kiwidownunder leather

I am back

2009-04-22T17:58:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have posted. I have been posting my work on Etsy.com and trying to sell some work. I am the straving artist you know. Oh well the lord is showing me the way.

Also joined Twitter using kiwidownunderr and finding it very interesting reading.
Promoting on etsy rends now too. So I have been busy promoting myself.

I need a miracle and I know it is on it's way.

Bye for now.

It is a new Year and a new direction.

2009-02-12T13:27:00.000-08:00

Hello there.

Well we are well into another year. I have been busy trying to get things don and of course not going as fast as I really would like. I did another donation this yime for the NRHA silent auction back in December. It was of Shwn Flaride and the Triple crown winning mare. Shawn signed it I hheard that it was a hit. I did not get to the show so I was very happy to hear the feed back.

So here it is. I was pleased with the finshed painting. Now I a starting to do Belts, Beaded Belts, and wallets, along with book covers portfolios etc, as extra items to do. I am trying to get to sell on Ebay but I am having a hard time getting into Pay pal. guess I will get there finally.

Well that is it for now. Bye.

Childrens Charity Silent auction

2008-09-12T11:03:00.000-07:00

Hello there once again. Well the huge storm Ike is coming to shore. Oh man it looks terrible.
I hope the folk from down there have moved out, because it looks like the warning about it being a matter of life and death is correct. I would not want to be there for that. God Bless you all down there.

On the 27th of Sept, there is going to a silent auction in Whitesboro TX, for a Childrens Charity which is a great cause. Oh yes welcome if you have come from the wsetern Horseman Blogs. I hope you will come back to this page and my other sales page. Anyway I decided that I would donate a leather painting to them. Pete Kyle , a reiner is hosting it as he does every year at this time and I hope that anyone in our area will go for lots of fun. I am going to post a picture of the painting that I will give them for the silent auction.

It is of as you can see Two Indain War Ponies. I added real horse hair as the first horses mane and also the reins,feathers and other little things. I wanted it to be unique for the auction as well as good advertising for me. So if you want it go to the auction and bid. It is 12" x 16" plu frame width.

God bless all on the TX Coast.

2008-09-10T16:13:00.000-07:00

Well I wish everyone who is getting ready to move out of the TX coast area all the very best of luck. This looks like a very very bad storm heading this way. I hope that the houses will with stand the force that is coming through.
I am praying to the lord to have you all go back safely and to a home to go back to.

I am inland but would be so afraid if I were in your shoes that is for sure.
Did you see those stupid kids out in the storm in the Keys. I was expecting to see a news bulletin stating that the Fire guys had to go out and find one or both of those stupid idiots. They do not have time to save sightseers and brave wannabes.

Did you see the comments Obamas saying. Think he needs to close his mouth except for the issues. He says that McCain is not telling use ant thing about issues, but I have learnt quite abit in the last 2 weeks that makes me start to swing towards McCain and to think Obama just wants to taxs use all. O Reilly's not getting an answer to the questions. He is playing dirt the way I see it.

The Convents are over.

2008-09-05T17:59:00.001-07:00

Hello there.

Well the convention is over. I have decided more to swing towards McCain. Not because he took a women VP, but because he is not going to tax the heck out of us. I loved all the speeches that were on TV as they did all have something to say. I was getting sick of all the beat each other up instead of the reason they are going to be the President of this wonderful country.

I think this blog will be short as I am a little tired tonight. A TX reiner is putting on a charity auction to raise money for children and I am donating a Small Painting in leather to them. I hope that it brings in some money for the children of the area.

Those storms that are haeding to the caost are just so awlful. I feel so sorry for the wonderful folk in the areas where IKE and Hanna and the third storm is heading. I get so scared in a bad stporm let a lone something like those storms. You do not get storms like those in New Zealand, heck we do not even have snakes or big spiders, or half the dangerous animals that are over here in the States.

Sit tight storm folk and good luck. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Bye for now.

