Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Roll in the Grass - horse rolling oil painting illustration
Had another saddling experience with Dandy today, and like I expected, we had a bit more attitude. No real bucking, just aggravating kicks at me as I made her run around the round pen, change direction and speed up and slow down. We both were pretty pooped after 20 minutes, but the results were great. This time I left the halter on and tied the lead rope to the saddle horn - just tight enough to prevent her from lowering her head to eat. THAT made her mad at first, but then she paid attention to me.
I never let my horses graze when they are tacked up - it shows them that I am the one in charge, not them. But don't worry, they get rewarded later - after they have stood patiently tied for 30 minutes.
Consistency is the key to training a horse AND raising children. Both depend on rules that they can rely on, and it's not cruel to enforce them - fairly. I have found that the best way to train horses and children (and even husbands) is to make good behavior easier than bad behavior. This does NOT mean I don't believe in corporal punishment - if a horse bites or kicks me, they get it back from me twice as bad. A lot of people make the mistake of treating a horse like a dog, and I can attest that that never works. Most horses need a leader and respond best to someone who acts and behaves bossier than them. That doesn't mean you have to have an alpha personality to be a good horseman, but it helps....
Proverbs 14:26
He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Curiosity - oil painting of foal baby horse
Today was Dandy's first time encounter with a saddle, and the experience went well. I had hung the saddle blanket and saddle on the fence at the round pen and turned her loose in it. She was wary at first, but approached it after a couple snorts. After she sniffed the blanket, I pulled it off the fence and offered to touch her with it. She spooked and I chased her around, waving the blanket. As soon as she looked in my direction, I took off the pressure, let her stop and approached her with the blanket. If she moved away, I kept her moving. On the third approach, she let me rub her with it and finally lay it on her and flip it all over her.
I did the same with the saddle - and it only took two times around the round pen before she was allowing me to flop it up on her back. At no time did I force her to accept the items - she was entirely halterless and was allowed to leave if she wanted to.
Finally I put both the blanket and the saddle on her back and reached under her belly for the cinch. I had been tightening a rope around her girth since she was a day old, so the tightened cinch was nothing new. Plus there was some fresh winter grass in the pen that she was much more interested in.
I flipped a rope at her asking her to move (see movie) and it wasn't until I got her into a slow lope that she finally got a little cinchy and offered a half-hearted buck. I knew that wouldn't be the only tantrum, so I encouraged more movement and did get a couple serious kicks - both at me and at the saddle. I suspect it was more because I wouldn't let her eat, though!
When I finally got a couple smooth lope transitions with no buck going both directions, I allowed her to rest and graze with the saddle on. After 30 minutes, I removed it - lesson over. It has been my experience that the SECOND lesson is the one to get on film - we'll see tomorrow!
And DON'T WORRY, MOM! I won't get on her for a couple more weeks - just kidding. Actually since she is still so small, I probably won't let anyone get on her before next fall - if then. But by that time, she will be ground broke. And if I can borrow a friend's kid, I may put them on her and lead her around.
Genesis 1:25
God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Close By - horse foal and mare painting
Young horses are a lot like human children. They need to know that safety in the form of Momma is close at hand. They'll venture off for a while but always keep Momma in view for security.
Watch a human baby and a horse baby. They both will keep a watch on Mom (or Dad) for safety (and confirmation) as they venture further and further away. They'll test themselves and learn about their environment and all its scary stuff. A wise parent will allow the baby to experience an occasional booger and even boo-boos. It's the best way for lessons to be learned.
An ignorant parent never allows a child to fail or get hurt and thereby learn that they CAN survive and save themselves. Kinda like Uncle Sam, huh? Or Big Brother?
Acts 27:34
Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive.
Media: oil
Size: 8 in X 6 in (20.3 cm X 15.2 cm)
Friday, January 8, 2010
Wind Blown - abstract running horse
Yesterday was NOT a good day - I wiped off two painting. Poof - gone. Just couldn't seem to get it together. Should have stuck with painting the pantry shelves - better results and much more satisfying!
Today is better, despite the brutal cold. Temperature is in the teens, so there is no urge to venture outside at all. Little wood stove is glowing, kitty is curled up in the chair and Georgia periodically sticks her nose out and goes, "uh, uh." I have to shove her out to go to the bathroom. She must have a huge bladder!
Don't forget to send me your WELL LIT horse photos for consideration. I am still planning on painting 28 horses in 28 days in February. E-mail them to me at debbiegraysonlincoln@yahoo.com.
