Friday, December 31, 2010

Squeeze Chute


Squeeze Chute

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


For those not familiar with cattle ranching, the green contraption in the foreground is part of a squeeze chute. A cow or calf walks into the chute and the walls (vertical metal bars, actually) squeeze in to hold the animal still for doctoring, branding, etc.

I've operated this one many times in years past, when I helped my father-in-law, Dallas, work his cattle. Dal has been gone for quite a few years, but I still have vivid memories of the metallic clang and bang as the cow entered the chute, and the ratcheting sound when the lever that squeezed the sides was pulled down.

No matter how hard I tried to hold it back, another year has squeezed out of the chute (how's that for a segue)? Brenda and I will probably celebrate New Years Eve in our usual party animal manner: watching TV and trying to stay awake to see the ball drop in Times Square. Happy New Year, everyone!



Click here to purchase an archival giclee print of this painting.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

sunlight and nature captured beautifully on this manmade contraption (i read somewhere that this cow squeezer also helps to relax the animal)... yep, i know so well that sleepy eyed falling asleep on the sofa and the number of years i have actually slept through the whole new year celebrations.. wishing you a wonderful and paint-filled 2011 Don and thank you for all your support this past year.

Don Gray said...

Boy, we sure know how to ring in the new year, don't we, Rahina? Thanks for your encouraging and kind words, I've appreciated all your support as well. It's been a treat to follow your art and writing. Happy 2011!

SamArtDog said...

You've painted a wonderful counterpoint of warm light on a cold day. Wonderful as always!
Have a peaceful and healthy new year.

shirley fachilla said...

Like SamArtDog, I love that warm light on what is an obviously cold day. Now I just have to figure out how you conveyed the cold so well when just about 3/4 of your canvas is filled with warm!

Don Gray said...

Sam, thanks for your continued friendship and encouragement. I hope the New Year brings all good things your way.

Don Gray said...

If that's what I did, I'm pleased, Shirley...must have been dumb luck. :^)

Thanks for all your support--happy painting in the new year.

martha miller said...

oooooooooooh, looooove that red and green! my eyes feel happy looking at this one! :^D happy new year, don!!

Don Gray said...

Glad you like it Martha--thanks. Happy New Year to you!

Susan Abbott said...

Don, I really like this painting--both composition and color are striking. I'm looking forward to following your blog in 2011.

Don Gray said...

Hi Susan--thanks for your comment--means a lot coming from such a fine painter. And thanks for signing on for emails. Happy painting in 2011!