Home
*
Contact Us
hand crafted bas-relief tiles
specializing in decor for cattle and horse ranchers
About Us
Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas, among working cowboys, cattle ranches and
good horses, we strive for casual elegance in our western and equestrian lifestyle.
The horse and the western culture are a strong part of our history in the USA.
Those of us who realize it's dwindeling existance, seek to perpetuate more permanent imagery as its legacy.
These bas-relief designs were developed from that need of specific imagery for we who live and love this lifestyle.
Both Donalyn and Ron have spent years with working cow horses. To walk out the door every morning to the rising sun sparkeling on the morning dew reminds us that it doesn't get much better than this! We want to share this feeling with those of you who know the love of the land, the scent of a horse and the open air.
The little valley where your tiles are created.
Donalyn (and Playmate)
Ron
Donalyn - 2nd or 3rd ride on Im Ranger Frecklepep
(2 yr old stallion) teaching the giddy-up-go part.
Ron and his mare J Jay's Missy warming up
to sort cattle for branding
Donalyn working a cow on Im Justa Playmate. (Ranger's dam)
California Tile
California is one of the primary sources of workable clay for ceramic tile work. We walk on it, play on it, ride and graze our horses and cattle on it. Ceramic tile work has a long history as part of the development and decor of our western United States. Missions and historic architecture hold living imagery of bygone eras in their bas-relief tile work. It is this work of artisans that have gone before who provide a glimpse into our past.
The Artist: Donalyn
Donalyn has been involved in art and horses most of her life. From winning awards in school (paintings of her dogs and horses) to sculpting life sized images in the sands along the beaches above Bodega Bay, it has always simply been an activity for personal pleasure. Thankful that her grandparents and parents knew horses as part of their lives, having the passion for their beauty and movement is understandable. She has experienced many of the aspects of horsemanship from jumping, riding trails, cutting, breeding stallions to birthing foals.
Life sometimes gets in the way of formal education, in between classes and work shops, she did much of the learning on her own. After acrylics, oils, airbrush, wood and other materials, the passion became the feel of earth shaping miracles under her finger tips. Clay is the answer to her love of the earth, horses and roots firmly based in the western life style. The history behind bas-relief work was the answer to preserve our heritage.
Art is like horsemanship; it is a never ending process of learning. Donalyn is most appreciative to the horsemen and artisans who have offered inspiration and encouragement over the years.
Ron Cole
Ron has also been involved with horses for over 40 years. He has successfully raised and shown Morgan horses in both California and Oregon. His experiences include being assistant trainer at large barns of high end show horses as well as driving, working cattle and of course, many miles under saddle. The man knows horses!
Ron has a keen eye for both traditional and contemporary design. Many years in high management positions, in addition to his design talents, make him an intregal member in this partnership of bas-relief tile production. Perfection is paramount. Combining talents with the cowboy code of ethics generates credibility in the field.
All designs are copyright Designs by Donalyn.
Images may not be reproduced without express written permission of the Donalyn Company.
Sutter Creek, California
Pacific Time Zone
(209) 267-5857
FAX: (209) 267-5858
Contact Us
Bas-relief ceramic tile decor for equestrians, horsemen, cowboys, horse and cattle ranchers, distinctive western lifestyle