Keep the Rio Grand Grande

A premier Art Event -KEEP THE RIO GRANDE GRAND will be one of the best parties this summer with fabulous food and wine, and of course great art, all to support the conservation work of the Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust.
The Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust's "Rio Grande Initiative" is dedicated to protecting the river's ranches, wildlife, and scenic beauty. If you are interested in Colorado conservation and the preservation of open spaces, as well as fine art - this event is for you. Join the over 20 artists supporting this cause at the South Fork Community Center, Saturday, Aug. 14, 6-9 pm.
Ticket Price is $30. a person.
To reserve tickets call: 719-657-0800 or info@riograndelandtrust.org
Learn more about the Land Trust at RioGrandeLandTrust.org

Soward Ranch Paint Out

These are some snaps from the Plein Air Paint Out to support the Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust. The flat mountiain on the left is Bristol Head early in the morning as we headed to the Soward Ranch from Santa Maria. The ranch is somewhere down past the clouds.
A beautiful morning but win-deeee. Here Dave Roepke looks pretty relaxed - don't believe it. Bristol Head is in the background.
Two hours later Sue McCullough wrapped up a fabulous piece of Bristol Head. This was not a day for the faint of heart. We would stand in 40 mph gusts and just hold the easel, with both hands, minutes at a time until the wind died down a bit.












Dave Montgomery here, is living dangerously and about to do an impersonation of Mary Poppins with that umbrella.
I used to think WIND was a deal breaker but these 2 paint outs for the Land Trust have force me to paint in extreme wind situations I never though possible. Amazing what you can do when you have to.

These are my two pieces from the day, both 8x10. The morning sun just glowed across this pond toward the little cabin. As noon approached "weather" seemed to come at us from all directions and when the thunder started to roll we packed it in.
Some of the other artists involved were: Stephen Quiller, Karen Bonnie, and Charles Ewing. To learn more about the Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust and why it is important - click this link.

Plein Air to Support the Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust

What: Artists paint the landscape to support Colorado open spaces
When: Saturday, June 12, 8 am to 2 pm
Where: Soward Ranch above Creede;
Take Hwy 149 out of Creede toward Lake City for about 7 miles. Turn Left onto Middle Creek Rd. and follow this for 5 miles. Stay to the right following the signs and ribbons; the road will end at the Soward ranch.
Hope to see you there.

The Public is invited to come out Saturday, June 12, to the beautiful Soward Ranch, above Creede, where local and regional artists will gather to paint on-site in a program connecting artists with conserved lands in Colorado.
Come out to support the Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust and enjoy a day at the Ranch in a part of Colorado seldom seen by the public.

Rio Grande Land Trust Paint Out

Saturday at the beautiful Gilmore Ranch, was -- well, beautiful and WINDY - so windy it was frightening. But, we painted out anyway.
Sue McCullough and I went out to the ranch about 7:30 in an effort to beat the wind, Ha! Hanging on for dear life, we painted as fast as we could and after wards, we were lured by coffee and muffins to the barn, where we added our dirt covered paintings to the art show hung in support of the Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust. You might not think anyone would come out on such a rough day but, certainly the right people came because 3 major pieces of art sold.
At the top is Jim Gilmore, award winning Colorado wildlife Sculptor and our host for the day. Those are my paintings on the left, and below Sue is waiting to be interviewed by Rio de la Vista about her participation in the event and thoughts on Plein Air Painting. That interview should show up on UTUBE sometime soon.
There will be a second Plein Air Paint Out on June 12 at the Soward's Ranch in Mineral county, from 8am to 2pm. Come out to see this beautiful property and we will be there along with other artists -
taking what ever the day throws our way.
Plein air - not for the timid!

"Plein Air" to support the Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust

What: Artists paint the landscape to support Colorado open spaces
When: Saturday, May 22, 8 am to 2 pm
Where: The Gilmore Ranch just west of Alamosa;
Take Hwy 160 west out of Alamosa to County Road 105 South and turn right, go 1.5 miles until the road ends at the Big Red Barn.

The Public is invited to come out Saturday, to the beautiful Gilmore Ranch, home to Jim Gilmore, award winning Colorado wildlife Sculptor, where local and regional artists will gather to paint on-site in a program connecting artists with conserved lands.
Come out to support the Land Trust and enjoy a day at the Ranch.