My Wild Life

How would you like to encounter this guy with no fence between you?  That was my experience last Friday!  And I'm alive to tell about it.  Actually I was staring out the window of my Bronco shooting photos of Mr. Elk until I felt it was no longer necessary for me to do so if I wanted to live further.  I spent the entire day at the Wildlife Safari between Omaha and Lincoln doing a photo shoot of the variety of wildlife living there.  Although normally I would rather see an animal in its natural environment, this fills a gap for me to be able to collect reference photos and sketches for my wildlife artwork.  

Seeing the amazing variety and behaviors of these diverse animals provided a fresh reminder of the awesome God who thought up all these species.  I am in awe of Him as I watch His world!

Be strong and courageous!

Hope your weekend is filled with joy!

Majestic Moose

When in the presence of these mighty animals, you can't help but sense awe and wonder.  Moose are generally solitary animals and when not threatened, they are gentle and quiet.  They are riparian, meaning they like to graze in wetland areas along rivers and streams.  I did this little 9" x 12" study in pastel and want to eventually work it into a larger work of art.  Aren't those antlers just amazing?  How would you like to be adorned with such accessories?!

Here's an update on the current drawing on my easel.  My time has been spent lately in developing other aspects of my art business, but I did get some drawing done yesterday.  I plan to put in more hours today.  What I wonder is....what is with all the ropes coming down through my son Elijah's chaps?!  

Lastly, here is my little art manikin Michaelangelo going head over heels to point out that he has been BUSY cutting prints to size and inserting them in packaging ready for selling.

Be strong and courageous!

 

What Is Going On In My Studio?

Here we are at the backdoor entrance to my studio, just off the basketball court.  Come on inside and I'll show you what I'm currently up to.  Summer events are coming fast and furiously, particularly the rodeo season, so I have been pushing hard on a number of fronts.

First off, here is my art manikin Michaelangelo to attest to all the frenetic activity.  He's pooped and taking a break for the moment.  Since much of my artwork deals with the western lifestyle and rodeos, I plan to be at a number of rodeos and county fairs this summer.  Just don't look for me in the bull riding events!  At the end of July, the Springfield Artworks Gallery is hosting a trunk show for me during the Sarpy County Fair and Rodeo just south of Omaha here.  This Saturday night will find me at the Fremont Youth Rodeo.  

Okay, you may wonder what I'm doing with a sewing machine?  I wonder, too!  But I have devised a plan to transport my artwork around to the various shows and events.  Here you see some heavy canvas material in the machine.  Carrying artwork around is hard on the frames, so to keep them from getting scratched, I am making canvas satchels to carry them all in and to protect them in storage.  The first one I made out of burlap, but prefer the canvas as it is heavy-duty.  So on to the making of the next 13 satchels!

And there's some new developments in how I am going to offer my artwork to you.  More to come on that in the near future, but I couldn't wait to give you a sneak preview.  These will make great gifts and ways to have my art on a less expensive level than the originals.

Don't forget...that mystery project that you saw in boxes in the back of my Bronco a few blogs ago is in great forward motion!  My brother Robert has graciously been helping me in the assembly of this project.  We are currently working on the wiring.  Will post photos of updates on what it is looking like soon!

Okay, my studio is getting crowded and I'm running out of wall space.  Perhaps you have some at your place?  Check out my online galleries and see if there is a piece just begging for you to give it a good home.  Have a great weekend enjoying these beautiful summer days...June finally came!  I'm in another art show downtown here for the Papillion Days on Saturday, then rodeoing in the evening!

  

What I Saw In The Birdbath This Morning

 Before sunrise this morning when I was opening the shades in my studio window, this is what I saw staring imperiously back at me from the birdbath.  I held my breath trying not to even blink, but this professional non-blinker shifted his head to the side as if to scrutinize me all the better. The screech owl quickly fluttered its wings in the water and then disappeared silently into the dusky dawn.  What a gift I was given to see this at the start of the day!! 

June Is Busting Out All Over!

June opens wide the door to summer and all the wonderful events that accompany the season.  The ripple effects are rampant here in my studio.   The "bees are busy buzzing in the hive" here as I prepare for summer art shows, rodeos, outdoor painting (plein air) events, and travel.  Just tonight is the monthly meeting of our local Papillion Arts Creative group.  Friday is the beginning of the Omaha Summer Arts Festival down by Old Market and the riverfront lagoon.  I always enjoy the interaction in visiting with the many varied artists and come away feeling inspired.  Then Saturday from 10 - 2 p.m. is the monthly interactive art show at Dingman's Collision Center.  I'll be working on this piece there as well as bringing some new work for exhibit.

The rodeo schedule is up and running hard.  I have been invited to attend the Fremont Youth  Rodeo next week on June 14th.  So I'll be there accompanying the action with my art.  Even more rodeos and art events are lining up.  I'll keep you all posted.  Maybe I'll even get to see some of you in my travels this summer!

This is the current work on my drawing board.  It is of my son Elijah and his friend Kelton. Can you guess what they are up to?!

( close up view )