Rodeo!!

though it's hard to compare the weekend's events, I must say, I thought the Rodeo was danged awesome! Other than that, there is not that much to say... it's one of those things where you just had to be there. although, there were some severely stupid animal activists protesting that the event was "abusive" to the bulls and such. True, some animals get hurt, but its all part of rodeo--the second I got their flier in my hand I ripped it and crumpled it right in front of them... and went in to enjoy the show. It was really cool, and the horses were really great this year. once again, I'll post pictures when I get the camera cord found... I'm sure it wasn't my fault.

Hogle Zoo

We also went to Hogle Zoo over the weekend. It was really fun and I got some good sketching in. I was uncharacteristically free form because of the time constraints of the moving animals, but I think I ended up with some doable sketches at least. Dad even sketched with me! I am so proud of him--he's finally starting to make baby steps at getting back into art. Dad and I kind of did our own thing, as we wanted to spend more time at different animals than the others. If you ever go out sketching... the Giraffes are really great models. the are so stoic and hold very still. the elephants are somewhat good, but they have a tendency to shift their weight a lot. anyway, when the camera cord is found I'll post some pictures of the day, and maybe some of my sketches. It was a flight kying day.. :)

Take Me Out To The Ball Game!

first of all, the family went to Salt Lake for a wonderful family get together, and we did a lot of stuff. One of which was going to the Salt Lake Bee's game. I must be honest, this was my first ever experience watching baseball live, or otherwise. I kept leaning over to dad and asking, "Why did they do that?" or "Was that a good thing?" to put it mildly I am quite inept at the whole sporting thing, but it was incredibly fun to just get out and be with the family. I think everyone had a great time and the whole weekend was marvelous. I'm sorry, but for the meantime, no pictures because we have misplaced our camera cord....

Smell The Roses

This painting is one that I just recently finished but never got proper digital shots for. I decided that while I had a couple of free minutes, to make a post and show you my most recent work in traditional media--my foremost favorite. This is a 20x16 oil painting on linen, entitled Smell The Roses. (Thanks Jami) This painting, like most of my work is about enjoying the small moments, which is why I thought Jami's title idea was incredibly poigent. At the end of a day, month, year, our lives even, all we have is a memory. I hope to use my art as a means of "saving time in a bottle," like my mom is fond of saying, and allowing people to enjoy the small moments a little bit more.

Another Life

I spent nearly all day doing this piece. It was an emotional journey. Finding the right pictures to represent my grandma was a challenge, But I feel I caught something of her in this "portrait" if you will. I will leave the rest to your own interpretation. I hate it when artists give their own impressions of their work and tell the viewer what things are "supposed" to represent. I leave all my work to the viewer's interpretation. So let this be what you make of it, the life of Darlene Bell Guymon.

Rekindling A Life Fully Lived

While visiting Jami in Idaho, I had a chance to visit the Spori gallery and see their BFA portfolio show. A number of pieces inspired me quite a bit, and I was compelled to use the artist's idea to create a number of my own pieces--Works that use prominent figures in my own life and have meaning to those around me. This image is the life of Otto Dal Guymon.

Contained Herein

Keeping up and remaining connected in a fast paced world is quite a feat. In all my inner rebellions to conform to the seemingly mandatory social evolution, there has happened one event which has begun to alter my perceptions and soften my resolve. My sister is moving even farther away. I previously thought a state away was terrible, but now she will be clear across the country from me. As I sit writing this, I can't help but wonder when the next time I will see her will be. I have even now, begun to save my money in a plane ticket fund. Pennies however, add up slowly and amidst all my hopes of seeing her again, sooner rather than later, I must forge for myself a way to remain connected. So with this first entry I conform to the "popular" activity of blogging and with this blog I make a record of my daily musings and exploits, mainly for my sister and other family so far away--but for any of you friends or acquaintances who happen to stumble upon it, welcome to my blog.