The Elections HaHa.

2008-09-02T15:58:00.000-07:00

Hello there.

Well what a weekend. the weather, the election and a holiday.
Thank goodness that the storm was not as bad as expected. I do not think I would like to live down there. You folk have a lot of guts thats all I can say to you. I do hope that your lives are not shattered, and have homes and businesses to go back to. Nature can be such a terrible thing.
God bless you all.

The election is going to be really interesting donot think. I Like the fact he picked a woman for VP. Her speech blew me away when she spoke. They need to leave her family alone. I know it is fair game but I think the children are where it should stop.

We are feeling the wind from that big strom and feels really good here in TX. But it is rather warm also.

I have started a second blg so that you can see the paintings and other items I have for sale.

It is leatherpaintings.blogstop.com I have posted it on this site on the side.

Got to go. bye for today.

ANOTHER LEATHER PICTURE.

2008-08-29T07:21:00.000-07:00

This is Into thou Hands.

This is one that I for some reason just had to do. I put real thorns on his head as well. I did get spiked alot doing that so I think I felt some of his pain, not much mind you but a little. I felt really good doing this one.

Commissions Welcome.

I have a small number available for sale. This one included.

Contact me through my web site if you like to see or order one from me.

Please tell your friends.

The Obama Show

2008-08-29T07:02:00.000-07:00

I watched the Obama Show last night. A pop star stage. I have still not decided who I would vote for. I thought that Obama may make me go his way but you know I did not hear anything but bribes for the working man. The tax cuts for low people and the taxing of the 50,000.00 folk. That is not a lot of money. 300,000. would be better but you know we still need the folk who will pay me to work ,or to buy my paintings,not take all their hard earned money away. He himself has $4 million so he will not notice it to much. He is not the average man. I do not dislike the fact he has lots of money to me but, he forgets that you can not just ask the gov to pay all our bills,school,health,or other major things we all need. If have to get off your butt and work, you will slowly get to the top,but if you get grants and money from the gov too easy , the country will become a nation of lazy bums who do not want to work because the GOV will provide. It is up to ourselves to make our futures not the government.

Well I am still working on getting my work out there myself. The internet is a great way to do it ,to a point. I love to paint and do the handcarved leather and have been finding some interesting leather sites to read and jion their forumns. Whether it will help I am not sure. If any of you that may read this have any ideas I would really like to hear. I am not looking just a site that you have to give your knowledge away for nothing. Once I am getting to the point that I am going forward okay but for now I need to get out and noticed. I will post another Picture that I have done. for you to see.

The DPC. Denver.

2008-08-27T08:02:00.000-07:00

Well I have been watching the Speeches of Mrs Obama and Hillary Clinton. I did not think Michelle really meant all she said. Her words seemed as if they were not trully meant. If she could have I think she would have been way more aggressive. Her body was trempling like it was trying so hard to get out and say something different was going on in her mind.

As for Hillary, she never said he would make a great leader. She was a great speaker and I do think she should have been his VP pick. I do not think that she made it change as far as voters voting for Obama camp. She said what she was suppose to say not what she really thinks. I still do not think that he will makes things right for the normal workers in this great nation. He will just stop the making of jobs by the folk who can pay for workers. As Donald Trump, said this morning he is going to take away jobs and ruin businesses instead.

I am myself struggling to work it but I will because I am determined to, but if there is no one making the big money to employ me , or buy my paintings have am I ever going to get any further up the ladder than I am now. The Donald Trumps of this world are needed to make the business world invest in the smaller poeple.

Thank goodness it is SUNDAY

2008-08-24T11:50:00.000-07:00

The day of rest. I got to sleep in today and boy it was so good. I enjoyed that.

