Leap Of Faith....

I paint WHAT???.....

2012-01-22T07:25:00.000-07:00

very old, dead fish in a jar - in discolored liquid.

frog skins and their storage box

An old rusty bucket

very old snakes in a jar - with ropes around their necks!

a dead loon with a tag

WHY??

'cause I can - is how the saying goes....

But for me, 'cause I can, is because I do.

What that means....my recent posts about warm vs. cool, the color of snow and shadow, the subtle differences in value, etc. etc. Whether I'm plein air painting a gorgeous mountain scene in Yellowstone National Park or dead snakes in a jar...It's all the same.

Yes, the above objects are all in the collection of the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center. They have intriguing stories, interesting history and are part of Yellowstone's amazing heritage. But, they are also interesting shapes and colors - ripe for the painting...and learning.

What we are painting are shapes and colors. If they are interesting shapes and colors, or an interesting enough subject to you to motivate you to pull out those brushes - do it. It will all transfer. If you learn to really see and then record what you are seeing in paint, you can paint anything. (Yes, even metal, glass, water, a portrait, a plein air landscape....all those things that many people consider "hard".)

All we're doing is learning to see and translate that vision into paint on canvas. Do not have a preconceived notion of what you are painting. Don't decide a tree is green or water is hard, before you paint. LOOK at it as shapes and colors - NOT trees, grass, mountains, water, and snow...or even dead loons, snakes in a jar or rusty buckets. Different light, different weather conditions, etc. make objects appear differently. Wipe your brain slate clean and just look at it. Paint what you see.

It's all just shapes and colors. (I know I keep saying that - But that's the point I'm trying to get across.) If you can nail the colors and put the right shape in the right place on your canvas, it will appear correct - weather it's a person's face or frog skins.

Here's a recent painting I've been working on....

Pronghorn study - 6" x 6"

Just like our recent snowy landscape / plein air studies we discussed in earlier posts... Look at the white fur in the shadows. (Just like the white snow in those earlier discussions.) Compare the values of the white fur in the shadows to the light on the bushes. That white fur is a darker value than the bushes. It is NOT "white". And it's cooler. (Sound familiar from our snow discussions?)

Cool colors in those shadows, control the values when compared to the background. It's the same principles working here as the snow in a plein air painting. Learn to see that, and you'll learn to see it all!

So, why do I paint dead fish in a jar? Because it all crosses over to make me a better all round painter. I'm adding to my knowledge of painting shapes and colors. Honing that visual skill. The more I paint and the more variety I throw at myself, the better a painter I will become.

Paint the salt shaker on your table, your cat, your children, your foot, whatever hits you - they are all shapes and colors...notches in the rung of the learning curve. Keep a curious air of discovery and you will enjoy painting anything.

And if you keep your brushes moving... when you go outside to plein air paint, where the information bombards you and time is of the essence, the neurons will remember some of that shape and color information and translate it into the current problem solving on canvas. And "Wa-La", it got just a little easier.

Our Yellowstone Zoo

- photos from the windows of our gallery....

We see many pronghorn (often called antelope) out our windows. Fastest land animal in North America. Amazing creatures. (Hence the study above of "the neighbors".)

This photo I took a couple days ago. Not my best pronghorn photo, but it is a good example of light and shadow on them. Notice the strong difference of value from their white fur in the sunlight to the white fur in the shadow. If you can see that, all that is left is to translate that into paint on your canvas. Luckily, we have a lifetime to hone that one!

Snow is NOT white

2012-01-11T17:16:00.000-07:00

At least to an artist - snow is NOT white. Remember our earlier discussion of warm vs. cool? Thought I'd reinforce the point, add a little bit to that discussion - AND throw in some new points on VALUE (lighter vs. darker). After all, it's a great time of year to talk about painting snow!

A photo I took out the windows this morning at sunrise...

Sunrise begins on Electric Peak in Yellowstone National Park

(Yes, I really do get to see this every morning out my windows. And yes, we still appreciate it!)

Look closely at the colors of the snow - where the sun is just beginning to touch the mountain (Electric Peak) the snow is warm - NOT just white.

AND, the lightest VALUE in the image. VALUE has nothing to do with color - which can be confusing. Color can be pretty 'showy' (especially at sunrise!) and get in the way of judging value. Ignore the color and think of it as a black and white photograph. Squint if you have to - it helps. You'll see the lightest area is that sunlit snow. But it is not white.

White is the coolest color on the palette. Therefore, you cannot use just white if you want that sunlit area to look right. It needs to have a warm feel. You would have to add a touch (a very small touch!) of warm colors to white - something like cadmium orange would work.

Then look at the snow on the mountain where the shadow begins...cooler AND a darker value. Here I'd go to a purple...depending on your palette, something like cobalt blue and alizarin crimson with white.

While we're talking about VALUE....notice how similar the VALUE is of the snow in shadow and the sky. If you can't see that, use your finger to cover over the sunlit spot of snow. This one is very subtle - but to differentiate the two, look hard for a color variance to define each. Compare them. What is the difference??...DO NOT READ ON UNTIL YOU HAVE TRIED TO SEE THE DIFFERENCE FOR YOURSELF!!

What I see on my monitor....The snow is ever so slightly more purple (has more red - making it a bit warmer) and the sky is slightly more blue (cooler) when you compare the two.

If we were painting this picture, not only do you need to get the warm vs. cool right, but you'll need to get the value right as well - so that it reads as snow in the sunlight and snow in the shadows. Then there's composition, and drawing, and............you get the idea. Painting has a lot for your brain to assimilate all at once - remember challenging yourself is good!

Hangin' with the bison...

2012-01-08T20:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I was actually painting - the bison were hangin'. You can't beat an outing in Yellowstone when the weather is glorious and the bison are plentiful. And in winter, you get the place to yourself. A good day was had by all - myself and the bison.

Some photos from my painting excursion...

My chosen painting perch. I liked the aspens in the shadow and sun light.

More of the bison herd as seen from my 'perch'.

My painting on my easel....12" x 12" oil

The wind was calm and the sun was strong. The bison seemed quite comfortable too...

Winter plein air painting doesn't get much better than this.

Composition / Design

2012-01-01T20:35:00.000-07:00

Since good design is the foundation of a great painting, it's the perfect subject to begin the year with. We definitely want to start off with a strong foundation!

So with that in mind, I thought I'd follow up with my latest painting from the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center...

My subject - a traveler's trunk in the collection on the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center.

If design is a pleasing arrangement of the elements - this one has a lot of elements to choose from! And that is exactly what I think is important when contemplating your design - the elimination of all but the essential components to make your statement. So what are my essential components??

First, I pay attention to what 'catches my eye' right off the bat. Shapes and colors are often what does it for me, and this subject is filled with them! It will definitely need to be a bold painting.

The details of the trunk were very interesting, but the whole was entirely too overwhelming to create a strong composition. I focus on what I'm interested in within the subject...I chose a corner with the metal straps and locks. That's what caught my eye - great shapes, color contrast and interest for the painting.

Then, what ideas do I want to convey in my painting? It's about Yellowstone, so the bold Yellowstone Park sticker would create a nice prominent contrast with the blue background.

To round out my design, I need some 'supporting players'...the other stickers offer different shapes and colors that would add to the whole without overwhelming the main characters. Maybe cut them off or subordinate them in some way so they don't compete too strongly for attention.

I remind myself to keep it simple, so it makes a strong statement. Don't try to say everything, it'll be too watered down.

Now that I've choose the elements that support my idea, I need to arrange those elements in a pleasing way on my canvas. (Following the basic compositional rules I laid out in my post yesterday.)

On my easel at the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center with the trunk in the background. At this point, all essential shapes are laid in and the tonal values are established.

For me, composition was what this one was about. I had an entire trunk to choose from, but I had to compose it down to my 12" x 12" canvas. Lots of decisions (and eliminations!), had to be made.

A couple compositional notes to point out:

The diversity rule in action (from yesterday's post) - Notice the black strap running behind the metal locks. Each section of the black strapping is a different length. I consciously planned those shapes to create diversity within the positive and negative shapes of the painting.

My 'supporting players' (the subtle stickers at the lower section of the painting), although not my stars, the painting would be much less interesting without them. Cover that section over with your fingers and see what I mean? So composition isn't all about the 'stars', you need those secondary players too.

After those decisions were made and the elements placed, it's all down hill from here....
My finished painting....

Traveler's Trunk - a detail from an artifact in the collection of the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center
12" x12" oil

What have you learned in 2011?

2011-12-31T15:08:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'll go first....What have I learned in 2011? I know - a daunting question. But I find it helpful to try to boil it down to the essence...just like a good painting! And, I always like to look back and find the leaps, and even baby steps, that I've made. After all, if life is a journey, I want to recognize forward momentum and celebrate it! Great motivation for the New Year...

Luckily, there are many possible answers that come to mind. But to keep it simple, my answer on the art front is...Composition. I concentrated a lot of effort on that concept in 2011. No, I didn't learn it all (with art you never do!). Can't check that one off and move on. But I do feel I made good strides by taking it to another level in my brain processing.

With my Yellowstone Squared project, I stayed conscious of focusing on good compositions - and I did a lot of plein air painting which strengthens the 'composition muscle'. A sampling of my Yellowstone Squared paintings....

Sure, there are rules about good design that you can lean on, and that's a good place to start. But acquiring that innate sense helps immensely. Especially in plein air painting, where speed, along with a myriad of other aspects, are all calling for your attention.

I've read many books on composition and the theories are vast - but the basics hold true through them all. Here are some of the basic rules to lean on as you exercise that "composition muscle"...

- Look for diversity in spacing and shapes - same is boring and feels stiff. Every shape you create and place on your canvas makes both a positive shape and a negative shape, be aware of both as you try to create diversity and harmony.

- Watch putting your center of interest right in the middle. (It can be done successfully, but if you choose to try it, go in with a plan.)

- Don't put anything too compelling close to the edges of your canvas. You could easily lose your viewer. You want to guide your viewer's eye around the painting, not right off the edge.

- Watch the strong shapes and lines within your painting - none should create an awkward tangent (meeting of the two), divide your canvas in half or take you right out of the picture. (Again, it can be done, but know the rules before you choose to break them, so you can make a plan to address the issues.)

Composition is vital - without a pleasing design, you cannot have a successful painting. Period. It's that important. It's hard to appreciate those great colors, when the composition is too awkward to get past. And rearranging major elements in your painting is not easily fixed later on.

So, with the importance of design in mind, I'll post a follow-up demonstration on composition tomorrow to kick off the New Year in a 'good composition' direction. Remember, a good design is the foundation of a great painting!

Take a moment to recognize (and celebrate!)

your leaps and bounds this year -

or even those baby steps.

They all add up...

Happy New Year!

Leaping into the Holidays

2011-12-18T20:18:00.000-07:00

As you leap into the Holiday weeks ahead,

enjoy the journey.

Warm snow?

2011-12-12T17:17:00.000-07:00

Yes, to painters there is such a thing!

I thought I'd touch on a technical (and somewhat challenging) aspect of painting...warm colors vs. cool colors...color temperature.

The knowledge and proficiency a painter possesses of color temperature can make a HUGE difference in a painting. And this time of year, when I'm tackling snow, I'm thinking about color temperature a lot! The temperature shifts in snow can be subtle, but if you don't get them, snow and snow shadows won't work. It's definitely a leap when color temperature is assimilated into a painter's brain.

