Waiting for the Glue to Dry

This morning I was putting a frame together for one of you good folks. This particular style of frame required that I glue and nail the corners together as opposed to using the underpinner which is quicker. In either case, I use glue, which actually provides a more secure bond than just nailing or using the underpinner without glue, but that’s more information than most of you really need.


In any case, when I do it the old fashioned way, with glue and nails, I join one corner at a time and I like to let the glue dry a bit and set up before I switch to the next corner. This amounts to about 15 minutes per corner. Do the math. Four corners at 15 minutes each leaves me with an hour, or so, before I can move on. Usually during this time I have other things to do so it isn’t actually “wasted” time as such.

This morning however, I needed the workbench that the vise and frame were occupying, for another project, so I decided to go to the computer and start this column while I waited. That idea was short lived, however as Vinnie, you folks know Vinnie, was curled up in my chair sound asleep. I didn’t have the heart to disturb him so I decided that I would perch myself on the director’s chair behind my framing design counter and engage in some quality “thinking” time. That chair is at the right height for me to prop my feet up on the counter and assume the “thinking” position.

I’ve got a number of things on my mind these days and I decided I would spend some time mulling it all over. One can never get enough time to just sit and think. I know folks who are just ramming and jamming all the time, constantly on the move and busy with something. I used to be that way. That’s all and good, but these days I’ve found that giving something a little thought results in a better outcome. It doesn’t make any difference whether it’s a painting, or business or personal relationship matters.

Sure enough, while I was busy thinking about stuff, wouldn’t you know it, someone came in and caught me “thinking”. Of course, I have to admit that it looked like I was merely daydreaming and watching the traffic on the street and folks walking by the front windows. My best efforts at explaining that I was actually “working” fell on deaf ears I’m afraid.

So, if by chance you find me just sitting there, doing what appears to be nothing, I am actually working. I’m probably waiting for the glue to dry. Then again…maybe not.

Catch of the Day

Here's proof that my fishing trips do yield material to paint. This is a watercolor I just finished. These two native Colorado Cut Throat trout were caught on the Big Cimarron River in the Cimarron Mountains in Colorado. They are easily identified by the bright redish orange slash near their gills. They made for a wonderful meal by the open camp fire. My wife Kathy has a phenomenal recipe for trout and it was perfect end to the day.

Pocket Watch Framing

What a great idea! A customer brought in a pocket watch that has been in the family since 1854. Below the watch is an engraving that lists 5 of the owners and dates, all members of the family that the watch has been passed down to. I mounted the watch on a piece of grey linen mat board and lined the sides with the same color of board. The glazing is Museum glass by Tru-Vue which minimizes the reflection. A family treasure preserved for generations to come.

Hummingbird Feeding Frenzy

This is a video of some hummingbirds that swarmed the feeder my sister-in-law Donna hung up outside their camper trailer while we were camping up in the Big Cimarron area of the Colorado mountains last weekend. These little guys seemed to be REALLY hungry. We sat and watched them that evening for an hour or more. Enjoy.

Shadow Box Framing

I just love these types of jobs. These are some antique "chain mail" purses a customer brought in to get framed. The colors and designs are little pieces of what appear to be baked enamel that are attached somehow to very small chain links. I think they date to the turn of the century (1900's) or so, maybe the 1920's. I stiched them in place with monofilament fishing line, letting them hang naturally, onto a piece of suede mat board. The insides of the frame are lined with black suede mat board. Great stuff.

Makin' the Catch

A couple of posts back I posted this photo from the Will James Ranch Rodeo I was at a couple of weeks ago. I felt that this shot would make a great watercolor. I wanted to capture the feeling of the motion, the running of the horse and the heifer, and of course the lariat sailing through the air, rather that paint a static, frozen in time version as captured in the photo. The question I submitted was whether to paint it as is, "A Miss", as in the photo or to help the fella out a bit. Here's the result.

I figured the best way to get the feeling of motion was to blur things a bit and to make it a bit more sketchy. I think it'll do for starters.

With all of the shots I took I have a lot of material to work with so I'm just going to keep on trying. Below is another attempt. I think this one turned out better.

I'll keep posting them as I go and we'll see if they continue to improve.

Sorry About That

My apologies. I left you hanging there after my last post. We did manage to escape a torrential down pour, sprinkles only. However we were treated to a spectacular light and sound show with all of the lightening and rolling thunder. We sat there in the comfort of our camp, with cold ones in hand and had a great time. No cover charge.

A bit later in the evening, we strolled across the street to the Cafe Diablo for a fantastic supper.

I can't describe what an oxymoron this is. Such a great place to eat in such a little out of the way place as Torry, UT. If you get a chance, you really should go there.

We've probably been to the Cafe Diablo 6 or 8 times and never once have we sat inside so I can't really tell you what that is like. That's two of the three of us on the far right (somebody had to take the picture). The gardens are beautiful and they make maybe the best Margarita to be had. Good thing all we had to do was walk back across the deserted highway to our camp.

The chef is award winning and the menu is a real surprise. Go to www.cafediablo.net to find out more. We'll be going back.

The next morning, Sunday, we headed home. On the way we stopped at "Blondies", well known for their milk shakes and burgers. Another little gem out in the middle of nowhere, this time at Hanksville, UT.

This a great stopping point for many boaters on the way to and from Lake Powell. You'll also find bikers there who take a break from roaming the back roads of Utah. That's my wife Kathy and I. It was only a two day get away but a great little ride.