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Paper Artists Allen and Patty Eckman – Very Interesting.

Friday, August 27th, 2010

To be honest, I hesitated writing about the Eckmans because I thought that maybe they were too commercial.  But then I decided that I needed to remember how I felt the first time I saw an image of their work…  I remember gasping and wondering HOW IN THE WORLD did they do it?!

So, because I felt such a strong response to the work, I figured I should pass it along.  OK, so here is the first impression.

FIRST IMPRESSION

How was it for you?

Well… it is made with paper casts and then paper embellishments.  This is not paper-mache.  This is paper casting which is similar to wax casting or clay casting.  When you know how it is done, it seems fairly amazing, eh?  Think about how much time it takes to create all the fine detail work…  wow.

HOW DO THEY DO IT?


What they do is they create a mold from clay and then press the paper mixture into that mold so the paper has the same shape.  Then, they squeeze the beejeezus out of the paper mixture so that all the water is removed.  Then, they dry that paper mixture so it hardens and becomes a replica of the initial formed mold.

As you can see, the formed molds are nothing compared to the finished piece.  So, you can bet there are many, many painstaking hours of work to create a finished piece.

WHERE DID THEY COME FROM?

The Eckmans started as Ad Agency art people.  They were graphic designers.  But, as we all know, most graphic designers are artists of a different kind when they are at home… And, this was true of both Allen and Patty.  Allen was always very interested in history, the Indians and all of their gear.  Patty was always interested in Indians (she came from South Dakota) and wildlife.  She loved to paint flowers, birds and animals.  So, when this form of art burst forth from them, they naturally chose Indians and wildlife as their subject matter.  Interestingly, both Allen and Patty work together on these.  Collaboratively, they each create what they do best for an amalgam of the ultimate from both.

Click on image to see this larger

TOO COMMERCIAL?

OK, so this is totally my issue and I’m wrong about it.  My problem was when I went to their website, I saw many avenues to their art.  You can teach yourself how to do it, you can purchase limited editions, you could purchase a booklet, you could learn how to make the flowers, you could learn the patented Eckman Method — it seemed very commercial.

But, then I thought about it… We, as a people, aren’t used to artists being business people as well.  Obviously, the Exkmans are business people.  And, there is nothing wrong with that.

Secondly, why wouldn’t someone want to learn how to do this?

And, why shouldn’t they get a patent to protect their discovery and hard work?

Limited Editions have to be available for the collector who cannot afford originals.

So, I stand corrected in my bias.  I’m wrong.

Click on image to see it larger

WEBSITE

As I’ve discussed above, there are many options on the website. So, if you like this work, please visit.  I actually thought that I would like to learn this method since I love to sculpt.

I wonder if you can paint them?  I’m guessing not since none of them are painted.  Obviously, you cannot spill water on them.  All in all, I find these fascinating in their detail and in their genesis.  I love that someone thought of how to do this and then executed them so beautifully!

Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed this little jaunt into Eckman art.  I think it is truly amazing.  I think is is amazing that they thought of this themselves.  I’m glad they carry the patent and I’m glad that they have a thriving business.   Also, it is pretty cool that they are willing to share their methods and their art with us all.

HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!
Our August Bucket Fund will benefit the equine charity BHFER.  To learn all about the Bucket Fund and to donate $5,  please click on the photo (photo credit, Trish Lowe)

August's Bucket Fund is Beauty's Haven Farm and Equine Rescue. Click here to learn their story and make any size, secure Pay Pal Donation. Easy and it means so much!

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Artist TERESA ELLIOTT. You will never look at a cow the same way again.

Wednesday, August 4th, 2010

Since I’ve received so many sad emails from readers about all the heavy news surrounding the Mustangs and the poor abandoned horses at feedlots and all the unfortunate neglect and abuse cases, I’ve decided to continue on the happiest topics I can think of for this week.

(WE ARE ORDERING LG BRIDLES: We are ordering from Germany.  If you would like to get on the LG Bridle train, please click here and I will get your information.  Here is the original link for the LG Bridle.)

Today, I’m going to tell you how I stumbled upon the oil artist, Teresa Elliott.

COWBOYS AND INDIANS MAGAZINE

This is what caught my eye in the C&I magazine, "Baby Bull".

I love this magazine for so many reasons.  But for me, mainly I love the magazine because it is a feast for your eyes — or my eyes, anyway.  I love the colors and the presentation.  I swear that sometimes I feel I could EAT the magazine.  Or maybe just put some of the pages in frames and up on walls.  I just love the color sensibility.

So, every month, I sit down with my new magazine and literally start ripping through it.  Yup, I tear out anything I find interesting and file it in my “things I find interesting” folder.  Then, when I have nothing in my mind to write about (like today…), I look through my folder and always find something.

About an hour ago I was looking through my folder for something cheery and I saw this photo of a painting called, “Baby Bull”.  I had ripped it out from one of the magazines a while back.  I decided to go find out about Teresa Elliott, the artist who was mentioned below the ad.

