Small Works Holiday Show at the Lodestone Gallery

This show starts tomorrow December 2nd, during the Great Falls Christmas Stroll and First Friday Art Walk.

"Calves in a Blizzard - Montana Winter 2011"

Calves in a Blizzard 12 x 16" oil/canvas panel

A few weeks back temperatures dropped to almost 30 below, with drifts piling up to around 6 feet in some areas. Normally we enjoy milder temperatures in late February and early March, but this winter has been an unusual one, bringing consistant snowfall and lower temperatures. With calving season underway here on the ranch, we've had to stay especially vigilant.

Below are two oil studies I did awhile back and are ones I used to recreate this finished piece. This painting will be at the Western Master's Art Show during Russell week in Great Falls - Room #166 at the Best Western Heritage Inn.

"Snowball"

Snowball 8 x 6" oil/canvas panel

When I was a kid my Mom used to make all our mittens. Considering there were four of us, I can only imagine how challenging this task was. But each Christmas there they were - a new pair in each of our stockings. I remember studying the textures in the knitted wool, thinking they were so beautiful. Today you can pick up a pair at any Walmart for $1.98, but they'll never replace the bulky warmth of a handmade pair.

Thanks Mom.

"Ten Below"

Ten Below 8 x 6" oil/canvas

Okay this is rare - posting two paintings in one day - but I'm on a roll.