Easy Sketch

My favorite model - Easy. Continuing with my continuous line sketches. There are more....
We went and viewed an interesting event this evening - a bull bucking - both to test young bulls and to let riders practice on experienced bulls.
We have several rodeo contractors in this part of Texas - these are folks that breed, raise, train and haul rodeo animals - bucking bulls and horses as well as roping calves.
The ranch we went to this afternoon provides mostly bucking bulls, and we went specifically to watch them "test" some young bulls for their propensity and skills at bucking.
A twelve pound box called a bucking "dummy" is strapped to their back. It it remotely controlled to let go after several seconds. A flank strap is also tied onto them. They are loaded into a chute, just like at the rodeo, strapped up and then released. Most of these young bulls acted nutty, and several either tried to climb out of the chute or flipped themselves over in it. They ALL attacked and chased anyone in the arena with them and even came flying at me outside the arena taking their picture! The arena walls were stout, but I must admit to jumping back several times! And several times there were close calls with the cowboys helping out....
Zechariah 14:16
Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.
.

Camping Friends

I promised to show you all the sketches and this is number 2. These are 4 good friends and their mutts - photo taken while camping in Cuchara, Colorado.
I was awakened this morning at 6:00 am (which is STILL 5:00 am to me!) by the Bluff Dale Post Office: "Your CHICKENS are here". Dang! I thought I ordered them to be delivered the Monday after Easter - still 2 weeks off! Without even combing my hair (I DID change clothes), I rushed to the post office, knowing it was critical to get the chicks warm, watered and fed as quickly as possible. It was 27 degrees outside, and I had nothing prepared for them.
I hastily called (and woke) my friend, Sandi H., who is going in with me on the 50 chicks, knowing she would probably have baby chick starter feed and a heat lamp (she already has an aviary/coop). She was right behind me when I returned home and I got them set up in the studio bathroom with heat, food and water and Georgia guarding them. They are so entertaining to watch...and noisy. Cheep cheep cheep. Loudly and constantly. They'll live inside for at least the first 2 weeks and then HOPEFULLY the outside coop will be completed enough to move them there. It will be a couple more weeks after that when we might let them venture outside - under guard. (Georgia?) This story is just beginning....stay tuned.
Genesis 8:11
When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth.

Sketches - drawing exercise

I promised myself that I would put in my blog everything I worked on, artistically speaking, good and bad. I have to admit that I haven't faithfully shown you everything, but I have come close. And there have been quite a few dogs, many of which have been painted over, removed from their stretcher bars and wadded away or even burned.

Today's post is a drawing I did recently using the continuous line method and paying attention to the "negative space". It means drawing the SPACE around the horse instead of the horse. It's a great exercise to make you pay attention to proportion and perspective. And if you practice it well, you can draw anything you can see - not just your favorite subject.

These were drawn from my own photographs that are on my computer and I did a number of them while on our recent trip to Matagorda. I'll show you all of them - not just the good ones!

Song of Solomon 6:9 But my dove, my perfect one, is unique, the only daughter of her mother, the favorite of the one who bore her.

Legacy of Dreams - book cover illustration for Texas Historical Fiction Novel by Dan Vanderburg

25 X 35 Oil on Canvas
Commissioned for Private Collection

Another big commission has been completed and the book is out! I have only read one chapter (and I know the ending), but I still want to read the entire story.
This commission was a joy to produce from start to finish. Dan knew exactly what he wanted regarding the characters' images, and I had a solid vision for the background (letting the tree play a prominent role, as it does in the book). We are working on a book signing in Morgan Mill and Dan is hosting an Open House to showcase the painting, his book and the home he has so diligently remodeled during this process.
In addition, I am starting on another cover for him. The sequel novel is entitled "Finding Rosie" and the cover will depict a cold snowy environment with a red headed teenager on a paint pony. You'll have to read the book to find out the details!
To learn a little more about Dan and/or to order your copy of the book, visit his website HERE.
Psalm 19:8
The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes

Five Horses Continuous Line Drawing

nodp I recently found a clever website lately of an intriguing artist who loves rhinos. She calls her studio the Smelly Rhino. On the day I checked it out, she had posted a continuous line drawing of...a rhino, and it reminded me how necessary it is to return to the basics when the painting muse decides to go on vacation...and a valuable training tool is to draw negative shapes to acquire the solid shapes and to do it without lifting the pen or pencil. Often "happy accidents" occur and a pleasing composition emerges.
This may be my next large horse painting....or not.
Genesis 2:9
And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Eventer 7 - small english rider oil painting

5 X 7 Oil on Masonite $100
SOLD to a Canadian collector

The Republican people of Texas decided to continue down the same road of self-destruction yesterday and voted to run Rick Perry for the Governor's seat for an unprecedented 3rd term. Like a battered wife who is more afraid to leave, they decided to keep him for another 4 years (he's been in the Governor's mansion since George Bush took office in 2000). Perry's main platform for re-election is "Texas is in better shape than the rest of the nation and the BEST place to live right now". ????????? I agree with that, but it's no thanks to him!

I refuse to vote him in again in November and I WILL NOT vote for a Democrat, so I guess it's write-in time again. And NO, that's not throwing my vote away. It's staying true to my convictions.
Everyone I know complains about the politicians we have now and how we need term limits, yada yada yada, but when they are in the voting booth, they do the same old thing again and again. Well, as far as I am concerned, they deserve what they're gonna get now. Business as usual - rising taxes and "public servants" taking care their own interests first. Dallas and Ft Worth just announced that they will probably have to raise property taxes to cover budget shortfalls - what a surprise - NOT. Hey, here's an idea - how about cutting COSTS 10% every year - and if that means a 10% salary cut across the board for all city workers - I say they should be glad to have a job in today's economy.
The sun is shining today and I intend to work my frustration off in the yard - doing something constructive. Fill your pantry with food...inflation is on its way.
Luke 23:2
And they began to accuse him, saying, "We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king."

Red White and Blue - large cow calves oil painting

24 X 30 Oil on canvas
This Painting will be Auctioned at the
Lake Granbury Art Association Annual Art Auction Sept. 18
Contact me for more information

I have painted this trio of colorful bovines before - I call them the Patriotic Triplets. There's a bit of symbolism in this painting, in case you didn't notice. Two subjects are focused on the distance while one is concentrating on the immediate. You could stretch this to say that this is rather like our current population. Many of us are looking ahead while others continue to focus on the here and now. Is one viewpoint better than the other? Who's to say - I DO know that we can't continue down the same path and expect to see different scenery. I'd rather take a road I haven't traveled before than stay on this deteriorating one that's full of ruts and covered with cheap asphalt.
If you feel the same way, please get out and vote today. And consider doing what I did - vote against ALL incumbents. I'd rather throw a wrench into the machine and stop it than let it keep running amuck.
Ruth 2:10
At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She exclaimed, "Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?"

Journey Home - horse in snow oil painting

4 X 5 Oil on linen panel $65
Includes Shipping and Handing

I'm eager to start the next book cover but the weather has not cooperated. Well, that isn't actually true. I HAVE gotten LOTS of snow images lately (and made my 3rd snowman of the season). But I still need to get my image of the boy-wrapped-in-buffalo-robe-on-a paint-pony. As SOON as the weather looks cooperative and I can get to Nemo to borrow the buffalo hide, we'll get this underway. I have several paint ponies available - including Tuffy. But I don't know how cooperative he'll be ridden bareback - he's just the right image, though. Little and shaggy and hard as a rock and a nicely patterned paint. The model I have in mind is a 13 year old girl who could probably ride anything we put her on. I would like to test Tuffy first, though...not only to see if he'll cooperate bareback, but also to see how he'll handle the smell of a buffalo hide. Might be worth keeping the movie camera handy...
Revelation 19:13
He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.

