Rockin' in Cody...

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

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

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

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!



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