Fair Warning?

16 X 20 Oil on Canvas
SOLD to a Dallas Collector from Dutch Art Gallery

I painted this image as a small painting first, and I am beginning to believe that I do my best work in that manner. I added the cactus and hiding snake to give a reason for the horse doing his spooky, jumping thing. The mountain man image came from the Rendezvous Pageant at Pinedale, Wyoming and I have several more plans to use him.
I have been busy painting larger paintings recently because I have an ad coming out in the American Art Collector Magazine next month. I also participated in a small local show this weekend, and sold one of my big paintings that I WAS hoping to sell after the ad. Being low on large-painting-inventory is a GOOD thing!
I plan to paint a couple more little ones today - Ron's cows were up close to the house yesterday evening and one big old momma cow has a HUGE baby still nursing on her - talk about a chick that needs to leave the nest! I couldn't resist taking their picture.
Psalm 84:3
Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.

Hurry Up, Mule!

20 X 24 Oil on canvas
Check with Artist for availability

As you know, we spent a lot of time this summer traveling and gathering reference material for my paintings. One of the events we attended was the Pinedale Mountain Man Rendezvous Pageant in Wyoming. They re-enact the settling of the county with a totally fabulous show held at their rodeo grounds.
I took pictures of mules, horses, teams of horses, native Americans, cowboys and settlers, and MORE. My husband declared my photo library complete. I say, NO WAY! But I have to admit that it's pretty close.
This mule was being towed by a scruffy looking guy, and the fellow in the background was actually part of another scene. I put them together and will let YOUR imagination react to the image. (Who's towing the mule and why are they in a hurry? Is the man chasing them or warning them?) All I know for sure is that the mule needs to go faster!
Psalm 55:8
I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.

Just a Little Skiddish

5 X 7 Oil on Masonite $110
SOLD to a Texas collector

This is from one of the multitude of images I saved at the Mountain Man Rendezvous Pageant in Pine Dale, Wyoming last month. This man was in full mountain man costume and he was showing off the spinning ability of his horse. This is one image that I will making into a larger painting - maybe placing a snake hiding in some cactus to the left of the horse - and retitling it "SURPRISE!".

I worked all day today on this little painting and another 40 X 30 canvas of a bison that has been in my head since I saw him a month ago. It is a total departure from my past work, and I hope you all will stay tuned while I go in new directions with my paintings.....I will reveal it Saturday.
Deuteronomy 8:18
But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.

Wyoming Pasture Rock

The face of this rock looks to be a climber's dream - solid with plenty of hand-holds. I took a photo of this formation from my truck last summer while crossing Wyoming. The pasture was lush and rolling, the firs were waving gently in the breeze and the picturesque cedar fence followed the terrain for a mile. And then this huge rock rose up spectacularly from out of the earth. A house up there would be way neat, but you'd have to use a helicopter to come and go!

9 X 12 oil on canvas board. $100 from me until it joins the others in the gallery.

Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

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."

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.