"CELEBRATE - HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!"

HAPPY NEW YEAR

MAY ALL YOUR WISHES COME TRUE IN 2013

THANKS A BUNCH FOR VISITING - MB!

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"BUGSY" & "PERFECT POWDER DAY"

 Bugsy the cat. I can't tell you how hard cats are to paint. I painted this cat more than once. I wiped away at least three Bugsy's to get it just right or what I thought was right. I hope they liked it!

This is what I did before I painted in the studio today.

It was a perfect ski day and a most excellent painting day. 

PERFECT LINE

HIKE UP AND SKI DOWN!

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"THE RECITAL"

I am filling in with some older stuff. I've gone through a state of depression the last couple of days.  I think I've worked through it. I was so so stuck - I didn't know if I could possibly finish the 100 days. Last night was the turning point in my dilemma.  I started a 24 x 24 inch painting and that helped me break out of my funk. I'm excited about the new work but it will be a while till any one sees it. So here's the recital for today. I didn't have time to take a pic of the new painting of the day you should get that tomorrow(if I like it in the morning).
Flowers - OK I'll see if I can try some more. I'm not promising anything. I haven't really figured out what I want from a flower.
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"WILD HEART"

I have never attempted to paint a wild rose - so here's my first try. I have great difficulty with flowers and can't figure out why. I love flowers -  it's usually easy to paint something you love, but flowers are another demon I must overcome. I'm happy with this rendition. A spot of color in December.
Click to buy!
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"MY CLEMENTINE II"

Here is the last clementine in the series. I think I'm ready for the same subject matter only larger scale. I'm getting a little behind. The snow is finally good and I have to get out and ski a little now. I feel kind of like a sloth after the holidays. Today is number 50 we'll see if I can keep it going. Click to buy!
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"LONE HORN II"

This is my second long horn painting. I love these animals because they show so much expression. This long horn was at the rodeo grounds this summer so I can only deduce he's a performer for the rodeo. I think he wanted me to take him home and set him free. In a perfect world that would be tempting. I love how this little painting turned out. I think the complimentary color scheme works perfectly. I'm trying to get back to my roots - with the use of brighter colors! A small 6 inch painting can handle a lot of vibrant color. It's been fun. Click to buy!
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"LULU - LITTLE OTTER PUPPY"

Lulu loves to swim. 

I hope all of you had a wonderful, fun and fulfilling holiday. 

Thanks to everyone mine was pretty awesome. 

Later - MB

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"SANTA'S LITTLE HELPER"

WISHING YOU ALL A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY!

THANKS FOR FOLLOWING MY BLOG

"EMI'S PAIR"

Emi wore these mismatched shoes until she was 2. The first day of school she decided to be more normal?????? It was so cute to see her in these shoes and so sad when she stopped wearing them as a pair. I did this painting to celebrate her unique view. It hangs in her bedroom. So it's a portrait of sorts.
Thanks
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"HEAVENLY DE-LIGHT"

I was thinking about the holidays and my love for chocolate. I wanted to make something a little different today and came up with this image. I was originally going to call it "Religious Experience"
but changed my mind. I really needed some comic relief today, this was the perfect answer to my dilemma. It made me laugh and that's what counts. Hope you enjoy!
Click to buy or not or send me an e-mail to save for you.
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"LITTLE GIRL"

Little Girl is a commission piece. I really should've waited for the OK to post but I like the way she turned out. I hope they approve too. Otherwise I might be back to the drawing board on this one.
I'll keep you posted. Let it snow - let it snow - let it snow!
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"PEACE TRIBUTE"

As the events unfolded this week and last I wanted to do something about peace, love and understanding.  These fall aspen leaves floating in a puddle try to represent how I feel.  I really don't understand how this sort of thing can happen. I'm at a loss.
Be well - MB

"DOROTHY'S OTHER PAIR"

Here's the second painting of Dorothy's shoes. I can promise you there will be more I just can't help myself. I love this painting it's one of my all time favorites. It's loose and lively. More painterly from my perspective. Click to buy!
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"CLEMENTINE'S SHADOW"

Here's the second of three paintings of the clementines in my favorite bowl. These were so much fun to paint I just couldn't stop myself. These are some sweet little paintings. Hope all is well. We're getting down to the wire on the holiday. I just can't believe another year has zipped by - what's that all about?
Anyway, click to buy!
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"MY CLEMENTINE"

