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:

Robert Saueressig - Other interests

What else do you do besides your art?

Living in Madison, IN where the entire downtown (122 blocks!) is a National Historic Landmark District, inspired me to get involved in historic preservation projects. I also served on the city’s Historic District Board of Review.

Picture credit: "Two Angus Heifers", acrylic on burlap

Click here to learn more about this Angus cattle painting

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.

Meet rancher and beef cattle artist Amanda Raithel

Registered Angus farmer and fine arts graduate Amanda Raithel was the featured artist in November 2009 on Cow Art and More. Amanda farms with her husband and daughter on their Nebraska ranch. Amanda's artwork centers around the show cattle business she and her husband have dedicated their lives to.

Picture credit: Amanda exhibiting in the parent showmanship class at a local county fair.

Why do you draw?

In a nutshell, I draw because it presents a challenge to me. A new drawing is a chance for me to showcase the skills I have developed and uncover new ones that are emerging. Furthermore, I love to hear the emotional response that my drawings merit from my viewing public.

How do you decide what to paint or draw?

I like to choose subjects that make my viewer think, "Wow, I know exactly what she's talking about." Most of my work centers on universal feelings that are felt by cattle producers and performance horse people.

How long does it take you to create the average painting or drawing?

Depending upon the size, 5 to 15 hours.

How did you get started?

As with most artists, I had a great teacher. In secondary school, I learned I had the necessary eye and determination to make good artwork.

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.

Where did you learn your technique?

Like I spoke of earlier, I had a great teacher in High School. He taught me the fundamentals of drawing. Upon entering college at the University of Missouri, I honed my skills by practice.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I'm inspired the environment around me. I am completely surrounded by cattle and horses. They are what I know and what I love, they inspire me everyday.

What else do you do besides your art?

I work full time on a registered Angus farm called Herbster Angus Farms. My husband and I manage 200 momma cows. We also do a bit of team roping on the side when the cows are content.

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

I'd like to work on a bigger scale and do more horse pieces in the future.

What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

• Work hard and practice.
  
• Find a niche market.
  
• Don't give up when you are rejected; art is subjective, and a champion of your work may be just around the corner.
  
• Try new techniques and talk to your peers in art whenever possible.

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).

Q & A with Deborah Grayson Lincoln Part 10

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

Take a photography course to better help me "capture" what I want to paint. Digital cameras have made me lazy, though. I can take 1000 photos for nothing and usually find ONE good one!

Picture credit: "Time to go to work"

Click here to learn more about this horse and cattle painting

Monday's agriculture website of interest: ADVOCATES FOR AGRICULTURE

Today's agriculture website of interest to share with readers is maintained by Troy Hadrick, a beef rancher from South Dakota. His blog, "Advocates for Agriculture," chronicles his life as a fifth generation rancher while also explaining to consumers how their food is produced. Take notice, however, Troy's blog is not for the faint of heart. He doesn't pull any punches when explaining the myths surrounding agriculture and certainly takes great pride explaining the issues farming faces. You can also find his videos on You Tube on the Advocates for Ag channel.

Monday's agriculture website of interest: AG - IT'S NOT JUST A JOB, IT'S AN ADVENTURE!

Today's agriculture themed website of interest to followers is "Life on a Cattle Ranch", written by Kansas beef rancher, Debbie Lyons-Blythe. Debbie and her husband Duane Blythe are raising five teenagers and 500 head of cattle on a ranch in Kansas. Debbie posts to her blog weekly to share with people around the world what life is like in rural Kansas and how her family works every day to ensure a safe, nutritious supply of beef to consumers.

A conversation with Carla Christina Contreras: Part 11

What advice do you have for aspiring photographers?

Take a beginning photography class in school – after that – decide what kind of camera and lenses you desire. Photography the MOST expensive artistic medium – go slowly when buying equipment – ask many questions. Intern with a professional if possible – the education will be invaluable.

Picture credit: "The Gathering"

Click here to learn more about this cattle photograph

A conversation with Amanda Raithel: Part 11

What else do you do besides your art?

I work full time on a registered Angus farm called Herbster Angus Farms. My husband and I manage 200 momma cows. We also do a bit of team roping on the side when the cows are content.

A conversation with Amanda Raithel: Part 2

How did you get started?

As with most artists, I had a great teacher. In secondary school, I learned I had the necessary eye and determination to make good artwork.

Picture credit: "Brothers", pencil drawing

Click here to go to Cow Art and More to learn more about this beef cattle drawing

A conversation with Amanda Raithel: Part 1

Why do you draw?

In a nutshell, I draw because it presents a challenge to me. A new drawing is a chance for me to showcase the skills I have developed and uncover new ones that are emerging. Furthermore, I love to hear the emotional response that my drawings merit from my viewing public.

Picture credit: "Bred, Owned and Shown", original pencil drawing

Go to Cow Art and More to find out more about this drawing including an artist commentary

November featured artist

Registered Angus farmer and fine arts graduate Amanda Raithel is the featured artist this month on Cow Art and More. Amanda farms with her husband and daughter on their Nebraska ranch. Amanda's artwork centers around the show cattle business she and her husband have dedicated their lives to. See the complete line of Amanda's work on the Cow Art and More specials page.

Amanda's art has free shipping for the entire month.

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!