The two screenshots below are from the exact same video. The one on the left was posted on Instagram, and the one on the right was posted on TikTok. The only difference is the audio. The screenshot on the left has 10.2 K views. The screenshot on the right  has only 15. I'm not sharing this to complain about algorithms, shadow banning, or any other suppression based complaints. I share this because I think it is such a great example of the fact that likes, follows, shares, and views are not a reflection of your worth as a human being, an artist, a mom, a dad, a rancher, or anything else you do or identify with. 

You are a unique, one-of-a-kind beautiful soul. ​There is no one else in the world just like you, and no one else can offer the world exactly what you have. You are a beautiful badass and don't let any algorithm, online bully, or otherwise tell you that you aren't. Stand tall, look the world in the eyes, and embrace yourself and others with kindness and compassion.

I love you, you beautiful, rockstar of a human!

Some things can be hard to write about because they are so beautiful that words aren't adequate. Some things are hard to write about because they are sad or tragic. Some things are hard to write about because they are the truth. The truth can be painful-- the truth can be painful to other people too. Sometimes the truth feels like a secret. Sometimes telling the truth feels like a betrayal. This post is a little bit of all of these things. This post will be hard to write.

When I was about 5 years old my parents divorced. I lived primarily with my mom. There were a lot of challenges as I was growing up, but one of the biggest was that the second man my mom married was very very mean.  Just thinking about him as I write this, makes me feel a tightness in my chest, and the fight or flight hormones sweeping through my body. He was a bad man. He punched holes in wall, beat our animals, and was physically, emotionally and psychologically abusive. He also hugged, kissed, and sometimes touched my friends in ways that were not appropriate, but not inappropriate enough to identify.* He was a bad man.

While they were married there were times I wanted to move to my dad's, but my sister lived with my dad. I was afraid that if I moved too, my mom's husband would kill her and no one would be there to call the cops. As an adult I wondered if this was just a child's imagination running wild. I didn't think so, but this type of situation is so confusing for children. As an adult my mom told me that he tried to run her over with a tractor when they were going through their divorce. He was a bad man. He was mean. He blamed me for adult problems, he acted like I was the problem. No doubt this type of abuse created emotional wounds, trauma, and confusion.

They divorced right before I started high school. Home life after their divorce continued to be hard. I don't think I could write about this tumultuous time succinctly enough for this post, but suffice it to say that my mom did not have a stable foundation. She found new men, most of which were equally unstable and/or aggressive. She and I did not get along much of the time.

I remember the day that I moved out. I was a senior in high school. During the school year I went to school during the day, worked horses on a ranch after school until late evening. Sometimes I worked so late that I ate dinner at the ranch before heading home to do homework, shower, and get ready for school the next day. I was not home much, but I was responsible, worked hard, and made good decisions.  On this particular day I was eating dinner at the ranch. My mom called me angrily asking me where I was. I told her I was eating dinner. She began yelling at me that I needed to be home and help clean the house. An argument ensued. I remember at one point, suddenly feeling a strength and calm that I had never felt. I knew that I did not have to listen to someone yell at me. I very calmly said, "If you yell at me any more I'm going to hang up the phone."

"Fine, hang up the phone," she yelled back. So I did. I texted her later that I would "be there the next day to pick up my stuff," and I was.







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After I moved out I had so many wonderful people help me in so many ways. My life has had some really really hard times, but I have been so blessed by the people who have helped and supported me along the way. People who have helped me far more than could have even been asked. 

​This painting, titled "Inner Light" is for two such people. My friend's parents who took me in, gave me a room, fed me, took me on vacations, fixed my truck, and even helped me with my prom dress. I wrote a letter to go with this painting and I want to share part of it here because I think it is a good explanation about the piece.

