Business End - commissioned piece

I leave for Haiti on a mission trip in 2 days. Preparing to go has been difficult this year: our church is also in the middle of building a parsonage (a historic even for our small congregation), I have a show opening the first of November, and I have a large commission painting that has been eating my lunch.

The collector contacted me and asked if I could do a large rendition of a small painting that she just loves. I have done this many times before, so of course I agreed. But I didn't pay close enough attention to the details of the little painting and why it is appealing. 

The collector wanted an image slightly wider than it is tall, so we agreed on a 36 X 30, creating issue number 1: The original is a square composition and they don't always translate into a successful rectangle. I think I can handle that issue, though.

She also wanted it on stretched linen, creating issue number 2: This little painting was done on canvas BOARD, giving me a firm backing for my brushstrokes; not "springy" as a canvas allows.

Issue number 3: The canvas itself. I used a rough cotton canvas on the little one which allow the canvas' texture to show through the brush strokes - the finer linen canvas doesn't do this.

Issue number 4: Timing. I painted the little one in a single sitting which translated into spontaneity and liveliness. I have not done that with the larger one - I let the painting dry between layers - losing the "ala prima" effect as well as the canvas texture.

Issue number 5: My fear of big brushes!!!! SO many of us get caught up in the details of a painting and forget about the composition, color and values - all obtainable with big, bold, brave brushes.

I need more paint.

I also need an entire day to devote to correctly assemble this painting. I have already purchased a firmer ground, gessoed it and painted the basic image on it. Paint is ordered and will be here when I return from my mission trip. 

Everything is painted for the show (and currently drying). More on that (and the BILLBOARD!) later.

I am so grateful for this PATIENT patron who has assured me that she is comfortable letting me do what I think is best. No pressure!!!

Now please pray for me and my teammates - we leave this Wednesday, Oct. 17 and will return the 25th.  Mike is keeping the home fires burning (and the horses fed, and the garden watered, and the dogs exercised. Abbey the cow (and the model for the painting) does not need to be milked as her calves are quite large now and getting it all. 

Colossians 3:9-10

⁹ Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
nodp

Apart From the Crowd: Before the Storm - quarter horses oil painting by Debbie Grayson Lincoln

10 X 20 Oil on stretched linen

Contact artist for availability

We all know a storm is coming - it's right there on the horizon. How many of us are still standing out in the open, not yet seeking shelter or preparing for difficult times?
I know so many people who feel as I do, and have gotten themselves out of debt and are spending the money they have wisely. None of us are digging holes and crawling inside, though! We are still planning vacations, dreaming of the future (making babies!), and enjoying life. BUT we are also being good stewards of God's gifts to us and preparing for whatever the world may throw at us.
My next (and hopefully not LAST!) grandbaby is due in January. Number One baby will be 2 in December and is the light of this family's life. The rest of my time on earth will be devoted toward seeing that her future (and her sister's) is as bright as the one I had.
Psalm 61:3
For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Downhill - old gray horse painting by Debbie Grayson Lincoln

8X6 Oil on canvas board $115

Includes shipping and insurance US

The word "downhill" is used in two expressions I can immediately recall - each with totally different connotations. "Downhill all the way" implies that the worst is over and it's an easy journey to completion. "It's all downhill" also implies that the journey is nearing it's end, but the ending is not a happy one.
This horse was heading for water after climbing up the backside of the pond's dam - so I'm thinking that this "downhill" has a happy ending - a thirst quenching.
Did you see the presidential debates night-before-last? Unfortunately, I do believe this nation's economy is heading downhill and not in a good sense. And I have my doubts if either candidate has any way to stop it. I will continue to pray and stock up. It's about all we can do....
John 4:14
But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life

If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Mommas Love Even The Plain Ones - longhorn cow with calf by Debbie Grayson Lincoln

6X6 Oil on Linen Board $100

Includes Shipping and Insurance US

Part of the "fun" in raising Longhorns is viewing the exquisite coat colors they can display in their offspring. But every now and then you get a dud. This almost white cow belonging to my neighbor, Ron, usually had spectacularly colored calves, but last year she gave birth to this plain little red heifer calf. She was healthy and lively and practically "care free" as Longhorns usually are, and I can assure you that her momma loved her despite her lack of flash...much like most mammas everywhere...
One of the reasons I wanted to paint a white cow was my admiration of a fellow artist's painting of a white horse...not an easy project, but she makes it appear effortless. If you are not yet familiar with Susan Smolensky's work, take a peek HERE.
Psalm 139:3
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Strutting His Stuff - colorful rooster oil painting by Debbie Grayson Lincoln

