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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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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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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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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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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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.

The Bug Patrol

Continuous Line Drawing $20 US SOLD
Ink on typing paper image size 6 X 9

The best part about my doing these drawing exercises is regaining confidence. I was in a painting slump for a while, forgetting that my first love was drawing. Returning to the basics is reinforcing - I DO know how to draw and compose.
This week I have started 2 new large paintings - and I am happy with both of them so far. The planets must be in alignment!
Psalm 71:5
For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth

Horse Head 2 - ContinuousLine Drawing

Horse Head Continuous Line drawing $20 U.S. Image size 8 X 9 on index paper

Yep - you noticed. I am drifting down a side road - and kinda enjoying it. I have always liked drawing, but I don't do enough of it. Don't worry. I am painting too. Just really enjoying drawing as well....
Now excuse me while I duck into the storm cellar. This part of Texas is experiencing some tornadic activity. Oh, wait. I forgot - I LIKE storms. Where's my lawn chair?
Acts 5:38
Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.

Horse Head 2 - ContinuousLine Drawing

About This Painting:
Check with artist for availability.
Some frames available reasonably priced.

Media: oil
Size: 9 in X 8 in (22.9 cm X 20.3 cm)
Price: $20 USD

How to Purchase:

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Price: $20 USD
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Horse Head Continuous Line Drawing

Continuous Line Drawing $20 U.S. SOLD
Ink on typing paper image size 7 X 7

Twenty-four hours of rain in this part of the wild west = 6.15". Our pond has been full to the top only 3 times in 10 years and today is number 4. I may have to go swimming just for commemoration and to express my thanks to the rain god!
1 Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Donkey 1

continuous line drawing - donkey - on typing paper
Image size 4.5 X 7 $20 US
OK, Rick, I DID lift the pen to dot the "i"!
Rain today - LOTS of it. Thank you, Hermine! We are all wet and grateful for it. 3 inches and counting.
Romans 16:4
They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.

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Coming At Ya

Continuous Line Drawing
I'm off to Weatherford today to help Merideth paint the Baby's room. Her mother and sister-in-laws (Ellen and Haley) will be there, too and we intend to have a good "girl day" and hopefully get most of the paint on the walls.
Got THREE eggs yesterday! The ladies are stepping up production. I have identified 3 breeds - Naked Neck, Delaware and Dark Cornish (there are three of them). I don't know what breed this single bird is, though. Her feathers are quite pretty...she's the "chatty" one - always clucking.
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Siesta 3

8 X 10 Oil on Canvas Board $125
Includes shipping and insurance in US

I was sent this image by a horse breeder in Oklahoma after I admired a picture on her Facebook page. I don't normally use other people's photos, but this shape was just too nice. In actuality, the foal is a palomino, but I found myself thinking Santa Fe colors and so it evolved.
Today was a restful day, even though I spend nearly all of it in the studio. Garden was too muddy to work (now THOSE are nice words!) and I finished up several large works that are heading to a gallery next month. AND I shipped off a commission that I left drying while we were gone for 2 months.
Life is good.
John 13:5
After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

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Siesta

Continuous line drawing of dozing horse
It rained today! A whole inch. And I got to stay in and work on commissions. Barbara, your portrait of "Napoleon" is 95% complete!
I did take time to draw and smell the roses. I shall exercise later....promise.
1 Timothy 4:8
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
("promise" occurs in the Bible over 200 times.)

Safety in Numbers

Continuous line drawing of 3 foals
There are some habits I really need to cultivate: exercise more, smell the roses and draw regularly.
The rose thing is easy: Since the Great Chicken Massacre, Mike and I are watching them like hawks (perhaps that is NOT the best analogy to use under these circumstances) and we are taking the time every evening to "escort" them around the yard, feeding them grasshoppers. Now you might not think that chickens need help catching grasshoppers, and these really don't. But they know if they follow you, your walking stirs up more bugs and makes it easier for them to snag one. This is an activity I have come to anticipate - not quite smelling roses, but still enjoyable.
Exercising more: after hiking in the mountains for nearly 2 months, we both came back a bit leaner and wishing to stay there, but Texas weather (and the huge gas water trucks on our road) prohibit safe walking, so we are journeying to Ft Worth today to evaluate treadmills. It won't be quite like hiking the mountain trails, but at least there won't be bears or mountain lions to watch out for!
Drawing: Practice makes perfect and the continuous line drawings are great for exercising eye-hand coordination and making me THINK about shapes. I will try to do more.
Job 39:26
"Does the hawk take flight by your wisdom and spread his wings toward the south?