TERESA ELLIOTT’S WEBSITE

OMG.  You go to her website and you see this:

Obviously, the scale of her work is not pronounced in a tiny ad in a magazine.  Hubba Hubba!  OMG!  I would absolutely die for one of these huge painting.  Actually, I would die for one of these huge walls to put one of these huge painting…

Can you imagine this work in an incredible house somewhere in Wyoming or Montana?  Actually, I’d put it in my house wherever I lived if I had the space.  Wowsa!  This would be great in a Lodge or a hip furniture store or my house… did I say that already?  Oh, sorry.

Anyway, I kept reading through her website and I came upon her Bio.

THE BIO

She is from Texas and lives in West Texas now.  What I find really fun is that when she was first starting out, before she went to art school, Teresa was one of those ‘QUICK DRAW” artists at Six Flags.  Do you know what I mean?  They are the ones who set up in a little kiosk and draw caricatures of you and your family in black marker, really quickly.  Anyway, she did this to raise money for art school.

Can you imagine?  Who would ever think that this quick draw artist would create these incredible works later on?  See… goes to show you…don’t judge a book by its cover, eh?!

OK, another fun fact about her is that she was fascinated by the Longhorn cattle her father raised.  As a little girl, Teresa would stand on the fences watching all the cattle for hours.  She said the cows made her feel peaceful.  As she got older, Teresa said she would photograph them.  It is from these photographs that she creates her art.

ART SHOWS

Then I decided to look at the show which was featured in Cowboys and Indians magazine.  As I clicked through the 9 pieces, I saw that 7 of them were already sold.  Wow.  Good for Teresa to have such a successful show!

Well now maybe we all cannot afford such wonderful art.  But, we can sure afford to go see it, if we live in the area.  So, here is a schedule of her upcoming shows:

August 21-Sept. 4, 2010 – TEXAS TRADITIONS SHOW with Fresco Fine Art Publications at Heritage Auction Gallery, Dallas TX

Sept. 16 & 17 2010 – WESTERN VISIONS – National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson, WY

Sept. 24, 2010 – MINIATURES BY THE LAKE – Coeur d’ Alene Gallery, Coeur d’ Alene ID

October 1-24, 2010 – TEXAS 
TRADITIONS SHOW with Fresco Fine Art Publications at InSight Gallery, Fredericksburg TX

October 27th, 2010 – HEART OF THE WEST – National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame, Ft.Worth, TX

November 19-28, 2010 – TEXAS TRADITIONS SHOW with Fresco Fine Art Publications at Ventana Gallery, Santa Fe NM

INTERVIEW

Cowboys and Indians did interview her and I have the link here.  You may want to check it out.    And, here is a link to her website.

I don’t know about you, but just looking at these has made me peaceful… just like she said.

August's Bucket Fund is Beauty's Haven Farm and Equine Rescue. Click here to make a $5 Pay Pal Donation. Easy and it means so much!

HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!
The August Bucket Fund will benefit the charity BHFER.  To learn all about the Bucket Fund and to donate $5,  please click on the photo (photo credit, Trish Lowe)

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Engraved Horseshoes. Horse shoes as gifts. I had no idea…

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

I’m glad that horseshoes mean good luck.  I mean, it is nice that something other than a weird little green man is our good luck charm.  At least I’ve seen wild horseshoes on occasion whereas I’ve never seen a leprechaun.

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A LARGER VIEW

But that in itself confuses me.

You see, when I find a horseshoe lying around, I get upset.  I don’t see the luck in it.  I see the, “Oh great, who lost a shoe now?”  And the, “I sure hope I get all the nails”… and the “Now I can’t go riding today or ever again since the farrier is so hard to get ahold of…” feelings.  I’m actually exasperated and a bit panicky when I find a random horse shoe.  I don’t see the good luck in it at all.

In hindsight, I guess it is good luck for the farrier.  But for me, that notion of good luck with a horseshoe has never stuck.  It wouldn’t occur to me to gift with a horseshoe when someone is moving into a new house or getting married.

“Here, I picked this horseshoe up off of the ground and I’m giving it to you.  Um, Finn lost this, which is bad luck for me, but if I give it to you, you will have good luck, I think…”

Still, having said that, I have to acknowledge that my barn has one hanging in the first stall and my back door has one cemented into the pavers.  I didn’t put them there, the previous owner did.  And, we’ve been fairly lucky.  So, maybe they do work.  Dunno.

I guess my point is that horseshoes as a good luck gift have not been on my radar.

Jim Brandvik, the artist

So, when I stumbled upon this guy who engraves them, I was like a monkey with a foreign object.  I kept looking at the website and turning the photos all around…  I was fascinated that someone thought to do this.  And, not only as a good luck gift, but also as a keepsake.

JIM BRANDVIK

That’s his name, Jim Brandvik,  and this is his website.  And, you really should CLICK ON THE  PHOTOS in this blogpost to see the items larger.  The detail is really amazing!

As a kid growing up on a ranch, he liked to draw.   As time went on, he melded the two together by drawing on horse shoes.

