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Here we are in 2009! We wish you a great new year as we celebrate our 11th year with Southwest Roundup Studio Gallery in San Juan Bautista.
We find it exciting to begin each new year and welcome the challenges and opportunities which peek around every corner....at least that's our approach to life. This year brings many challenges for sure with the economic environment, change in government, unusual weather conditions and concerns for what the future may hold. But we remain optomistic and eagerly approach ways to be of value and service to our clientel.
One opportunity we have is to welcome new artists into our gallery showcase, sharing their paintings, silversmithing and gear making abilities. During February we will be adding new artists to our "Meet the Artist" category on the site. Please be sure to check back and see new items and background history on many new artists.
Also, remember to click on "Events" and view our recommended western regional events and art shows for 2009. During February we will introduce a new "Visit" category on our site - highlighting specific locations, museums or cultural centers tied to the old traditions of the west. Far too often many worthwhile destinations get overlooked by the general public. We will do our part in promoting their importance and value.
Thank you for your continuing interest in Southwest Roundup Studio Gallery. Feel free to contact us with any comments or questions.
Happy Trails!
Here we are in November already! Where has the year gone.
As we reflect back over 2008 we realize it has been an eventful year to say the least. The weather in our part of the country was unpredictable, extreme dry spells and wild fires causing many to lose their homes, ecomony issues causing many to lose employment, relocations throughout the country, general caution overall with investments and spending, and the recent national elections historic for sure. But we must stay optomistic with life and strive to look forward, not dwell on negatives.
Here at Southwest Roundup we have been given opportunities to meet many new visitors, clients and artists who focus on the traditional western lifestyle that we promote. We showcase only items that are created by artists living in the western area and no items are mass produced. You definitely feel and sense the difference when you visit our small gallery. It is unique. The fine art giclee prints, rustic custom furniture, lighting fixtures, leather handmade gear to our selection of reading material - books on home design & architecture, western landscape, photography and art books and some little treasures like "Luis Ortega Master Rawhide Artist". Books make great collectibles and gifts....and can never be replaced by today's computer.
Also for reading material you may want to review the publication "Living Cowboy Ethics", a quarterly journal by the Paragon Foundation. Each journal carries insightful articles relative to our Constitutional rights as property owners plus highlights on western history, artists past and present, gear makers, books, events and so much more. Visit their website at www.paragonfoundation.org.
We wish you the best during the winter months no matter if it's warm or cold, raining or snowing, the holiday season is a time to reflect on accomplishments and look ahead to new challenges. Let us know if we can be of service at Southwest Roundup Studio Gallery.
Best wishes to all!
It's Summertime....and the temps are rising!
We hope you, your family and friends are enjoying the summer months. The weather certainly has been unstable in much of the country and the flooding and wildfires are hard to contend with for many folks. Our thoughts go out to those of you personally dealing with tragedy. We must be positive and work through each day and find meaning and enjoyment in living. We certainly appreciate hearing from you and knowing that our offerings bring a little enjoyment into your home surroundings!
All of our items at Southwest Roundup Studio Gallery remember are made in the western area (including both Canada and Mexico). Some artists are more remote...the dry, hot desert regions for instance (Great Basin buckaroo country or the Sonora Desert) and some are in the lush Canadian mountain regions. Others are closer to large cities and an occasional "movie" or restaurant. In either case, their art and craftmanship continue to bring enjoyment into our lives. Having a special item to gaze at or better yet put to use, can help brighten your day.
So...please feel free to browse our offerings and contact us directly with any questions. We've chosen to showcase some outstanding hand tooled leatherwork by master carvers working in the old traditional style influenced by the early California vaqueros (Western Fine Art category). Their items are truly works of art! to be used on the ranch or displayed along side your collection of wall art. Guaranteed to give you enjoyment. And artist William Matthews has a new book featuring the western buckaroo which we recommend for your collection (Accessories category).
Well, days ending and we're heading out to catch horses. Sure do like the long daylight hours and evening breezes. Now go gather your pards and share a positive, uplifting thought or two....and "smile"! It's contagious!
Happy New Year! 2008!!
We hope this note finds you happy and healthy as the new year begins. It's exciting to move ahead and have the opportunity to accept more challenges, meet new people and be of service to you. However, our actual trail riding time is reduced due to winter rains and mucky conditions, but our outdoor work continues. Cold winds bite my face and numb my fingers, but my legs keep moving and thoughts keep flowing to share with you while I'm cleaning turnouts!
