mshDigitalArt | Texas & Western Fine Art prints | Bandera Texas
Photo of The Week - Jan 1, 2012
Sienna, Italy.
Took this shot summer of 2010 while visiting the oldest daughter and touring France and northern Italy. The architecture of these old buildings is spectacular. I miss the laid back life style but not their budget issues...:))
Took this shot summer of 2010 while visiting the oldest daughter and touring France and northern Italy. The architecture of these old buildings is spectacular. I miss the laid back life style but not their budget issues...:))
Photo of The Week - Dec 25, 2011
Near Johnson City, Texas.
It's Christmas and we know how to light it up here in Texas!
It's Christmas and we know how to light it up here in Texas!
Photo of The Week - Dec 18, 2011
Willow City Loop, near Bandera.
We're getting lots of Fall rain. If this keeps up and we get a little Spring rain we should have a great crop of Wildflowers in 2012.
We're getting lots of Fall rain. If this keeps up and we get a little Spring rain we should have a great crop of Wildflowers in 2012.
Photo of The Week - Dec 11, 2011
Downtown Bandera
I call this shot "Horses and Hogs". When you visit Bandera you will see lots of both these critters!
BTW, 11th Street Bar is great, family friendly, entertainment. Lots of live music, ice cold drinks and food. Wednesday's are especially fun, they light up numerous large grills, you bring your meat and cook it while buying their side dishes. Then, sit back and enjoy the live music with a cold one!
I call this shot "Horses and Hogs". When you visit Bandera you will see lots of both these critters!
BTW, 11th Street Bar is great, family friendly, entertainment. Lots of live music, ice cold drinks and food. Wednesday's are especially fun, they light up numerous large grills, you bring your meat and cook it while buying their side dishes. Then, sit back and enjoy the live music with a cold one!
Photo of The Week - Dec 4, 2011
Downtown Bandera.
This is Paul, or as I call him "Young Gun". He is a member of the official Bandera Gunfighters. These guys are a lot of fun to watch and you can catch their free shows on most Saturdays at 1:00 pm and 3:00pm. They work for tips so help us keep 'em here in the heart of the Texas Hill Country!
This is Paul, or as I call him "Young Gun". He is a member of the official Bandera Gunfighters. These guys are a lot of fun to watch and you can catch their free shows on most Saturdays at 1:00 pm and 3:00pm. They work for tips so help us keep 'em here in the heart of the Texas Hill Country!
Photo of The Week - Nov 27, 2011
Well, I see lots of deer activity...the bucks are trying very hard to make lots of little babies for next year! This little fella was born within 50 yards of our house last Spring. After capturing a few shots, I was able to pet him for a few minutes before he got up and ambled off on his wobbly little legs. It was very cute!
Photo of The Week - Nov 20, 2011
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Despite the horrible drought and lack of really cold days, we got a spectacular show this year! If you haven't been to Lost Maples you own yourself a trip to this beautiful area in the Texas Hill Country.
Despite the horrible drought and lack of really cold days, we got a spectacular show this year! If you haven't been to Lost Maples you own yourself a trip to this beautiful area in the Texas Hill Country.
Photo of The Week - Nov 13, 2011
September 2011 - Arcadia, Indiana
It was a cool, blustery day last October when I was searching for a shot of my niece' barn depicting the farming country and vastness of the area. Fields of corn and soy beans seemed to ramble on forever...
I hope you like it Amy and Matt.
It was a cool, blustery day last October when I was searching for a shot of my niece' barn depicting the farming country and vastness of the area. Fields of corn and soy beans seemed to ramble on forever...
I hope you like it Amy and Matt.
Photo of The Week - Nov 6, 2011
October 2011, Corolla, North Carolina
We spent a wonderful week plus visiting our son and daughter in law in Virgina last month. While on a jeep tour of the sand dunes in Corolla we came across many wild mustangs. This is one of my favorite shots.
We spent a wonderful week plus visiting our son and daughter in law in Virgina last month. While on a jeep tour of the sand dunes in Corolla we came across many wild mustangs. This is one of my favorite shots.
