Palo Duro Cowpuncher

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Wrapped up the carving part of this project today. Had to stop for a bit to take the wife into the new Oriental Buffet. It's amazing how just a few spring rolls or a couple of dumplings can give you that extra boost to get over one of the final hurdles.


As you can see by the comparison this one is on the large size. I'm doing it for the 15" or over category at the Dayton show. He measures just over 18" so he should measure up okay. The base is a piece of Caprock I picked up while riding with Boomer through the Palo Duro Canyon south of Amarillo. A beautiful piece of rock with the red veins running through. I think doing little things like this really gives a piece that extra "omph' that you'd miss if you just used a normal mount. You'll note that I painted the rock's description on the back side of it. I did that so the Judge is aware of what it is and how it ties in with the title. A little trick that usually pays dividends.

After I make the spurs, the conchos and the belt tabs He's off to the paint table.

[Myron Compton]

Re: Palo Duro Cowpuncher

The piece of Caprock is a real nice touch. That Dayton show is less than a month away. Looking forward to seeing your carvings in person. This is another fine piece....Myron

[Coffeeman]

Re: Palo Duro Cowpuncher

Looking real good Lynn, I like the extra "super-sized" feel of him too. Bill

[Mark N. Akers]

Re: Palo Duro Cowpuncher

Lynn:
That looks awsome,and I know you will do well at Dayton.I hope you like it enough to come back next year,as we won't make the trip this year but we will next year.I recommend staying at the airport hotel,they are the hosts to the carvers.And by all means eat breakfast at Mr. Friendlys,you won't regret it.

[Arnold-Smith]

Re: Palo Duro Cowpuncher

Lynn That big boy looks good.

[Guest]

Re: Palo Duro Cowpuncher

Lynn, he sure does look good! And rugged, too! It took me a while do decypher the Palo Duro connection, not being from the southwest or anywhere near a Spanish speaking population, but correct me if I'm wrong. That Palo Duro should translate roughly to "hard tree" or a bit more appropriately "Hardwood"! At least that's what we'd call that dude in the UP! And he would definitely NOT have a lariat in his hand......maybe a choker chain.

Anyway, he looks great!

Al

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Re: Palo Duro Cowpuncher

Thanks for your comments. The Palo Duro Canyon, which is south of Amarillo is where Quannah Parker and his Commanche band hid out prior to their surrender and relocation to Ft. Sill, OK. It was also the headquarters of the JA ranch of Charlie Goodnight fame. Check out www.palodurocanyon.com. Really a beautiful place, especially for horseback riding as there is so much history connected to the horse there. There are gypsum caprock deposits all through the canyon which is what I used for my base. You're right about the meaning of the words. It's named for the mesquite that grows throughout the canyon.

I finished the Cowpuncher this afternoon, and once the varnish dries will string his lasso and bolt him down. I epoxied two 1/4" carriage bolts into his feet after I removed the heads. The bolts run through the rock into the base and bolt from the bottom. Had to do it that way as the rock is so soft it wouldn't hold anything.

I experimented with a new technique by giving him "glass" eyes. It worked out really well as the sparkle actually follows you around the room and he looks so lifelike he could step off the base at any moment! I think I'll start using it on all future carvings. Neat!

Will post some photos tomorrow.

[Blake Lunsford]

Re: Palo Duro Cowpuncher

Great looking carving Lynn! Sure is nice! Can't wait to see the new eyes! Wondering what difference it will make on an already great carving!

Blake