8X6 Oil on Board $125

Includes shipping and insurance US

Had some leftover paint from another project and just couldn't resist paintings this cocky fellow. Roosters, by their structure, just naturally strut when they walk. Might have something to do with keeping that tail up and waving properly in the air.
Our current rooster is by far the kindest we have ever had. I have been very careful to remain quiet around him and NOT antagonize him. In the past I have found it amusing to "box" with them as they grow - but once they get their spurs, it's not longer fun to be having to watch your back every time you walk across the yard! Out last rooster would come from 100 feet away just to get in the first lick. He has since been relocated. The current flock leader is watchful, as a rooster needs to be, but follows me for food, not sparing practice. And when he finds food, he clucks to his hens to come and get it - always looking out for them first. Right now he's missing most of his tail feathers and some body feathers off his back. I suspect he's been in a scrap - perhaps he even risked his life for the ladies. Sometimes I wish he could talk....
Romans 12:13
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Cruising the Cows - cowboy checking cattle herd

8 X 12 Oil on gessoed board $125

Includes shipping and insurance

He's just checking the cows and the fence and the condition of the grass and looking for that sick cow that needs her foot doctored all while watching out for that big coyote who took down a calf last week. The cows know this "multi-tasker" is on their side and are unconcerned...

I am trying different limited palettes and this is another result. Cad red deep, Cad yellow, Ultramarine blue, dioxazine purple and white. And for fun, I used my I-phone to take the picture. Got a little glare, but it's not bad.
Luke 15:27
And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Bumper Crop - Texas prickly pear cactus painting

11X14 Oil on stretched canvas
Check with artist for availability

We may still be in the middle of a drought here in Texas, but the prickly pear fruit crop is no indication - unless they know something we don't know, and they've made so much fruit because this is the last chance they'll get for a long time! Our pecan trees are also loaded with nuts - so many, in fact, that we have had some branches break from the load. We have also had some trees suddenly just die - one peach and my fig. One day green, next day no leaves at all. I suspect it is the extreme heat that did in my fruit tees - sometimes I imagine I can actually hear the sap boiling in them!

Despite the heat we have still prepared the big garden for a winter crop, but I haven't put out seed yet - not while it's still 100+. I am also holding on to several paintings I need to mail - I am afraid they'll melt in the delivery trucks right now! The key to survival is adaptation, and we are certainly trying to rise to the challenges we have faced weather-wise! And we are praying for the rest of the world facing floods and drought. We are all in this together.

Ecclesiastes 11:4
Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.

If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Casey's Fantasy - colorful zebra unicorn fantasy painting

 24 X 48 Oil on gessoed masonite

Commission - SOLD

I just completed this painting for some precious people who have given me wonderful encouragement through the years and find exciting ways to inspire and CHALLENGE me!
This painting was "directed" by their daughter, Casey who envisioned this scene of a family of colorful zebra unicorns who live in a castle in the sky.
Casey described this to her mom who in turn passed it on to me. The tall trees that grow the golden eggs - everything! This painting will hang over Casey's bed in her newly re-decorated room.

I am actually rather fond of painting Miss Casey, herself, as she exhibits a wonderful exuberance of life in  everything she does. Oh to be 6 years old again!

Ephesians 3:14-16

King James Version (KJV)

¹⁴ For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

¹⁵ Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

¹⁶ That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man

If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email and maybe I can paint one for you! I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Heather's Cow - University of Texas mascot longhorn cow oil painting

11 X 14 on stretched canvas
Check with artist for availability

My adorable cousin, Heather, lives in a lovely urban neighborhood, but she is a farmer at heart - like most of us of Oliver descent. She dreams of owning Longhorns and described the color of the animals she prefers. This one belongs to one of my neighbors down the road and I love her markings, too, as they remind me of Heather's description.
My little part of Texas is deceptively green right now. We have had a couple inches of rain in the past 2 weeks and the grass has responded vigorously, so everyone's cows are looking wonderful. The moisture is only in the very top of the soil, however.
Mike and John had to dig a post hole to house the temporary electric line that will be needed to build our new parsonage. The first 6 or 8 inches went well enough, but then they struck rock hard, dry earth. Usually it's the other way around this time of year. Dry on top, moist down below, but the drought has eliminated all the reserve moisture in the ground, and I fear it will be years before it returns to normal. In the meantime, the animals that depend on grass are loading up for winter...good advice for all of us to follow...
Judges 20:7
Behold, ye are all children of Israel; give here your advice and counsel.
If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Concentration - roping cowboy painting by Debbie Grayson Lincoln

5X7 Oil on Masonite board
Contact me - I may re-paint the background!

