Thursday, December 12, 2013

"LEGEND SPIRIT"

"YETI"
6" x 6"
This dog I met many years ago - she would follow her master any where and do anything. 
He'd ski off a 20 foot snow covered cliff she'd follow right behind.
She just had that presence that you can't explain
I was given 4 photos of Yedi to do one painting(which I tried and hated)
 she wasn't just one painting she was a lifetime of paintings!
There is a mountain not far from my house and it will always be Yedi's Ridge
 here's the first in a series of three
Thanks for following


"LOOK OUT ROCK"

"YETI"
6" x 6"

"YETI"

 8" X 8"
Sorry 
I forgot to take a pic of all three together before I put them away to dry you get the idea.
Thanks for following I appreciate all the great comments!







Monday, December 9, 2013

"LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT"

"REX LOVES GERALDINE"
8" X 8"
150.00
 (DONATE 150.00 to your favorite organization - send me the receipt and this painting is yours)
REX'S STORY It's just too precious - he's 11 and he met his true love but there's more to the story.
I will include a copy of the story with the painting 
would be a great story time bedroom painting
Thanks for following!



Sunday, December 8, 2013

Thursday, December 5, 2013

"SWEET - STRONG - DEVOTED"

"HENRI"
Henri is the oldest in the pack of Bracco Italianos. I fell in love with this pose the first time I laid eyes on it and knew it had to be painted. It is such a classical style pose for this noble dog. I can rest assured?????!!!!!!!!!! my friend liked the Hanna portrait. Let's drink to that. Have a great weekend.
Thanks for following - and commenting - you guys made my day - really!

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

"BRACCO ITALIANO"

"HANNA"
8" x 8" will be framed individually
Here's the other part of the Portofino story - so I was really hired to paint 3 Bracco Italiano dog portraits not Portofino. I was truly stumped by these dogs in my friends photos they all looked alike to me, I had a difficult time processing the visuals in the emails. I have never seen an Italian Bracco - didn't know anything about the breed so that's why I painted the stucco buildings and boats instead - that was something I could relate to - I've been there seen it done it etc. 
It was time for some research to get to know this Italian breed of bird dog. The main words used to describe this breed is sweet - sweet - sweet! In every e mail to me my friend used - those exact words  to describe these wonderful dogs of hers. Now I was ready - at least I thought so but there's more. 
Throw another wrench into my psyche written by my friend:
One of the things I like about your paintings is the color and there isn't much opportunity for color in the dogs themselves, so I was thinking some sort of colorful border or background would be fun.
YIKES! Holy cow - The first dog I painted was Hanna and she's lavender - pink and blue with a brilliant green background. So I got the background right but Was I suppose to make her brown and white?  
So you see what keeps me up at night!!!!!!!!! I out guess myself - I doubt myself - it just never ends. 
Another thing - I was suppose to put all three dogs on one canvas too - well that didn't work for me visually/ no how no way - so again I throw myself under the bus and go with my gut. The dogs are all painted on separate gessobords and they will be framed separate and that's that - end of story. 
Commissions might be my undoing - Cause I pretty much do what I damn well please. Bad girl!
If you got through all of this you're a saint. Thanks for following and reading the banter.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

"PORTOFINO, ITALY"

12" x 12" 
oil on 3/4" gessoboard 
mounted in floater frame
There's a story here - a friend wanted me to paint her dogs but her dogs were pretty difficult. Then she suggested maybe a vacation photo - so that's where I started with this photo of Portofino - which I cropped the hell out of to get what I wanted to paint, maybe not what she wanted. The rebel that I am I didn't even ask if this was what she wanted - I just needed something to paint and I needed to try my new color Naples Yellow by Holbein - now I know how to use the color it was a great assignment. I'm no business man I can tell you that.  She doesn't even know about this painting - so that's the story.
I did paint her dogs after all and I love the way they turned out more on that another time.

Monday, December 2, 2013

"MY LITTLE LAMB CHOP II"

12" X 12" OIL ON CANVAS
FLOATER FRAME
I bought this little lamb chop doll last year at the Minnesota State Fair - It was meant to be a baby shower present but she never made it there. Love her too much!
Thanks for following!

Sunday, December 1, 2013

"SEEING EYE TO EYE II"

12" X 12"  ON CANVAS 
FRAMED
I know you've seen this before but this is a redo. I love this image can't explain why but here is #2
I'm not going to fight it - just paint it again and again
Hope you survived all that food!

Thanks for following

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Monday, November 25, 2013

"THE DUDE"

20" X 21"
I've wanted to paint this guy for a long time. Didn't know how to do it I think I got it - at least my version. Thanks!

Sunday, November 24, 2013

"RINGO STARR"

12" X 12"
This is a redo of a small painting(actually I did 3 Ringo's - remember he's a cashmere goat - anyway they all sold so I thought what the heck give it a go) - I wanted to see how hard it is to enlarge an idea.  You'd think it would be about the same but it's a completely different mindset.  Painting large - it's too much fun all that paint!!!! Thanks for following.
MY WEBSITE I've worked on my title page but it's looking a little better. E mail me with any
questions.

