The Mountain Man of Castle Rock Works in Progress

*"THE MOUNTAIN MAN OF CASTLE ROCK"*

OK children, gather around, it's time for a history lesson! As you look out our front window here on the Lower South Fork of the Shoshone River, which faces southwest, you see the famous landmark, called "Castle Rock" about three miles away. It juts up from the valley floor and stands all by itself. It rises several hundred above the floor of the valley.
"Castle Rock" actually climbs to 6,010 feet (1,831.85 meters) above sea level. Here at the ranch we are about 5300 feet above sea level to give you an idea how high it is.
As the "Castle Rock" sign says: "John Colter, famed among the famous breed of Mountain Men, passed this landmark late in the fall of 1807 while on business for the fur trader Manual Lisa. Searching for Indians in order to conduct trade, he also hunted salt caves reputedly located near the headwaters of this stream then known as the 'stinking water.'
On his journey, Colter not only discovered this later named Shoshone River but he also became the first recorded white man to visit the upper Wind River, Jackson's Hole and Yellowstone Park. His lonely trek, compounding the normal dangers of savage wilderness by mid winter passage of a broad and lofty mountain range, lives in history and legend an epic of fortitudinous exploration."
There is a lot of other history that is based around this famous landmark. To this day, you can still see the original "teepee rings" around the base. Just recently, Leigh and I had the extreme pleasure of meeting a man, well known and well loved by many here in Cody. His name is Sheldon Hanson. He is 70 years of age. Sheldon actually lives right across the river from "Castle Rock." We made the arrangements a couple of weeks ago to do a photo shoot with him. Leigh shot almost 100 photographs of him with and without his horse, "Junior." I won't tell you what he calls him!
This is version one of my painting of him and Junior. As this piece progresses, you will see the famous "Castle Rock" appear just behind his horse. It was snowing up in the mountain range behind "Castle Rock" that day. I will be painting that and the rest of the background last, as usual. This piece has a lot of detail so it will take a while to complete. Most of my pieces take roughly 50-60 hours to complete.
	This will surely take a lot longer to finish. Since I have a "new hunting buddy," it might even take longer than usual!! What a face and what character he is! Stay tuned!--Denny ;{

Here is version 3. Visually, not much different. I went in and did more detailing on Sheldon's face and detailed Junior a little more.
	A close up of Sheldon's Face

Junior's head

	Saturday's work. Version 4

Version 5

	Version 6

This is version seven. You will probably not see a big difference in version seven from version six but I detailed his flintlock rifle, saddle, axe and the horse's back end. Sheldon and his horse are pretty much complete. A few little things to touch up once the paint dries in those areas. I start the background tomorrow.

	Here is this morning's work. This is version 8.

Here is this afternoon's work. This is version nine. I will still go in and smooth the background out and finally sign it. Maybe finish it tomorrow.--Denny ;{

	The Final Just recently, Leigh and I had the extreme pleasure of meeting a man, well known and well loved by many here in Cody. His name is Sheldon Hanson. He is 70 years of age. Sheldon actually lives right across the river from "Castle Rock." The piece is traditional oils on the Ampersand "Gessobord" Masonite. The size is 24" x 18" overall. My reference photograph is from Leigh's photograph in February 2008, Cody, Wyoming. "The Mountain Man of Castle Rock" is for sale. $8000. Please contact the artist for shipping and handling charges.

	Sheldon Hanson