I was born and raised in Taos, New Mexico. Taos is known for its art. Indian Art, Western Art, Contemporary Art, Hippie Art, Artsey Fartsey Art and all the Art that I don't even know the name of! So this month, I am taking you on a tour of Taos as I know it from my 20 years of living there.
This is my story:
1. I made this card with inspiration from this portrait of my Dad painted by a Taos Artist, Fitz Simmons, which is hanging in my parent's living room. My Dad posed for this portrait with Taos Mountain as a backdrop on his horse named Dan.
2. The Artist was a friend of another Artist that lived close to my parents who wanted to purchase a small piece of land from my father. He was a typical starving artist and could not afford it. His friend and fellow Artist (Fitz Simmons) offered to paint a portrait of Dad as payment for the land. Surprisingly, my father agreed, only in Taos would something like that happen!
3. I used Wild Wild West. I think one of the reasons I like that set so much is it reminds me of my dad and growing up around horses. And you all know the OTHER reason I like it!
4. Notice that the cows butts are missing? Snort! That's cuz I had to cut them apart from the image to get them into the background. The clouds and Taos Mountain are sponged in and the sagebrush in the foreground was done using one of the small stamps in SU's water color minis. I used a Rubbernecker stamp for the rocks.
I am sending this to my Dad. I think he will like it!
Date: Friday, February 13, 2009 GMT Views: 1123
Favorited:8
Registered: August 9, 2005 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 16812
Sun, Feb 15, 2009 @ 11:47 AM
A wonderful story Cindy, your dad will be thrilled with this card and it's special meaning.
------------------------------ Jerri Kay My Gallery My Blog - A Touch of Grace Shout to the Lord, all the earth let us sing, power and majesty, praise to the King!
Registered: November 3, 2007 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 10333
Sun, Feb 15, 2009 @ 2:16 PM
What a beauty! Sniff, well well, you get to the dozen and remove the butts?! Hope that doesn't last for long, hee! No, just kidding Ms. Cindy, this is realllllly amazingly done!
Registered: May 29, 2005 Location: Dewey, OK Posts: 8868
Sun, Feb 15, 2009 @ 4:07 PM
This is an awesome card. I love the portrait of your Dad. I love Wild Wild West and hope and pray you get your wish and SU offers it again. I think your western cards are wonderful.
------------------------------ Linda
Lindas Stamping Blog Corrosive Challenge Blog DT The Outlawz Alccohol Marker Challenge DT Fan Club Member
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni Stamp Like You Mean It
Registered: March 24, 2006 Location: Posts: 38589
Sun, Feb 15, 2009 @ 5:21 PM
Cindy, this is so special! I love the 'deals' in the West. My grandparents were from Albequerque, and I remember shopping in old towne, with the wares spread out on blankets and mariachi's playing thru the square. Your card is beautiful and brought back beautiful memories for me.
------------------------------ Pat Smethers "The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun scorched land and strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden." Isaiah 58:11
Registered: August 12, 2008 Location: Midwest Posts: 189
Sun, Feb 15, 2009 @ 6:40 PM
That is such a cool story! Thanks for sharing it!! Your card is beautiful and it is a great tribute to your dad! I know he must be so proud! The original painting is stunning!
Registered: July 11, 2004 Location: In my own little world Posts: 30477
Sun, Feb 15, 2009 @ 10:54 PM
Cindy, reading all your stories is making me teary eyed. What special memories you have! And I must say, living in Texas I've seen a LOT of cows, but this is the first time ever that I've seen butt-less cows. SNORT!