For a while, I remember understanding the concept on a rote basis. But it hadn't REALLY sunk in. Then, the 'ah ha' moment, when I realized - 'I got it'! It had finally sunk into the depth of my brain. It was working on a different level. Then, it was just a matter of practice. Now, I really enjoy the concepts of warm vs. cool in my paintings.

Here's a primer....
Many people understand that red is considered a warmer color than green. So in painter terms, viridian (a green) is cooler than alizarin crimson (a red). Okay, got that. BUT, alizarin crimson is a cool color when compared to cadmium red. IT'S ALL RELATIVE. You can't judge a color, unless you have something to compare it too. So that means...even a red can be cool. Or a blue, warm.

The quality of light also ranges from warm to cool - warmer light on a sunny day, cooler on an overcast day. A landscape painter must be sensitive to this quality in order to capture the feeling and mood of the day. And generally, a landscape also cools in the distance, so it can really complicate matters - or, make for a lot of fun - depending on how you look at it.

Below is a plein air sketch to illustrate my point. I was over near the Northeast entrance of Yellowstone the other day, following up of a tip from a friend. Three bull moose had been spotted hanging out together. She had photos, and I was hoping to get some of my own.

No sign of the moose (except LOTS of foot prints), so I thought I'd do a painting while I waited. Sometimes when I stand there quietly for a couple hours, wildlife passes by. No such luck this time. They never did 'show up', but I enjoyed my warm and cool practice....

plein air study - oil

detail of snow to show warm and cool color transitions
(Can you see the warmer blues and cooler blues within the shadows of the snow?)

my scene with my easel set up

Our Yellowstone Zoo -

Photos from out the windows of our gallery....

I missed some great eagle shots out the windows yesterday, but this elk cooperated.

a bull elk wandering through Yellowstone National Park
(notice the warm spots where the sun hits the elk and the cool of the snow in the shadows underneath him)

My Tribe

2011-12-05T06:49:00.000-07:00

While we were out of town we went to see the Russian Moscow Ballet perform. Amazing - how singularly devoted to their art they are. To be at that level takes immense focus and effort - it permeates their life. I have the utmost respect for the effort they had to put in to become such fabulous dancers.

Also, while we were out of town, in a small coastal shop in Oregon, I saw a book published in 1929 by Borlase Smart. A painter (and plein air devotee) from Cornwall England - The Technique Of Seascape Painting. Had to pick that one up. I love some of those old art instruction books from the serious artists of the past - often having little hidden gems of knowledge tucked in the pages from another generation. And in this case, another nation. Can't miss out on that.

I appreciate an artists' effort to pass on their thoughts about art. Borlase Smart worked hard at his craft. Took it very seriously. And wanted to promote the creation of art based on art principles that stand the test of time. I admire that. I wonder if it crossed his mind that artists, across the ocean, in 2011 would still be affected by his words?

In Portland Oregon, we headed to Powell's Books - a really large bookstore that is a favorite destination for us in that area. Of course, we headed to the Art & Architecture section to peruse. Ahhh...so much knowledge on those shelves. So many others who have gone before us, and taken a similar path.

From my last post, you know in Spokane Washington, we headed to the Northwest Museum of Art to see the Impressionist exhibit. (see my last post about that show).

Then I realized - that's my tribe! ALL of the above. I hear a lot about 'my tribe' anymore and this one is mine.

I, too, have art permeating my life. Just like the dancers and the artists of the past. I understand the devotion it takes and the hours of unseen effort. The permeation into your entire life - until you realize it IS your life. Yes, even on "vacation" - what do we do?...try to soak up art. Try to learn more.

I drag along my paints and plein air paint any chance I get - "on vacation". It's not a job. It's a skill that takes an enormous focus and effort to keep building and improving upon. And it takes a certain amount of sacrifice and a lot of hard work to do that.

No, it's not always easy, as it may appear from outside the tribe. The others that have gone before me and walked a similar path, spur me on. I hope I will do the same. They know the effort it takes quite well. They get it. You definitely have to be willing to do the hard work, even sometimes when you don't feel like it. And a lifetime isn't even enough.

We don't go "on vacation", since our job is always with us. The desire to improve and learn more, always deep inside churning away. Always driving me to set up my easel and paint.

So we're back home now, refreshed from new scenes and experiences. With renewed enthusiasm, I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and keep painting in the trenches - because that's just what my tribe does.

We're back...and refreshed.

2011-11-28T19:51:00.000-07:00

We just returned from a quick trip to Oregon and Washington...refreshed and relaxed. Fall had been feeling particularly hectic and sometimes that's exactly when we need to get away and 'recharge the batteries'.

One of the highlights was the Northwest Museum of Art in Spokane Washington. VERY inspirational. They had a great Impressionist show...Seeing Impressionism. Since my current book list is heavy on the Paris art scene in the mid-1800's, (Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland and The Greater Journey by David McCullough) it was the perfect show to complement my reading.

A sampling from the show....

The Meuse River At Rotterdam by Eugene Louis Boudin - 1885.

The Seine At Saint Cloud by Stanislas Lepine. 1860-1870.

Heads of Two Young Girls or The Two Sisters by Pierre-Auguste Renoir - 1890.

All of the above painters were French.

They also had non-French painters represented at the Show, since the influence of impressionism went far and wide. So I'll add a couple of those in...

Harbor Scene by Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida - circa 1900.

(Sorolla is from Spain - an AMAZING painter)

Glacier Peaks Spring Sunshine by Abby Williams Hill - 1903.

An American woman who painted in Yellowstone - and even brought her children along. There are some great stories and photos of her plein air painting in Yellowstone National Park. She studied impressionism at the Art Students League in New York before moving to Tacoma Washington in 1889.

It's a small show, but a nice variety with some real jems. If you can make it to Spokane Washington before the show ends on February 25, 2012 - check it out.

Out of clutter; find simplicity...

2011-10-14T17:31:00.000-06:00

Albert Einstein

My mind has been on that lately....Focus, focus, focus...simplify, simplify, simplify. Something I try to remember for life AND painting.

As I take this time to organize my physical environment, it also spills over and seeps in. I'm trying the concepts out to a greater degree in my painting lately, as you saw in my last post on my 'egg phase' at the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center.

But focus and simplicity REALLY is a challenge in plein air painting, since that one is such an 'intense sport' with so much visual stimuli to orchestrate onto a canvas - quickly.

How much can I simplify - where's too much? Keep focused on your priorities and eliminate the unnecessary details...

Am I speaking about life or art? For me, they are one and the same. So I've been plein air painting lately with these concepts in the forefront of my mind.

This recent painting I'm putting out there as my effort to focus and simplify - strip away the unnecessary and find the beauty that remains. No, I don't consider it totally successful, but an honest effort in that direction. Am I going in a good direction, or do I need to 'scrap those ideas' and move on? Too soon to tell, but that's part of the process...

9" x 12" plein air oil

For me, it's important that what I choose to do, I do well. And that involves a lot of practice - or in painter terms... covering a lot of canvas! Trying out new ideas, putting out the effort, covering that canvas, keeps me pushing my limits, keeps me hiking up that learning curve.

The good thing about painting, is if you keep up the effort, you'll never need to worry about sliding down the other side of the learning curve! There will always be new hills to climb - if you choose to take that challenge. And THAT'S a personality thing, that we'll save for another day.

Getting my eggs in a row....

2011-10-12T15:11:00.000-06:00

So this time of year, I regroup. I know, most people do that in January. But for me fall feels right. Our little town of Gardiner, REALLY becomes little this time of year. As the human population shrinks, the wildlife population swells. Change is in the air. The mountain peaks are white now and the kids are back to their school routine. A slower pace presides. I find myself paring down, sorting, simplifying, getting things in order, appreciating what I have – and so my ‘egg phase’….

At the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center, I’ve been painting small, simple egg portraits. The variety of eggs in their collection is astounding – and not something you often get to see. Taking the time to look closely at an egg...the colors, the shapes, the differences among them. It’s my way of appreciating the small, simple things – and finding beauty there.

(3) 6" x 6" oil on linen
all eggs are in the collection of the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center

Left to right:

#1 - robin egg, crow egg, red tail hawk egg (from the 1920's and 30's)

#2 - a trumpeter swan egg from 1959

#3 - 3 grouse eggs.

Time has a wonderful way of weeding out the trivial.

Richard Ben Sapir

Our building "hobby"...

2011-10-01T19:54:00.000-06:00

We designed and built our own house – ourselves - along with our studio and gallery, which is attached. (In our 'spare time', since we don't watch TV.)

This isn’t the first time. During the process, I don’t recommend it, but upon completion, ‘life is good’. The fruits of your labor are particularly sweet - and you get to live within them, enjoying them each day.

All this ecstasy may be coming from just knowing we survived it, again. But whatever that ecstasy comes from, we’re getting close. We can almost taste that fruit!

We’ve done a few things along the way that particularly make 'life good', and we wanted to spread the word…

For maximum solar gain, we designed our home, studio and gallery long and narrow with a southern orientation. From our property, Yellowstone National Park and the Yellowstone River are due south. Great for solar design - AND awesome views and wildlife watching, too.

We use solar water panels to heat our hot water and tied that system into our radiant floor heating, to heat the house. (We unplugged our on-demand water heater in May and have all the hot water we could use, thanks to the sun.)

Our new heater from the kitchen/dining room side. The top door is for the brick oven.

In our last house, we had a masonry heater – an efficient , comfortable and attractive way to heat your home with wood. The inner core was built by Albie Barden of Maine Wood Heat....click to be swept away to their web site - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! And just like the last time around, we did the exterior stone work ourselves. After enjoying our last one for many years, that was something we knew we could not live without. So we did it again.

View from the living room side.

Our heater has a see through fire box, so the fire can be enjoyed from both the dining room / kitchen and living room sides. On the living room side, there is a heated bench. The lintel stone on this side, we hand picked - the depressions have fossils in them!

Mass being a key to comfortable passive solar living, (retaining the heat AND the coolness), the heater fit into the plan perfectly. We faced it up with local Montana stone - and while we were at it, used some on the interior walls and some countertops too. Another ‘bonus feature’ of the heater is the hot water coils within it – also feeding into our solar hot water tank. And if that’s not enough accolades for our masonry heater, there’s also a heated bench and brick pizza oven in there, too!

So, yes, we’re getting a little ‘heady’ around here, as we finish up and live within our creation – enjoying our Yellowstone views and eating our homemade brick oven pizza – while the sun keeps life cozy inside.

Rockin' in Cody...

2011-09-27T14:46:00.000-06:00

Our Gallery Rocking Chair, took a quick trip to Cody, Wyoming the other day, to sit on the stage of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. Hilary Heminway, a friend and designer, was giving a lecture and asked us if we could bring it to be part of her talk about design and comfort. We made the rocker in 1998, out of apple wood and cherry wood and I even put a small painting on the back as a finishing touch. It's traveled far and rocked a lot. Many people have rocked in that chair over the years, and we hope many more will! It's back in it's spot now, so if you get a chance to stop by the Gallery, sit for a moment and try it out.

PS - The Buffalo Bill Historical Center has a fabulous western art collection, which of course we perused while we were there. If you can't get to Cody to see it in person, here's a link to take you to their web site....click here

An Artist Statement

2011-09-26T15:12:00.000-06:00

Creative writing is an art.

Being an artist is a way of life, not a job.

Do not write to make a living; write to make living worthwhile.

Write to make sense of my life and then pass that along.

Robert Fulghum - excerpt from “What On Earth Have I Done”

In my case I substitute “paint” for “write”. To Robert Fulghum it's an "Unfinished Manifesto", visual artists may call it an artist statement.