Friday, November 22, 2013

"SUZIE Q "

"SUZIE Q "
12" X 12"
This is the 3rd one in my animal series - 5 altogether. 
Next post will be monday!
Have a great weekend. 
Thanks for following I appreciate all the e mails and thoughts.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

"BIG RED"

"TONY"
12" X 12"
SOLD
Remember the first rooster?? Well he disappeared and got replaced by Tony. I needed the 12 x 12 gessobord to finish the series and didn't want to order any more right now - he's completely different and well I think it's a good thing. I learned a lot in the process. Thanks for following and thanks for all the emails and thoughts. 

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

"WHAT'S UP DOC?"

"SILLY RABBIT"
12" X 12"
OK so the story is that I've been sick - ugly sick I don't recommend it! I painted every day in between alka - seltzer plus - codein cough syrup  - ibuprofen - pomegranate juice - chicken noodle soup and passing out on the couch.  I've been working on some larger animal pieces to have new work for the December first friday. Gotta pay those gallery fees and I'm hoping this bunny can help that cause. Thanks for following and I hope in some weird way you missed me!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

"DEENA"

   My Grammy is 97 years old and Deena was by far her favorite dog.  She was supposed to be a Chihuahua but turned out to be a Chihuahua/corgi mix topping out at 26 pounds.  When I asked my Grandma to describe her she said “stubborn, loyal and loving.”   My Grandparents and Deena were inseperable.  I got a lot of my love of animals from both my Grandparents.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

"COLORFUL FELLOW"

Not sure if this one will survive past tomorrow morning. I'll sleep on it and see how I feel. The life of a painter - paint all day - and maybe end up with nothing. Thanks for following.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

"RED VELVET"

 ALL CUPCAKES ALL OF THE TIME

I fixed this one today. I didn't like it when I posted it last night - here's the new version. I'm kind of in a slump so the cupcakes are going to help me crawl out of this thing. I have been struggling with my new colors for a long time and really getting no where - I've also been using brushes that are too small - so I'm back to big brushes and kind of thick paint. I love thick paint so why fight it - but I do. I've been trying to add too many new things at once - I just have to be me cause who else would I be. Funky is as funky does! Thanks for following. I'll try to keep it interesting.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

"ALL ABOUT EVE"


This is Eve. We had her from puppy until she passed. She was a true hunter in her early years, hunting all sorts of "badgers" - land badgers (squirrels), areo-badgers (birds), and aqua-badgers (fish)!

She loved "tasting" the fish on the end of the fishing rod. She chased squirrels and almost caught them on numerous occasions. At Christmas, she enjoyed unwrapping presents and was quite good at it!

She was a true lap dog, anxious to sit at your feet, on a blanket, by the fire.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

"PASSPORT TO PARIS"

"WINGED VICTORY OF SAMOTHRACE"
AT THE LOUVRE
THAT'S IN PARIS - FRANCE
A presentation mixing grandeur and theatricality
This exceptional monument was unearthed in 1863 on the small island of Samothrace in the northwest Aegean. It was discovered by Charles Champoiseau, French Vice-Consul to Adrianople (Turkey). The goddess of Victory (Nike, in Greek) is shown in the form of a winged woman standing on the prow of a ship, braced against the strong wind blowing through her garments. With her right hand cupped around her mouth, she announced the event she was dedicated to commemorate. The colossal work was placed in a rock niche that had been dug into a hill; it overlooked the theater of the Sanctuary of the Great Gods. This niche may also have contained a pool filled with water in which the ship appeared to float. Given its placement, the work was meant to be viewed from the front left-hand side; this explains the disparity in sculpting technique, the right side of the body being much less detailed. The highly theatrical presentation-combined with the goddess's monumentality, wide wingspan, and the vigor of her forward-thrusting body-reinforces the reality of the scene.
I went to the "Passport to Paris" show at the Denver Art Museum on sunday. It was a spur of the moment kind of thing -
A beautiful day for driving. That said it's an OK show - nothing to write home about. It might be because I'm so jaded - you may have to judge for yourself if you happen to be in Denver for some other activity it would be worth a stop but not a drive just to see it. It did make me want to transport myself to the Louvre though - so I got out some old photos of trips to Paris and here's the first painting ever of my time there. I love the Louvre! 
Thanks for following.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

"JUNK YARD DOG"

CINDY
You know those signs you see hanging on the fence in big red letters "BEWARE OF DOG"
well Cindy is the one behind the fence. When we were in denver we went to Couch Engineering. Cindy and her pal Rosie are the Go to Gals at Couch Engineering - Jay Couch is the go to guy! 
With over 22 years of hands-on experience working with Unimogs and other 4WD vehicles in the United States and abroad, owner, Couch, is known by his peers as the "Go-To Guy" for authoritative answers and advice. This level of experience saves you time and money, as issues are diagnosed quickly, and solutions are put into place before any potential problems ever arise. Corners are never cut, as C.O.R.E.'s level of high quality work is truly unparalleled. Click on this link for more info.  COUCH ENGINEERING 
We spent the afternoon perusing the unimog junk yard - talking shop - and having a good old time with Cindy!

