October fun with bright colors...

"Mama Bear" 18x24 painting done in pastel by Gail Watford

Finishing up a big 18x24 pastel painting, I visualize my bear as a momma bear with her cubs, in my mind I see them.... they're just to the left of the painting about to get into trouble, jumping around in the mountain stream. Momma bear is definitely getting annoyed with them! This painting was a fun project, pushing myself into a stronger pallette. Red has never been one of my favorite colors, but I loved working in the reds, oranges and yellows in this painting. It felt very timely with the October weather and the changing leaf colors. Maybe I will paint those cubs I have in mind?

"Western Tanager" 5x7 painting done in pastel by Gail Watford

When I paint I have found, I like to work on more than one painting at a time.  It gives me time to think about the painting I'm not working on and see it with a fresh view. This little 5x7 pastel "Western Tanager" was done while working on the bear painting.  It worked out well using mostly the same palette but working in a different style and manner.

Watercolors to the Wyoming Women's Expo!

"Hummingbird with Yellow sky" 5x5 inch Framed Watercolor by Gail Watford

As you know I love painting hummingbirds and our Wyoming state flower, the Indian Paintbrush!  My paintings this week are fun little studies working in watercolor.  I love how watercolor allows a softness of one color flowing into another.  When I close my eyes and think of a object or certain place, many times I visualize it as a watercolor.  A misty impression with very few defined lines..... colors melting into other colors...... layers of softness, like looking at the clouds in the sky.  As an experiment, stop now, close your eyes and think of a favorite person or place.  How do you visualize your object? I think most of you will be surprised to find that you don't remember objects looking like the photos you've taken, but remembering them less defined more like an impressionistic watercolor painting!  

Would you would like to see my little watercolor paintings? Works of Wyoming in Laramie will be showcasing some of their galleries artists at the upcoming Wyoming Women's Expo in Casper, Wyoming on October 3rd and 4th.  These are two of the small watercolors I am sending to the show.  Both of these pieces are 5x5 inches framed and priced at $48. If you're in Casper at the Women's Expo drop by and see the ladies from the Works of Wyoming booth and check out some Wyoming art.

"Indian Paintbrush Sunset" 5x5 inch Framed Watercolor/ink by Gail Watford

What does princesses and dystopia have in common?

"End of Dystopia" Watercolor Collage by Gail Watford

These two paintings are not what I typically post but very much like the princesses I drew as a little girl.   

A while back I took a refresher class in watercolor at Laramie County Community College. The assignment was to create a painting of dystopia and change to the opposite or vs versa.  I chose to paint dystopia (a city with pollution) first and change/use it in creating a painting of a princess like I loved to draw as a little girl. After completing the city, I started the princess painting and used parts of the first dystopic painting as a collage. If you look closely you will find some of the polluted city in the last painting.  The project  was fun and pushed me out of the box of doing something I never would have done.... which as an artist is always good!  

The painting "End of Dystopia" is now at the Laramie gallery,  Works of Wyoming (WOW).   Maybe it will go home for a little girls room that also loves to draw princesses? 

Watercolor painting of a city of ppulllution

More fun painting birds.....

"Sparrow Hawk"
5x 7 Pastel Painting by Gail Watford

"Yellow Warbler"
5x7 Pastel Painting by Gail Watford

Even though the Meadowlarks paintings have flown to Asia, I am still working on birds. Here is my two latest paintings.  

Meadowlarks travel to Asia!

Brown Sky Meadowlark- 4x6 pastel painting by Gail Watford

Last week I was working fast and furiously on commissioned meadowlark paintings.  At the same time my friend Vanda Edington was painting 15 Indian paintbrush all had to be completed by by Sept 2nd. We got them done by the deadline and now they are on their way to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan! 

Working on my 15 meadowlark paintings at
one time!   A little bit messy but lots of fun!

Why Asia you ask? Some of our Wyoming state legislators traveling to Asia will be exploring opportunities to export Wyoming coal, natural gas and other state natural resources. It is our great honor to have our paintings offered as representative gifts from the state of Wyoming!

Our framed paintings being wrapped and ready for travel overseas.

