In Defense of My Finger Painting And A Story That Needs to Be Told

 April 3, 2026

   A little clean up on aisle three. Or, more accurately, a little context on yesterday's post about my angst over the museum snafus.

   For starters it has never been my goal to be a fine artist. I have always self-identified as a cartoonist, and an illustrator second. And to the last point, I have always maintained that I illustrate my books to defend myself from even worse illustrators.

   All that said, I do have my defenders.

And The Defense Never Rests

   "Wow, I'm shocked about those two paintings at the museums. The people there obviously have no artistic sense. I have many of your paintings, and treasure them - I look at them everyday on my walls. I consider your books with their illustrations and unique layout to be the most engaging way to learn history that I've ever seen. In fact, that is how it should be taught to schoolkids. Your work on the magazine, your time on the radio, and your personal appearances have always been something to look forward to because you are always interesting and entertaining. It really pains me to think you're becoming discouraged, because you're a fantastic artist, author, and speaker! And besides all that, you're a wonderful human being!"

—Gold Lady

Lauren Kormylo (AKA Gold Lady) is a jeweler and longtime art collector, and she came out to a garage sale I had a couple years ago, with her husband, Tom, and her stepson, Thomas, to go through the Triple B Art Garage Sale, and she patiently went through five different stashes and three Kristi Jacobs' packets and chose these six pieces.

The Kromylo's Major Haul

I don't want to imply they stole anything, but, in fact, she lifted some very pricey artwork at a heavily reduced price because a.) she's a True West Maniac, and b.) she bought my stuff when nobody else would (besides Craig Schepp).

My Secret Weapon

   As I also mentioned yesterday, I can only beat myself up so much and then a part of my noggin' kicks in that was hard wired into my brain pan by this person.

Bobbi Guess at The Diamond Bar Ranch

   Yes, when I was growing up my mother, above, told me over and over that I could accomplish anything I put my little mind to and that simple nugget is hard wired into my brain and it has saved me so many times it's not even funny, including yesterday. I know this sounds corny but it is my secret super power! Or, as my therapist wife likes to put it, "What a great coping mechanism."

   Either way, I'll take it. Besides, I believe most success is getting knocked down five times and getting up six.

   Here are a couple snippets of story ideas that I am noodling at the present time:

   He floated into Bacanora on a whispy column of dust but the deeds and damage he accomplished in such a short time are still debated today.

Daily Whip Out: "Pendejo Judgement Day"

   She ruled her tribe with a strong heart. A white captive would forever be grateful.

Daily Whip Out:

"Aespaneo Queen of The Mojaves"

"Write down the advice from those that love you even though you don’t like it at the time.”

—Old Vaquero Saying