Framing the 30

My framing table has taken a pretty hard hit this week!

I've not been slacking but I cannot show just yet--I am working on some commissions that will remain under wraps for a while yet.

But, its been dreadful hot so I've also been in the studio framing up a storm!   

In both August and September I will going to paint outs such as this one in DeSmet. This year we can show a few other works as well, so I am framing some of my favorite from the "30/30" project (April).   I am continuing the experimenting from the 30 days with the framing.  I've tried a few new things, and am very pleased at the results!

Some of my small works in their new 'outfits'!

I've went with a few different styles, I just can't pick one for every piece.    Some are in vintage frames, some in new, some have various styles of matting, some not at all.










Paint Outs are some of my favorite things, and this year I'll have my pal, Arty, for company!  

Have a Cow!

A friend called a few weeks ago with a request...paint her mom's favorite cow for her birthday.   We didn't have much time, but I was sure I could do it, and she'd already had photos emailed to me.  

I chose to use Uart paper again, its my fav!   I used 600 grit, and cut a piece a bit larger than 20x24ish, the size the client thought would be best.

I have never painted a cow portrait before!   I've painted cows in a distant herd and in a corral behind a main subject of horse and rider but never as a center stage star!   But, all painting is the same basically--you paint what you see; focusing on the lights, darks and textures.  

Norma Jean    20x20 on Uart600  pastel   Sold

Behold Norma Jean!   This was a ton of fun.   The wayward fuzzies on the top of her noggin where the best.   Client wanted a background of simply South Dakota scenery.

The giftee was most pleased!   I was invited to the party where it was presented, which was great fun as I usually dont' get to see that part.   That, to me, is some of the fun--I get to be part of a really great gift, surprise, or making of an instant heirloom.   I am always honored when I am chosen to be involved.