Lily pads holds an attraction for me, as you may already know. The color, light, reflections and variation between transparent and opaque are endlessly fascinating. This piece is 48″ x 36″ and is a less complex color scheme than some have been. It’s interesting to see how many ways I can paint the same subject. I do need a break in between these involved paintings, but I’ll probably do another before too long!

It seemed fitting that this was the painting I donated to this last weekend’s fundraiser in Jackson Hole, WY. to benefit the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance and the Art Association of the same. The fundraiser was held at Altamira Gallery. I had a great time being there – there was much snow and dramatic weather, and it was good seeing friends and meeting new people.

As I understand it, there are now many wolf sitings in the area, and in fact, a black wolf was just recently seen in the driveway of the home where we stayed!

We were lucky enough to stay with a friend who has a beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright style house high up on the hill NW of Jackson. This beautiful and organic home is nestled into the hillside and looks as though it belongs there. The living room boasts huge windows on three sides, overlooking the valley below for miles. On Saturday, an intense, blizzarding storm descended on the area. Sitting in that living room drinking hot coffee was almost surreal. The blizzard was blowing much snow all around us. It was a white out at times and yet we sat untouched, warm and cozy in the eye of the storm.

I was honored that “Full Moon” was purchased by someone we think a lot of! The money went to a very good cause!

Over the years, we have moved cows around here on horseback many times, but riding with my rancher friends has usually been a different story all together. With them I have ridden down icy slopes, in a lightening storm on top of the butte, chased phantom cows over snowy ridges in the mountains when it was below freezing, come home in the dark after a long day’s ride, ridden all day without water to drink – and I’m sure they were taking it easy for my sake. Cowboys are not sissy’s, I can tell you! I am getting to be one though. That’s what happens when you spend more time behind the easel and less time on top of a horse. Maybe getting older has something to do with it too, but my cowgirl / cowboy friends are still going strong, and some of them are older than I am. Here’s to you all! Anyway, with those memories in mind, I made this a night time scene, deciding this guy was not nearly done with his day’s work!

As we are fast approaching the Western Masters Art Show & Sale in Great Falls, MT., I will mention that this painting will be in my room there – 176, March 14-17th. “Night Rider” is an oil, 48×36.

As you head north from Jackson, Wyoming there’s a side road that takes you east for awhile so that you can turn and look back at the mountains that hold you like a magnet. I was back there on an overcast and rainy day, exploring and taking pictures. I loved the unusual line of this creek, so straight for miles and then this bend. I don’t know that “The Oxbow” will be the title. I’m trying to remember the name of that creek. Any help from anyone in that regard?

As the Western Masters Art Show and Sale and Art Week in Great Falls, MT.  is now less than a month away, I will mention that I will be there in Room 176, as will this painting. Oxbow is an oil, 36×36.

Creatively titled “Medicine Man” (yes, I was tired at that point!) this painting depicts the Apache Medicine Man, known by his adorned hide cap. It is interesting how similar customs and traditions vary according to tribe and region of the country, or the world for that matter.

Settlers West American Miniature Show is Saturday, February 11th, and it promises to be a great event! The Reception begins at 5:30 and the Drawing is at 7:00. This painting hangs with my other there, “Vantage Point”. If you’ll be in the Tucson area, don’t miss the show!