And the cow art gift certificate winner is....

Congratulations to Colleen Newvine (@NewvineGrowing) for being the lucky winner of the drawing for the $50 gift certificate for participating in our customer satisfaction survey. She can spend it any way she likes, which we hope will come in handy with the holidays on the way.

In case you're curious as to how her name was picked (and want to see the video debut of the official studio cat), you're invited to watch the selection video:

Artist Paula Jones - Painting advice

What advice to you have for aspiring artists?

Always believe in yourself. Always. Practice - miles and miles of canvas. Believe in yourself. Have I said that? Believe ....and know.

Picture credit: "Sweet Caroline"

Click here to learn more about this Hereford cow oil painting

Artist Paula Jones - future plans

What would you like to do more of in the future?

Creating.....and selling! LOL!! Actually, I love everything that I do., I am fortunate that I also have started doing abstract work, and the variety keeps me very content.

Picture credit: "Road Warrior II"

Click here to learn more about this Hereford cattle oil painting

Painter Paula Jones - painting Hereford cattle

How did you get interested in creating art of farm animals?

I spent so many wonderful summers at my grandparents farm in central Kansas....it was the happiest time of my childhood. I love farms, I love farm animals..... It, was a no-brainer!

Painter Paula Jones - Where did you learn your technique?

Where did you learn your technique?

My friend urged me to study with people whose art I respected - hmmm.... I knew so little about art, that I didn’t even know who I respected. So, I started devouring books. Turns out I loved Russian Impressionism. And that was where I started.

One artist in particular - Sergei Bongart - caught my eye. I loved his boldness, his color, his brushwork. And so I sought out his students - Louise Demore, Don Sahli and Guido Frick. I would drive from the middle of Kansas to Evergreen, Colorado to study with Don Sahli once a week in the middle of the winter. My thirst for knowledge about art and the process was unquenchable. I found Guido Frick, probably the most influential teachers I had. He had a freedom about his work that I couldn’t get enough of. Over the next two years I studied with him for a total of about 3 months, both in workshops and in private lessons.

Picture credit: "Kansas Rushmore", oil on canvas

Click here to learn more about this Hereford cattle painting

Painter Paula Jones - Where do you get your inspiration?

Where do you get your inspiration?

I get my inspiration from everything - a color, a feeling, a smell, a memory.... It comes from everything, and anything.

Picture credit: "Gorgeous", oil on canvas

Click here to learn more about this Hereford cow painting

Painter Paula Jones - What is your technique?

What is your technique?

I start with a sketch where my former, interior design sense turns the canvass into a room I’m composing. I take time to mentally choose the colors, knowing when I start it’s going to be physically intense as I cover even a large canvass in fifteen minutes, take a short break, then start scooping thick chunks paint–oil or acrylic-onto my brush, pushing, pulling, sculpting to give shape and dimension as I create something out of nothing, as I breath the life force into being.

Picture credit: "Generations", oil on canvas

Click here to learn more about this Hereford cattle painting

March's featured artist, painter Paula Jones

Join us for the month of March as we introduce you to New Mexico oil painter, Paula Jones. I tried so hard not to be an artist. "I spent the first part of adulthood as that stereotypical, Midwestern mother and housewife assisting her husband’s career and raising children. Once my passion for creating works of art was ignited by a close friend, my entire life, as I knew it, completely changed." Paula's love for painting Hereford cattle reverts back her childhood and being around them on her grandparent's ranch. Enjoy a series of questions and answer sessions this month on the Cow Art and More blog as a way to get to know Paula and her work. View her portfolio of work in the Cow Art and More specials section. Purchase any of Paula's paintings this month and receive free shipping.

Photo credit: Paula Jones at the easel in her New Mexico art studio.

Airbrush painter Jerry Gadamus

June 2009's featured artist was airbrush painter, Jerry Gadamus. Jerry has been painting for over thirty years and loves capturing farm animals and wildlife in their natural environments. Jerry uses his airbrush completely "freehanded"; he uses no stencils or brushes to complete his work.

Why do you paint?

I enjoy it and find I need to do it to maintain sanity.

How did you get started?

I was 10 or 11 years old and painting on a piece of plywood. I didn’t have brushes so I used a 16 penny nail instead. The painting had a religious theme and it hung over my mom’s washing machine.

