Winter Art Fair
Our wonderful little gallery is putting on an art fair. We’ve never taken on anything this big before but we’re pretty excited. The wind here has been blowing 40mph with stronger gusts and it’s just been miserable. We’re inviting the community to come in out of the wind and surround themselves with colorful art, have lunch, do a little shopping, a little bidding, and learn more about the artists right here on their own turf!
So if you, my loyal blog readers, are interested in coming out and supporting us, you will be welcomed with open arms!! It takes about 3 days to travel to here by car from the eastern side of the U.S. More like two days drive from the Southwest I think. 🙂 Time for a road trip!
I took this image and had it printed on maple wood. I wasn’t sure what to expect and when I got it back from the lab, I wasn’t wowed like I had hoped to be. But a great friend and local frame-maker helped create a beautiful frame out of oak to surround this lovely image. I can’t wait to have it on display. It was pretty costly and I’m not sure if I’ll ever do it again. I’ll just have to see the feedback I get from folks when it’s out there upon judging eyes.
If you check out our Facebook page, you will get a glimpse of the many different mediums that will be on display. And that’s not even the half of it.
I hope to see ALL of you out here in Wonderful Wheatland Wyoming for a lovely weekend of art and entertainment.
Cheers!
Abstract Study
This past Saturday was our monthly Art Guild meeting and we had the pleasure of having the Art Mobile come and educate us on Abstract Art. Our teacher challenged us to stand in front of a piece of abstract art of our choice for 5 whole minutes and then we’d discuss how that piece made us feel. Many of the artists were deeply opposed to this kind of art and made it very known in the beginning. But everyone sat and wrote or drew their thoughts on their work of choice and we had a lively discussion afterwards. Some pieces made people feel frustrated, others felt happy and whimsical. Some found a piece told a story from their childhood. I focused on one that made me feel comfortable and reminded me of Polaroid photos. Anyway, it was a real treat and we all enjoyed it very much! It inspired me to re-visit my freelensing and reverse macro techniques yesterday while shooting landscapes for a client. Because of all the moisture we’ve had lately, wildflowers are popping up like crazy.
Artful Hand Studio and Gallery, Reception
My show last week at Artful Hand Studio and Gallery in Cheyenne was a great success. I met a lot of wonderful people and Georgia, the gallery owner, was delightful to work with. It was a great turnout and I brought my wonderful friend Laurie along with me to help set up. Here are some shots of the set up. Visitors came in waves as this gallery was part of an art tour that evening.
The picture at the top of this display is from my shoot in Lusk, WY of The Legend of Rawhide. Patrick encouraged me to get that image printed on metal and boy it was a hit. It is a 20×30 and is quite striking. If it doesn’t sell he says it’s going in his mancave!
I wish I got shots with it full of people but I didn’t have a chance to shoot for visiting and talking with folks. It was so much fun!
Thanks to everyone who came out that evening and to those who visited the following days…and to you who were there in spirit. It was a honor and treat to hang in this gallery and I look forward to more opportunities to work and play with Georgia Roswell and the Artful Hand Studio and Gallery.
Artful Hand Studio and Gallery, Cheyenne
Hey folks, it’s been a very busy summer and blog posts have been scarce. I don’t like it that way but I guess it’s good I’m busy right? Anyway, I have a good excuse. I’ve been preoccupied with printing, matting and framing as I have been invited to be a featured artist in Artful Hand Studio and Gallery in Cheyenne, WY. I couldn’t be more excited! I know many of you are not local but I wanted to share this for those who are and for those who like to travel….you are invited!
Thanks to everyone here for your encouragement and comments on my work. You all keep me going without a doubt. Thanks to Georgia Roswell, artist and owner of the gallery, for giving me this opportunity. I’ll be there Thursday for the artist reception and I hope you’ll stop by!
