A DAY AT THE LAKE

We made a quick trip to Minnesota to help my sister install her mosaics

at the Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport. Sue(my sister) and Eric(in yellow)

her trusty sidekick have been creating the mosaics since April in her studio. 

George, her husband is also instrumental in mosaic production and installation.

It's quite the project. I was so happy we could be there for the installation and

help out a bit. I will get you more photos later because this is truly a one of a kind

project and so delightful to behold.

Meanwhile back at the ranch I'm trying to gear up and get back at it hoping to

get you something new soon. Thanks for waiting. MB

ART GALLERY DISPLAY

Here's my display at the gallery. 

My Chuck Close talk was a success and well attended. I'm grateful for such an enthusiastic audience.

Thanks a bunch!

FREE ART TALK TONIGHT

DAIRY

Here's another First Friday demo painting I completed a couple of weeks ago.

I was in Ferndale California last year - Ferndale is dairy country. I've been thinking about

these photos for sometime and thought I'd give it a go.

Thanks for taking a look! MB

TEDDY

Here's what Teddy's family has to say: Teddy is a 2 1/2 yr old golden doodle.

He is laid back but so much fun too! He loves to play but also loves to "veg" on his couch.

He loves to chase balls and frisbee's but then doesn't want to give them back. He's a 

happy dog. 

This is how I started the portrait. As you can see in the photo below there wasn't much to go on as far

as light, shadow or eye details. Teddy's eyes went through more changes than I care to admit. I decided

that a subtle approach to Teddy's eyes was a better choice since the photo was so blurry and lacking detail. 

Thanks a bunch - MB

F.M. LIGHT & SONS

Here's Lightning again! 

He's SOLD - yeah!

Thanks for taking a look. MB

GEMS OF ROUTT COUNTY

"Gems of ROUTT County"

Here's what it looks like framed as a triptych. It makes a nice collection of historic barn images.

This piece will be up at the Steamboat Springs Arts Council until October 2nd.

Thanks for following. MB

 

FETCHER BROS.

The Fetcher's are a historic ranching family in Steamboat Springs, CO.

We were up at Steamboat Lake camping, biking and rowing our wherry's on the lake and

came across this view of one of the Fetcher barn from the water. The entrance gate

to this historic barn reads Fetcher Bros. hence my title. The Fetcher's are an old cattle ranching

family and the current generation of kids have taken over the day to day operations.

The cattle serenade you as you row around the lake. It's a romantic notion for sure - these days I prefer tofu for dinner

but I love to see and hear the cattle. It's a conundrum for sure. 

The Fetcher's have more than one barn but I found this view a bit different than the usual barn

painting. This is the third image in my triptych titled "GEMS OF ROUTT COUNTY"

Thanks for taking a look. 

 

SELBE FARMS

This is another historic farm in Routt County. It's the first image in my

triptych titled "GEMS OF ROUTT COUNTY"

Very few farms or ranches in my area include silos - I've wanted to paint

this farm for some time. In fact I'd like to do a series because it's one of the

few white barns in my area as well. I'm so happy that Dona Steele(she's in charge

of the Barn Raising Show)invited me to participate. It's like having an assignment

in school - makes me think about something new! 

Thanks for taking a look.

PLEASANT VALLEY

This is my finished painting titled Pleasant Valley. It will be on display at

Steamboat Springs Arts Council until October 2nd.

8"h X 30"w

This image is the center image of a triptych titled "GEMS OF ROUTT COUNTY"

I ride my bike out to Pleasant Valley three times a week - it's about a 30 mile

round trip. This row of buildings are the last thing I see before I turn around and head back.

I love the history of this area and love this image. It was time to give it a go.

Here's a great story about Pleasant Valley written by Tom Ross our local historian.

 I hope you enjoy the tale.

Whispering the Past:Routt County's Historic Buildings Share Long Forgotten Stories  

Detail of the right half

Detail of the left half

Thanks for taking a look! MB

STUDIO PROJECT

Two years ago I started piling up art supplies to give away. Well it finally

truly happened. I called a fellow artist who teaches art at Hayden High School.

