"What caught my attention was compassion between the two...daddy's gentle hand ...barely holding on, but balancing...patience in his steps so small...the little buckaroo with head held high, ready to take on anything in life with the confidence felt from the father's hand...it reminds me of our Heavenly Father and his patience and confidence with us.

I titled this piece "I Wanna Be Like You"- at first glance it is obvious the little one wants is to be like dad...but sometimes as adults, we long for... that faith of a child again.

(I never knew if this was a little cowboy...or...a little cowgirl! I found it more interesting not to ever know)"

Split Second is from a photo I had taken at the North Dakota High School Rodeo Finals in Bowman, ND. I have taken many photos there over the years.

I have the deepest respect for the bull fighters especially at the High School level, protecting those kids starting their bull riding careers...there are always volunteers at the chutes as well, local ranchers/cowboys lending their time to watch the kids' backs as well- to put on a safe and exciting rodeo."

Western Skies is currently a work in progress. Please check back soon!

"This painting is an image from a youth rodeo. I like to go behind the scenes, taking natural photos of people in their element.

Done in a very limited palette...to bring out the color of her braids and the beautiful buckskin."

To Purchase, contact:
Deselms Fine Art
Cheyenne, WY
307-432-0606
www.deselmsfineart.com

The two girls are good friends, one was all cleaned up watching the rodeo, the other had just finished or was about to go out again. I thought the contrasts were great... a great story.

The girl with the sneakers has bright blonde hair, the girl in the boots has very dark hair. Both girls are beautiful and more importantly–have big smiles all the time. I have seen both of them clean....and both of them covered with mud on a rainy day at the NDHSR Finals....still smiling."

This painting is a favorite..."an idea I had for sometime, just played out a little different than I expected. One sunny day with new fresh snow and no wind..I went out to take photos for this painting, not having a stick horse handy, I made a quick one out of a mop and set it by the gate. Our mare Socks and old quarter horse Lucky came over immediately, to which our border collie-corgi cross dog Sam came to investigate them. I just stepped back, moved around without disturbing the interaction and took photos....then later purchased a stick horse and replaced the old mop."

To Purchase, contact:
Deselms Fine Art
Cheyenne, WY
307-432-0606
www.deselmsfineart.com

"I have drawn and painted many border collies, they are some of my favorite subjects.

We had our first border collie Trixie in the family when I was 12. I went to get my horse to take the sheep to another pasture, found that she was moving the herd of sheep by herself..she was just a puppy, not much bigger than our cat at the time....I have been fascinated with them ever since. You can learn alot by watching a border collie....so hard working...seems like they are always "On the Job."

To Purchase, contact:
Deselms Fine Art
Cheyenne, WY
307-432-0606
www.deselmsfineart.com

To Purchase, contact:
Grapevine
Bowman, ND
701-523-5720
vineyard@ndsupernet.com

"This little girl and puppy were instant friends. They walked up to each other, sat down in the grass...and it seemed like they had always known each other...."

"The hush falls over the crowd..cowboys & cowgirls place their hats over their hearts as the national anthem begins...the only movement is the horses in teh arena impatiently pawing at the ground...then as the last round is made...the dust starts to fill the air as the flag is flying by faster and as they exit the arena, the crowd breaks out in a big roar!

I always get a lump in my throat and tears to my eyes at the beautiful presentation of a beautiful horse & rider Bringing in Old Glory for the National Anthem."

To Purchase, contact:
Crossroads Art Center & Cafe
Hettinger, ND
701-567-2334

"Complete silence...minutes tick away....the communication between them intense... a competition of wills....."

"This painting is from a photo I took at sheepdog trials held at Swanke Ranch near Marmarth, ND- I have gotten wonderful photos there-sitting on the hillside observing...the intelligence and beauty of the border collie always leaves me in awe "

2006 Second Place Award Art Contest
Meeker Classic Sheepdog Trials
www.meekersheepdog.com

My good friend who purchased the original of this told of memories she and her family have of her husband Jim bringing them home a pony."

The painting is very subtle in color, a muted day without sunshine...but not a cold day, a beautiful foggy day - not alot of contrasts.... a fun painting to do."