"La Golondrina" by Vonnie Kohn, equestrian Spanish woman on horseback, oil

A "golandrina" is a young Spanish woman skilled in equestrian drill team riding. Here in the Southwest, there are many such drill teams who perform on Cinco de Mayo (the 5th of May), a holiday celebrating Mexican heritage and pride. This holiday is celebrated both in the United States & regionally in Mexico to celebrate the cause of freedom and democracy.

This young beauty has taken a pause to enjoy the moment between the  performances. Her drills have taken many hours of practice to synchronize in perfect timing with many other young ladies. These women are all dressed alike, with matching tack and gear and are a delight to watch as they perform.

Oil on canvas. 24 x 36". 

Installed at Beto's Restaurant in Springtown, Tx. for grand opening. 

This painting is already sold, however, other works may be found at:

http://www.vonniekohn.com/

Opening Gallery Reception at the Doss Heritage & Culture Center

Tonight was gallery night and the official opening of the Weatherford Art Exhibition at the Doss Heritage and Culture Center in Weatherford, Texas. There were two featured artists, Michael Bain, who specializes in troumpe l'oil ("fool the eye") technique, and Pamela Stern, a clay ceramist, who casts her illusionary fugures in a way that challenges the viewer to think in a provocative manner.

The museum show was featured on Channel 11 in Ft. Worth, a tv news station prior to the opening night. The art exhibit will continue through the entire month of September, 2011. More information may be obtained from the Doss website:          

http://www.dosscenter.org/

I am standing on the left with a good friend, Becky Glasgow, another participating artist in the show. Kudos to C.B. Williams and the staff of the Doss for their efforts at putting together a wonderful exhibition. A night of great reward...

Spanish Collection of Oils by Vonnie Kohn, at Beto's Restaurant



Anna, Beto, & Vonnie Kohn

In Texas, we have a wonderful cuisine known as Tex-Mex. Near us is a place known as Beto's Restaurant. The owner, Beto Garza, is also the chef, while his wife is hostess. We came to know Beto when he was employed at another local restaurant in our town. His excellent cooking left its mark on our community. When he became a proprietor of his own place, we found ourselves as faithful customers once again.

His blank walls became a "canvas" for my paintings to hang. Here is one of them,  a 24 x 48" gallery wrapped canvas whose subject is one of five main Spanish Missions located on the "Mission Trail" in San Antonio, Tx.

Owners, Anna and Beto

I later added 2 smaller paintings to his collection. There is another works-in-progress, entitled, "La Golondrina" which is soon coming.

If you find yourself in the area (about 25 mi. west of Ft. Worth, Tx.), they are located at 1272 Hwy 199 E., Ste. 101 in a small shopping center on the top of the hill. It is one of those quaint little places in Texas that you encounter on a day trip...stop bye, I think you will be pleasantly surprised! Their phone # is: 817-677-4127 if you need further directions.


vonniekohn.com

"New Paintings at the Doss Museum"...by Vonnie Kohn, contemporary western landscape, Native art

I've been accepted!

Welcome news... from the curator of the Doss Heritage & Culture Museum in Weatherford, Tx--a town also known as the "cutting horse capital" of the world. The exhibit will be the month of September, 2011.  These paintings will be available for sale during the show.

I have just included "Cactus Heat" in my previous post (see below), but the second painting is not a painting...it is a skilled drawing on a metal plate, etched with acid baths, and then printed on a specially prepared rag paper. It is one of a limited edition of 20 etchings. (which means when the edition is completed, the plate will be destroyed).

This Etching is entitled: "A Rich Heritage." The image was inspired by many trips to

family gatherings, otherwise known as Powwows, as I observed the matriarchs in their finest Native American jewelry, fans, and prayer shawls. (The prayer shawl is required to step into the ring for dancing...it is a sign of respect.)

Custom Frame size: 20 x 24

Neutral tone, triple-cut mat

For more information, please visit my website:

http://www.vonniekohn.com/

"Cactus Heat" by Vonnie Kohn, oil on canvas, landscape, desert flowers

"Cactus Heat"

12 x 16"

Gallery Wrap

(No frame needed)

I used to live in the Southwest in a dry, hot, desert area in my early years. Many do not see this as a desirable place to be, however, there is much beauty to observe during the spring and summer.

The prickly pear cactus has a time of flowering that only lasts for about a week. Often the "fruit" will nearly cover the entire cactus. I stumbled on this cactus in bloom on the way to an art class about a month ago. Fortunately my camera was with me. The day was in the triple digits, but it did not take away from the beauty of this beautiful cactus...hence, the name-"Cactus Heat"

If interested, please contact me @:

http://www.vonniekohn.com/

"A Hard Day's Work" by Vonnie Kohn, Western, saddle, chuck wagon, contemporary

Ever had a really hard day at work? Backbreaking, searing outdoor heat, cranky horse, stubborn cattle? I photographed this saddle resting on a wagon wheel at a chuck wagon cookout on a really hot day. It belongs to a good friend, artist, and spur maker, Bob Burleson of Parker County, Tx. I seem to have a nostalgia for saddles...my father was a top notch saddle-maker when I was young. The smell of leather still captures my attention. I even find myself going into a leather shop to smell the leather!

11 x 14" Oil on Canvas

Gallery wrapped canvas (no frame needed)

If interested, please contact me at:

http://www.vonniekohn.com/

Thanks for stopping by...

"Bringin' Em In" by Vonnie Kohn, contemporary western art, equine, cowboys

"Bringin' Em In"

8 x 16

Oil, framed

$ 125

While visiting a Texas ranch a few weeks ago, I happened to witness a couple of cowboys herding several horses in from the "back forty." These were horses that had been on the range for a few weeks. There's something exciting about watching a herd of horses running full speed, with thundering hooves across the pasture, their manes flying in the breeze. In time, they would be tamed down to work as the cowhorses they were meant to be.

Paypal & checks accepted. If interested, please contact:   

http://www.vonniekohn.com/

http://vonniekohn-artist.blogspot.com/

Thank you for looking!