Painting a Very Special Cowboy

There have been several times so far in my journey to become an artist that I have worked on a piece that evokes a strong emotional response and usually this has been connected to a piece that makes me think of my dad.  I've painted two pieces right after his passing that brought me to a place of deep reflection and once again I find myself going there again.

Since another year has past and we now have completed year two, I felt it was time to revisit that old newspaper clipping that I have of my dad riding a buffalo at about 20 years of age.  This is just before he met my mother and of course two years before I was considered. My dad left his home in Hugoton, Kansas and began riding the professional rodeo circuit and I'm sure, gave my granny lots to worry about.  There is something about 20 year old boys that can make any mother's hair turn gray.  I know...I've raised 4 of them and have LOTS of gray hair!

So this morning I'm drinking my usual cup of McDonald's fine coffee and considering the canvas that is just blocked out in acrylic at home on my easel.  To the causal glance, anyone would be able to recognize a typical rodeo scene unfolding but this canvas represents so much more than that to me.  As I lift my brush each time to add to the layers of paint, hoping to achieve the desired effect, I am meditating on what this man meant to me and how great my heart aches that I am no longer able to hear one of his facinating stories, discuss a current event or just hear that familiar voice on the phone.  

Yes, painting is personal and can be a very reflective and healing.  It is a way that I can give honor to a very SPECIAL cowboy, my dad-Gerry Warner Diveley.

My dad riding in the rodeo

The starting of my newest painting-buffalo definitely needs to be thicker

 

"A Cowboy Tribute" 18 x 24 Acrylic-If you are interested in purchasing any giclee prints of this particular piece visit my Fine Art America site at:Julie Townsend-A Cowboy Tribute

A Tribute to My Dad

Gerry Warner Diveley
February 8, 1940- January 27, 2011

My dad was a man that certainly lived his life outside the traditional structure of what most in society would consider essential... a job for one. He started out young in life as a cowboy riding in the professional rodeo circuit. I believe he was mostly a bull rider but sometimes he would ride a broncos and even a buffalo now and again.

An interesting side note to this was that in his youth, my dad ran around with the famous rodeo clown "Buddy Heaton" and even rode "Old Grunter" around for him. Buddy Heaton also died of this year.

Somewhere along the way, as a young man he decided that being a gambler was the best way to provide for his family. Now while I wouldn't agree with that decision, it was his to make and as his oldest daughter I didn't have much input in the decision. There were certain difficulties and sacrifices we were called to make because of his chosen profession, but again...we didn't have much input.

I do know he love his kids and adored my mother.  In August, they celebrated their 50th anniversary just a few months before he got really sick.

He passed away in January 2011, and I found that God had me use painting as a vital part in my grieving process. So far, I have painted several pieces in his honor. The most recent painting I call "Wild Ride" and it is inspired by this photograph taken of my dad while riding a buffalo.

Within just a few weeks of his passing I painted "The Cowboy and His Little Girl". The boots in this piece are the special ostrich skin boots my dad always wore.

I miss you terribly Dad...We're all doing our best to take good care of mom, but it sure isn't the same without you.

Love

Your Daughter
Julie