There Goes the Neighborhood

8 X 8 Oil on gessoed Masonite board $110
Includes shipping and insurance in US

We don't have cable or satellite - just regular TV. There's not much to my liking on the major networks. Usually the local PBS station has enough interesting informative shows, though. And we rent DVD's from Netflix.

Recently I watched a repeat of a documentary I love - "Cloud, Wild Stallion of the Rockies". A fabulous nature photographer, Ginger Kathrens, has followed a particular stallion named "Cloud" and his family for a number of years now. The image of a mountain on fire stayed in my head and I painted this today.
It was rumored that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) was going to try and remove most of the wild horses from Montana and Nevada, but I never could find any record of it. A quick search of "what happened to Cloud" reveals nothing either. Losing the wild mustang herds would be a sad loss....
If you are interested in this little painting, click here to send me an email
To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE.
Psalm 122:8
For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.”

Counting the Herd - II

12 X 16 Oil on Belgian linen
Contact Artist for Availability

My patrons are the greatest! I was contacted by a collector last week who admired one of my older paintings of a cowboy on a hill - in the same position as this Indian. And he asked if I could paint an Indian in the same fashion with a similar composition. It so happened that I had some excellent images that I had been wanting to use and I quickly came up with a composition which I painted that very day. As we communicated during the process, though, he expressed a wish for the Indian to be wearing a Chief's headdress and for there to be clouds in the sky. He liked the overall composition, though. Since I really prefer to paint the sky first instead of last, I didn't want to go back and change it, and so I offered the first painting on my blog, and it quickly sold. I began the second almost immediately (and I have begun a third, also - with a rainbow sky and a sorrell horse). This time I added a "fancier" headdress and the clouds, keeping the bison and the Indian pretty much the same.
I normally don't like to paint the same image more than once, but I am having fun with this one - and I am open to suggestions for more compositions!
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1 Corinthians 7:7
I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that

Counting the Herd

12 X 16 oil on Belgian linen
This Painting is SOLD

This brave counts the number of bison in the herd, and his heart is heavy with the obvious news that their numbers are declining. For years his people have depended upon the bison for survival, killing only what is needed, leaving the rest. Every part of the animal is used - nothing is wasted. Without them, their way of life is threatened; their very existence is in peril.
So understandably the brave is worried. He does not know what the future holds, but a future without the bison is bleak.
I, on the other hand, know exactly where my future lies - in Heaven with my Father. And declining numbers of anything will not affect that future!
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Psalm 115:15
May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Boltswagon - donkey portrait

6 X 8 Oil on board commissioned donkey portrait
Contact Artist for YOUR animal portrait!

Dandy has gone off to "Camp Trista" to start learning how to be a grandchild horse, and all reports are excellent.
Trista-the-farrier-mother-horse-trainer has agreed to get her started in exchange for art - a win win deal for all of us.
Her mother-in-law has a fat little donkey that has been on the family farm for years, and this painting will be under the Christmas tree with her name on it. I have been assured that she DOES NOT read this blog! And yes, you are reading his name correctly - "BOLTS-wagon". LOL But I doubt he moves very fast anymore - this is one chubby, OLD donkey!
Grandbaby update: After three days of restlessness Merideth's milk began flowing heavily and baby Addison is now eating, sleeping, looking around and pooping on a fairly regular schedule - giving mom and dad 3 to 4 hours of uninterrupted stretches of sleep. After 3 nights with them, I decided they had it all under control and returned to the farm. Now to decorate for Christmas...
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Exodus 23:12
“Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and so that the slave born in your household and the foreigner living among you may be refreshed.

Baby News

Yep - she is here! For those of you not following me on Facebook, the news is great! Little Addison Reese Dodd entered our world Dec. 2 at 5:06 pm and was 20 inches long and weighed 8 pounds 5 ounces. And all parties involved are doing fine!
Living on a farm, I have been witness to many births, but none, of course, were as attached to my heart as this one was. The creation of life is something that, if you think about it for very long, it becomes difficult to wrap your mind around it. Like the size of the universe and its beginning. Impossible to fathom. Science still cannot explain all its aspects - and most especially its start. We can only have faith about its origin and trust that the reason we were created is truly as it is explained to us in the Bible - to love God and one another. And if we all did that, imagine how much better this world would be.
As for today - the world is one baby better because she is the reason for a whole lotta love being sent in her direction! This is gonna be the best Christmas ever!
1 John 4:11
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
amen
nodp