In his own words, “An engraver must be part metal-smith, part alchemist, part artist and part machinist. Any one of these vocations would suit me, but the amalgamation of them all suites me completely.”  Cool.

Now after perusing his website, I get it.  I understand how horseshoes can be a lovely gift…

FANCY

The design I liked the best was the first picture I’ve added here.  These are very fancy and a tribute to Roy Rogers.  You really need to click on the photo to see the detail here.  They have gold inlay, gemstones and are just gorgeous!

Mico's shoe

I really don’t know where I would put this in my house since I wouldn’t want to cement this into a walking path or hang it in a dusty barn.  But, I’d sure like to have it…  I’d figure out the place later.  And, if I had this horseshoe, I certainly would have good luck!

KEEPSAKE

I loved this idea… A woman gave Jim the last pair of shoes that her beloved horse, Mico, had worn.  The story made me weep.   She sent Mico’s shoes to Jim and she asked Jim to engrave them with her sentiments.

Wow.  I wish I had thought of that when I lost Aladdin.  It makes total sense to me as a keepsake.  Often a horse is not buried at home.  Or, if he is, you still might want a keepsake inside the house.  I know that I have a photo of Aladdin on my desk.   But, if I had known about this at the time, I would have kept his shoes.

Horseshoe nail pendant

I like this idea because it holds his memory.  He actually wore them.  They are a part of him…

Anyway, Jim polished up Mico’s old shoes and engraved them.  Lovely.

WEDDING GIFT/HOUSEWARMING/ANNIVERSARY

I really had no idea how many ways you could use a horseshoe.  And, it is amazing to me how an artistic hand makes such a difference!  I can totally see how a polished and beautifully engraved horseshoe would make a fine gift!  Here is a link to his designs.

JEWELRY

I think, if you are around metal and horseshoes, you probably see lots of horseshoe nails…

I loved this sweet design for a pendant made out of a horseshoe nail.  How clever!  And, I really appreciate when an artist has a piece that is relatively inexpensive so that most of us can share in his creativity.

Also, I thought this WIDE cuff was beautiful!  If you click on the photo, you can see the detail…

The last photo of the smaller cuff bracelet shows the engraving on the inside and the outside.  Plus a little diamond on both sides as well!  I think any Cowgirl would love one of those!

Awesome!

HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!
July’s Bucket Fund will benefit the charity THE GOLDEN CARROT SANCTUARY.  To learn all about the Bucket Fund and to donate $5,  please click on the photo (photo credit, Trish Lowe)

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Totally Hysterical Dog Video and My Kinda Belt Buckles!

Sunday, July 25th, 2010

OH MY GOSH!  I spit up my coffee when I saw this video.  You have to look at this.  It is called, “Not a Morning Dog”.  OMG.  The owner is trying to get his sleeping dog to “go outside” in the wee hours…

Click here or on the photo to watch the video.

SWEETBIRD STUDIO, MY FAV!

Well, a while ago I told you about Sweetbird Studio because they make bridle/saddle charms that can be personalized.  I have one for Finn and I just love it!  Here is a pic of the charm.  You can order one here.

Anyway, while flipping through Cowboys and Indians Magazine today, I saw this photo of belts.  Of course my eyes screeched to a HALT as I scanned the print to see who made these.  And, of course it was Sweetbird Studio!  Actually, it says Anderson and Allison… So, there are two artists involved here (other website to be reviewed later).  But the buckle images were on the Sweetbird Studio site.  I went there.

This was the ad in Cowboys and Indians Magazine

Yowsa!!  There were so many one-of-a-kind belt buckles, I almost had to go breathe into a brown bag.  I was hit with the vapors as I feasted my eyes upon the plethora of wonderful, waistband decor!  Ooooohhh, lala!  Ladies, I suggest you peruse the site to find your favorites!  I will list several here.  I tried to pick a rounded selection but obviously, I picked what I liked.  So, please go check out the buckles and …  if you don’t see what you like, she can probably whip somethin’ faboo up for you!

OK, I don’t know where to begin so I’ll just start.  Enjoy!

As Tony the Tiger would say, “Have a GRRRRRReat Sunday!”

HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!
July’s Bucket Fund will benefit the charity THE GOLDEN CARROT SANCTUARY.  To learn all about the Bucket Fund and to donate $5,  please click on the photo (photo credit, Trish Lowe)

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Heather Jansch. A Whole Other Meaning to Driftwood Art…!

Friday, July 16th, 2010

I seem to be on an artist run here… I keep finding delicious work to post.  How could I not show this?  Is this not the most wonderful way to re-use driftwood?  OMG.

This is the work of UK artist, Heather Jansch.

First of all, bummer that she lives so far away… Bummer that we all cannot have these in your front yards (or backyards).  Bummer that we can’t take a bunch of sticks and do this.

As an aside, when I had my gallery, I remember people would grab some wonderful piece put together by some ingenious artist and the customer would say, “My Grandkid made something just like this…”  Uh-huh.  Yup, we’ve all made driftwood something or others.  We’ve maybe even put rocks in a pattern that resembled something else in nature.  But, I’m fairly certain that not many people can see the artform in a pile of shore sticks…  Hats off, Heather!