I bought a bag of clementine's and stuck a mandarin orange with the leaves in the middle. I love these little complimentary color paintings. Not sure if I used this one or not forgive me. Van Gogh was into the complimentary color scheme - if you think about his paintings you can come up with many complimentary color schemes. "A good understanding of color is worth more than seventy different shades of paint." Van Gogh studied color intensely - I am no Van Gogh but have found through my daily painting practice I am finally grasping a bit of the philosophy of color. Thanks for looking and happy painting or whatever you are into. Click to buy this sweetie!
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"TANGERINE DREAM"

Here's something kind of new for me. I've never really tried to do an extremely dark background. I didn't use black I used a combination of phthalo blue and burnt sienna to get the dark background, at least I think that's what I used. It's hard to keep the rest of the painting clean with all that dark color but I think I succeeded. I'm happy with this little gem. Click to buy!
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"JOE BENDER ON SAFARI"

I have had Joe Bender riding this elephant for many years. He's been sitting on a shelf in my studio. Daily painting has allowed me the freedom to finally paint this fun scene. Don't use much paint, small canvas etc. It's really freeing in a way. I'm giving it away for the holidays - I won't say anymore it's a secret.
Happy holidays!!!! Thanks MB
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"DO YOU WANT TO KNOW A SECRET"

I got all my Christmas stuff mailed today, then I locked myself out of my old truck while at the grocery store. I feel a little behind and didn't get a painting finished today. There's always tomorrow.  These 

salt shakers sit on a shelf at my mother in laws house.  I am in the market for some more shakers because they are so much fun to paint.  I love the reflection in the window. That's probably the sole reason I was drawn to them in the first place.  Click to buy this little gem.

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"PERFECT POM"

Not such a good picture but you get the idea. This was my second attempt at the pomegranate. I could paint these all day. You may see more over time. I had to sit the gallery all day so I'm kind of a frazzle right now. Drinking some wine to make it all better. Click to buy!
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"TERRY'S CHERRIES"

I'm in a hurry I had to sit the gallery all day. I did get my x mas cards just about finished. Anyway this is a small rendition of the original painting that changed everything for me in september. Terry's garden was to die for and the tart cherries on the tree were every color of the rainbow. I bet it made some killer jam. Click to buy this sweet little gem. Or better yet e-mail me.
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"LIFT UP TREASURE"

It is what it says it is - my thrift store treasure. I can't tell you  how much I love this little Jar I've never seen one like it before. It will be starring in many a painting in the future. This is the Van Gogh thing agin too! Complimentary color scheme. My favorite color combo blue and orange. Click to buy!
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"LADY BUG"

I wanted this bug to be really, really red. I think I got what I wanted. The VW helped me work my way out of blockage I'm ready to get on with it. Hope you enjoy! It's finally snowing here we're all so relieved and relaxed. Let's hope it snows for the rest of the week - also, could it please snow the rest of the month.
Click to buy! or not.
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"CAPITAL HILL EXPRESS"

I have been stuck for so long all I want to do is make presents for friends. Here's a present for our newly elected local official, Diane Mitch Bush - Colorado House of Representatives, District #26. Purple is her favorite color - I tried in vain to paint a Columbine for her, well that didn't work out. I have wiped away more paintings this week than anyone in their right mind can imagine. So here's what I learned today - find an image you truly love to paint. That image will help free your mind and your brush. I told you I would be painting this VW again and again. Well here's the 1st one- tomorrow you get another. My advice when you're stuck - really stuck go back to what ever image works for you  to get you out of your fix. The VW is mine. Tomorrow it's a red one! Thanks for looking.
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"MY LITTLE LAMB CHOP"

I bought this little Lambchop this summer at the Minnesota State fair. I bought it as a baby present but I tell you I love this little Lambchop so much I  don't know whether I will be able to part with her. Remember Shari Lewis? I'm dating myself aren't I?  I love this toy!  I could paint it again and again and never get tired of the image. To buy! 

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"STIMULUS PACKAGE"

This is just what it says it is - Stimulate my package! Everything on sale - buy 3 and get shipping refund(all 3 will be shipped to the same address). How's that for a deal. I do have Paypal at the studio now so if you really want something please e-mail me through the comment panel on my blog. It's a bargain! Also, if you want something special, like a commission piece request that through my blog or website.

Thanks again.

