten exactly as I want it. Practice makes perfect....
Matthew 23:3
So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.
Media: oil on canvas board
Size: 8 in X 6 in (20.3 cm X 15.2 cm)
Price: $115 USD
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Pinion Hill Survivors

Includes shipping and insurance
Yesterday I
Both Easy and PJ had dreadfully sharp points on both sides of their molars, and their tongues and cheeks were raw and sore. I can only imagine the pain a bit adds to that. Little wonder that PJ rides much more relaxed when wearing only a halter!
This vet, Dr. Clay Stubbs, has a mobile set up and runs a circuit of clients twice a year. My friend Lee Clay is on that circuit and offered to let me bring my horses to his place and take advantage of Dr. Stubbs' expertise. I accepted, knowing that both PJ and Easy (and Dandy, next spring) needed attention.
The procedure began with an injection to tranquilize the animal. Almost immediately the horse lowers his head and relaxes (and according to Dr. Stubbs, remembers nothing). He is led into a stanchion where his head is cradeled and immobilized in a canvas sling and a speculum is inserted into his mouth, holding it open. Dr. Stubbs then peers into the mouth with flashlight, moving the tongue from side to side to access the condition of the teeth. He immediately pointed out to me the very sharp points on the sides of all the molars and the rough, raw condition of the tongue and sides of the cheek where they were rubbing. Horses teeth grow continually - they have to because they ingest dirt and abrasive material with their food. Their teeth would wear down to nothing if they didn't grow. But horses of today are not bred for well fitting teeth, so genetically they are no longer like those of wild horses. Jaws are narrow, tongues may be large, and some horses even have a "parrot mouth" where the teeth don't meet all the way down the jaw line. And a fat horse (like all of mine) is NO indication that their teeth are OK. A dentist is needed to periodically help mother nature and to help US not cause pain to them when we put a bit in their mouth.
Dr. Stubbs uses air tools that are similar to giant dental files to remove and smooth out the excess tooth formations, and after he fixed one side of Easy's mouth, he let me feel the difference between the done and "undone" side. I had to put nearly my entire forearm into his mouth to feel clear to the back, and I was amazed at the difference and relieved to know that Easy would soon be feeling better. I was also mad at myself for not taking care of this sooner. Poor Easy.
After the procedure is completed, another injection is administered to couteract the tranquilizer and within 15 minutes we were ready to load up and go home. Both horses were still kinda groggy after the 10 minute ride back. PJ promptly took a nap, but Easy went in search of grass and was happy with the little flake of alfalfa I treated him to. I will let their mouths heal for a couple days and then see if there is any improvement in attitude when we ride.
Psalm 35:28
My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long.
Media: oil
Size: 8 in X 6 in (20.3 cm X 15.2 cm)
Price: $115 USD
How to Purchase:
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Where Did I Leave That Calf?
Baby calves are like fawns their first week of life - they lay low and wait for their mom to come get them when it's time to eat. This cow hasn't lost her calf - just misplaced it! She has that classic "upset tail in the air" look that cows get when they are anxious. I usually stay out of their way when they act like this!
I attended my Art Association meeting last night and I took a painting to enter in the monthly competition - and I won! This painting was the third in a series of "Eventing" horses I saw in Calispell, Montana last summer. I witnessed many thrilling performances and saw as many truly great horses.
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Media: oil
Size: 11.75 in X 8 in (29.8 cm X 20.3 cm)
Price: $115 USD
How to Purchase:
Monday, September 14, 2009
Two For Supper 2
We have had 7 inches of rain and I was dancing in the mud this morning when cute little Trista arrived to trim pony feet. She is triple grateful for this rain: 1. Rain means grass which means happy horses. 2. Rain means coolness and since her AC is on the fritz, cool is good. 3. Coolness makes pregnant women happy, and Trista is expecting her 2nd baby. Whoopee!
Right now she is showing this adorable Appaloosa, Tarragon, and he is doing quite well in Western Riding, Pleasure, Reining and Trail competitions.
