Hopkinson studio visit

 Last week I had the opportunity to visit the new Glen S. Hopkinson studio in Byron Wyoming.  Glen had the sign that hung in his father, Harold I. Hopkinson's (One great artist and man) studio.  As my sister-in-law Dori and I walked in we were treated to the musical styling of Mr. Hopkinson.

While I don't remember the selection I do remember the impression it left on me.  Glen Showed us around and talked about some of the paintings.  He told us that his studio also doubled as a place for the Byron town council to meet.  The space is the old "Cozzen's Cash" grocery store.  It would be awesome if you could still get a frozen treat and soda there!

I loved this winter scene.

This is one of Glen's sculptures.  I absolutely love it!  I think it was called "The Tinker". Growing up my parents had one of his sculptures as well.  "He Aint Heavy" in my opinion it was one of the best pieces in their collection.  

This is a wonderful piece with Prayer Rock.  Prayer Rock is a local landmark with a great story behind it.

I love Glen's western work.  Both he and his father could paint a beautiful horse and Indian.

One of my favorite things about Glen is his sense of humor.  Who else has a holster for his brushes?  He pulled that brush out and flipped it in the air and caught it by the handle.  

That wonderful sense of humor finds it's way into many of his paintings.

As well as the things he surrounds himself with!

The Hopkinson studio doubles as a playground for this fine artist.  I appreciate all the tips and the private tour.  Thank you Glen and I look forward to actually painting with you next time I'm in town.  You rock!  

Fall Color

 Fall Color (Kaylee Brown)

12"X24" Oil on Linen

 

This is a painting I started yesterday and finished today!  Kaylee and her friend were posing for me.  I loved the light!  I love the Crepe Myrtle she is leaning against.  I've used this area before.  It's very cozy and rarely in direct sun.  We were in Wyoming for my father's funeral last week and while we were there I stopped into the Hen House and found the great hat Kaylee is wearing and the jacket.

 

 

Detail of the face and hands

 

My wonderful father always encouraged me in my pursuit of art.  My mother painted a bit but my dad was very artistic as well.  He made beautiful jewelry and of course gold crowns.  He taught me how to make things in wax and cast them into gold or silver.  He was so generous with his time and knowledge as well as his gold.  I treasure the memories I have with him and all the lovely things that he made.  He is one of the finest men I've ever known and I'm so grateful that he was my dad.  Thank you for financing and encouraging me.  Scott M. Welch, you are my hero.

 

Best of Show

 

 

My painting "Bunmi" won Best of Show in the 2012 WAL fall judged show.  I entered two paingings in the professional division.  Pictured here with me is the judge June Dudley who is a Contemporary Western and Poetic Landscape artist here in Texas.

 

 

 

Interesting side note here...  I was late getting to the awards and critique.  The judge had already announced the winner and talked about my paintings.  I snuck in and sat by Pam a lady I had recently met at the Monday life group I've been attending.  She told me I won and brought my arrival to the attention of the judge.  When she confirmed that I had won Best of Show, I'm ashamed to say, I squealed and jumped in the air with my fist raised and landed with a "yes!"  The above picture was taken right after the before mentioned incident.

 

My painting "Jordan Arbour" won 2nd!  Needless to say it was a very exciting day!

 

 



 

I could not have done it without my boys.  Carl and Coulter were good enough to take the paintings to the venue and get me in the show.  I was playing the piano for Kaylee at her solo and ensemble competition.  By the way she sang beautifully and received I's on both of her pieces.  I couldn't have shown the large painting of Jordan with out the help of Andy Cook.  She  was kind enough to lend me an easel sturdy enough to hold this incredibly framed, large and now heavy painting.  It takes two people to move it!  Thanks guys!

 

At the end of this great day I found that the only thing missing was the opportunity to share it with my parents.  My mother upon hearing of my small success would have been broadcasting the news to all who would listen.  I miss my biggest fan and am so grateful that she took me to her art classes when I was little and was constantly encouraging me in my artistic pursuits. 

 

My sweet mother was showing photos of my work to a man as she waited to have her eyes checked at my brothers office.  Of course she was thrilled, and a little skeptical,  to find that the gentleman beside her was an artist too and wanted to see more.  When she called me later that night and was telling me about the interaction she said that he was very complimentary.  "She could make a living at this" the man said.  When she was called back to finish her exam she was retelling the interchange to my brother, Dr. Barry Welch of Northern Wyoming Opthamology.  Barry, knowing how much pride mom takes in her children, was delighted to ask her "Do you know who that was?"  Of course she didn't, even if she did I'm not sure she would have recognized him as her eyes were dilated.  "That's Jimmie Bama!"  James Bama the incredible Western Artist had just been Kathleened.  I hope his eyes weren't dilated.   I love and miss you mom.