The Evolution of Content

When I started painting horses, the first image came in a meditation, and the Power Images followed. So it has never been about the horses for me but about the Spirit. I began reading about Native American culture and jotting down notes. I found this quote from The American Heritage book on Indians," The plains are afloat in mysterious space, and the winds come straight from heaven. Anyone alone on the plains turns into a mystic. The plains had always been a place for dreams, but with horses even more so. Something happens to a man when he gets on a horse and can ride forever; it is quite easy to ascend into the impression of living in a myth. He either feels like a God or feels closer to God.

Peek into Process

Drawings, sketches, and color sketches with casein paints are shown here to give you a glimpse of Linda's art process. Reading and listening are also important. Here is a quote from "Sacred Images" by Leslie Kelen and David Sucec who interviewed Native Americans for a wonderful photographic book of Native American Rock Art.  From Clifford Duncan, a Northern Ute, "So I will leave an offering because I look at this as an altar, a place where a person would go for spiritual answers or even healing to take place."

Resetting Armantrout Studio

Visiting and presenting the workshop in Ridgway, Colorado was as perfect as life gets. Orvis Hot Springs, The Dennis Weaver Memorial Park, and the Ute Historical Museum offered much nourishment to Linda as a painter. She starts what promises to be a productive Fall Season by resetting the studio as sacred time/sacred space that includes spirit guide energy from the Buffalo and a wonderful new book, Sacred Images by Leslie Kelen. The Ridgway Workshop was exhiliararating for teacher and students. (See more.) Color Theory Classes begin October 6, call to reserve a seat now, 303-664-0086. Find info and a Flyer on the Class Schedule Page. See photos of the Ridgway trip and "Like" Armantrout Studio on Facebook. 

Just Finished

Linda Armantrout finished this 30x40 inch painting in the continuing series about Connections to Ancestors. The piece is not titled yet. This and two other pieces will be professionally photographed and added to the Available Paintings page in September. The rock art images are similar to images found on the Colorado Plateau. Linda was glad to see a New York Times' article in Sunday's Travel section refering to trout fishing in Colorado on the White River, the recently sold painting "I am..." references this area near Meeker, Colorado, Elk Creek Ranch. Scroll down in Studio news to read more. Professional photo in Available Paintings.

August is a Favorite Month

Linda found some notes from Jim Valone, who studied with Hans Hofmann, on figure drawing. The thoughts relate to the rock art studies. "Stick figures are powerful and basic. They are so primary that it is impossible to misunderstand them. Everything is essential." Armantrout Studio always generates a lot of good Leo energy in August. The Ridgway Workshop is almost filled with 9 students signed up. If you want to join us, call Linda at 303-664-0086 now. You can see a sneak preview of product to come from the studio in the photo at the left. A 30x40 inch painting is close to finished and is not shown. The 48x60 inch image of rider and horse (Following the One Who Knows the Way) is ready to be photographed. The study on the easel will inform a 24x36 inch oil on masonite to be started soon.