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.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

"FISH WRAP"

This isn't really ready but I'm working the gallery today and we've been splitting wood for winter heat - I just don't have much new but I feel it coming. This young man is my brother who is now a world class fisherman but when this photo was taken he or my mom wrapped the tail of the Sunny in a pink kleenex. I will try this again still thinking about this sweet image. Thanks for following. I promise to get my act together.
ALSO I UPDATED "CARNIVAL" WITH BETTER PHOTO AND DETAIL SHOTS

Sunday, September 22, 2013

"FIELD OF DREAMS"

500 CHEVY'S
If you want to read about the 500 chevy's in the field
here's the LINK to an incredible and inspiring story titled
THE MAN BEHIND THE LEGEND! 



Wednesday, September 18, 2013

"CARNIVAL"




I wanted to give you some idea of size - so I taped a 6"x6" next to the 18" X 36" painting I've been working on these last couple of days. I couldn't take it outside to get a good photo (it's raining) but I think you get the idea.
I needed to tackle something a little larger. Working small is great - it's fantastic -  but I was afraid I wouldn't be able to paint something a bit larger so it was time to give it a go.
I don't know if I'm unstuck but this is a start. I got stuck over a sunflower - you know me and flowers it's not a good combination.
Thanks for following and sorry for the lack of new work!

Monday, September 16, 2013

"BUCKETS OF TOMATOES II"

I've been working on a larger piece so I don't have much new. Here's my other bucket of tomatoes. I wanted to try it again with a different technique. I've been struggling for awhile - comparing myself to other painters - well that's not getting me anywhere other than frustrated.  I just have to let it all go and be me and paint for the love of painting!  Thanks for following!

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

"CHEVY TRUCK"SOLD

SOLD
I painted this truck before the show - I'm so stuck now that I have nothing to show for today or yesterday. Just wiped away painting for today twice. You'd think it would get easier. Oh well!
Enjoy the truck not sure when I'll get anything worthy to post. Thanks for following!
110.00(includes shipping -USPS Priority Mail) -  6" X 6" oil on gessoboard


Saturday, September 7, 2013

Friday, September 6, 2013

"THANK YOU DIANA"




           
Diana painting in Stehley Park
Diana's dog painting



Diana is a friend, painting partner, and enthusiastic art supporter. She called the Steamboat Pilot and Today paper to see if they would do an article about my Humane Society Pet Project. Diana is the retired President of the Routt County Humane Society. Anyway, Luke(the writer) and John(the photographer) showed up last night while I was hanging my show. They produced a great article on my behalf  - the link to the article 


                                 
                                                                                           

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

"BUY MY NEW BOOK - FRIDAY - SEPT. 6TH"

here's my display board in my studio 
so I can see the work I've done and let the paintings dry I love it when it's full

How's this for some self promotion? 
My new book will be available at my opening 
FRIDAY - SEPT. 6TH  -  5 to 8PM 
CREEKSIDE CAFE 
ONE - NEW - CRISP - ANDREW JACKSON and this book will be yours for the taking!!
My book features 34 pet portraits from the Routt County Humane Society Project
BE THERE OR BE SQUARE
&
 SALE BIN 45 BUCKS FOR AN ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING -WOO HOO!
THANKS MB





Monday, September 2, 2013

"THE USUAL SUSPECTS"

SUSPECT #1
OK! So when I'm stuck I'm going to try and paint some faces. These are on 4" X 4" gessobord.

SAVE THE DATE
FRIDAY - SEPT 6TH - 5 to 8pm 
" A SPOT OF COLOR"
New work by MB!
CREEKSIDE CAFE
131 11th st. 

There will be a SALE BIN!  -  A demo painting perhaps - my latest book will be available for sale
come and say HEY
&
Thanks for following!

