Bison ~ Symbol of Gratitude and Abundance ~SOLD

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for 

every good thing that comes to you 

and give thanks continuously. 

And because all things have

contributed to your advancement, 

you should include all things in your gratitude.” 

 ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Buffalo Spirit ~ Great Soul Day 1 Action ~ Appreciation ~ Amplitude ~ Plenty ~  8.5 x 6.5" Transparent Watercolor on Yupo Paper  ~ Signed, Matted and Framed to 10" x 8" • SOLD

Buffalo Spirit ~ Great Soul

Day 1

Action ~ Appreciation ~ Amplitude ~ Plenty

~  8.5 x 6.5" Transparent Watercolor on Yupo Paper  ~

Signed, Matted and Framed to 10" x 8"

• SOLD

Here is the last painting of this month's 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge. The definition of "challenge" in the dictionary is "a call to take part in a contest or competition that tests one's abilities." And boy have we been tested! This is the third time I've participated in this online event and much to my surprise, it has not gotten any easier. I was faced with many obstacles to overcome almost everyday. I had a rough start this time, so I am using this as Day One's submission.

It seems so fitting to wrap up this month long series with the buffalo. This animal is one of my favorite symbols of thankfulness. I can't express enough just how grateful I am for the opportunity to be able to participate in this event, pursue my passion, grow as an artist and to connect with so many great people in the process.

Here are some in-progress shots of today's painting.

First Step - Paint the eyes.

 In some cases, I'm finding a need to put in some of

the area surrounding the eye in order to get the values correct.

This one evolved a little differently, 

so I just went with the flow.

Instead of working all over the area at once, 

I seemed to work in sections on this one.

Buffalo Spirit -  Full frame/ Uncropped

In the final step, the background was added 

and details were refined.

Here are all thirty paintings. 

This weekend I will post numbers and links with BUY buttons

to all thirty paintings, just like I did for my last

 30/30 series in September 2013. 

The participating artists are all posting their collages today.

Check them out on Leslie Saeta's blog here.

I can't thank you enough for all your wonderful comments.

I am truly grateful for your friendship. It really means so much!

X ♥  O

Native American Legends ~ White Buffalo Woman ~ # 13 of 30 ~ SOLD

“Mythology is not a lie,

Mythology is poetry,

it is metaphorical."

~ Joseph Campbell, The Power of Myth

The Legend of White Buffalo Woman

This story takes place long before the arrival of white men to Turtle Island. It was a time of scarcity for the indigenous people of this land. There was not enough food, clothing or shelter to go around. Neighboring tribes were constantly battling over what little resources were available. Something had to be done, so the elders called a counsel. As they were discussing possible solutions, one of them spotted a lone figure far in the distance. When the person drew closer, they could see that it was a young woman, clad in a beautiful white robe and carrying a bundle that was also wrapped in some kind of skin. She had an angelic appearance and so they trusted her and were not afraid. She drew them to her side saying, "A time of great abundance is near, but you must learn to work together and tap into the power of the Great Mystery". With those words, she unwrapped the bundle and took out a beautiful pipe. "This is the sacred pipe", she said, filling it with special herbs while saying, "Its smoke will make our earthly prayers visible and deliver them to the heavens". She taught them to give thanks and to combine prayer with proper action to obtain what they needed, reminding them that the fastest way to stop the flow of abundance was to neglect being thankful for blessings already received. The young prophet stayed with the wise men until day turned to dusk. When it was time to leave, she rolled on the ground three times. As she rolled, she was transformed into a white buffalo calf! No sooner had the calf disappeared across the horizon when herds of bison started drifting in and grazing all around the outskirts of the Indian camps. Because of White Buffalo Woman, the early Native Americans experienced a time of plenty for many years and women were given a more equal status with men. This is why I like to think of White Buffalo Woman not only as a symbol of thanksgiving, but also as being instrumental to woman kind's liberation and empowerment.
Aho, As I remember it ~ Paint Dreamweaver

#13 of 30 -

Myths, Fables, Folk Tales and Legends

White Buffalo Woman

12" x 9.5" original hand painted watercolor on Yupo paper Acid-free triple Mat w/ Backing in sleeve - 16" x 20" Signed and certified by the artist.

12" x 9.5" original hand painted watercolor on Yupo paper

Acid-free triple Mat w/ Backing in sleeve - 16" x 20"

Signed and certified by the artist.

• SOLD

I hope you like my stories.

Thanks again for your friendship,

emails and comments!

X ♥  O