What also struck me about Heather, besides the WOW of the art, was her website.

Bronze

If you go there, and please do, you will get a sense of true “its all about the art”.  She shows you where she works and invites you into her home.  She doesn’t boast that some pieces have ended up in extraordinary places.

Poseidon

You don’t feel like she isn’t touchable.  In fact, you feel really peaceful.  One after another, the photos of the pieces just keep on keeping on and you feel a constant state of WOW.  Woweey.  Wowsa.  And another?  Wowww.  I mean, how do you create expression without eyes?  How do you evoke emotion with sticks?  No paint, no face, no nothin’.  Just driftwood.

I thought her Q and A page was rather sweet.  Instead of saying, “Oy.  I’m so sick of people asking me that…” she just lists the top question and answers.  Of course, I wanted to know the same things as everyone else — and probably you — so I’ll tell you what I garnered from my expedition to her website.

First of all, the sculptures don’t stand by themselves.  What I mean is, she doesn’t weave the driftwood into itself so that it all just stays there and supports itself (which is what I thought…).  There are frames hidden inside.  These frames allow Heather to apply the wood, stand back, and then see if this piece of wood is right for that application.  Once the piece feels right, she uses screws to secure the wood to the frame.  Then, the screw heads are covered up with filler and stain.

Next I learned that she tries to recycle copper for the hooves.  If that doesn’t work, she does use lead.  Oh, and she tries to use as much recycled everything as possible.  Let’s see… oh yeah,  she doesn’t just do horses and she will do commissions.  And, yes, she loves what she does…

If you are a table top book person, Heather has a table top book for you!  Actually, I don’t have enough table tops to accommodate all of my table top books.  They tend to stack in my tiny house.  Anyway, wouldn’t it be lovely and quite the conversation starter, to have this book on your coffee table?  Or, bring it to a shower or a party or whatever. I’m sure the artsy crowd would love this!  Here is a link to her book.

But, the most endearing quality, to me, was the job posting she attached to her website.  Heather is looking for a sculptor’s assistant.  HOW FUN WOULD THAT BE?!  You have to be able to use power tools, chainsaws and not be afraid of ladders, but other than that, how cool!  So, if you know of anyone who might fill the bill, go to the website and look under ‘opportunities’.

I’ve attached several photos here.  Some are very large pieces and some are smaller.  But, you really cannot decipher which is which since there are no oranges or Buicks in the frames for reference (thank goodness!).

I’ve also added a shot that is a bronze work.  Oh, I simply love bronze and this is no exception.  You can still feel the open nature of the ocean yet you also feel the weight of the bronze countered with the weightlessness of the driftwood.  mmmmmmm…

I also loved Poseidon.  Not just because he is a scrumptious and robust bronze but because of the name…  I wrote a while back that evidently the god, Poseidon, created the first horse to impress his girlfriend.  Not many people know this since Poseidon is generally associated with water.  But, if you can believe the Greeks, Old Posei created the equine out of desperate love.  So, I quite admire that Heather named one of her creations after this myth.

Thank you for letting me stroll down artist lane again this month.  I seem to be doing that a lot.  I hope you enjoy these images at least half as much as I did and hopefully, more!

HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!
July’s Bucket Fund will benefit the charity THE GOLDEN CARROT SANCTUARY.  To learn all about the Bucket Fund and to donate $5,  please click on the photo (photo credit, Trish Lowe)

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The Oft Misunderstood Male Horsefly, and other crawly/jumpy barn dwellers by Thomas Shahan…

Sunday, July 11th, 2010

OK, maybe I’m stretching things a bit to speak about a horse fly.   But I think we, as horse owners, have to put up with them…  so I may as well write about them.

The benign male horsefly...

However, since I try to spin everything in the most positive manner possible, today we are going to wax lyrically about the MALE horsefly only.  The female horsefly isn’t so wonderful.

It is the female who bites.  It is the female who lays the eggs.  It is the female who buzzes around your green horse like a DC-10, sending him into the “OMG that thing is gonna land on meeeeeeee!” hysteria.  Yup. the female of the species is kinda pesky, to put it lightly.  She is the one with all the bad qualities.  She is the one who gives the horsefly its bad reputation.  Luckily, though, there is a particular kind of wasp that delights in fine, fresh female horsefly flesh.  So, at least there is that to think about next time Helga the Horsefly comes a buzzin’…

Vampira, female horsefly, with her slicing mandibles.

Let’s get back to the male.  He is a lovely and somewhat dull creature.  All he does is fly from flower to flower.  Since his body is large, he can spread the good stuff around easily therefore he is a very important part of pollenization — although he might not know this.  .