Photo of The Week - Oct 30, 2011
Summer of 2009, Yellowstone National Park
Spent the summer visiting 7 different national parks. It was a great year! Yellowstone is my favorite park, it combines so many aspects of a top notch park; close-ups with the animals, mountains, valleys, great camping, four seasons, etc. The list could go on and on...
Spent the summer visiting 7 different national parks. It was a great year! Yellowstone is my favorite park, it combines so many aspects of a top notch park; close-ups with the animals, mountains, valleys, great camping, four seasons, etc. The list could go on and on...
Photo of The Week - September 4, 2011
Labor Day Weekend, Bandera, Texas
If you are one of the "unlucky" ones who hasn't heard, Bandera puts on a BIG party called "Celebrate Bandera" every Labor Day Weekend. On Saturday morning a large parade is kicked off by driving a heard of longhorns down Main Street. This shot was taken in front of the courthouse as you can see...
During the weekend you can see rodeos, bull riding events, Indian Powwow's, Wild West Show, Mounted Shooting competitions, Art & Crafts Show, live music and more! Make your plans for 2012!
If you are one of the "unlucky" ones who hasn't heard, Bandera puts on a BIG party called "Celebrate Bandera" every Labor Day Weekend. On Saturday morning a large parade is kicked off by driving a heard of longhorns down Main Street. This shot was taken in front of the courthouse as you can see...
During the weekend you can see rodeos, bull riding events, Indian Powwow's, Wild West Show, Mounted Shooting competitions, Art & Crafts Show, live music and more! Make your plans for 2012!
Photo of The Week - August 28, 2011
Main Street, Bandera, Texas
Bandera is a scaled down, westernized version of Austin, Texas. Seems we have quite a few live music venues every week. In better weather, you are likely to see wandering musicians sitting just about anywhere. I cheated a bit on the date here as I got this shot in early September.
Bandera is a scaled down, westernized version of Austin, Texas. Seems we have quite a few live music venues every week. In better weather, you are likely to see wandering musicians sitting just about anywhere. I cheated a bit on the date here as I got this shot in early September.
Photo of The Week - August 21, 2011
Near Johnson City, Texas
We were on a short trip to visit the Benini Studio & Sculpture Ranch and took a few "side roads" looking for interesting shots. Well, this being Texas, we ran across a field of longhorns ambling across the road as we approached. These guys were definitely fat and content and took their time crossing the road. So I jumped out and began shooting. I liked this shot so voila, there you have it!
We were on a short trip to visit the Benini Studio & Sculpture Ranch and took a few "side roads" looking for interesting shots. Well, this being Texas, we ran across a field of longhorns ambling across the road as we approached. These guys were definitely fat and content and took their time crossing the road. So I jumped out and began shooting. I liked this shot so voila, there you have it!
Photo of The Week - August 14, 2011
Just having some fun!
So hot and dry here and I'm wishing for these clouds we had back in the summer of 2010...it's almost been that long since we've had any decent precipitation!!!
So hot and dry here and I'm wishing for these clouds we had back in the summer of 2010...it's almost been that long since we've had any decent precipitation!!!
Photo of The Week - August 7, 2011
Yellowstone National Park
This was shot in August of 2008 and I'm wishing I was back in the park. It's a lot cooler there in August. I look at the weather forecast for Bandera and it's all triple digits for the next 5 days...
Printed this for the gallery and it looks really nice.
This was shot in August of 2008 and I'm wishing I was back in the park. It's a lot cooler there in August. I look at the weather forecast for Bandera and it's all triple digits for the next 5 days...
Printed this for the gallery and it looks really nice.
Photo of The Week - July 31, 2011
Big Bend National Park
Such a colorful little guy...what more can I say?
Photo of The Week - July 24, 2011
Bandera, Texas
We had our "Day of the Cowboy" celebrations here in Bandera last weekend so this seems appropriate.
If you haven't seen the re-enactments done by the Bandera Cattle Company you should visit almost any Saturday and you you are likely to catch a free performance. They work for tips so be generous...
This was taken during a re-creation of the "gunfight at O.K. Corral." The lines and action are all historically accurate. Be sure to see these guys on Saturdays and especially during the big Labor Day celebrations!
