Wow, it's been some time since we've updated the blog.  Yes, the past few months have been extremely busy.  But several weeks ago, Rita and I spent a little time in the Kansas flint hills.  It was a fun image to work on.  We love how it captures the simplicity and lines of the flints.  Enjoy. 

This weekend we will be at the Art Fair on the Square show in Madison, Wi.  We have a double-booth, #367 & #369.  If you're in the area, please swing by, we'd love to meet you!! 

Sometimes the best laid plans are meant to change.  We were excited to get into  the Prairie Village Art Show scheduled this next weekend.  However, we had a  little bit of a set back and realized that we couldn't make it happen.  So  sadly, we cancelled the show and won't be there.  :(  Life happens and yes, we're fine!

Here's  our schedule for the balance of the summer:

- Omaha  NE                        June 10-12
- Madison WI                        July 9-10
- Art at the Glen, Chicago    August 6-7
- Port Clinton, Chicago        August 26-28

We've added the following images to the photography gallery.  Enjoy!

 

I was cleaning up some files on my computer and noticed this pic which brought back some memories:

This past fall we took a photo trip to the west coast.  And we were shooting at the water's edge.  Any way, the smaller coast guard boat in the background buzzed by us and a few minutes later passed us again headed in the opposite direction.  At the time, I didn't think too much about it.  But ten minutes later I heard a speed boat and looked up.  Well I had my camera in my hands so I snapped a few images.  My favorite had both boats in the frame.  I'm not sure how fast they were traveling but within a minute they were completely out of sight.  If I didn't have the pic and had tried to describe the boat, I'm not sure how believable I would have been.  So there you have it, .... a true story.

Yes, we're still working up new pieces for the next show in Tulsa, OK.  Here's a couple of fun ones for the photography side.  If you have a name to suggest for either peice, we're all ears!!

One of our least favorite activities is a recurring one; i.e. naming the new pieces.  I guess neither one of us are very creative with words.  But we try to make it fun and take a group of pieces with us to our favorite Mexican restaurant.  So there we are sitting in a booth with a window (so we have enough light) flipping through different proofs trying to suggest different names for them.  When our server arrived to take our drink order, I held up one proof and asked him what was the first word that came to mind when he looked at the proof.  He quipped out a word and it was really good.  We put a couple more in front of him and more great suggestions were forth-coming.  Wow!  This was really fun.  As we continued to work while we ate, Ryan came back to our table frequently, always willing to provide input to our more troubling images and a ready smile!  So, we asked him if it was ok to name a piece after him and he said, "Sure!".  So here it is:

                                                                     Ryan's Run

This piece has a little bit of a watercolor look and feel.  But you can see a man running on the beach on the left side of the image.  Ryan, thank you again!!

And we've added 18 new pieces to the Impressions gallery.  For now, they are the last 18  images in the gallery.  By double-clicking the images in the gallery, you can see larger images.  Enjoy!

Ok, so wildlife is not really our focus, but every now and then we get a shot that is, well, spectacular..... Given the color temperature of your computer monitor, the colors may not be as intense as they are on our monitor..... Enjoy!

Austin was a beautiful weekend for an art show!  And we had the privilege to spend time with dear friends! What a blessing!!  The trip home was dramatic as we entered a storm front and then bucked a 40-50 mph head wind for the remaining 9 plus hours home. 

Work has started on several commission pieces!  And we've begun creating new pieces for either Impressions or photography, or maybe both!  We haven't decided.  The pieces below are unnamed and not in the galleries thus far.  But we thought you'd enjoy seeing some of the new stuff even though they are small images.  These images were taken in Oregon/Montana.  You may see some resemblence to Rita's watercolors in these..... enjoy!!

Ok, we've been accumulating all of the art in our great room.  You can see several of the larger pieces towards the back.  Rita is standing by the center one to give you some perspective on the size.  Packing is in progress.  We are really looking forward to the Austin art show!

By the way, the image hung on the fireplace is an original watercolor, one of Rita's very first.  So in this image, you can see both old and new.  The two images hung on the left wall are originals that our two grandson's painted and now hung with pride!  Enjoy!!