I've been thinking about writing a new artist statement, so I've had my radar up for any thoughts on the subject. My artist statement is something I revisit now and then. It keeps me on track. I'm gathering and percolating at the moment. Fall is a good time for that. I'll let you know when and if I come to a consensus and can put all those thoughts into a concise few sentences.

In the meantime, I paint...

I was on my way to Yellowstone Lake with my easel, but I didn't make it through Hayden Valley without a quick painting. That's often the problem. Mornings in Hayden Valley are filled with wonder - paintings are everywhere! I HAD to stop. As I painted before the sun rose, elk were bugling and bison were grunting, as the fog was shifting with a sliver of a moon above it all. Pure wonder....

Hayden Valley Wonder 6" x 6" Plein Air Oil

Visitors at my spot on the Yellowstone River in Hayden Valley...a flock of Canadian Geese landing.

I did make it to Yellowstone Lake as the sun was coming up. Always a treat. I found a quiet sandy corner to set up - perfect temperature and no wind. A plein air painter's paradise....

Gull Point 6" x 6" Plein Air Oil

Visitors passing by Gull Point on Yellowstone Lake....otters swimming by.

Then home I went, thinking more about that artist statement. But I was in a good place for my thought, since my mind was filled with wonder and beauty from my morning in Yellowstone.

Clyde Aspevig at the Danforth

2011-09-15T09:47:00.000-06:00

Clyde Aspevig and his wife Carol Guzman are friends of ours here in Montana - both are fabulous painters. Last night, we went to a private reception for Clyde's solo exhibition at the Danforth Gallery in Livingston, Montana. Clyde gave a short talk at the reception - always a treat. He speaks eloquently about art and conservation and I thoroughly enjoy listening...especially while surrounded by his wonderful landscape paintings in the room!

Last nights event was sponsored by the American Prairie Foundation. Clyde's conservation efforts are focused a lot on the American Prairie Foundation's work these days as a board member. It's a fascinating project with big plans - To find out more about the project, click here.

Clyde will be giving a public talk on Tuesday Sept. 20th at 6:00 PM at the Danforth, surrounded by his work. I highly recommend it. We'll be there. Like I said, I thoroughly enjoy listening to Clyde speak about art and nature AND seeing his painting. I don't pass those opportunities up.

If you can't make it Tuesday, definitely put the show on your calendar. His work is phenomenal - truly a great painter. You need to experience it in person. The show runs through Oct. 1, 2011. Don't miss it.

For 'instant gratification', try this link straight to Clyde's website.

Night at Norris

2011-09-12T17:34:00.000-06:00

Over the weekend, we visited Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park - at night. The moon was close to full and made for a very surreal experience...gurgling water, steam venting out of the ground and geysers erupting. Too bad I can't add the sounds effects into these photos.

It's not too late. Tonight is the true full moon - the Harvest Moon. So if you can make it to Yellowstone, go for a geyser night walk.

Horse Dentistry Kit - painted in oils, really!

2011-09-09T17:21:00.000-06:00

Horse Dentristy Kit 16" x 20" oil by Shirl Ireland

From the collection of the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center....
In their archives is a horse dentistry kit. A very interesting still life - with a very interesting 'Yellowstone past'!

Now, you can say you've seen a horse dentistry kit painted in oils.

And while you're here - some of my 'wildlife shots' from around Yellowstone lately....

You can feel it (even though I'm sitting here in T-shirt and shorts and the temps have been really warm for this time of year). Fall IS coming. It's a great time for wildlife photography in Yellowstone, so you'll be seeing more. And of course, it also inspires my wildlife painting, which I'll keep you posted on, too.

Mule Deer

Big Horn Sheep in the Gardiner Canyon

Big Horn Sheep - close up

You haven't missed it - yet.

2011-08-28T16:13:00.000-06:00

It's the final hours of Studio Tour weekend. If you didn't get to stop by, I thought I'd post some photos of our Gallery today for your 'virtual tour'...or come by QUICK!

If you did make it in person - thank you so much for joining in and supporting the Arts in Montana. We appreciate it!

Our gallery this weekend showcasing our furniture, lighting, sculpture and painting. We designed and built the building too. Yes, it was all made with our 4 hands (John's and Shirl's).

We also have smaller items like notecards, my Beauty Of Yellowstone book, bookmarks, small lamps, etc. out on the buffet. For browsing (the old-fashioned way) we have our portfolio for you to page through.... a selection of photos from our past commissions over the last 16 or so years.
If you're taking the virtual tour, browse our web site - Elk River Art .

Also here on the buffet, you can sign our guest book - if you're taking the 'virtual tour', send me an email at shirl@shirlireland.com.

My Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center wall of paintings. All still life artifacts are part of their collection and part of the vast and varied history of Yellowstone. A fascinating way to experience Yellowstone in a different way!

And the view out the window of the Gallery of Yellowstone National Park over the Yellowstone River isn't bad either.

This photo I didn't take today - but the above photo I took of the gallery interior didn't show the view out the window. So I thought I'd add a 'view photo' so you get the full experience.

Hope you enjoyed your gallery tour - whether it was in person or virtual.

It's TONIGHT!

2011-08-26T11:43:00.000-06:00

A reminder that the Livingston Art Walk is TONIGHT from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm. John and I will have work in 2 places on Main Street in Livingston Montana.....

You can see our work at the Danforth Gallery where they're hosting the opening reception for Studio Tour weekend that we're participating in this Saturday and Sunday.

I'll also have work at the Livingston Art Center. Plein Air On The Yellowstone - Wet Paint Exhibit will be their featured exhibition during the Art Walk. I was awarded 1st Place and Purchase Award (!!), so stop by and see the Show in person.

We'll be traveling between the 2 Shows - luckily, Livingston is a small town - so you'll be able to catch up with us somewhere on Main Street in Livingston, Montana tonight!

Yellowstone Squared

2011-08-23T19:08:00.000-06:00

Oh, I've been having fun with my Yellowstone Squared project this week. Some computer issues (that have been resolved!) kept me from posting them as I went. So here's a quick catch up on some of my painting spots from the week....

My easel set up at Lower Falls Lookout

I timed this one perfect. I got there before the sun came up and painted frantically as it just hit the top of the falls. Gorgeous colors there! By the time the light was to the bottom of the falls, I was done.

Lower Falls Lookout 6" x 6" plein air oil by Shirl Ireland

Confluence - Soda Butte and Lamar 6" x 6" plein air oil by Shirl Ireland

I painted this from an overlook up a VERY steep hill - feels even steeper when I'm lugging my easel up it. But, man, it was worth it! Cranes were calling and bison were grunting....

A large bison herd was wandering through.... Great sound effects while I was painting!

One of the grand geysers of Yellowstone. It's hour long eruption has several phases. A spot I love to be at, as the sun comes up....

Great Fountain Geyser 6" x 6" plein air oil by Shirl Ireland

Straight from the horses mouth

2011-08-17T20:37:00.000-06:00

My subject in the collection of the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center....

Any ideas???

A few more hints...

Have you guessed it yet??

A horse dentistry kit!

I have it blocked in and should have the finished painting done in the next week or two. I'll post my results so you will be able to say you've seen a horse dentistry kit painted in oils...just in case anyone ever asks.

I won 1st Place!...

2011-08-13T14:17:00.000-06:00

AND the Purchase Award!!

The juror was Howard Friedland - a signature member of Oil Painters Of America and also a board member of Oil Painters of America. I respect him as a painter, so I was THRILLED that my piece was awarded 1st Place - and won an additional award to boot!

Hope On The Horizon 9" x 9" Plein Air Oil by Shirl Ireland - SOLD

This is the piece that won 1st Place at the Plein Air On The Yellowstone event sponsored by the Livingston Center for Art and Culture. It was painted one VERY early morning this week, at the southern end of Paradise Valley.

Old Livingston 9" x 9" Plein Air Oil by Shirl Ireland

This was a really fun (and challenging!) piece to plein air paint. I loved the colors and the light on the buildings. I was actually turning around to go back and paint a scene I had just driven by, when this one 'stopped me in my tracks'. I've said it before - I do like painting architecture and really enjoy the drawing component of it - so this was a real joy! LOTS of perspective and angles to get right, along with the shadows and light. I know....boy do I know how to have fun.

Breakfast In Cooke 6" x 6" Plein Air Oil by Shirl Ireland

A little piece I did over by the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park - yes, that's in Park County Montana too. (It's a BIG county.)

Kohlrabi On Stage 10" x 10" Plein Air Oil by Shirl Ireland

This is a different piece to be part of a plein air event - you usually don't expect vegetables! But, you know, I do like to keep you on your toes.

As part of Plein Air On The Yellowstone, a Quick Draw was planned at the Livingston Farmer's Market. So off I went in search of a 'spur of the moment' painting - these kohlrabi caught my eye immediately. And the bandstand stage in the middle of the Park was the perfect backdrop for them. (I made the newspaper - the Livingston Enterprise - painting it!)

When I first started painting, it looked like rain. I thought it would be interesting to paint them wet with water drips. But as 'the Livingston weather turns', the wind kicked up for a moment and then the clouds shifted and the sun came out. So my painting changed from Kohlrabi In The Rain to Kohlrabi On Stage.

The Plein Air On The Yellowstone exhibit is particularly interesting to view in person. All the artists are given the same assignment at the beginning of the week...paint outside in Park County and return at the end of the week with 3 wet paintings. Oh, what a variety that assignment brings! The exhibit has been extended through the beginning of September. They wanted to have the pieces hung for the Livingston Art Walk at the end of this month. If you have a chance to stop by, please do!

The Livingston Art Walk is Friday evening August 26. I'll have these pieces exhibited at the Livingston Center and John and I will both have pieces exhibited at the Danforth Gallery in Livingston that night as well. Art Walks in Livingston always get a big crowd and are lots of fun, so plan to 'come on out' if you can.

The Show is tonight!

2011-08-12T10:25:00.000-06:00

I've been painting all week for Plein Air On The Yellowstone, organized by the Livingston Center for Art and Culture. The wet paintings will be hung later today and the Reception is tonight from 5:30 - 9 PM, on Main Street at the Livingston Center for Art and Culture in Livingston Montana. Hope to see you there....

P.S. If you can't make the Show, I'll be posting my paintings from the week here this weekend.

More than meets the eye...

2011-08-08T14:33:00.000-06:00

Sometimes decisions aren't made for purely artistic reasons around here. Really. This morning, we needed more sand to make cement for a stone project we have going at the house. We get it by the pick up truck load in Livingston - which is at the northern end of Paradise Valley from us - in Park County.

Soooo....guess where I chose to paint this morning?? Yes! Paradise Valley or Livingston. But I got lucky. The sunrise was phenomenal. I won't give away which spot I chose to paint at (until this weekend) - but here are some of my choices I had this morning....

The AMAZING sunrise this morning. Look at that light on the clouds!

Backlit trees - I like the shapes they create against the sky and distant mountains.

Morning colors over the Yellowstone River. Good shape possibilities with the contrast of lights and darks.

A calm horizontal scene with beautifully subtle colors and shapes.

I know - but from a strictly shapes, lighting and colors perspective - this one looks fun. A very interesting composition. Great variety in the positive and negative shapes.

Wonderful light, interesting colors and a good drawing challenge. A "Livingston" statement.

Oh, the places I go - in Park County, MT

2011-08-07T21:13:00.000-06:00

Plein Air On The Yellowstone has begun. It's an annual week long plein air painting event that I've participated in for the last couple years, organized by the Livingston Center for Art and Culture. Throughout the week, participating artists paint outside 'en plein air' in Park County Montana. At the end of the week, we all frame and exhibit up to 3 of our (wet) paintings. It's a lot of fun and draws a good crowd for the Reception & Show, which is Friday August 12th from 5:30 PM - 9 PM at the Livingston Center on Main Street in Livingston, Montana.

