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.

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 Cowboy Artist

“Talent, like birthmarks, are gifted an’ no credit nor fault of those who wear them.” – Charles M. Russell

Of all the Western artists, Charles Russell (the cowboy artist) is hands down my favorite; known not just for his art, but also for his intimate understanding of American Indians as well as cowboys and ranchers.

A Desperate Stand

While he had definite talent, and his mother was actually a rather well known artist in Missouri, he never received a formal art education. Instead, he learned from life itself.

A Doubtful Handshake

Working as a cowboy and living life on the range, Russell traveled from Montana to Canada spending a winter with the Blackfoot Indian tribe, learning about their religious ceremonies, arts, crafts, hunting methods, warfare methods and their tribal legends.

Lost in a Snowstorm
We are now allies

He knew his subject intimately and it showed – his art wasn’t romanticized – instead it illustrated scenes from his memories.

Roping a Steer

With approximately 4,000 works of art credited to him, Charles Russell has kept alive a forgotten way of life.

In Without Knocking

Of all the “cowboy artists” Charles Russell is the one I study, learn from and most admire.

Jerked Down

To learn more about him, check out these links
http://cmrussell.org/about/about-charles-m-russell
http://www.bbhc.org/explore/western-art/research/charles-m-russell/

So tell me, who is your favorite “cowboy artist”?