One Ranger's Wife
 

It's done! It's done!

Did I mention it is done?

30x20 oil on realgesso panel.

This is Shirley Jackson, and the title I refer to there is what is inscribed around the Ranger's star on her necklace. Her husband, Joquin just came out with his book entitled "One Ranger" and I can honestly say it is fabulous - real old west hero-stuff in modern times. I know it's on Amazon and they will have a website soon also.

The photos have some glare, and I don't have the contrast exact, but it's close.

Kim, this turned out beautifully! Congratulations on getting it done (and in time for tv?)!!

Thanks Terri! I dont know - they are interviewing him (not her) for his book, so even if it gets in a shot it is not as if my name would be mentioned. The likelihood of my signature showing is about zero-percent. I'm just not sure it is worth putting it over there wet. If I wait and deliver it Saturday his sister will be there - who he says might be interested in a portrait ...so that may actually translate into something worthwhile...

Kim,

This one really makes me smile. It's such an unusually cool pose and composition. I like the delightfully warm palette you chose. It really has that "southwestern" feel to it. The masonry work in that arched walkway is tastefully rendered. The play of light is excellent.

This interesting and lovely woman appears to be an individual anyone would like to just sit and have a cool beverage with outside under an umbrella discussing any and everything. :sunnysmil


~Geary

Kim, you rock. The way you handled the face in shadow gets :thumbsup: :thumbsup: Good luck with getting it shown on TV. Let us know what happens.

Many congratulations, Kimberly! It's no wonder the clients are crazy about this- it turned out fantastic :D !

Only problem is I can't seem to get the Kimberly Dow Channel on my cable subscription. ;)

Geary, Jimmie & Rob -

Thank you very much. You all are making me feel real good today. :)

Rob, if I'm ever on cable it would be one those cop shows - trying to arrest me for wearing my painting overalls in public. ;)

Kimberly,

I don't know what finishing touches you did, but this really has come to life! Beautiful!!

Hi Kim,
You do what many of us dream about doing. It is really inspiring to read about your projects.

You have a way with people and brushes that I admire.

This painting is very successfully, I think. You made the best possible of it and you deserve all the luck that it will bring.

Congratulations. :thumbsup:

Allan

Thank you David & Allen :)

I didn't do much, but what I did do during our life session really did seem to help. She got a cooler glaze on her face and in parts of the background. I had it all too warm from the photos. Her hair and scarf really changed/softened once I could look at it right in front of me - and the buttons on her pants were toned down - which helped to not draw the eye right to that area.

I'll tell you - I could have spent 3 days re-doing it from life. This was really an eye opener concerning the limitations of photos. I thought my references were great - and in a lot of ways they were, but color wasnt one of them. I had to make a call - do I re-do the whole thing to paint how it looked differently from life - or do I try and get a combination of the two. Of course - the client and her husband were right there and loved it as it was, so I chose to try and combine.

I really think I'm going to have to spend more time working from life. Im pleased with how this one came out, but ...it could be better.

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
________
MARIJUANA STRAIN INDEX

Thank you Julie - I appreciate it!

For anyone who might be interested, my client and her husband have a new website for their book. She is talking me up all over and already has me talking seriously with one of her friends about a portrait - so I want to help them as well. :)

The link to their site is: www.oneranger.net

Kimberly - thanks for the history lesson on the Rangers...how interesting. And the painting is just super!

Thanks Patti!

Someone actually read all that? cool. ;)