Train Art, Memories

This tiny card.  How can I explain the meaning behind it? I always tell my students to make art to remember.  I hold this one close to me but will tell you of it nonetheless.  It’s the Great Northern Railway mascot, the Rocky Mountain Goat. My dad worked for this Railroad for 43 years and we were a railroad family, moving to whatever state he was promoted to next. As we moved, my brothers would come of age and not move with us. 

I grew up on trains.  Checking them on Saturdays with Dad, clambering all over them to check for needed repairs and make sure everything was ship shape, riding them across those Rocky Mountains more times than I could count, even driving one. Finally he was transferred to Minnesota and at age 18 I prepared to stay in Illinois.  Last minute I decided it was time to blow that town and I moved with them. 

I started working for the railroad and met my husband there and we continued the railroad travel. Before my dad retired, he was in charge of materials at the headquarters, and was responsible for the safekeeping of the original Rocky Mountain Goat, enshrined in its plexiglas display case.  One little logo.  A lifetime of precious memories. 

Sketchbook Inspiration, Trains!

Just a little piece of crazy from one of my sketchpads. I grew up on trains and they hold a neverending charm for me.  If you ever wonder where my ideas come from, they come from, well, everywhere! BUT, many of my finished paintings come from goofy on-the-fly quick draws like this.

My color choices make me think circus, which in turn makes me think I’d like to do a little series of paintings with the circus theme.  So much to do, so little time!

Blanton Museum of Art in Austin

I wasn’t expecting to find my good old friend Robert Indiana in Austin, but there he was. And since I grew up on trains, drove a train and then worked for the railroad, wasn’t it perfect that it would be this painting the Blanton Museum of Art had on display. Very nice, Robert!

I have long loved Robert Indiana.  He manages to take things right down to their very essence and distill out all the flim flam, like a great chef. His work is stark, colorful, very dramatic and imbued with meaning for those who take the time to look.  Absolutely love this particular piece.