Friday, August 30, 2013

"SHELBY I LOVE YOU"

Here's something from the mustang roundup that never got posted.  I've been painting but have not had the right light to get photos. Crazy busy getting ready for Creekside show next week.
Thanks had have a great holiday weekend.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

"TOMATOES BY THE BUCKET"

FARMERS MARKET
I have not produced a painting in days and couldn't figure out why. I think it was because my studio was a mess. I spent most of the day getting ready for my show next week and cleaning my space. I'm hoping for some production soon. Thanks for waiting. 

Sunday, August 25, 2013

"50 SHADES OF PURPLE"

FARMERS MARKET
I bought some new colors and am trying to figure out how to use them successfully. I had been using a very limited palette for the last year - red - blue - yellow - white and maybe some sienna.  I can't believe I'm trying something new again and literally throwing myself under the bus. I may not be able to manage all that color - it's a mind bender for sure. Thanks for following.

Friday, August 23, 2013

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

"PEG"

Peg is Cynthia's dog. Cynthia saved me from graduate school hell - long story short I was suppose to enter the painting department at CSULB - I did not get along with my painting advisor - Cynthia was the head of the printmaking department - she let me transfer into her department and gave me free reign to explore - painting - printmaking - sculpture! So this is a very belated thanks to her for making my graduate school experience a pleasant one(for the most part - doesn't mean it was easy)!

Sunday, August 18, 2013

"OSLO'S SHADOW"


What they have in common as personalities: they are both very playful, very friendly, people loving dogs. Both love toys and ropes. They are too gentle to play "tug-a-war" with the ropes, but lead each other through the yard very gingerly, much like leash walking each other. This game can go on for long periods of times. 

Shadow had an accident, which resulted in a broken his back at age 2 (he is now 8 years old). Due to the complex surgery and much prolonged pain, he grew up to be a more serious and cautious dog. He lost a big part of his careless nature with strangers, but is still a happy-go-lucky dog with everyone he knows and trusts.

Oslo is 2 years old and never had a bad experience in his life. He loves EVERYONE and everything, plays all day long, often even just alone with his own toys. Shadow used to be like that before his accident and Oslo has helped him to regain some of his playfulness.

Both dogs are with us 24/7, we are outdoor people and both dogs climb mountains with us, 14ers, AT the backcountry and backpack with us too. We are one active family.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

"NO FUR"


OK -  I was so afraid I wouldn't be able to paint anything without a fur coat I had to give this sweety a try. She's a surprise!
I'm going to try and control my posts to 3 a week. We'll see how that goes.
MY WEBSITE(which needs some tender loving care)
MY BLOG

Thursday, August 8, 2013

"THE LAST LAUGH"

KEEGAN GETS IT!
OK so I'm finished - with my brush in hand - painting like a mad woman - one painting at a time - lying awake at night wondering if it's good enough - painting 60 portraits - yes 60 - counting all the ones that got erased  - started over - redone - and redone again! With Marilyn's help - I raised 3000.00 for the RCHS.
Thanks to Marilyn for coordinating donors, keeping me on track and getting this thing off the ground running. She kept me going when things got weird and tough!

I owe many thanks to people like Nancy. Nancy commented on every portrait - everyday - religiously - no matter how busy she was - or where she was - keeping me going with her thoughts - I really couldn't have finished without this incredible, thought provoking, daily support! 

My great followers, friends and family(all 5 of you) also made a huge impact on my performance and dedication to this project. I was ready to quit more than once but was prodded to keep it together. These portraits probably look like they took minutes to create but that couldn't be further from the truth. They are 25 years in the making. 

Have a great weekend - thanks for following and thanks for supporting the RCHS!


Wednesday, August 7, 2013

"CODY"

SWEET - SOULFUL - PEACEFUL - KIND - CALM - UNASSUMING
Cody is a dog that we got when he was elderly. We don’t know too much about him except that his old owners took him to the vet to be euthanized and the vet said they don’t do convenience euthanasia and so he was surrendered to the vet who then took him to the shelter. He did terribly at the shelter, wailed and was very nervous all the time. I couldn’t bear it so I brought him home.

