Trappers Wild West Show… part 2

Santa’s Last Stop
Gale F. Trapp, 2012

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Then head on over to the Death Valley ’49ers Invitational Western Art Show. It really is genuine old fashioned family fun with loads of historical activities above and beyond the canvas.

Never participated in historical reenactments? Here is your chance to join an encampment or rendezvous and experience a bit of history for yourself.

Not to mention, this juried art show features excellent Western Art, by both new and well known artists.

64th Annual Death Valley ’49ers Invitational Western Art Show
http://www.deathvalley49ers.org
Thursday through Sunday, November 7-10, 2013.

This will be my 3rd year attending this show, and I have to admit, it’s one of my favorites. It was here I received my first artist recognition, earning a 3rd place and best new artist award my first year, and receiving a 1st place award my second year. Is it any wonder I’m excited to participate?

The art show itself offers fun events including:

Competition Voting
Vote on your favorite piece. Support your favorite artist!

Awards
1st, 2nd and 3rd place ribbons are awarded to each of the five categories as well as the Plein-air competition based on voting done by fellow Death Valley ‘49ers.

Artist Quick Draw and Auction
Watch the creative process at work as artists complete a masterpiece in 45 minutes.

Original art makes an excellent gift, so come on over and join the fun.

Art is a tough mistress

While I enjoyed this past weekend’s art show, it definitely reaffirmed my belief that art is a tough mistress. People stop, visit and tell you they like – sometimes even love your work – but they don’t always buy. Here in Oregon the economy is still rough and money is tight – not to be spent on non-essential items. And, it was obvious this weekend that money wasn’t being spent.

Personally, though, I count the Shady Cove Art Walk a success. Not only did I get positive feedback, but I also sold a recent piece, “Ambush at Buffalo Gap”, along with prints of “Santa’s Last Stop”. Finally, my work “Where is He?” (not yet shown on the blog) was featured on the brochure. I can’t ask for better publicity than that.

I love creating art, experimenting with new techniques, refining my skills and telling a story through images. Art and history are my passion and I’m grateful that I now have the time, energy and yes, money to pursue those dreams. Artists are often their own toughest critics, and I am no exception, especially when I compare myself to others, as there are so many truly talented and creative people. And yet, as I look over the collection of my work, I’m happy – my skill is developing, stories are being told, and I’m starting to believe that yes, I am an artist.

I’m looking forward to my next show in November.

Trapper Gale’s Wild West Show

I’m excited to take part in a new (to me) show, and I’ve got some fresh artwork to share. If you’re in the area and looking for a fun way to spend your day, stop by. I’d love to meet you.

9th Annual Shady Cove River Art Walk
Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 13 & 14.

The annual art walk, is located along the banks of the scenic Rogue River at Edgewater Inn, Hwy
62 & Rogue River Drive (next to the Shady Cove Bridge).
Open daily, free to the public, from 10 am to 5 pm.

The two-day event will include art by nationally acclaimed artists, music and a variety of catered foods.

Curiosity, The Buffalo
Mixed Media
Gale F. Trapp, 2013