I may never have the opportunity to travel to Asia but it is certainly a big thrill to have my art work in the homes or offices of those on the other side of the world! 

It's been so long I have forgotten how to write a post!

"Prairie Spirit" 18x24 pastel painting by Gail Watford

Can't believe it has been a year since I have written a post.  I could go into all my excuses but who wants to hear a whiner! Never the less it truly has been a busy year with art and family. Once we returned from a visit to see our first grandchild,  I have settled back into painting and am starting to show art again!  

Tomorrow evening, August 14th I will be one of the Art Design and Dine artists in the ALL PASTEL SHOW at the Nagel Warren Mansion from 5-8 pm.  I would like to invite you to come out and see me.... and some of my pastel paintings.  I will have my new piece "Prairie Spirit" there.  It's a piece I did to honor of the art in the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, my tribute to the sculpture in the 1800's plaza!  We are so lucky to have the gardens in our city.... such a beautiful place, always inspiration for artists!

If tomorrow evening is not in your plans the paintings will hang all the month of August. The other featured artists in the August show at the Nagle Warren Mansion are Vanda Edington, Maureen Bader, Bob Nelson, Jeanie Schlump, and Barbara Wolf. You will see a variety of genre and techniques using the pure pigment of pastel! We would all love for you to come out!

ALL PASTEL SHOW 

at the Nagel Warren Mansion 

222 E 17th Street 

August 14, 2014  from 5-8 pm.

Yee Haw! BEST OF SHOW!!!

"Tug of War"
18 x24 Frames Pastel Painting by Gail Watford- $125
now showing at the Cheyenne Artist Guild, 1701 Morrie Ave. Cheyenne WY
12 Noon-5pm Tues-Friday, 10am-2 pm Saturday (located inside Holliday Park)
 

 

Just got word a few days ago my painting 18x24 pastel painting "Tug of War" got BEST OF SHOW at the Western Show at the Cheyenne Artists Guild! I'm so excited!!!!  I started this painting a few years back, putting it away until just recently. I felt the first version needed something extra, just didn't know what?  Unfortunately it took me a long time see what I wanted to do.  It makes it sweet to have struggled with this painting then to win the honor of Best of Show!  

 

I would like to invite you, if your in Cheyenne, during July to come by and check out my painting as well as the other western themed art in the show. Every year this is such a fun show coinciding with Frontier Days! The town is alive with festive parades, rodeos, events, and lots lively decorations! At the guild we also try to also get in the spirit!  This year why not add viewing some Western Art at the Cheyenne Artists Guild to a fun day in Cheyenne? You might even find some unique western souvenirs in the gallery or gift shop to take home as a memory of a the day! 

 

Oh.... by the way  I'm curious....which "Tug of War" do you like best? You can check out my first version below!

 

Early version of "Tug of War"



More paintings done at Porter Hospital

"The Color of Spring" 6 x 8 Watercolor by Gail Watford

"Where's Mom?"  Watercolor  6x8 by Gail Watford

These are the last two small watercolors I did while my husband was in the hospital.  Rather than talking about the hospital stay I thought I would let you in on my thoughts while doing these paintings!

The landscape "The Color of Spring" reminds me of places my husband and I like to go in Wyoming, wild flowers blooming on our beautiful prairie, mountains in the distance and a ice cold stream reflecting the blue of the sky! What a great place to be!!! A place both my husband I would rather be than trapped in  the hospital!

When I look at "Where's Mom?", I think about growing up on my parents ranch with lots of calves following their Momma's. I remember my Daddy steadfastly caring for the expectant heifers.  Sometimes Daddy kept the cows in the barn when he knew it was going to be a difficult delivery.  But most of the time that was not the case and he would have to go out in the worst weather, 24/7 just to make sure the Mom and the new born calf were safe.   On rare occasions he would find either the cow or the calf would not survive the delivery.  It was never an easy transition for the one left behind.  Being optimistic, I think the Mama cow in my paintings is not too far away.  I think she is grazing on a bale of hay my Daddy just put out for her and the rest of the herd! :) 

  

More quick watercolors from Denver

"View from the Hospital Window" 5x8 Watercolor

"Street View from Porter Adventist Hospital Window" 5x8 Watercolor

During the 3 night stay my husband was in the hospital there were two views of two different seasons.  One before a snow storm and the other after around a foot of snow was dumped on Denver.  Being a girl from the South I don't drive in the snow or ice .....and the thought of it strikes fear in me! I stayed in and painted as I looked from the hospital room window. Fortunately the spring snow melted quickly, the roads cleared and we made it back safely to Cheyenne on the day my husband was released.  

