Torrey: Small Town Charm and Griffin Family Band!

So, it's Saturday about noon and I'm enjoying my day--feeling a great sense of accomplishment!  I had gotten up early, been through a huge list of "things to do" and was chillin' with Ryan watching NCAA playoffs with my computer on my lap, when low and behold, I get an email from Doug with an attachment.  "Hi Hon, here's my painting for the week!"  What the ???  I still have three days to relax before my blog is due!  Gosh, he's such an over achiever!!  


Well, I anxiously opened the file, and, well, WOW!  

"Torrey Wash"

8x10

"Torrey Wash" really shocked my emotions!  Memories of red sand oozing through my toes as I walk barefoot through a wash flooded my mind of this great little area we Southern Utahn's like to call "God's Country."  I was suddenly inspired to write about this charming little town called "Torrey."  


Torrey is in Wayne County near Capital Reef for those of you who don't know the area.  If you haven't been there, you should!  Hopefully by the end of this blog, you'll be booking your flights, or getting out your calendar, googling it on MapQuest to figure out how and when you're going to get down there for some "Torrey time!"  


As you may remember, I grew up in Escalante, a town just 60 miles from Torrey (over the mountain and through the staircase!)  One memory of Torrey is driving through, to quote my dad, "one helluva snow storm" to play for a dance.  Yes, I am the youngest of one of the original members of the Griffin Family Band!  We played for every dance in Southern Utah, be it the 4th of July celebration or someone's weddin', we were booked!  (sorry, when I get into my Southern Utah mindset, I start to take on the dialect as well!)

My folks, Bill and Dawn Griffin, were amazing musicians and between the two of them, could play any one of several different instruments: piano, guitar, accordion, banjo and marimba to name a few.  Then with six little "chillins" to add to it, we added in a trumpet, drums, flute and lots of singers who could sing parts!  Well, okay, let me clarify a few things--we all knew at least 3 chords--that's the bare minimum to play most songs.  My mother, at the piano, would call out a chord.  "A minor!"  What?? A minor??  hmmm  If we didn't know it, we would strum "softly" and fake it.  But if it was C, F or G, we really "let 'er rip!"  I remember telling my kids you officially knew how to play an instrument if you knew C F and G.  They would give me a puzzled look.  Years later, I found out, they never really understood what that meant . . . now they ask with a smile "Mom, what exactly is "see effin' G?"  haha  smart alecks . .  


As we got older and got together, my mother would have a song she'd been working on and would hand out the parts.  "Doug," she'd say, "you'll be singing bass on this one."  Doug, bless his heart, has a great singing voice but wouldn't sing if I asked him, but would answer with a pleasant "Okay, Mom!"  He never refused to sing when she asked and she always asked without hesitation.  In the words of my Grandma Griffin, "Laaaard, sonny, you've got the talent, now use it!  Ya don't need to be coaxed!"  Oh if you could only hear me say that, it would be very, very funny, trust me!  


The last time the Griffin Family Band was officially together for a "gig" was at my Dad's 80th birthday party in October of 2006.  We had a great time singing and sharing all of our favorite songs with friends and family.  The following year, however, we lost my mother very suddenly to an aneurism.  She and Dad were a few months shy of their 60th Wedding Anniversary.  


Needless to say, her shoes have been very hard to fill.  Nicki, my oldest sister, has really stepped up to the challenge though.  She really is amazing on the piano and can play by ear, just like our mother.  We have had a good time, standing around the piano singing and figuring out some of these songs, as we'd stop her on occasion, "Hey, I don't think that's the chord Mom used to play!"  Thanks, Nik, for sharin' your talent! 


This coming July, Boulder Heritage Days, in Boulder, Utah, is paying tribute to Boulder women, of which my mother is one.  They have asked our family to come and entertain and pay tribute to our mother by singing some of our favorite songs and "biggest hits!"  We are very excited about the chance to get together again.  Tickets are going fast so book your flights now!!  Haha, okay, well, it's free and you'll kinda need to bring your own camp chairs - but get there early, the front row "mosh pit" will fill up fast!  Boulder is just over the mountain from Torrey, of which you could enjoy the most beautiful drive of your life.