Well the VP of Obama is out . Interesting isn't it. I am not liking how they are doing the dirty adds using the age and wife thing. I for one do not care how many houses any of them have. I just care about which one will increase the Taxes on an already hard to make living. If those taxes go up there are not going to be any more jobs. I think there will be a lot less. The people who employ the Joe Blows of this country wont have the money to keep paying the jobs that they have so will close or lay off job workers. That 1000.00 that Obama is going to throw out will help anymore in the long term It is a bride as I see it. Hope I am wrong but I think He may wreck the businesses we have. We need the big companies to makes the jobs, to make the money, to build their companies, to have their money profits to trickle down the line to the average worker. Without the employer and the oil companies anyone would have jobs to go to. The oil companies only get 1 cent per dollar for gas, while the government gets 5 cents. So who is getting the money the Obama and other senate wages. They do not have worry about putting fuel in their cars,boats,planes, etc etc etc.

They just need to get off their high horses and take a decrease in wages, less GAS TAXS, and give tax breaks for the smaller businesses. Not tax the profits of the larger ones who employ workers like you and me. We need those big people for others to buy from the smaller one to stay in business.

That what I think. A bad day for me today. Oh well too bad.

Leather Picture

2008-08-22T18:39:00.001-07:00

This a leather painting I did in NZ. I had just fisnished it when someone came in and purchased it. It was one of the larger ones that I did.

It is all leather with effects added to it to add a realistic look to it.

I am back.

2008-08-22T18:19:00.000-07:00

Hello there.
Been a couple of days. I have not had the time to sit and write another page. I have finished 2 more pictures, one of the great racehorses Bararo and Secretariat galloping, without riders, and two Stags fighting for his ladies.
I have to say I really like the communities that I have joined to do with art. One being Found myself. They are a very great bunch of people and there is so much beautiful art being posted everyday.
The second being Fine Art America, where you can buy prints of the posted originals I think that for someone who can not buy the expensive paintings that to be able to buy prints is great. Also for the artist who may sell alot more having that feature available to them.
The third site that I love is a new one which I joined not long ago and it is Fanartreview. I have been getting some great feed back about my work from the wonderful artist who are on that site. And you should see some of their art. Just beautiful. Those of you that read this, and are artists, should visit those sites. You may find what you are looking for.
Weren't the Games wonderful. I watched most of the horse events, the swimming and the gymnasts. All the competitors did so well. Too bad it is almost over.
Thats it for now.

It is raining

2008-08-15T09:13:00.000-07:00

Well I awoke this morning and it is raining in Texas. Wow. The ground needs it that is for sure.

I have been painting and trying to think of ways to make extra money. the later not being very easy to do. I have been searching the web for ideas. Crafts shows are too expensive for me at present to attend. To many scams out there too. They look good but what a joke really. They are doing false or I should saying not the whole facts before you sign up. You have to be so careful. I have not been caught yet that is. I am sure maybe one day yes I will join the ranks of the dumb ones who got scammed. It is so easy to be taken.

A least the price of gas is slowly dropping down for now, but if the Russian thing does not stop we may not have alot of gas to get. If the pipe gets blown up then what do you think may happen. It is a little scary. World War 3 I hope not. Today will be a short boring note. Have to go.
Bye for today.

New Leather Painting

2008-08-13T12:27:00.000-07:00

This is a commission I did for a reining rider.

It turned out better than I thought it would. Was not sure doing a 1/4 image of a subject. Getting the edges right is a little differcult.

Hopt you like this one. The bit and bridle were added for the effects.

The Greatest Swimmer Ever.

2008-08-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

Wow . That Mark Phelps is the man now is he not. 11 Medals in his short career is really amazing. He is one of a Kind in the pool let a lone the whole games. I enjoyed watching him . He just explodes in water. Didn't you love his Mother, and how proud she must be.