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Price: $65 USD
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Bandit Betrayal - cowboys gunfight oil painting

5 X 6 Oil on Masonite Color Study for larger painting
$115 Includes Shipping and Insurance
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This is an idea for a painting that I envisioned after my last photoshoot at Doug Prine's place in Nemo, Texas. Before I begin any large work (and this one will be 25 X 30) I sketch it out in pencil, then paint a small, quick version in scale to the larger painting. 5 X 6 is exactly 1/5 of a 25 X 30. Often I change the placement a bit and add more contrast if the composition needs it.
The final version will be much more detailed. I want the horse in the foreground to show his eye very round and excited and appearing to be looking at the bandit in the rear. I see a few minor changes, but will probably stick to this color study fairly close. One thing I DO want to change is the shadow in the lower right and make it look more like another horse and rider.

Proverbs 6:9-11 ⁹ How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? ¹⁰ A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest- ¹¹ and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.

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Price: $115 USD
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American Eskimo Spitz dog portrait oil painting

6 X 8 Oil on masonite
Contact artist for availability
send me an email

My beautiful friend, Sandy, recently slipped and broke her leg (both lower bones right above the ankle) while walking her gorgeous dog, Joy, her American Eskimo. Fortunately Sandy had her cell phone with her and called her husband, John, to come rescue her. Dutifully, Joy remained close at hand while waiting. While she recovered in the hospital, we "baby-sat" Joy, and I managed to get a number of good photos of her.
I have difficulty painting long-haired, light colored dogs - and haven't even painted my own little Pomeranian, Kibble, to my satisfaction. But I continue to practice.
Good news regarding Sandy - she will be OK. Bad news is that she is flat on her back, waiting for swelling to subside so she can have surgery to pin the bones back together. Beautiful Joy remains close by her side....
Matthew 23:3
So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

April Western Art Collector

nodpLook for this ad in the April Edition of the Western Art Collector Magazine and the accompanying article. I am very proud of this group of artists and their dedication to their work.

More Texas Snow

5 X 7 Oil on Masonite $115
SOLD to a California sitcom set designer

The composition of this painting is inspired by Frederick Remington's "A Figure of the Night - The Sentinel". These are the woods behind my house. To get the feeling of cold moonlight, like Remington's painting, I need to use more Viridian - a color that goes a long, long way. If I glaze the painting with a Viridian tint, I may get there....
I shall continue the snow series. Maybe by Spring I will understand the nature and color of WHITE!
Deuteronomy 11:14
then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and oil.

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Price: $115 USD
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The Eventer V - warmblood jumping horse oil painting

30 X 40 Oil on Gallery Canvas with painted sides
SOLD to a Canadian Collector

Well, I think I am about finished with this piece, and I am frustrated with photographing it. The colors are very rich and vibrant and it's nearly impossible to get that across on a computer screen.
Yesterday's record snowfall is half melted and I expect the rest will disappear today since the temperature is supposed to be in the 50's. What a mushy, muddy mess we have left behind. I went walking in the woods yesterday morning before it warmed up and got some lovely photos for the background of the next book cover. Thanks, Mother Nature!
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Texas Got SNOW!

nodp Parts of Texas woke up looking like Colorado today! Bad news: Lots of people without power. Good News: It's going to be 50+ degrees tomorrow.

PJ says "What you doing????? FEEEEED ME!!!"
Dandy always leads the pack to the barn for breakfast. PJ is ALWAYS last. Easy is a typical "middle-of-the-roader".
I am painting and finishing up "The Big Horse".
Looking good!
Proverbs 27:1
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.

Shaggy Winter Coat- small abstract horse painting

6 X 6 oil on canvas panel $100
Includes shipping and insurance

Let's face it, shiny horses are more fun to paint than shaggy ones - at least for me. But all my "models" are really shaggy right now. And with the exception of a few tufts of rye grass, there's no green grass to be seen, either. Winter is in full swing - and the rainy background has returned to Texas. A slight drop in temperature will turn the drizzle to ice and/or snow. I welcome the moisture still, but am missing the sun. THIS IS TEXAS!!!! It's supposed to be sunny! There's just no pleasing us, is there????? At least my garden's winter greens are doing REALLY well - we eat fresh spinach and Swiss chard nearly every day. And this Spring (number 3 since planting) we get to EAT asparagus instead of watch it grow into ferns. SO much to look forward to....
2 Peter 3:12
as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.

