Looking for Spring

SOLD to a collector in Canada

I know it's February, but there is a touch of Spring in the air. Dandy can feel it and she's appears to be looking for it. All the horses are ready for green grass. Dandy is still quite fuzzy despite the 90+ degree temperature yesterday, and her dark coat reflects every color of the rainbow.

Yesterday was very warm, but the horses were acting as if it were a cold day - kicking and bucking. I saw them through the studio window and grabbed my camera as I ran out the door. I was wearing shorts and had my painting apron on. Easy stopped dead in his tracks and stared and stared - not recognizing me in shorts, I guess! I could have taken offense, but I just assumed he was blinded by my white legs! PJ was surprised, too, and took off bucking like a young athlete - which she is neither.

Today is supposed to turn cold again - hopefully the peach trees will resume their slumber.

Media: oil on gessoed masonite
Size: 8 in X 6 in (20.3 cm X 15.2 cm)
Price: $115 USD

How to Purchase:

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Price: $115 includes shipping and insurance in US
Overseas shipping available
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Keep it Tight

SOLD to a collector in North Carolina

The horse is doing his job - keeping the rope taunt - while the cowboy does his. A hard job made easier with a good horse. I almost painted the horse's tail unbraided, but I decided to leave it exactly as I saw it. I am willing to bet that this cowboy DIDN'T braid it, either! What are the odds that his girlfriend keeps this animal all trimmed and combed? Perhaps I should re-title this painting "Whose Horse Is It Anyway???"
I also photographed this painting in a frame that I thought makes it look really good. I am taking a number of paintings to 3 different galleries the end of March and many of the paintings I have on my blog and in Daily Painters will be moving and no longer available through me. What does not sell in the next 4 weeks, can only be purchased through my galleries.
Proverbs 12:10
A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal.

Media: oil on canvas board
Size: 14 in X 11 in (35.6 cm X 27.9 cm)
Price: $200 includes shipping and insurance to U.S.

How to Purchase:SOLD

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Roper 1 - Timing is Everything

6 X 8 Oil on gessoed masonite
Check with me for availability

There must have been 100 competitors at the roping I attended Sunday afternoon. I was there 2 hours and witnessed at least 30 of them compete. One right after the other. Not many of them missed their mark, either - and no one got hurt, despite the fast action and the explosive way the cowboys must dismount their horses and run to the calves. Like many events in life, timing is everything - the toss of the rope, how it settles precisely over the calf's head, the dismount at the exact moment the horse is stopping, the sprint to the calf, the tying of the feet...all makes a 5 second difference between a winning time (about 7 seconds) and a good, but losing time (12 seconds).
From those that don't win, you don't witness any theatrics, either. The cowboys simply dust themselves off, pat their horses in thanks for their efforts, remount, coil their rope and start thinking about the next opportunity.
Galatians 1:10
Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

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waterhole

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This animal is just too nice to quit painting. This time from the other side with his closest shoulder forward, a different background and slightly smaller. On 3/4 inch canvass with painted sides, wired and ready to hang.

I will probably continue with this series for a while and also the rodeo roping events series. I am coming down to a deadline where I need everything completed so I can frame them in time to go to some galleries. I really prefer to varnish them, too, which is REALLY hard to do safely with oils. I have varnished paintings that I thought were fully dried and made a total mess. But that's better than accidentally spraying adhesive on them, like one of the Daily Painters did! Ouch.

2 Corinthians 5:8
We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

Media: oil on gallery wrap canvas ready to hang
Size: 20 in X 20 in (50.8 cm X 50.8 cm)

How to Purchase:

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Roping

nodp
I have spent much of Sunday afternoon at a roping competition where I took advantage of wonderful light, fantastic subjects and a-typical February Texas weather. Get ready for some cowboy paintings!

On The Run

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I seem to be doing a lot of running horses images lately - with an even more than average amount of red. Perhaps I am thinking about the stock market too much?

This was another image from the Kalispell, Montana horse event last summer. As you may remember, I am particularly fond of bay horses and this fellow was especially well turned out with a very confident rider. Regretfully, we didn't return the final day to discover the winners. In my opinion they were all champions just by virtue of competing.