These 2 little 5x8 pleinair style paintings were done while looking out his window.  The view was so beautiful unfortunately the hubby didn't get to enjoy it! As a follow up note.... We were in Denver yesterday for one of his followup appointments, I told him we might should go visit the 4th floor at the hospital and check out the view in the solarium.   Guess not enough time has passed....because he was still not interested in checking out the view!!!  :)  

A little unnamed watercolor.....

Untitled 5x7 watercolor done while my husband was recovering in the hospital.

For those of you that don't know, recently my husband had his 2nd knee replacement surgery.  His first, last August was a great success so we stuck to the plan to have the 2nd done in late April.  He is recovering wonderfully and we are now starting to get back to a more normal groove.  Being the sole caregiver I have not worked in pastel during this time.... it's too much of a mess spreading in too many rooms. I have managed to fill some of my spare moments working in watercolor.  I thought in my next few posts, I would show you some of the the little 5.5x8.5 paintings I did while he was in the hospital.  I guess it is kinda bad not having titles but my brain is too tired to come up with them so if you have any great ideas, let me know!

"Western Expansion" Train art at the Cheyenne Depot Museum

Once again it's the time of year from May 18 to July 28, 2013 for the Cheyenne Depot Museum Foundation to sponsor the 2013  RailART Show, Sale & Competition. This annual event exhibits the work of many nationally celebrated artists who uniquely express the viewpoints captured in the genre of American Rail Art today.  I am excited and  honored to again this year to be juried into the show!  

Tonight, Friday, May 17, 2013 from 6-10 pm  is a special preview reception at the museum.  I would like to invite everyone to come out during the show to check out the RailART within the museum!  This weekend there will  be lots of special events within the depot  celebrating the annual RailART show, it should be a great time?  Find out more information at the Depot link at:  http://www.cheyennedepotmuseum.org/plaza-events.

_______________________________

About my painting "Western Expansion"

The inspiration for this painting comes from trips along Interstate I-80 through Nebraska.  Traveling the highway by car, I see the railway off and on and am impressed by the sunrise reflecting on the Platte River with its beauty early in the morning. Sometimes I think of years gone by when there was no other easy way but by rail to quickly get across the west.  I think of the anticipation the passengers must have felt as they looked out their passenger window. My painting strives to capture that moment at sunrise with all the hopes of a new day in our beautiful western landscape.

 ________________________________

Western Spirit Now Hanging at the Old West Museum

"The Whistle Blows"

Pastel Painting by Gail Watford $400

It’s time again for the 32nd Annual Western Spirit Art Show and Sale! The Western Spirit Art Show features over 100 western Artists from across the country.  I am excited and proud to once again be one of the artists juried into the show! My painting "The Whistle Blows" (18x24 Pastel $400) as well as my miniature "Meadowlark" (5x7 Pastel $138) are both available for purchase or to be viewed during the regular museum hours March 8- April 14th.   If your in Cheyenne be sure to come out and see over 300 beautiful works of art by artists from all over the country!

 Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum

Frontier Park

4610 Carey Avenue

Cheyenne, Wyoming

(307) 778-7290

For a quick look at all the art in the show check out the following link http://www.oldwestmuseum.org/western_spirit_art_show_2013.aspx 

"Meadowlark"
Pastel Painting by Gail Watford $138

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

"Morning Sweetheart, I Love You"
 9 x 12  Framed Pastel Painting
$125.00

This painting "Morning Sweetheart, I Love You" is hanging at the HEARTS AND FLOWERS SHOW at the Cheyenne Artists Guild through February 23rd.  I gave it this title because every morning my sweet husband has a pot of coffee ready for me! I must admit he has spoiled me and I'm not sure I could survive each and every day without him!!! Coffee or not! 