Amazing Walking Stick Video

Yup, the male just flies around eating nectar and bits of pollen while he unconsciously dumps pollen pieces all about.  He’s your regular, non-invasive kind of insect.  Too bad he has to be associated with the female of his species…

You see, the female is the only one with the scissor chopper front leg things.  Only a female can slice into your skin or your mount’s skin.  She is the relentless, buzzing witch that drives your horse crazy.  But, luckily, her bite is generally not bad for you, it just HURTS.  (Sadly, female horse flies have been known to take down small animals by swarming and sucking…)  Owweeee.   Vampira lives inside the female horsefly but ONLY the female.  And that is my point here…  I mean, I KNOW that I combine all horseflies into my “Get out of here NOW” rant category when one dive bombs me or my horse.  I don’t distinguish gender.  But, I should…

Common jumping barn spider video with macro - cool!

Today, in honor of the misunderstood and maligned male horsefly, I am posting the micro images of these wonderful insects for you to admire.

These incredible photos were taken my my favorite bug photographer, Thomas Shahan.  (Here is a link)  I find myself really drawn to his work.  Really.  I’m astounded by the beautiful color and structure of all the insects he has photographed.  Don’t get me wrong.

anything crawling on me or to find any type of bug in my bed… but when I look at these photos, I get wide-eyed with amazement.  It makes me look at insects a bit differently — if only for the instant before I scream and get the bug relocation contraption I have sitting on my desk.

This is a Robber Fly... I just thought it was pretty so I added it here.

(I put them all back outside with a scolding…)  My point is, if there is a God who created bugs, including horseflies, his brush was very small and his eye was discerning.  Insects, evven the horsefly, are fantastic to view through Shahan’s macrocamera.

And, just for fun, I’ve posted two You Tube movies that Thomas shot using his micro lens.  One is of a small jumping spider and the other is of a Walking Stick bug.  These were fascinating in an oogey way.  I showed them to bugophobic Hubby and he was glued to the computer screen.

So, please humor me this foray into the horsefly and other beautiful bugs.  I appreciate it.

HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!
If you want an update on THE GOLDEN CARROT SANCTUARY July Bucket Fund or to donate, please click on the photo (photo credit, Trish Lowe)

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A Beautiful Thing in a Field! The minds-eye of Douglas Van Howd.

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

DOUGLAS VAN HOWD

I’m going to tell you a story of what happened to me on the way to my Hubby’s new office today…

Hubby’s new office is in a really nice environment, out in a quiet and somewhat rural section of the industrial part of town.  You know the area… it is the place where they put the light aircraft field and the fabricators.  Anyway, Hubby wanted me to help him with his wall hanging and whatnot setting.

So, I drove out there.  La de dah.  Ho Hum.  Just driving along…and as we approached the driveway to his building…

OMG.  What is THAT?!!!

“What is what?”

THAT.

“What?”

That HUGE UNBELIEVABLE HORSE SCULPTURE next door in that field???

“Ooooooh, that.  Ummm, I don’t know.”

You don’t know?!  There is a huge, unmarked bronze sculpture within spitting distance of your office and you don’t know?  It is bigger than my horse trailer, made of BRONZE and you haven’t really paid any atention?

“Well, I think it belongs to that building over there.  And besides, I do pay attention.  We have a Peacock here and some hens.”

You know, it is bigger than some airplanes I’ve seen… and it is gorgeous!

So, I get out my camera phone and walk over there to take these shots.  As you can see, the huge bronze is  unmarked and just sitting there.  I expected it to come alive and rush off into the nearby woods.  It was incredible and I was in awe.  I mean, the piece actually feels like is is breathing!  It is so lifelike!

I needed to research this.  So I did.  And, it was pretty easy, actually.  All I had to do was turn around and there was this huge Gallery and Foundry (you need a foundry of your own with pieces this size…).  “Douglas Van Howd” was the name on the building.   Whoda thunk something like this would be in my little town.  Wow!

I drove home and clicked on his website.  Van Howd has been sculpting for years and much of his work is very famous.  In fact, he was the official White House sculptor during the Reagan administration.  You’ll probably recognize some of his work when you peruse his site.

OK, now back to the huge sculpture.  Well, I learned that Douglas grew up in Nevada and has a love for the Wild Mustang.  This sculpture is called, Spirit of Nevada.  He created the seven horses running free (five mares, a foal and a stallion) “to honor this last remaining symbol of the Old West frontier.”

Ahhh, a man after my own heart…  Van Howd created this huge sculpture and many smaller versions in limited editions — which are held at his gallery.  The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm (though we often close for lunch between noon and 1pm) for lucky local readers…!  But, the big’un is just sitting in the field across from his Gallery.  I’m guessing he owns that field?  Dunno.

I’m wondering if the statue will move one day?

The artist and his lovely creation...

Oh, I would hate to see it go.  I sure hope it is still standing when the wild horses are gone.  It is a lovely statement.  Lovely.  The wild horses of Nevada need a Champion.  Thank you, Douglas Van Howd.  Thank you for putting something glorious and powerful in a field near the place where I live.

And, purely speaking from the heart, if my dream of creating a truly wild place for the last Mustang herds to live and flourish comes to fruition, THIS sculpture is what I would want out front…   But wherever its final destination, one cannot help but marvel at the splendor of the wild horse.  Remarkable.
HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!