"Preparations"

16 x 20  

The quakies over the mountain are breathtaking - this was taken in the fall as the leaves were changing

Torrey is one of Doug's favorite places to paint as well.  He's represented by Torrey Gallery there on the "main drag" and has recently been asked to teach a workshop there!  So, effective immediately, Torrey has been added to Doug's "Workshop Tour!"  June 23-26 are the dates.  Go to the link to the right of this blog or on our website and fill out a registration form.  The response to the workshops this year has been phenomenal and they are filling up fast.  We are excited to spend some time with you artists!!  

I'm adding a few other paintings of Torrey and Boulder Mountain to get you inspired to either visit or paint.  It may just be from my perspective, but I do believe this country is one of the most well-kept secrets in the world!!  shhhh let's just keep that between you and me  . . .

xoxo

Jeanette

"Typically Torrey"

16x20

"Torrey Cliffs"

8x10

"Chuckwagon"

8x10

Doug painted this onsite in front of Torrey Gallery up Main Street to the Chuckwagon.

"Wet Paint" & Workshops!

As promised, here is another blog--but the topic of my new-found fame at NUAMES is not quite as exciting as the fact that Doug provided as promised, a new little painting to post! I was thrilled!  So we’re going to call this our weekly "wet paint" and these will be available for purchase exclusively to our blog readers so if it catches your eye, act fast!  You know how to reach me!  It is set inside the black “float” and a maple frame and could be shipped anywhere in the country within the week!

"Feeding"

oil on board

6 x 8

Seriously, watching Doug paint is so cool.  Sometimes, when I sit down in my easy chair (yes, the one with quite a bit of green paint on it now) he doesn’t understand why it’s so fascinating to watch him paint! On the most part, Doug’s somewhat of a “hermit” painter.  Not a big show-boy! But those who have had the opportunity to watch him paint will absolutely agree with me--it’s an amazing process to watch! 

I think that is why he has been such a successful teacher.  He has an amazing talent for teaching.  As mentioned by one of his students, Dallin Phillips, who was an educator at Utah State University for many years himself, “Taking Doug’s class was an incredible experience. I was really nervous going into it but enjoyed it so much.  Doug is an incredible teacher—many who “do” can’t teach, but he is the exception.”

Doug’s mentioned that teaching is a great learning experience for him as well. “It’s a humbling experience for me, that people are willing to pay money to have me teach them to paint!”  I think that is one of Doug’s most endearing traits. He always welcomes feedback from the students and tries to incorporate those changes to make the classes better. 

I’m giving you this from my perspective, of course, cuz that’s what this blog is about, so from feedback I’ve gotten from his students, and from those workshops that I’ve been able to “hang out” and get to know the students, I’ll hit their favorite parts! 

He starts a workshop with an introduction that talks about the pallet, the set up, the preparation of the boards, talking about values, mixing paint and the integration of color upon color--having all the tools to get started is so important to having a good experience in painting. seriously, you should see this "custom made" easel - it has a slot for his q-tips container and the paper towel roll for heaven's sake!  I have seriously debated whether to take the class myself—there have been a few beginner-beginners like myself so I think one of these days I will.  But first I'm going to have to figure out what "integration of color upon color" means . . . Pretty sure I’m going to test this man’s patience and teaching abilities!!     

Another fun part of the workshop is when Doug does a demo and the students get to see the painting from start to finish. Sue Valentine is a well-known Utah artist and this was one of her favorite parts. 

“Your demo’s were worth a thousand words!  The limited pallet, color mixing and value lessons helped me learn not only how to paint, but how to see! I felt I learned more in five days than I have learned in a whole semester at school.  You simplified what seemed so complicated to me.  Honestly, your workshop was one of the best I have taken.”  

Many of Doug’s students came to take the class because they wanted a jump-start in painting.  They’ve wanted to paint more seriously for years, but have never found the time to “take time” for themselves!  Michelle Burnett received this workshop as a Mother’s Day gift from her family!  What a treat for her to come and spend a week just painting!  Tracy Grant was another who has made great strides in the painting world! Both Michelle and Tracy received awards in a painting competition at Gallery 25 in Ogden!  Way to go, ladies!!   

“Taking Doug’s workshop was one of the best things I have done for myself in a very long time!  I feel like I learned a lot and your clear presentation and explanations made it even better.  I must say that even though the weather was not what I would have wished for, it made me see that you can still go outside and paint!” 