 Wishing you a very Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

Hearts and Flowers Art Show and Sale

February 5-23rd

 Cheyenne Artists Guild 
1701 Morrie Avenue
Cheyenne, Wyoming

Time for Sunday Afternoon Fun at the Encore Art Show

On Thursday, February 7th some of the artists involved in the Encore show met at the Nagel Warren Mansion to visit with the KGWN Channel 5 morning crew, Kelly Ann Cicalese and Anthony Keith. Always liking to stay in the background when cameras are present, I stayed quite as a mouse, as my artist friends Vanda Edington and Georgia Rowswell answered Kelly Ann and Antony's questions about Art Design and Dine and how the 13 artists show Encore evolved. As I wrote, earlier Encore is made up of 13 artists that had previously shown work with Art Design and Dine in 2012. Another friend, Win Ratz showed the Channel 5 team how to make origami hearts, just in time for valentines! If you watched the Friday, February 8th Morning News on Channel 5 you will know all the details and see a glimpse of the Thursday afternoon fun we were having at the mansion. For those of you that don't get up at 6 am, like me, here's the link to check it out! http://www.kgwn.tv/story/21083392/encore-13-reception-Sunday. By the way, those of you that know me well, know I am not an early bird.... getting up at the crack of dawn.  I must admit, I ALWAYS DVR the KGWN Morning Show... never to miss what's happening in Cheyenne!

To close, don't miss the opening this Sunday afternoon, February 10, from 1 pm to 4 pm. I'm sure it will be just as fun for the folks that come out to visit with us as on this past Thursday afternoon. Win will once again be showing how to make her origami hearts and... yes you will learn to make one and take it home for your special Valentine! Do Palma will also be showing how she makes her art with fabric. Of course, there will be yummy refreshments and the Nagle's special blend of tea.  It's all FREE.   Drop by Sunday for this special event or come see the show before it closes on March 31, the gallery will   be open daily! 

ENCORE 13 ARTIST SHOW 

January 1- March 31

Opening Reception February 10, 1 pm - 4 pm

  Nagel Warren Mansion, 

 222 East 17th Street, Cheyenne, WY. 

One of 3 Pastels by Gail Watford on display at the Encore Show
"Mountain Majesty"  9 x 12"   $300

ENCORE 13 Artist Reception February 10, 2013

Open through March 31, 2013 – Daily from 9 am – 5 pm

Reception with all artists February 10th 1 to 4 pm

Encore – Thirteen Artists Show 

at the Nagle Warren Mansion

Reception February 10, 1 to 4pm

Thirteen Art Design and Dine artists from 2012 present the show, Encore at Nagel Warren Mansion. The venue is  located at 223 E 17th and will run through March 31 with a reception including all artists on February 10th from 1 to 4 pm. The Encore artists are Christi Beckmann, Mack Brislawn, Don Edington, Vanda Edington, Julie Nighswonger, Connie Norman. Do Palma, Win Ratz, Jennifer Rife, Dave Rowswell, Georgia Rowswell, Jeannie Schlump and Gail Watford. For more info call 778-7172, go to the Art Design and Dine  link for the latest information at http://artdesigndine.org/ or check  http://www.naglewarrenmansion.com/

______________

"The show is hung and looks great!  As you can tell from the poster the show is quite diverse and you can count on seeing a little bit of everything! If you come out for the reception on February 10th, Win Ratz and Do Palma will be doing demos.  There will be refreshments with the Nagel Warren Mansion serving their special made tea.  Come out and see the show before March 31 or better yet mark your calendar for the Artist Reception on February 10th  from 1-4 pm and visit with us artists.  Hope to see you there!" 

Where does time go?

"Merrily Down the Stream" Pastel Painting SOLD

It's unreal how fast the last couple of months have gone by, with no chance for me to sit at my computer and update you on whats happening in my art world.  So not to bore you to death... I will do a whirlwind update!