I have a whole file of just competitors faces. Most are intensely focused and some are grimacing in extreme concentration. But a few are so totally enjoying themselves and grinning from ear to ear that I found myself pulling for them to win (and wishing I could be momentarily in their space). I am still dreaming of flying...

Ephesians 6:6
Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.

Media: oil on canvas ready to hang
Size: 18 in X 18 in (45.7 cm X 45.7 cm)
How to Purchase:

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The Eventer 2

18 X 24 on 1 1/2" gallery wrapped canvas, ready-to-hang
Another image from Kalispell's horsey event. This was captured during the cross country steeple chase event. One horse at a time on a timed course. Points are taken off for hitting jump rails or refusals. We were sitting along the "experienced competitor's" route so we didn't see but one refusal and very few rails knocked.

This event requires the animals to be in better shape that just about any other event, with the possible exception being those that compete in long distance endurance races. The horses are "vetted" the morning of the event and I heard that one animal was disqualified for soreness. Considering that many come from the other side of the country and Canada, I think I would have been terribly disappointed.

I am still dreaming of flying on a horse.....

Psalm 22:5
They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed.

Media: Oil in Gallery Wrapped Canvas
Size: 24 in X 18 in (61 cm X 45.7 cm)
Price: $200 includes shipping and insurnance in US

How to Purchase:

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Price: $200 USD
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The Eventer

SOLD to a Collector in Ohio

This is NOT a Quarter Horse! Maybe a Trakehner? Holsteiner? Hanoverian? I saw this handsome fellow at an equestrian event at Rebecca Farms in Kalispell, Montana this past summer, and the event was every bit as colorful as this horse! Mike accompanied me for 2 days in Horse Heaven - watching incredibly turned out and athletic animals (and their riders) compete in dressage and cross country events. There were a number of world class competitors, too and it was a thrill for me to witness. Most of the horses were thoroughbred and warm blood crosses - a huge variety of sizes, shapes and colors - even several Paints! All were tall and balanced and in condition that would rival any Olympian.

I have a list of things I would love to do before I die. One of them is take a champion horse over a jump. That will never happen; it's too late as I have discovered that my bones take too long to heal now (I have broken 4 over my lifetime). But I still can enjoy watching those younger and much fitter "fly" on a horse. And dream.....Or watch my friend Trista when she competes on Gizmo....

John 1:7
He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe.

Media: oil on stretched canvas
Size: 20 in X 20 in (50.8 cm X 50.8 cm)

How to Purchase:

SOLD
Or, send me an email

On the Way to the Bison Herd

On the Way to the Bison Herd

Donated to Optimist Auction in Stephenville, Texas 2010:
Still in Jackson Hole. On the way to finding the bison herd. I hang out the window, snap the camera and get GREAT images! This was one. Sun going down behind the hills to the west. I loved the light!

Psalm 97:11
Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.

Media: oil on linen panel
Size: 10 in X 8 in (25.4 cm X 20.3 cm)
Price: $115 US includes shipping and insurance

How to Purchase: This painting is no longer available

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Fuzzy Arabian Dream

11 X 12 Oil on flat canvas $100
Includes shipping and insurance

No, your monitor is not out of focus - I "fuzzed" this painting on purpose. I was frustrated with the original working and took a large brush to it for fun. After it dries, I'm going to go back and add a few specific details and see what evolves. Stay tuned. OR if you like it as is, let me know and I will stop......
My spring is getting quite busy. I have 2 gallery shows in April and a show in Granbury for the entire month of May at the Lake Granbury Visitor's Center. ALSO if you take Western Art Collector's Magazine, look for my ad in the April issue. Fellow Daily Painter, Laurie Pace and I have reserved a full page. This issue features Texas artists, so we figured it would be a good time to take the plunge. Don't ask me how much it costs - let's just say it's a good thing I like beans and rice, and my Mom is a great cook and loves to share!!!!
Proverbs 16:19
Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.