Acts 3:19
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Bevo - Outstanding in His Field - longhorn steer mascot Unitversity of Texas UT
Never one to back down from a chance to try something new, I said, "Great!" A cutting horse, he wasn't, but docile and willing, he was. A nose ring acted as the main steering mechanism, and even though I felt as if I was falling downhill the whole time, it really was fun!Durango is a lot bigger now (and so are his horns), but he's still a gentle giant and as well cared for as any loved pet. And in my opinion a LOT better looking than the current UT mascot!
Isaiah 1:19
If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land.
Monday, January 4, 2010
28 horses in 28 days
Fellow Daily Painter, Carol Nelson, has challenged herself to paint 100 portraits in 100 days and has requested that her followers send in photos for her to paint. She's been gathering material for several weeks now and started painting 4 or 5 days ago. View her blog HERE.
I think her idea is a wonderful and challenging New Year's Goal, and I am considering doing it with horses, mine and other people's, in February.
She posted good advice for photos that she can use - do NOT use a flash; natural light is best - preferably sunlight to the side. The bigger the image, the better (I have horrible eyesight and I paint from my computer screen). I also prefer to paint horses moving - or at least doing something. I will paint just heads, but moving bodies are so much more interesting.
If I get a few responses from you, I will start this mini-marathon in February. I have enough photos of my own to do this, but I thought other people's horses might be fun, too. And of course, they will be offered for sale! Of course! But obviously, you would be under no obligation to buy....
Another note, please send only YOUR photos - no internet Flickr, etc. images. nodp
send me an email with your photos for consideration.
Proverbs 19:20
Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Wind Runner - abstract study of running horse
I asked him about his technique and he convinced me to try it myself.
Let me make myself clear - this is nowhere near as good as Rick's work, and according to Rick I didn't follow instructions completely.
But it was revealing and I am going to do the same image again in different colors and try harder to follow instructions!
Instructions: Wash canvas with a medium value red. Wipe away the lightest areas (use a rag or clean brush dipped in turp). Add ALL darkest areas. Finally add color.
As you can see, I added the color too early, and I was chastised from breaking the formula. I will do better on the next one.
The advantage of painting this way is that by the end of the third step (putting in ALL the darks), you should be able to tell if the composition will work.
I am eager to try this on a landscape - and even a portrait.
By the way, the subject of this little painting is Tuffy, the buckskin paint who has a Napoleon complex. Carpenter Carl brought him back for a visit. Carl's in the neighborhood building a house (he built my studio summer-before-last), and he rotates Tuffy between our place and another friend. Carl's a handy guy to know - he's going to help us build a chicken house. Grasshopper control and fresh eggs are the objective. We need a secure place for the birds, though, because we have a prolific population of Great Horned Owls, Red tailed Hawks and Coyotes - not to mention the assorted snakes. Gee - makes you wonder why we try, huh? I DID try raising Guinea hens several years ago. Afterall, they seem to thrive everywhere I see them. Not so at our house.
I carefully kept the keets in an enclosed pen until they could fly and roost in the trees. The first day I let them spend the "night out" only 11 guineas came home. The next day 11 went out and 10 came back, and I found a head at the end of the driveway under the gate post - exactly where I occasionally saw an owl perched. The numbers continue to decline until 2 went out and none came home. A neighbor down the road reported a stray guinea in her barn several days later. We never saw them again. I hope to have better luck with chickens - I understand they have bigger brains...Guineas are known to forget where they lay their eggs.
Psalm 9:17
The wicked return to the grave, all the nations that forget God.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
New Year's Resolution and Thanks for 2009
So often I get wrapped up in painting, and as they stack up I wonder why they aren't flying out the door. One reason is because I live in the country miles from the city, and I'm dependent on the internet to connect with people. I must remember, however, to THANK those who HAVE taken the leap of faith and become a "Debbie Grayson Lincoln" collector. To you faithful followers, I send my heartfelt thanks and blessings for the coming New Year!
You already know the paintings look 500% better in person.
The rest of you need to be reminded that I have a 100% money-back-INCLUDING SHIPPING-guarantee. In over 5 years of internet sales I have only had one little painting returned - and it was because the purchaser thought there would be more texture. I did have another returned - but it was to repair a hole the postal service carelessly allowed. I repaired it for free, too - partly because it was before I insisted on insuring every painting shipped. Expensive lesson learned. As Dave Ramsey says: "Stupid tax".