We fostered him, and though we fell in love, we thought 4 dogs was too much, so when someone wanted to adopt him we thought it was best for Cody. Unfortunately, it wasn’t. After a year, she didn’t really want him anymore and so we took him back and have decided that he will live the rest of his life with us. He is still very nervous. Has separation issues and follows me around quite a bit.

Cody is soulful and peaceful (when he isn’t nervous). He shuffles along on the walks and is starting to come out of his shell. He seems likes to try new things. When I cut up veggies, I give some to whoever is interested and he has become very interested! He loves food! So far, he likes avocado, carrots, and watermelon! He still spits out bananas and apples?? He is very sweet and has started coming up and resting his head in our laps wanting to have his head rubbed (that’s new) and he flinches a lot less now when we touch him.

We haven’t had him very long, so we don’t know him very well, but we love him and want him to know that he is safe and loved. We look forward to the day he is secure because right now he is still insecure.

Being insecure does not, however, stop him from being a great guard dog (Cody and Farrah alert us to everything happening at the end of our driveway!) He is kind, calm, unassuming and brings peace to the pack. Cody is a HUGE dreamer. His legs go crazy when he sleeps – I always wonder if he is chasing or being chased! I hope they are good dreams.

Monday, August 5, 2013

"FARRAH"

FIERCELY LOYAL
Story told by her family 
So Farrah is our little peanut! Unlike Keegan, she pranced right into the house, looked around and said, “yup, this’ll work!” That is until my husband got home and she was like, “wait a minute, I didn’t know he came with the deal!” She immediately trusted me, it took my husband a little longer, but then the little booger defected! She loves her daddy! And her food! She was 4 pounds when we got her, now she is 10 pounds!

Bob calls Farrah her little angel. She is fiercely loyal. He has been sick (long story) going on a year now and Farrah has been by his side every waking moment. She is tough as nails, survived being lost in a snow storm in January for three days before we adopted her (some people just shouldn’t be allowed to have dogs)!! She has no idea she is a Chihuahua, she’s certain she is a husky, until it’s 20 below out then she knows she’s something other than a husky! Bosses Keegan around. Guard dog extraordinaire. Yet, she’s a total snuggler and has love to give a million times her size (to us). She has learned to love kids, is ok with women but after all these years is still very leery of men; that relationship must be earned with any man that walks through our door. She is smart, sassy, incredibly sweet and a has provided us more comfort than we knew imaginable from a dog.

Saturday, August 3, 2013

"KEEGAN"


Keegan is my boy. He sleeps next to me and we have a special/strong bond that I don’t know how to describe. When we adopted him he bit me, was aggressive towards me and honestly he scared me. It was so bad that we tried re-homing him. But I cried every day he was gone so we took him back. Long story short, we worked through it, with the help of a trainer. Took him a full year to turn the corner, but when he finally did he was like a new dog. After a year of not trusting us he let us in 100%  and now he is a total lover boy.

First and foremost, Keegan is a survivor and a forgiver. He is very friendly and super playful. He loves to be a part of whatever action there is and is always close by, so as to not miss anything and feel included. He is very curious and somewhat mischievous. He’s and a big talker like some huskies are and says I love you. He finds much comfort in his routine. He acts tough, but he’s really kind of a big baby. He is very handsome, but has no idea. He “works” hard when asked and aims to please. ……He’s my big “baby” boy.

Friday, August 2, 2013

"VINO"

SMART - ATHLETIC 
At times Vino has a Type A personality when doing arena work. Loves activities such as jumping etc.  He is an easy going guy on trail rides. Vino loves people and attention - his favorite thing is having his face rubbed or petted. He will fall asleep while my granddaughter pets and rubs his head. 
OK - I admit this is a different type of portrait but it seemed fitting for the subject and his demeanor. 
I loved painting something a little different and hope Vino likes what how I portrayed him in the arena. I love this little painting.