I'm glad you decided to tackle this one, Kim. I think it will end up as a good career move.

Jean

You're fast! It's good!

I also like the color harmony and attitude on this one. How did you like working on the panel?

Then I will meet you in jail. Is there any other way to dress in public?

Congratulations on a successful portrait. Kim, with your talent and drive, you don't need the TV. Word of mouth will soon spread, if it hasn't already. I keep myself busy, but I get exhausted just trying to follow your progress.

I am happy for you and wish you continued success.

Arresting!
 

Dear Kim,

What an arresting and fresh portrait! This one stops me in my tracks. The atmosphere you've created has more to it than an image that grabs for attention. I can sense the morning breeze, spring scents, coffee aroma wafting out a nearby window, omnipresent perfume, her projecting attitude, piercing gaze, and the busy activity of birds nesting in the eves above. Quite a multisensory documentary you've painted!

Garth

Jean and Janel - thank you, I appreciate it. :) I agree Janel - there is no better way to dress. Who has time to shop anyway? I only like shopping for outfits for my models!

Jean, I sincerely hope you are right and I all of a sudden get 12 commissions... ;)

Linda - I loved the panel! I will seal it (per Max's instructions based on what I like) with Tita. white and some turps first next time though to cut down on the sucking-in. Sometimes I get an area (very seldom) right the first time - so I'd like to able to leave those parts alone, but I cant get it right at first if the brush wont move well.

Garth - wow - I do like the way you write! I want you to write a blurb for my website! Thank you for the kind compliments!

Thank you!

Left the Northeast behind?! No way - I'll always be a Yankee thank you very much. Don't let the hat fool you missy. Seriously - doing the southwest style thing has got to help considering this is where I live. And because it isnt a natural clothing or taste style for me - it is actually kind of a kick to paint! It feels like I am painting costumes.

I'm thinking I'm going to make a canvas print of this one to keep as a sample maybe.

I wont get paid until I deliver it Saturday, but I dont anticipate any problems. But - HEY - thanks for putting that thought in my head! ;)

Congratulations, Kim! I, too, love the strong Southwest feel of this piece.

Kim,

This is great from every angle. I predict big things will come from this.

I'm curious about the star on her necklace. Is that an official emblem for a Ranger's wife, or is this something she had made. I recall the Ranger's slogan goes something like "One riot, one Ranger."

Is the Ranger tradition still going on? Are they still producing Texas Rangers? If so what is their mission?

Mike - Yes - I think that slogan is in his book. The star is fashioned after the Ranger's stars, but it isnt official. A friend of theirs had it made for her right before his book came out. It is hard to see, but it had a big 'ol diamond in the middle. The official stars don't come with those. ;)

Oh yes - the Rangers are alive and well! What a long history and tradition they have. I've learned more about them because I met Elmer Kelton here recently - he is a very celebrated western writer and several of his books I read were about the origins of the Rangers. Let me just state for the record that I never read a western before, my tastes run more towards the scifi genre if I'm just reading for entertainment. These were terrifically entertaining and from what I hear - historically accurate.

The Rangers (and you may already know this) started out as virtually unpaid preotectors of the settlers of Texas. Against indians and outlaws. There werent many laws back then - so they did what was 'right and just' is how I think it is usually described. They are still - at least I have this impression - quite a bunch of lawmen who are more concerned with what is commonly considered right vs. individual criminals' rights. I believe as the law goes they are akin with Border Patrol - who are now part of Homeland Security - and whom have more powers than regular state police or sheriff's.

I've always been confused by the set-up. Where I am from there are local police and state. Here - there are police, sheriff's and Rangers, highway patrol, etc. After reading Joaquins book I believe the Ranger's role is to cover the more wilder parts of this huge state. They appear to have detective roles more than anything else. No speeding tickets - mostly investigative work like murders, fugitives, cattle rustling, etc.. (yes, there are still cattle thieves here!) They have jurisdiction everywhere and work in conjunction with the local authorities. They still will be having manhunts in the desert or mountains and find it necessary to sleep on their bedroll. They still use horses in places vehicles cant go. They have less procedures because of more power - so the sheriff's and police love to have their help from what I understand.

I know awhile back they started incorporating women into the Ranger's. There was a huge uprising from the men - not because they were women, but because of political correctness and needing to get women in there - they recruited 2 ladies who's only experience was working in the Department of Motor Vehicles giving out licenses.
They are fully computerized now with laptops in their vehicles right beside all the guns.

I wish I knew more - and will read as I can. It's a fascinating history for sure! There are so many parts of this state that are still so wild - therefore at times you can almost think you stepped back in time. I dont know many official Texas laws, but there seems to be more leeway out here for the lawmen to do what is necessary. The Rangers also seem to be a group that has proven over the years to have very very little corruption. These are very proud and tough guys.

Ok - I'll stop now. Wow - maybe I have gone native. :)

Hi Kim,

I just wanted to congratulate you on this wonderful portrait. I watched it unfold on your website and here on the forum and really learned a lot from watching you do it. I hope this brings you much success.

Congratulations,

Julie
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