A friend of mine who lives on the Cheyenne Reservation told me a beautiful story about lying in the field near the Rosebud River watching the clouds roll by. He was so still that a magpie came and sat on his knee!

Magpies are one of my favorite birds, and in the Native American cultures they are seen as beings that can travel between the dark and the light. They also are known to be the bearers of news from other events and places. While I didn’t recreate my friend’s story exactly here, it is my own version of that great story. This piece is 18 x 12, and will be in my showroom – 176 at the Western Masters Art Show & Sale beginning tomorrow in Great Falls, MT. at the Heritage Inn.

I’ve found it interesting that when on paint outs with other artist friends, men tend to paint the cars in a street setting into their paintings, while women often leave them out, myself included. Still, as an artist I find I am drawn to the rusty old hulks of vehicular history. The first painting I am showing you here is a new one – “Going Nowhere Fast”. It is 14 x 18, and will be among those I will be showing at the Western Masters Art Show, March 16-19 in Great Falls, MT. I love the combination of the vehicle that implies (or once implied) movement, and the tree that says, “No there won’t be any of that!”

I had done a similar painting a year or so ago, the second one shown here. It is called “Opportunitree” and was inspired by an actual car and tree combo I spotted when driving through the countryside. That painting was chosen as one of the Top 100 in the Paint America Top 100 Competition for the year 2009.

I do have a lot of fun painting these old vehicles! I have a couple more in mind, both involving old trucks I have come across. I had hoped to get then done for this show, but don’t think it’s going to happen as I’m out of time!

Going Nowhere Fast 14 x 18

Opportunitree 16 x 20

I did this painting for the Settlers West Miniature Show in Tucson on February 12th, although it opens for previewing before that I believe. Settlers West is a beautiful gallery! I called this man Cowboy, as he is a  Native American cowboy from the late 1800′s. I enjoy upsetting the stereotypes when I can. Someday I want to do a large painting called (creatively) Cowboys – that depicts the many men that did shape that part of our history – white men, but also blacks, Mexicans, Native Americans…

This is a small painting, 12 x 9. I didn’t get my images in to the gallery on time, so as yet, my paintings don’t appear on the web page. My fault and loss. It looks to be a wonderful show! I hope some of you will get there to see it!

I’m sitting in my friend Steve Seltzer’s studio and talking him into doing his own blog. I wish I could say I did this painting, but sadly, that’s not the case. I love Steve’s work, and we are lucky enough to own a few pieces. This painting is called “A Garden Stroll” and is 30 x 24. You may contact Steve about it, or go to his websie to see more of his work. www.seltzerart.com

I was going to save this image for a blog closer to the 4th of July, but I wanted to put something besides a landscape up today. This is very Montana – and appropriate as it’s now Rodeo season. The brand on the horse is ours – TL. “Stars & Stripes” is 18 x 12 and for sale at the Beartooth Gallery in Red Lodge, MT.

I thought I would do a blog entry – anything to put off going outside to feed. It has been nasty and COLD this week. I’ve spent a lot of time outdoors feeding, shoveling and fixing. That is so much easier here in the summer, as long as you’re watching for rattlesnakes!

My first image is testimony to why I’m still sitting at the computer…our bunkhouse in the cold this week. The next are pieces from the Gallery Russia in Scottsdale. I always try to get to the Main Street galleries when I’m there, as I was a few weeks ago. The nude is a painting by a Russian artist,  Laimodot Murnick from the 50′s. I am amazed by the color! The next piece is called “The Pickers” and is by Maija Eliase, also from the 50′s. The landscape is called “Snow in the Country”, by Valery Shmatko, 2002. These pieces impress me so, as do many of the classical Russian impressionist works. There is so much texture, vibrance and gutsy brushwork. These are, in my opinion, some great painters!

It is with some emotion that I post this painting. It is one that I finished just before Thanksgiving. This is the second time I have painted this piece, something I never do. But, the first one I did for Tara Bowman at Montana Trails Gallery, and it went there not long before the explosion. It was one of so many things lost that day. Afterward, it kept coming to mind again, and I felt I needed to do it once more. For the longest time, it wouldn’t paint, and then suddenly, this woman appeared. Her face is more serene than the first one. I think Tara may have had a hand in it. I would like to think so.

Under a Painted Sky ll is 30 x 30 and is dedicated to Tara Bowman.

One can only imagine that the Statehood Ceremonies as they came to be in the territories were very exciting – full of promise and hope – for most. This Sioux boy stands under an American Parade Flag, the kind that was used during Wyoming’s Statehood Celebration. His perspective, even as a young boy may have been a little different than those celebrating in the streets.

This painting is an oil, 18″ x 12″ and is available at Mountain Trails Gallery in Jackson.

One of my focuses as a painter is portraying the women of the west, as I feel their stories should be told. Originally I had intended to paint primarily my rancher friends and those hardy women that live close to the land. I keep coming back to the Native American women though, as I respect what I feel to be their spirituality and appreciation for the Circle of Life.

“She Loves Their Stories” tells of a visit by this wise woman’s magpie friends. Magpies are thought by many cultures to be messengers that can travel between the dark and the light, bringing word of other events and places. These magpies bring good news!

I have just started showing with Mountain Trails Gallery in Jackson, WY. and this painting is there. It is an oil, 24″ x 24″.

Christine McKay and Debi Schmit will be showing with me in Big Sky on Saturday. These images are of their work. The porcelain sculpted piece by Christy is called “River Runners” and is wonderful! Debi’s painting “Farm Maid 11″ has such a beautiful old world style! You may see more of their work on their own websites.