Got Your Back

6 X 8 Oil on canvas panel
Check with artist

Baby news: As of Wednesday afternoon, nothing to report other than 90% effaced and 2 cm dilation. If baby doesn't get here within 9 days, Merideth will be induced next Friday, the 10th.
This grandma-to-be is happy that we made it to December. I have used the excuse that December's birthstone is Turquoise to purchase several pieces of gorgeous Navajo turquoise jewelry, with intention of it being passed to first granddaughter. Of course I get to wear it for a least 16 years or so....
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Romans 2:1
You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.
BABY NEWS UPDATE: It's 3:00 am Thursday and we are headed to the hospital. Contractions began late last night and are getting stronger. Come on, Baby!

Still Following the Crowd

4 X 8 Oil on canvas panel $75
SOLD to a collector in Indiana

It's difficult for me to be an artist and NOT be political and imagine meaning in certain pieces. My mind wanders while working and I frequently make up stories to go with the illustrations - especially the more complicated paintings.
This is a simple painting but there's a lot of stuff going on. Cattle all traveling in one direction. It's dusty, so the way is not clear. But each follows the one in front - hoping that the destination is good and worth the trip. No map. No planning. Just follow the individual that's closest. Sound like a political statement to you?
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Micah 2:3
Therefore, the LORD says: “I am planning disaster against this people, from which you cannot save yourselves. You will no longer walk proudly, for it will be a time of calamity.

Stick With Me

6 X 8 Oil on Canvas Panel
SOLD to a Florida Collector

Momma cows are attentive most of the time - especially when their calves are still small. They do let them out of their sight as they get larger - much like us human mommas. But it's always hard to let them go.
My littlest is about to have a little 'un of her own, and I feel like this momma cow - not wanting to let her out of my sight as her due date sweeps down upon us. My goodness, nine months has passed quickly!
She has her own life now and that, of course, is about to be drastically changed (I can only pray that she has a little girl as much fun and as intelligent and bright and "chipper" as she was!). I will now be a grandma, too! A FUN grandma. A grandma who lets her grandbaby plant seeds and learn to paint and dig for worms and chase the chickens and pick beans and RIDE DANDY! Thank you, Lord, for letting me live this long to enjoy this pleasure....amen.
Genesis 18:12
So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?”
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Hurry Home

5 X 7 Oil on linen panel $75 Includes shipping and insurance

This horse knows that the day's roping has ended and he's stretched out to get home as quickly as possible. When YOU turn and head for home, you know the feeling...
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Proverbs 15:31
Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.

Chicken Gourmet - Texas Coyote

5 X 7 Oil on Linen Panel $95

Includes shipping and insurance

If you follow this blog, you know we have chickens. You also know that while we were gone this summer, the "Great Chicken Massacre of 2010" occurred, wiping out 16 of my 22 hens and roosters. We are 99% sure it was coyotes and not stray dogs. Normally the coyotes are very shy and cautious, and we rarely see them during the day (they know we are gunning for them). I saw one 2 days ago, though, just down the road. I actually admire them for their cunning and beauty and only reluctantly approve shooting them when they come into our yard. This fellow was fat and healthy and appeared just as surprised as we were to see him.
I am going to continue new techniques and color palettes for the rest of the year. I have been partially inspired by an artist who was recently introduced to me. Her name is Susan Smolensky and you can find her HERE. Watch her work for a while and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
If you are interested in this painting, Click here to send me an email.
1 John 3:13
Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

Upsee Daysee

8 X 8 Oil on Canvas Panel Check with Artist for Availability

My adorable friend, Trista, has begun training Miss Dandy and I am so excited! Not only is Trista a terrific farrier, but she is an incredibly gifted rider and trainer as well. I have watched her ride her mare, Giza, without a bridle or saddle and get her to perform a number of maneuvers. This image is her jumping Tarragon, an Appaloosa gelding she trained - using only a halter.
I am going to trade her a painting for her work with Miss Dandy and this is just a preliminary color test. I have a feeling she will prefer her mare in the picture, but we haven't worked out the details yet.
If you are interested in this painting, Click here to send me an email.
Acts 3:8
He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.