So many things have to come together perfectly at once when a cowboy ropes a calf: Horse must be positioned precisely, rope must be thrown without getting tangled everywhere, rope then has to be tied off on saddle, horse must stop, cowboy stays balanced on horse, etc. I don't think the cowboy realizes how his face looks at this moment, but I see intense concentration that comes from years of experience and practice. I never fail to be fascinated with the procedure...A GOOD cowboy makes it look effortless.
1 Thessalonians 5:2
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

First Day of Kindergarten foal baby horse painting by Debbie Grayson Lincoln

16 X 20 Oil on Stretched Canvas

SOLD

Young horses should never be raised as an "only child". Social skills are learned through interaction with each other, and a horse that is raised without this opportunity usually ends up a spoiled brat. And just like human children, horses with the same parents can be totally different.
My wonderful old mare, Miss Jack, had three babies for me - all by the same stallion. And each one of them was totally different in color, body shape and personality. Just like my kids. Viva la difference, I love them all!
(Thanks to Janet Blackledge Williamsen for use of her terrific photo reference!)
Romans 10:12
For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Red Boots - 6X6 Cowboy Oil Painting by Debbie Grayson Lincoln

6X6 Oil on Linen Panel $115

Includes Shipping and Insurance US

He appears to be reaching for something in his right pocket - a gun? a cigarette? Modern cowboy with modern devices - probably his cell phone. And the red boots positively identify him as 20th century!
Philippians 3:13
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Losing Sight - 8 x 6 Palette Knife Oil Painting of baby horseby Debbie Grayson Lincoln

8 X 6 Palette Knife Oil on Linen Panel $125

Includes shipping and insurance US

He was grazing peacefully, sun warm on his back, grass cool and lush, life was good. SUDDENLY he realized he had lost sight of his Momma - momentary fear and panic! Bugged eyed, he searched and caught sight of her farther away than he usually ventured at this young age. But SHE had kept HIM in HER sights, and he was still safe.
I went to the local cattle sale barn yesterday and brought home a very nice, mostly black day old bull calf. It was so hot in that barn, many calves were barely able to walk. I felt lucky to find one in relatively good shape, as he was quite lively and evidently came from a dairy who had cared for him well before they brought him to the sale. He was eager to nurse Abbey when I got him home and after a little resistance, she allowed him to join her own calf at the dinner table.
There was also one tiny little Jersey heifer calf who was bouncing all over the pen she was kept in before the sale. I briefly considered bringing her home, too, but I needed to get the one I already had purchased home before the heat injured him, so I left with him as soon as the ticket was ready.
Going to the sale barn to get a baby calf is worse than visiting the dog pound. So many baby calves are considered a by-product of the dairy industry - and many never make it more than several days of life - especially this time of year. Cows in a milking herd cannot be allowed to raise a calf, so their unwanted babies are sold almost immediately upon birth to folks who make a living (or try to) bottle feeding them until they can be weaned. They are then sold to ranchers who put them on feed and/or pasture until they are large enough to be butchered.
The main problem with this scenario is that the calf buyer never really knows for sure if the calf has gotten the necessary colostrum to survive. Or even if he ever nursed at all. In defense of my dairy friends, most of them make every effort to be sure that their calves get every chance they need to do well...and many even keep them to raise themselves (a VERY labor intensive effort). At the sale barn, however, it's "buyer beware", even though I think I have a pretty good eye for finding a calf that is at least 3 days old and has been cared for well. So far, so good....
Joel 2:21
Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.
If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

How Old are YOU? foal oil painting by Debbie Grayson Lincoln

7 X 7 Oil on linen panel $125

Includes shipping and insurance US

His legs are still so long - and to reach the ground, he must make them go in opposite directions...the little bird MUST be investigated - both just fledged and newly exploring the world.
I still find many things new and curious, and baby critters top the list. I never tire watching a newborn anything.