I always loved the “adapting” to the weather challenges as well.  I recall one afternoon when the weather was anything but cooperative, Doug had students set up everywhere between the studio and our home!  Blake Luther was painting under the patio and Emily Sanders was out in the game room, painting a still life of a piece of our daughter's birthday cake!  

Coming to see Doug’s studio wasn’t something he used to do—only when the weather prevented them from painting outside did they come to the studio. He didn’t take my word for it that it was something people would really love to see!  “Who wants to come and see my studio?” he’d say!  Well, I guess a lot of students would because it is the highlight of the workshop for many!!  Thanks to Ed Adair, for finally putting the issue to rest!  Doug really valued your priceless feedback, Ed!  

“On the matter of meeting at your studio...I think that that experience was a highlight of the workshop, to see how a professional worked in an environment. . . the efficiencies, the insights to the professional art market.  The still life was just a great and wonderful experience.  Do not underestimate the benefits of this part of your workshop!  Doug, you are a very good teacher...you conveyed much of the intuitiveness and, I think, the emotional-spiritual aspect of the total painting process.  And, I must say, that your wife did a great job in making our day at your studio an enjoyable event...her lunch was a real nice touch, and, of course, one that was not expected.  

I truly appreciated the week and in becoming acquainted with you.” 

Ah Ed, thanks for those kind words!  I enjoyed the chance to “chill” with the students and get to know everyone better as well!

"What a fantastic experience!  I loved the class - learned tons - and I'm excited to do more.  I came away feeling that I had great new information to move forward with.  I'm ready to start counting my 10,000 hours utilizing my new skills.  It was really great to know you all.  I hope to see you again. Thanks to Jeanette for taking care of us.  Best to all, Bunny Kauffman"

 We have met some wonderful people throughout the years who have become very dear friends. We have appreciated many of you who have stayed in touch and stop by the studio now and again to say hi and share your progress in the painting world! Thanks to Carol Gnade for these great pictures! It made writing this blog very easy and she and Jade became great friends during the “studio” visit.  She also took the picture of Jade in front of the “color wheel” on the last blog! 

Doug is doing at least 3 workshops this year!  The three we are certain about are May 19-21 in Midway for the Midway Art Association (Cost is $250). What a beautiful place to paint in May!  This is reserved FIRST for their members, but will have a waiting list and will fill the class up from that list after the first of May!  

The other two workshops are going to be through Helper Workshops in Helper, Utah, and I could write a whole blog about that fun place – I can’t say enough about what a great experience that is!! (Cost for those are $420)  The summer workshop is from June 14-19 and the fall workshop will be from September 27 – October 2^nd.  There may be another workshop in Austin, Texas in the late fall!  

Below is a link to a registration form that you can fill out and simply submit.  You’ll then receive an email back with all the information regarding that particular workshop, cost, accommodations and materials needed!  In case you’re wondering, of course, I’m hoping to be to all the workshops to provide comedy, fun and most likely, treats!

All my best till next week and another weekly "wet paint" fresh off the easel!  Can't wait!!  xoxo

Jeanette

Registration Link

Someone's Been Sitting in my Chair!

Wow – where has the time gone?? I will quickly ask for apologies for my “leave of absence” and then I’m going to move on! I just watched Julie and Julia so needless to say, I am motivated to get back to sharing my random thoughts about art, but also about everything else! So from here on out, this blog will come much more often and probably be much more random! J

You’ve missed me, right?? SAW WHEAT!!!! (say it fast!!) 'n there ya go! Glad ya missed me. J

We have had a very busy few months. I have been running in every direction you can imagine . . . teaching school, consulting, doing books, attending school, learning web site design, cheering on my Utah Jazz and cleaning out cupboards . . . everything except two things: blogging and exercising! I intend to do more of, well, at least one of those two things . . . J

Doug, however, has been enjoying his winter hibernation in his “man cave.”

Okay – I have to tell you about Doug’s haven. Hopefully, everyone has their space where they can keep their “stuff” and DO their favorite “stuff.” Ya know, where you can just "chillax!" I'm pretty sure I didn't just make up that word . . . Doug’s haven is his studio. It fits him like a glove. I mean, a renovated old house with everything a man could ever want for a “dog house!” What a great “getaway” to spend the day “working.” did I just put that in quotes . . . I don't think I meant to! hee hee Here's a visual . . He has one room with his framing table with 4 vices, a room for storing shipping and packing materials and storing old “retired” paintings and frames, and one room has been transformed into an “office” for his lovely wife and amazing office manager--emphasis added by editor ;)

The living room, however, has become the “master suite!” The easel (that moves up and down at the push of a button) sits smack dab in the middle of the room. The pallet, to his right, is tailored with slots and shelves to meet every need. On the left, is a table housing his computer, his camera and a custom-made “music stand” for his guitar book.

