Come on out to Wheeler Historic Farm where we can plein air paint some nostalgic country scenes in the city.  It's a great place.  Animals, barns, hay wagons, plows, farmhouse, scenery... My painting dog, T-Wrex, and I love to paint there.  (Does that imply he paints? :)  The ducks and geese get him going a bit, but he settles down.  I keep him leashed on my belt.  He even knows when I say, "I'm gonna put you on my belt". 

One day, "T" and I were at the farm photographing reference on the bridge, (T photographs too :) when we met a "Toto" dog, a Cairn Terrier.  T is a Chinoodle - Japanese Chin/Toy Poodle mix.  He looks just like Benji.  It was awesome, that day, Benji met Toto!  I got talking to "Toto's" owner, then got in a hurry and with my camera around my neck...,"Great Scott Batman!"...I FORGOT to get a photo of them together!!!  I hope we'll meet another day.  The Toto dog's name was Henry.  Henry, if you read this, T would like to meet you at Wheeler Farm for a photo op.  Thanks! 

Back to the workshop...We'll talk about and use my painting approach, Infusion.  I have students who ask, "How do you decide what to paint?  There's so much out there!"  We'll learn ways to reduce nature's shapes, so she'll design well on your painting surface.  And there's more...value, color control, paint texture!  We've got a lot to cover, so we're starting at 8:00am and going 'til dusk both days, Friday, July 10th and Saturday, July 11th.  You may bring lunch and dinner or go out.  Either way.   It's only $75.00 for both days combined.  If you can only make it one of the days, it's $45.00.  Contact me for the registration form, supply list, itinerary etc... Email: robert@robertmckayart.com or phone:  801-971-7275.

WOW!  My head is still in the clouds!  I was one of two artists invited to take a Utah National Guard Blackhawk helicopter tour.  With us were company executives and the Mayor of Castle Dale, Utah.

The Guard served us breakfast, showed us different helicopters, then we boarded the Blackhawk and flew down to Southern Utah over the beautiful Bryce Canyon and Zion landscapes.  Daren Wilding, the other artist, and I had a blast taking reference photos.  It is always fun to be with another artist who loves taking a lot of reference!  At the St. George Base, they served us lunch where we learned about the incredible part our Southern Utah Units played in the Korean War.  Some of the relatives of those soldiers currently serve protecting us today over in the Middle East.  What a tremendous history.  We discussed how important it is for citizens, neighbors, employers and communities to understand soldiers' varied schedules of deployment, tell them we appreciate their service and do all we can to assist in helping their families at home.  It was a marvelous and humbling experience. 
After lunch we saw various ground equipment.   We then boarded for the return flight.  Too cool!

I'm looking forward to painting the experience and donating it to the Guard for auction.  It's an honor and privilege to help support our troops and their families.

My special thanks to Russ, Lynn, Colonel Olson, the pilots and crew at the Utah National Guard.  Thank you to all the men and women in uniform, our fantastic United States Military.  My family and I are grateful to you for protecting our country, families and liberties.

You may have heard that due to the current economic situations the bird rehab program will be leaving the Nature Center. The group of volunteers who have been working with the rehab and education program for about 10 years, have formed their own organization called the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Norhtern Utah (WRC) and are working hard to keep this awesome program in the Ogden area.  50 to 70 Birds will be going with the rehab volunteers.

Artists and Heirlooms will be hosting a fundraiser for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center during the First Friday Art Stroll on May 1st. Some education birds and their handlers will be at the Gallery during both the May 1st and June 5th Gallery Stroll evenings.

We will show selected art work on the show floor at Artists and Heirlooms and also hold a silent auction for any donated pieces.  Donated pieces will be put on silent auction on May 1st and end at 8:30 on the evening of the June 5th and will be shown outside the Gallery during the car show/art stroll that evening.

Come out and support this great cause, see the birds and purchase great art!

Tomorrow I'll post another incredible bird experience I had on a ... BLACKHAWK !