I finished this painting, a 10″ by 20″ canvas, over the weekend. Every piece has a different feel in process. Some are struggles, not wanting to show me a way through to the finish. Every decision and move must be really scrutinized. Some show me a way but leave me uneasy about my choices until near the end. And some, like this painting, open wide and invite me in, the process feeling almost effortless.
This painting felt right from the moment it went on the easel. The composition fell together easily and the colors meshed immediately which left me feeling as though I was simply along for the ride. Not painting but rather just observing it coming together. It’s an interesting feeling and one that is highly desirable, at least for me, as the resulting work usually feels naturally free and easy.
And for me this piece has this feel. It flows easily and the warmth of its colors and the rising elevation of it gives me a sense of joy, as though it represents a desired destination, an endpoint to a long journey. You always hope that your journey will end well and this piece is symbolic of that hope. I call it Happy Trails.
Some of you of a certain age will probably immediately associate this with the theme song of film and television cowboy Roy Rogers , written by his wife, cowgirl Dale Evans. Those of you of a slightly younger age will probably think of the song that Van Halen with David Lee Roth used to end its shows. And those of an even younger age will probably just think that its a catchy title. I fall into the first group, having watched reruns of the Roy Rogers Show on Saturday mornings as a kid, mainly because we only had a couple of channels. Plus, I did like Trigger and Roy’s sidekick, Gabby Hayes. And the theme song which ended every show.
It’s a catchy and pleasantly warm song. Its feel and title fit this painting well. Here’s a lovely version that I found online from a gentleman on a ukulele named Patrick Hildebrand Sr. from the Amazing Music Store in Pacific Palisades, California. The uke’s warm tones and his pleasant voice fit this song well.
Redtree Times 
I’m in the first group, of course. The Roy Rogers tv show was the first thing that crossed my mind when I read the title. Interesting that the only Van Halen CD I have is Diver Down, which includes the song.
It’s a perfect title for the painting, I think. The song lopes along, unforced and easy, and that’s just how this road feels. No hairpin turns, no steep grades, no construction zones — just the pleasure of ticking off the miles.
I’m with shoreacres. We had Roy Rogers films — the old Republic Westerns — on Saturday morning, too. Actually, we were lucky. We got the old Warner Brothers Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies movie cartoons in the afternoon. I must confess, Roy Rogers was my first crush. I like the warm reds and oranges in the painting. They give it a cheeriness. Although the road is hilly, hills give you a sense of perspective.
We had the westerns at 7 AM on Saturday (probably the reason I am an early riser to this day) and Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes immediately after, at 9 AM. I liked Roy but he wasn’t my favorite. I was more of an Audie Murphy guy. I think he had a little more of an edge.
On Fri, Feb 28, 2014 at 1:56 AM, Redtree Times wrote:
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