Yucca Bonnets

Yucca Bonnets 1___8x6 oil study on linen___Sold
It is bluebonnet time in Texas, and it is a banner year! They have peaked sooner than "usual"...whatever that means. They are thick, tall and all over the nearby Hill Country of Austin, TX. I spent the day out with my bluebonnet pals, Pat, Kaye, Margie, Carol and other friends...Carol took this one home, so I will have to paint again tomorrow....ah well....
Tomorrow is the BIG vrsion of the small study I posted a few days ago from Arizona. The big one below was 16 x 20 and was completed in an hour at the Cowgirl Up! Quick Draw. Compare it to the study and tell me which one you like better!

Wickenburg This Morning---Cowgirl Up! Quick Draw---16x20 sold

Cowgirl Quick Draw

Cowgirl Quick Draw Study____a gift for my "host", Monica Lambert!___6x8 oil on linen panel
For some reason I cannot load the picture of my actual quick-draw...so take a good look at this one and I will load the BIG one tomorrrow.
A "Quick Draw" is an event where artists have ONE HOUR to complete a painting, then the works are auctioned for the benefit of the Museum. I rose early this morning to see a beautiful sunrise shining on Vulture Peak in Wickenburg, so I did this study, and used it as reference for a larger, 16 x 20 version. The Cowgirl Up! event has been another wonderful time in the art world! Wonderful women painters and sculptors are here, and you ought to see the BEAUTY!...both on the walls and in the great western clothing these women wear...
My Quick-Draw painting sold to some NEW FRIENDS who bought Shady Wait last night...
Headed home soon!

One Way Strike

One Way___24 x 30 oil on linen____available at Cowgirl Up!___$4500

I have wanted to paint this one since I did the plein air study back on our farm a few years ago. Read the story about it here.

The study was part of my Last Year on the Farm exhibit, and ended up being purchased by an art museum, The Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art...

SPEAKING OF MUSEUMS!...I participate in many exhibits and over the years my paintings have been purchased by several museums for their permanent collections. One such museum recently had a special showing of selections from their collection, and MY PAINTING was stolen off the wall! Of course the museum has an elaborate security system and cameras everywhere, but the person was able to leave with the painting, without alarms. So the investigation began, but it was not long before the thief was overwhelmed with guilt and decided to return the work...

WOW! An art heist! I told the musum director to please NOT TELL ME if the theif admits that he got my painting home and decided that it did not look too good over their couch....

_____________________V....Vaughan Spring Schedule______________________

March 23-25, Cowgirl Up! Desert Caballeros Western Museum, Wickenburg, AZ

April 9-13, Southeastern Plein Air Festival, Gadsden, AL

...see my schedule for more dates and events

Russell Sky Study

Russell Sky Study__7x5 oil on cotton panel___$100
Yesterday's post showed my "quick finish" painting for the Russell Art in Action, a benefit auction for the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, MT.
Please see that story and the TV interview! I give the "chamber of commerce" quote of the day!!
...One interesting thing about such an event, is that artists plan very diligently so that their work will hopefully come out good, ESPECIALLY as we work in front of hundreds of sophisticated art patrons! I showd how I arrived with a plan and a start on my canvas, but changed my mind once I got there....this study above was 'Plan "C"'!...I sketched it out on a small panel the night before, but didn't use it for the big canvas. It is a true little study, at a nice little price!
More to come, so please see my schedule!! I will be in Wickenburg, AZ this week!

Russell Sunrise

Russell Sunrise___24 x30___SOLD at auction
I shipped my big frame and canvas out here for today's quick finish art event at the C.M. Rusell Museum auction. We were allowed to start the canvas, ahead of times and had 3 hours to finish it here. When I saw my "start" this morning (a western canyon scene...see below), I did not "feel" it! SO! I started over from scratch! The photo below shows my first strokes of blue mountains while the canyon tree remained hovering in the sky. I kept it this way as long as I could, while people watched me work on it. I enjoyed the polite comments, as people wondered what I was REALLY painting. The finish above came out OK!...
At last night's auction, the newspaper photographer caught me studying a Greg Kelsey sculpture, so Great Falls woke up to me on the front page...yikes!...see below...

Little Belt Sunrise

Little Belt Sunrise___8x10 knife study___$200

I am in Montana...and I brought an allergy-thing with me, so I tried to sleep in this morning, but when I saw the beginning of THIS at sunrise, I had to grab the paintbrushes.

I only have a little walnut oil and NO solvent (airlines don't like solvents), so I did this little color study with a knife (less to clean up)...it is PART OF the view from A and B.B's home, where I am staying...

