Can I Keep Him?

©Deb Schmit           Can I Keep Him?                20x16              oil-canvas panel

This painting was in desperate need of reworking (see below.)  The head was far too big in proportion to the body (on the child.)  Plus I was never quite happy with it over all.  I was in a HURRY when I first created it...which is sometimes a detriment to any artists work.  As I reworked the piece, I followed my intuition to change this child into a girl and am much happier with the results and (previously entitled Prairie Pet) the change in title.

This painting will be at the Out West Art Show this coming Wednesday March 15th-18th, in Great Falls, MT.  Best Western Heritage Inn, room #166.  1700 Fox Farm Rd.

I Met this Rooster in Mexico

©Deb Schmit            You Lookin' at Me?           16x12"  oil-linen panel

After a short gig in Tulsa, this scrappy rooster is making his way to the Out West Art Show.  March 15th-18th at the Best Western Heritage Inn room #166, for Russell Week.  1700 Fox Farm Rd. Great Falls, MT.  The show starts next Wednesday evening.  Hope to see you there!

Out West Art Show

Its hard to believe its Russell Week again!  ...coming up next week!

Prairie Moon

Prairie Moon                   18x12"              oil-linen panel

Fresh off the easel.

Messengers

Messengers              24 x 30"               oil-canvas

I've painted several smaller buffalo that've been a lead up to this larger piece.  I think I finally got the look of mystery I was trying to convey.

Re-Dos!

Brookies                               18 x 12 oil-canvas panel

This painting made its way through a couple galleries, then came back to me unsold.  As cute as the original was, I wondered if I had missed the mark.  I didn't want to scrap the piece because there were so many elements in it I liked, and I just felt she needed a different look.  I reworked the face and am much happier with it now.

American Women Artists Finalist

Lunch Pail                                16 x 11"    oil-canvas panel

My painting Lunch Pail is a finalist in the AWA's Spring Online Juried Show.  A big honor since I only joined their organization just a month ago.  Thank you AWA!  For a complete list of the finalists, and also to take a look at this seasons winners click here.

Awakening

Awakening                                                                 12 x 16"    oil/linen panel

Each spring multitudes of birds migrate to the Montana prairie to nest during the early months of summer.  I've used lighter values in the sky to suggest wind.  This helps communicate the swirling movement of this flock of black birds.

First Strike Friday Night Auction - A Valiant Heart

A Valiant Heart                                        18 x 24"  oil - linen panel

Looks like Donkey Oatey is heading to the First Strike Friday Auction during The Russell!  Lot #12.  The event will be held at the Great Falls Civic Center and starts at 6pm, Friday March 18th.  Hope to see you there!

Russell Week is Right Around the Corner!

This is the ad I created for the Russell Art Auction catalog.  Zoom in for more details by clicking on the image.  Yes thats me for the Art in Action!  I don't usually have "company" while I paint, so this should be very interesting!  All I can say is, wish me luck!

The Path Home

The Path Home                                9 x 12"    oil-linen panel

Here is another piece to add to my Gramma Series, plus a few previous ones.  The Granny in these paintings is very traditional.  She has a garden.  She bakes pies and cookies, and spoils her Grandchildren (who love her dearly.)  I know, I know...this is all very sappy stuff.  But my plan is to one day to turn these paintings into a children's book, to honor the role of Grand Parents and help little ones understand the gift of having older people in their lives.