How do you decide what to paint?

Sometimes I paint what I want and sometimes it’s something the public or publisher wants. I don’t’ do commission work. Sometimes if I’ve had an experience lately with something or even if it’s been 30 years, but it’s been on my mind, I‘ll do it.

What is your technique?

I use freehand airbrush. The way I do it compared with other people is that others combine it with a hand brush. I use the airbrush freehand. I don’t use any masking, taping or hand brushing. Everything is freehand. Hard brushes or stencils can give a hard edge. I’m only a ¼ inch away from the board at all times with my airbrush. Everything you see on that painting is airbrushed.

Where did you learn your technique?

I was in the service for 3 years on the GI bill. When I got back, I went to college for fine arts. My roommate asked me if I wanted an airbrush to try while he was going to get one for himself. Most people my age can remember “Vargas”, and airbrush artist who always did work with a nice gradation of color. I started using an airbrush in 1969. I began with a combination of airbrush and hand brush and practiced to be all airbrush. The company I purchased my airbrush from commissioned me back in the 1970’s to do a piece for them. This was only the second time they had commissioned a piece. The first time was from Vargas himself!

How long does it take to get a painting done?

As little as 2 weeks for the more popular sizes (10” x 24”) and the major pieces (24” x 36”) take 2 months.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Nature! At one time I wanted to be involved with natural resources, but it involved too much math. Being an artist was my second choice. I’m outside with nature all the time.

How did you get started with the cow pieces?

My in laws, Margaret and Arnold, are dairy farmers. With my first cow piece I did, I always included the poem:

Margaret and Arnold are my in-laws you see

They own a dairy farm south of me

Where time is measured by what’s left to do

To provide a bounty for me and you

Do you ever make goof ups or work you don’t like?

It’s an ongoing thing! You’ll always struggle with composition. I used to finish a part before I moved to the next part. I’ve found that if you finish one part and move on to the next, it’s harder to change the entire image. I now work on the whole painting at the same time. I don’t finish anything until I know I like what I see. My wife is a big part in what I do. I’ll call her in to get her opinion. If she gives me the same idea that I’m thinking is a problem, then I usually know I have to change it. I’ll say that too for anyone looking at art. Somebody may not be able to paint something, but they can tell you when something is wrong.

What else do you do besides painting?

That seems to be about it

What would you like to do more of in the future?

I would like to do more bronzes. Being in the upper Midwest, there’s not much of a market for them. It’s a nice escape from the painting end.

Is there anything else about your art you want people to know?

Some colleges and high schools are now teaching airbrush. You can’t teach it per se, but you have to get used to it. Practice! I suggest watercolors first. You can take a dab of paint and put it on a palette and it comes to life even after it dries out. It’s a great way to start without the frustration of the airbrush clogging.

What advice would you give aspiring painters?

Take classes in school in disciplines you may not like or are interested in. It allows you to experience things in school instead of having to buy a bunch of equipment later. I took my 4 to 5 years of college like most normal people, but a friend and I would continue to take 1 credit classes to be able to use the facilities. We were there in the evening enjoying it. I learned you’ll never make a living at it if you don’t enjoy it. Even if you’re good at it, but consider it a job, you’ll never make a living at it.

Cow Art and More December shopping specials

Normally, we feature a different artist and their work monthly. For December, we will be reviewing some of the past question and answer sessions from our previously featured artists. In the meantime, enjoy the following specials for the month. No promotional codes necessary!

* Free polishing cloth on any jewelry purchase of $50 or more
* Free shipping on all Carolyn Molder art
* Free shipping AND 10 percent off all Robin Maria Pedrero art
* Buy one Donna Greenstein print, get the second one half off; (You will need to check out with the prints at full price. The 50 percent off difference will be refunded once your order is reviewed. If you have any concerns about purchasing the prints this way, you are encouraged to call us to place your order.)

You have 3 ways to place your order:

• Shop 24/7 at www.cowartandmore.com
• Use our fax order form and fax it to 800-779-1129.
• Call us at 888-613-6019 to place an order. We are open 8 AM to 9 PM ET through December 21.

Have questions about special orders, coupons, or shipping costs? Call us!

P.S. If you're looking for extra special holiday deals, be sure to sign up for our mailing list and check the HOLIDAY SPECIALS box.

