Horse Portrait

I painted yesterday, but I couldn't seem to finish anything, which is unusual for me because I am often very impatient to finish a painting the day I start it. I am finding, however, that if I take my time and go through a series of planning steps that one of my artist mentors has taught me, I am usually more pleased with the results.
At any given time I have at least 3 to 6 paintings started, so it's actually easy to FINISH a painting every day, but they are not necessarily painted in one day - at least not the larger ones.
The little paintings I most often do finish in a day, however, and I am finding them useful in that I no longer just start painting. Rather I plan them out like I do the larger ones - and I am becoming more satisfied with the end results.
This painting today is simply an example of commissioned work that I do.
Ecclesiastes 5:10 Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.

Grand Canyon

This is the second Grand Canyon painting I have done this month and it's better than the first. I think I'm getting the feel of the colors and depth. I visited this "wonder" as a child - I think I was around 12 - and even then my childish brain was impressed and astounded. We plan to visit again in the near future, but I don't plan to take the donkey trip to the bottom. I understand that the tail is narrow, winding and at times, really scary. I will be content with the view from the top!
This 6 X 8 oil on Masonite is available directly from me for $100.
Matthew 7:13[ The Narrow and Wide Gates ] "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it."

Sailboat at Colter Bay

We spent a couple weeks in the Jackson Hole area last summer and the Colter Bay campground was our favorite. I could not take a bad photo there - regardless of the time of day. The Grand Tetons smiled brilliantly for every shot! We are going back next July for the Mountain Man Rendezvous in Pine Dale. I have to have my painting skills honed by then so I will be worthy of the opportunities!

This 6 X 8 oil on masonite is available from me for $100.00.

Job 29:24 When I smiled at them, they scarcely believed it; the light of my face was precious to them.

Whiskers

Long legs, big ears and whiskers - so much is out of proportion with baby horses. This little girl is no exception. She's a half sister to the last foal my old mare had before she died and already showing signs of excellent cutting horse potential. She can really duck and dodge avoiding you grabbing her halter!
This 8 X 10 oil on canvas can be purchased directly from me for $100.
Proverbs 7:4 Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," and call understanding your kinsman.

Windmill

Windmills are pretty much universal across this country. This windmill in Wyoming looks almost exactly like the one that was next door to us in our first home near Stephenville. It was a wooden structure, too, and great for climbing, if you dared. It also had large, spreading tree nearby and an oval, flat holding tank that was nice to take a swim in. Our neighbor's windmill also fed a small pond that was stocked with catfish and bass. When the wind was just right, I could hear the blades squeaking when they turned.....
Luke 18:14 "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Where's His Hat?

I have been known to get on some unsafe horses in my more youthful, reckless past. I don't anymore. But I still enjoy watching others less cautious than I. I don't like to see them get hurt, though, but it does happen. The best bucking horse rides are those where the cowboy just loses his hat and maybe his seat but not his health.

This painting depicts how cowboys USED to ride saddle broncs - shirt, jeans, chaps - no helmet or flack jackets or any other protective gear.

This 8 X 6 oil on Masonite can be purchased for $50 directly from me.

Proverbs 15:30A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.

Retirement

In case you haven't figured it out by now, I'll tell you now that I like old trucks. Mike and I will be off RVing somewhere and he knows if I holler "Stop!" I've spotted either a really interesting looking antique/junk shop or an old truck. This particular old truck resides in an abandoned farmyard about 5 miles from me. I've been checking on it for the past 12 years and photographing it during these years of retirement. The license plates reads 1973, so it hasn't moved for a while. Neither has the old Chevy Nomad that rests about 50 feet from the truck. The farmhouse that is nearby has nearly fallen completely into itself. Before that happened, you could still see furniture and household stuff in the house, leaving me to wonder what happened to the family that once resided here? And why did they seemingly disappear overnight?

This oil on canvas painting measures 30 X 36 and can be found in my eBay store.

Isaiah 29:20 The ruthless will vanish, the mockers will disappear, and all who have an eye for evil will be cut down.

Sunrise in Morgan Mill Texas

Yesterday was Thanksgiving and it just occurred to me that I was blessed with the company of my ENTIRE immediate family. Both my adorable kids and son-in-law, my sweet hubby and his wonderful parents, my funny and talented brother and his cute wife and my nutty, generous, goofy mother. In addition, one of my husband's brothers and two of our nephews - one who was in the Navy and one currently in the Air Force, were with us - two warriors. What a blessed day! And I have a really, really bad head cold and was truly dragging before the day began, but having my family around me provided a lift that nothing else could accomplish. As a result, I prefer to look at this painting this morning as a sunrise rather than a sunset - a new beginning; a chance to accomplish one more thing before nightfall.

