“The artist, being a dreamer basically, is one of the few people in this world who has the unique ability to create for himself his very own world, to make things just as he would like them.” So said artist William F. Reese in a book I came across in the studio we used for a week outside of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Actually, I believe the same could be said for many besides artists. It was exemplified in the lives of our hosts for the week, Charlie and Marty Peet.
Besides the gracious accommodations of private guest quarters (not shown) we had the use of this large studio, the full second floor of Charlie’s workshop (above). Also not shown is the array of various classic cars, a classic wood boat, and a home-made airplane, stored and worked on in the shop. It was apparent that there were artful expressions of life going on on both floors.
Of the Wyoming landscape one could not take enough pictures. This is the view out the back of the studio. Out the front was just as grand, and all sides.
For two days I led a workshop for eight friends who paint together in yet another shared studio. Anne only joined us during the final critique and took these pictures.
We’d done four paintings in the two days, a floral, a landscape, a face and a figure. For some it was pushing them into the pool at the deep end. But they were all good sports, had a good time, and learned from each other.
In the meantime, Anne stayed at the Peet studio and kept making art. For her, getting away and working like this, with no interruptions or the ever-present “should-do” list, is a gift. And it’s obvious that she is gifted at it.
The studio was plenty expansive. Anne worked at one end and I at the other. We used the place for eight days running, but for occasional excursions into town (half hour away) and, of course, my two days off-site giving the workshop.
Here’s a sample of some of Anne’s productivity. Her press is barely visible on the far end of the table (in blue). That’s her smaller, “portable” version (though still very heavy) that we take on such trips.
Down at my end, I too was busy, making a couple of large acrylics . . . western themed for the occasion . . . and a number of small oils. Some, like the floral and the dancer, were done as demos in the workshop, the others, just because.
Here’s another view, and another time of day, looking around the Peets’ 70-acre spread. Completely peaceful, but with sometimes hourly changes in weather and light. In winter it’s covered with snow, and maybe a herd of elk.
Our hostess, Marty Peet, enjoying the end-of-day air with Anne, down by their stretch of the river. Note, “Maggie” lounging just behind, their 3/4 wolf, very docile with humans, but a threat to any dogs venturing her claimed property.
The same evening, with camera in other hands. I’m relaxed, not knowing I was at that moment being bitten by some invisible insect in the grass and ended up on antibiotics for a week. Who said this country was altogether tamed?
Too dark for a good photo, but too special not to show. It was Wyoming, for me a return to ancestral home. For more on that, and how we happened to be invited here, see the two recent Blank Slate blogs I posted while there. It’s all part of the “invented world” these artists are able to create. We’re grateful.
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Ongoing and Upcoming Events
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Sandstone Gallery Laguna: Featuring Hyatt Moore
Show will feature abstract and abstract figurative work. For preview, see here.
Opening this Thursday, October 2, 6:00-9:00 pm.
At the Laguna Art Walk
384-A North Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, California 92651
October 2–November 2, 12:00-5:00 (closed Tuesdays)
Semi-Private Coaching for Painters
Offering two-hour sessions on Mondays and on Saturday mornings
In the Hyatt Moore Studio, Dana Point
Call 949-240-4642
Printmaking Classes
Two-hour sessions in the Anne Moore studio, Dana Point
Call or email for more information or to schedule a class
anne@hyattmoore.com
949-240-4642
7:13 am
Thank you for sharing. Beautiful photos!
Pastor Adam Barton
Akron, OH
8:37 am
Wyoming looks amazing. I’ve spent a lot of time in Montana and a little in Idaho but have never been to Wyoming. I’m definitely putting it on my “to do” list now. Thanks for sharing these. Very inspiring.
8:41 am
You both used your time well. Lovely!
9:08 am
I like your style! Great that you and Anne can share this life of art and expression. Bless God for that! I’m fighting back envy as best I can .
10:30 am
Dear Hyatt,
I loved your response to the quote you started with. I agree that this truly applies to many people!
As for the entire blog, I was amazed from start to finish with everything from the awesome old building and cars, to the exquisite photos of the landscape, to the lovely work that both you and Anne created.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience. It transported me there!
Susan Morrison
(Friend of Michael Gibbons…my husband, Cliff and I met you and Anne in Toledo some time ago)
10:55 am
This trip was so all you and Anne, Hyatt. It’s like God’s art, all around you, and your art (and the Peets’, namely the woody!), are in fusion. Love it.
11:56 am
Good stuff, Hyatt. Well done and keep’em coming.
SVR
5:08 pm
You should paint a copy of dad’s homestead picture – who has that, anyway? you’re so blessed! happy trails!
5:25 pm
Hyatt and Anne,
You were in a place close to were your forefathers lived. Looking at you with hat on reminds me of the old west and maybe your grandparents.
Becky
5:47 am
We drove through Wyoming last winter, and I agree with you, it is not tame. There were permanent signs next to the freeway that said, ‘freeway closed when lights are flashing’, because that was apparently a frequent thing. I think I would personally enjoy visiting more in the warmer months. I’m glad you had such a great time and the cowboy hat looks good on you!
7:33 am
Thanks, Acacia. We also experienced road closure . . . in Grand Teton National Park . . . due to bear activity!
7:58 am
What a wonderful place to just do your art and also let God “seep”in as you enjoy the country around and the privilege of borrowing the scenery.
10:41 am
your hat….reminds me that Ed still has a bit of Wyoming in him….he loves his western cowboy hats….and they do lend a certain “western-aged handsomeness” to you both! Good for Anne!….I think all women identify with ever-present “should do” lists!
3:05 pm
So beautiful. Since I come from the artist’s town of Carmel, somehow your pictures connect me with my inner artist self. I love Anne’s style. It connects with a part of me, too.
10:09 am
Hyatt,
Thanks so much for sharing your rich life. You and Anne seem to have a wonderful path to the future that lights your way to beautiful people and places, unique experiences and exquisite art. Pardon the cliche, but you live life as it should be lived, relaxed, with gusto, and ready for whatever comes next. Keep up the good work, and keep sharing.
Jane Ice