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AU 2007 Student Art Cowgirl Shrinelets

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May 12, 2008

One Word Challenge - New Artwork

Indianmaidendream_smallSome of the "smithees" over at Artsmiths have posted their work for our May Challenge.

We were to choose ONE WORD that best describes us - and to create a piece of art to illustrate that word.

So far six artists have met the challenge.

Be sure and visit to see what our members have been up to:

Lelainia: Intuitive      Angela Cartwright: Unruly     Sarah Fishburn: Steampunk    Denise Lombardozzi:  Nicknackitarian        (Me):  Dreamer      Deryn Mentock: Faithful

Happy Trails!

May 09, 2008

Final Triptych: "Flight Plan"

Cowgirlcrowtriptychsmall_2

Here it is - finally. "Flight Plan" completed.

I wanted the circle shapes to move across the triptych - in somewhat the same manner as the crow seems to do. Transfers on top of transfers add depth.

I was especially pleased with the color saturation. You just can't beat Golden paints and crayon pastels.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

I plan on a visit to Yellowstone or Red Lodge if weather permits. (Maybe I'll run into some crows or cowgirls along the way).

Happy Trails!

May 08, 2008

Cowgirl Triptych Part 3

Cowgirlcrowrightsmall

Here is part three of the triptych (the right side in the lineup). But these three pieces may also be displayed from vertically, from top to bottom.

Oh, and remember how the crow was flying away in the second piece? He has just landed here in the third one - it's a special meeting between the crow and the cowgirl. And isn't she wonderful? The expression on her face is priceless. Yup. She's a dreamer! Perhaps that's why I like her so much.

In the next post I'll show you how the whole triptych looks together. I love how the three pieces take on a new life when displayed in a row.

Happy Trails.

May 07, 2008

Cowgirl Triptych - Part Two

Cowgirlcrowcentersmall2Howdy again, pardners.

I absolutely LOVE this cowgirl. She is from my private collection. I've been saving her for something special, and the triptych fit the bill!

This is the second (or the center) of the triptych I showed you yesterday.

Now the crow is flying away - to whom or to where? You'll have to wait until my next post.

Happy Trails!

May 05, 2008

The Beginning of a Cowgirl Triptych

Cowgirlcrowleftsmall_2

10 X 10 canvas collage (the left side of a triptych entitled "Flight Plan") ~ by Deb Trotter, Cowboy's Sweetheart

I've been working on a submission for an art show for ConvenZioNE. The show will be held at Worthington Gallery West in Pleasanton, California, and will take place during the ConvenZioNE art retreat where I'll be teaching this coming August.

I've created a triptych in which each of the three pieces features a cowgirl and a crow.

This is the left side of the triptych - or the lst piece of artwork from left to right. Each piece is created using the same color palette - turquoise, yellow, rust, burnt umber light, and black.

The show is juried, which means my work may not be accepted. That's the risk we artists take when we enter a juried event. I'm a risk taker. It's not always easy, but I've never been one afraid to take the leap. Every now and then we may get slapped in the face with rejection - but we must allow the rejection to tell us something. The work didn't fit in with the exhibit. The gallery likes your work but doesn't think it will sell. The gallery wants to see more, and you aren't prepared with a body of work. On and on it goes, this frightening realization that one's work may not fit the bill.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed, though. I'm an optimist.

I'll share the center, as well as the right side of the triptych with you later.

Now, if only I could get that crow to come inside and help me clean my studio!

Happy Trails!

April 30, 2008

Western Art "Trilage": Honoring Annie Oakley and Buffalo Bill

Trilageanniesm_somerset

"Our Lady of Sureshot" ~ by Deb Trotter

Yee Ha! I guess you could say that, "My heroes have always been Cowgirls," but I have some other deserving heroes too.

How exciting it was to open my mailbox and find the May/June 2008 issue of Somerset Studio, featuring some artwork I did in honor of my own personal heroes - Annie Oakley and Buffalo Bill Cody.

When I discovered that this issue of Somerset Studio would showcase "heroes," there was no doubt in my mind whom I would choose to "immortalize."

I call my creation a "trilage," as it joins three assemblage pieces to form one work of art. Here, you can see the effect when the three are featured together...

Trilagesm_2

You can see how the barbed wire, stars, and skeletons unite the three pieces.

Here are 2 more pages from the article with photos of Buffalo Bill and the central skull assemblage which honors my two heroes...

Trilagebill162sm_somersetarticle Trilageskull163sm_somerset

Should you get a chance, pick up Somerset's latest issue.

You'll also find wonderful artwork by my friend, Kristen Robinson, honoring some of her Jane Austen heroines, as well as amazing artwork by Lynne Perrella, Lisa Kaus, and many other talented artists.

That's all for now, pardner.

It's time for me to honor some of my cowgirls.

Happy Trails!



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