Spirit Bear

More catching up!  I thought I'd better give this piece a name and make him official. 

I did this one quite a few posts back demonstrating how I made a Bear Claw Necklace.   If you want to check out those videos just scroll down through the "Labels" over in the right column to "Bear Claw Necklace" and it will take you to posts of that subject.  Maybe I should have done that before putting the claws to Old Griz?

I really like this piece.  The character really looks especially strong and proud.  I guess dispatching a Grizzly of that size would pretty well prove that.   I've read several books about just how many of those rascals were out in the old west and just how mean and dangerous they were.  Taking one on with a bow and arrow or spear and living through it would certainly prove that this is one fella' that you shouldn't get on the wrong side of.  I like him so much that I haven't decided yet whether I'll let him go.  

Again, I really look forward to your comments as they make doing this Blog worth it.  Thanks.

Old Griz

I almost forgot to post the finished photos of this one too.  Old age creeping up on me I guess.  Anyway, here he is in all his color.

Okay....with this one too I went a little overboard on the size of the Bear Claws.  I was so involved with finishing this one that I didn't really notice that until they were fixed in place.  Remember Lynn......TAKE YOUR TIME!!!  Check out the photo below to see how they should really look.

Other than that it turned out pretty good.  I like the floppy hat and the dark fur's contrast with the other colors really sets off the piece. With the walnut base he stands about 11" tall.  

Hope you like him and your comments are welcome.

Strong Heart - Finished

I received a note from a good friend last night asking what happened to the photo of the finished Strong Heart piece?  Well, Judy and I went to Wyoming and in the excitement of the trip I forgot all about it!  So, here it is. 

First, I'll admit, the feathers are a little large.  Other than that I think it turned out really nice.  I like the strong colors, especially the contrasting beading.  

As always, comments are welcome.

Blowing in the Wind

Really pleased with this pose as it's showing lots of movement even in the rough stage.  Naturally, he'll have a hat with an upturned brim to carry the wind theme.    Wish I would have turned the end of the neckerchief up to increase the interest.  Oh well, next time.  Hope you like it.

Old Griz

Here's one that's been on my workbench for about a year.  Still have to add the Bear claws and a couple feathers for his hat.  He should be a colorful one.  Stands about 12" with the walnut base. 

The Cherokee Kid

Here's a new one.  If you think you're seeing spots its because there are lots of them!  He stands about 11" tall with the walnut base.    Hope you like him.

Yay! Yipee! Hooray!

This weekend the fiber optic installation crew finally showed up to complete one of the last steps toward our installation.  That little black box up there on our power pole is the line coming in.  The last step in the process is to have it run from the pole into the house which should happen within the next week or so........at least that's what we've been told.   We sure hope that's the case.

So, fingers crossed, in the next few weeks we just might get back to making some videos.  

Big Horn Bill - Finished

I think I'm going to need an eye exam after this one.  Boy!  Small details and old eyes make painting a difficult job! In the end though he turned out pretty good.  The colors are bright and balanced and everything seems to work.  

So, now it's off to the next project while we still wait for the high speed installation.  They say patience is a virtue but I'm beginning to wonder.

More photos in the Gallery. 

Big Horn Bill - Now For The Fun Part!

With the easy part of the painting applied and the shirts, hat and knife sheaf beading areas primed, it's time to start doing some research on the type of beaded patterns to use.  The areas might appear a little stark in the photo but the end result will be balanced by choosing colors that will compliment both the figure and the three beaded areas.

Judy and I are just back from our annual trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming and while there were lucky enough to attend the Elk Fest in the town of Jackson. (https://www.elkfest.org/)  Could be old Bill could have got the handle of his knife in that area.  There certainly are plenty of Elk there. Matter of fact....that could be old Bill, or a friend of his, in this photo, taken at a Mountain Man event recently.  We love the Jackson Hole area as you just can't beat the beauty of the place.  The Tetons were magnificent this trip and we extended our stay to spend a few days at the Triangle X Ranch  in the Teton park.   That's the Dude and the Dudette on their horses riding on the bank of the Snake River with the Tetons in the background.  Unfortunately for Judy....her horse spooked when we came across a large herd of Elk and she had to walk a mile back to the ranch with one of the Wranglers.

The town of Jackson is also one of the main locations for the top Galleries that specialize in western art.   It's a real treat to see the latest paintings and sculpture and to check out what's happening in the current western art scene.

It's good to be back home and back at the workbench.   We're still waiting for that high speed hook-up but things are looking up.  At least that's what they're telling us.

So, until next time.....I'll talk to you later.

The End Is Finally In Sight!

Well, after almost 4 years, we are on the verge of a fiber optic internet line.  They arrived today an ran the cable to the outside of the house, now all that's left is the actual run into the house and the connection to the new modem.  Another crew should show up shortly to wrap up the install.  I've signed up for a 500mps service plan and considering the ATT DSL line I presently use is only 5-6mps on a good day, things should be screaming both up and down.  Hopefully, once this is behind us we can FINALLY begin to upload some new videos.  Also, if things work out as we want, future videos will be available both on the current Vimeo host site and Youtube.   

So, while it hasn't actually happened yet, I'll take a chance and thank all of you Out West fans in advance for your patience.  There's always something new going on down at the shop and we hope it won't be too much longer before we can share whatever comes up with you.