"John, I think you were the first person to recognize that there was a sadness in my bison paintings. I wonder if it is because we both, in some ways, cherish the sadness we have experienced. Not that we put it on a pedestal and worship it, but we recognize that looking it full in the face provides some wisdom, some perspective, some compassions. Because looking away from sadness (our own or others) is cowardly. Some people try to run from sadness, some people try to ignore it... But life, in all its glory, can't escape loss and sadness.
I think people like us cherish it because we find the immensity of it grounds us in the world, a communion with humanity. Maybe sadness is about acceptance-- accepting what is, what can't be changed. But equally wise is to cherish our joy, to breathe in the good things in life with helpless abandon, not tamper them down in anticipation of pain. I'm learning that within myself there is a power and strength that I never knew I had, and I think maybe that is because I'm learning to be brave with sorrow and with joy. I don't have to diminish them. This painting is titled "Inner Light." It is about finding a deepening of strength and wisdom in joy. It is about a holistic way of being that looks sadness and loss in the face while also enthusiastically celebrating the happy, joyous things. It is about trusting one's self.
Vicki, most of my bison are female, and this one is not different. I often find them to be very motherly-- or a representation of good mothering. I suppose that is a bit of an ironic motif for my paintings-- maybe it is a way of mourning, and trying to create what I didn't have. So for you, this is a tribute to being "Mother," not just to Vanessa, but to all those who you have mothered-- and I know it is quite a few. Bison as "Mother" is a guardian, a keen and watchful eye. She is a protector and a provider. Thank you for being "Mother" to me. Thank you for opening your heart and your home to so many who needed just that."



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*Even though we couldn't fully identify what was happening our instincts told us it was wrong. We felt uncomfortable about it. We would talk to each other about it and would "rescue" each other from uncomfortable situations. Finally, we told adults, which did get it to stop. 

1: In focus- It goes without saying that the photo should be in focus. The subject should be sharp and clear.

2: Lighting- Even lighting across the subject, especially their face is important. Uneven lighting can make it tricky to identify colors, patterns, and face shape. Sometimes shadowy light can help create a more moody image, but generally it is best to have even lighting.

3: Pose and facial expression- Generally you want to pick an image where your pet looks happy, calm, and engaged. Think a photo of your dog looking up at you versus pulling on a the leash with wild eyes. If the commission is only the head and neck the body does not matter as much. If you are commissioning a full body painting, make sure your furry friend is in a position that looks comfortable and natural. 

4: Perspective- Perspective can totally change the feel of a photo. Imagine a photo taken from above of your dog laying down. How much different would it feel if you get down on the floor and

5: Taking your own photos- When taking your own photos make sure you have good light. Outdoors a little after dawn, or before dusk, when the light is still soft is great. Overcast days are also fantastic to shoot mid day. Current phones take great photos so it  is unlikely you will need special equipment to get a good shot, unless you are trying to get an action shot. Action shots are much harder to get sharp images, and the right timing. If you are wanting to try and get an action shot on a phone, you might try making a video and taking several screen shots.
If you aren't taking an action shot (and even if you are do a few of these as back up), pose your furry friend in a natural position. Then consider the angle you will shoot from. Dogs and cats can look very cute when looking up at the camera. Try several angles to see what you like best.
If your pet won't look at you try making a high pitched squeaky sound, meowing, whining like a dog, showing them a treat or toy, or gently shaking a bucket of grain. 
Be patient. Some animals can be harder to photograph than others. Take your time over a few days. Experiment with trying to pose and photographing them and just catching them when they are resting or playing. For very hyper and distractible dogs make sure to give them a lot of exercise and a chance to calm down. Photograph them during the time of day they are usually most calm, and don't take them somewhere with a lot of excitement.

Final thought: There are instances where clients are unable to get better photos because their pet has passed. In these instances clients submit several photos and I utilize all of them to capture the animal from multiple images. Of course, this is more challenging, so this is only used when necessary.
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Limited Edition- Make sure you the reproduction you are purchasing is a limited edition. The smaller the run to more valuable it is. Obviously if only 200 people can have something it is a lot more valuable than if 5,000 people can have it. 

Markings to look for- Make sure the artist has signed the reproduction itself. This should be done with pencil or sometimes with an acid free ink. The print number and edition size should also be written on the reproduction. That looks something like this "5/300" (fifth print in an edition of 300). The smaller the edition the better, and the lower the print number the better.
Sometimes a reproduction will say "AP" before the number. This means that it is an "artist proof." Artist proofs are used by the artist to guarantee quality. There are very few of these printed so being an artist proof increases the value. Artist may also include the title of the piece on the reproduction.

Hand embellished reproductions- This is when an artist draws in the margins, or actually goes back onto the reproduction to add drawings, paint, etc. to the reproduction. Having a hand embellished element increases the value of a reproduction.

Open editions- and open edition is when an artist does not limit how many reproductions they will create. It is not advisable to purchase these for collecting as the value is decreased significantly. These are often created on lower quality paper or as posters.