Buckaroo

8 X 6 Oil on Board $95
Includes shipping and insurance

An image of an old time cowboy on a bareback bronc - before they wore the fancy colored chaps, flack vest and helmets! He has already lost his hat and about to eat some dirt!
To all my followers: Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and be safe if you are traveling! And remember where we owe our gratitude...
If you are interested in this painting, Click here to send me an email.

Psalm 78:25
Human beings ate the bread of angels; he sent them all the food they could eat.

Bull Fight - continuous line drawing

5 X 10 image area ink on index $20

Two separate photos of bucking bulls - combined to make a fighting scenario. I think I'll paint it with a lot of hot colors....
If you are interested in this drawing , Click here to send me an email.
Proverbs 6:28
Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched?
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If Everyone Jumped Off A Cliff...appaloosa horse painting

12 X 24 Oil on Stretched Canvas
Contact Artist for Availability

I am willing to bet that at least once in your life, one of your parents said to you. "Well, if everyone jumped off a cliff, would you?" Of course this query came on the tail of a demand from you that ended with the phrase"....and EVERYONE ELSE is doing it!!!"
This painting depicts a horse of a different color unwilling to follow his herd mates over the cliff, despite the fact that they appear to know exactly what they are doing. There are so many parallels here to our own lives, and they are ALL too obvious to mention.
Suffice it to say that I have occasionally been reluctant to follow the crowd and I am becoming even more so the older I get.
Acts 3:8
He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.
Media: oil

Size: 24 in X 12 in (61 cm X 30.5 cm)

How to Purchase:
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Cowboy Guitar Player - continuous line drawing

Image 5 X 8 ink on index $20

I have another image I want to use with this one - a young girl gazing lovingly up into his eyes....
So many ideas, so little time.
Genesis 6:8
But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.

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Arabian Mare - continuous line drawing

8 X 10 Continuous line drawing of Arabian mare
ink on index $20

Trying to keep in tune with drawing. This is another one of Tessa's mares - they supply me with endless images.
I have been celebrating the seeming re-awakening of the voting populace, although I fear the Left Coast and Nevada are doomed (sorry if you live there!) I am still stocking up on food supplies in anticipation of rising inflation. Gas has already started.
Our illustrious president thinks he can charm the rest of the world into continuing to support our spending habits - I think that ship has sailed and he forgot to buy a ticket.
Meantime, back at the ranch...we are planning a larger garden, possibly purchasing a milk cow (yep, I know how to milk a cow - and even make cheese and butter), and starting Dandy's training as a saddle horse. The chickens are doing well, the bees are winterized, the wood pile is huge and the kitties are learning how to hunt mice and other varmints. We are planning for the worse, praying for the best and will be thrilled if all this preparation is for naught.
Psalm 93:5
Your statutes, LORD, stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days.

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Free Ride

20 X 20 Oil
Check with artist for availability

Tough old mountain man and even tougher mule. He takes a moment to appreciate the beautiful butterfly hitching a free ride on the mule's halter. There is a little art lover in all of us...
This painting can be viewed at the Dutch Art Gallery in Dallas. The show opens November 1 and runs through December 31, with the artist reception Saturday, November 6 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Come see me!
Psalm 45:4
In your majesty ride forth victoriously in the cause of truth, humility and justice; let your right hand achieve awesome deeds.
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Sorting Team

11 X 14 Oil

SOLD

Ranch rodeos are always a great place to get action images and this one in Dublin, Texas last April was no exception. For the uneducated, Ranch Rodeos are team competitions. Local ranches put together a team of 4 cowboys and they compete in assorted events - like penning, loading, sorting, roping and wild cow milking. The guys (and sometimes gals) take the competition very seriously - especially since there is usually a little money and a lot of bragging rights on the line!
See this painting at the Dutch Art Gallery in Dallas and come see ME November 6 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm - and many of the other Artists of Texas. You won't be disappointed in our art!
James 2:17
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

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Bandit Betrayal

24 X 30 Oil
Contact artist for availability

Another large version of a small painting. This one, too, will be in the Dutch Art Gallery Show through December 31.
Who's betraying who in this action packed painting? Come see me at the show and I'll tell you MY version of the story!
Click here to send me an email if you are interested in this painting.
Matthew 28:15
So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.