The first part of the C.M. Russell auction was tonight...I sold my silent auction grouping.

Tomorrow is the "quick-finish", and I am going to paint a BIG one...with two hours to finish, I am hoping I don't paint myself into a corner! stay tuned!!!

Shady Wait

Shady Wait___16 x 48 oil on wood panel (see frame below on blog___$4500

This one was painted especially for the upcoming Cowgirl Up! art show in Arizona

I did the studies for this painting right there in the corral at Colorado's Rainbow Trout Ranch last summer...This one has an unusual proportion, which really is hard to photograph....looks better in person. I shipped it and 4 other works to Arizona last week for Cowgirl Up! Talk about a FUN event! If you are anywhere near Wickenburg, AZ From March 23 to May, please go see the show. The events weekend is March 23-24, and the show runs through May.....BUT!

Today I arrived in Montana for the great C.M. Russell Auction, another huge western art event. This is my first year at the Russell, and I will be at the museum for the auction (Thursday night) and then at the Meadow Lark Country Club (on Friday morning) for a "Quick Draw", which is really a "Quick Finish" event... I am planning to do a BIG work. Come watch me paint !

______________V....Vaughan Spring Schedule________________

March 15-17, C. M. Russell Museum Auction, Great Falls, MT

March 23-25, Cowgirl Up! Desert Caballeros Western Museum, Wickenburg, AZ
April 9-13, Southeastern Plein Air Festival, Gadsden, AL

...see my schedule for more dates and events
Framed version__click to enlarge

detail

Duck! - SEWE Workshop

Duck Study__6x8 oil__SOLD

A few weeks ago I exhibited at the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE). After the show, a few of us artists spent a few days at the ACE Basin, Donnelley Wildlife Refuge painting and photographing everything from avocets to whooping cranes! One morning we conducted a workshop for a group of young artists whose works placed high in the South Carolina youth Duck Stamp Competition. I used this study to lead the kids in a "team project"...THEY worked together to create a BIG painting! Click the album link to see!

SEWE Photo Album

http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10150605910121818&id=519566817#!/media/set/?set=a.10150714474389993.450636.37266499992&type=3

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V....Vaughan Spring Schedule

Now thru April Passing America...Cactus Jack's, Gruene, TX
Show runs through April

March 15-17, C. M. Russell Museum Auction, Great Falls, MT

March 23-25, Cowgirl Up! Desert Caballeros Western Museum, Wickenburg, AZ

April 9-13, Southeastern Plein Air Festival, Gadsden, AL

...see my schedule for more dates upcoming

Ready for the Russell

Morning Star___6x8 oil___ Part of a group of 4 to be auctioned at the C.M Russell Museum, Montana
...ALSO, this image is being used by the Georgia State University Physics and Astronomy Dept. (Atlanta) to help promote "Astro Jazz". AstroJazz is an innovative program that, on March 16, will emphasize the "Venus Transit". This is when Venus passes between us and the sun...see images

I leave Wednesday for my first ever C.M Russell Auction, in Great Falls Montana! It's simply called "THE RUSSELL", and is one of the premier western art events in the country. The sale is unique among art events, in that there is art EVERYWHERE in town, not just at the museum. Some of the hotels actually clear the beds out of rooms, so that artists can make their own "galleries" there. I can't wait to go see some of my friends there, all camped out in the hotel rooms...I will be at the museum, doing events there. My auction "piece" is actually a GROUPING of four works which I did on the Amtrak last winter. See the selections HERE on my blog. I am not sure if it is a silent or live auction, but if you can't be there, and trust me to bid for you, I will! vvaughan8@yahoo.com

I also will be doing the "quick draw" event, which is actually a "quick finish" as artists are allowed two hours to complete one that they may have started earlier. For me, two hours is a LONG TIME, so I plan to do a BIG ONE, so that I can move fast and get a workout!...Please see schedule below and come if you can!
**

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V....Vaughan Spring Schedule

March 15-17, C. M. Russell Museum Auction, Great Falls, MT

March 23-25, Cowgirl Up! Desert Caballeros Western Museum, Wickenburg, AZ

April 9-13, Southeastern Plein Air Festival, Gadsden, AL

...see my schedule for more dates upcoming

Those Red Walls

Those Red Walls___8x10 oil _____$400 unframed

Yesterday I related a story about my painting being stolen from a museum... Original Art has great value, but art theft just does not happen very often, because security is so good these days. I travel a lot and recently I was in an airport bookstore, browsing the non-fiction section when a man came up to me, pulled out a book there and told me I needed to buy it! He was the author and was excited that his book was there. I learned that he is Robert Wittman, founder of the FBI Art Crime Team! His book is called PRICELESS. I bought it and had it signed by him, and we had a great discussion there at the airport...I think I will e-mail him and tell him about my art heist!...by the way, the book is FASCINATING!!!
I will be in Wickenburg, AZ for the rest of the week! Come see me at Cowgirl Up!