We had our "Day of the Cowboy" celebrations here in Bandera last weekend so this seems appropriate.
If you haven't seen the re-enactments done by the Bandera Cattle Company you should visit almost any Saturday and you you are likely to catch a free performance. They work for tips so be generous...
This was taken during a re-creation of the "gunfight at O.K. Corral." The lines and action are all historically accurate. Be sure to see these guys on Saturdays and especially during the big Labor Day celebrations!
Photo of The Week - July 17, 2011
Wasatch Mountains in Utah
Near Park City taken in December 2010 while visiting our son and daughter in law.
Continuing with the cooler, wetter weather fantasies...can you tell we are getting tired of the dry, hot summer here in Bandera!
Near Park City taken in December 2010 while visiting our son and daughter in law.
Continuing with the cooler, wetter weather fantasies...can you tell we are getting tired of the dry, hot summer here in Bandera!
Photo of The Week - July 10, 2011
Panguitch Lake in Utah
Dreaming of cooler wetter weather!!
It was a great summer day in July of 2008. At a cool elevation of 8400 ft. and beautiful Utah weather!
Back to Texas and wishing we had a little cooler weather and some RAIN!
Dreaming of cooler wetter weather!!
It was a great summer day in July of 2008. At a cool elevation of 8400 ft. and beautiful Utah weather!
Back to Texas and wishing we had a little cooler weather and some RAIN!
Photo of The Week - July 3, 2011
The "Window"
This was shot in October of 2007 while on a photography field trip. Big Bend National Park is the most underutilized national park in the country. It's location makes it difficult to get to but the trip is worthwhile. Texas has it all, beaches, piney forests, deserts, hill country and mountains!
This was shot in October of 2007 while on a photography field trip. Big Bend National Park is the most underutilized national park in the country. It's location makes it difficult to get to but the trip is worthwhile. Texas has it all, beaches, piney forests, deserts, hill country and mountains!
Photo of The Week - June 26, 2011
Mounted Shooting competition.
In Bandera you can enjoy rodeos, dude ranches, small town parades, fantastic live music and more. One of my favorite events is the mounted shooting competition. Folks dress up in authentic period outfits and ride like the wind while shooting targets.
I love the action in this shot. It was about an hour before sunset so the lighting was good and smoke hung in the air making for a very captivating picture.
In Bandera you can enjoy rodeos, dude ranches, small town parades, fantastic live music and more. One of my favorite events is the mounted shooting competition. Folks dress up in authentic period outfits and ride like the wind while shooting targets.
I love the action in this shot. It was about an hour before sunset so the lighting was good and smoke hung in the air making for a very captivating picture.
Photo of The Week - June 19, 2011
Medina River, downtown Bandera.
The ducks are happy, the water is clear and the trees turn reddish brown in the Fall...a small town with a nice park on the river. There are still rope swings that have been used by generations of Banderans to be enjoyed by all!
The ducks are happy, the water is clear and the trees turn reddish brown in the Fall...a small town with a nice park on the river. There are still rope swings that have been used by generations of Banderans to be enjoyed by all!
Photo of The Week - June 12, 2011
Ahhh, Tuscany!
Remembering last summer in Tuscany, it reminds me so much of the Texas Hill Country. This was a small building at the entrance to the house we rented. It was absolutely beautiful with a small stream winding through the property next to the house, lots of trees, good food, good wine, ...well, you get the idea.
It's so hot and dry here in Bandera this year, I'm wishing I was back in Tuscany...
Remembering last summer in Tuscany, it reminds me so much of the Texas Hill Country. This was a small building at the entrance to the house we rented. It was absolutely beautiful with a small stream winding through the property next to the house, lots of trees, good food, good wine, ...well, you get the idea.
It's so hot and dry here in Bandera this year, I'm wishing I was back in Tuscany...
Photo of The Week - June 5, 2011
Bandera Overlook
Summer is here, well at least the summer temperatures, so I thought it was a good time to put up a shot of Bandera. The tall building just to the right of the watertower is the county courthouse. This shot was taken winter of 2009/2010.