Anyway - I have spent the whole day nursing a cold (2nd week) and updating all my internet sites. I had paintings listed on ETSY, but let that debit card expire, so I am starting over there. EBSQ is a GREAT site to keep all paintings organized and to maintain registered "certificates of authenticity". Daily Painters is my main retail outlet and where most of the smaller paintings sell. I have also gotten several commissions from there. Daily Painters of Texas is my newest and latest venue for sales. I am also the treasurer of that "pay-to-join-site" so I have a vested interest in its success. We have great plans for advertising in 2010.
In the brick-and-mortar world, The Dutch Art Gallery in Dallas sold 3 more paintings and I am hoping for repeat sales from those collectors. I have decided to show with them exclusively as well as keeping my prices the same there as on the internet. So if you want to see the colors in person, that is the place to go. They will get the best of my work.
So, Dear Collectors/Friends/Family: God bless you for your faithfulness in 2009 - may 2010 find you all healthy, wealthy and wise!
Psalm 19:7
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Left out 2 - arabian mares oil painting
We all know what it feels like to be left out of the clique. But most times they aren't talking about us - and if we simply asked, we would be invited in! Lots of color and paint in this one, and in the interest of frugality, the sides are painted black so you can hang it on the wall immediately, live with it and decide about framing it later.
Revelation 19:9
Then the angel said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' " And he added, "These are the true words of God."
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Max - pembroke welsh corgi dog portrait oil painting
Max is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi and one of Georgia's good friends. I couldn't resist taking pictures of the two of them in the snow. Max is originally from California, so I doubt he's seen much of it - and neither has Georgia, for that matter. Both dogs enjoyed a romp after establishing that it wasn't dangerous.
Now back to the book cover commission!
2 Samuel 14:25
In all Israel there was not a man so highly praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the top of his head to the sole of his foot there was no blemish in him
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to you all and may you remember that the reason Christ was born was to bring love and generosity and forgiveness to us all EVERY day of the year!
John 1: 1-5
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Asters - floral oil painting colorado flowers
Includes shipping and insurance
I awoke this morning to blustery winds, 32 degrees and fat snowflakes, desperately trying to stick on the warm ground.
Mike and I were scheduled to ring the bell for the Salvation Army in front of the local WalMart at noon, so we journeyed into town through the blizzard.
We all need to remember that the reason for Christmas is NOT to have a contest for who gets the biggest pile of goodies that hold our interest for 5 minutes. We need to remember that God only wants us to be more like him every day of the year - giving and FORgiving. And every time we do so, we get closer to him.
God bless ya'll this Christmas and remember to keep laughing at Al Gore - Global Warming hasn't hit Texas yet!
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Bevo - University of Texas mascot longhorn UT oil painting
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Dandy Coming At Ya - sunset afternoon horse running oil painting
Is dry and will arrive in time for Christmas.
Join me tonight in Dallas at the Dutch Art Gallery on NW Highway from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. I will be bringing some new paintings and sharing stories with my collectors!
Philemon 1:6
I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Zenyatta Wins - thoroughbred racehorse breeders cup winner

Includes shipping and insurance in US
Mike Smith is the only jockey to ride her and I'm sure he is sad over her retirement. I'm sad because she didn't win "horse of the year". But I'm happy, too, because she is still healthy, unlike Barbaro (or Ruffian - remember her?).
I don't follow thoroughbred racing all that much, but this one is worth researching. Winning stories are nice to read about. And winners are nice to know (and paint).
Isaiah 58:14
then you will find your joy in the LORD, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob." The mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Kiss My Bevo .... - University of Texas UT mascot oil painting
Since I mostly paint from my own photos or with permission from other photographers, AND I didn't have a personal photo of Bevo, this was a challenge. Since there are plenty of photos of Bevo on the internet, I used one of my neighbor's bull bodies and put Bevo's spots on him. They are far from perfect, but I think he's close enough.
This painting should be dry enough in time for Christmas - barely.
Psalm 37:11
But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Horse of a Different Color - bright colored abstract horse
It's another dark, wintry day in Texas. It even snowed briefly this morning. The good news is that winter rarely lasts for very long in Texas. In fact I can remember a number of Christmas days where it was 70 degrees or warmer. But today is miserable. Soooo to create warm fuzzies, I have fired up the wood stove in the studio and placed a pot of bubbling venison stew on it. The dog and kitty consider me their best friend right now.
Just 20 days until the Winter Solstice and the days will begin to lengthen again. I sympathize with my Norway friends!
Proverbs 22:24
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Free Ride - butterfly on mule nose with cowboy illustrative art book cover
Anyway, I worked a while on this painting and I still need to do a bit more - mainly darken the background (and probably "yellow" the hat). But since I'll do it with a glaze, it'll have to dry first. The title, of course, is a lie - there is no such thing as a free ride...which the world will find out eventually when the huge house of cards we have built comes crashing down.