He has built a little “perch” for Jade so she can look out the window and watch the kids walk to and from school! He has also, so considerately, placed a nice big easy chair for me to sit in and watch him paint. all together now, "ahhhhhhhhh." Oh . . . well . . . yeah, I think he sits in it on occasion, and for those rare times, he has covered the chair with an old sheet so as to protect it from Thalo green paint that might be on his hands or his clothes, but that’s a rare occasion, I’m sure! Oh, did I mention there is a little TV mounted strategically up in the corner so I can see it from the easy chair – how sweet is that?!!

The kitchen has been designated as the “gesso” room – prepping both boards and canvases, with a big flat file where the stove used to be. The fridge, however, needed to stay. All the “necessities” of an “office” lunchroom-–microwave, toaster oven, half of my dishes, bowls, my favorite glasses and half my set of silverware. I find my favorite paring knives missing and somehow my roll of paper towel in my kitchen magically disappears. What the heck? You have a nicer vacuum here than I do in my house? Grrrrrr . . . deep breath . . . I’ll go on . . . The stereo system has been wired to go into every room – with a switch of a button. Nice! Did I say EVERY room? Oh, yeah, I did. But . . . . and yes, it’s a big but . . . (but a “but” with only 1 “t” mind you) . . . with the paintings that have come off that easel in the master suite, I have resorted to the fact that the boy can have as many of my paring knives and dishes as he wants and, now that I think about it, there's no stereo sound in the bathroom . . . hmm, hon, you should work on that - you really should have music in the bathroom!!

With all of the chaos that I have in my life, Doug is as steady as an old work horse. He has been the stability in my life and has had a phenomenal year!! Below is a picture of me (I'm inside the jar) and Doug is portrayed by the brush . . . we call this little piece "Stimulus Package!"

"Stimulus Package"

16 x 20

This was part of a fantastic show at Terzian Gallery a couple of weeks ago. For those of you who were “in the neighborhood” and stopped by, I think you had a real treat! I’m going to post a few of my favorites here. He’s also promised a painting a week for me to post if I’ll pen a few lines! Deal!!! I’m on it! I have a million great stories to tell you so check back soon! I will be back within the week to share with you my newfound popularity at NUAMES High School – officially the favorite substitute teacher EVER to step foot on their campus!!

This blogging has worn me out . . . I think I’m going to take a break and rest in MY easy chair . . . hey, is it just me, or is there quite a bit of green paint on this chair . . . J

"This and That"
14 x 16
SOLD

"Over the Edge"

14 x 16

SOLD

"Jay Walking"

16 x 20

SOLD

"Flying Solo"

42 x 40

"Fading Fast"

42 x 40

"Looking for a Lift"

14 x 16

SOLD

"Park City Post Office"

42 x 40

"All Shapes & Sizes"

12 x 16

Kreativ Blogger Award

Davida Schulman has awarded me a Kreativ Blogger Award. The rules for accepting this award are the following:

Enter your "acceptance" on your own blog. List seven things about yourself and then list seven other art bloggers that you admire. You'll be tempted to list bloggers who are not artists or artists who are not bloggers but stick to artists who blog!

About myself:

1. I live in Sunset, Utah in the same house that I grew up in
2. I have painted since I was 10 years old - my first painting had a $2 price tag on it!
3. I have a great studio that is two doors down from my home, making for a great commute every morning
4. I have been married to my best friend, Jeanette, for 23 years and we have three amazing kids, Ryan 21, Amy 20 and Wesley 16
5. My painting buddy is Jade, our Jack Russell Terrier
6. I have the greatest family and friends (they're all family) in the world!
7. I once golfed 27 out of 31 days in a month during a painting class in Helper, Utah

Seven Artists who blog that I greatly admire:

1. Karin Jurick
2. Jennifer McChristian
3. Josh Been
4. Eldon Warren
5. Lane Bennion
6. Zach Procter
7. Wendy Chidester

A Masterpiece of Another Sort - November 2009

With as much as we were gone this summer, you would have thought that our garden would have been a big flop! But thanks to our 16-year-old Wesley, (youngest of our three beautiful children, pictured below left to right: Wesley, Amy and Ryan) who faithfully got up at 6:30 am all summer long to water our garden, it was the talk of the town! Right on the main drag in Sunset, many couldn’t believe the Braithwaite garden. The zucchini provided zucchini brownies for half the neighborhood, which included a plate to sample, an exact two cups of zucchini in a baggie and a recipe to make and share!