Since Friday August 12th is supposed to be the 'unveiling' of our work, I thought it would be interesting to NOT post my paintings here until AFTER the Reception. But, I'll post some photos of 'the places I go' and you can guess which would make the best paintings. Don't hesitate to let me know which spots you choose - it may help me to decide on 'the final three' that make the cut!

Park County is a VERY big and VERY beautiful county with a lot to choose from - Wilsall, to Livingston, to Gardiner and onto Cooke City. Here are some photos from my ramblings the last couple days throughout Park County Montana...

Looking south down Paradise Valley over the Yellowstone River

Near the northeastern edge of Yellowstone National Park at Warm Creek

A Cafe in Silver Gate Montana
(sometimes the scenes that catch my eye need some 'editing', but the bones are good)

Sunrise on Electric Peak

Hope you can make it to the Livingston Center for Art and Culture on Friday August 12th for the 'unveiling'. The exhibit will be hung through Saturday August 13th (11 AM - 5 PM). If you can't make either of those days, I'll post the results here after the fact.

Rusty Old Bucket

2011-08-04T17:31:00.000-06:00

Army Bucket by Shirl Ireland 6" x 6" oil
artifact in the collection of the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center

Beginning in 1883, for more than 30 years, the U.S. Army had a presence in Yellowstone National Park. (If you'd like to learn more, click here.) This bucket was found by the Astor Creek Cabin by a Park ranger. The cabin was burned in 1970.

I love to show the variety in the collection of the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center. This bucket certainly shows that not all are 'pristine artifacts' there. Rich with history, the artifacts are far reaching in dates as well as categories. To drive home that point...wait until you see next weeks subject - (to be continued).

Hayden Valley Sunrise by Shirl Ireland
6" x 6" plein air oil

While I'm at it, I'm going to add the 'plein air landscape of the day' - Hayden Valley in Yellowstone National Park. This is where I was painting at sunrise this morning.

Sunrise and fog paintings are tricky. Mix the two together and it's definitely a challenge. The colors, values and shapes are changing every moment. You just have to pick one and go for it - quickly!

I chose a moment when the sun was just rising and created a slight shadow from the fog on the river. (Remember, I love those subtle color changes. Notice the warm to cool shifts.)

Painting at sunrise is certainly a time when it helps to have some plein air painting experience under your belt. This is probably one of the fastest Yellowstone Squared paintings I've done so far. The moment was fleeting. In no time, the fog had totally covered the valley and I couldn't see a thing.

Thought I'd 'pile it on' today, because tomorrow - "Let the Show begin"....stay tuned.

Mount Washburn - where the wildflowers are

2011-08-02T16:45:00.000-06:00

An absolutely amazing spot to paint - This morning, the wind was calm, the temperature was comfortable, and the views were spectacular over the fog filled valley. The top of Mt. Washburn is at 10,243 ft. - I wasn't at the peak painting, but I could still see the Tetons that are 50 miles away! (They are to the right of the scene I painted.)

Looking out from my easel....

Mount Washburn Views 6" x 6" Plein Air Oil by Shirl Ireland

AND looking down at my feet....

The area around Mt. Washburn is one of my favorite spots for wildflowers. There's a wide variety blooming right now.

If I could only get my garden to look so good!

For a breathtaking fireweed display - check out the views around Antelope Creek (near the road from Tower to Mt. Washburn). It's FILLED with fireweed.

Fireweed - from the Evening-Primrose family

But, hurry - it will be going, going gone soon.....

Firehole Lake

2011-08-01T21:59:00.000-06:00

There are moments in Yellowstone that photos cannot capture. This morning was one - the essence, the feeling, the sound of the cranes calling through the mist. Ansel Adams said it well....

When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs.

When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.

- Ansel Adams

Yellowstone Waterfalls

2011-07-29T18:32:00.000-06:00

So many waterfalls in Yellowstone, so little time. But I'm picking away at them....

Undine Falls 6" x 6" plein air oil by Shirl Ireland

Easy access - I painted from the overlook. I started out when it was just getting light and the moon was out. When I finished up, the sun had come up and the scene was completely different. Time to go.

P.S. - The wildflowers are still going...

Harebell

Eyes on the sky....

2011-07-26T18:27:00.000-06:00

'Big Sky Country' they call it. And it really is. The skies here can be glorious. And, lately they have been. I've had my 'eyes on the sky'. Even last night - shooting stars were overhead.

So I've been focused on the sky for my plein air paintings in Yellowstone over the last couple days. From a painting instructor years ago I was told - "you don't paint clouds, you paint cloud like things". The gist - clouds move WAY too fast to actually paint one plein air. You go for the overall feel.

Each day had a very different 'feel' to the sky. I hope that comes across in my paintings...

Madison River 6" x 6" plein air oil by Shirl Ireland

The view from my easel over the Madison River in Yellowstone National Park.

Slough Creek Clouds 6" x 6" plein air oil by Shirl Ireland

The view from my easel over Slough Creek in Yellowstone National Park.

A mule deer and fawn this morning in Yellowstone National Park

Sad news... We're down to one sandhill crane colt on Floating Island Lake. So far, I've heard no one knows the cause.

Floating Island Lake in Yellowstone National Park -
sandhill crane pair at nest, now with one colt.

Speaking of something you need to experience first hand...

2011-07-24T21:59:00.000-06:00

Here's one to put on your list - Right now there are thousands of bison in the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park for the start of the bison rut (breeding season). It's a VAST valley - hard to comprehend it all and definitely not something you can capture in a photo. Again, it's one of those things you must see (and hear!) first hand.

If you can make it to Yellowstone in the next couple weeks, your timing will be perfect. Rut is just getting started and it lasts about a month - with a couple weeks shoulder season on either side. These 'breeding congregations' are the largest herds you'll see together for the entire year. This is when cow-calf herds and bachelor bands unite.

Once breeding season is over, they will split up again into smaller herds. The older bulls will leave the summer range in search of a place to winter. And smaller groups will form of adult cows, their calves, and female yearlings, with some younger bulls mixed in, but few older than three years old.

Living at the edge of Yellowstone, we live with bison. In the winter and spring, many leave the Park in search of food and often wander into Gardiner and through our yard. How many people in the world can say that? We consider it to be an immense privilege to live among them. As artists, how can you not want to capture them in oils and bronze?

A new sculpture of John's depicts a bison herd guarding a calf from a grizzly.

Ancient Dance - Bronze by John Stacy
side view

Ancient Dance - Bronze by John Stacy
top view

This painting was inspired by a quick view of a mother with a brand new calf - as they walked by the gallery, their backlit images caught my eye....

6" x 6" oil by Shirl Ireland
part of Yellowstone Squared

To learn a few more facts about bison, click here.

Seeing is believing...

2011-07-21T14:36:00.000-06:00

Midway Geyser Basin over the Firehole River 6" x 6" oil by Shirl Ireland

If you haven't been to Yellowstone, this probably looks like an abstract painting.

I first visited Yellowstone when I was 4 years old and was utterly fascinated by it all. I remember telling people, "if you haven't ever seen Yellowstone, you have to go - It's like the moon. A place like you've never imagined." You need to experience it all for yourself - first hand - to "get it". Personally, I can't get enough. Always different, always changing, always fascinating.

The magnitude is beyond pictures... and this painting is a good example. I think if you've been to Yellowstone you'd know this spot - where Midway Geyser Basin dumps into the Firehole River. But if you haven't been here, it probably looks a bit like an abstract painting. But it's for real - really.

I've been painting the Firehole River for the last couple mornings. It's been chilly in the Park, so the fog has been beautiful! This morning, I got behind a 'traffic jam' on the way to the Firehole.

back side of a bison herd

Yesterday, I painted at the edge of the Firehole River too - just a very different spot... in the Firehole Canyon. It's a short loop off the main road - and WELL worth the detour.

Firehole Canyon 6" x 6" oil by Shirl Ireland

Drawing with paint

2011-07-20T17:37:00.000-06:00

I've always loved to draw, for as long as I can remember. That's why I enjoy painting architecture and 'interesting' still life objects so much. The drawing component becomes key.

Often, I've heard - "since I can't draw, maybe I should try painting". Unfortunately, that's not how it works. Drawing is a building block. If you can't draw, painting will be even more difficult. With painting, not only do you have to put the paint in the right place (the 'drawing' part), but you have to hit the right color while you're at it. Double complications.

So I look for any opportunities to hone my drawing skills. Today, at the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center there sat an intriguing subject - for both drawing AND color mixing skills. How could I pass it up?

A slide projector from the 1920's.... for glass slides. There is even a similar version that is non-electric, I'm told. Very different technology from what we have today!

The glass slide is of Grand Prismatic Spring. Located in Midway Geyser Basin, it's Yellowstone National Parks largest hot spring. It measures approximately 370 ft. in diameter and is approximately 121 ft. deep. A 'must see' in the Park.

So I set about drawing and color mixing with NO black paint on my palette. All you have to do it put the right color in the right place....

Projector & Prismatic 10" x 16" oil by Shirl Ireland

the projector and slide from the archives of the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center

It's a full moon

2011-07-17T18:43:00.000-06:00

Did you expect anything else? A full moon in Yellowstone is a sight to behold...and to paint! And I knew exactly where I wanted to go to capture that fleeting moment of a summer full moon in Yellowstone. Where else, but Yellowstone Lake - at a calm bay where you could see the reflection in the still water.

July 15 was the night of the full moon - July 2011's only full moon, named "Full Thunder Moon".

Some moon rising and setting photos from the last couple days...

The current Yellowstone wildflower show...

Our Yellowstone Zoo...

Salmon flies have arrived!

if you fish, that's BIG news...

To the fish, salmon flies are a rare treat, and there can be splash after splash of fish jumping for them. For an avid fisherman (or woman), fishing during a salmon fly hatch out is an almost magical time.

Many people might think that having thousands of large insects flying around the water would cause the fish to be so engorged that they will no longer bite a hook. However, fish are opportunistic feeders. Much of the year, getting an adequate meal is hard for the fish to do. When the salmon fly hatch out occurs, the fish will often eat far more than they ordinarily would if they could.

In part, this is because the main hatch out doesn't last very long, so the fish must take advantage of it while they can. How does this help the fisherman?

It helps by triggering a feeding instinct so powerful that often the fish will strike at almost anything that even comes close to looking like a salmon fly. Large trout have been observed swirling time and again after a floating twig that approximates the size and wing coloration of a salmon fly, during a hatch out.

So if you fish...come quick and enjoy!

Wondrous Strange...

2011-07-15T17:17:00.000-06:00

That's the title of a Wyeth family painting book I have. This morning had a similar feel - you'll know what I mean if you're familiar with N.C, Andrew and James Wyeth's work. Together, it does have a 'wondrous strange' feel - like this morning.

We'll start with the strange part first....So I'm driving into Yellowstone this morning before dawn and what do I see on the road about 5:15 am?? Mules - on their own, loose, wandering.... You don't often see THAT in Yellowstone!

Maybe it was the full moon?...

But as I continued, it became the wondrous part - Remember the sandhill crane nest I've been posting random photos of at Floating Island Lake? They hatched!! And 'boy are they cute'!
(The fog on the lake kept the surreal feel of the morning.)

The colts are here!...