The "art of the giclee" print is worth some time. Original art is wonderful but can come with a high price tag for some. Thus, was born the print biz which allows many folks the opportunity to enjoy art and expands the customer base for artists. The earlier lithograph print process was replaced with the digital process of "sprayed ink" referred to as giclee. With the digital process, the original art can be captured and tones adjusted to mirror the original as close as possible. A limited edition of an artist's print adds value too. The giclee process gets more involved...various printers have their paper options(coated vs uncoated) and should be matched to the artist's medium (oil, watercolor, acrylic, pencil)and costs can vary depending on type of printer, edition size and of course the artist's name.
So....an original piece of art is a very special investment to be displayed and enjoyed, but don't hesitate to begin a collection of limited edition giclee prints. Or give a limited edition signed giclee print as a gift. It can be a wonderful way to introduce someone to the world of art. At Southwest Roundup we focus on the "art of the giclee" and will be glad to explain more aspects of printing. You can become a "connoisseur" of the giclee! Happy Trails!
Mid October 2007
Gosh! What happened to September? The days are flying by and winter is setting in already. For those of us who spend alot of time outdoors, the day light hours now are just not enough for me. Clearing trails, fixing fences and other ranch jobs preparing for the cold, windy and wet winter take up alot of our time. But...it allows alot of quiet time to think about Southwest Roundup's artists and upcoming shows.
Winter brings some very interesting, worthwhile art shows for you to consider attending and also many traditional vaquero gatherings where you will see handmade gear along with wonderful fine art. Click on "Events" to review some of the western area shows.
We suggest you consider fine art when you select a special gift for your friends and loved ones during the holidays. Our selection of fine art and artists are devoted to the traditional west, the true working buckaroo style, the handmade gear such as the braided riata. Our newest items are hand tooled leather headstalls, finger carved on the inside in limited editions trimed with silver buckles. These are created by western fine artists.
Completely custom framed art is also available. We will be glad to email you photos of current framed pieces we have in the Gallery. We offer Museum Quality Glass and Convervation UV Protected Glass. Our framer is a "master" and the frames are solid wood, custom made for each print. So, click on "Western Fine Art" and brouse the giclees and etchings. All are high quality, limited editions.
Feel free to contact us with any questions or comments. And we sincerely hope you are welcoming the Fall season and wish you heartfelt western wishes for comfort. Enjoy!
Mid August 2007
Here we are, some say it's a downhill slide now until the Holidays! It's hard to believe how fast the year has gone. Hope you are enjoying lifes adventures.
About this time of year, we receive more opportunities to help customers with their handcrafted furniture needs, especially dining tables and chairs for their Holiday entertainment. Ordering now will assure delivery for the Holidays. We will be adding more photos on our site showing various table styles, woods, stains that clients have ordered. Keep checking under "Furniture". Feel free to contact us to discuss your specific custom request.
Remember, our handcrafted light fixtures will brighten up your decor. Our natural antler lighting designs are outstanding! Made entirely of naturally shed antlers, it is without a doubt the best craftsmanship available. AND at very reasonable pricing. We will be adding more photos.
Late summer brings some hot days in our mission town. The days are getting shorter though. But it's sure nice to end the day with a horse partner who loves to head out for some evening trail time. Time to reflect on the positive moments of the days business and looking forward to what tomorrow will bring. And we alway hope that you keep a little of the old west alive in your home and heart!
Early July 2007
Hello to all of you and a heartfelt thank you to our long-time customers over the years! Out on the trail, a clear morning, horse working well, we're in sync and my mind wanders off on a question about Southwest Roundup. "What makes us unique"?
We're a small business, but one that offers only handcrafted, studio items from artists residing in the western U.S. and Mexico and live a more traditional western lifestyle. No mass production items are ever part of Southwest Roundup. You won't see the same items in today's big chain stores. This is what makes us unique! We're not everything to everybody.
Whether it's custom furniture, lighting or fine art and gear, you can be sure the artist has personally created it for your enjoyment. And Southwest Roundup's design concepts on custom work, framing and sales coordination complete the picture.
So, we hear it over and over again: Southwest Roundup's Studio Gallery has a special "feel" to it. We hope you can visit in person one day and "feel" for yourself. We'll be adding new items on the site soon! And hats off to our artists for making Southwest Roundup unique!
Opps, better stay focused on the trail. Remember... some carry the western lifestyle more on the inside than the outside. Either way, Enjoy! |
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