Cable Knit

Cable Knit 10 x 8" oil/canvas panel

For purchase information click here.

Heres a little painting I did today of my daughter Rachel.

She's kind of an anchor for me when I lose my way in the studio trying to figure out "what the hell should I paint?!" It happens to all of us at some point. I get my artist block about once a year...usually just after the Holidays when I've let my brushes go idle. Self portraits are also a great way to get things moving again. Maybe tomorrow.

One from the Archives

Lonely Leaf 30 x 22" watercolor/arches

This is a painting I did many years ago while living in Seattle. I love the colors you get there. Blues and those lovely subtle gray tones. Plus my all time favorite - indirect light.

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.

"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.

"Farm Boy"

8x6" oil/canvas panel

SOLD

This painting is definitely about line. I put a little more into it then I first intended, especially for its size...but what the hey! I really like the subject and colors here too, and may do a larger one in the future.

C.M. Russell Museum's Master's in Miniature Auction

"Just a Thought" oil/canvas panel 10x8

"Tail Wind" oil/canvas panel 8x10

The Master's in Miniature Auction for the C.M. Russell Art Museum was held this past weekend, and I have great news! Both my paintings sold!

We had such a great time. So many artists from our region were there. And boy, does the Russell Museum know how to throw a party! I think my husband had more fun than I did, which is saying a lot, since he's sort of the quiet farmer type.

___________

Blog Update:

In case some of you are wondering where I've gone off to...my painting sizes have increased significantly this past year and are taking much longer to finish. How long does it take?

My only answer can be, "All my life."

Be back soon!

"Farm Maiden II"

9 x 12" oil-canvas panel - sold

I'm hoping to use this face on a larger painting I'm working on. She has that sad, reflective sort of look that draws you in. My daughter was the model, but I didn't use the photo reference literally. Its close, but not actually a true likeness.

The Crash

"Watery Isle" 22 x 30 wc/arches paper

private collection

Sorry about the long, long absence. I've been doing a lot of computer upgrades this past month. What many of you may not have realized, is that I've been doing all this on dial-up. I know. I know! And for all you artists out there still puttering along this way, my hat goes off to you! Really though, something had to give. My nerves were shot and Bill (my dog) wouldn't even come to the studio.

Anyway, being out here in the boonies like we are, theres only one option for faster internet and thats satellite. Now like most computer gadetry, once you start fussing with one thing, many times theres a trickle down effect. And like most trickle down effects, its usually causes more grief than it solves. (I'll try not to get political here.) So as I'm surfing away enjoying my new Lightning Speed Internet Connection, downing gummy bears by the pound, suddenly my 20 year old Mac starts sputtering and smoking and making a strange wheezing sound. hmm...

Several reboots later...

...nothing...

Luckily I'm fairly good at backing up, but it actually took about a week for reality to sink in. Now don't laugh, but I actually took it in to get repaired. Mostly because the old Photoshop program is equally as ancient and the cost of replacing them both is well, you know... a lot.

Needless to say, it was returned to me functioning perfect, but exactly as it had back in the early 90s.

oh.

In the end, I've come to grips with the fact that these things just don't last forever. Shit, most don't have the life span of a hamster. So I sucked it up, sold a few dry cows that needed to go anyway and the new Mac (which I have nicknamed Tiny) is on the way. I should be back up and running hopefully by next week and until then, I'm going to enjoy my freedom away from all this Advanced Technology.

Remember,

"Jesus saves but everyone else loses their files."

artist - R. Tom Gilleon

.

New Years Sprite

"The Sprite" 8 x 6" oil/canvas panel - sold

This past week has been a blur for me.  Sometime on Christmas Eve I picked up a flu virus from somewhere and ended up flat on my back for about 6 days.  Not Good.  I mean, I never get sick!  Probably because I'm too ornery.  Anyway, I feel as though I missed Christmas altogether and here it is already New Years Eve!  Geez!

Anyway,  I really have a bunch to be thankful for this year...

I got this blog and my website up and running, I made it into some pretty nice and important shows, and now it looks as though I may have picked up a nice gallery to boot.  I'm also very thankful for all the new friends I've made along the way and for everyone who visited this blog throughout the year.   It really inspires me to know there are folks out there enjoying the work!

Most importantly though, I'm thankful for all the wonderful time I've spent with my family and friends and how they've supported me through this big transistion year.   I love you guys!! 

Happy New Year!!

Getting closer now...

16 x 20"  oil/canvas panel

Here is the third post on my progress for the painting entitled

"Linda's Filly."

Its very close now...

As you can see, I've added that middle ground I mentioned in the previous post.  Also, I've adjusted her front leg.  It seemed too long, but now I'm not so sure.  I'll sleep on it and make any corrections tomorrow.  I hope to finish it up and post the final painting, so stay tuned!

"Window"

10 x 8" oil/canvas panel

For purchase information click here.

This is another painting of my handsome hubby.  Hes such a great model, but its so hard to get him to hold still.  Hes always on go, doing something around the ranch.  I do most of my paintings of him from photos and sometimes even that is hard to accomplish.

And yes his eyebrows do really stick out like that!  I love it!!

Anyway, I've been wanting to try this painting for quite sometime.  Its really about those moody colors and that great contrast (who me?) between light and shadow. 

Study for "The Real Deal"

8 x 8 oil - canvas mounted on masonite

For purchase information click here.

Heres a subject near to my heart.  Women on the ranch.

I want to do a series on this subject, to give an honest portrayal of the western cowgirl.  As I have said, they are rarely pretty and model thin, like the rodeo queens you see in many calendars and coffee table books.  They are tough and stout and work harder than most men.  They fix tractors, train horses, build barns, mend fences, plow fields, cook for an army of field hands and doctor anything that moves.  All before noon!!! (Just kidding!)

They really ARE amazing!

-----------------------------------------------------

Update on "Highland Dreams"

Good news!!!  I have been accepted into the Oil Painters of America Exhibition at Devin Galleries in Coeur d'Alene.  This is my first acceptance into an OPA show since being juried in as a member four years ago.  I'm SO excited!!!