One of our admirers was our sweet neighbor, Charlyne Wise. Passing by one day, she asked “What in the world is that gray plant?” We finally figured out that it was an artichoke--a new addition to the garden this year. “Well you know you’re supposed to cut off the mother choke first, don’t you?” What?!! Choke the mother? I didn’t get it. Well this was news to us, so Doug and the kids finally (about mid August) had a ceremony in which they decapitated the mother choke and finally the artichokes began to grow!

Charlyne’s walking route includes a stroll by our garden every day so she was thrilled when we finally “dechoked” the mother! Needless to say, with such a short growing season left for the “chokes,” our biggest artichoke was barely bigger than a pea! It was our “joke” of the garden. We enjoyed telling that story to our friends.

One day while Doug was showing our friends, Bret Bryant and Julie Auguson around the garden, he told them the story of the artichokes. As he told them about the failure and the pea-sized artichokes, Bret looks in the center of the one plant and, with a befuddled look on his face, sees a full-size artichoke. He looked confused – “what’s this then?” he asked. Doug’s mouth dropped open as there in the center of the 2nd artichoke plant was a full-size beautiful artichoke! “What the . . ?” He reached down and picked it up. It was neatly severed at the stem . . . he looked at me and back at the artichoke and almost simultaneously, a smile came across our faces as we both said out loud “Charlyne!” We had a good laugh!!

In the midst of finally getting back into the studio, Doug and I have been trying to get our garden harvested and the yard and house winterized. So other than the artichoke failure, our garden was amazing.

Yielding probably over a thousand tomatoes, some of what are still in the “cool” back room getting promoted from the green box to the pink box to the red box! Salsa, melons, potatoes, peppers and zucchini, and apples coming out of our ears. Oh and I finally found my carrots after pulling up the pepper plants! (this is the other “garden joke” - - we put a $500 chain link fence around the garden to keep Jade from eating my 12 carrot plants!)

Some potatoes were almost as big as Doug’s head! I took a picture and sent it to my friend, Julie Williams– she sent a note back saying that she thought there was quite a resemblance between the potato and Doug, and wondered if he’d been cheating on me! hahaha good one Julie!

The apples kept coming – seriously if I didn’t get the bucket emptied by the end of the day, there was another bucket magically appeared the next morning. Applesauce, dried apples with sugar and cinnamon and apple pie filling. Plus eating apples with peanut butter was a treat!

The salsa was out of this world! Hot yet sweet . . . secret ingredient: peaches ☺ Special going on this month: Buy a painting and I throw in a bottle of my amazing salsa!!

Doug just finished tilling the garden, giving it a rest and time to rejuvenate itself, preparing it for the next growing season come spring. I really think this is a special ingredient to our amazing garden. It reminds me of how an amazing masterpiece comes about. Starting with a freshly-stretched canvas or board, ready for it’s first layer of gesso, then another, then another, until finally it is prepped and ready for its first brush stroke. They both are well thought-out, laid out carefully and nurtured step by step. Taking them full-circle – start to finish. Both masterpieces – one amazing artist – well that’s just from my perspective . . . and my very lame excuse for not posting a blog for over a month!

PS: his work has been amazing since returning to the studio. Here's a sneak peak . . .

Boulders on Boulder Mountain
40 x 42

This is a sneak peak of his February 2010 Show at Terzian Gallery in Park City! This is unbelievably amazing! It's life-size . . . I want to step into it and put my feet in the water . . .


Morning Porch Light
12 x 16

This was painted at the Spring City Plein Air Competition and was on display at the Eccles Community Art Center's "Eight & Friends" Show that opened last night! Many didn't get to see it because someone who doesn't live in the valley (with exquisite taste, I must say) came in at the beginning of the night and purchased it with the stipulation of being able to take it with them!! This was painted "en plein air" in about 4 hours. Amazing!!