Miss Abbey had her calf 3 days early in the wee hours of this morning - a healthy black bull calf. The day quickly turned scorching, though, and I scrambled to get a water mister going under the barn's cover where they'll stay for the next few days. As soon as the sprayer was working, Abbey almost immediately ceased her panting and looked so relieved. I remember when we brought her home last September in 100+ degree heat, she panted so desperately, I was quite worried about her health.
After the calf nursed several times, I milked Abbey and got a gallon and a half of colostrum
to store in the freezer. Wednesday I will go to the sale barn and purchase an extra calf for her to raise - the first of 3. Last year, the extra calves ended up making enough money to pay for the initial purchase of the cow. Its a lot of work to raise calves like this, but worth the effort in my opinion. And I am looking forward to my first glass of sweet milk - my tummy will be happy again!
Jeremiah 30:17
For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.
If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Don't Judge Me!

8X8 Oil on Gessoed Masonite panel

This painting is SOLD

One of our neighbors has donkeys - they live a mile from us, but we can still hear their braying. I don't find the noise offensive at all - in fact, it's a lot more pleasant that the noise of the compressor on the gas well next door. Like many folks who live in the country, we have had our "quiet" disrupted by the sounds of commerce.
I don't pay attention to the compressor noise anymore. It angered me at first, but like most aggravations, we get used to them with time and they become part of our background. My husband calls it "incremental changes" and calls them the most dangerous of all. They sneak up on us bit by bit and before you know it you have lost all your peace and quiet (or freedom).
I surely did enjoy the quiet in Colorado, though...
Acts 22:28
And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

On the Edge - Roper Cowboy and Horse Oil Painting

6X8 Oil on Masonite Panel 

This painting is SOLD

Can you see why "On the Edge" is the title of this little painting? Look where the rope is...and what happens with the horse's next step? "Calm Before the Storm" would be another good title for this painting - rather like today's economic status...but that's another soapbox...

I have seen this happen so many times - a wreck looking for a place to happen, and there is absolutely nothing you can do. Just stand back, stay out of the way and pray no one gets hurt. 

I told you yesterday that we had a new puppy - a German Shepherd female named "Trudy". She's 13 weeks old tomorrow and nearly as big as Georgia already. AND they get along WONDERFULLY. They wrestle and play tag, and Georgia is teaching her all about the chickens, the property boundaries and her other friends (Joy and Max). We are crate training, and so far have had only a couple mishaps (my fault, of course). She learns fast and is eager to please...unlike some politicians I know....oops, I was gonna try to stay away from that subject. Too late. Part of the reason I resumed painting after my hiatus was so I could voice my opinions about the coming elections. We, in Texas, have already started to "throw the bums out" by voting for  Ted Cruz (supported by the Tea Party) in the Republican run-off for Governor and locally voting against another incumbent, Sid Miller, who I have nothing against, but he has served his limit of 2 terms. 

Personally, I have suspicions about ANYONE who would jump into the political arena in today's climate. They must be incredibly altruistic or totally insane. I also think it's too late to do anything about the economic train wreck that about to happen. Prepare yourself - it's gonna be a bumpy ride.

Ephesians 6:12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Patience is a Dude Ranch Horse

8 X 10 Oil on Gessoed Masonite Board $125

This painting is SOLD

We are just home from our yearly trip to Cuchara, Colorado, and I admit to once renting a horse there. It wasn't as much fun as I thought it would be...we had to walk in line, nose to tail, and we weren't allowed to take photographs (my MAIN reason for going in the first place!) I did sneak my little pocket camera out a couple times, though, at the risk of having to walk home!
Those trail horses are the epitome of patience - and they have to be very special to put up with an assortment of people, all sizes and levels of competence. Of course, one really doesn't have to know how to ride to participate - just stay in the saddle and the animal will do the rest. A horse in front of me did startle at a baby elk barely hidden in the grass right next to the trail, though, and I was truly impressed with the young lady who managed to stay upright and not lose her seat (and was secretly glad it was her and not I on the suspicious mount!)
It's over 105 here in central Texas again today with no rain in sight - and Abbey-the-cow is due to calve any minute. Her udder is quite full and her belly tight. Right now she is as far from the front studio window as she can get - under a copse of Mesquite trees. I am using the binoculars every hour to make sure she is OK. Hopefully she'll calve at night, and I can get the calf under cover before the heat of day tomorrow.
We have a new puppy...and Georgia has a wrestling buddy...more on this later!
Luke 21:19
In your patience possess ye your souls.