Dusty Work

16 X 20 Oil
Contact Artist for availability

I painted this as a small 9 X 12 first, made a few changes and enlarged it to 16 X 20.
This painting will be in the Dutch Art Gallery in Dallas. Show opens November 2 and goes through December 31. Over 40 artists from Texas will be displaying their work, and the reception is Saturday, November 6 from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. I have seen much of the work to be displayed and I am overwhelmed at the quality. And the pricing is very competitive for original, creative work. (And I am not just talking about MY work!)
Starting November 1, you will be able to view many of the paintings available on-line and I will post the link here. Stay tuned!
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Proverbs 20:13
Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.

Longhorn Steer on a Bone

Image area 1.5 X 2 inches
acrylic on white tail deer bone - contact artist

I have a friend who raises Longhorns and wants me to paint a portrait of a favorite cow on a bone. I have had many challenges before, but this is my first bone painting!
I thought I'd better experiment first, and I found this small piece of deer bone in the pasture. After I cleaned it, I gessoed and primed it and then painted the image with acrylic, using an extender to keep the paint from drying too fast. I'll spray a matte varnish over it tomorrow.
Now I need to get ahold of a bovine hip or shoulder bone. A skull would be GREAT (especially if it had horns), but they are expensive and I don't want to part with any of mine.
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Proverbs 25:15
Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

Watching Your Back

10 X 3 1/4 Oil on Canvas panel $55
SOLD to a Houston Collector

This is a color study for a larger (probably 20 X 40) painting.
Monday I head for Dallas to haul 7 new paintings to the Dutch Art Gallery for the Artists of Texas Fall show which lasts through December 31 and I am really excited about it. They sold 2 large paintings for me last week and it seems I have a growing following up there.
Not much time to blog tonight - the Rangers are playing in less than an hour and they need me... :-)
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Proverbs 24:6
for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers.

Texas Afternoon

6 X 8 Oil on Masonite panel $55

Includes Shipping and Insurance

I have a customer who wants a Texas Cactus painting and I have been searching for backgrounds. I have a number of cactus images - and this year was especially good for them. Believe it or not, but even cactus can be stressed by drought and those in our pastures were looking pretty bad...along with the live oaks and hackberries. AND grass! But this year's rain has been fair, though all at once, and the cactus have recovered.
Anyway, I drifted. This is a preliminary background for a cactus painting, which I have completed and will post tomorrow.
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Deuteronomy 28:12
The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.

Golden Goofball

16 X 16 oil on gallery wrap canvas - no frame needed
$220 includes shipping and insurance

I have painted this pooch before. He belongs to a "horsey" friend of mine and is a typical Golden Retriever. He wants everyone to share in his joy of life, and he never meets a stranger. I was at Tessa's to photograph her Arabians and this guy found a wash rag that he carried around, hoping someone would play with him. He ended up carrying it into a pond where he lost it.
I spent the next 15 minutes laughing at him looking for his rag - in muddy water! Hence the name "Goofball"!
I tried something different on this painting - I smushed some "Golden Gel Medium" around on the canvas first and then I painted the image. Makes for some interesting textures. Also I used DaVinci fast dry alkyd oil paint so this one will dry fast and won't need varnishing - in time for Christmas!
Isaiah 58:7
Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

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Price: $220 USD
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Summertime Joy

18 X 34 Oil on Canvas
Contact Artist for Availability

This is one of the pieces that has consumed me for the past 4 weeks and I am 98% sure I am finished with it!
A precious friend in Florida shared a photo of her adorable daughter with me and I could not resist painting it...a great photo can make a great painting!
My favorite month is living up to its reputation. So far October has been great - and can only be made better with a couple thunderstorms. The fall garden is planted and it looks as if I may even get a crop of green beans before the weather turns cold in earnest. All chickens are laying and one is setting on 5 eggs. No sign of coyotes, but I HAVE heard a great horned owl outside the bedroom.
The Artists of Texas show at the Dutch Art Gallery in Dallas is nearly complete - advertising is in place and goodies arranged. I will post more info on this later - it will run through all of November and December. The "Open House Meet the Artist" reception will be Saturday afternoon, November 6 and I would LOVE to meet you there!
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Job 29:24
When I smiled at them, they scarcely believed it; the light of my face was precious to them.

Roper - continuous line drawing

5 X 7 Blue ink on index $20
Includes shipping US

Some of the drawings I have done lately would work very well as paintings, and I get that suggestion regularly from my followers.
I have several canvases started, but my motivation right now is directed toward my future granddaughter (due in December), getting the winter garden planted, and starting Miss Dandy's training (Oh yeah, she's 2 1/2 now!). SO many interests and so little time...
Genesis 18:14
Is anything too hard for the LORD ? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son."

