Norman and Shark decided to camp for the night at a scenic spot with a breathtaking view of the Chisos Mountains in western Texas. The evening sky and mountains were glowing with the fading light of the setting sun. Norman set up the tent and built a fire, then got out his guitar and began to sing. “Well we crossed the wild Pecos… forded the Nueces… then we swum the Guadalupe and we followed the Brazos… Red River runs rusty, the Wichita clear, but it was there on the Brazos I courted my dear.” “What does that mean? Corded my deer???” said Shark. “I’m not really sure, to be honest,” said Norman. “I’ve heard of hunting deer, but not cording deer. Maybe it’s like what humans do with sheep. Maybe it’s another word for herding.” “But why would they sing a song about it?” asked Shark. “Have you ever met a deer?” said Norman. “They’re CRANKY.” “I wouldn’t make up a song about something cranky,” said Shark. “Well, humans are weird,” said Norman. “They’ll make up songs about just about anything.” “Maybe it’s supposed to be CARDED. Maybe they’re asking the deer for ID,” said Shark. “Do deer carry ID?” “Not to my knowledge,” said Norman, “but I’ve never asked a deer for ID.” “Maybe you should,” suggested Shark. “What I SHOULD do is finish this song,” laughed Norman, and started strumming the guitar again.
This original artwork is gouache and pen and ink on watercolor paper. It is framed and matted under plexiglass to approximately 22"x30".