Job 5:10
He bestows rain on the earth; he sends water upon the countryside.
Media: oil
Size: 8 in X 6 in (20.3 cm X 15.2 cm)
Price: $115 USD
How to Purchase:
Friday, September 11, 2009
New Neighbors
I've just returned from spending a lot of time with the Navajo Nation near Four Corners & was totally blown away by their friendliness & sharing nature. This boy IS NOT Navajo, but I have used his image in several other paintings. I like this composition and may paint it larger if I receive any interest in this little one. I am SURE to garner some instruction as to the what clan this boy belongs. Native American Art collectors are really picky as to accuracy - as they should be!!!!
Do you remember where you were about 8:30 am Sept 11, 2001? I was on Interstate 20 heading to work, and when I got there, we just sat in shock and listened to the radio all day. We were in the fast lube business, averaging 50 cars a day. I think we may have serviced 8 that day. The world stood still. If you have a chance to participate in a 9-12 rally tomorrow, please do it. We shouldn't forget how we felt the day after that fateful day....
Proverbs 16:20
Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
Media: oil on masonite
Size: 5 in X 7 in (12.7 cm X 17.8 cm)
Price: $115 USD
How to Purchase:
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Cowboy Up
The term "Cowboy Up" has a number of meanings, the most important being: "Be a man of strength, integrity and faith". OR, for us girls "Put your big panties on and get over it." LOL
I have 2 shows coming up this month and next - and I have been instructed that the little ones are more desirable right now, so I am working on several. A couple of them I plan to enlarge - but that will have to wait until later.
I have been having on-line discussions with other artists regarding pricing my paintings. The issue is how to price them for both internet sales and gallery sales (where they take as much as 50% commission). I have decided to price everything the same. Whether you find my work at a gallery or here on my blog or at Daily Painters, the price will be the same (except where the work is framed). I don't think it's fair to my collectors to have to worry about whether or not they are paying more at one place than another. Of course, the galleries DO have my best work, so their prices sometimes SEEM to be higher - but the quality is higher - I spend a great deal more time on those paintings than I do the Daily ones.
Matthew 17:20
He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Media: oil
Size: 8 in X 6 in (20.3 cm X 15.2 cm)
Price: $115 USD
How to Purchase:
Monday, September 7, 2009
Longhorn Steer - UT Mascot

Habakkuk 2:18
"Of what value is an idol, since a man has carved it? Or an image that teaches lies? For he who makes it trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
The Point - Bear Lake Cuchara Colorado
I am going to try something new with my painting postings on my blog. Normally I post a small image of the painting and this is to prevent "thieves" from stealing the image and reproducing it - and yes that is happening more and more now that computer "galleries" are becoming so common. I have had my work copied, but I have not yet detected any outright direct reproduction.
Often collectors want to view my work up close, and I am more than willing to send a larger image to them - but then I realized that I could do this here, also. And we will soon have that ability to look at a "close-up" on Daily Painters, too. But I have to load a large data file image of the painting which makes it easier to steal and reproduce. I have, however, decided that worrying about theft is something I can eliminate from my brain. So now if you "click on" the image of my paintings, you should be able to see the details more clearly. I am doing this in the hopes that you will be able to better view my technique. And if some art dealer in China decides he can sell it without my permission, so be it....
Genesis 1:26
Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Pinon Night Light
We are in Santa Fe tonight and our campground is surrounded by pinon trees - I went in search of these nuts that are worth their weight in gold. I found the ground under them littered with cones and thousands of nuts - both fresh and old - mostly old - and dried out. I agree that it is a lot of work to gather and roast the small cone's seeds (they are about the size of pine nuts), but I probably won't be buying them again. I'll stick to pecans!
This painting is of a pinon tree I fancied near our camp in Moab. The trees' shapes are widely varied - from stumpy, twisted and stunted to tall, straight and lush.
Psalm 139:23
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