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Price: $20 USD
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Moo - continuous line drawing

blue ink on index 5 X 7 image area $20
SOLD

This has been a busy week. Since I completed the paintings for the Dutch Art November Show, I got a chance to start Merideth's baby quilt - or should I say Addison's baby quilt? As a result, I have not drawn or painted, and when I don't post for several days, I hear from my mother "Are you all right?" Yes, Mom - this drawing is a shout-out to you! I am all right!
I have been a quilter since I was first married when we had very little money for Christmas gifts. (Back then, many people still thought the notion of BORROWING for gifts was absurd). BUT I knew how to sew and had tons of scraps (mostly knits and polyesters, but stills scraps). I had no idea what I was doing, but somehow I made my mother-in-law a twin sized, all squares, very heavy and not-very-attractive-but-quite-warm quilt. The top was mostly synthetic fabrics; the batting was an old blanket; and the back was a twin sheet left over from my college dorm days. I put the quilting stitches "in the ditch" - one at a time. It cost me nothing to make and was the start of a very long learning curve about quilt making. I have since become pretty good at it and have even taught some continuing-ed classes in quilting.
When I am through with this little one, I will show you - alongside the very first one.
Proverbs 4:2
I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.

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Price: $20 USD
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Lost the Cow continuous line drawing

5 x 7 image area ink on index $20
includes shipping US
Went to my 40th High School reunion this weekend and it was surprisingly fun. No, I did not remember everyone, but those I DID remember, remembered me (or said they did) and seemed glad to see me. Now we return to life on the farm and getting ready for the grand baby...
One of the hens will NOT leave her nest box and evidently wants to set some eggs, so I am going to let her. I know it's late in the year for this, and I may regret it, but she is so darned determined to do it. I will save the largest eggs for a couple days and keep them at room temperature, mark them and place them all under the hen at the same time. And hopefully 21 days from then we'll have some chicks. Of course, I am also assuming that the rooster has been doing his job...I will "candle" the eggs a week into incubation to check for fertility....
Jeremiah 17:11
Like a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay is the man who gains riches by unjust means. When his life is half gone, they will desert him, and in the end he will prove to be a fool.

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Price: $20 USD
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Lion Queen - continuous line drawing

8 X 4 1/2 Ink on Index $20 in US includes shipping
In an effort to step out of my box full of horses, I am drawing other critters. This image was shared by Pat Broeder - taken at a zoo somewhere. When lions rest, they REALLY are at rest. I read somewhere that they actually spend the largest percentage of their day doin' nothin'. Especially the males...but we won't go there...
Exodus 33:14
The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

Alpaca 1 - continuous line drawing

Ink on index Image area 4 1/2 X 7 1/2 $20
Includes shipping and insurance in US

Neighbors Pam and Jeff raise Alpacas. If you get the chance to pet one, take it - it's like touching a cloud - softest fur I have ever experienced. And they come in the prettiest of earthtone colors!

I may just have to paint one today for fun...
Matthew 10:8
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

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Price: $20 USD
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Apart From the Crowd

12 X 24 Oil on Canvas
SOLD to an Indiana Collector

OK - this is one of my few (yeah, sure) political/social/personal statement paintings. From an artist's point of view, I have always been a little skewed from the rest of the world. Likewise politically speaking. I have, however, managed to be diplomatic and keep friends in my life. So which horse do you think is me?
If I paint this again, I will make all the horses plain sorrels and me a flashy palomino! Or perhaps the reverse...I will be the plain one and the others will be paints and/or palominos. Which leads me to my bucket list...item number 22: Own or breed a palomino horse like Trigger. I have just about written that one off. Color DOES NOT define "good" horses and I have owned one very good horse in my life, and for that I am immensely grateful. She's gone now, but I still have her daughter and granddaughter. I should be satisfied...SHOULD. But I would still love a palomino...(or a buckskin like "Buttermilk" and then I could pretend I was Dale Evans).
If you are interested in this painting, contact me quickly - it will be in the Dallas Show at the Dutch Art Gallery starting November 1.
Psalm 22:26
The poor will eat and be satisfied; they who seek the LORD will praise him— may your hearts live forever!

