Sunday, December 24, 2017

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

ALABAMA SHAKES

Or 
"STRUT YOUR STUFF"
Or
"ALABAMA SHAKEDOWN"
Woohoo!
The times they are a changin'
It's about time
 
 

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

SHADOW RUN

3" X 3"
Oil
Less is More Series
The entire series is on display at White Hart Gallery
in downtown Steamboat Springs,CO.
Thanks MB

Monday, December 11, 2017

Saturday, December 9, 2017

ROOF

November 26 - 2017 lower roof section completed
The upper pitches will be copper as well but will be strip construction.
Not sure when that will happen we're finished for now.
The weather held this year. In fact we don't have any snow
at our house which is OK for now. It will come.
I have 12 new 3" X 3" paintings but no photos yet.
Gotta get that done.
Thanks a bunch MB
 
Almost finished

Sunday, November 26, 2017

GLOW BUNNY

3" X 3"
Oil
Less is More Series continues just for fun.
These new paintings will be on display at
White Hart Gallery in Steamboat Springs as soon as they are dry. 
 I asked Cindy for some painting ideas, it was challenging to say the least.
She suggested bunnies, birds, chickens & nests.
Cindy Arnis owns White Hart Gallery, we make a pretty good team. 
Thanks a bunch for looking - MB
 
 

Friday, November 24, 2017

CLASSIC

SOLD
This little 6 X 6 is a commission piece. 
I can't tell you how hard it is to paint a little yellow potato chip bag.
 I never knew that Lay's potato chips were a division of Pepsi-cola!
That's as much of the story as I can reveal you'll have to fill in the blanks.
Thanks a bunch MB 

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

GIVE THANKS

Wishing everyone a special day filled with friends & family
🏡☃🍰🍷🍮🍸🍦🍾
Thanks for all the encouragement & comments - MB

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

ODE TO ANDY

12 X 12
Oil
I love to paint coke bottles. I love the shape, the chosen script style and how the light hits the letters.
I may have already told you this story - when I was 10 I wrote to the Coca Cola company for a school
project I was presenting. The report was about the kola-nut. I think I asked if they could send me a sample
nut for my report. Anyway long story short - I received a personal response from a real person in the company.
He explained why they couldn't send me a kola-nut and wished me luck in my endeavors.
I still have that letter in its original envelope!!!! Go figure. I have moved and carried that envelope
to every location I have lived since I was 10. It's a mystery really. Why do we hang onto these memories?
Good question. I will take that letter out of my drawer and marvel at that old typewriter script and
the exquisite ink signature. I admire good penmanship because mine is atrocious. 
 
The title to this painting pays homage to Andy Warhol one of my artist heroes.
My Disclaimer - I'm not advocating that you go out and buy some Coke. This
is not an endorsement for a product it's just an artists inspiration for line,color and form.
Thanks a bunch. It's going to be awhile for the next post. Getting ready for the show will
take more time than I can ever imagine. 
Happy trails and thanks - MB

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

RTE. 66

10 X 16
Oil
I love this car! 
This is a 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria 
You can find this car parked at Twisters in Williams, Arizona.
 Twisters is a 50's diner on old Route 66. I've painted their neon ice cream cone 
sign a number of times as well as the Crown Victoria. I'm drawn to the curves and colors.
I'm a sucker for the 50's - what can I say? The cars were beautiful and voluptuous at the
same time - those curves and chrome - a painters delight.
Thanks, one more to go later MB
 

Sunday, November 5, 2017

SUMMER BREEZE

12" X 12"
Oil
I've painted this bug a number of times. I recently had a request for this view 
of the beach bug. Not sure if they'll like it so it's a gamble on my part.
We'll see how it goes. I didn't get the best photo but thought I'd post anyway.
I have one more painting to finish for the December show. Woohoo! 
 