I hope this information helps you understand how to get high quality reproduction that will retain or grow in value. If you have any questions let me know in the comments. And definitely check out the limited edition reproductions I have available. 

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​Check out this video about the history of bear management in the national parks: https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/grizzlybear.htm

To my knowledge there is only one recorded instance of an animal killing a human inside of Yosemite National Park.

Can you guess what animal it is?

Nope, not a bear, keep guessing... not a mountain lion either... think more on the dainty, herbivore side... that's right, a mule dear. Most people would be shocked by this fact, but it is true. The deer around here are pretty "tame" in the sense that they aren't easily spooked by people, and go about their day while people are near. However, these animals are still wild animals, and for their sake and ours it is important to "keep them wild," by not feeding or getting too near them. It is important for wild animals to retain their wild instincts for survival.

Yosemite is a magical place and the "tame" deer make it feel even more like a Disney movie, but it is not. Please, please be respectful of the space and its residents. Follow the rules about food storage and not feeding wild animals. What seems like a magical moment for you can turn into a deadly situation for you or the animal. Don't be selfish, enjoy the animals from an appropriate distance, don't go traipsing through the meadows (they are protected), store your food properly, throw away your trash, and remember that approximately 4 million people visit this park yearly. If what you are wanting to do were multiplied by 4 million (or even several thousand), would it negatively impact the environment? If yes, then don't do it. 

This weekend I had the opportunity to display my work during Artober at the Oakhurst Fall Festival in the Yosemite Sierra Artist booth. I wasn't sure about participating-- it was a little last minute and I was out of town when the opportunity arose. The week was already wildly busy, and I just wasn't sure how well it would work.

Luckily, I recently read ​SELL OUT: The Definitive Guide To Selling Your Art Online Without Losing Your Damn Mind by Rachel Wilkins. In one chapter she discusses taking opportunities and making the most of them. So I decided to stop worrying and just make it happen.

I am so glad I did. I met some truly lovely people and made some great connections and new friends. The weather was absolutely beautiful, there was a great turn out, and I even got to meet a duck in a stroller... in my book that is pretty fantastic. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it is easy to make excuses, to worry about how things will go, and to just decide to skip something. It is certainly more work to put yourself out there and do things that you aren't quite sure will work out, but the reward can be really great in the end. I think when we shift our goals and mindset a bit to base them on the specific opportunity the outcome can be wonderful. 

How about you, do you struggle with taking a leap like this? Do you struggle with trying new things, or feeling overwhelmed with all the tasks required for events? Maybe you have a great tip or trick that you can share. Let me know in the comments. I'd love to hear from you.

Sure you can run down to your local Target and buy cheap, mass-produced art, but why do that when you can have something unique for your very own? Is price a factor? Make sure to read number 1 and 5!

1: Don't think of buying art as a purchase. Think of buying art as an investment. Art inherently adds value to the spaces around us. A piece of art can literally bring us joy. Art is often what brings life into a space. Art is also an investment because it can also increase in value. As an artist becomes more well-known and their work becomes more desirable, the value of their past work increases. If price is a barrier for you consider purchasing from an up and coming artist. 

2: Purchase originals if you can. Original art is one of a kind. It is unique, and when you buy it you get to enjoy it in ways other people can't. There is just something special about being with the original, and something really special about having it in your home or office.

3: If you can't purchase originals purchase high quality reproductions. When purchasing reproductions, make sure they are high quality, limited edition, and signed. Try to get the lowest number in the edition you can get. High quality reproductions can last a lifetime, and while they aren't as valuable as originals, they can still increase in value, and be valuable.

4: Consider commissioning a piece of art. A lot of artist will create a piece just for you. Make sure to clearly communicate what you are looking for, but know that an artist can not see what is in your mind's eye. For this reason make sure you love the artist's previous work and feel confident they will create something you will love. An artist should provide you with a contract that describes the artwork being commissioned, price, payment expectations, and timeline (at the very least). 

5: Consider financing. Some artists, myself included, offer 0% interest financing. This is a fantastic way to begin growing your collection. Make sure you understand the ins and outs of the financing agreement and that everything is in writing. For detail on my financing plan click here.

When you purchase art you are supporting a small business owner, and contributing to our economy. Whether you purchase from me or another artist, I want to thank you. Thank you for supporting an artist.