(the correct name for sandhill crane young)

Sandhill Crane facts... The scientific name for Sandhill Cranes is Grus canadensis. Grus refers to the crane family and possibly to the guttural call that cranes make. Sandhill refers to the sandhills of Nebraska, the heart of prairie country and a fabulous area for migrating cranes. Their diet is diverse. It consists of small insects, amphibians, rodents, grain, seeds and roots. They feed while bending over and pecking at the ground.

Many of the adult cranes in Yellowstone appear to have a reddish-brown plumage. Just a cosmetic appearance, caused by the cranes spreading reddish (iron oxide) soil on their plumage when they're preening.

The chicks are known as colts in recognition of their well developed legs. They can leave the nest and run within a day of hatching. Their first flight is about 10 weeks after hatching.

So after all that 'pre-dawn' excitement --

On to plein air painting on Dunraven Pass....

Cut Off Mountain from Dunraven Pass 6" x 6" oil
part of Yellowstone Squared
by Shirl Ireland

The wildflowers were in bloom and the morning was calm and warm.

A wondrous end after a strange start.

A Blast From The Past

2011-07-14T17:08:00.000-06:00

I've been 'blasting' a lot of photos lately. With digital photography - why not? Taking photography classes as part of my art curriculum in college was very different than photography today. Aperture, depth of field, dark rooms, etc. - all replaced by "auto-everything" digital photography.

I thought it would be interesting to take a look at the early cameras in the collection of the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center. Here are 2 cameras from the 1890's. Technology has certainly changed in 120 years...

Early cameras - from the archive of the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center
12" x12" oil by Shirl Ireland

my painting subjects

I took some close-ups of the cameras from different angles - so you can see if you can figure out how they were used.... There's not even a place to put the rechargeable battery!...

How lucky I am...

2011-07-12T14:33:00.000-06:00

My plan for painting this morning was to head into Yellowstone Lake. (A favorite spot -- I know, I have many of those!) So I was up and out early - well before 5 AM. I was looking forward to my dawn drive over Dunraven Pass - the light in the early morning or late evening can be beautiful up there.

Then, I drove by this...

Yes, Blacktail Ponds in Yellowstone National Park. It can grab me.

I love the mysterious quality of fog. And from experience, I know sunrise over Blacktail Ponds can be absolutely glorious. The fog would only add to the interesting color dimension of the scene. And between the fog shifting and the sun rising - there would be lots to challenge a plein air painter to capture such a fleeting 'moment in time'. How could I drive by?

So my best laid plans would have to wait - there was fog to paint!

For the other hours of my life, I usually 'stick with the plan'. But this is MY time - I can be spontaneous when I want to. And I wanted to this morning. So Yellowstone Lake will be another day.

I was setting up to start painting and was surprised by an elk in velvet trotting through. He seemed startled to see me standing there. I watched for a moment, and then he took off....with a stride that gave me a hint that wolves may be near.

Elk have a certain stance about them - head up, chest out, rhythmic trot - when they're showing wolves how 'formidable' they are. I scanned the distance, but in the low light I saw nothing. So back to my painting.

Shortly after, a pack of wolves on the hill beside me began to howl. The perfect sound to add to the aura of a foggy Blacktail scene. Standing in the middle of this 'paradise', with the subtle color shifts, the close value ranges and the warm and cool transitions - I was thoroughly 'in the zone'.

Fog over Blacktail Ponds 6" x 6" plein air oil
by Shirl Ireland

This morning, I thought about painting another canvas. I didn't want it to end. I was looking for a reason to just stand in that field at the edge of the water and take it all in - just a little bit longer.

But everything must come to and end. So I packed up and headed home. When a favorite saying came to mind - "It's a beautiful little universe and we are fortunate to live here". It's nice to start the day being reminded of it.

I love Montana!

2011-07-11T22:07:00.000-06:00

Have I mentioned... I love Montana? I've found a new favorite spot - but I'm very fickle with that. Every new spot becomes my 'favorite of the moment'.

We live surrounded by glorious landscapes - it's hard to choose! On one side of us is Yellowstone National Park, the other side is Gallatin National Forest. There's a lot of ground to cover in our hiking boots! Now, we have one more trail under our belt...

It was an absolutely gorgeous hike - one of those perfect evenings. I couldn't count how many times my son said "I love this place". I'd have to agree.

Our destination was the OTO Ranch in the Gallatin National Forest - the first dude ranch in Montana. It's listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The main lodge was completed in 1917.

There are many other cabins and outbuildings on the property. Here are just a few...

It was a beautiful sunset on the way out - which made for a great end to a wonderful hike.

Ahhh, Montana.....

Blacktail Ponds

2011-07-10T21:35:00.000-06:00

Postcards from the Park

Blacktail Ponds 4" x 6" plein air oil $125 unframed
by Shirl Ireland

A favorite 'easily accessible' spot In Yellowstone National Park - Blacktail Ponds. Go early... when the sun is rising over the distant mountains, creating beautiful colors on the water, and all is quiet...except for the HUGE cacophony of birds. A birder's paradise - and a painter's!

Catching up...

2011-07-09T21:24:00.000-06:00

I took a couple days off from posting and then we had computer issues. So I ended up with a longer 'posting break' than I expected. All is well now, but I need to do a 'catch up' - several days off creates a back log around here!

July 4th - First we had a natural light show with a double rainbow over the Yellowstone River. Then, as the sun set, fireworks over the Roosevelt Arch (the official northern entrance to Yellowstone.) Both these photos were taken from our back deck...

Painting Adventures - I'm out just about everyday plein air painting in the Park - lots of sights to photograph and paint out there....

pronghorn with twin fawns

close up of pronghorn fawn

Yellowstone Squared continues - I'm about at the half way point now. I definitely want the project to be interesting, and not all just 'the usual'.

No question, bison have to be part of the project... I thought I'd do a twist on the typical bison painting. I always enjoy watching them swim. The heaviest North American land animal and they can swim quite well!

Bison Swim 6" x 6" oil by Shirl Ireland

Aspen Trees - side lit in the morning sun catch my eye every time. Again, I'm looking for an overall variety to the Yellowstone Squared project. So a tree portrait could be a good contrast to the vast landscapes...

Aspen 6" x 6" plein air oil by Shirl Ireland

Wildflowers - 'tis the season. Some of my favorites are blooming right now -

Prickly Pear cactus flowers...

Purple Fringe

and Paintbrush too...

Our Yellowstone Zoo -

photos from our windows...

Big horn sheep getting a drink at the Yellowstone River across from the Gallery

And that will do it for now - Hope I didn't loose you. There's a lot to fit into a Yellowstone summer! And that wasn't even all of my back log - I'll get some more out soon.

BEAR was the theme of the day

2011-07-01T20:58:00.000-06:00

Again, there was a lot of wildlife to see before I even set up my easel to paint....3 black bear - all in different spots....

My best sighting was one along Antelope Creek - I watched for a while. The bear shimmied up a tree and jumped across the creek. So I thought I'd paint the creek if I could find a vantage point with a view - it could be a good setting to put a black bear into for a later studio painting.

I found this spot and set up my easel at the edge of the creek.

Antelope Creek by Shirl Ireland
6" x 6" plein air oil

Then it was a drive over the BEARtooth Highway - the highest elevation for a paved highway in the Northern Rockies. It rises to 10,947 feet up there! Gorgeous scenery, but there sure was a REMARKABLE amount of snow along the way.

We were heading to Red Lodge, Montana to deliver paintings and sculpture for a Show at the Carbon County Arts Guild that opens July 2nd. After dropping off our work, we went back over the top and down into Yellowstone toward home. We were going through Lamar Valley right about sunset, so I enjoyed the 'color show'...

Then, we saw 2 MORE BEAR - a grizzly and a black bear this time. (You'll see the difference of the 'shoulder hump' on this grizzly photo, compared to the black bear photos above.)

Five BEAR sightings total and a drive over the BEARtooth Highway. Definitely a BEAR kind of day. Guess I better get my brushes going on a BEAR painting - to be posted later.

So much to see....

2011-06-29T22:04:00.000-06:00

I'm always excited to see moose. I love painting them - VERY unique looking creatures! So my morning painting excursion was a success before I even set up my easel.

I watched the moose meander through the field for a bit....

Then, back to scouting out a plein air subject. When the colors in this scene caught my eye near Elk Creek, I jumped on it - and set up quickly....

What captivated my artistic senses (other than the glorious color combinations, of course) was the organizing of the scene. There's a lot going on and I wanted to find a pleasing pattern for the shapes, including all those foreground logs!

A BIG difference between plein air painting and studio painting is the luxury of time. If I was doing this as a studio painting, I would 'fuss' for a LONG time over that log pattern before I would put it down in paint. But with plein air, there's no time for that. It's definitely more of an 'instinctive reaction' than a thought out process. Here are my 'reactionary' results...

On my way back, I came across a crowd at Blacktail Ponds. In the distance was a wolf...

While I was snapping my wolf photo, this Uinta Ground Squirrel was posing for me under the bushes at my feet....

There were more further out in the field, in great morning light...

Talk about interesting creatures. Uinta Ground Squirrels spend most of their life hibernating. They won't be 'above ground' much longer - the mature males will be going into hibernation in mid-July or so and the females will follow around the end of July. The young ground squirrels will disappear into burrows by mid-August. There's a short window of opportunity to take photos of them!

Later in the morning, I was off to the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center to paint a piece from the archives. They have a robin nest with an egg in their collection. Seemed appropriate, since I had been watching the robin nest on our gallery porch. Why not one more for my nest and eggs series. Since the subject was simple, I wanted to try an intriguing composition.

Robin Nest With Egg by Shirl Ireland 10" x 8"
from the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center archives

Clay to Bronze

2011-06-28T21:48:00.000-06:00

John has a new sculpture on its way to becoming bronze. It's a fascinating process, "the lost wax method" - taking the clay and 'turning it into bronze'. Oh, if it was only that easy. The entire process is on my list for a later 'educational' post. For now, we'll start off with a photo of the clay model....(don't miss the rabbit tucked in at the bottom)...

Spring Loaded by John Stacy - clay

Some photos from the current wave of wildflowers in Yellowstone....

Our Yellowstone Zoo ...

The new robins on the gallery porch have left the nest. Startling how fast they grow. They ventured out into the trees today and are on their way....

You're now safe from the wrath of mother robin when visiting us - so stop by sometime this summer.

Yesterday I was on a detour, but today I hit a dead end….

2011-06-25T23:15:00.000-06:00

The Lamar River is running at the highest water level ever recorded. Another record event in Yellowstone this year. Last night, it washed out the road!

Click here to see Yellowstone Park's press release about the wash out.

So I went to the ‘end of the road’ and painted the view of the Lamar River this morning...

Lamar River High Water 6" x 6" plein air oil by Shirl Ireland

This is why I paint plein air - look at my photo from this spot..... a photo just can't capture those colors and the wide angle lens distorts the perception of the distant mountains. But you get the idea....

A few sights along the way…..

deer in velvet

sandhill cranes at their nest

bison calf

The big Yellowstone news of the day headlined what I thought I'd be blogging about...

Last night, we went to an art opening for Tim Shinabarger in Bozeman, Montana at Tierney Fine Art. Tim spends most of his creative time sculpting, although he also paints too. It was a nice showing of his bronze work. John often sees his pieces 'in the works', since they both use the same foundry, so it's good to see the finished pieces on display. Check it out if you're in the neighborhood.... click here for a link to Tierney Fine Art.

On a detour at Artists' Paint Pots...

