Apparantely I have been given the Kreativ Blogger award from Diane Marshall. Thanks Diane. Now I am trying to figure out how this works. I notice when Diane posted what she was to do with it she had 7 artists to whom she passed it on to. and by clicking onto their names-their blogger sites came up. Guess I don't know how to do that so I will post the 7 names that I feel have been particularly helpful and to who I think have special painting passion for their work.

First I am to list 7 things about myself.

1. My college background is in Biology and Art. Biology in the sense of wildlife habitats and the ecology of wilderness.

2. In my early work life I did Highschool textbook illustration and a College Botony book on Paleo-Botony.

3. I once worked in a print shop doing art layout and design.

4. In highschool I cowboyed and worked in the mountains at a church Camp.

5. I have a wonderful wife, Two daughters, 6 Grand children and 2 Great Grandchildren.

6. I have a great love for my creator and a passion for the life I lead.

7. I am terribly alergic to Peas, Onions and green peppers.

7 of the Blog Artists I have come to really appreciate. Does this have to be only 7?

1.Gwen Bell, who has such great talent and a wonderful means of expressing it.

2. Peter Brown another very gifted artist who has wonderful insight and knows where he is going with his art.

3. Liz Holm who has such courage and does the most amazing work with all she has going on in her life.

4. Leslie from Dragonfies. A Photographer who has such a great way of expressing her love of the desert and its creatures.

5. Sheila, the Forensic artist who has such energy in both her life and in her art. It is contagious.

6. Candace Moore, a student who is doing the most marvelous art work and still seems like a true human being. She will be heard from.

7. Holly Bedrosian, Such talent and seems to be a very poised young woman. She is doing great things and is being heard from.

All these folks are an inspiration to me. I could list others but had to settle for 7. And I categorize all these folks in the same category and certainly not No. 1 through No. 7

http://www.silversagegallery.com

At the end of the quick-draw my wife and myself headed for Yellowstone and spent several days there. Research and working with the wildlife were a way of relaxing and enjoying ourselves after the art world of Jackson. We stayed at West Yellowstone and as the road from Madison to Norris is closed we essentially hiked and photographed the area from Old Faithful to West Yellowstone. We did go up the Norris road that was being shunned by the tourists thinking the shole roasd was closed and found the whole region all to ourselves and critters galore enjoying what critters without toursts do such as this Cow Elk and her two fawns enjoying a run through the meadow. I took 445 photos. Elk, Buffalo, Coyotes, Eagles, Geysers,and general landscapes. All great research for future paintings.

Finished and framed. Sorry for the reflections in the glass.

I drew #26 out of 32 artists for placement in the auction. Boy is that nerve racking waiting for your turn and watching a lot of art bidding out way lower than in former years. Guess it is the economy. There was a lot of art less than $1000.00 and that just doesn't happen. Mine went for $1300.00 and what with the bids I felt fortunate to receive that. The artists receive 50% of the bid so still not bad for an hours work.

http://www.silversagegallery.com

well into the hour I am nearing the finish. My painting is of Mt Moran in the Tetons with changing Aspens. I did throw a doe deer looking out from the tree edges. It is a Gouache Watercolor.

This saturday was the annual Quick-Draw associated with the Jackson Hole

Fall Arts Festival that brings all the who's Who artists and collectors to Jackson. The Quick-draw began at 9:30 in the morning and 32 invited artists are given an hour to do a painting of their choice at the end of which those paintings are offered for sale in a well attended auction. Believe me the hard part is waiting your turn for the auctioning of your piece. We have to stand up on the stage and give a little speech then sit back and see what the public thinks of what you have done.

I shared space with Jim Wilcox, nationally known artist from Jackson who runs the Wilcox Gallery. Here we are after the opening bell working diligently away as the crowds look on.

http://www.silversagegallery.com