Barn Tour
Over the weekend our local art guild, in which I am a member of, went on a barn tour through our small town. We visited barns built in the 1930’s or earlier. It was such a cold and windy day but we powered through and really enjoyed it. I can’t wait to see the paintings that the artists will create from their snapshots. Below are a few of my favorites and you can see the whole tour and descriptions of the barns on my website by clicking HERE.
Geringer Barn and log cabin built in 1912 or before.
Mule Shoe Ranch Rock Barn, built in 1882 by Erasmus Nagel.
inside the Mule Shoe Ranch Rock Barn, a curious gelding
Remember the big brown eye on the last post? Well, this is his big nose sniffing through!
old coke bottles in the window of the Goodrich Barn built in 1915
a sweet kitty cat visited us at the Baker Barn that was built in the early 1930’s.
the color in the wood of the Birkle Barn built in the early 1930’s was a favorite among all the artists
Early Bird
Got the worm.
I was early to the Gilchrist Gallery today to fulfill my second work day of the month and it has been a good one so far. As soon as I got here I sold a set of my postcards and an hour later sold another set as well as works from 2 other artists in the gallery. I’ve had some delightful visitors traveling from Wisconsin, South Dakota, and Colorado. I hope the rest of the day continues like this.
Happy Saturday my friends!
♥Leah
Gilchrist street Gallery dot Com
I’m so happy to announce the arrival of www.gilchriststreetgallery.com .
I’ve been building a website for our local gallery for a couple of weeks now. Remember that I am a photographer, not a webmaster, and it’s been a little tough going so don’t be too harsh in your judgements. I’m still working out the kinks and image placement but I have to say that I am quite proud of the site and of our local artists.
We will have an artists reception on Thursday, July 14th from 1pm to 4pm to celebrate our 1 year anniversary. And you are invited! There will be refreshments, door prizes, and you will have the opportunity to meet most, if not all, of the artists with work displayed here. We will be so delighted to see you if you have time to stop by.
I’m excited to have some new prints hanging in the gallery and will have Wyoming postcards arriving from the printer tomorrow!
Abandoned Grainery in Chugwater, WY
I haven’t had this image on the blog but here it is framed and ready to hang on your wall. It is the old abandoned Grainery in Chugwater, WY.
Bald Eagle by the Bridge
And this fellow has been begging for a frame and wall space.
Daybreak
And of course, our favorite. I’ve printed, framed, and numbered Daybreak.
They are all 11×14 prints, matted and framed as 16×20. I’m in love with them and hope they will eventually have a good home. Now, these quick shots do not do them justice. They look so spiffy behind glass and you’ll just have to come down to check them out in person. Or place an order with me. You will not be disappointed!
I hope to see you at the gallery but if you can’t come, I will post pictures of the event so you won’t miss a thing.
♥
Our Four Feathers
Thank you beautiful ladies for complimenting the Monday feather image. Here is another one for you. I’m printing them on a lovely watercolor paper and they are looking quite nice I must say.
Since I’ve been knocked out with this cold, I didn’t join the cowboys during weaning this week. But the calves have all been successfully shipped from the Laramie Plains and are adjusting to a new life without momma. I’ll bring the cows back to the blog soon. I’m feeling a little better and I hope to get out there with the girls this week.
a feather for monday
I don’t have much to say so I will share an image from a project I’m working on. All throughout the summer I’ve collected turkey feathers that our gobbling friends on the ranch have naturally shed. No, I didn’t chase them down and pluck the feathers myself. Anyway, I don’t know what to do except photograph them and trick ’em out with textures. I’ve got several different styled images of an array of feathers that I’ll continue to share with you if you so desire.
Let me know what you think. Am I hallucinating that this is an interesting shot because I have a fever and terrible cold today? I’ve gotten a little feedback and it’s 50/50. One says, “it’s a feather, Leah.” The other says “I like your feathers, Leah!”
PS: I’ve had a lot of requests to purchase images that I’ve displayed on this blog. I do plan on opening a shop very soon. Just trying to work the kinks out and decide if I will host a shop on my website or go another route. I will keep you informed but for now, you can email me leahyet@hotmail.com if you would like prices for prints. Thank you for your interest!
