Hereford Calf painting in pastel

My art was in the 38th annual Western Art Show in San Dimas, California this past weekend.   A number of artists took part in an event called the quick draw.

A "quick draw" is when a group of artists sit down and create a piece of art in an hour or less.   The work created during this "timing" is done in front of a live audience.   After the work is created, the art is then auctioned off to the crowd.

It is a fun event for all.   An artist is concerned about the outcome of the work.  There is very little time to create a painting or sketch.  If the piece of art created is not what the artist usually produces, then the public sees an artist with a piece that is not a reflection of their normal work.   (Folks that have seen a quick draw before do understand that the paintings created are not the same work an artist would produce in their normal time frame of days or weeks for a painting.)  Then the artists walk around with the piece displayed for the auction.   VERY stressful but exciting too!  

I painted a Hereford calf.   It was a bit of an experiment for me.   I chose to work on a sanded board using bold strokes.  Usually, my work is soft and more blended.

The painting was well received and went for a price much higher than expected (to my thrill and relief!)

The auctioneer was the celebrity auctioneer from the TV show "Storage Wars", Sean Kelly.  He is amazing at what he does.  

Johnny RIngo - A Roping Horse

This is a painting of Johnny Ringo.  The painting was a surprise Christmas gift from two loving daughters to their father.  

The daughters had Johnny Ringo bathed and groomed and met me at the stable.   We took a number of photos of him - inside the barn - outside the barn - in a halter - bridled up.   After reviewing the photos we all agreed on a photo of him in full tack. 

He was such a trooper during our photo shoot. 

Thank you girls for having my art be part of a special gift to a wonderful man whom we affectionately

Tacking up Johnny Ringo

Johnny Ringo ready for photos

Did he just give me the raspberry???

Portrait of Johnny Ringo

refer to as Cowboy Ed.

Tucker - An Irish Setter - Pastel Paintings

Just finished a double commission of an Irish Setter named Tucker.

The owner had me photograph her dog, Tucker, for a painting for her.  She had a brainstorm and decided to have me paint a mini painting of the same reference photo for Tucker's breeder as a gift.   It was very sunny out on the day we took photos and, as a result, the photos were not the correct color of Tucker.  So, to make his paintings accurate, the color of the paintings needed to be much darker than the reference photos.

We were all at the same dog show and the breeder had been chatting with me not knowing a gift was forthcoming.   It was killing me not to tell her I had a painting for her - but it was not my gift to give!   Later, after Tucker's owner had picked up both paintings from me, I saw the breeder headed my way with a smile on her face.   What a fun day for all three of us!

Thank you to Bonnie for allowing me to be part of your "family" and for choosing me to paint your boy....twice!!

Bling - Best in Puppy Sweepstakes

Bling "Rendition Treasure Every Minute CGC" (CH Willowbrook Artists Rendition JH x CH Rusticwood Spellbound CGC) going Best in Sweepstakes at the Irish Setter Club of Central California under sweeps judge, Gary Brown DVM.  

She had wonderful placements all weekend.   On Saturday she went Best of Opposite Sex in Sweeps and on Sunday she won her sweeps class - with some extremely lovely competition.

The first two days of the show she placed second in Bred-by Exhibitor (out of classes of 7 and 6).

If only I had her energy - I started running out of steam after day 2,

but sure had a wonderful time.   Thank you to the Irish Setter Clubs of Central California, of the Pacific, and Sacramento as well as to the judges that gave us a placement.