If you love dude ranches, quaint little towns, small personable water parks and everything western, you need to visit Bandera!
Summer is here, well at least the summer temperatures, so I thought it was a good time to put up a shot of Bandera. The tall building just to the right of the watertower is the county courthouse. This shot was taken winter of 2009/2010.
If you love dude ranches, quaint little towns, small personable water parks and everything western, you need to visit Bandera!
Photo of The Week - May 29, 2011
Normandy Region of France
This shot seems appropriate for the upcoming Memorial Day holiday. Last summer we spent a week in this part of France while visiting our oldest daughter. Seeing the American graveyard evoked many different emotions. Our family has many connections with the military and we greatly appreciate all that they and so many others have done to preserve our freedom - we salute them...
This shot seems appropriate for the upcoming Memorial Day holiday. Last summer we spent a week in this part of France while visiting our oldest daughter. Seeing the American graveyard evoked many different emotions. Our family has many connections with the military and we greatly appreciate all that they and so many others have done to preserve our freedom - we salute them...
Photo of The Week - May 22, 2011
Rodeo Season Begins
Well, summer is almost here although the temperatures arrived much earlier this year! This means it's the start of many different rodeos in the Bandera area. This particular shot was taken last year at the Utopia rodeo.
The PRCA is having their Memorial Day event here in Bandera at Mansfield Park Friday through Sunday. Get ready for some great entertainment and serious competition!
Well, summer is almost here although the temperatures arrived much earlier this year! This means it's the start of many different rodeos in the Bandera area. This particular shot was taken last year at the Utopia rodeo.
The PRCA is having their Memorial Day event here in Bandera at Mansfield Park Friday through Sunday. Get ready for some great entertainment and serious competition!
Photo of The Week - May 15, 2011
Reflections and More
The creative juices were flowing in preparation for a July 2011 show at he Kerville Arts & Cultural Center, KACC in downtown Kerrville. My work will be showing in the Derby Gallery, one of four galleries within the KACC during the month of July.
Can you tell what this is? One thing I like about this type of picture is that it takes some time to determine exactly what it is and then one is not often sure of their deduction. Of course, I had to make it a little more "painterly" to emphasize the play of colors and textures.
Okay, here's a hint, can you see the fish in the lower right quadrant? It's a large pond on a golf course. The grass is growing out of the water on the lower left side and the sky with beautiful clouds is refflecting at the top of the print.
See this and many other new prints at the KACC this July, hope to see you there!
The creative juices were flowing in preparation for a July 2011 show at he Kerville Arts & Cultural Center, KACC in downtown Kerrville. My work will be showing in the Derby Gallery, one of four galleries within the KACC during the month of July.
Can you tell what this is? One thing I like about this type of picture is that it takes some time to determine exactly what it is and then one is not often sure of their deduction. Of course, I had to make it a little more "painterly" to emphasize the play of colors and textures.
Okay, here's a hint, can you see the fish in the lower right quadrant? It's a large pond on a golf course. The grass is growing out of the water on the lower left side and the sky with beautiful clouds is refflecting at the top of the print.
See this and many other new prints at the KACC this July, hope to see you there!
Photo of The Week - May 8, 2011
Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo
Known as the "Queen of the Missions", this is the largest of the missions and was almost fully restored to its original design in the 1930s by the WPA (Works Projects Administration). Spanish missions were not churches, but communities, with the church the focus. Mission San José shows the visitor how all the missions might have looked over 250 years ago.
There are a number of old Spanish missions in San Antonio. This shot was one of the doors within the San Jose Mission I just had to try to capture the beautiful textures and color...
Known as the "Queen of the Missions", this is the largest of the missions and was almost fully restored to its original design in the 1930s by the WPA (Works Projects Administration). Spanish missions were not churches, but communities, with the church the focus. Mission San José shows the visitor how all the missions might have looked over 250 years ago.
There are a number of old Spanish missions in San Antonio. This shot was one of the doors within the San Jose Mission I just had to try to capture the beautiful textures and color...
