Little Traveler

Little Traveler 8 x 6" oil/canvas panel

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Most of the paintings I post in the next few weeks will be at my room for the Western Master's Art Show in Great Falls, MT during Russell Week. I'll again be at the Best Western Heritage Inn - Room #166 - from March 14th thru 17th. Hope you can make it to town and join us for this annual celebration of western fine art.

Cowpoke

Cowpoke 10 x 8" oil/canvas

A painting of mine that sold recently over the internet.

Thanks Alan!

Poor Boy

Poor Boy 10 x 8" oil/canvas panel

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Another of my many farm kid paintings. I liked the cap, so gave this painting a title with dual meaning.

Update:  I kept thinking this wasn't such a great name for this painting so renamed it Scottish Emigrant.

Cable Knit

Cable Knit 10 x 8" oil/canvas panel

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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.

"Buffalo"

Buffalo 8 x 10 oil/linen panel

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Living out on the plains like we do makes you dream buffalos - so it was only a matter of time before this subject found its way to my easel. I did a little study a while back (seen below) but it just didn't grab me the way this one does. The shaggy mane on this guy was loads of fun to paint and I can't wait to put him in another, larger painting.

"Trail West"

Trail West 9 x 12" oil/linen panel

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I finished this painting up yesterday, started a new one, slept for a few hours, checked cow/calves at 2am, slept a couple more hours, slipped on the ice turning horses out to pasture at 8am and am now finally getting down a much needed cup of joe. Now off to the studio with me. Don't be surprised if things start turning a bit abstract.

Another for the Western Master's in Great Falls - 8 days and counting...

"Listen Up"

Listen Up 10 x 8" oil/linen panel

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Heres one for all his adoring fans - Bill the cow dog.

This is another painting I'll have at the Western Master's Art Show in Great Falls, MT - Best Western Heritage Inn - Room #166 - March 16th - 19th.

"Pretty in Pink"

Pretty in Pink 8 x 6" oil/canvas panel

sold

With this painting, I wanted to see if I could come up with an expression for a larger size painting of Best Buds, which I posted a couple days ago. I love how this came out, especially since I didn't use a model or photography for either painting. As an artist closing in on 50, I often times think of all the reference material we carry around in our heads gained through years of observation - one up side to growing old - :O)

Best Buds

Best Buds 12 x 9" oil/linen panel

sold

Heres a tribute to all the little girls (and big ones) that grew up on the back of a horse.

Studio View of Prairie Cottonwoods

"Studio View of Prairie Cottonwoods - oil sketch"

8 x 10" oil/canvas panel

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My studio faces east, away from the mountains and the view is not particularly that interesting, especially compared with the surrounding views to the south, west and north. However, when I look at these trees from my studio window, each day they become something new. For the past several months we've been getting much more rain than is usual for us here on the high plains. A friend of mine from Circle, Montana mentioned how the grass this year seems to be almost "luscious." This is true, the trees and grasses are as green as can be! So here are "my" trees as they appear on this fine summer day in June.

"Far from Home"

9 x 12" oil/canvas panel

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Heres another version of that Farm Maiden. Again, with my daughter as the model.

I love painting her, I think because there's no pressure to achieve likeness. Each one is so different! But they are - all of them - individual parts of her personality.

Below is the little oil sketch I did earlier of this same pose.

"Prairie Zzz"

12 x 9" oil/canvas panel

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Gees! Here I am working on a Sunday.

I've got deadlines coming out of my ears right now and for reasons too numerous to mention, I've been suffering through what can only be described as the dreaded Artist's Block. I say, "suffering through" because I'm still actually painting, hoping for a breakthrough, but the results have been less than heroic...sigh! :O( Finally something clicked today, and this is the result. Its not fully complete, I want to spruce up the grass with some compliments, but good enough to post. Whew!

Updated "Cow Pony"

30 x 36" oil/linen

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Oops! With all that paperwork, I forgot to post the finish of this painting.

All the values are correct now and I added the hawk. A breezy Montana prairie is just not complete without one.

Stuck in Distribution

"The Neighbors Gift" 11 x 14"  oil/canvas panel

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This is a painting I did several years ago and one I've been thinking I might do again, only larger.

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For the past few days I've been struggling to get a bunch of paintings shipped out.  I really want everyone to receive them on time for Christmas.  The portrait I did below is drying REALLY slow!  I even put it on top of my radiant heater for a few hours, just to move things along.  Please don't try this at home, unless you like that dark charcoal distressed look! (All over your house!)  Well okay, that didn't happen, thank God!  Finally this afternoon got a coat of retouch on it and that should hold it down enough to varnish it tomorrow.