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"89 KISSES"

OK so there's a story here - I had to get this painting finished before 4pm and get it in the mail. I got my acrylics out to accomplish this task today(WOW that was weird). It's a funky little birthday present that needed to get to the recipient by tuesday. I made it just in time. I hope she laughs when she gets it - she is known for sending b-day cash in the amount of your age. It's a great surprise when it happens. I was going to paint 89 actual candy kisses but I couldn't do that in an hour -  hopefully this painting will brighten her b-day! Thanks.
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"BUDDY"

I just saw Gretchen in the grocery store yesterday. She was so sad cause Buddy had just passed away and he was only 10. He was her first dog(just like Georgi is my first dog) and he was the best dog.
She showed me a picture of him on her phone and I had her e-mail it to me. If you know her don't tell her, when it's dry I'll wrap it up and give it to her.  I was driven to paint this image for her. Why? I can't tell you. I just had to do it! Wishing you all well.
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"JOINED AT THE HIP"

Well here we are in Strawberry Park with the yearlings. I love these guys and every time I stop by in the summer they come up to the fence and jockey for a position. They are so curious and love to have their picture taken.  We're so lucky to live here. My little book of paintings turned out great. I'm extremely happy with what I've accomplished in 2012. Before Nov. 7th I didn't even know what a blog was, and look at me now - what a goof!  This little painting is a bargain!
I now have PayPal too! You can buy direct send me an e-mail if that's your style.
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"ALWAYS RIGHT"

All I can tell you about this painting is it was pure joy to paint. It must've happened in less than an hour (which is not the norm) and I loved it right away. It's another example of less is more at least for me. Maybe the title should've been less is more! It's a bargain. Thanks for all the encouragement.
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"SHADOW"

Sometimes it's liberating to paint something simple and sparse. I really like this little painting because it's so different from the rest.  Shadow implies a time of year and a quiet space. I found this grass stalk outside my studio and fell in love with the shadow. It's a bargain! I'm at 25 paintings today. I find the next paintings to be quite different. They are too wet to take outside and photograph. They will be coming soon. Thanks.
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"SUCKER"

I bought these suckers a long long time ago. I've always wanted to paint them and this is my first go at it. It's way more difficult than it appears. I am working my way out of my funk and things are going so much better. It's extremely difficult to commit to a painting a day. I can't believe how hard it is. Yikes!
Thanks and happy whatever. Wishing for snow!!!!! Click to buy.
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"BRIGHT IDEA"

Humphry Davy invented the first arc lamp in 1809. It took over 50 years, and the genius of
Thomas Edison(who bought the patent) to develop the first incandescent electric light that was practical, safe and economical. It was able to produce a reliable, long-lasting source of light. Where would we be without this marvel? Here's my incandescent bulb painting - a bulb that's literally going out of style because of its watt needs. The power consumption of these old bulbs has gone out of style but they sure are pretty to look at. Click to buy.
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"UPTOWN PAIR"

I love these shoes. I found them at lift up and had to have them. They do fit - but I don't think that's going to happen. I'm sure they are going to be the subject of many paintings because it's just too much fun to paint them. Hope all is well with every one. Click to buy.
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"FLAMBOYANT POM"

OK- so what was I thinking here.  I took one look at the pomegranate and thought christmas ornament. I ended up trying to make it look like an ornament. Don't ask me why I just felt it needed to be something other than just a pom. I had never painted one before it was quite the challenge just like everything else. Click to buy. Are we wishing for snow? I know I'm off my game without it. Do the snow dance for me!
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"BOY WITH SPOON"

Here is a commissioned piece I did for my neighbor. They love it and so do I.  He's a busy kid and not really aware of the camera so it's always a treat to see him in action. I am working on another bigger portrait commission(I call them informal portraits) I'll let you know how that one goes. It's going to be pretty crazy visually. I just hope I can pull it off. More on that later, much later.
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I'm happy to report I've just ordered my little book of paintings. They will arrive Steamboat approx. Dec. 6th. The price will be 10 bucks instead of the original 20(that's 43 cents an image). Found a different publisher, better deal, nicer style - we'll see what they look like. I ordered 20 for the holidays.