The show at Nagel Warren in November was great fun!  Lots of old friends came out to see Vanda's and my work.  I, also brought in some on my favorite paintings printed on note cards and sold out! My pastel painting "Merrily Down the Stream" sold during the reception! Some of my 5x7 Wyoming wildlife paintings of a meadowlark and Mountain Bluebird sold at Perkins Restaurant show later that week!  

Here I am this past November, at the opening Reception for Marvelous Miniatures and Masterpieces at Nagel Warren Mansion. This painting, "Cherished Memories" was placed alongside the mansions beautiful china and special blend tea. "Cherished Memories" just off the easel and unframed, was not for sale but a surprise gift for my parents!  The tea cup painting was inspired by my parents first set of dishes 60 years ago! I remember many Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners using the dishes! Those truly are cherished memories!

I took off all December to visit with family but managed to go to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Rogers, AR.  The Museum invites you to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power and history of American art with the beauty of landscape. It is amazing that this world class museum, is offered free to the public in the rural state of Arkansas! BTW, Rogers has a population of only a little over 55,000!  So if you are ever in Northwest Arkansas, Crystal Bridges is a must on the list of places to go!  
My husband and I also, took a day trip to Eureka Springs, a great little art community hidden in the Ozarks of Northwest Arkansas! It's a wonderful drive through the Ozark mountains not at all like our Rocky mountains.   The Ozarks are not tall or dramatic as the Rockies but a have beautiful gentleness with their tree covered hillsides of oak and maples.  Once arriving in Eureka, we had a great time visiting the art galleries.   Our favorite on this day trip was the gallery Quicksilver, having a unique mix of artistic crafts, jewelry, pottery and paintings.   

Back in Cheyenne, I started off the new year by helping hang the Art Design and Dine, Encore Show at Nagel Warren Mansion. The show is made up of 13 artists that participated in AD&D in 2012. All of the artists live in Southeast Wyoming.... but I will write more about that in my next blog post..... 

My note card inventory depleted in November has been restocked. Check that off the to do list! Cards are now available at the Works of Wyoming Gallery in Laramie and will be available this week at the Cheyenne Artists Guild.   I have even signed up for a Watercolor class at LCCC!  It's always fun to push the boundaries and try something new!!!  Maybe I will be posting a watercolor in a few weeks? 

Being away all December has meant most of January to be non-stop catch up.... I'm a little out of breath!!! But, I think I am almost there.... once again able to relax and go back to thinking art full time!!!  Hope your having time to be creative in 2013!  Till next time....  

Art Design and Dine at the Nagel Warren Mansion

I would like to invite you to come visit Vanda and I during November Art Design and Dine on Thursday, November 8th, 2012. Our show is a mixture of miniature and larger pastel paintings which we created over the past year.  On the opening night only...we will  also have small items like note cards and my art mugs available for purchase.  The show will hang all the month of November at the Nagel Warren Mansion but I would love for you to come by and visit us on opening night!!!  By the way, if you mention seeing this post on my blog or on my Facebook page I will give you a 10% discount on the night of Art Design and Dine! 

"Marvelous Miniatures and Masterpieces"

Paintings by 

Gail Watford 
and Vanda Edington

Art Design and Dine

November 8th from 5-8 PM

Nagel Warren Mansion 

222 East 17th Street

Cheyenne, WY  

It's so nice to be accepted!

"Reflections on the Lake"
Pastel Painting by Gail Watford

As I told you in an earlier post, I am now back painting, but during the time I was not able to create, I did manage to enter the "Lines into Shapes" juried show in Estes Park. This was the first time I had tried to enter this show.  I had not entered in the past thinking my chances of being accepted were slim. Why go to the time and expense? This year, because it was so easy to enter online (only taking a few minutes), I decided to give it a try.  If I couldn't work, the least I could do was enter the show.  I took a deep breath, pushed the computer keys and within a short amount of time my images were included in the 2012 entries.  After a few weeks of waiting, there it was.... in my email box the dreaded rejection notice! I was disappointed but decided it was OK, there is always another time or show.  You can only imagine my surprise the next morning to get an email from the selection committee apologizing and explaining there was a mistake that my piece "Reflections on the Lake" WAS accepted into the show!  I am amazed, exited and thrilled to be one of the 142 entries selected from 464 submissions!   