Photo of The Week - May 1, 2011
This was taken at Bandera's annual cattle drive through town during the Labor Day weekend in 2009. Recently, they have started the drive a few miles from the Hill Country State Natural Area on Hwy 1077 ending with the cattle marching down Main Street! Lots of activities during this weekend...
Did You Know?
that Texas longhorn cattle evolved from 3 breeds the Spanish imported to the Americas in the 17th and 18th centuries? They were the barrenda or piebald, the retinto, and ganado prieto. Modern longhorn have long legs and a narrow body - perfectly suited to travel long distances in dry, harsh country.
Did You Know?
that Texas longhorn cattle evolved from 3 breeds the Spanish imported to the Americas in the 17th and 18th centuries? They were the barrenda or piebald, the retinto, and ganado prieto. Modern longhorn have long legs and a narrow body - perfectly suited to travel long distances in dry, harsh country.
Photo of The Week - April 24, 2011
Tried a little light painting one weekend. And, as you can tell, this certainly wasn't 2011 - nary a bluebonnet to be found near San Antonio! I took out the detail and added a painterly look, not my usual style but it was fun.
This was a beautiful field of wildflowers planted by the neighbors in 2008. They had a thing for poppies and bluebonnets...
This was a beautiful field of wildflowers planted by the neighbors in 2008. They had a thing for poppies and bluebonnets...
Photo of The Week - April 17, 2011
Time for another Black & White shot! Well, time for another shot period...:-)
This was taken at Berry Springs Park north of Austin near Georgetown. The majestic old oaks are so beautiful...gotta love Texas!!!
This was taken at Berry Springs Park north of Austin near Georgetown. The majestic old oaks are so beautiful...gotta love Texas!!!
Photo of The Week - February 28, 2011
Nothing says Texas and Bandera like this truck! I took this shot during the recent Mardi Gras celebrations here in Bandera. We don't need much of an excuse for a party here and Mardi Gras was more than enough reason. The bloody mary's were flowing early and the parade at noon was typical of Bandera, lots of cowboys, cowgirls, horses, exotic animals and more. Then the BIG parties start with lots of live music at the many bars in town...you just have to be here to experience this one!
Photo of The Week - November 22, 2010
Lost Maples State Natural Area & Park.
One of the best, under-utilized parks in the Texas Hill Country. Lots of hiking, over 11 miles, with campsites and primitive camping areas. This is the only place in Texas, that I know of, with naturally occuring maple trees, specifically the Bigtooth Maples. You owe to yourself to see this one...
One of the best, under-utilized parks in the Texas Hill Country. Lots of hiking, over 11 miles, with campsites and primitive camping areas. This is the only place in Texas, that I know of, with naturally occuring maple trees, specifically the Bigtooth Maples. You owe to yourself to see this one...
Photo of The Week - October 3, 2010
Well, maybe I should call this "photo of the quarter"! In my defense, I have been quite busy opening the Bandera Art Gallery. Don't get me wrong, I am definitely not complaining, in fact, I am thoroughly enjoying myself. The gallery has exceeded all my expectations and I am finally getting a little more time to work on other projects such as my website.
This picture was shot late last year at the Bandera Riverfest, an excuse to party near the end of summer. It was a pleasant day with many of the usual Bandera characters out in force. This truck belonging to Mr. Jones, is just one of the many interesting vehicles you will see in Bandera. You just have to see and experience Bandera to fully appreciate it...
This picture was shot late last year at the Bandera Riverfest, an excuse to party near the end of summer. It was a pleasant day with many of the usual Bandera characters out in force. This truck belonging to Mr. Jones, is just one of the many interesting vehicles you will see in Bandera. You just have to see and experience Bandera to fully appreciate it...
Photo of The Week - July 25, 2010
Okay, staying with the cowboy theme, I like it! This is "Buffalo", one of our favorite reenacters here in Bandera. He is just one of a group of ten, or so reenacters that you can see, for FREE in Bandera on almost any summer weekend. Last weekend I saw, and photographed, their reenactment of the OK Corrall shootout. I thoroughly enjoyed the show and plan to see many more of their skits.
Since I am back in town after many weeks/months out of town and the country I hope to be updating the weekly photo again on a more regular basis. So, stay tuned and come back for more...