Weber River
8 x 10

This is also at the Eccles Center "Eight & Friends" Show. Love it - you should go see it in person! 27th and Jefferson in Ogden. Great show with some great plein air painters, George Handrahan, Shanna Kunz and Susan Gallagher to name a few! Beautiful show!

Southbound Right Lane
8 x 10
This little painting was done as a "quick draw" at an opening at the Idaho Falls Art Center in Carr Gallery in Idaho Falls. That show was up through October - a Doug Braithwaite / Brad Slaugh duo! It was a fantastic showing. This painting is also at Eccles Art Center up for the next month or so. No one can paint a freeway intersection like Braithwaite! (course, has anyone else tried? Why would they! hahaha)

Misty Cliffs
5 x 6
This great little piece is at Crowley/Wilkerson Gallery in Elevated Spaces on 25th Street in Ogden. This show opened last night as well and is a "mini" show of over 150 beautiful paintings. Seriously, it's a must-check-out show as well. This was painted in Torrey on a very drizzly morning. Certainly a rain drop or two on this painting!

Creekside
12 x 16
This is one of the most recent paintings finished in the studio. This, too, was sold during a "pre-viewing" of the show at Crowley/Wilkerson Gallery! But, fortunately, is still there to view for the next few weeks! Talking with a cute young couple, who were admiring the painting, said they enjoyed the "two views" of Doug's work - up close and the "far back" view. I always say "Doug's paintings are kind've a "buy one get one free" kinda deal--one painting to look at up close and another painting to view from afar! I'm brilliant, I tell you! ;)

Joe's
11 x 14
This was painted in Huntsville I believe - on a paint-out with the plein air painting group! Starting to cool off and a touch of snow in the tops of those mountains! Are we ready for winter? I think not . . . This is also at Eccles Community Art Center "Eight & Friends" show. Call them at the center if you're interested in one of these paintings - they'd love to sell you one!

Changing of the Guard
12 x 16

Last but not least is this gorgeous fall landscape that was recently painted as well. Fall colors are beautiful! This is also in the "Eight & Friends" show at Eccles.

Estes Park Plein Air Competition

Estes Park welcomed us with open arms with our first contact being a very gracious host, Diana, at Paradise on the River, a great RV Park where we set up our base camp for the next 12 days and were well taken care of by Diana, Robin, Jane and Rod. A comfortable trailer with all the necessities for comfort—soft bed, satellite TV, Wi-Fi and chairs by the river! What more do you need?

We met some amazing people while in Estes Park! For starters, Ron and Ann Wilcocks, owners of Earthwood Collections, were among our favorites! Down-to-earth and genuine were some of the ways we described them. We received warm greetings by them, both at their gallery and at their home where food and fun were plentiful to dozens of artists. Ann made all feel welcome by keeping drinks in hand and delicious food on our plates while Ron invited all to the kitchen to having a bonding moment with tequila shots, giving everyone the full blown experience offering the very best of tequila, along with the salt on hand, topped off with the slice of lime! Ah, smooth going down!

We met many terrific artists to whom we are now thrilled to not only follow their work, but also to add them to our circle of friends. I have added their blogs or web pages over under “links.” A favorite couple we met at the social at Ron and Ann’s home were Lou and Maggie Renner. Lou is a rock-climbing instructor and learned to get a better feel of how to climb the mountain by being encouraged to sketch the mountains he was going to climb. Maggie enjoys climbing with Lou, while Lou has become very proficient in painting while supporting Maggie’s profession! What a great team!

From On the Rock

16 x 12

From all the wonderful artists we met, we learned that there are people who do art for fun and those who do art to teach. Then there are those who are in the trenches to make a living. This was the group that we met. These were hard-working artists, performing like rock stars, making a living . . . not afraid to pack up their painting gear and make a 4-mile hike to paint a beautiful mountain peak, or set up in a crowded park and “perform” in front of hundreds of people.