2011-06-24T12:37:00.000-06:00

I usually try to predict a bit when I plein air paint…where I should paint for the current weather conditions, how the light will change over the next couple hours, the angle of the sun and how it will affect the scene, etc. etc. It goes with my personality - I like a plan.

Since I paint often in the Park, my knowledge to predict Yellowstone has increased. But sometimes in Yellowstone, there is NO predicting.

This morning, I decided to head to Artists' Paint Pots. After all, I HAVE to include that spot in my Yellowstone Squared project – if nothing more than to honor the name! So off I went.

It was a little foggy in the Park – perfect. I love painting thermal areas with some ‘added mystery’. So I continued to Artists’ Paint Pots, with just a couple quick stops to watch a grizzly foraging and take some sunrise photos…just 'the usually morning stuff' in Yellowstone (!!)....

I made it to the parking area when the sun was just peeking over the mountains. Great. Exactly what I wanted – the low angle of the sun just starting to pierce the fog over the Paint Pots. All was right on schedule.

It’s a short walk ‘into the pots’. I walked around to find my best paintable angle on the scene. One particular spot caught my eye. The first light was illuminating the distant mountains. That would be fleeting at best. But I liked the current light and shadow shapes in the background, and along with the Paint Pots in the foreground, I thought it could make an interesting square composition....so I set up QUIICKLY.

But at sunrise, on a foggy morning, standing in the middle of a thermal area with boiling water just a few yards from me, it gets unpredictable. Just as I had my easel set up, the fog shifted and those mountains were gone. Actually, the entire distance was gone!

But I find part of being a plein air painter is adaptability for what comes your way. (I try to take this lesson into my life as well!). So adjust I did.

Instead of a mountain scene, it became a fog scene. But I do love painting fog – always have. The subtle color shifts are amazing and trying to get it down on the canvas quickly is a good challenge. So even with my change of plans, I enjoyed myself thoroughly. Another good lesson for life that I try to keep in mind…."A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery when on a detour".

Artists' Paint Pots 6" x 6" plein air oil by Shirl Ireland

Just as I was packing up, the fog lifted. And so it goes – that’s how the ball bounces on plein air painting in Yellowstone! Made for some great shots on my way out though….

As I headed home, I came across a pair of herons in the morning light….

Then, my camera battery died, right at the exact moment one of the herons took off. Oh, it would have been a beautiful photo! The one that got away.

Since the theme for my day, seemed to be ‘on a detour’, it was only fitting that TODAY was the first morning that the back road from Mammoth to Gardiner was opened. I love taking that detour. So I headed down the ‘road less traveled’. However, I couldn’t take photos of the great wildflower display since my camera battery was dead. But, I’ll be back!

Morning on Blacktail Ponds in Yellowstone National Park

2011-06-23T21:06:00.000-06:00

It was gorgeous out at Blacktail Ponds in Yellowstone this morning. VERY interesting light and VERY fleeting. A good challenge for a plein air painter to capture. I was trying to get down those beautiful color harmonies, fast! While I was painting furiously, there was a lot of action going on around me. It was hard to fit it all in this morning...

Blacktail Light 6" x 6" plein air oil by Shirl Ireland

a rainbow at sunrise

an elk chased into the pond by a wolf

This is a coyote. I missed the wolf shot. Too busy painting!

a bison herd with many new calves

wild geranium

On my way home, I came around a bend and this black bear was standing in the middle of the road. By the time I grabbed my camera, he had started to wander off. Too bad, I had a perfect view of him - a gorgeous big black bear in great light looking my way.

Our Yellowstone Zoo -

photos taken right out our windows...

A robin's nest - yes, even Yellowstone has robins. I took this photo out the front door. The nest is on the far end of our gallery porch. So if you stop by in the near future, be prepared to duck from the wrath of mother robin!

Let the wildflowers begin!

2011-06-22T22:02:00.000-06:00

These are photos I took on a one hour hike on the Rescue Creek Trail in Yellowstone National Park - half an hour in, half an hour out. The trail head is just over a mile from our place. I didn't have much spare time, but I wanted to stretch my legs and soak up some of the beautiful weather today while checking out the current wildflower show.... because wildflowers in Yellowstone are spectacular! Usually, July is about peak. But they aren't too bad now either...

(PS. I didn't pass one person on the trail. It may be summer in Yellowstone, but you can still have hiking trails to yourself. But don't let that get out.)

This was a photo I took this morning at sunrise during my morning plein air painting expedition. I was at the edge of Swan Lake in Yellowstone. The Shooting Stars were in full bloom, so I thought I'd add it to my 'wildflowers of the day' collection...

Our Yellowstone Zoo -

photos from our windows....

I'm still stalking the birds around our property - with my camera. Here are a few action shots of a Willow Flycatcher. They eat small flying insects and are a lot of fun to watch when feeding...

Beginnings and Endings at the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center

2011-06-19T22:26:00.000-06:00

At the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center, I've been adding to my 'nest and eggs' series. A good subject for Spring - new beginnings, birth, awakening...

Redwing Blackbird nest with eggs 9" x 12" oil by Shirl Ireland
in the collection of the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center

BUT they have a new piece they're adding into their archives that I couldn't pass up this week. I like painting pieces that are significant in the history of Yellowstone - that have a 'story'. This is certainly one...The skull from the 5th grizzly fatality in Yellowstone National Park.

A photographer was in Hayden Valley near Otter Creek and approached the female grizzly too closely. Since she had been recently sedated, there was an assumption that the drug may have had a cause in the incident. They cut off the top of her skull to biopsy her brain. Now, THAT'S not something you get to paint just everyday....

Grizzly Skull 9" x 12" oil by Shirl Ireland
soon to be cataloged into the collection of the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center

Early Bird

2011-06-17T11:32:00.000-06:00

For those of you late risers, a bit of what you're missing - I was at the Mammoth Upper Terraces painting at sun rise this morning. My favorite time of day there. This morning, a mountain bluebird was keeping me company...

Mountain Bluebird - male

Mountain Bluebird among the Terrace vegetation

Killdeer

Kill deer drinking

Our Yellowstone Zoo... photos from our windows

Another elk calf was born! - right out the windows, across the river in Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone's many moods...

2011-06-16T18:22:00.000-06:00

You can’t beat the variety of choices I have when I go into Yellowstone to plein air paint. In the late spring and throughout the summer, I go in to paint just about every morning, so I like to mix it up. It keeps things interesting – and me learning! Here’s a tour of my last couple mornings….

North Twin Lake
6" x 6" oil
by Shirl Ireland

Wednesday morning was a foggy one at North Twin Lake. When I first arrived I couldn't see much at all. But I knew it would lift and I love to capture those subtle color shifts when it does.

My easel set up at the edge of the lake as the sun starts to peak through.

Some beautiful Trout Lilies at the edge of the lake. Sometimes called Glacier Lily, Fawn Lily, Dog Tooth Violet or Adder's Tongue. Grizzly bears dig up the edible bulbs.

My 'morning commute' isn't bad - just a couple bison on the roads at this time of day....

This morning, I was off to Norris Geyser Basin. It was a 'flat light' morning, but I knew where to go to find some glorious colors...

Cistern Spring
6" x 6" oil
by Shirl Ireland

Cistern Spring’s colors are species of visible algae and bacteria, that each require a different temperature environment. There's a handy walking trail with a deck above, so I had a perfect perch to paint from.

Steamboat Geyser - along the trail to Cistern Spring.

I'm always in awe of Norris Geyser Basin, so I thought I'd throw in a little 'geyser trivia'...

When Steamboat Geyser erupts, it can rocket a column of scalding water two to three times the average height of Old Faithful. Steam roars for 24 hours after. But unlike Old Faithful, Steamboat’s eruptions are very unpredictable, occurring 4 days to 50 years apart. When Steamboat Geyser has a major eruption, the deep pool of nearby Cistern Spring drains almost completely. Gradually, within a day or two after Steamboat’s eruption, Cistern begins to refill.

The coast is clear

2011-06-14T07:00:00.000-06:00

This was a surprise. So I had to wait until after the wedding to post this one....I was commissioned to do a plein air painting for a wedding gift. It was for a couple who had a cabin in the hills that was a special spot to them. A plein air painting of 'their spot' would mean something to them over the years.

Great idea for a gift. But I had to sneak up there and paint while they were gone. The arrangements were a little complicated to be sure both of them would be occupied for the day - which didn't give me much leeway for painting times.

Usually, I like morning light so I wanted to get up there as early as possible on our 'pre-arranged day'. When I woke up it was REALLY windy - the nemesis of a plein air painter. Uh oh.

As I circled the property looking for the 'good angle', I found one that was in the trees and tucked down in just enough that my easel wouldn't blow over while I painted. I set up quickly, knowing the wind usually picks up as the day goes on. It did. I finished up just in time - before my set up was blown off the hill!

Sometimes I find having the 'fire under you' while you're plein air painting helps. Keeps you from dawdling on the details. (Remember, I like a good challenge!)

I hope I captured the quintessential inviting quality of the cabin that will bring them fond memories for many years to come...

A New Life Blooms
by Shirl Ireland
8" x 10" Oil Plein Air

A record was set.

2011-06-13T07:16:00.000-06:00

The longest EVER (since records have been kept at least) that Yellowstone Lake had ice on it was this year. The ice-out was just a few days ago. Winter was trying to hang on this year...

Yellowstone Lake - newly free of ice.
At an altitude of 7733 ft., with 110 miles of shoreline and about 400 ft. for it's maximum depth - ice-out can take a while!

Near Mt. Washburn there is still a lot of snow in places.

But there are signs of Spring... A bull elk in velvet growing this years antlers and loosing his winter coat.

And the wildflowers are starting at lower elevations. This is Balsamroot.
A Yellowstone wildflower show can be spectacular. With all this moisture, it may be a phenomenal wildflower year.

Into Yellowstone I go....

2011-06-11T10:29:00.000-06:00

If you stand in Yellowstone National Park from 5 AM to 7 AM - it's amazing what will pass by. I do that a lot this time of year. I'm usually holding a paint brush, but other than that I'm very still and quiet. Often wildlife doesn't seem to notice me. So I get to see some AMAZING things - sunrise being one of them. This morning, a beaver was going about his business while I was painting. Then an otter stopped by on this way down the river. I shared some time with a fox too, but that we before it was light enough to get a photograph. Not a bad way to start the day....

My painting is in the foreground with 'my subject' beyond.

busy beaver

otter passing by

otter swimming

'Tis the season...

2011-06-09T22:45:00.000-06:00

Plein air painting season is kicking in - and I love it. I paint outside year round, but this is DEFINITELY the season when it's the most comfortable. As long as I remember sunscreen.

Since I first started painting outside many years ago (something like 14 years ago now!), I've been addicted. This is my latest plein air study - you may recognize the barn. It's in the Tom Miner Basin area, north of here. An absolutely gorgeous spot that I've painted in other seasons. It's quintessential Montana up there....

9" x 12" oil - Plein Air study by Shirl Ireland

Yellowstone Squared continues....

2011-06-06T20:58:00.000-06:00

I'm still 'picking away' at my Yellowstone Squared project. I definitely want some moodiness in there. At times, Yellowstone can have an almost surreal quality that I want to be sure to convey. When I have Yellowstone Squared completed and assembled, it needs to depict different seasons, night and day, snowy and sunny, misty and clear, etc. etc. My goal is to show the full scale and vast scope of Yellowstone. I want to have it ALL in there, not just those blue sky moments. So here's a little 'moodiness' to add to the project....