This 8 X 10 oil on wrapped stretched canvas with painted sides is available directly from me for $50 or can be found on eBay in a couple weeks.

2 Samuel 23:4 he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth.

Kiss my Colts....

SOLD
More horses' fannies! A quick study of two colts belonging to my neighbors, Bernie and Jenny. They raise the most gorgeous Quarter horses. To get this angle I walked out into the pasture and of course they all head toward me to see what I'm carrying (just my camera bag) and when they realize there's no goodies, they kick their heels and are off and running!
This 8 X 6 Oil on Masonite is available from me for $50 or can be found on eBay in a couple weeks.
Job 11:12 But a witless man can no more become wise than a wild donkey's colt can be born a man.

Get A Horse 2

Last Spring I found this old International truck near a mercury mine near Terlingua which is near Big Bend National Park. This is the second time I have painted it, and I'm not through yet! Getting it up the mountain in the first place must have been an event in itself. The trail to the mine is quite a bit less than well graded and was pretty rough in our 4-wheel drive jeep! Temperatures in this part of Texas get over 110 in August and rainfall is less than 16 inches a year - making the area a true desert and quite formidable. Many people live here, however - some without electricity and running water. Instead they utilize solar power and catching rainwater. Gotta love it!
Psalm 68:16 Why gaze in envy, O rugged mountains, at the mountain where God chooses to reign, where the LORD himself will dwell forever?

Ft Davis Texas Officers Quarters

This is one of the old officer's quarters at Ft. Davis, Texas. Fort Davis is a National Park and one of the best surviving examples of a Southwest military post. The soldiers there protected mail, freight wagons and immigrants during the second half of the 19th century. It lies on the trail between El Paso and San Antonio. After the Fort was closed, many of the homes on the site were rented, but have remained unoccupied and deteriorating for a number of years. The buildings are slowly being restored, though, and it's a fascinating place to visit. Close by in the Davis Mountains is the McDonald Observatory and it's on the way (sorta) to Big Bend National Park. And if you want to see what it's like to be really in the dark and see the stars as our ancestors did - visit the Observatory. The surrounding countryside has "light ordinances" so that civilization doesn't interfere with the telescope's performance. You will see stars like you've never seen them before - especially if you live in the city.
This 8 X 6 Oil on Masonite is available from me for $50.00 or can be found on eBay in a couple weeks. dglincoln@embarqmail.com
2 Peter 1:19 And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts

Miss Jack's Baby

My favorite horse died this past summer - had to be "put down" as a matter of fact. I didn't own her anymore - I gave her away last year to a friend of mine who raises quality Quarter horses. My old mare had been having seizures and my on-line studying suggested that they were related to her estrous cycles, so I was hoping that breeding her would interrupt the seizures. Since she was 21 years old at the time, getting her bred was questionable, but I gave her to Bernie and Jenny anyway. They were delighted with her pedigree, her manners and her intelligence. And they had the safe facilities to care for her - which I do not. To make a long storey short, this past April, she had a filly foal and 3 months later had to be put down. This long legged beauty was the result of Bernie and Jenny's deligent care for one year. They are very happy. And one day I will see my beautiful "Miss Jack" again, because heaven wouldn't be heaven with out horses....
This 6 X 8 oil on Masonite can be purchased directly from me for $50 or can be found on eBay next week. dglincoln@embarqmail.com
Psalm 136:26 Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.

Navajo Goat Girl

I have never painted a native American portrait before, but I am anticipating doing more after our trip to the Pine Dale Wyoming Rendezvous next July. Mike made reservations yesterday, so I am ready to get excited! I must confess that this painting was inspired by a photo in a 41 year old Arizona Highways magazine - I don't usually use "outside" sources, but this child was irresistible, and I was needing inspiration. She looks so pensive, caring for the baby goat - why, she's just a baby herself! I hope I can find more beautiful children like her that I can capture on canvas.

This 9 X 12 oil on wrapped canvas with painted sides can be purchased directly from me for $100 or can be found on eBay auction in a couple weeks. dglincoln@embarqmail.com

Mark 9:37 "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."