Peaceful Valley

8 x 10

With the loaded Element, we debated whether we had room for Jade, but the sad look on her face as we packed our bags, told us we best squeeze her in! She thoroughly enjoyed her time out painting with Doug or sitting outside near the trailer. She was entertained for hours either way, just “watching” for critters! Driving through Rocky Mountain National Park, she begged to get back up on my lap so she could see the elk out the window! (notice the scratches on my leg from her excitement!) Estes also had a great playground for Jade . . . a dog park! What a dog-friendly community! When we arrived at the dog park, there were 7 or 8 fairly good size dogs there already and they came bounding to say “hey” to Jade! All tails wagging and ready to play, with no threat of “this is my territory!” Jade was in “sniff” heaven! Sooooo much to sniff and so little time! Also water nearby and Jade swam a few “laps” playing fetch while Doug threw a tennis ball out into the water.

South Saint Vraines

12 x 16

Food was amazing as we always try to enjoy the “local” restaurants and food. Best in the West wings were pretty amazing .. . we tried those a couple of different times, along with Poppy’s Pizza and Mountain Home Café for a great breakfast! And let’s not forget Fish Fry Night at our RV Park, where everyone in the park brought a pot luck dish and the park provided fish from the river! It was amazing and we met some great friends who thought we were a little young to be retired! We decided if we ever retire, we’ll be doing pretty much what we’re doing now - - painting and golfing!

A childhood friend of mine, Cozan, who moved away when she was in 6^th grade, came one afternoon to take me to lunch and shop in town! We had a fabulous time laughing and reminiscing over a great enchilada at the Grumpy Gringos and then window shopping and giggling, like a couple of school girls, over fashion merchandise that looked EXACTLY like the “perdy outfits” we used to wear in Escalante. We were also pretty easily amused by the t-shirts - maybe you had to be there, but we thought they were hysterical! “Dude - I Think This Whole Town is High--Estes Park, Elevation: 7,542 feet” being one of our favorites. So seriously, did you think that was funny or were WE high that day? haha I also finally got to vent my dissatisfaction of her getting the cutest boyfriend in 4^th grade and “assigning” me to, I think, my 3^rd cousin! what the heck was that all about? Well anyway, glad to get that off my chest. We ended the afternoon with a visit to the chocolate shop, where, if we spent $18, we got a ¼ pound of chocolate free! I mean, seriously, who can pass up a bargain like that! mmm, toffee, chocolate covered caramels, suckers, and turtles, just to name a few of the bargains we walked outta there with . . . They are now permanently affixed to my thighs, however . . .

Of course, we couldn’t have a “working trip” without some golf where you get to share the tee box with elk! No kidding! Elk not 10 feet from the tee box and people just walk right up and tee off without giving them a second thought. Met one of Doug’s framing suppliers, Amy Lorenz and her husband Rick, for a great 18 holes at Estes Park Golf Course. It wasn’t our best round of golf, but when Doug finally got his driver to cooperate, was affectionately called a jerk-ass by Rick for making such an amazing drive! They were a lot of fun!

Downtown Ward

12 x 16

One of our painting days was spent in Ward, Colorado. I’m trying to find the right way to describe this little mining town without offending! Quaint yet sweet . . . friendly, yet, almost “ghost-town” spooky! Doug’s painting of “Downtown Ward” might help you visualize the setting. We were approached by the town sheriff who’s “look” resembled the rest of the people we saw—beard halfway down his chest, with hair length about the same, except HIS hat said “SHERIFF” across the front. He was very friendly and said we weren’t the first “of our kind” to come and set up and paint their little town. Also said he thought we’d be "jist fine parked there as it didn’t seem too busy" that day. We also had a visit from a 3-legged dog that was as close to a bear as I saw. We also got a kick out of a couple of the “locals” who just “chilled” in the middle of the road – and I’m not sure, but I think they were the designated crossing guards during rush hour!

The final day brought a quick-draw in the downtown park which meant 90 minutes to paint a painting and there were over 300 spectators walking around watching them paint! Doug did a great painting of an Estes alleyway. 50+ artists set up all within a one-block radius was very entertaining for Jade and I, and all the spectators.

Estes Alley

5 x 7

The competition ended with a gallery stroll and announcement of winners. Doug received a third place for Glacier Creek, of which also won the Director’s Purchase Award! Yahoo! Very exciting for "the new kid on the block."

Glacier Creek

12 x 16

Estes was a wonderful experience. The people were warm and friendly—the countryside was beautiful and serene. And did I mention, the chocolate was to die for! It’s a place now vividly imprinted on the “timestamp” of my journey through life that I won’t soon forget. And that, my friends, was our Estes adventure from my perspective . . .

Lunch Tables

8 x 10