Blog

As they say...be careful what you wish for.

I have painted in our portion of the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado for years. I have also had my eye on a small space in Ouray that I thought would make a great gallery/studio. Part of the Wright Opera House building. Right next to the famous Bon Ton restaurant and the St. Elmo Hotel. Small but never-the-less manageable. Maybe just perfect.

I inquired, but unfortunately it wasn't available. I was put on a waiting list...it took 4 years but they called last September and it was offered to me. I jumped on it.

In my mind, I thought it to be a perfect place in a perfect market to sell my paintings. Small mountain town with a reputation. 

So we signed the lease and opened the 24th of September. True, a little late in the season but the good news was that I was just in time for the fall colors. The first day I was open...well...let me say that it has been successful. Even through the winter. Since I commute from Montrose, CO approximately 42 miles to the north, figuring out what days and hours will be worth the commute has been somewhat of a challenge but you can't beat the views from the drive. Inspiration for paintings. I was mostly open weekends during the winter with an occasional random weekday added because I had other business in the area. Every time it was fruitful.

We are currently on the cusp of the heart of the season...so say my neighbors. I've been told that things will get pretty hectic for the next 45-60 days.

I'm ready.

The current plan, as of today is to be open daily. Gotta make hay while the sun shines, as the saying goes.

I remember back in my ranching/cowboying days, we'd work everyday during the summer, haying or riding the range in the mountains looking after the cows and calves. In the fall, after the fall works and before winter set in and we had to start feeding the cows, we'd take a little time off to get away.

I suspect the same schedule will apply here.

Ideally, I should get out and maybe do a painting in the AM before I open up, and/or get out in the evening after I close and do a painting from my chosen campsite.

We'll see.

As for hours, I don't see that opening before 10 or 11 in the morning is needed but I'm a little uncertain of my evening hours. I'm guessing being open until 6 or maybe 7, for the dinner crowd you understand. Later? Don't know. I can try it.

We'll see.

I've never operated in a summer tourist town environment before, so this is all relatively new to me. The closest I can come is what I related earlier about being on the ranch. The entire 30 years or so, we were in Montrose, CO with the gallery and frame shop, I was oriented around the weekend. Open during the week and on Saturdays. Closed Sunday.

That was a real culture shock from my ranch life.

If you are interested, my son who was a Hollywood independent film maker, did a real nice video about me and how I got here. Sort of a "my story" video. It's a very professional production. Please take a look. I'd appreciate it. It's only 7 minutes. Not long. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA743O9KyC8&t=3s

In fact, while you are there, cruise through some of my videos on the channel. There's one of me painting on location, preparations for the Lewis and Clark trip, and a few others of general interest...maybe. Life of an artist...or at least mine.

I find video making quite interesting and rewarding. Some of the earlier ones are a bit amateurish but I'm trying to get better. It's a great creative outlet. Subscribe and you you'll be able to notified when a new one comes out.

The first pic includes my bike in front of the gallery/studio. Those of you who've followed along for very long my be wondering what happened to the Harley.

Long story short is, I traded it in on a new to me BMW I found to be much more manageable. Better balanced, lighter weight and a beautiful bike. I like it.

Artist on a BMW, or a Beemer, just doesn't have the same ring to it though...does it? I think the "artist on a Harley" period of my career has come to a close. It was a good ride while it lasted though.

I ride the bike on my commute to and from Ouray. The views from the back of the motorcycle are stunning. I'm going to try some video from the bike and I'll post them to my YouTube channel post editing.

So that's about it.

Summer in Ouray.

Come see me.