My kitchen wall awaits. 
Carrot Stick is the chosen color for my kitchen with Heirloom Tomato accents.
Along with some aqua and blue. 
Thanks for following and thanks for all the great "Veteran" painting comments.
Later MB
 
 
 
 

Thursday, November 2, 2017

VETERAN

12" X 12"
Oil
 When I saw this truck I had no idea what kind of history accompanied this vehicle.
I'm not known for painting old, rusty trucks, I'm attracted to reflective surfaces for the most part.
So why this truck? That's the million dollar question. Who knows why I stopped to admire
this WWII Veteran but I'm glad I stopped.
This 1943 Ford G8T was one of the ENGINES OF THE RED ARMY IN WWII.
These vehicles were Lend-Leased to the Red Army.
Here's a bit of history I found.
The wartime diversion of the automotive industry to other products
forced the Red Army to depend more heavily on Lend-Lease supplies than in nearly any other major
sector of the war economy. In total, the US, Britain and Canada provided the Red Army with
about 401,100 vehicles during the war, nearly twice the Soviet wartime production.
61,000 Ford G8T's were delivered between 1941 and May 1945.
A different website lists 78,000 G8T's delivered to the Red Army under the 
Lend-Lease Act. After the end of the war many of these trucks ended up on US farms.
Who knew? 
This painting has another title "Take Me Home" a Veteran in need of a respectful retirement.
Most of the G8T's for sale on the Internet mention they are looking for GOOD HOMES for their
trucks, they don't want them to be sold for scrap. There's a lot of emotion attached to these trucks.
 Thanks for waiting MB 

Ford G8T ("Ford-6"), 1½-ton, 4x2, Cargo   

Equipped with a 158in. wheelbase and the common 144in. by 80 in. cargo body, the Ford G8T was by far the most numerous commercial 1.5t 4x2 truck and was delivered to Russia under the Lend-Lease Act from 1943 on.
Together with his civilian ancestor, the 2G8T, from which he differed in the engine type and some minor modifications, the total amount of delivery sums up to 61,000, making the »Ford-6« the second most delivered truck.

Monday, October 30, 2017

COPPER SHINGLES

Some of my followers expressed interest in our roofing project. 
This is the front of our house. That's my engineer, woodworker, solar expert,
shingle producer all around honey working on the front side of our roof.
It's so pretty I thought I'd share.
Later MB
 

Sunday, October 29, 2017

SNO-BUG

8" X 8"
Oil
I'm so happy with this little painting. It's funky and fun!
I started a truck today and so far it's a home run - my December show
deadline was a good decision. It's got me all jazzed. 
In reality I should be finished with the paintings but all in good time.
In between painting VW's and trucks I'm choosing colors for my kitchen. 
My kitchen wall was painted school bus yellow - I drove a school bus for 
3 years - I can't believe I did that job. We had the art bus. Kids from my route would come to
my studio to create pieces for the bus. How cool is that??? 
It was one weird trip - but if you need me to drive a big rig for you - no problem. 
 I love school bus yellow but my kitchen might end up turning into an heirloom 
tomato instead. It's all up in the air. 
More on that as it develops.
Thanks a bunch and have a great day! MB
 

Friday, October 27, 2017

THE FLASH

8" X 8"
Oil
These new 8" X 8" paintings are studies for future larger scale paintings.
I've pretty much abandoned the smaller 6" X 6" format for now. 
I'm back in the studio. My house needed some attention - I'm painting
walls, getting rid of furniture, cleaning cabinets trying to simplify my surroundings.
The house is still in disarray but livable. The studio calls. 
More paintings are on the way.
Thanks a bunch MB

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Monday, October 16, 2017

SLIP IT TO ME

8" X 8"
Oil
Walker Art Center Minneapolis
Slip It To Me - 1964 Richard Hamilton
Richard Hamilton coined the phrase Pop Art. You might be under the impression that Pop
was an American creation but it was a Brit - Richard Hamilton that worked 
in Pop, lived Pop Art and coined the phrase Pop Art.
If you click on his name above to read his story. 
Oil, acrylic on plywood. 
 