Susan came to my studio on Thursday and took everything. I told her it was 

quite a load so her husband took out the back seat to her SUV type vehicle

and she fit it all in her car. I think she packed about 100 canvases of different

sizes, all my professional acrylic paints I even gave her my small etching press.

I can paint faster than I can print! 

She's an excellent teacher and I know she will use all these supplies in the most

creative way and the kids will have a blast. I know I promised the supplies to my

friends a while back but this opportunity was too good to pass up.

 It's all gone. Woohoo! 

The next part of the story is that it was time to straighten out my storage area,

paint my studio floor, throw out more stuff and get organized for the next round of 

painting. I did finish 3 paintings before all of this occurred but haven't gotten around

to taking any photos. I just wanted to show you what I've been up to because

you probably think I'm just goofing off. 

Hope everyone's fine and thanks for taking a look. 

I can't wait till this is all finished and I can get back to painting.

 

GEMS OF ROUTT COUNTY

PLEASANT VALLEY

8" X 30"

I've been invited to show at the Depot for September. The title of the show

is Barn Raising. I'm a late invitee - not sure if that's a word. 

I have 2 weeks to paint and get these puppies dry for the show. 

It's a tall order for sure so I'm giving it a go and trying some stuff

I've been thinking about for a long time. I'm aiming for a triptych of

paintings and they are all related  "Historic Routt County architecture"

is the place I started. I'll attach stories about the locations when I'm finished.

Thanks for taking a look. 

SWINGER

Here's the demo I painted on Friday night at the gallery. I should paint

something I'm familiar with but that would be too easy. 

This image is from a photo I took about 3 years ago at the Triple Crown Championship.

 The baseball players come to Steamboat Springs,CO

every year to duke it out on our baseball fields. It's a big deal all the way around.

Some locals like it and others hate the traffic and congestion that come with the Triple Crown event.

I'm kind of on the fence - I like to watch all these talented young people come to town.

The players are quite impressive and this girl was truly amazing. 

Number 3 is definitely a winner in my book.

8" X 6"

Oil

Here's my new color chart. I thought I'd order it to see if it's a worthwhile 

purchase. It's a fantastic reference for any painter and only costs 10 bucks! 

Wish I had invented this handy dandy chart. I'm not being paid for

this review - I'm happy with my purchase and it's even made in the USA! 

Doesn't get much better than that. 

Thanks for taking a look. MB

 

COW PALACE

18" X 18" 

Oil

This painting is on view at The Center for Visual Arts

837 Lincoln Ave.

Steamboat Springs,CO

I will be painting at CVA for First Friday - August 5th

5pm till 8pm

If you're around stop by and say hi! 

 

Here's a process shot. I painted the upper portions one day and added the color

outlines before I quit for the day. That way I have a start for the next painting

session. It helps when I walk into the studio to have a direction and get right to

it. Makes for a more intuitive approach to finishing this painting.  I wasn't sure

I could pull it off but I'm happy with the results. 

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great weekend. MB

GIRLS GONE WILD

I painted this scene a couple of years ago and wanted to try it again. 

8" X 24"

It was a fun time painting in the studio. 

Might be hard to see but they are girls gone wild.

Thanks a bunch - MB

These girls are on display at The Center for Visual Arts

837 Lincoln Ave. 

Steamboat Springs, CO

 

10 GALLON HAT

This is from the 4th of July pre-parade activities on Yampa Street.

I love the light on the riders clothes - her gloves and her hat! 

A perfect marriage of light, form and color.

8" X 8"

Have a fun and cool weekend. Thanks a bunch.

BACK TO THE FUTURE

Here's the finished painting.

 8" X 8" oil it will be on display at CVA GALLERY

837 Lincoln Ave., Steamboat Springs, CO for the month of August. 

 Today I'm trying to finish "10 GALLON HAT" more on that later.

Have a great weekend! 