Monday's agriculture website: North American International Livestock Exposition

Monday's agriculture themed website to share with readers is for the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE). The event goes on every fall in November and is currently running through November 19. Louisville, Kentucky, is the home for the NAILE, which is the world's largest all-breed, purebred livestock exposition. Ten different species of livestock compete in the exposition, and the purebred beef and sheep events are the largest in the world. It is also the site of the National Jersey dairy cattle show. Accompanying the event, the North American Quarter Horse Show is among the top five shows in the nation and the North American Championship Rodeo features the invitational finals for the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).

Art that's good enough to eat

Need a unique and interesting way to promote your event? Cow Art and More is excited to announce that artists Amanda Raithel and Robin Maria Pedrero have their cow art available on candy bar wrappers. Personalize the wrappers with your organization or event's details. These are also good for groups looking to sell them as a fundraiser. It's the perfect memento!

Each Hershey's chocolate candy bar is carefully wrapped with a foil wrapper, then the cow art wrapper. The last step is to package each in a cellophane overwrap (not shown). The candy bars are carefully shipped with an ice pack to prevent melting in transit. Prices start at $2.35 each for a minimum order of 10 bars. (Shipping is additional.) Price breaks are available for quantity purchases.

Due to the delicate nature of packaging and shipping these cow art novelties, orders are only taken by speaking to someone at the Cow Art and More office. Please allow 10 business days for delivery.

A conversation with Shannon Grissom: Part 11

What advice to you have for aspiring painters?

I think it was Julia Cameron who said it best.."Dreams don't die, people do." It's so important to make time to go for it. Don't let life get in they way. My creative time is sacred.

Picture credit: "Happy Cows ver. 1"

Click here to see this image on a ceramic mug, greeting cards, or porcelain ornament

A conversation with Shannon Grissom: Part 10

Do you ever have goof ups or work you don’t like?

I'm laughing... I sure do. Sometimes I paint over them and sometimes they go in the John Smith collection. (Our local landfill.)

Photo credit: "Marie", oil on canvas

Click here to learn more about this beef cattle oil painting

A conversation with Carla Christina Contreras: Part 6

How do you decide what to photograph?

Colors are like candy to me! Anything that catch’s my attention – something usually very colorful – I photographed a group of gumball machines recently – the color was magnificent!

Picture credit: "Just Chillin' with the Girls"

Click here to learn more about this cattle photograph

A conversation with Amanda Raithel: Part 3

What is your technique?

I use prismacolor colored pencils and graphite to created multi-layered pieces. The element of value, which is the difference between light and dark or shading, is what makes my artwork interesting. I use many, many shades of light and dark to make my drawings come alive.

Picture credit: "The Color of Money"

Go to Cow Art and More to learn more about this original cattle pencil drawing

A conversation with Julia Swartz: Part 10

What advice to you have for aspiring painters?

Don't worry about your style. I hear young artist say I've got to find my style. I would recommend that you just keep painting and painting and try different things and eventually your style will emerge. Never throw a painting away. As an artist you tend to be very critical of your own work. You may not like something very much when your done, but just put it in a drawer or put it away somewhere. Months or years later you may get it out and say "Oh, that's not so bad." I really treasure some of my first paintings and am glad I never threw them out.

Picture credit: "Moo Cow", oil on canvas

Click here to learn more about this cow art oil painting

New art from Julia Swartz

Oil and watercolor painter Julia Swartz has had a busy time in the studio this summer! She has created two new paintings for Cow Art and More. Both are available as canvas giclees in several sizes or as the originals. Go to the Cow Art and More new products page for more information.

Picture credit: "Moo Cow", oil on canvas

Go to Cow Art and More to read more about this cow oil painting

New artist on the website

Cow Art and More is excited to welcome Amanda Raithel and her pencil drawings to the site. Amanda has a bachelor of fine arts degree from the University of Missouri - Columbia, but now calls Nebraska home. Amanda, along with her husband and daughter, live on a registered Angus farm. She takes great joy in her active role on the farm while maintaining her art portfolio.

Picture credit: "Brothers", pencil drawing
Click here to see more information about this piece

We want to hear from you

I'm always on the prowl for new and exciting art to add to the website. What would the fans and customers like to see? Different media? A particular breed of cattle? Leave us a comment!