Here's an update on my progress. In December I will presenting
a show "The Classics" at White Hart Gallery in Steamboat Springs.
I've been busy gathering ideas and images. It's going to be cars, trucks, cokes and cruisers.
I thought about just cars but the idea morphed into something else. Time will tell. 
Thanks for waiting MB.
 

Thursday, October 5, 2017

ASPEN PART III

HOT SPRINGS ROAD I - III
Thanks for waiting - I really wasn't sure where I was going with these aspen paintings. Your comments are appreciated! MB    

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

ASPEN PART II

16" X 8"
Oil
Aspen Alley
Aspen alley is the road past my house. It's a dense row of aspen trees and conifer
trees. In the fall the shadows are spectacular at sunset because of the angle of the sun.
I've had this image in my collection for years never had the guts to give it a go. 
I figured there was no time like the present to get over my fears.
Thanks MB 

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

HOW'S YOUR AS-BEN?

6" X 12"
Oil
Hot springs road - my yard
I've been experimenting with aspen tree paintings - it's really hard for me.
I painted 3 as a triptych I think they look good together.
Hope to get a good photo soon of all 3.
Here's what it looks like outside my window. It's been unseasonably 
cold and dark. I'm really not ready for snow. 
New ideas coming soon when they're ready.
Thanks a bunch MB
My dog Georgi couldn't walk 3 weeks ago - he's 14. His recovery took a lot of extra time.
Acupuncture, laser, a great vet and my undivided attention - he's walking again.
He's a bit wobbly but we're ecstatic with his progress. His new harness
has a handle which is handy. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
 

Saturday, September 9, 2017

BUFFALO GAL

Hayden Valley, Yellowstone National Park
8" X 8" 
oil
 After the total eclipse we decided to camp at Teton National Park 
and Yellowstone. Fortunately for us there wasn't much smoke in either place.
We saw buffalo swim across the Yellowstone River, huge bull elk, lots of cute squirrels,
cranes, cute birds, lots and lots of loons but no Grizzlies - which is a relief! 
Yellowstone canyon was spectacular. Even though it was late August the falls were raging
which was was a pleasant surprise. We met the nicest people from all over the world. 
There was no internet which can be a curse and a blessing at the same time. 
Teton and Yellowstone are only 40 miles from each other in theory you could drive from one to the other
but the road construction in Yellowstone made that an ugly option. 
Jackson lake and Yellowstone lake are beautiful beyond words. I doubt I'll try to paint that stupendous scenery you'll 
just have to take my word about the beauty. Turn out Teton and Yellowstone are not that
far from my house in Colorado. We plan to spend more time exploring those parks in the future.
 Thanks for waiting - MB 

Thursday, September 7, 2017

MY FRONT DOOR

I was in my house and I heard a sad grunting sound. This is the baby moose
looking for her mom. Her mom was stuck on the other side of the road
because curious tourists didn't know her baby was at my house - they had their cameras
out which prevented her from crossing the road for quite some time. 
Here's the baby on the side of my house. It was such a mournful call from this wonderful animal.
I finally heard the mom on the other side of my house and told her to hurry that her baby was on the side
of my house. They were united and are safe behind my house for now. 
We have so much smoke and ash in the air from fires near our neighborhood the 
baby moose's eyes are red and irritated. 
 
Here's a view of mount Werner in Steamboat Springs,CO.
I can't imagine what it's like in Oregon, California or Washington. And
then there's Montana - YIKES! 
It's been hard to concentrate. I hope to get something accomplished soon.
Thanks for understanding. MB

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

A RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE

Waiting for totality while Sven serenades us on his guitar
Night starting to fall
Darkness falls - the temperature drops and the stars are visible
Return to light - eclipse reflecting through the tree. 
We couldn't believe how fast the 2 min 30 sec of darkness went by
Our small group cheered and howled as did the entire neighborhood 
We couldn't have asked for a more perfect experience. 
We made new friends, had the evening together and then the eclipse brought us even closer.
If you get a chance in 2024 to travel to the path of totality I highly recommend the 
experience. I can't explain the emotion and feelings but it was other worldly. 
Thanks a bunch MB



