Summer's End in Western Spirit

Summer's End Pastel 10x20

It is always rewarding to get the little notification you have been accepted.  Western Spirit is an exceptional show featured at our Old West Museum with almost 200 artists from across the nation juried into the show.  It opens March 1st and runs through April 13th.  

This piece will be there with over 300 other pieces.  It is based on a photo I snapped at our Governor's residence, an arrangement in an old milk can.  The light was just right making the sunflowers gleam.  

The Falls 16x20 

This is also the first year that the show has included photography as fine art. Don just took up photography two years ago and he has two images to show.  Be sure to come and see Begin Again and The Falls, both images of a Yellowstone trip. 

Begin Again 16x20

Tis The Season

Dazzle pastel at RSVP through December 19th

 Yes it tis the season for finding that special little gift and there are many unique venues for your shopping.  

Don't miss the Duck Barn Artisans beginning Friday, November 22nd through Saturday, December 14th, open Monday through Saturday 10 to 5.  I have my mini mini pastels along cards and original paintings priced for gift giving. 

Next plan to see the art at the Civic Center with the National Arts Program as well as at the Library with the RSVP annual show where both Don and I have our art.  If you are in Laramie stop by Works of Wyoming for their holiday show.  

In December visit the Nagle Warren B&B to see the show of fine art photography. 

Begin Again, photographer Don Edington

It's All About Pastel

Thistles by Jeannette Stutzman and Karen Henneck

You all know my medium of choice is pastel.   This year the theme for the Art Design and Dine is based on the various mediums artists employ.  This month two artists, members of the Pastel Society of Colorado, will show their work created in pastel at the Nagle Warren mansion.   The show is open now and the reception is the second Thursday, November 14th from 5 to 8 PM.  If you miss meeting the artists at the reception the show is open through the 30th.   Jeannette is from Evergreen Colorado and Karen is from Casper.   Don't miss this opportunity to see their pastel paintings. 

Blackhawk Gallery, Saratoga

100 N 1st. Saratoga Wyoming 

Saratoga is known for their hot springs, their trout,  darn friendly residents and the Black Hawk Gallery.  

Patty Lufkin took over the Black Hawk Gallery more than 20 years ago. Along with her manager Gwen Gorton and Kim Sikes  they have created a dynamic galley in Saratoga representing more than 40 artists.  I am very excited to tell you they now represent me. 

I felt it was time to have a gallery. Gwen made me feel so welcome when she took my portfolio and said the team would discuss my work and let me know.  Be sure to make Saratoga a destination soon, before the snow flies and the Gallery has limited hours.  

Original art, jewelry, sculpture, troll beads, books  and more

And the added bonus to you visit to Black Hawk is Laura M's boutique right next door. 

Rawlins Times has a article on Black Hawk.   Gwen plans to rebuild the website this winter when the Gallery has limited hours. 

Tell Gwen howdy from Vanda when you stop by. 

Saratoga

Jery Palen and Vanda in his studio in Saratoga

Saturday's trip to Saratoga was multi-faceted.  Don was the driver and Barbara Wolf, my good friend, came along.  We stopped at Black Hawk Gallery to visit with Gwen and Patty about representing me.  After a quick overview of Saratoga and the hot springs we stopped by to visit Jerry and Ann Plaen.  WOW!!!  The home was designed for the vista of the river with a north facing studio for Jerry and Ann's office nearby.   The foyer serves as a gallery for work in process or special pieces that Jerry will never sell.

The studio was such a treat to view.  If you own a Palen you might see your painting created from the inspiration out his windows.  The plywood behind me is a huge mirror, an artist's tool to view the work in progress and make adjustments.  At least 100 brushes and his oils were tidy in his work space and numerous pieces for his bronze work were in progress.  I loved his memory wall with autographed cartoons from many notables. 

Jerrry's memory wall

Ann & Jerry Palen, Vanda, Barbar Wolf

His Governor's proclamation from the annual art awards was my favorite as the calligrapher was Bruni Naylor, a dear person that is no longer with us.  After the home tour and his manicured gardens we headed out as the weekend was the first viewing of color along the road to Brush Creek, Ryan Park and on to Centennial.  Magnificent Wyoming scenery for Don to capture on his Nikon!  A quick stop at WOW in Laramie to drop paintings and prints and home again.  

Time's Up

 The Signature Show for the Pastel Society of Colorado members is closing this Saturday.  The The Great Frame Up in Longmont hosted the show.  My Pastel Pal, Gail took these photos yesterday when she stopped in Longmont to see the show.   Check out the  Pastel Society of Colorado

My three pieces at the show

Plain Shapes
The Gros Ventre
Summer's End

                                   http://mikebeeman.com/
                                   http://www.gailwatford.com/
                               

Mike Beeman & Gail Watford