I’ve had a lot of fun with this painting. I really did see this car with the tree growing out of it, although I’ve exaggerated that a little. I’ve been doing so many people paintings lately for the upcoming Russell Show, and at times they can “beat me up”. It was rewarding to paint this rusty bent up old car instead. The subject is much more forgiving! It’s funny that the things we wouldn’t want to have in our backyard or view shed are often things that do make good paintings! This piece is 16″ x 20″ and an oil.

Christmas is past us. We had a great day. I hope you did as well. I do have to say that I am really tired of the WEATHER here! I have spent much of the last few weeks dealing with it. Today I tried to get to town (our own ranch road / trail is 2 miles long and not maintained.) I made it half way out before really burying the truck in a deep snow drift. I spent 2 1/2 hours shoveling to get out. The wind at times was blowing so hard that it blew snow back in the tracks as fast as I could shovel. I thought I was dressed well. I wasn’t. I cannot tell you how important survival gear can be at times during a Montana winter! I was cold and wet and had to keep getting back in the truck to warm up. There was no way I could have walked home without becoming hypothermic. But – I did it – I shoveled out about 25′ on either side of the truck and finally backed out of there. We’ll be snowed in for a few days, that’s for sure. At least I’m not trying to go anywhere! These pictures were taken yesterday, the day after Christmas at our place. It was truly beautiful – until the wind started blowing, as it always does here on the east side of the Divide!