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I titled this piece Courage, because courage is one of the buffalo totem attributes, and it takes courage to keep moving, keep walking forward in the face of adversity. Many of us are facing economic adversity in our lives, but we must keep on keeping on, moving in the direction of our dreams. Even if it seems the sky is falling, the buffalo encourages us to never give up. We manifest what we believe. Yes, times are tough, but we will survive.

I believe Buffalo has come into my life to help me through these times, to see the opportunity in the challenge. Yes, like most people, I've had to watch my spending, make do and do without. But the silver lining is that I've learned to not take what I have for granted. I have much to be thankful for: my wonderful, supportive family, my compassionate - and passionate - friends, the company I work for, whose owners truly care about their employees and who believe in doing the right thing always - because it is the right thing... I'm thankful that I have a talent that I can share with others...I'm thankful I have a beautiful log house with a great studio, that every day I see the mountains to the west and the prairie to the east and at night I can still see the milky way. And I'm thankful for the abundance in my life. I don't have a lot of extra, but I always have what I need.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I found this great description of what the Buffalo Totem means: Abundance, prosperity, standing one’s ground and protection of resources are just part of what Buffalo represents on an energy level. In Ted Andrews book Animal Speak he says in reference to Buffalo that “The Lord helps those who help themselves” and that the Lakota Sioux believed that right action combined with right prayer resulted in the manifestation of all that is wanted or needed. How many times has anyone heard that someone wants something, be it money, a new relationship, a new job, etc. and yet the person wants someone else to do it all for them! When Buffalo appears to us, it is at this time that we ourselves need to take action on our own behalf and then and only then can we provide a channel for the manifestation to flow through to us from the Universe. To read more, go to the Morningstar website.  This painting is #9 in my Buffalo series.

My friend and mentor, artist Clive Tyler, has told me for years that I should paint in series. Over the last few years I've tried to do that, but would get distracted, or bored. With my Equine Spirit series, I was able to keep on a subject matter - horses - and a "theme" - semi abstracted, with the emphasis being on the spirit, or essence, of the horse rather than a realistic interpretation. Some paintings just flowed, some were difficult and many times I felt discouraged. The series is in some ways cohesive, but as far as "style" goes, I felt - and still do - that there was no real common thread.

With this series, it is like I am finally in the zone. By painting the same animal over and over, using the same technique, and the same palette, I feel a strength of purpose and a real connectedness to the work.  "Buffalo Sun" is number seven in the series - number eight is nearly finished. The more I read about the Buffalo as a totem animal -  a spirit guide - the more I am convinced that I am on the right path.

Click here for more information on the painting, "Buffalo Sun."

The buffalo reminds us to give thanks for what we have, to respect all life forms and to honor the integrity of our own divine essence. It is a symbol of equality, sacrifice and service and can show us how to live in a state of understanding, acceptance and joy. It helps us release our self pity and awakens abundance within our consciousness. Buffalo is a powerful medicine to have and serves as a stepping stone towards healing our imperfections and reconnecting with mother earth and father sky.

The original of this painting is sold, but you can purchase a Giclée print of this and other paintings through Fine Print Collection, an online print gallery. Click here to see what I have available.

I named this dairy cow "Moo-na Lisa" because of her knowing smile. She seems to be sharing a little insider's joke - maybe it is like the famous painting she was named after - that she carries a secret life within her.

The setting sun burst through the storm clouds on this awesome summer evening in Colorado. The water in an irrigation canal shone like the gold it is to this arid state. This painting is 24 x 24 and is in the Legacy Land Trust's "Art for Conservation" art show. Proceeds from the annual art auction benefits Legacy Land Trust and is one of their major fundraisers for the year. I've got two smaller landscapes in the show - High Plains Drifter, 12x12, and Land, Sea and Sky, 12x12. The closing reception is this Friday - come enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres and bid on a piece! Click here for more info: https://www.katedardine.com/events