"THANK YOU MUM"

I received a mum plant as a thank you gift. It couldn't have come at a better time. I was kind of in a funk and I decided the mum would be the perfect subject for the day.  I put the mum in a small vodka bottle, sample size. I didn't drink the vodka someone else did - anyway those little bottles make perfect flower vases. Today was a much better day for painting. Wishing you all well and thanks. Click to buy.
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"BETTY"

Betty is a De Boer goat and is she sweet. She's a breeder (lucky gal) I met her this summer at the
Routt County Fair. I've lived in Steamboat forever and this was my first time to the fair,
shame on me.  I loved it so much I went 3 times. The 4-H kids were so great and a wealth of information. I learned so much about all the animals and 4-H. I highly recommend any fair whether it be county or state. What a great time. Click to buy.
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"CHEVY"

I love this car. It's for sale down in Brooklyn - if I had 20 grand sitting around I'd buy it. 

What a ride!

Click to buy or not!!! 

"ARTHUR"

Arthur and Burrito (yesterday's blog) are brother and sister. They were both commissioned pieces finished just in time for the holidays. Hope all is well. I've been having camera issues and hope to get some good pics for tomorrow. I'm also going to print a small book. It should cost 20 bucks, it will include 23 paintings(I think). That's about .86 cents an image. If you're interested let me know.
Thanks!

"BURRITO"

I get a few commissions here and there. Here's Burrito, the cat. It's always a challenge to do commissions. I get pretty nervous wondering if I'm going to get it right.  We'll see.
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, it's late and I could really use a hike. Too much of a good thing. Later - MB

"GIVE THANKS"

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!There's a story here but it may be best left alone.  I hope this silly painting makes you laugh a little today, I've been laughing since I finished it about 15 minutes ago. I wish you all a wonderful, fun filled Thanksgiving day. See you on the flip side. Thanks MB

"MY SWEET CHERRY TOMATO"

I'm giving thanks to all the great food we're able to enjoy all year round. Here's my little beehive glass and some cherry tomatoes. This was pure joy to paint. I will be doing something with this glass again. Thanks for looking. Click to buy?

"CHANELEON"

Remember this is my week of giving thanks. I am thankful for any products made in the great US of A. My trashcan is made from US steel and made with Pride in the USA.  It's getting harder and harder to find products made in the US. All of the paintings you see on this site are painted on gessoboard by Ampersand, they are made in the USA. I try to practice what I preach. Thanks! Click to buy.

"LEMON MEETS SPOON"

OK - so what was I thinking. Well I was thinking about the game Clue. Remember how that worked. So this is the Lemon did it in the blue room with a Spoon! I know it's silly but the ideas come from somewhere and sometimes it's a little stranger than others. I have 2 new works about being thankful but  the available light is not good for photography of the new work. I am thankful for all of my friends and neighbors. Please pass on this blog, the more the merrier. If you have any questions about painting or anything else please feel free to send them my way.  Thanks. Click to buy or not!

"ASPEN LEAF SHADOWS"

This wasn't the intended image for the day so I'm having a hard time here. I have spent the last 2 days painting, but the results were subpar, ugly, awful, disappointing need I say more?  Luckily I wiped the paintings off the gessoboard before they set so I can use the boards again. I think I got a keeper by the end of  today - I'll let you know tomorrow. Thanks for all the comments. Click to buy or not!

"FALL BERRIES"

This week is going to be about giving thanks. "Fall Berries" is about giving thanks for the clear, crisp air we breathe.  Did you know,  after the largest single mass public protest in U.S. History - we know it as - Earth Day, April 22, 1970 -  the EPA was established in 1970 by President Nixon. I am thankful for the public marches, teach-ins, and demonstrations on that fateful day - they gave us our clean air today. Thanks for listening.  Click to buy or not. 

"SUMMER BREEZE"

This yellow super beetle is one of my favorite cars. It's always parked down on Oak Street and if I have my camera I shoot a couple of frames. I will paint this little bug again because it's so much fun. I hope to meet the owner some day. Thanks a bunch!

"BLUE PLATE SPECIAL"

"VAN GOGH'S CUPCAKE"

A couple of weeks ago I drove to Denver to see the Becoming Van Gogh show at the Denver Art Museum.  The show is spectacular to say the least.  Rooms full of art I had never seen before, it was so refreshing.  The explanations of the pieces throughout the show were insightful and well researched.  Van Gogh said "Arranging colors in a painting to make them shimmer and stand out through their contrasts, that's something like arranging jewels".  I can't stop thinking about the show, it's just what I needed to keep energized. If you get a chance and you're near Denver check it out.  Have a great day! 

Click to buy.