The Three day eventers were pretty exciting to watch as well. Too bad the US drop in the ranks a little but well done for the silver medal. I will be watching the Dressage now. I love the timimg between horse and rider. They are all so skilled to be there. I was reading a forum in one site for horses and they were blasting the event dressage. Not good Blah blah, Well all I say is those horses have to be alround preformers in three very hard areas of the sport. In 3 days flat work, gallop hard jumps, and lastly jump 13 or more showjumps. I felt that this was the very best Dressage I have seen at 3 day events for a long time. I think that they the riders have decided to be in the medals if have to do good in the dressage to get the break to the top 20.
Not every horse is calm, but if as fit as they are can go out, be calm enough to pull off a good dressage, in fron of thousands of poeple, they are worth their wait in gold.

I used to Do eventing, and dressage in NZ, and it is a very tough sport. Every rider who got to the Games is the very best of their country, and it makes me mad the way TV watchers can not give any good comments to those horses and Riders. I hated to think what they will say re the Best Dressage Riders and horses in the world. I just would like to be as good. There are all beautiful to watch good or bad. Dressage at it's best is the most beautiful event to watch, esp to music. They made it to the top event in the world. How many can say that in their sports.

My spoke is done.
Bye for now.

It is Sunday. Rest Day.

2008-08-10T13:28:00.000-07:00

Well Sunday already. The days are flying don't you think. I have been watching the Games a little today. Saw some of the scoccer between Aust and Argei. I was a little put off with the crowd though. Do not if anyone else has noticed, I think that this the worst crowd that there has been yet watching the games. the boo's towards the teams, or nations that china does not really like. The china womens scoc, against some other team was horrid. They booed every time the ball was not in the chinese teams hands. And today the Artgintines were booed . They won against Aust.

I suppose it is normal but I thought that it was not sportmanship towards every country that is competing. Away from that the weight lifting ( womens) was pretty good watching. They are tough girls now.
The Australians did very very well in the eventing dressage. They are leading. The States doing well as well. Things may change in the cross country. The fences will be big and differcult I am sure. Hope that they show them on TV tomorrow.

Took a spin.

2008-08-09T06:57:00.000-07:00

I am back . Thought that you may like to see my horse. This is him turning. I was going to show him stopping but those pics are on another computor. Have to be later. Hopefully will show him shortly.

He is a Von Reminic out of Oak Toy.

Bye for now.

Busy watching the Eventing dressage.

2008-08-09T06:40:00.000-07:00

Well I am here on this and watching the eventing dressage at the games. Did you see the opening. Do not think anyone will beat that opening.
Well NZL is doing ok at this stage , as things will change going into the cross counrty stage. The OZZY are the ones to beat thou. They have done some beautiful tests and so did the US.
Will have to say that the huge crowd is upsetting some of those horses thu. Quite a turn out to watch.
How upsetting when the US couple were stabbed this morning. With the cameras and police I am really suprised that it able to happen.
Well folks have a great saturday and I am going back to the Games.

So Glad Mark Todd is BACK

2008-08-08T13:16:00.000-07:00

I just saw that the GREAT Mark Todd is again riding in the Olympic Games for New Zealand.

Well being a New Zealander I am Thrilled . I consider him to be the greatest rider there is in NZ and the one of the few Worlds greatest Three Day event riders in the world.
I was glued to the screen when he won the first two medals for use and I sure do hope I see him compete in these games. Whether he is perfect or not he will represent NZ to his very best.

Now I am saying that the countries do not have great riders but, they do, it is just that he has something different when he rides any horse, or fence, with ease and simple it is breath taking to watch. It is though he is part of his horse and flaots over his fences.
Good luck To MARK TODD.

2008-08-08T07:41:00.000-07:00

This is Spotty, a commissioned piece I did. He had won his class, best in section, and they wished him to be produced in leather. I love doing portraits of pets and horses. The more detail in it the better.

I like doing realism paintings, and try to capture the expressions on their faces. I also do pencil sketches which I do blended portraits that have half the subject, with it blending out of the picture. Hard to explain.

It is raining in Texas.