Jackson Hole Barn

16 X 20 Oil on Canvas $125
Includes shipping and insurance

About 10 miles north of Jackson, Wyoming on the way to Yellowstone, there's a turn-off of Hwy 191 called Antelope Flats Road. This is in the Teton National Park and a huge herd of wild bison freely roam this area. To the West is the Snake River and a magnificent view of the Grand Teton, and to the East are open plains, prairies, lush meadows and, if you are lucky, the wild bison and antelope that live there. There also are a number of structures that are famous for being phtographed and this barn is one of them. This area of Wyoming is wonderful for photographers (Ansel Adams made the Tetons famous from here) and I always enjoy looking through my photos, reliving our trips.
This is part of my normal learning procedure before I paint a large painting - a color study to establish a palette. This one has a lot of paint and texture and has painted sides ready to hang.
Job 40:20
The hills bring him their produce, and all the wild animals play nearby.

Family Ties

nodp
I posted this last week even though I was not completely satisfied with it and I KNEW I had to do something more to it. I left it out and studied it and visualized what was missing, and this afternoon I tackled it. I received several e-mails that said ya'll liked it as is. Well, I didn't and this is today's work. I like it better. Sometimes, change is good - and I'm NOT talking about our political leaders - I mean within OURSELVES!

18 X 24 Contact Me for Availability

James 1:17

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

London Bridge at Lake Havasu, Arizona

NODP
I have spent a very informative afternoon with my oh-so-brilliant fellow artist, Laurie Pace. This painting is a commissioned piece for an art consultant in California who wanted a print of an original painting of mine. The only problem with that idea was that the first time I painted this image, it was only 6 X 8 and too small to enlarge to 24 X 36. So I agreed to re-paint the image - larger - so a quality reproduction could be produced. Once the painting had dried, I took it to Laurie in Dallas (I am the country mouse - she is the city), and we confabbed on the production of the print. I am living proof that it is never too late to teach an old dog new tricks.
To make a long story short, the print emerged beautifully from her magic machine, she instructed me regarding some necessary self-promotional tools and, as usual, bolstered my ego.
We also printed a couple "extra" prints that are available for purchase, in a smaller format (18 X 24). I will limit any reproductions to 20 of this image. And, of course, the original 24 X 36 painting is available for purchase as well. Contact me directly for purchase.
2 Corinthians 13:3
since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you...

Sunset Lovers

SOLD

About This Painting:

A collector suggested this painting. She said that if she and her husband could be animals, they'd be strong, free and wild Arabians running into the sunset together. I rather liked that imagery and had fun assembling it.

I've been using a lot of Cad Red and Orange lately - fiery skies and sunsets. I have been in contact with other Daily Painters that feel as I do about the rising economic crisis and it's beginning to be reflected in my art. It's hard to paint sweet and safe when there's a storm raging outside.

Jeremiah 25:32
This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Look! Disaster is spreading from nation to nation; a mighty storm is rising from the ends of the earth."
Media: oil on stretched canvas
Size: 20 in X 16 in (50.8 cm X 40.6 cm)

How to Purchase:
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Foal Love

About This Painting:
Two of my favorite babies - daughter Merideth and filly foal Dandy. This is from the first time they met - and Dandy typically was fearless, and Merideth, typically, had her trusting her instantly.

Psalm 112:7

He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.

Media: oil on gessoed masonite
Size: 8 in X 6 in (20.3 cm X 15.2 cm)
Price: $115 includes shipping and insurance in US

How to Purchase:

Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $115 USD
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London Bridge, Lake Havasu City, Arizona

24 X 36 Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas
Contact me for prints any size

I painted this once before as a small painting and have had several requests for print renditions. So I painted it again with the intent of offering prints. Contact me...
Mike and I are already planning our summer RV trip - and I would love to add Arizona's Painted Desert to the itinerary. I know for sure we will be going to Cuchara, Colorado and my new favorite camping grounds - Mueller State Park west of Colorado City. Creede is another favorite place - we followed the Rio Grande to its humble, spectacular beginnings there last June. I doubt we will travel as far as Montana again this year, but I will feel it tugging.
During last summer's trip I took a major hit on blog visitor numbers by not posting most of the time we were gone, and I hate to do that again this year. So I suspect I will make more effort to paint on the road this summer. I need to "practice" plein aire painting before I go, though. I ENJOY painting in nature when Nature is being nice - but when I did it in Wyoming summer-before-last it was hot and windy and buggy and I whined most of the whole time. I love my studio! And I have great respect for those that paint on location!
Proverbs 30:25
Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer.

Media: oil on gallery canvas
Size: 36 in X 24 in (91.4 cm X 61 cm)

How to Purchase:
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