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Price: $100 USD
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Cold Day for a Walk - winter snow oil painting with horse

8 X 10 Oil on Linen Panel $125
Includes Shipping and Insurance

Another winter day using no resource material except what's in my head. I almost stated that I sometimes wish we lived where it snowed, but then I remembered the blizzard currently hammering the Atlantic Coast and I quickly changed my tune!
After a week of gloom, the sun is finally shining today. All the moisture has moved East and turned to snow. Since I only work from my own photos, snow is difficult for me to paint. I will continue to practice.
Acts 15:19
"It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.

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Price: $125 USD
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Cold Dawn 2 - WIP

7 X 10 oil on canvas panel

$125 includes shipping and handling

Keeping with the warm, tho greenish light, here's another attempt at a cold winter scene. All I need is an very cold, redheaded boy wrapped in a buffalo robe riding this horse, and we're ready for the next book cover....I'm not positive about the warm sky, though. I think the next one I will paint as a monotone using mostly Ultramarine with a hint of blue violet and viridian. That is called an "analogous color palette" - where all colors are close to one another on the color wheel.
Song of Solomon 2:11
See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.

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Price: $125 USD
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Corgi Power - commissioned dog oil painting portrait

8 X 10 Commissioned Dog Portrait oil on canvas

SOLD to a Texas collector
contact me for YOUR dog's painting!

Georgia, the Border Collie-Wanna-Be is part Corgi, and one of her best friends is Max, a Bembroke Welsh Corgi who has the absolute best personality for a short dog. Max belongs to Tessa, and Tessa has a sister who has two Corgis. She doesn't know it yet, but she's getting the above painting for her birthday in March, via sister Tessa (who assures me that she DOESN'T go to my blog!)
I'm not near as familiar with dog painting as I am horses, but I am learning. I tried once to paint my little dog Kibble (blond Pomeranian) and I failed miserably. Maybe I am ready to try again.....
Email me if you have a special dog who needs to be immortalized in paint! debbiegraysonlincoln@yahoo.com
Joshua 21:45
Not one of all the LORD's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.

Cold Dawn - color study for illustration art

5 X 7 Oil on canvas panel $100
SOLD to a collector in Illinois

This is my next book cover commission in it's infant planning stage. I will show you the first one completed when I have been notified that the author's website has been finished. I have read one of the chapters in the book, and I am looking forward to reading the entire story, even though I know the ending. So keep checking here if YOU are interested, too.
Dan's next book is again historical fiction that occurs in the first half of the 19th century in Texas. One of the characters will be depicted on the cover, and this is the first of several color studies/compositions I will compose.
The scene will show a teen-aged red-headed boy on an paint Indian pony in the snow, wrapped in a buffalo hide. I don't want to give away the story - you'll have to read it to find out the why's and wherefor's.
Dan and I have discussed this set up at length, and he suggested that I have the individual facing the viewer, but just for fun I painted it this way - with my first goal to get the feeling of cold. I haven't painted snow very often, so I will play around with several palettes, getting it right before I start to paint in earnest. Also, I am going to set up a photo shoot with a teenager in a buffalo robe on a paint horse so I will hopefully have an image to work from! I have located the buffalo robe and have a choice of paint horses (with Tuffy being one of them). I'll probably have to imagine the snowy background (this one is way too boring and predictable) or perhaps search through my own archives. Lord knows Texas has been cold enough lately!
Ecclesiastes 3:6
a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away.

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Big Horse WIP Progress 30 X 40 oil on gallery wrap canvas

nodp
When I posted this the first time, I showed a black and white of the first photo instead of the color version. Doing that helps me to judge the composition better without distraction from colors.
The second photo is the head beginning to take shape and the third has background added.


