The Artist Ride 2006

It seems sometimes I spend all my time waiting for the next Artist Ride. The AR is an event sponsored by the Shearer Ranch in South Dakota and run by Jim Hatzell and his great group of volunteers. It is a chance for 50 invited artists to gather together and take photos of not so common events. We camp by the Cheyenne River and wake up first thing at sunrise and start taking pictures. This event would not even exist if it wasn't for our wonderful models, so I have to take off my hat to them. They put up with us, wear hot clothing while we figure out what we want, and never complain. We have the opportunity to photograph working cowboys outfitted from 1800's to present day, Native americans from all over the US, Mountain Men recreationists, you name it, it is there. I thought I would share a few photos from this weekend, but I give a gentle reminder...these are copyrighted photographs and it is illegal to download them or use them with out my permission.

The only thing that could limit us is our lack of imagination. A great artist who attends every year said to me, if you can't find it here, you aren't looking hard enough.

Very wise man.















I abused Amber and Todd the most. Going through my photos, I could not believe how many I took of these two. Expect to see them pop up in my paintings...a lot!

Thanks for all your help guys.










Moses is probably one of the most popular models we have. We wait in line to take his picture and he is a pro. So photogenic and handsome. You will find a painting I did of him in my back blogs.








The cattle and longhorn roundup in the hills is one of the most spectacular things I have ever seen. My pictures could not do them justice.













The native american models are just magnificent. Beautiful and stoic, they make the job of painting easy.








I would feel remiss if I did not mention Ross. This young man, early teens, got on this horse twice for us. And he fell off twice, hard. Not enough money in the world could get me up there. I am happy on the ground with my camera.