6" x 6" oil on linen by Shirl Ireland
- part of my Yellowstone Squared project

Our Yellowstone Zoo

I've been stalking birds on our property. I love this time of year for it. The variety of the birds is amazing. We've had some Western Tanagers, Yellow-rumped Warblers and Lazuli Bunting that have passed through lately. Here are my best shots so far....

Western Tanager - male

Yellow-rumped Warbler in flight

Yellow-rumped Warbler - you can see where he got his name.
(Another fitting name... they are sometimes call "Butter-butts".)

Western Tanager male, having a 'family dispute' with the Western Tanager female at our bird feeder.

Yellow-rumped Warbler

I'm still at it, so there may be more to come....stay tuned.

A very different view of Old Faithful

2011-06-01T15:02:00.000-06:00

the subjects of the day
from the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center

Yes, that's an Old Faithful ash tray, with a Yellowstone Park souvenir letter opener and nail file, too. (The letter opener was from 1940, so it gives you a little historical perspective.) I was at the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center this morning for my weekly painting session in their archives. This one was Curator's Choice.

I like that for a change - having someone else choose my subject matter. Makes me think harder... "How do I ever make THIS a good painting"? But I'm known to like challenges.

I went for a strong composition... make Old Faithful the focus with the letter opener as a secondary interest. The nail file I used as my "lead in". Play up the geyser, minimize the lettering. Go for juicy paint - mix up the textures and brush strokes, keep the piece fun and interesting to look at. Get the essence of the souvenirs without adding too much tiny detail. Go for a dark background to set it off - a hint of black velvet could be appropriate in this instance!

It will be framed and added to my 'Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center wall' in the Gallery. Stop in and see the collection as it grows if you're passing through Gardiner this summer.

Yellowstone Relics by Shirl Ireland
8" x 10" oil on linen

Our Yellowstone Zoo... photos taken from our windows

"our" elk calf, now able to stand and walk.....

The elk calf that was born in our yard is now big enough to follow his mother. So Mom and baby have now moved on. "Our calf" was born on the early side, but there will be LOTS more to see in Yellowstone in the next few weeks.

June in Yellowstone is a great month to see the beginnings of the 'next generation'... great horned owls and ravens are fledging, coyote pups are emerging from their den, mule deer, pronghorn, moose and elk calves are born, sandhill cranes will be hatching, etc. etc.... AND June is mating season for grizzlies, so you never know what you might see!

Waxwings are here!

2011-05-29T14:44:00.000-06:00

Cedar Waxwing by Shirl Ireland
6" x 4" oil on linen
Postcards From The Park series - $125 unframed
Inspiration for this painting came from a photo I took (posted below).

Yesterday, the cedar waxwings came through. Waxwings are almost always seen in flocks. Since berries are a favorite food, they descend on our cherry tree. That gave me a chance to snap some photos. Beautiful birds - makes a great "postcard".

We're having a VERY unusually COLD and WET Memorial weekend. It's snowing in Yellowstone right now! But it's not stopping the 'die hards' from getting on the river here in Gardiner....

white water rafters

kayaker

I'm not sure WHAT this one is - it's a new one this year to me.

You can't beat original art...

2011-05-28T04:00:00.000-06:00

6" x 4" oil on linen by Shirl Ireland
part of my "Postcards From The Park" series

Not enough people live with original art. I’ve been asked many times if I do prints. I should. But I don’t. I prefer original art any day...the paint textures, the way it catches the light and captures the hand and spirit of the artist. I know, you say, doesn’t everyone prefer original art, but it’s a cost thing. Prints are cheap – you can make LOTS of them FAST. You can’t say that about original art. I see that as our goal with too much of society these days – lots fast. Bigger topic. Don’t’ go there.

So… my ‘experiment’ this summer is Postcards from the Park – small original oils 4” x 6” unframed – standard size that could be framed inexpensively. I chose ‘photo size’ to keep ready made framing options plentiful. You’ve seen some of my Postcards previewed in earlier blogs. This week I put them together into a display at the Gallery.

I wanted to keep the prices as low as possible - $125 - to try to fill that ‘print niche’ – without doing prints! I can’t say I never will do prints in the future. I always circle that questions, but I’m still dragging my feet on it this year – trying to find another answer that feels good to me. My first “Postcard” went to a new home yesterday, so we’re off to a good start spreading original art into the world! (I like to keep my aspirations high.)

Our Yellowstone Zoo...right out our windows....

Our newest edition in the Yellowstone Zoo – this one is actually on our property – just below the gallery. A new elk calf was born! And just like with the pronghorn, the mother ‘stashes’ the new born for MANY more hours than you’d expect. The new calf lays there, where he/she was left, hardly moving at all, not making a sound. (As a working mother, I can say I really wish human babies came with some of those characteristics! Sure would have helped my schedule, not to mention my sanity, in those early days.)

That’s our current attraction out our windows. Like I said in my last post – It’s hard to believe we can get anything done around here – other than just sit and watch wildlife that passes by! (Notice the time of this post – THAT’S how we get things done!)

Got 'em!

2011-05-26T06:54:00.001-06:00

6" x 6" oil on linen by Shirl Ireland

A couple more additions to my "Yellowstone Squared" project.

Our Yellowstone Zoo - right out our windows....

It's amazing we can get anything else done around here, other than just watching the wildlife action out the windows! Luckily, I had my camera in hand while we were watching pronghorn across the river in Yellowstone. I was taking some shots of them, when John saw an Osprey dive out the corner of his eye. I've been trying to get some good shots of an osprey holding a fish. Hard to do - they fish a lot on this section of the river, so we get to see it fairly often but it's FAST action. This was one of my better efforts. He flew right by us holding his new 'catch of the day'. (John's thinking it would be a great sculpture, so you may see some clay studies of it soon.)

Yellowstone Squared

2011-05-23T17:50:00.000-06:00

6" x 6" oil on linen by Shirl Ireland - near Beaver Ponds Trail / Mammoth in Yellowstone National Park

6" x 6" oil on linen by Shirl Ireland - Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park

I like projects - well, most of the time. But I've come to realize over the years that we are 'project people'. It's that inner self-motivation button that doesn't seem to turn off. I've learned to just go with it. So I've thought of a summer project for myself..."Yellowstone Squared". I'll be painting 6" square studies of Yellowstone National Park - from geysers, to bison, to thermal areas to birds and wildflowers, etc. etc.

Yellowstone is such an amazing place - part of Yellowstone's beauty lies in the sheer scope and diversity over the Park. The variety is astounding - unlike any other National Park. You can't capture that in one painting. So I'm going to try to capture it in 'snippets' then compile my snippets into one big Yellowstone statement! One painting can't say it all - but 49 could! So throughout the summer and early fall, I'll add to the collection of square paintings, while I shoot for 49 total. Stay tuned and watch the collection grow.

Our Yellowstone Zoo - right out the back windows....

Pronghorn family update -
All is well! We spotted both fawns with their mother right over the ridge that the coyote crested.

A rough morning for a mother pronghorn

2011-05-22T08:17:00.000-06:00

Shortly after sunrise this morning, I looked out our window to check on the pronghorn fawns across the river. I saw the mother standing just over a ridge, and I could see the heads of two fawns nursing as they peaked above the ridge. Ah, they made another night. And the weather looks beautiful this morning, so they should finally get to feel a warm sunny day. I went about my morning routine - But remember that coyote we had seen in the vicinity? Within an hour, the scene had changed dramatically....

The chase went over that ridge where I had seen the fawns just an hour earlier. We'll keep you posted....

Woo Hoo $5,000.00!!

2011-05-21T18:39:00.000-06:00

Stephens Creek Barn by Shirl Ireland 6 1/2" x 12" Oil on linen

I created a painting of the new Stephens Creek Barn in Yellowstone National Park as a donation to the Yellowstone Park Foundation. It was a bit more complicated than my usual Yellowstone paintings, since this area is 'authorized personnel only'. I had to be escorted in through the gate.

Some background… The Yellowstone Park Foundation is the official fundraising partner for Yellowstone National Park. They support MANY good causes in the Park from building this brand new, badly needed barn to house animals and equipment to purchasing the chairs and tables I use at the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center to funding the new Old Faithful Visitor Education Center. Their scope really is ‘far and wide’ in Yellowstone. To see how much they contribute to the Park…. http://www.ypf.org/.

Anyway, I thoroughly appreciate all their efforts and thought it was the least I could do to help support their work.

To ‘christen’ the barn, they had a barn dance where they auctioned off my painting last night… I’m THRILLED to say it went for $5,000.00! – money I know that will be put to good use through the Yellowstone Park Foundation.

Our Yellowstone Zoo - The Birth of Twin Pronghorns, continued....

The mother pronghorn stays away from her twins to decrease the likelihood of predators finding them- since they're so darn helpless at the moment. She returns only to feed and clean them. It was a cold and wet night and we had seen a coyote roaming in the vicinity. It was good to see the mother show up this morning and both twins get up to nurse...all was well.

The Birth of Twin Pronghorns

2011-05-20T22:03:00.000-06:00

An absolutely amazing day! Not everyone gets to watch right out their windows as twin pronghorns (often called antelope) are born in Yellowstone National Park. WOW! As I weed through all the photos I took (there are A LOT!), I'll post more if I find some good ones. But it was such an incredible event, that I wanted to get a post up quickly. So here are a few of the highlights from the photos I took in the Gallery today....

The birth of a pronghorn.

The pronghorn mother cleaning off her new fawn.

Twins!

Within just hours after birth, the fawns are up and walking. Their coloring makes it very hard to spot them. If you look closely, you'll see both fawns trailing their mother in this photo.

Postcards From The Park

2011-05-16T20:05:00.000-06:00

Yellowstone Geyser by Shirl Ireland
6" x 4" oil

So I've got my Postcards From The Park idea off and running - small studies from Yellowstone National Park painted in oil....thought I'd kick it off with a bang... Geysers are good for that! Watch for more to come....

Dear deer

2011-05-14T19:03:00.000-06:00

Deer study by Shirl Ireland oil on linen 6" x 6"
What inspried me to paint this study?....the way the light caught that left eye!
I liked the play of warm and cool, light and dark in that small package.

Oh, the bad wrap mule deer take around here! It reminds me of a children’s book I read to my kids – the gist of it is…. If there was only one dandelion here on Earth, what good care we’d take of it – how special we’d treat it knowing it’s the ONLY one. But when there are LOTS of them, oh how we can complain and miss out on appreciating their special qualities.

Mule deer fall into this latter category - especially here at the edge of Yellowstone. And I’m writing this, after I put my brand new beautifully blooming flower pot out front of the gallery yesterday morning – to bring in my newly grazed pot of greens last night! They did leave the roots, so hopefully it’ll grow back before the summer’s over.

Any way – I enjoy living AMONG the wildlife here in Gardiner. It’s definitely not a separate existence in this town – we co-habitate. I like that. Yes, even when they eat my flowers. Like other co-habitating, it’s not all perfect. There is give and take.

I’ve never had the feeling that I’m in charge here – truthfully, it feels more to me like I’m living in their spot. So I try to be respectful. After all, the wildlife do not need us what so ever. They can live just fine without any help from us – actually, they’d probably prefer that. But humans on the other hand….Well, we best not go down that side road. I’ll stick to the art and education route...

I enjoy painting wildlife – always have. Over the years, I’ve done a lot of wildlife portraits. I enjoy them – really getting to know the animals anatomy and what makes them ‘read’ as that particular animal. Drawing is key. It's good practice. So you’ll be seeing more ‘wildlife portraits’ from me – along with random tidbits of info and some photos I've taken....

A female mule deer on our property. They can move their oversized ears independently.

