The Russell - Reignited!

The C.M. Russell Art Auction has redefined itself into a huge exciting event that will (once again) house all auction artists under one roof. I can't tell you how excited I am! We're all looking forward to this new venue. More patrons connecting with artists, more music, more parking (YAY!), and most importantly, MORE ART! The dates are August 18th - 21st, this coming Thursday - Sunday. Come see the new work I've created and "How I Spent my Summer Vacation."😅

Can't wait to see you there!

See the map below for details on my location within the Four Seasons Arena. My Suite is #126.

Also don't forget, my painting Kit and Kaboodle (Lot # 184) will be up for auction the evening of Saturday August 20th. This event is being held at the same location, but for times and ticket information go to the C.M. Russell Museum's website. To view the Catalog of Auction Art, click here.

The Russell Reignited!

 

Beartooth Pass

Beartooth Pass                                            by Deb Schmit    16 x 20 oil-linen panel

Another rare landscapes. I guess they're becoming less rare...lol!

Pueblo Trail

Pueblo Trail                                                                                            18 x 24   oil-linen

One of my rare landscapes from a recent camping trip to Lake Pueblo State Park in Colorado. This scene is a from a hiking trail nearby, where Juniper and Rubber Rabbitbrush grow throughout the rolling hills.

New Beginnings

Awakening             12 x 16"           oil-linen panel       

For many of us the past few years have been challenging to say the least. Between the pandemic and climate change events of 2020-2021, trying to stay motivated and positive has been far more difficult than anyone could've imagined. As we move forward into 2022, may we all find ways to practice love, acceptance, and gratitude...toward our friends and family, our neighbors, the planet, and our world. We need this now more than ever. Happy New Year everyone!

2019 The Russell Art Auction

Hi-Ho Silver                 First Strike Friday Night Auction - Lot #48                SOLD            18x24" oil/linen panel

Blackbird                             The Russell Live Auction - Lot #91                      SOLD                    30x40"       oil/linen

UPDATE: The Russell Auction was a huge success! Both pieces sold well. Thanks once again to all who made this amazing event happen, we are all looking forward to next year! For the full list of auction results click here.

_________________________


These are my two paintings for the upcoming 2019 Russell Art Auction.

Bidding starts on Friday, March 22nd at 6pm, during the First Strike Friday Night Auction, with my piece Hi-Ho Silver (Lot #48.)

Then on Saturday March 23rd, the real fun begins! The Russell Live Auction starts at 5pm, and my large piece Blackbird (Lot #91) goes up for bid.

I have to say, I'm seriously humbled by the caliber of artists in these two auctions, and that I'm able to stand beside them during such an amazing event. Thanks to the C.M. Russell Museum of Art, all its staff and volunteers who help put this event together. If you've ever been fortunate enough to attend, you'll know its no small doings!

Also thanks to Charlie Russell himself, now riding somewhere in the Big Skies of Montana, who started it all.

View the catalog here - The Russell 2019 Online Catalogue

Click here for a full schedule of events - The Russell Event

Take Two in Blue

The Burden of Beauty II in Blue         SOLD                                               30 x 30"             oil-linen panel

Some paintings remain "Untitled"

Untitled     SOLD                                                                   8x6"  oil-canvas panel

This little painting reminds me of work done by Jessie Wilcox Smith.  An illustrator of the 19th and early 20th century.  She illustrated stories and articles in magazines such as Harper's Weekly, Scribner's and Ladies' Home Journal, among others.

The Russell Art Auction and Out West Art Show - Coming Soon!

Greetings!

Usually to usher in Russell week, which starts on Weds. of next week, I send out postcards to all my collectors and art fans to notify them early of the upcoming events.  This year however, my print company seems to have dropped off the map.  Not sure why, but I haven't been able to contact them to find out what happened; no response to phone calls, emails, or even chats.  I should mention here, this is an online company who's name I won't mention because, up until now, they've always been great about being on time and accommodating odd requests.
In light of all that, I've decided to cast my postcard image to the Digital Wind, and hope for the best.  I do all my own layout, so this is a combination of both front and back, as it was originally designed for the printer.
If you are reading this, its because you are either on my email mailing list, a follower of my Blog, or a fan of my Facebook Page.  In any case, I apologize for adding more "stuff" on top of your already bulging inbox and/or news feed.
We are calving at the ranch right now, and I'm thoroughly looking forward to spending some quality time with humans (at least for a few days) so please come by and keep me company.

For more information on the process of bidding for my piece Burden of Beauty, please contact the CM Russell Museum at 406-727-8787.  This piece is in the March 17th, Saturday night auction which starts at 5pm mountain time.

Yours truly,
Deb

The Rooster

The Rooster      SOLD                                    16x12"  oil-canvas panel

The Burden of Beauty

The Burden of Beauty              SOLD                                                         24 x 24"     oil-linen panel

Hi-Ho Silver!

Hi-Ho Silver!                                                                                 18 x 24"  oil-linen panel

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            Range Rooster           16x12"  oil-linen panel

Prairie Moon

Prairie Moon    SOLD               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     SOLD                          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            SOLD                    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              SOLD                                                   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            SOLD                            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.