Rockport Palms

This is a painting I did from a study on location and a photo reference.  When I completed the study I discovered that I should have used a different format because I ended up shortening the length of the palms to compensate for the size of the panel.  In addition the study was started when the light was overcast and at the end of the painting session the sun came out and there was a beautiful warm glow on the branches.

Gillespie County Fair

The Gillespie County Fair is one of the highlights in Fredericksburg, TX every summer. All the Future Farmers of America (FFA) members can compete in showing their goats, pigs, and cattle for prizes.  The judge gives a running commentary for each entry and it is always a relief when he has moved on to the next competitor.  They also hold quarter horse races at the fair and the winner gets to compete in the American Futurity in Ruidoso, NM on Labor Day.  I was looking at my photos recently and thought I would try to paint some of these events.  It has been hard to concentrate on painting with all the other things going on this summer, but every now and then I have been able to get a day in here and there.

Quarter Horse Race

FFA Goat Competition