_____________________V....Vaughan Spring Schedule______________________

March 23-25, Cowgirl Up! Desert Caballeros Western Museum, Wickenburg, AZ

April 9-13, Southeastern Plein Air Festival, Gadsden, AL

...see my schedule for more dates and events

Buffalo Lounge

Buffalo Lounge___a Watercolor Sketch___7x9 on paper___$170

More from the zoo!

Below is the field sketch...drawn with watercolor pencils. The finish is above, just add water!

Please see my complete schedule on website, but a few upcoming events are below...All the links work, including the map to Gruene. Come Tuesday and enjoy some Texas fun...art show-style!

Buffalo field study___watercolor pencil

_____________________

V....Vaughan Spring Schedule

Feb. 14, Artist Reception for Passing America...Cactus Jack's, Gruene, TX
Show runs through April

Feb. 17 - 19, Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Charleston, SC

March 15-17, C. M. Russell Museum Auction, Great Falls, MT

March 23-25, Cowgirl Up! Desert Caballeros Western Museum, Wickenburg, AZ

April 9-13, Southeastern Plein Air Festival, Gadsden, AL

...see my schedule for more dates upcoming

Tiger Stalk

Tiger Sketch...watercolor pencil on w/c paper__7x9___$170 includes shipping

Last week I took another group of students to the zoo to sketch. We were there early, the first ones there, and I was the first one down the walkway to the tigers. So, I tried to sneak up on them to see what they do when no one is around....I tip-toed up the walkway and got within about 15 feet of one laying against the fence. Suddenly I noticed that up the hill to my right, his "roommate" had been stalking me all along! It ws really intense, and when this tiger saw me, seeing him, he bagan pacing....so I sketched him! I think I achieved what I was after, and am VERY GLAD that this guy was not successful with his plan!

PLEASE COME TO MY RECEPTION TUESDAY IN GRUENE, TX, if you can...

V....Vaughan Spring Schedule

Feb. 14, Artist Reception for Passing America...Cactus Jack's, Gruene, TX
Show runs through April

Feb. 17 - 19, Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Charleston, SC

March 15-17, C. M. Russell Museum Auction, Great Falls, MT

March 23-25, Cowgirl Up! Desert Caballeros Western Museum, Wickenburg, AZ

April 9-13, Southeastern Plein Air Festival, Gadsden, AL

...see my full schedule for more dates upcoming

Cat Blues

Cat Blues___a little sketch

Last week I sat with a friend over coffee. The weather was so nice that the door to the coffee shop was open and this little cat kept roaming into the doorway, not coming TOO far into the shop....I think the coffee shop employees had adopted this kitty, because there was a bowl out for her and she seemed really comfortable there!.

_____________________

V....Vaughan Spring Schedule

Feb. 14, Artist Reception for Passing America...Cactus Jack's, Gruene, TX
Show runs through April

Feb. 17 - 19, Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Charleston, SC

March 15-17, C. M. Russell Museum Auction, Great Falls, MT

March 23-25, Cowgirl Up! Desert Caballeros Western Museum, Wickenburg, AZ

April 9-13, Southeastern Plein Air Festival, Gadsden, AL

...see my schedule for more dates upcoming

The Kicker

The Kicker__8x10 oil on linen panel___ vaughan8@yahoo.com

This one is similar to yesterday's post. Another painting with my "palette droppings". It's done with a palette knife so there is lots of texture...I am going to bring it with me to my opening unless someone wants it, first! See below...

Come to the reception if you can!

_____________________

V....Vaughan Spring Schedule

Feb. 14, Artist Reception for Passing America...Cactus Jack's, Gruene, TX
Show runs through April

Feb. 17 - 19, Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Charleston, SC

March 15-17, C. M. Russell Museum Auction, Great Falls, MT

March 23-25, Cowgirl Up! Desert Caballeros Western Museum, Wickenburg, AZ

April 9-13, Southeastern Plein Air Festival, Gadsden, AL

...see my schedule for more dates upcoming

The Fullback

The Fullback___8x10 oil on linen____ vvaughan8@yahoo.com for pricing
After my daughter's "Chicken Clinic" I gathered up all the artist's leftover goopy mixes of oil paint and saved it "for later"...it is with these "palette droppings" that I painted the one above. Look close and you see great chunks of paint! I will post a few of these over the next couple of days...

