Things a beginning to take shape with the dark values and mid-tones laid in. I actually added some light values as well in this session. Although I did some work on the shirt, I will still do more.

This gal is as rough and tumble as any cowboy out there, yet she remains very feminine. She helps manage a ranch with her husband while raising two boys. This drawing seems a little busy, but it won't be when I'm finished. Not sure I'll keep the cows in the background or make it obscure. For those who can't figure out if she's raking or what, she's branding a calf. It will all make sense later on.

This image is a little blurry but I wanted to show it larger than usual. This is a large piece 22X28 and I'm very pleased with the way it turned out. I think I would put it in my top five. With two dynamic figures in one painting, it is difficult to establish a focal point. The front figure is in more contrasting clothing and his face is set off nicely by the other guys chaps. His face is my focal point. I diminished the draw of the back figure by reducing contrast with the cows behind him.

Just wanted to let everyone know that I have two Oregon shows coming up. May 6 is the evening reception for "In the Company of Cowgirls" in Pendleton at Hamlys downtown. It's in conjunction with the Cattle Baron's Weekend. On June 12 I have a show opening at Wild River Art Co. in Bend. We haven't set the time yet on that one. If any of you are interested in attending either show, I can get you more information, just email me.

I've done a lot on this one, but still have to add fringe on the kneeling guy's chaps, paint in a boot, background, and smoke. I really hope to get it done tomorrow because I have a full day on Saturday with a branding and an art show opening. I haven't painted as much as usual due to a health issue, but I think I'm getting better.

Per usual, I laid in the dark values first and am working toward the light values. My next session should start getting into the fun stuff of blending and and beginning to bring out more form. This painting is large, 22X28 and valued at $2,772.

A lot of ranchers use a squeeze chute to brand and doctor their calves, because it's easier and faster. But most like to practice the old way, too, at least on a few of their calves. Many of these cowboys and cowgirls get duded up for the occasion, which makes for some really great photos. I took probably 300 shots that morning, but of all the actual branding photos this one is the best. Both cowboys are dressed up and there are no gory details visible. The composition is also excellent.

Hopefully, this didn't get too busy, but I'm calling this done. There's always so many background options, sometimes it get overwhelming to decide what is best. I do lean toward this kind of obscure, value-driven background. It's kind of my signature style.

   
I really need some feedback from you. I think this might be a case of misplaced subject. It's difficult but I can re-stretch the canvas over a square frame to get the one on the right. I'm torn what to do. Prehaps I just need more of the bright blue in the left corner to keep the viewer's eye interested. The more I think about it the more I think that's what I need to do rather than cropping the canvas. But please tell me what you think.

As you can see, I have landed on a different title than what I started with. I did considerable work on this, in spite of many interruptions. I wanted to work a little longer, but just really had enough of the ringing phone.
This young cowboy is one I have painted many times and this probably won't be the last time. I do know he made the ride, but don't recall his score.

  
This was actually done in one session today. I don't think I've ever shown you how it looks as I start with darks. Not real lovely, but it changes quickly as I lay in mid-tones. Again, I'm stuck for a title so I'm soliciting ideas from you. Some ideas I came up with are: Ridin' High, There's an Up and There's a Down, and of course Ranch Ridin' Fool. For those who don't know the difference between Ranch Riding and Regular Bronc Riding is the saddle. Ranch riding is done on a working ranch saddle and more dangerous (so I'm told). Regular Bronc Riding uses a special (barely there) saddle--still very dangerous.

This one was well worth the effort. It looks way nicer in person because it's 18X24. This last session was quite involved with the flowers, the mountains and the sky. What will I do next? Did through my photos! I think it will be a cowgirl with hair flying...maybe.

Whew! I don't usually have trouble with painter's block or moods that keep me from painting, but yesterday I really didn't want to paint. Today I had no such trouble and feel like I got a significant part of this painting done.
Still have a lot to do on the grass and the foreground flowers. They are so colorful in the photo, I can't wait to get those going.

The fence is starting to take shape, but it has been slow going due to the fact that I change the direction of light. Once I get the fence done I will begin on the flowers and grass. Belive it or not, I plan on going much lighter on the grass and probably much warmer.

  
The drawing got a little messy but I finally got it. I may lighten the dark green hill in the background and I'm not at all sure I like the mts. in the far background. They seem a little monotonous. The foreground will actually become much lighter, but I always put in my darkest value first and paint the lighter tones over it. There will be purple and orange flowers in the grass, too. It's pretty rough right now, but don't give up hope.

Here it is finished or at least almost. When the paint dries a little I'm going to extend the water across to the right a little. It will act to help circulate the viewer around the painting. I'm not sure about the buttes on the right side of the horizon. Could use some feedback about that.

Joy is at it again. This time she chose to paint a picture of one of our beloved Jack Russell pups, Baxter. She changed a lot from the photo to make it her own composition. She is learning to mix colors and is learning that her brush strokes are important. Those eyes look real, don't they! Good job Joy.