Eye See You

The first thing I always notice about a horse is the face - and most especially the eye. Listen in on horse people's conversation about their horses and they'll always mention whether he's got a "kind eye" or not - most especially when talking about a potential mount for a child. Blue-eyed horses have always confounded me - hard to tell about the kindness part. This eye belongs to a blue-eyed paint mare that lives on the Jackson farm near me - she's a friendly mare with a curious attitude and her eyes are as blue as the Texas skies - like mine!
This 6 X 8 oil on Masonite is available from me for $50 before it goes up for auction on eBay. dglincoln@embarqmail.com
Galatians 5:22 -23: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Grand Canyon Sunset

Friends that we RV with just got back from the Grand Canyon and shared this image with me. I have been reading quite a lot lately about new ideas as to how it was formed. Now scientists think that it might have occurred quite quickly - possible when a glacier formed dam burst and huge volumes of water washed through and carved the canyon. Regardless of the method, the result is incredible and breath taking. I saw the Grand Canyon years ago as a child during a whirlwind family vacation through the southwest. Next time I intend to see it at my leisure and marvel at it's wonders.
This 6 X 8 oil on masonite is available directly from me for $50 or can be found on eBay in a couple weeks. dglincoln@embarqmail.com
Psalm 17:7 Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.

Boats' Time Off

I bet I took 200 photos of the rental canoes at Colter Bay, Wyoming this past summer. Their reflections in that crystal clear Teton mountain water were inspirational from every angle. I think I will stick with the Tetons for a while as subjects. We are going back in July for the Mountain Man Rendezvous at Pine Dale and I cannot wait.
This 6 X 8 oil on Masonite is available right now from me for $50 or can be found on eBay in a couple weeks. dglincoln@embarqmail.com
John 7:38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.

Running Free

I will never tire of painting a running horse, and I will never run out of subject matter as long as I live where I do. This colt belongs to a friend of mine who trains horses for a living. Trista is a ton of energy and amazing skill in a relatively young and very athletic package. Not only does she have a wonderful rapore with horses, she is also quite good at teaching her knowledge to others. Which reminds me - I am due for a lesson....
This little 4 X 6 oil on canvas paper is available for $50 this week from me dglincoln@embarqmail.com or can be found up for auction on eBay next week.
Ecclesiastes 10:10 If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success.

Easy Meal

Eating is important to horses. This horse has a whole pasture full of really nice green grass to eat, and yet she still stands in front of this bale of hay and munches. Rather like the grasshopper from Aesop's Fable - taking it easy and not worrying about tomorrow.

This little 8 X 10 oil on canvas panel is available for $50 from me this week or can be found on eBay during next week's auction. dglincoln@embarqmail.com
Matthew 6:30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? (this is one of my favorite Bible verses!!!!!)

Got Your Goat

Sometimes I think I live in goat country - not horse country. The chubby little Boer goats and their crosses have become extremely popular around here - seems as if everyone has a herd. This particular little nanny was very friendly when I stopped the car next to her pasture. She was one of about 60 goats that came running and baa-ing through the fence to check on me. And just like my horses, when they discovered that I had no food for them, they quickly lost interest and wandered off. Much like some children I know!

This little 6 X 8 oil painting on unstretched canvas will be up for auction on eBay in 1 week or you can buy it directly from me for $50. dglincoln@embarqmail.com

Hebrews 9:12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.

Del Rio RV's

Del Rio, Texas is about 150 miles west of San Antonio, on the border of Mexico, about midway between Padre Island and Big Bend National Park. Nearby is Lake Amistad that is formed by the Rio Grande, Pecos and Devil Rivers which in turn is surrounded by the Amistad National Recreation Area. It is a treeless, temperate area that holds hidden beauty which at first may go unrecognised. When we first arrived there, we asked ourselves "Why are we here??!!!" I called it "treeless" when in actuality, there ARE scrubby mesquites and cedars (VERY scrubby). The Lake, however, has no trees on it or even near it! Nevertheless wildlife abounds and after spending some time there, I found myself relishing the wildness and expanse of space. And the sunsets were awesome. Oh, and did I mention the area holds one of our nation's richest treasure of aboriginal cave paintings? Well worth the trip....

This little 6 X 8 oil painting on masonite is a view of the RV campground at sunset and can be purchased for $50 from me before it goes up for auction on eBay. dglincoln@embarqmail.com

Luke 12:33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.