If you want an update on THE GOLDEN CARROT SANCTUARY July Bucket Fund or to donate, please click on the photo (photo credit, Trish Lowe)

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Artist: Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

WESTERN ARTIST:  NANCY DUNLOP CAWDREY

Yum!  The work looks like you could eat it!

Have you seen it in magazines or in galleries?

Well, it has been calling to me for a while.  I have three of her gallery ads ripped and stored in my binder.  Finally, I decided to quench my curiosity and I ventured to  Nancy’s website.

I learned a few fun facts and tidbits… She has lived in Montana for 30 years now.  Her father was in the military.  And, she feels Montana is a very inspirational place for her.

Donations

One of the aspects I really liked about her work is that she donated a piece that was auctioned to benefit of Glacier National Park.

"Open Range", my favorite, I think...

It is really nice when artists give back…  How do they do that?  Well, several pieces from various artists went on tour which generated income and then there was an auction of all the original pieces in May.  I cannot find the results but the exhibit was called, The Official Centennial Art of Glacier National Park Exhibit.  Nice!

BISON AND THE MONTANA WILDERNESS

Nancy says that the Montana wilderness has greatly inspired her over the years.  Well, you can see that in her work, for sure!  The bison is one of her favorite subjects… along with wildflowers and landscapes.

I’LL PAINT WITH ANYTHING!

For me, I think it is awe inspiring when an artist can paint or think up images to draw.  I’m totally unable to use my hands to create anything flat.  I simply cannot make a flat thing have dimension.  It doesn’t compute… So, when someone can do this AND do it using several types of medium, I’m always impressed.  Nancy works in oil, acrylic, watercolor, silk, pastel, and mixed media.  I can barely use a pencil…

PAINTING ON SILK

I wondered what it was like to paint on silk (not that I would have any frame of reference…).  Silk seems so slippery.  I wondered how she held it still and how she could manage the fabric and the paint.

To me,  the silk pieces seemed the most yummy and edible.  In the article, she says that silk is very organic and adds an element of surprise when she uses it.  Nancy cannot actually control it, just guide it.  Hmmmmm.  Personally, I love the juxtaposition of the vibrant silk colors with the heft of a bison or the flutter of a dragonfly.

LITTLE MOVIE

On the website, there was a short You-Tube movie.  In the movie, Nancy is in process on a silk painting of a moose.  She speaks of layering the color and how that works to effect depth and light.  It is fun to watch the piece progress.  She also explains that she starts with the piece on the floor, then moves it to a table then and easel.  At one point, she spreads rock salt on the piece to give “texture”.  Interesting…

OTHER FORMS WITH ART

So, of course again, here is an artist whose original work I cannot afford.  But, luckily for me and other in my boat, she has work that we can afford.  Scarves, cards, Christmas cards, posters, prints…

YAY, A BOOK!

My favorite was the book.  It looked so yummy and colorful.  She has a limited edition of signed versions but you can also get a hard cover or soft cover.

MY FAV

While I was on the website, I scoured it for the piece that I ripped out of a magazine a few times.  I couldn’t find the original on her site.  So, I ended up scanning the magazine page so I could show it to you.  I really loved it the first time I saw it.  The name is “Open Range” and I never did find it in any form on the site.  What a mystery!  I wonder if it was commissioned and sold, never to be repeated.  Dunno.  But, I loved it!

IN CONCLUSION

You can see by what I took off of the site, I really like the animals and nature pieces.  Flowers, bison, horses … but I also loved this one of the Baker.  Too Cute!  I would totally go into a shop that had that image as its sign.  Wouldn’t you?

MONTANA, HO!

So, next time you are in Bigfork Montana, go to Fox Creek Studios and sit a spell with Nancy.  The gallery is open 9-5, Monday through Friday!

Enjoy!

HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!
If you want an update on THE GOLDEN CARROT SANCTUARY July Bucket Fund or to donate, please click on the photo (photo credit, Trish Lowe)

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Leslie Anne Webb: A Legal Insider Tip… with a $4500 prize!!

Sunday, June 27th, 2010

Trio

THIS DRAWING IS NOW OVER, BUT PLEASE ENJOY THE POST ANYWAY…

You know how when you contemplate buying a lottery ticket you say to yourself, “Hmmmmm, I know the odds are against me but … I’m gonna do it anyway! (you say the last part really fast!)”  Or, on the flip side,  “I might as well burn this dollar as buy a lottery ticket…”

How ever you feel about the lottery, you know that the odds are basically against you winning.

Well, I have a hot tip on something wonderful that you could win…  The oddsmakers are with us on this one!   No one knows about this contest and therefore no one has submitted their names….   (I feel like a bookie.)