The state of the world is beginning to worry me some more - I go through stages of confidence, followed by stages of extreme fear - and not for myself, but for those less capable. Today was a rainy, dark, worrisome day, so I spent part of it ordering seeds for next year's garden. One things is for sure, as long as I have dirt and water, I'll never go hungry, because, like my mother, I can stick a board in the ground and something will grow.
Psalm 34:10
The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Fractured - abstract horse oil painting
The frame was made of mesquite by a local craftsman. Many view mesquite trees as a nuisance, but they have the ability to survive all kinds of trauma and find water where there appears to be none. PLUS, mesquite smoked barbecue is Heaven sent. AND since the wood is so hard, it makes beautiful furniture, cutting boards and great firewood that burns hot and long.
Matthew 10:42
And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Ft Hood Soldiers visit Morgan Mill, Texas
The entire community turned out as well as a number of people from Stephenville, Huckabay, Lipan, etc. The soldiers were given a warm welcome and sent home with left-over cakes to share with their friends back on base. Mike and I made an effort to talk to and shake the hand of each and every one. A local celebrity, Tuff Hedeman, also came and answered questions about his rodeo career and the famous bull "Bodacious".
WFAA, channel 8 in Dallas, sent a camera crew again this year and we were grateful for the press coverage - but only to show the world that a little community like ours can make a difference.
View the news reel HERE.
nodp
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Afternoon Dandy
She isn't as big as I would have expected at 18 months, but she is still growing. My best guess is 13 1/2 hands (about 54 inches at the withers, for you non-horsey people). Momma PJ is right at 15 hands (60") and had nearly reached that height by the time she was 18 months. BUT I figure, if she stays short, then that just puts the ground closer and offers less gravity influence on my old bones...
I have an old light barrel racing saddle that I plan to place on her back soon. I promise a video of that event. I really don't expect a rodeo, but with horses, you can always expect the unexpected, so she might surprise us. I really think that she will simply turn around, look at it and give me her "Oh, well, what next?" look.
Stay tuned....
Genesis 1:25
God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Complimentary Tree
This color combination is called a "split complement" and uses only three colors plus white: Phalo blue, violet and yellow orange. I didn't come close to using the myriad of combinations still available from just these three colors, but I still like what evolved - fall colors.
There's a lot of paint on this one, so you'll need to be patient while it dries...
Ezekiel 17:3
Say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: A great eagle with powerful wings, long feathers and full plumage of varied colors came to Lebanon.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Big Texas Welcome - illustration art book cover oil painting
I have a number of 16 X 20 frames that it looks pretty good in, too. and I'm showing 2 of those here. PRICE INCLUDES FRAME!!!
If you want a REALLY nice Christmas gift for that western art lover of yours, this may be it. It will need to dry at least 4 more weeks before I can varnish it. And then a couple more days after that before I can ship. AND I accept layaway (1/3, 1/3, 1/3)
Don't let this one get away! It goes to the gallery next month.
1 Corinthians 15:52
in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Guard Duty - American Indian and paint horse illustration art book cover oil painting
SOLD to a California Collector
It's early Autumn, and this Indian is guarding a pass along the Paluxy River. Somehow he has acquired a Confederate soldier's jacket to warm him on those cool November mornings. His horse patiently waits.
This is the first linen canvas I have stretched in years and I forgot how wonderful (and expensive) they are to paint on. But I am definitely hooked and suppose I will have to give away all these blank cotton canvas I have stashed!
Jeremiah 17:3
My mountain in the land and your wealth and all your treasures I will give away as plunder, together with your high places, because of sin throughout your country.
How to Purchase: This painting is SOLD
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Stand Off - almost complete
I have been working on this all day and I really wanted to finish it tonight. Doesn't look like it will happen, though. I'm pooped.
I will re-post when it is truly complete. Meantime, if you are interested in it, contact me and I will send you a more accurate color representation shot in daylight.
I took photos of these individuals last year at Doug Prine's Shoot Out. They were separate images, and I combined them and added the background. This Saturday I am attending Doug's shin-dig again, this time accompanied by Dan Vanderburg, a novelist who has commissioned me to paint an image for his book cover. This is a big deal for me and something I have wanted to do for a long time - illustrations.
At the shoot out we hope to find enough individuals in early 1800's dress to assemble a vignette that will suit the scene that Dan has in mind. Doug has assured me that we will, and if the sun is shining as well, it should be a perfect place to get the images we need.
Stay tuned....
Ecclesiastes 9:11
I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.
nodp


