Cow Camping

This last week my family went camping in our trailer.

I hesitate to say camping though as it's 34 feet long and is air conditioned with plumbing and cooking appliances. More like glamping... :P

Anyway, I am not a fan of camping. It's not the outdoors part... it's the BUGS. I hate mosquitos. 

However, when I heard there might be some horses around, I happily walked the 3 miles to the 'cow camp.' A cow camp is basically a historical setup to look like an old cow camp. There is a cowboy there who is dressed in accurate clothing. If you know like Colonial Williamsburg, it's the same concept.

When we got there we talked to the cowboy a bit then checked out the camp. Unfortunently it was more or less nap time for all the animals. The one pony there, named "Stroker," was more interested in yawning and sleeping then posing for photos!

Good teeth references?

The cow camp was set in 1875, and during that time you could sell one cow for one gold coin, which was about $14 at the time. Cowboys were very fond of their Cracker Ponies, though, and you would have to pay about 20 gold coins for a pony. 

Next we saw the calves and the cows. I didn't realize they came in such interesting colors.

The colors on some are just so cool. This one looks near leopard or something :P

His lil face <3

Brindle!

They also had an amazing revolutionary war saddle set, but that will be it's own post. Sorry this one was mostly photos, but hopefully you got some color ideas for your next cow to paint? I know I have. :)

What's In The Studio?

At this point... lots!

First I have been working on this bay roan commission. He needs a bit more roaning on his flank then his base is all done.

Next is a completed commision. This was my first palomino! I'm not totally happy with it... but still turned out great.

A friend of mine also recently sent me some samples of Earth Pigments. They are literally amazing. The first horse I painted was the bay arabian CollectA. The sculptures on these are very nice, they are cheap enough to potentially ruin... but also look really nice when painted correctly!

She is going to be a Breyerfest sales piece. I won't be sad if she doesn't sell, though!

Most recently is this semi-gloss dark grulla Fjord. I also did him in earth pigments, but I like the arab better.

Lastly, here's a classic roan mustang. This one is being difficult for me... but he's coming along.

And that's it! Be sure to read my post on Two Cowgirls And A Jumper this week!