#36 Although I love the action of the rodeo arena, I also enjoy observing fans and contestants. This was a study for a much larger oil, which I have abandoned for now, seems something got lost in the translation from the small size.

I am trying out some new Terry Ludwig pastels - they are very soft and a blast to use on Wallis paper. They are darker than what I am used to and really help the lights pop out. I also got a set of ultramarine blues which are handy for skies and shadows. It's like Christmas all over again!

We have been treated to several days of foggy, freezing wheather, very cold and very beautiful. This painting is of a grove of Russian Olive trees dressed up in their winter finery. These trees have actually been classified as a noxious weed in Montana and North Dakota, but they sure are pretty right now.

I am pleased to report that my oil painting of a loose bronc, "Taste of Freedom" has been accepted into the Western Spirit Show in Cheyenne, Wyoming. It is held each year at the Old West Museum which is a treat in itself, a grand stage for all things western.  The show runs from March 6 through April 18, 2010.

This painting portrays the same area as "Snow White Blues", known as Bennie Pier Creek Road,on the border of Montana and North Dakota. My grandpa, a wonderful story teller, used to tell us kids that in that yellow house once lived a suspected horse thief and his wife. The two of them came up with a signal to notify the man if the law was in the area looking for him. He would know not to approach the house unless the wife had hung a bedsheet out on the old wooden clothesline. One day he was headed home, saw that the sheet was flapping in the breeze, his signal that the coast was clear, and so headed in to the house. Apparently the sheriff had caught wind of their secret for it was he who had hung the sheet out in order to lay a trap for the outlaw. I never did hear any ending to the story, but I hear that a hanging is still legal punishment for horse thievery in the state of Montana!

It is one of two paintings I had accepted into the 31st Annual Southeastern Montana Juried Exhibit in Miles City, Montana from 1-24-10 throough 3 7-10. The juror happens to be one of my favorite pastelists, PSA signature member, Sheila Rieman who is known for her use of intense and unusual color.

A typical scene in eastern Montana, or anywhere rural for that matter. These two old codgers were leaning against one another and seemed to be sharing old stories. As I was taking photos I found out that this was the home of a good-sized rattlesnake!

This painting will be available at the 31st Annual southestern Montana Juried Exhibit which runs from Jan. 24, 
2010 through March 7, 2010. Juror for the exhibit is PSA signature member, Sheila Rieman, one of my favorite pastelists because of her use of intense and unusual color.

If you are around my age (54), you remember the Chicago song, "Feeling Stronger Everyday". Well that is how I finally feel now after months of going through the rigors of cancer treatments.  This is the first painting I have completed in for months and it is a wonderful feeling.

Just spent the weekend at the "World-Famous" Miles City Bucking Horse Sale. If you are a fan of the old West you would love this event. Live horse-races, the bucking horse sale, a wonderful parade, live music and of course - ART.

The Custer County Art & Heritage Center puts on the Quick Draw and an Annual Western Art Roundup. The Center's  building itself is a gem in the middle of the vast prairies of eastern Montana. Formerly a water treatment  plant, it has been transformed over the years into a unique stage for elegant and eclectic displays of contemporary and traditional artwork which hang against the original stone-studded walls. I have several paintings included in the Western Art Roundup so we enjoyed a delicious Sunday brunch reception for the  artists while listening to the cowboy melodies of singer-songwriter Yancey de Veer.

The Quick Draw was held Saturday morning in the local park. Over 20 artists had just 30 minutes to create a work of art from a blank canvas, then the works were auctioned to the highest bidder in the enthusiastic crowd. A good time was had by all!

I think my dad originally inspired me with a love of design, because he was (and still is) always restoring old cars and trucks. His appreciation of the beauty of the lines, the curve of a fender, the fuctional beauty was contagious. So I always liked the looks of these 50's pickups and never pass up the chance to ride in or drive one. Even the door handles and steering wheel designs can not be improved upon. 

This particular one took my brother from Colorado to North Dakota, a 600 mile journey several years ago, without a hitch. Simple clean designs with amazingly simple motors.

And when they reach their final destination and start to rust - the fun begins! Oranges and browns warmed by the sunlight against cool greens in the shadows. Differing textures of painted metal, rust, chrome, glass and rubber tires. Yep, lots of reasons to paint an old chevy pickup. 

This is #17 of  100 for $100.

The Yellowstone is actually under ice right now, so I painted from a photo taken last fall.

From 10 degrees below this morning to 10 degrees above today, we're making progress!