If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Spanish Peak at Bear Lake, Cuchara, Colorado

Spanish Peak at Bear Lake, Cuchara, Colorado

8X10 Oil on Stretched Canvas $125

Includes Shipping and Insurance

Our second stop on this summer’s trip was Bear Lake near Cuchara, Colorado, and this view is from the top of the “saddle” overlooking one of the Spanish Peaks and the town of Cuchara.

I am not sure how high this trail takes you, but it overlooks the campground on one side and the town of Cuchara on the other.

This year, we saw a newly killed deer carcass with a bear feeding on it about 100 yards up the trail. The scene was visible from camp, with the deer actually about 50 feet off to the side of the trail. The bear was very spooky and easily scared away, but we heard there was another bear contesting the first one for the prize, so when we traveled the trail, Mike and I both carried our guns.

The bears are no longer “friendly” due to strict enforcement of “no feeding” and the locking up of all food and ice chests. I also think that “nuisance bears” are routinely shot with rubber bullets by forest service personnel to ensure that they fear people and keep their distance. This is a good thing…I would not, however, camp in a tent up there, as many still do. Every year we hear of bears tearing into tents – often with unhappy consequences.

Luke 18:13
“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

On the Way to Thirty Mile Campground, Creede, Colorado

On the Way to Thirty Mile

8X10 Oil on Stretched Canvas $125

Includes Shipping and Insurance

All the views on the way to Thirty Mile Camp are wonderful, and this one is actually along Highway 149 going from Creede to the turn-off to the camp. I have been told that July and August is monsoon season in Colorado. It has come fairly late this year and has been sporadic in some areas. Fortunately most of the fires are out now, though, and Thirty Mile was never threatened – I am guessing that is partly because the trees are not nearly as devastated by beetle damage as is so much of the rest of Colorado.

Over the past 12 years we have watched the Colorado forests gradually turn brown and dead – starting mostly in the north. And we (and everyone who lives there) have known that it is just a matter of time before the forests go up like matches. My heart breaks for the loss of life, property and habitat that all the recent fires has caused. Please keep Colorado in your prayers. AND keep visiting the state! While the fires have been numerous, there are still LOTS of gorgeous places to visit and COOL OFF!

Isaiah 10:19
And the remaining trees of his forests will be so few that a child could write them down.

If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

On The Way to the Rio Grande Reservoir - Thirty Mile Campground

On The Way To the Reservoir

8X10 Oil on Stretched Canvas $125

Includes Shipping and Insurance

The mountains in the background harbor the birthplace of the Rio Grande, and this is what we see as we drive above Thirty Mile to the Reservoir where we really enjoy fly fishing. It’s a quite a climb down from the road to the lake’s dam, and it truly tested our lungs the first day. I had to stop twice on the climb up and out. But by the end of our stay, we had acclimatized and could make the climb without stopping.

The fourth day of our stay we decided to see if we could follow the Wemenuche Trail and make it to the Continental Divide. Several years ago we had tried unsuccessfully to make the pass and failed. Too old and fat and out of shape. This year, however, we started out loaded with plenty water, thick socks, snacks, little camera, ponchos and Georgia. About 2 hours into the trek, I was sure Mike was ready to turn back, but we trudged on – past the rock slide, through the brief thunderstorms, over Wemenuche Bridge and upward. A caravan of pack horses and mules passed us – hauling supplies up to workers who were repairing trails. I briefly wished I could hitch a ride, but the narrow steep trail was scary enough on foot, much less 6 feet in the air!

Around noon we made it to the pass – marked only by a hand-carved pole stuck in the ground. We were on top of the world and the views both up and down were fabulous. The round trip took about seven and one-half hours (and about 10 miles). We arrived back in camp exhausted, sore-footed and hungry. Georgia couldn’t run up the RV steps the following day – choosing instead to climb them one-at-a-time. Mike and I weren’t in much better shape, but proud that we had bettered our last hike! 