2008-08-08T07:23:00.000-07:00

Good Morning. I awoke this morning to rain on the ground with a few drops from the sky. Oh how we need some rain. I am of course new to this type of thing and I have been trying to get absense etc etc, to my blog. Well I have been sending them thw wrong http:// rural so of course they can not find me. I feel like such an dumb clutch. I finally find the right name this morning.

Well , I am in my studio, the doors open and the cool air is coming pleasenting in the room. I have a floor fan pushing it around, which is wonderful to the last week of stinking hot air as soon as you go out the door.

I have been search the 100s of sites for art for sale and I have to say that it is opening my eyes to the different types of wonderful art, and the most talented artists in this world. I am determined to join the ranks of good artists, and get noticed by a few clients. I know how the price of gas has sky rocketed and how money is tight, so I second guess myself of course, why did I have to try doing my art now. BAD TIMING. But if do not start now it will may never get off the ground.
Oh well thats life.

I see that the Games have started in China. I opening should be amazing don't you think.
I just hope no idoits cause trouble for the poeple trying to win a medal. They deserve the chance of a life time to do their very best for themselves and there country. Poo to the protesters. They nothing to do with politics. Just my thoughts.
Another Picture up next.

2008-08-07T06:40:00.000-07:00

This is another of my leather painting. This is a tribute to the great flag of this nation. Goes with the games in China at the moment. I am going to be glued to the tv for the three day event and dressage, that is if it is shown. I will be rooting for New Zealand as well as other countries.

I used too do a little one eventing in NZ but turned more to the dressage and western showing over time. Who ever gets around those big event courses have a lot a guts. Good Luck to them all.

Another Day at the Mill.

2008-08-07T06:15:00.000-07:00

Good morning. Well it is another day at the mill so to speak. It is already 90 here in TX and will be another scorcher. My studio has a small window unit which works pretty well until round 3 or 4 in the afternoons and then the heat is a little much to keep up with. When I am painting the paints are drying almost as fast as I get from the plate to the painting. I end up doing so paper work and go back to the painting.
I would rather have the heat than the cold and the rain. I am working on 5 leather paintings at one time at the moment, so I do not get stuck in a rut on one. I do not know about any one else who paints but I find that I get stuck on a part, and have to leave it and go back to it later with a fresh mind. I did a commission not long ago and it was the one and only at that point. Well that ONE take twice as long becasuse I just could not get past a certain point. That point was what colour to do one of the dogs. I wanted that one dog to bring out the other dogs in the picture, but everytime I got out a colour and touched it once, I thought STOP thats not it. I did manage to get the painting finished and the guy loved it.

I like so many others have been keeping up with the little girl that is missing. I do not think much of the mother, as she should be going out of her mind with the disappearance of her child. I don't believe a word any of them are saying.

Well bye for now have great day folk.

2008-08-06T12:29:00.000-07:00

This one of my Leather Paintings that I am rather pleased with. I added the bridle and bit, and real horse for the mane. You can feel every little muscle on him. I call it Lopin along.

I have started a web site of my own which is www.kiwidonunderleather.com or you go to www.kiwidownunderleather.net and see others, but I will post a new one everyday until I run out of my new ones. I am currently working on one of jesus, with real thorn s for him crown. Hope you enjoy. bye for now.

An artist trying to get started.

2008-08-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

Hello there.
I am a self taught painter of leather and am slowly getting myself started. Well what a job that is though. I knew there were 100's and 100's of artist, but there are also 100's and 100's of web sites to try. I really think I am getting a huge block in my mind, as to who to try next.

I love to ride reining horses and training them to get to the show pen as well. but that has been put on the back burner trying to get the artist side of me going. I think I am going to find out about the starving artist thing soon if I am not careful. But I am very determined not to let it get that close for a long time yet.

I love to draw and to paint , but love to work with leather the most. I used to them in New Zealand, but now am trying here in the states. Guess I will see how it goes.

I am currently trying to upload one of my paintings but of course my stupid computer is very very slow. May make it today.