Charlie Blue Eyes

Ay  Chi hua hua!   Readers, I want one of you to WIN this!  If you do win, please please please let me know and I’ll write a whole post devoted to your story and your final prize!  OK, here goes…

LESLIE ANNE WEBB

Remember how I told you that famous artist, Leslie Anne Webb, has a drawing going on right now in which someone will win one of her ORIGINAL painting of their choice (here is the former post link).  Well, there are only a few days left and I know that there are hardly any names in the hat…

ON THE SWEET AND LOW

Big Butt

Well, I know Leslie’s work, but the only reason I have actually met her in the flesh is because she just so happens to live in the same small town where I live.  And, I happen to ride where she rides and I occasionally end up in the same room with her.  On one of these occasions recently, we were all chatting,  and she told us in an offhanded way that she has been so busy with her summer shows that she has spent no time promoting this drawing.

Hmmmmm.  My mind started whirring… a contest with no contestants?

Lend Me an Ear

I asked her what that meant… She said that there are hardly any names in the fishbowl.  WHA?!  Hardly any names?  Yup.  Very few people know about the contest.  Leslie has been too busy to pay any attention to promoting it. And, the contest is almost over (June 30th).   Hmmmmmm.  Let me do the math here…  Are there 10 names?  Are there 20 names?  Are there 3 names?  I have no idea.  I didn’t ask… but she indicated jovially that the lack of names in the jar was her fault due to her lack of free time and silly negligence.   “Uhhhhh,

Goofball

should you be telling me this?”   Leslie didn’t care.  She was just talking…  She was saying that picking out a name would be really easy at this rate and maybe she should dump the meager contents of the biggish fishbowl into a littlish soapdish.  Huh?!!

Wahoo!  The odds are looking really good!  I mean, the contest is happening and it WILL have a winner.  With those odds, it could be YOU.  What an opportunity!  I had to tell you readers!  (I did ask Leslie if I could spread the word and she was delighted for me to do the work….)  So, let’s go for it!

THERE ARE HARDLY ANY NAMES IN THE HAT AND YOU COULD WIN A $4500 PAINTING!

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!

RAFFLES AND CONTESTS ARE FUN!

Jerry

I mean, consider the jelly bean counting contest at the State Fair.  We all think we have a chance to win that.  Millions of people buy a lottery ticket when they are fairly certain that they won’t win.  I know that I buy raffle tickets/charity tickets/hot dog tickets/car wash tickets mostly every time one comes around.  And for all the aforementioned purchases, we have no idea of the odds.  We do it because it feels good, its fun and because we all like the “lucky” feeling of being chosen.  “I won!  I never win anything!”  We are tickled pink with our prized T-shirt caught from the cannon (wrestled from the 4th grader in front of you) at the local Triple A baseball game – yet we might not purchase the same T-shirt.

Kindred Sprits

I know.  I’m with you.  I still cherish the goofy over-sized sponge finger I won at the Giants’ Game…

But, what if you could win something huge, fabulous and unbelievable – easily?!   (Now I sound like an infomercial.)  I mean, wouldn’t it be fun to win easily instead of trying to turn up the corner on your ticket or trying to gauge exactly when to drop your ticket into the raffle box to make sure it is on top… you know what I mean…  There are no sure-things but what if the odds were against the house –  and for the player?!

INCREDIBLE ODDS

Baby

For me, I feel compelled to drive all the way to Costco (gas money…) in order to get more than I really need for more than I really wanted to spend.  Translated that means that I do get good deals, no question.  But, I spend more because I’m there, I use more gas hauling my load home, I have to open a recycling center to store all of the cardboard packaging that surrounded my goods and then I have to justify to myself why I just spent way more than I anticipated…  I do this once a month.  Those odds aren’t so good.  In fact, they are really bad but I do it because I like the experience, in a twisted way.  Costco makes me feel like I’m winning.

Cloud in the Sky

For Leslie’s contest, the odds are VERY GOOD to begin with!  Way better than most contests (or a Costco visit) and besides, you actually get a great item just for entering – not just a ticket.  And on top of that great item, if you win the contest, the prize is quite wonderful and significant!

Now, I’m not saying that the saddle you bid on every year isn’t a good prize.  It is.  And, I’m not saying the stuff you buy for charity isn’t a good cause.  It is.  What I’m saying is that you get potentially three wins with this contest.  You get a signed print of your choice for your investment, you may very well win, and you are also supporting equine charities indirectly because Leslie donates several paintings to Equine causes annually.  She donates a lot.  A lot.  Here is a link to her current donations and here is a link about her philanthropy.

EASY

The Blues Brothers

OK, here is how to get into this contest (now I really sound like a bookie!).

For anyone to get their name into the soapdish, you purchase one of Leslie’s signed and faboo prints ( small =$98).   If you purchase a small print your name goes in once.  If you purchase a large print ($300), your name goes in three times. Easy.

The winner will receive an Original Leslie Anne Webb painting of their choice ($4500) or an original to be created of the winner’s fav pet.

STEP BY STEP

1)  Go to the website’s store and shop for the print you like (click here).

The Guardian Angel

2)  Once on the page, to browse the prints, you can choose the color background you like (ie: click here for “shades of blue and green” background)

3)  Once in the background color screen, click on the first box which will say “Giclee Prints” (ie: click here for giclee prints in shades of blue and green)

4)  Browse and click on the one you want in the size you want!

