Blog

The historical Mountain Oyster Club of Tucson, Arizona kicks off it's 47th Annual Western Art Show tonight in Tucson, Arizona. From traditional to contemporary, many of the country's finest and best-known western artists will be presenting their expressions of the West at this prestigious event. I am honored to have been included in this unique exhibit. If you are unable to attend, visit their website to view the artwork or find out more about the fascinating history of this unique Club and it's dedication to Western Art and artists. The show runs through January 14, 2017. The website is http://mountainoysterclub.com

I am so honored and pleased to announce that this painting of a Hereford bull will be included in the Mountain Oyster Club's 47th Annual Contemporary Western Art Show, "one of the oldest, largest and best respected western art shows in the country," according to the Club. The opening reception will take place on November 19, 2016. (For tickets, contact Alisha at (520) 623-3417)

The Club itself has a rich history - you can read an entertaining account here - www.mountainoysterclub.com/mo-club/club-history/

The painting's title, "Big Easy," comes from the fact that this beautiful bull is a normally easy-going, laid back creature who just goes with the flow. I got a wake-up to his Bull Personality however, as I was trying to help corral him one day. I was staying on the fringes of the action, when surprise! - we came face to face, and as I took instant mental notes of his horns, superior bull-dozer size and the very determined look in his eyes, I rather ungracefully turned chicken and let him by. It is much safer to paint bulls than to try to tell them what to do! I would like to paint him again sometime and see if I can recreate that determined look in his eye...

This cute calf had not only a white face but also a sprinkling of white throughout the edges of her ears, making her look extra fluffy. It's always an enjoyable painting session figuring out the best colors to portray white on the shadow side of the face. As far as the red goes, I find burnt sienna is a great base color for painting red cattle like Herefords.

For more information on this painting, please click here.

Now here is a happy cow, a young Black Angus relaxing in the sum, chewing her cud. A black subject in shadow can be challenge to paint, so I used purple tones to help give some form. I also added a warm reddish touch to the ears and other sunlit areas to emphasize the light.  

 Click here for more information.

I was delighted to run across this particular bunch of cows and calves last summer, because of the different colors in the group; red, black and a couple of these cream-colored calves. I had assumed this little one's mother was the Black Angus behind her, but according to my resident cow person, the calf most likely had a similarly light-colored mother. (What do I know?) Anyway, it was an opportunity to paint a lighter color of calf. I used some lavendar tones in the shadows, along with some warmer shadow colors.  It's pretty amazing how fast these little guys grow - from a birth weight of 65 - 80 lbs in early  spring to about 400 lbs in midsummer! (According to my sources... ; )

If you would like purchase information for this painting, please click here.

Spring is in the air and calves are on the ground and they are "simply irresistable" I liked the way this little calf was tucked right into his mama's hindquarters, watching me from a safe distance but still so curious. I also liked the fact that the while the mama was facing away, the calf was looking at you and the postioning of these two made for interesting shapes in the negative areas around them. As always, black subjects can be challenging to paint but also fun exploring colors to bring out the form. 

Of all the cattle I have ever painted I would have to say that Herefords are a favorite of mine simply because of their coloring. The deep red-brown coats look great in sunlight and the creamy white markings present colorful opportunities, especially in the shadow areas. Because I do like to paint subjects in motion I also liked the fact that this particular cow was on the move and swishing her tail.

Unframed, price includes shipping in U.S.A