Isaiah 30:30
The LORD will cause men to hear his majestic voice and will make them see his arm coming down with raging anger and consuming fire, with cloudburst, thunderstorm and hail.

If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Don't Fence Me In

Don’t Fence Me In

8X10 Oil on Masonite Panel $125

Includes Shipping and Insurance

For the past three weeks we’ve been in Colorado on our yearly escape from the Texas heat, and I am happy to announce that I have been painting again – and I HOPE to continue it now that we are back.

As usual, I took my minimum paints, brushes, solvents and canvases/boards. I neglected, however, to pack my wet canvas carriers! I paint with traditional oils, and they take a LONG time to dry – so the camper ended up with little cut-off box bottoms holding individual wet canvases. Fortunately most fit in the space over the cabinets – kinda out of the way - but still a concern during travel. All survived, and I will be sharing my favorites over the course of the next couple weeks. (This painting has a bit of Colorado stuck in the paint, but it will be removed once I get it home! - OR you may just wish to leave it there for interest!)

This first one is a scene we see as we leave Road Canyon Lake, heading away from Thirty Mile Campground, near Creede, Colorado. I added the horse and decided that he, like many of us, resent fences and rules, but we do the best we can within the confines we are given.

The fishing at Road Canyon Lake was great, as usual. I ate fish every one of the 11 days we were at Thirty Mile Camp – some caught in the Reservoir on the Rio Grande above the campground and some caught in the Lake below. I even hooked a very nice Brown Trout in the Rio Grande where it runs through River Hill Campground, just below Thirty Mile. I expect the gills I grew while there will come in handy when we visit Merideth and Garrett who have recently moved to Bay City!

Exodus 13:21
By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.

If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Dreams of Geisa - Quarter Horse mare commissioned portrait

My good friend, Trista, has a mare named Geisa that she has had since she was a 2 year old (the mare, NOT Trista!) Geisa turned 19 this month. Like many of us who live with horses, Trista cannot imagine life without this animal being a part of it. If you could see the two of them together, you would understand....
Happy Birthday, Geisa!

If you are interested in this painting like this of YOUR horse, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Snake in the Hen House

Mike got a surprise when he went to gather eggs this afternoon. Curled up in the 4th nest box was this handsome specimen of Elaphe obsoleta linheimeri - also known as a Texas Rat Snake or Chicken Snake (for obvious reasons).
Surprisingly, Mike did NOT have a heart attack when he opened the nest box and saw the snake. Instead he calmly came to get me where I was hoeing in the garden and announced "There's a snake in one of the nest boxes". When I asked which one, he answered "In front of where the s*** is on the floor". OK, so he wasn't as calm as I thought.
He said he would help me re-locate it down the road if I would ride in the bed of the truck.
I did convince him to get close enough to take a picture.
Sissy.
I needed to get the mail anyway, so I carried it down to the end of our very long driveway and released it in the weeds across the road. He didn't have a bulge indicating that he had scarfed an egg, and I THINK the chicks are too big to eat now (but he still might have killed one and tried).
We will need to be better about keeping the henhouse door closed. After 2 years of chicken raising, we have NOT found a snake before now. We were lucky - THIS TIME.
nodp

COLOR PLUS Longhorn Steer - Palette Knife Oil Painting University of Texas Bevo Mascot

16 X 20 Palette Knife Oil on canvas

This painting is for sale - Please Contact Artist

Wow - Have I not posted for over a month???? I have been busy with my adorable grandbaby, the garden, the animals and a lovely commission for some precious people in Florida (don't worry, I will show it to you when I am finished!) MY LIFE IS OVERFLOWING!
I painted a completely different painting on this canvas first - and then wiped it off. And I nearly wiped this one off when I was half-way through with it. I have just not had the desire to paint lately. Too many other interesting things to do. But then I started having fun moving paint around (and there is a LOT of it!) and just let go with it. It's definitely a "wall brightener"!

Aunt Abbey is raising her 4th calf for us (Sofie, the Jersey) and I need to wean her SOON. Abbey is due to calve in August and needs to dry up before that happens. Little Sofie is NOT happy being allowed to only nurse once a day now. She will REALLY be unhappy when she's cut off entirely. The good news is that she is halter broke. The bad news is that she acts like a very large dog and is not afraid to shove me around. The lessons in respect will be next.

If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!