Sunday, October 17, 2010


Sagebrush Country

Oil on board, 6" x 6"
$125 plus $6 shipping in U.S.
SOLD


From the wet side of the state to the dry today for this little study, a typical ranch gate in eastern Oregon rangeland.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Don, this painting conveys such a iconic scene to us. We have a small cattle ranch, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. We always admire the "old school" fencing, that has endured nearly 100 years of ranching, in these parts. That particular "run" of fence in your painting, is that clever "gate" we so often see, that allows the cowboys to move cattle from one pasture to another. It no doubt, was used as a little gate, for people as well. The construction is simple, yet pure genius. The short loop of barbed wire around the taller fence post, loops around the short little "gate" post, to keep the swing gate closed. I must admit, we love this old-school approach so much, that we continue to build this style of swing gate, when we repair a long run of fencing between pastures.
Wishing you all the very best, during this very painterly Fall season. Michelle & Craig

Don Gray said...

Michelle and Craig--So nice of you to write this note. I'm happy that the painting connected with you on such a personal level. It's fun to hear from someone who actually builds and uses these gates. I've always admired the "genius" of them too. The rock jacks are like sculpture to me.

Helen Read said...

This is very beautiful. You've portrayed the sense of sparseness, dryness, yet also fully alive!

Don Gray said...

Hi there, Helen--thanks! Very nice to hear from you and glad to see you've been busily painting.