Since I am back in town after many weeks/months out of town and the country I hope to be updating the weekly photo again on a more regular basis. So, stay tuned and come back for more...
Photo of The Week - March 1, 2010
This is Walking Jon, one of our many cowbys here in Bandera. Got this shot at a fundraising event at Bandera City Park on the Medina river. A number of folks showed up to help as well as numerous western reenactors. There are quite a few very authentic looking characters here. A video is in the works (not by me) which will include most of these folks and the hope is to submit it to the Cannes Film Festival next year. Not sure how much money was raised but it is going to a good cause helping a gentleman to receive treatment for advanced stage prostate cancer.
After attending this event, I have decided to investigate the possibility of writing a small coffee table book. Perhaps pictures of some of the more interesting characters, and there are numerous, here in Bandera witha short bio describing how they arrived here,what they do and why they chose to remain here. Add notes on local businesses, events, things to do and voila, there's your book!
Wish me luck as this is probaby a much bigger undertaking than I am expecting...
After attending this event, I have decided to investigate the possibility of writing a small coffee table book. Perhaps pictures of some of the more interesting characters, and there are numerous, here in Bandera witha short bio describing how they arrived here,what they do and why they chose to remain here. Add notes on local businesses, events, things to do and voila, there's your book!
Wish me luck as this is probaby a much bigger undertaking than I am expecting...
Photo of The Week - Feb 15, 2010
This shot was taken at one of the monthly Market Day events in front of the Bandera County Courthouse in Bandera during the summer of 2009. On a semi-regular basis, members from a lakota sioux family, the Eaglehorse' can be seen dancing on the courthouse lawn. Come to Bandera and you may see any number of costumed characters in authentic regalia from mountain men, vaqueros, saloon girls, wranglers, indians, etc.
Photo of The Week - Feb 8, 2010
Bandera has it's own western themed Mardi Gras parade and celebration each February. I got many cool parade and party shots but absolutely loved the many colorful boots they sell in several of the local stores. Hope you enjoy these...
Photo of The Week - Feb 1, 2010
Lampasas Courthouse Stairway
My wife and I were traveling the Texas Hill Country looking for something of interest when we arrived in Lampasas. We couldn't resist visiting their courthouse, built in 1883 and the third oldest still functioning in Texas! They restored the courthouse in 2003 and it is a good example of "Italiante architecture" per their literature. It's a quaint little town that seems to be forming a small artist community and is an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.
Photo of The Week - Jan 25, 2010
Was reviewing shots I took at the 2009 Celebrate Bandera festivities and decided to work a few of the pictures. There was a fantastic cattle drive where I got a lot of shots of cowboys driving the longhorns. Hope you enjoy this one...
Photo of The Week - Jan. 18, 2010
Padre Island
It was another great winter day in South Texas on Padre Island! This was shot during a side trip from our home base near Harlingen while cruising in the RV last February. We were on a short fishing trip in the bay and after a few hours of fishing headed back to port when the seagulls started following us trying to take the bait off our fishing lines. I hope you enjoy the picture!
Photo of The Week
Each week I'll post a new photo and give a short description.
This weeks photo was taken January 2, 2010 at the second annual Bandera Cowgirl Show-deo. This event is a chance for all the Cowgirls to show off their riding skills, tell stories, display western art, wear their finest threads and more! This cowgirl's colorful leather jacket caught my eye.
As you probably know if you have explored my website, Bandera is known as the "Cowboy Cpital of The World". There are numerous western themed activities often several times a week! During the summer there are one or more rodeos weekly, western dress up day on Saturdays, indian powwows, western church services, parades and lots more.
This weeks photo was taken January 2, 2010 at the second annual Bandera Cowgirl Show-deo. This event is a chance for all the Cowgirls to show off their riding skills, tell stories, display western art, wear their finest threads and more! This cowgirl's colorful leather jacket caught my eye.
As you probably know if you have explored my website, Bandera is known as the "Cowboy Cpital of The World". There are numerous western themed activities often several times a week! During the summer there are one or more rodeos weekly, western dress up day on Saturdays, indian powwows, western church services, parades and lots more.