The most easily identified difference between a mule deer and a white tail deer - the smaller black tipped tail of the mule deer.

Antler growth begins in the spring. Antlers are a true bone, covered with "velvet," a soft, skin-like tissue that carries nourishment and calcium for the rapidly growing antlers.

A close up showing the 'velvet' antler.

After the antler growth is completed, the blood-supplying velvet is no longer needed and begins to fall or get rubbed off. This leaves the antlers shiny and hard.

A male mule deer in the fall - making himself at home in our driveway.

Nowhere else in the WORLD can you see this

2011-05-11T17:38:00.000-06:00

Yellowstone Sulfur Buckwheat

Eriogonum umbellatum var. cladophorum

The Firehole River drainage in Yellowstone National Park is the only place in the WORLD where Yellowstone Sulfur Buckwheat is found. Really, their Botanist told me. Amazing!

The specimen of Yellowstone Sulfur Buckwheat at the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center

Today, while I was at the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center for my regular ‘painting session’, I had the opportunity to paint the only specimen in their collection of Yellowstone Sulfur Buckwheat. How could I pass that up?!

Yellowstone Sulfur Buckwheat 9" x 12" oil on linen

The habitat of Yellowstone Sulfur Buckwheat is barren slightly geothermally influenced open areas. It is a conspicuous component of relatively dry plant communities adjacent to the Park’s thermal areas. The geographic range is highly restricted, having been found only from the Upper, Midway and Lower geyser basins to the vicinity of Madison Junction.

Yellowstone Sulfur Buckwheat growing in Yellowstone National Park
(the only place it is found in the whole world!)

close up of the flowers

close up of the leaves

Historical uses – The Lakota people traditionally used the annual wild buckwheat as an aid in the treatment of sore mouths in children, seemingly in association with teething (D.J. Rogers 1980). Leaves were used to stain buffalo and deer hides by the Kiowa (P.A. Vestal and R.E. Schultes 1939). Vestal (1952) stated that the species was considered a life medicine by the Navajo (Dine) people; it was used also for protection against witches.

Like I’ve said before, the information housed in the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center is phenomenal! I am so fortunate to be able to paint there and ‘soak up’ all the information I can. In so many facets, Yellowstone is a truly amazing place.

Art shows galore!

2011-05-10T10:12:00.000-06:00

2 museum art shows within the next 2 weeks....

Hockaday Museum of Art

10th Annual Benefit Auction of Miniatures

May 13, 2011 is the live auction in Kalispell Montana.

Tucked In by Shirl Ireland 9" x 12" oil on linen
plein air painting done at the edge of Yellowstone Lake that will be part of their upcoming Show

Moose Bog by Shirl Ireland 4" x 6" sketch done as a donation to the Hockaday Museum which will be part of their upcoming Show

I've been juried into this prestigious show for the last few years. To learn more about the event check out their site....
http://www.hockadaymuseum.org/index.cfm?inc=page&page=383&page_content=10th%20Annual%20Miniatures%20Exhibition%20at%20the%20Hockaday%20Museum%20of%20Art

Clymer Museum

Premier Art Exhibit, Gala and Auction

May 20-21, 2011 in Ellensburg, Washington

Scratching The Itch by John Stacy bronze

Autumn's Passing by Shirl Ireland oil on linen

Below is a link to a great article in Western Art Collector magazine about the Show. Both John and I feel honored to have been invited by the director of the Museum, since only 33 artists were invited to participate.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ylDHmCNKCudIf3KoU83dkPV5evjFQDd9zk3BJbV3IGk/edit?hl=en&authkey=CLPQvasF#

AND, I just received notification that I've been invited to the 42nd Annual Mountain Oyster Club Art Show, which is by invitation only, in Tuscon Arizona on November 20th. That's an honor. I'll be looking forward to that one in the fall and keep you posted as it gets closer...

http://www.mountainoysterclub.com/index.php?page=showInfo

Yellowstone Zoo - The ones that got away...

2011-05-09T11:20:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, we had some great wildlife sightings out our windows.... White Pelicans flying by (the first ones we've seen this year), an Otter swimming down the Yellowstone River and an Osprey with a fish in his talons. If it weren't for the window, I could have reached out an touched the osprey - he was that close. But I missed my photo opportunities entirely on those. I did manage to get a nice photo of the flock of Cassin's Finch that were using the osprey platform as a perch. (They liked John's 'stick arrangement' even though the Osprey didn't.) So in the place of my missed shots, I'm posting a couple of my past 'best shots', along with some tidbits of Yellowstone wildlife info....

American White Pelican

In Yellowstone, the American White Pelican nest in rookeries on small islands in Yellowstone Lake. Those islands are now closed to the public to keep human disturbances to a minimum. However, there was a time in the 1920's in Yellowstone when rangers went onto the islands to stomp the eggs to keep the Pelican population down. The thinking was that by controlling the Pelican population they could preserve the trout population. Nest building and egg laying occur almost simultaneously - about the same time bison calves are born - right now - early to mid May.

North American River Otter, after catching a trout

North American River Otter family

I love watching otters (I wish I could swim like that!) and seeing them in the river on the edge of our property is a real treat. Otters have clawed, webbed feet and can hold their breath for 8 minutes! Their average life span is 8 to 9 years.

Osprey with a fish

Osprey, are almost exclusively fish eaters - equipped with unique talons to do the job - a reversible outer toe helps them catch the fish and spiny pads on the bottom of their feet help them hold the slippery fish. When airborne, they carry them aerodynamically with the head first. Amazing to watch! We live on a stretch of the river where they fish quite often, so we're lucky to see their dives frequently. But getting a good photo of the action is tricky!

A flock of Cassin's Finch settled on the osprey platform - (an easier photo to capture!)

Cassin's Finch by Shirl Ireland - 6" x 8" oil on linen
This Cassin's Finch is in the collection at the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center

Happy Mother's Day...

2011-05-08T07:41:00.000-06:00

We never know how high we are

Till we are called to rise

And then if we are true to plan

Our statues touch the skies.

Emily Dickinson

The OTHER side of being a gallery owner and artist.....

2011-05-06T17:57:00.000-06:00

Not only do we make the art that goes INSIDE, but we designed and built the building and are the maintenance department and groundskeepers too. This time of year, those latter jobs involve a lot of shoveling. Luckily, John was gifted with an artistic gene along with a strong back. One of our current projects is expanding and changing the parking area in front of the gallery...

While we're at it, we thought we might as well set up a nice 'elk feeder' by the door. (People who don't live in Gardiner, may call these things 'flower beds'.)

Unfortunately, a very large rock was right in the middle of where we wanted to expand the parking, so it had to be coaxed into a new location. (John's back isn't quite strong enough to pick that one up.) Then, we repositioned the fence and had our first visitors.

Postcards From The Park

2011-05-04T13:16:00.000-06:00

It’s May – that means summer in Yellowstone is coming fast. The question we’ve been kicking around is….So what should we do NEW at the gallery for this summer season?? With 2 artists brainstorming, lack of ideas is not the problem! One that has made the cut is "Postcards From The Park"....small oil paintings.… 4” x 6” size – tiny. Some Yellowstone plein air, some wildlife, some experimental.

I recently tried a few and found them to be wonderfully liberating. When I work on a large canvas, it can take A LOT of brush strokes to make a difference. On a small one, I can see if I'm headed in the right direction in a stroke or two. And you learn a lot that way – quickly. I’m loving it. What a great way to work out some ideas I’ve had kicking around in my head for a long while. (You know - so many ideas, so little time.)

Soon, you’ll be seeing some of those ideas finally get a chance to make it down my arm and out onto the canvas. Now, I have to figure out how we’re going to display them and frame them... Maybe even unframed??... Maybe they should pop up as the 'Painting Of The Day' from Yellowstone, etc. etc. Here are a couple to show you a preview of what I’m up to….

(And, of course, if you have any ideas to add to the mix or suggestions for what you'd like to see, we'd thoroughly appreciate the input!)

Art Review - Clyde Aspevig & Ben Steele

2011-05-03T12:59:00.000-06:00

While we were out delivering a sculpture to a client over the weekend, we also stopped by the Western Heritage Center in Billings Montana. A wonderful historic downtown building. The art exhibit showcases the work of Clyde Aspevig and Ben Steele - Clyde's teacher from college. We don't usually leave the house without taking in some art. And this was a wonderful show to be able to 'take in'.....

Awesome, a must see! (disclosure-- Clyde is a friend of ours, but also an incredible painter too. We've seen a lot of his work in his studio and we try to make it to just about every Show we can.) He's got "it" - beautiful colors, juicy paint, pleasing compositions. Close up his work looks very 'loose', but stand back and it all comes together. Stunning, to say the least. Definitely work you want to see in person to really appreciate.

Also interesting at the Show, you'll see Clyde's first painting along with his first 'sold' painting (to his father). We had seen his first painting from many, many years ago at his studio, but I was thrilled to see it framed and in this Show. A great example for everyone that even very talented painters have to work at it too! But, boy, has all his hard work paid off. He's certainly an accomplished painter and deserves all the recognition he can get.

My favorite? Winter Glow. You can see the piece at.... http://www.clydeaspevig.com/current.html. But I've seen a lot of Clyde's work in person and as always it's hard to 'pick a favorite' - They're all good.

Another friend of mine also had Ben Steele as an instructor in college. Like Clyde, has only great things to say about him. Interesting man, wonderful art educator with quite a history. To learn more about him....http://www.tearsinthedarkness.com/ben-steele

Hope you get the chance to view the show in person....http://www.ywhc.org/

Sculpture delivering and our Yellowstone zoo...

2011-05-01T10:20:00.000-06:00

Last One In - bronze

John has always been a 'lab man'. So we've had many laborador retrievers over the years. This sculpture is of 2 very special labs to us. Legendary in our minds! John knew these dogs well and really captured the movement of their jump into the water.

We delivered Last One In to a client yesterday, a 'fellow lab man'. The client's license plate shows that it's the perfect piece for him!....

Our Backyard Zoo

(images taken right out the gallery windows)

An osprey stopped by our nesting platform to check it out this morning! No osprey has been back yet with more sticks to 'set up shop', but it's still early, you never know. We'll keep watching...

The stay on our nesting platform was short. But several osprey have been fishing in our stretch of the river lately. I've shot some good ones of them hovering, right out our windows, while they look for fish.....

Another group of bull bison swam across the river to our beach. It was a hard winter in Yellowstone, so many bison have taken refuge in the lower elevations and milder climate of Gardiner and the surrounding area...

We BOTH were invited!

2011-04-29T16:10:00.000-06:00

The Clymer Museum in Ellensburg, Washington has invited both John and I to participate in their upcoming auction, exhibit and sale. We're excited for the opportunity to participate in this invitation only event. We just packed and sent a sculpture and a painting to them....

Scratching Bear - bronze

Autumn's Passing - oil - plein air study done in Tom Miner Basin

The festivities are May 20 - 21. Check it out.... http://www.clymermuseum.com/

Bison - a new calf and a river swim

2011-04-28T08:35:00.000-06:00

We saw our ‘first calf of the year’ yesterday evening - walking right by the Gallery! John was in the yard working away, oblivious to it all. When he finally looked up, he said the cow and calf were about 4 feet away from him. He headed inside – quickly – to tell us the big news. Luckily, I snapped a photo before they left the yard.

We were still excited by our new calf sighting, when we looked out the back windows and saw two bison bulls walking down to the river. We watched them swim across to our back yard.

If you follow the bison controversy around Yellowstone, you’ll know it was good to see them first thing this morning swimming back to the Yellowstone National Park side of the river.