News April 2008 Issue 7

Hello Everybody

The big news first.....IT IS DONE!!!!!!

The book, A SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR BRONZE SCULPTORS, is at the publishers right now and in process. I am rather excited, to say the least. Here is the book you have been asking me for. And there are lots of black and white illustrations, close to 150 of them I think.

How to create a wax/clay sculpture....starting from the beginning armature all the way through the creation of the horse called "Good Example" (what else?). I have included information about various sculpting materials, including some you might never have thought of using, tools and other equipment that make things handy and easier, surface treatments, and finishing. Even more important are the ideas about composition and castability....things to be aware of when it comes to casting costs and even designing for future possibly patinas. Of course I used a horse for my study example, but this is not a section on how to do a horse sculpture, the things you will learn are important no matter what your subject is, even for impressionistic work.

How bronzes are cast in the foundry....If you are a collector of bronze you will find this fascinating, too. I follow several bronzes through the process, including a half life size moose named "Mudgy", soon to be a character on the streets of Couer d'Alene, Idaho. Perhaps more information than you would expect, but you will never have any doubts as to the reason for the costs of a bronze sculpture. (I was under foot and everywhere in the foundry with my camera for weeks!) And if you already own one of my sculptures, you will most likely be able to find the edition photographed in the book, a nice addition to your art library.

FOR ALL ARTISTS...How can I sell my art?....Here is all the information to get you started with an understanding of this profession and the business of being a working artist. Thirty years of experience about types of shows, getting into shows, getting to the shows, setting up the shows, (even ideas on building your own display stands..cheaply!) Working with galleries, the public, handling money, your business office, mailing lists, and coping with your family. You may have no interest in doing anything but paintings, but you will find this part of the book invaluble. No, I don't suggest specific shows, since I have no idea where my readers may live, or what type of art they do, but I do discuss the pros and cons of types of shows and other ways to market your work.

This is a "self -published" book, the price for paperbound is set by the publisher at $20.00. If you want to get the book for free, order the sculpture created for it, "Good Example". (It is being shown in the "works in progress" section of this web site, already cast , of course, but still available at the pre-publishing price of only $1600.) You can order it in your choice of patina, it is a limited edition of 40. It is 15" tall by 17" long, and a very good example of a dancing horse. After the book is released for sale, the price will be $2000. And of course, your absolute satisfaction is guaranteed. As always, one half down will start your sculpture through. Call me to let me know your check is on the way, or to give me your Visa or Mastercharge number. 1 208 265 9613.

The publisher says it should be printed and for sale by August, if not before. (I really tried to do everything right.) I have to order the number of books I need each time, and I would like to order as large a first printing as possible. If you order from me, rather than from Xlibris or Amazon, you will get an autographed copy, too. (There does have to be a $5.00 packing and shipping charge.) If you are pretty certain that you would like to add my book to your collection, please let me know so that I can order your copy. Don't send any money for the book yet, just let me put your name on the list.

Well, now you know just how mainly I have spent the winter months. It has been fun, but I am not sure I will ever do a book again. They say, write about what you know, and that is what I know best. I did get a couple of paintings done, just for relaxation, but they sold out of the gallery here, (which was very nice, indeed!)

We emptied the gallery to go to Texas for the Texas Indian Market, and came back some lighter. There is one more coyote running around the Texas hills now. It was good to see so many of the family there.

We did come back to still more snow, though over all it is going down, slowly. As it melts, we discover yet more downed fence rails and always some tools we couldn't find in the shop for the last five months. (Now I remember where I left them.) I'm glad our most common tree is lodgepole pine, they always need thinning. The mules and horses are tired of hay, they want something green. Not yet, guys, but it will get here one of these days. At least we've taken the chains off the tractor and the four wheeler, and I can finally get the Christmas decorations out of the snowbank in the front yard. (They sorta disappeared about New Year's day.) The Hens have started laying again and the turkeys, too, so they know Spring is somewhere. And we don't have to chase the deer out of the haystack to do the morning feedings anymore, though they still hang out in the meadow begging Emmette to bring out just a little more corn. And it usually works, too.

In May I will be all over western Washington at shows, somehow I managed to schedule Pasco, Ellensburg and Ritzville for three weekends in a row. I hope to see some of you there.

Walk in beauty
       Gabe