Now, back to my tissues and hot tea. xoxo Leah
Saturday in Downtown Wheatland
Last Saturday was my day to work at the Gilchrist Gallery and the folks were still here. It was ok because they wanted to see it and walk around downtown Wheatland.
Various sights around the Gilchrist Gallery
But an hour after we were there, the Art Guild came in for their monthly meeting and they offered to watch the gallery so that we could go explore downtown.
We went to the thrift and antique stores and Dad found some great old records. Debbie found plates and I found another fabulous leather purse. Check this out, it’s a convertible!
I just love secondhand treasures.
867 Gilchrist Street: the Gilchrist Gallery
The Platte County Art Guild along with Helen and LeRoy Rutz decided to start a Gallery in an empty retail space in Downtown Wheatland. It is a local artist co-op and they’ve been up and running for a couple of months now. The art guild welcomed me in with open arms and now I too am a member of the co-op! Yesterday Helen helped me hang a few of my framed prints from my travels to Greece in 2008 and I also hung a few from my Wyoming collection.
Because this is a commission free gallery, the funds are low for obtaining a sign. But I’m sure if we artists put our heads together we’ll come up with something. Helen says it’s already in the works and we’ll be rid of the poster and cardboard sign soon.
My elk duo in the velvet made the front window!
When you walk in the front door, you will be greeted by one of the artists showcased in the gallery. Every member will put in a day or two a month of running the gallery.
There are all kinds of mediums in the Gilchrist Gallery. Paintings, pottery, stained glass, sculpture, photography, jewelry, and all kinds of arts and crafts.
My framed prints, “Rays of Light” and “Sidewalk Pelican”, hang among these beautiful paintings.
“Rooftop Shipwreck” (top left) “The Perfect Loop” (bottom middle) “Clouds:Santorini”, and “Village Windmill” (both in corner).
I’m so excited to be a part of this gallery and I look forward to my first day of “work” in September.
I haven’t met all of the artists but my new friend Victoria Bennett-Beyer has her photography hanging in this gallery as well.
I’d like to invite you to visit our art gallery and to explore our beautiful little town of Wheatland. And if you have any questions, leave it in the comments section or just shoot me an email!
Martha’s Vineyard: The Swordfish Harpooner
In this small fishing village of Menemsha, which was our home-base, is a sculpture of a man spearing a swordfish. It represents a time when this was popular trade for the village. The sculpture was created by an artist named Jay Lagemann and is displayed on the dunes.
Swordfish Harpooner at sunset.
That’s my handsome fella on the far right. He was so patient with me and my constant quest for the perfect light.
Swordfish Harpooner and Patrick on the Dunes
The Laramie Plains
The cows are spending the summer on the Laramie Plains and we go check on them from time to time. I use the term “we” loosely because Patrick goes way more often than I do. But I like to think I do some good on these trips. Hey, I’ve got cows eating cake right out of my hands remember? Anywho, we see a lot of wildlife in this wide open space and I can’t help but share some of the beauty with you once again.
Twin Baby Antelope waiting for momma
Triplets!
The cows were happy to see us. They gobbled up the salt and mineral. They look really good and tubby out there.
Yum!
The bulls were not so happy to see us. They never are.
Staring contest with a bull can be scary.
But it didn’t stop them from attempting to get their groove on.
He's asking her if she wants to "see the inside of his truck".
Patrick spotted these guys as I got out of the truck to open a gate.
Bucks Running Wild
And I almost stepped on these. Thank goodness Patrick saw them before I became Godzilla and destroyed their town and family.
Grounded Birds Nest
As we were leaving, we finally spotted our first state flower of the year. You know it’s summer when you finally see Indian Paintbrush.
Indian Paintbrush, the state flower
more Indian Paintbrush
This guy needed to check us out before we went through his gate. We said hello and went our separate ways.