The orange base was becoming an aggravation, so I decided to paint over it before I finished the horse's body.

At this stage I am about 80% complete - still need to add the"sparkle". I prefer to do that on a sunny day, simply because the light in the studio is better. And since today is dark, cold and dreary, I may wait....
Psalm 5:3
In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.

Big Horse Painting WIP

30 X 40 WIP
nodp
I often get suggestions for paintings. I had a collector contact me recently wanting a larger version of this painting (left) to be used as a focal point in her living room. I painted this handsome animal once before and it sold quickly. I can't really call this a commission because I did not request a deposit for it. Instead I prefer to paint the image and offer it for sale.
The black and white above is the "block in" beginning - it will turn into a bay horse with the next layer, and I will post it with a price. Be ready if you are interested!
Matthew 24:44
So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Goofball Golden Retriever oil painting

5 X 7 Oil on canvas panel
SOLD to a Nevada Collector

My friend Tessa has 4 dogs - and one of them is this goofball Golden Retriever that picks up anything laying around loose and "retrieves" it to whoever is handy to take it from him. One time when I was over there to take pictures of her horses (I am ALWAYS taking pictures of her horses!), the dog came running at me with a rag - and with great delight he offered it to me. I ignored him and he promptly dove into the pond that was close by, dropped it, and immediately lost sight of it. I have never laughed so hard watching that silly dog dive under muddy water trying to retrieve his rag! Like every Golden I have ever known, the world is his simple playground and we are the audience - enjoying his portrayal of a wonderful, happy life. People could learn from Golden Retrievers.

Ezekiel 34:18
Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet?
Media: oil on canvas panel
Size: 7 in X 5 in (17.8 cm X 12.7 cm)
Price: $115 USD

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Can Ya Eat Bluebonnets? longhorn cow bluebonnet oil painting

5 X 7 Oil on Canvas Panel $115
SOLD to a collector in Florida

It's spring and the cows are hungry after a long winter (I'm pretending, all right!?). I've never seen them eat bluebonnets, but they must, because the flowers rarely thrive in pastures with cows in them. So the answer is YES!

For over 10 years we've had bluebonnets growing down our driveway that bisects the pasture. The grassy area on both sides are solid flowers in some areas, and I can see tiny little plantlets emerging all winter - and in the pasture on the other side of the fence, too. But they never blossom there - so either they get trampled or eaten, and I suspect the latter.

I know many flowers are edible for humans - I have personally eaten nasturtiums, violas and pansies. I cannot, however, find bluebonnets (lupines) on a list. Although I have been known to sample wild things and pray for the best, I think I'll pass the bluebonnets....
Mark 1:6
John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.
Media: oil on canvas panel
Size: 7 in X 5 in (17.8 cm X 12.7 cm)
Price: $115 USD

How to Purchase:

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Price: $115 USD
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Afternoon Dandy - reworked

6 X 8 Oil on Linen panel $125
SOLD to a Colorado Collector

The is the same painting I posted a month ago, but I have reworked it because I didn't like the background - it just didn't work. I like it a LOT better now. I have several more that may get the same treatment.
I am in down time now - closet cleaning, planning the garden, food storing and making sausage (from a wild pig brought to me by a friend). So I am starting small projects that I know I can finish - good for moral!
Genesis 2:9
And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Or, send me an email

Too Many Legs - arabian paint foal running oil painting

8 X 6 Oil on canvas panel $115
SOLD to a collector in Florida

He was a week old when my friend Marie turned him lose in the pasture for the first time, and legs went everywhere. This foal is black and white and is a real looker - Marie raises some pretty spectacular horses. I need to get back and see how he is looking now. He's one I wouldn't mind owning....
Don't forget to send me your horse photos for the "Horse a Day" challenge I will do in February. Looks as if I have already started, but I'm just getting warmed up! send me an email

Mark 14:54
Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire.

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Price: $115 USD
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