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Today I added one more painting, titled Remnants, to my website.  This piece will be included in the three person show at Trailside Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona that will coincide with their Cowboy Classics Show. I am honored to be part of this show with Brenda Murphy and Cynthia Rigden.  A Reception is scheduled for March 18, 2010.   The cowboy  in this painting is Mark Goswick whose family, just as my own,  has ranched in Arizona for several generations.  He, my son and husband often trade work, helping each other out.  In creating this piece,  I enjoyed exploring the reflective color of the Corriente cow against the cloud filled sky and the rhythm of the scene.   I am working on more paintings for this show and will be adding them to my website soon.  Planning the variety of scenes and sizes to display together is part of the fun! 

Recently, I was going through my resources and thought it might be interesting to share some with you.  It is hard work to gather my material...maybe I'm just a wimp. There is no doubt of that if I were to compare myself to those I ride with.   They have my admiration and respect.    

For the photos I desire, it's necessary to get up long before daylight.  I don't mind that, but sometimes it's really cold in northern Arizona before the sun comes up to warm things.  As I said, I fully admit to my "wimpishness".  The country south of the Grand Canyon Rim is known for the wind, which can create an even greater challenge to the day.  The photos I am posting is from helping our son, Brooks Cameron, gather his cattle.  He rounds up and ships his cattle in October and the temperatures can definately be  nippy that time of year.  Often, my face and fingers freeze, becoming numb as I fumble to capture the scenes before me.  I hope to be helpful while I'm out there, but mostly just try and "fill a hole", as I attempt to record the people, animals, and life so dear to me.    Often I wonder if they know how magnificent they look in the morning light.  They're mind is on business, however, as I pray these fleeting moments will not be forgotten.  The sun rises highlighting the backs of cattle, cowboys and sage brush, glowing through the red dust.    I know I should be attentive to the cattle beside me but it's as though the Lord created this scene just for me to enjoy...I breathe it in, thankful I am there.  

I went to the studio today to finish what began three months ago when Dean, my husband, and I hiked into Granite Creek.  The seasons were transitioning.  We'd experienced temperatures unusually low for this time of year...a cold snap that officially heralded the onset of autumn.  I settled into an afternoon of plein air painting while Dean did some photography.  We were grateful God had given us this day.  It was truly a gift!   The painting, Autumn on Granite Creek,  is a result of that time.