The thought I would like to leave with you regarding by my experience,  is there IS TRUTH in what others say about entering shows even though you think they are too far away, too competitive, too expensive or too much trouble.  Be brave, selectively enter the bigger shows....you never know when the judges will say "Yes, your piece is accepted"!  

The Art Center of Estes Park "Lines into Shapes" show will open October 26 and run through November 11th.  For a look at the pastel division which include my painting check out the following link:

http://www.artcenterofestes.com/LinesIntoShapesShow2012/LinesIntoShapes2012Cat3.aspx.  

While on the page I would appreciate if you select and vote for my painting!  

If you make it to Estes Park to see the show let me know what you think?  Your continued support of my art is truly appreciated!!!  

ART CENTER OF ESTES PARK

(970) 586-5882

Gallery Hours 

November 16 - May 15 

Friday-Monday 10 am-5 pm 

May 16 - Nov. 15 Daily 

10 am-5 pm 

Finding a Title?

Unnamed Pastel Painting by Gail Watford

This is my latest painting, I would tell you it's title but unfortunately I can't find the right words to summarize the feeling I want to convey.  Does this happen to you?  It's an ongoing issue I struggle with.  Words and writing about me and my art are never easy.  It's a sole searching process.  When I paint, I repeatedly look for what I think of as finding the inter-peace or going toward the OMM factor. This probably makes little sense to anyone else? How can anyone read my mind or I yours? So it is back to finding the title to express the feeling of the painting.  In this painting, I keep thinking of a title like "Dreaming of Somewhere in Wyoming", though I don't think that is the best answer to my dilemma. I could write more to further define my thoughts about this painting, but I'm  hesitant to go to any depth about what I am thinking.  I'm more interested in the feelings the viewer arrives at rather than me telling the whole story.   Any work of art can have a lot to say, but for me it is best each person go down the path the painting leads them. Do you think the story in my painting is about peace, loneliness, sorrow?  Maybe it reminds someone of a relative or long lost friend.  Does it make you feel happy or sad?   Can you suggest what the title might be to best convey the story of my painting?

It's been a while....

Paper made with textures from objects around the home

I never intended to go so long without posting but the last few months have been a challenge to think about art much less creating a painting.  On August 1st my husband went into the hospital for the first of two knee replacement surgeries.  Both of his knees had given him problems for many years.  After postponing the inevitable, it was time to begin the process of  repair.    For the most part my hubby has never been sick, I have always leaned on him, as he has been the one to protect and take care of me when sick.  Over the last couple of months,  much of the time I have felt inadequate, being an artist and not knowing or understanding medicine.  Never the less, my priority has been to be the best caregiver I could be. We have weathered the surgery, recovery and a blood clot.  Thank goodness, everything is now getting back to normal. He is recovering well, doing some of the things he wants to do like driving, so it is time for me to start thinking about getting back to my art.  As I said in the beginning, though,  it has been a slow process for me to switch gears.  The ideas don't seem to flow the way I want them to.....   I have been trying to push through these feelings of a lack of inspiration....  but it has not been easy!

Last week, an artist friend of mine, Win Ratz invited me to make paper with her as she was preparing for an upcoming workshop.  I had never made paper before and looked forward to a fun day experimenting with a new medium.  The morning working with Win was just the right kick my brain needed to get the wheels moving creatively.  She showed me how to use purchased, recycled paper materials as well as dried plants, a blender and a box with a screen lining to make beautiful art objects of paper.  Once the paper was set, yet not dry, we played with all kinds of choices of "junk store purchases and around the house objects" to create textures in the paper. Win also showed me the process of coloring the paper and layering colors before the paper sets up to dry. While the colored paper was still damp I used some pastel sticks to pump up areas with more color.   What a fun morning and just what I needed get my artist brain to working!!!