Object of His Affection 2

4 X 5 oil on linen $50
includes shipping US

This is NOT one of my roosters - he is, in fact, a "town bird" - one of many in Morgan Mill who wander at will, scrapping with each other, vieing for the attention of about a dozen freely roaming hens. They don't have the coyotes to deal with. Instead they have to watch out for stray dogs, cats and automobiles. Somehow they survive, partly because they can fly better than my birds. Survival of the fittest.
I was curious as to the origin of chickens and who first domesticated them...and my research led me to images of the Red Jungle Fowl - the wild version of our chicken that originated in India. THIS is a stunningly beautiful bird, and there used to be a rooster that was colored like this in Morgan Mill. I always thought he was someone's fighting rooster who somehow got loose. He did have the largest group of hens in his entourage, and perhaps it is his offspring that manage so well now on their own.
Acts 27:34
Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head."

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Price: $50 USD
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White Cat Face - continuous line drawing

5 1/2 X 5 1/2 ink on index paper
FREE with purchase of any painting

OK - so I can't draw cats - I KNEW that going in, which is why I defined the square drawing area before starting the drawing lines. By doing that, it gives me hard reference points that can correspond to the photo.
I often draw grid lines on my canvas and corresponding lines on my reference photo to get the drawing correct. I don't care how good a painter you are - if the drawing is bad, the painting will be bad.
Psalm 16:6
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.
nodp

Prayer Before The Ride continuous line drawing

Ink on Index Paper $25 Includes shipping
Image 5 X 7

I spotted this cowboy under the grandstand in Cody, Wyoming a couple summers ago. Local rodeo, local townspeople, no celebrities, abundance of dirt and fun.
A few of the cowboys had fancy duds (sparkly chaps), and a couple even wore flak jackets and helmets when they rode the rough stock. But most of 'em just rode in the clothes they wore all day working on the ranch. This cowboy's habit was to read his Bible before every ride. I'd like to tell you he won, but he drew a pretty rank horse and was thrown fairly quickly. But he walked out of the arena unharmed, and I call that an answer to prayers...
Ephesians 1:16
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

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Price: $25 USD
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Arabian Moves

11 X 14 Oil on Canvas $160
Includes shipping and insurance

My friend Tessa raises horses - lots of them - Arabians, Saddlebreds and Quarabs. This is one of her broodmares who always can be counted on to show me lots of flashy movement and her elegant neck. The color bay is probably one of the most common in the horse world, but it's my favorite to paint. And as much as I love quarters horses, I have to admit that Arabians always are great subjects.
Proverbs 22:2
Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all.

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Price: $160 USD
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Object of His Affection

Blue Ink on Index paper $25 US
Image area 5 1/2 X 7

As you may recall, the great chicken massacre (now referred to as "Remember the Chicklamo") eliminated all the roosters and left us with 6 grieving widowed hens. My friend, Sandi, who shared the baby chick shipment with me last spring raised up with a half dozen roosters in her bunch of 26 (as I did) and offered to "share" a couple with me (I promised not to eat one or allow the coyotes to). We went and visited her coop this afternoon to select the new grooms and ended up bringing home the two I could catch the easiest. One is a speckled Sussex and the other (I suspect) is a Dark Cornish. Both are quite docile and not near as aggressive as our Barred Rock (who I like to imagine valiantly defended the girls before succumbing to coyote teeth).
Upon release in the coop, one of the Dark Cornish hens promptly flailed the Sussex with beak, wings and feet. Both roosters quickly retreated to the inside of the hen house, clucking worriedly. I guess that chickens have a pecking order (duh) much like horses and have to work it out when a new individual is introduced. Fortunately the hens don't have spurs on their legs for combat and the roosters' spurs haven't gotten very big yet. I don't foresee much blood letting, but then I don't know that much about chicken behavior yet - the learning curve is turning...
Proverbs 30:33
For as churning the milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife.

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Another Day's Work, Another Day's Pay

28 X 28 Oil on Stretched Canvas
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This old boy has worked and earned his keep all his life...he wouldn't know what to do if he wasn't saddled to go to work every day...like a lotta people I know. His name is "Rusty" and a more willing horse you'll never find.
I have a show coming up in Dallas in November and if this one is dry in time, it'll be in it. If you want it, contact me quick, 'cause I'll hafta paint another.
Genesis 1:10
God called the dry ground "land," and the gathered waters he called "seas." And God saw that it was good.