I am entering my busiest time of year. New paintings will be posted every week, and you are the first to see them. You have the first shot at them if you ask, and I always read mail in order! Otherwise, these will go with me to the shows on my Spring schedule. Come see me!!

_____________________

V....Vaughan Spring Schedule

Feb. 14, Artist Reception for Passing America...Cactus Jack's, Gruene, TX
Show runs through April

Feb. 17 - 19, Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Charleston, SC

March 15-17, C. M. Russell Museum Auction, Great Falls, MT

March 23-25, Cowgirl Up! Desert Caballeros Western Museum, Wickenburg, AZ

April 9-13, Southeastern Plein Air Festival, Gadsden, AL

...see my schedule for more dates upcoming

Sandhill Hop

Sandhill Hop__8x6 study in oil___$150unframed
It is WILDLIFE TIME! Next week I will be back out in Charleston, South Carolina for the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. For the next week and a half, I will preview a few works. My small ones are available FIRST to my blog friends, so if you are interested, (birds, longhorns, fish and more!) let me know quick, before I pack and ship! ....AND...

One hundred works from my Passing America are on display in Gruene, Texas from now through April. ...the project took me across the country, painting for 3 years! If you can come on VALENTINE'S DAY, I will be there to say "hello". How about bringing a special person and celebrating...maybe have dinner and enjoy music at the famous Gristmill Restaurant ...Below is your invitation! I'd love to know if you are coming!

On Exhibit Through April, 2012

Gruene Extreme

Green Extreme, from Passing America___6x8 oil on linen panel___$450 framed

It won't be long and Texas will look like this again! We have had a little rain and the winter rye is making the pastures green, already!...Next will come leaves on the trees! ...( and then a freeze, probably...oh well).

I am posting this one from my exhibit, "Passing America". One hundred works from Passing America are on display in Gruene, Texas from now through April, and I am hoping everyone will go see this nice collection...the project took me across the country, painting for 3 years!

Gruene (pronounced "GREEN") is between Austin and San Antonio.

If you can come on VALENTINE'S DAY, I will be there to say "hello". How about bringing a special person and celebrating...maybe have dinner and enjoy music at the famous

Gristmill Restaurant ...Below is your invitation! I'd love to know if you are coming!

On Exhibit Through April, 2012

Raising Mango

Raising Mango___20x16 oil on linen___SOLD

Last year I painted a commission for the couple below...it was a special gift from her to him...the painting above is a specila gift from him to her! (I hope she doesn't see this...but if so...PLEASE act surprised, S....) Read the details of it HERE

OTH of these were tough because the photos were not great, but then again, I kind of like that, because I get to make up stuff I can't see. On this one I had to actually pose MYSELF for an iPhone photo to finish part of her...no, not her pretty legs...just the finger pointing hand.
SPEAKING OF GRUENE, TX!

PLEASE Mark your calendar!

Wednesday, February 14 is the artist reception for the exhibit

Passing America...in Texas

Cactus Jack's Gallery, Gruene

The exhibit that spent a few months in Nebraska is here in Texas till mid April.

Please go see it when you can, and I would prefer if you'd come while I am there, so I can show you around!
Here is your official invitation/directions and all

Coffee Shop Sketch

Coffee Shop Sketch___14 x 11 watercolor pencil on paper___$75 includes shipping
Every week I meet up with an artist friend and we go to a coffee shop or a tea room to just "talk shop"... Last week we had some art supplies in our purses, so we whipped them out and scribbled out some sketches. My little watercolor above is the young woman who sat by the window working on her laptop. Go look at the work of my friend, Robin Cheers!

Chicken Clinic

Chicken Clinic Demo__Detail___8x10 oil on canvas___$70 includes shipping
If you have followed my art awhile you have seen my "Chicken Clinic"...It is a simple art lesson that I have done for YEARS at many workshops across the country. In just an hour, ANYONE can learn all about the unique properties and methods of oil painting, and end up with a nice CHICKEN original painting! ...when my 3 kids were little, the 2 boys came to a workshop (art camp!) and even the little one painted a chicken. I have a "family exhibit" of these "chickens" (really, Roosters!) in my kitchen. My oldest daughter, for some reason, never came to camp, and it has always bugged me that she is not represented in the family exhibit!
SO! She and her roommate thought it would be cool to have a few friends over for a little fun and art...It was a GREAT GATHERING of a bunch of young-urban-professionals last night!!! Our special guests were some REAL CHICKENS and a handfull of chicks! (and with this group, that is just one of the puns spouted off all evening!!) Here is the result of a fun time!!
Please see my updated schedule for upcoming workshops.

A gallery of Chickens!

A handfull of pretty chicks