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

The Intruder

I had a good time painting this, as I wondered just who the intruder really is. Is it the car, the buffalo, the dog, the boy or all of them?

What is the boy worried about… the car that obviously is not his own, but that he’s apparently allowed to drive, his faithful companion, the dog or his own safety?

We see a car broken down from running through the stream (wet spark plugs?) and the boy in front, perhaps cranking the motor, when the buffalo arrives.

The dog is attempting to protect the boy, while the boy doesn’t know what to do and just wants both the dog and the buffalo to cool it. What happens next is anyone’s guess.

The Intruder
Gale F. Trapp, 2013
Acrylic on board 12×16

The Artist’s Dilemma

I suspect that every artist, whether painter, illustrator or even musician, has faced the dilemma of knowing exactly when a work is complete. Sometimes you step back, look at the finished piece and you are happy – the story you want to tell is there. Other times, as with this painting, you just don’t feel it, put it aside and rework it again.

In the original version of this painting, titled “Storm over Buffalo Gap”, I wanted the viewer to see that both hunter and nature challenged the buffalo. Something about it bothered me though, it just didn’t quite tell the story I wanted.

Storm over Buffalo Gap
Gale F. Trapp, 2013

In the final version, titled “Ambush at Buffalo Gap” I brought the hunt closer to the viewer, making it a stronger focal point.

Ambush at Buffalo Gap
Gale F. Trapp, 2013

The story captures the advantage of riding an experienced horse – the shot has hit its mark and the buffalo is going down. The scene is chaos, with buffalo heading in every direction, trying to avoid danger. One mistake by the horse or rider and it is the last hunt for both. Deadly fun for hunter, hunted and horse.

I’m not completely satisfied, but I’m moving on, for now.