Friday, August 18, 2017

MR. TOTALITY

My painting time has been gobbled up by the new/old camper we bought in May.
When we purchased the used Sprinter it appeared to be in tip top shape.
WELL!!??? We got the Mighty Beast home and all the imperfections started to appear 
one then another one and on and on. I've been sewing, reupholstering , cleaning, really
all the things I didn't see myself doing. If you ever buy an older camper drop me a line
I can tell you what to look for before you take the leap. 
For our first trip we're going to drive 300 miles one-way for 2 minutes and 30 seconds of totality!!
Sounds a bit crazy when you say it. We are heading to Riverton,WY to camp
in The United Presbyterian Church parking lot with a small contingency of totality
seekers. I'll let you know how that pans out. 
If you're outside for the event it doesn't matter where you are grab a colander or straw
hat or stand under a tree and shoot the eclipse on the sidewalk through your chosen
device. No need to look upward the colander or tree will be your pinhole camera. 
You should get hundreds of eclipse images reflected on the ground. It could be fun.
Thanks a bunch if I have internet I'll let you know what full on totality feels like. 
That is if the skies are clear. Happy eclipse hunting.
Later MB
 

Friday, August 11, 2017

ARTSY-FARTSY

I made these Artsy-Fartsy Do-Dads for 3 artist friends.
The best part of this project is I've discovered a US charm supplier in NY.
They produced most of the charms on these Do-Dads right in downtown,NY.
I love finding US suppliers and producers of quality goods. It might cost a bit
more but it's worth it!
Later MB


Thursday, August 10, 2017

IT'S ALL NANCY'S FAULT

OR "SIDETRACKED" OR "PROCRASTINATING ON A GRAND SCALE"
OR "NANCY MADE ME DO IT"
Here's a convoluted story good luck with this post!
Last May on a whim I created my first DO-DAD. I created it for my friend Nancy.
I don't have a picture of it but it was a collection of charms to hang on your purse or
backpack or just hang anywhere really where you'll see it and enjoy it on a daily basis.
My husband calls them Cracker Jack surprises.
I've been a bit obsessed to say the least with this project. Nancy loved her Do-Dad so much she
ordered  8 DO-DADS for Christmas presents. The rest is history.
Here's what a DO-DAD looks like in the construction phase
She sent me a list of recipients, their favorite things, birthday's etc. and 
I start buildinga personalized Do-Dad just for them. 
As you see above this project is finally ready for the finishing phase. 
Remember when I made these for the Tour de Steamboat fundraiser?
A friend of mine donated to the tour de steamboat and bought 5 of these keychains for her grandkids.
I thought that was so great but I also thought I could produce some special key chains for 
her grandkids instead. Again I became a bit obsessed - below you will see the results.
This one is for a college student in Veterinary School. She rides her bike everywhere is involved in her church and the Vet charm is an add-on for when she graduates.
This is for a high-school track team member and all around great kid! 
This one is for their Mom who is a professional graphic artist who is now pursuing
and taking time for herself and fine art.
This one is for the Karate Kid!
Last but not least this one is for my good friend, constant blog companion and incredible Artist.
I call this the Artsy-Fartsy Do-Dad
The soup can is an homage to my favorite artist Andy Warhol! 
That's about it for now. I am painting not sure if they're worth posting.
Edit - Edit - Edit
Thanks for looking. MB

 

Monday, August 7, 2017

MOOSE IN MY YARD

 
I was so excited to see this Mom and her baby in my yard.
I couldn't locate my camera so I missed some incredible shots. Such a treat!
 It's been about a month since they've been in my yard. 
Not sure where they are hanging out but I'm glad they're back.
Later MB
Baby!