5)  Leslie will SIGN the print and sent it off to you!

The Sweetest Thing

6)  Leslie will put your name in the soapdish!  Done.  Easy!

MY PERSONAL FAVS

I’m not having Leslie put my name in the hat because it would be weird if I’ve told you all about this contest twice and then I end up winning… That could be misconstrued.  (Even though, I am quite tempted!)  However, I did have a lot of fun picking out the prints that I would purchase.  And,

Oscar Kisses

I’ve been contemplating which photo of my Aladdin to give to her if I was to win…  Maybe you should start playing around with your photos, eh?

OK, here are my favs…

1)  The Guardian Angel: “Everyone has their own Guardian Angel.”

I love this one because the horses’ expressions are exactly how they are in a close knit group.  So perfect.

2)  The Sweetest Thing: “The sweetest thing in life is to love and be loved in return.”

I love this because the tenderness shines through.

3)  Oscar Kisses: “Kisses, anyone?”

I love this because I love when my horses give me the kissy-face!

GOOD LUCK, EVERYONE!!

HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!
If you want an update on the Iron Man Rescued Foal Bucket Fund or to donate, please click on the photo (photo credit, Trish Lowe)

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Leslie Anne Webb, Equine Artist, and a Small World Story…

Monday, May 24th, 2010

Leslie Anne Webb is an Equine Artist local to where I live but her work is International.  Luckily, she is friends with people I know so I get to be privy to some of her pieces before they actually stand before the world. (This first photo is of one of her new originals named, Charlie.  From Leslie: Charlie is one of the most amazing horses I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing……a true spirit and healer in his own right….enjoy.”)

In one of these unveiling emails, Leslie sent out her newest works via jpeg for all of us to drool over.  I took extra note because she had painted about two causes dear to my heart:  PMUs and a particular mare named Angel.  So, that is my story for today.  I want to introduce you to Leslie, if you don’t already know her work, tell you about her contest and then relay the two small world stories.

Here is Leslie Anne Webb’s website.  (That is fun to say outloud, try it!)  You can get an idea of her style and then realize that you’ve seen if before, most likely.  She’s infused in the art world and continues to create truly original work.

OK, so I get this email with the jpeg of the new original pieces by Leslie.  When I saw the first image, my heart jumped through my chest!  That’s Angel!!  Angel is a mare who was rescued off of a feedlot (on her way to slaughter).  She is a palomino and had one foal by her side.  At that time, there were several pregnant mares at the feedlot and several mares that had just foaled.  So sad.

Heartbreakingly, before the rescuers could help three other mares, they were shipped leaving behind 3 new babies at the feedlot.  Well, those babies were rescued and brought back to where Angel had just arrived.  And, what did Angel do?… She let those three other foals nurse off of her as well as her own!  Yup.  Angel, this is how she got her name, let all four babies be nourished through her milk.  The rescue organization that had Angel posted this wonderful story and many folks stepped up to help with the care and feeding of these five horses.  Luckily, all four foals survived and have since been adopted out.  Everyone is doing just fine!

So, when I saw Leslie’s painting, I just had to tell the wonderful story.  I’m thrilled Leslie chose Angel and her brood for this depiction.  I think the piece is so special, especially when you know the love that infuses the story.  Above are pictures of Angel and her babies.

Oh, I also want to say that Leslie is having a contest.  To have your name in the hat, purchase one of her lovely and various prints and then you have the opportunity to win an ORIGINAL!  Wahoo!   The original could be one of hers or she will paint one of your animals.  Nice.  Here is her website and Facebook page.  The details are here.

OK, now onto the other Leslie small world story.  You know how our May Drop in the Bucket Fund is for the United Pegasus Foundation…  Well, another one of Leslie’s new paintings is of her favorite PMU horse that was originally saved by the UPF!  I love that!  Leslie says that once she “feels” the animal, the painting comes to life inside of her and then she can paint it easily.  Here are her words about her boy, Sam, who is represented in her new piece, Reflection. (Leslie titled the work Reflection because “to BE in quiet reflection, you will begin to KNOW your SELF”.)

“My big boy Sam, a PMU rescued by United Pegasus Foundation, was only 4 months old and never handled when I adopted him. He is one of the most majestic horses I’ve ever met, but even with his regal, calm and reflective manner, he still manages to show me that he has a bit of his “baby Huey” left. At 9 years old, he will still give off a squeal when he’s playing in the field with the other boys.”

So, since we only have one week left in May to fill our bucket for the United Pegasus Foundation, I wanted to pass on this story for inspiration.  UPF has done and continues to do wonderful work in saving equine lives (read here).  So, please click on the button and donate your $5 Starbucks money!


Also, don’t forget to check out Leslie’s other works on her website.  I think being able to enter a contest for an Original is an incredible opportunity.  Imagine having a work this fine of your favorite pet!  Ah, to have one of my fuzzy faces immortalized would be so lovely…  ;)

HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!

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