Month: January 2017

For the past three years I have traveled to Southern Montana to witness the living history of the reenactment of George Armstrong Custer’s Last Stand Battle hosted by the Real Bird Family.  This takes place on the date of the battle each June at the Crow Agency outside of Hardin, Montana.  The reenactment is presented on the actual site of the original “Last Stand” along the river and bluffs, rolling hills, and grassy flatland under the national monument honoring the fallen soldiers and native Americans who participated in 1876.  The history of it is presented through the eyes of the Crow people who were fighting for their very way of life.  Keith Herrin’s Cavalry School does a wonderful job reenacting the 7th Cavalry and the Real Bird Family open up their land to the public, provide the beautiful horses, and host the whole event.  It is honored as the number one reenactment in the United States and is well worth attending.

During my visits, I took many, many photographs and videos and have just finished painting one of my favorite photos.  I titled this painting, “The Young Crow Warrior”and this painting is my first “Western Art”.  

In December 2016, I attended the festive meeting and Christmas Party of the Associated Artists of Ocean Shores, Washington, (of which I am a member), and brought my painting for their contest for the artwork that would be used as their poster art in 2017.  

 The title for the theme of the painting was, “Life is a Beach”.  I thought about this title and the use of the painting before I created it.  I felt it should be simple, yet, very colorful, as the backdrop for their poster.  The wording they will use needed to be able to jump out from the painting and be easily read…and I felt the art needed to catch your eye easily.  

Here is the result.