Curious Horse
It was a good day.
Saturday Evening Rainbows
I raced inside before the storm clobbered the house. Patrick was driving a tractor over from the South Ranch and made it in a little over an hour. It was still sprinkling so I went out to meet him at the shop and drive him home when I gasped, probably swallowed a bug or something. But there it was, a beautiful and vibrant rainbow. Then I realized it was a double rainbow. The further I drove, I could see it from one end to the other.
I sped past him and the shop yelling,” look at the rainbows! I’ll be right back!”
I didn’t go looking for a pot of gold or anything. It was a treasure in itself to sit and watch the clouds move out and the rainbow fade away. This was my kind of Saturday evening.
The Five Points Ranch
We took a quick drive to Nebraska for a barbecue on July 4th. We weren’t there long but we had enough time to fish and hunt elk. By fish I mean with a fly-rod. Patrick taught me how to fly-fish. I caught a few too! And by hunt elk of course I mean with my camera. I have never been this close to elk unless it’s hanging on someone’s wall. Out in the hills around the ranch where we live, I will see them way off in the distance and usually it’s just their rear-end getting the heck away from us. But on this trip, we located them at sunset and sunrise. They posed for us and it was incredible.
Click this image for some close-ups of elk in the velvet.
Elk silhouette at sunrise
Click this image to see the area and insects that hopped and fluttered around us while we fished in the ponds that were FULL of bass. We spent time with Patrick’s Uncle Rich and his lovely gal and her two kids. Storms would creep up on us and quickly move along which created great conditions for the fish to bite.
the beautiful calm before the storm
Needless to say we had a great time. Thanks Uncle Rich!
Been Travelin’
We were in Nebraska for a barbecue Saturday evening and I’ve got some great images to share with you soon. We didn’t go to any of the fireworks shindigs but we did have beautiful color in the sky at the ranch this evening. Sunsets are always a treat out here. It was lovely.
Fourth of July Sky
Trailing to New Pasture
This was my view ALL morning long.
And then this. I had to get away from the rear-ends for a while.
Then, and only for a moment, my view became this.
But then back to the cows. We’re trailing them from the Bealy to the Harris for new pasture.
The haze in these 2 images is dust from sheet grass. When we were done, we were covered from head to toe in this dust.
This bull strayed away from the heard so John had to round him up and bring him back to the ladies.
It took a long time, it was hot and the ladies were not happy with that long trail. But I hope they appreciate where we took them. They gotta love this grass!
Freedom!
I love this pasture. The locals can’t believe we’re looking at grass so green in July. So hot, but so beautiful.
3am, Wednesday Morning
Do you know where your cowboy will be?
While I’m sawing logs, mine will be baling hay.
He waits until the dew is just right on his already 80 acres of cut hay and then bales it into round bales. Being on top of the moisture measurement prevents mildewed hay. Round bales do best to keep mildew at it’s lowest but some ranchers make square bales. Those are best for stacking and transporting for selling.
I’ll take him some lunch mid-morning. I might find him sleeping in the tractor. I’ll keep you posted.
*Yawn*
Our Daily Greeter
Where the heck have you been mom? Worried sick over here.
Oh what was that? I thought I saw a bunny.
Stop taking my picture and come in please. You should see my food bowl.
Food mom, right meow!
Blue
This isn’t a post about one of the greatest albums of all time by Joni Mitchell, although it is one of my favorites.
I was visited by this dragonfly today and I felt like sharing some images of blue.
The Mule Shoe Ranch on the way to town has peacocks out to keep traffic slow around there. I love being greeted by them while coming or going from the ranch.
One thing I enjoy doing with my blue-eyed cowboy is take the hounds (blue-tick and walker) out for a stroll under the blue evening sky.
And then we have Patrick’s hands when he gets home from spraying weeds with a vibrant blue dye. Steering wheels and door knobs mysteriously turn blue during this time as well.
Uprooted Magnolia 
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