The lucky folks that have signed up for her papermaking workshop in Taos in October are in for a treat!  You can find some of Win's work on her web page or blog at, http://www.winratzart.com/ or at   http://www.winratzart.blogspot.com/.  Not only does she create art from her paper designs but she also creates beautiful watercolor paintings and enamel works of art.

The three images in this post are the works of art I made at Win's house.  Win thanks, for a fun morning and the encouragement of thinking in new ways to create art!  You have definitely inspired me to create more paper art!!!  My days are still erratic,  I am not fully back to where I want to be but I am moving in the right direction!                                                                                     

Paper made with texture from lace and embossed leather

Layers of colored paper with pastel on top

Packed and ready to go to Frontier Days

"Little European Robin"
Pastel Painting by Gail Watford

The last few weeks have been been crazy busy but finally finished the last piece of art to go to the Wyoming Made Store at 2012 Cheyenne Frontier Days!  This little 5x7 pastel painting of a European Robin will be 1 of 5 unframed pieces of art I will be selling for $37. 

Ever wonder what happens in an artist's bedroom?

More than likely, only an artist would know that this is what really happens in an artists extra bedroom! Oh yeah, and by the way,  I'm only letting you see a small portion of this chaos! It's  stacked, at this minute standing room only with art supplies and paintings... coming, going or being stored. Nope, no room here except on the rare occasion my cat curls her way onto a small corner of the pillow! Today is one of those days she won't be finding her comfy sleeping spot!!! 

Why is my room like this?  Personally, I believe in trying new ideas to get art into to the world.  One of my goals this year was to become part of the group "Wyoming First".  It is a program developed by the Wyoming Business Council to advance businesses in Wyoming. Once approved, they will actively help promote through various venues.  One of the ways they get the word out is by hosting the "Wyoming Made Store" for their members at Cheyenne Frontier Days and at the Wyoming State Fair.  This is my first year to take part and as you can see I am knee deep, as they say back in the South, in getting ready.  But I guess I didn't really have to tell you that?  Yes, this is part of my inventory that will go to both locations!  I will have note cards of 6 of my paintings, coffee mugs displayed with my art, as well as framed and unframed paintings available.  Quite a production when you consider all the preparation of labeling and packaging.  Fortunately, light is at the end of the tunnel and I am nearly ready. I will be postings of some of my paintings that will be going in the upcoming weeks.  

For those of you that have never been by the "Wyoming Made Store" at Cheyenne Frontier Days, it will be open every day at Wild Horse Gulch  from 11am to 8pm, July 20-29, 2012. One of the best things is that Wild Horse Gulch has no admission! It has been one of my favorite places to go during Frontier Days. Always a good time, with creative fun things to do and purchase!  Check out a 30 second video on this link: Wild Horse Gulch Video.  

Well partner, my boots are polished and my hat is hanging by the door ready to go!  YEE-HAW!!! 

Bluebirds, Meadowlarks, and Indian Paintbrush

"Mountain Bluebird"
5x7 Pastel Painting

"Meadowlark"5x7 Pastel Painting

"Indian Paintbrush"5x7 Pastel Painting

Lately, I have been working on painting 5x7's, starting out with the Meadowlark, then the Indian Paintbrush and lastly the Mountain Bluebird.  For me all of these subjects represent our state of Wyoming.  I don't think I have ever seen a Meadowlark close up and would be thrilled to study one, so I had to work from about 5 different photos to paint the Wyoming state bird. The Indian paintbrush, our state flower is a favorite of mine and I always look forward to running across a few of them every year.  I sometimes daydream of one day happening on a large patch that paint the landscape with their vivid red color!  This study, though came from a reference photo I took last summer while Plein Air Painting at Lions Park in Cheyenne.  My Bluebird painting, came from inspiration I received on a drive a few week ago through the back roads of Vedauwoo.  My  husband and I had taken our big ole black 4-wheel drive truck out on a perfect trail, then stopping at the top of a hill with an open field.  I couldn't believe it when I looked out my passenger window and there was a brightly colored bluebird!  I had to come home and give painting this beautiful bird a try!  Our summers in Wyoming always have many beautiful surprises for artists and I look forward to finding some new ones this year!