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

"SUNDAY MORNING"

''FALL SHADOWS"
This was a scene outside our hotel. I just couldn't resist. There should be some more sunday morning paintings in the series coming soon. It was such a beautiful morning with the long fall shadows and intense morning light. Stay tuned. 
Thanks for following! 

Monday, October 21, 2013

"UKE JAM"

DENVER TEMPLE EVENTS CENTER UKULELE FESTIVAL
Oct. 10 - 12th we went down to Denver to attend the Ukulele Festival. These two ukulele enthusiasts were jamming on the steps of the Temple Events Center. It was during our lunch break and it was the first time the sun had come out all weekend. We heard some new bands that we really love and the workshops we attended were well worth the time. It was a fun time!
Thanks for following!

Sunday, October 20, 2013

"SADIE - NELLIE'S SISTER"


Sadie is a 6 year kid Labrador/greyhound mutt we adopted from the humane society around 5 years ago. At the time we had a miniature dachshund and Sadie quickly became the submissive one in the relationship, despite her 40lb advantage! Sadie loves playing fetch (although she has not mastered bringing the ball back...) and loves running up and down our dock. She is a HUGE lap dog (we don't think she knows her size) and readily climbs into your lap to take a nap. Her favorite treat is lettuce and she runs from bed (usually my bed) to the kitchen whenever she hears salads being made!

The dogs are considered family members and very spoiled! 
They are very loved!!



So - I couldn't decide which pose I liked better so I painted 2. The client(boy does that sound important)
chose the first portrait. I still like them both. I love to paint and I'm so lucky I get to do what I love!
Thanks for following! 

Friday, October 18, 2013

"NELLIE"


Nellie's owner says:
Our miniature dachshund passed away last summer, which led to us adopting Nellie from the humane society last fall. She is a pomeranian and papillon mix around 2 years old. She wasn't potty trained when we first brought her home, but the gate we bought to keep her in the kitchen did not work, as she effortlessly jumps over it. She has been nicknamed Houdini, as she can also jump over our backyard fence, onto beds, and onto the bathroom counter. Sadie cries with joy whenever a stranger comes to the house, hoping to be pet. Nellie is definitely the more ferocious guard dog, as she barks at almost anything foreign- including large dogs and strangers!

Thursday, October 17, 2013

"MARITA'S GARDEN"

8" X 8" OIL ON PANEL
Marita's garden is a visual delight. Sunflowers be damned.
100.00 + 5.00 shipping - makes a great present.

or not
Thanks for following I appreciate all the comments - really!

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

"GEORGI PORGI CORGI"

I needed a self portrait today and I don't have one. 
I thought Georgi would make a great choice
for what I had in mind  
Besides he needed his portrait painted because he's the best dog!
 Below is my new PR photo. 
I've had 4 successful days of painting more coming your way




Wednesday, October 9, 2013

"NO VACANCY"

RABBIT EARS MOTEL
This one is my usual 6"X6" - I'm not going to post until next monday or tuesday. 
I hope this silly rabbit holds you over!
Thanks for following - MB

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

"RUSH HOUR"

"STEAMBOAT STYLE"
OK it's been a while and I have no real reason other than life seems to get in the way. 
I have some 6" X 8" gessoboards and I'm having some fun with them. I've always wanted to paint the Rabbit Ears motel sign so here it is and there will be another. 
I have 2 shows lined up for next year - Harwigs in March and Creekside in October. I'm gearing up for those events because I want the shows to have a specific theme and paint in series. Harwigs will be called "HORSEPOWER" and Creekside will be "CHICAGO" things could change but that's what I'm thinking right now. Stay tuned!
Thanks for following

Thursday, October 3, 2013

"THUNDERHEAD VIEW"

We went to the last sunset happy hour at the top of the gondola last week. We had so much fun we plan do do every sunset happy hour next year. For 12 bucks you get a ride up the gondola - 5 dollar credit for food and there's a live band and an incredible sunset to boot.
This guy was enjoying the view of town and the warm glow of the sun. I just couldn't resist. I loved his outfit as well as the outline of light. What a joy! Thanks for following.
6" X 6" oil on board
100.00(SHIPPING INCL. USPS PRIORITY MAIL)

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

"NEW HOLLAND"

6" X 8"
I pass this new holland every day that I ride my bike out river road. Today I stopped to take a picture and decided it was time to give it a go. Thanks for following.

Monday, September 30, 2013

Friday, September 27, 2013

"SUSPECT #4"

 USUAL SUSPECT 
So when I get stuck I'm continuing my  4"X 4" Usual Suspect paintings. 
Thanks for following! 
More coming your way soon - I can feel it.