Get a Horse

I found this old truck near an abandoned mine in Big Bend State Park last spring. I love old farm trucks and this one begged to be put in a landscape. There really was a cliff like this nearby, too, and the vision of the rider was easy for my imagination to come up with. I just returned from Perdenales State Park, but Big Bend remains my favorite to paint, I think.
This painting is 9 X 12 on canvas board and can be purchased from me for $100 before it goes up for auction on eBay. dglincoln@embarqmail.com

Mark 6:56 And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.

Friends

My favorite things to paint are horses and cowboys. I have a photo album full of references, so continuing with my vow to paint 500 little paintings in a year, here's one of 3 from today. Cowboys warm their horses up before competitions and these two friends seemed quite content in one another's company. This little painting is available from me directly for $100 now or will be available online through eBay when it dries. dglincoln@embarqmail.net

Ecclesiastes 4:10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

Pedernales River

We are back from Johnson City and the Pedernales River and I am ready to be in the studio all day today.

Johnson City is about 4 hours SW of here - in the heart of Texas Hill Country and near Fredericksburg and Lueckenbach (Willie Nelson's stomping ground). If you have a granite or marble counter top, it's quite likely that it was mined from that area. And Marble Falls, on the way, boasts the best crappie fishing in the US.

This little painting is actually from around my own area, which in some places resembles Hill Country with it's ridges and bluffs.

Deuteronomy 6:5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

On Vacation

I won't be posting for a few days - Mike and I and the dogs are heading out this morning after church to Pedernales State Park near Johnson City, Texas. When we retired last September, we purchased a new RV to replace the old one we had used for 5 years, and it hasn't sat parked for very long since. Last summer we spent the entire month of June wandering around Colorado, Wyoming and Montana gathering painting ideas and enjoying retirement. The Hill Country of Texas near Fredericksburg is one of our favorite destinations - especially since we can get there in less than 6 hours. This time we are going with 3 other couples - one on their maiden voyage in their new horse trailer/RV! The weather is cool and the dogs are pumped - especially Georgia. She loves to travel and would have slept in the truck last night, if we'd let her! See you when we get back!

Exodus 23:4 "If you come across your enemy's ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to take it back to him.

Rodeo Queen

While in Wyoming this past summer, we attended the Cody Rodeo. If you want a taste of good old Americana, a rodeo is the event to attend - especially when located in the heart of ranching country where life is still difficult if you want to stay close to the land.

An open air arena, steel and wood viewing stands, kids running free and safe and NO security guards posted at every gate. Talk about a step back in time!

The rodeo queen was darling and rode her horse with grace and skill before the event started. The Star Spangled Banner was sung by a crowd who, without exception, removed their hats and/or placed their right hand over their heart. And finally, a prayer was spoken to ask that all the participants and their loved ones remain safe during the competition and on their way home. Attend a rodeo and reconnect with your soul....

I will be out of town for several days - hopefully gathering more inspiration down in Texas Hill Country. This 8 X 10 painting will be posted on my eBay Auction site when I get back.

Ecclesiastes 10:10 If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success.

Kiss My ... 5

This big-eared mule actually gave me a hard time when I tried to photograph her from the rear. She definitely didn't want me in her space, since she didn't know me yet, but she also preferred facing me while keeping her distance. I have been told that mules are less likely to kick than horses - and that they rarely buck. I've never ridden one, but I have a friend who trains and competes with them - and she promises that once you ride a mule you'll be hooked! I'll stick with my quarter horses, though I will ride a mule first chance I get....but then I'm pretty stubborn, too, about my preferences.

Mark 16:14 Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.

Rodeo Cowboy 1

I live in a part of Texas where there are real cowboys who actually making a living taking care of cattle and horses. There's not many of them left - and darn few young ones. Horses aren't broke the way they used to be, either. Cowboys didn't have the time (or patience) to gradually get a horse used to a saddle and then some weight , etc. They just cinched the tack on them, got on and hoped for the best. And some horses never like the notion of a man on his back - and thank goodness for that or we wouldn't have the saddle bronc competition in the PRCA! This painting was inspired from a bunch of photos I acquired from a friend whose family has been in the ranching and rodeo business for 3 generations in New Mexico. You can tell it's "old style" from the outfit the cowboy is wearing - simple chaps and no protective gear!!!

Psalm 100:5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.