BACK TO THE FUTURE

Here's a process shot - I need to finish this one today. It's #4 out of

the 5 new paintings for August. Here's a quick story of how this shot 

became a painting. As most of you know I ride my bike a LOT! Riding bike is

My think tank where my ideas become a reality. I was at the end of my ride 

on River Road through Brooklyn and in the distance was a shot of this buggy.

I got out my phone shot one and knew I had to get closer. I didn't have much

energy left but I knew I had to pass the buggy - get off my bike a shoot what

I could. Turns out I knew the buggy driver - what are the chances? 

I couldn't wait to get into my studio and paint this scene. This is what

I love about photography as a tool for painting. These moments in time are

captured in a split second you just can't get that in plein air painting. I'm a 

painter who specializes in fleeting images and experiences. This is what makes

me tick.  Thanks for waiting - MB

SUMMER IN THE CITY II

Take me to the river!

6" X 12"

Oil

I'm working on some larger pieces for the gallery for August. 

I'll post as soon as I have something. Thanks a bunch.

SUMMER IN THE CITY

HOT DOGS!

Thanks for looking

6" X 12"

Oil

MOO

This is a demo I painted a couple of weeks ago for the plein air paint out

reception. I was painting with my Guerilla box outside the gallery where I 

met Carl Judson. Carl is the inventor of my Guerilla paint box.

Here I am on his website Judson Outfitters MB WARNER

If you need any supplies and live in Steamboat his store is in La Porte, CO.

He is an amazing man and quite the painter. He made the SAM plein

air paint out worth it - I feel richer for having met him.

Thanks for taking a look. MB

FREE ART TALK TODAY 5pm

HAPPY 4th of JULY

Wishing everyone a fun holiday weekend!

 

FREE ART TALK - MARK YOUR CALENDARS

CHERRY TREAT

I painted this last Saturday while sitting the gallery. It keeps me busy.

6" X 8"

Here's what the 5" X 5" paintings look like when they're framed. 

Thanks for taking a look. MB

LAKE CATAMOUNT

Here's the last painting in the plein air series. I really have a hard time with

all the green so I added some reds and pinks to the scene. These paintings

are pretty tiny too! I think they measure 5.5" X 5.5". 

Thanks for hanging in there have a great weekend! MB

TWILIGHT VIEW

This view is looking in the opposite direction through my forest.

Thanks for taking a look.

 

MAGIC HOUR

I avoid landscape like nobody's business so I used the plein air event to give

some landscape a go. This is a scene that takes place in my front yard right before sunset. 

The sky is a ball of white light and the shadows are intense - the light doesn't last long either. 

It's a challenge and a head scratcher at the same time. 

 Thanks a bunch!

DOWNTOWN CRUISER

Here's the third painting in the series. This is my favorite downtown bike. 

I've never met the owner of this bike but I see it parked all over town. 

I love the pink and green combo it screams - paint me!

Here is the progression of the idea for my self imposed plein air challenge

 thanks for taking a look. 

FREEDOM FLYER II

Complein air painting #2 

This year I took an unconventional approach to plein air painting. The paintings I submitted 

are still life in nature rather than painting the local scenery.  My goal was to have some fun painting and show

something a bit different this year. I got quite a few positive comments on my unique approach

to complein air painting. That makes it all worthwhile! 

Thanks a bunch and stay cool wherever you find yourself - later MB

 

"BROOKLYN TREASURE"

Complein air painting #1  SOLD

This great old Chevy can be found resting in John's yard 

 on the wrong side of the tracks in Steamboat Springs. Brooklyn was Steamboat Springs'

neighborhood filled with Rowdy Saloons ,colorful characters and a checkered past. 

Hope that link works because it's a fun story. 

Thanks for taking a look.

REVIEW

Here's a long over due review. 

Thanks for waiting.

"PLEIN AIR PAINTER"

This is Deborah Newman painting on Figueroa Rd. outside of Los Olivos, CA. 

I was riding my bike out to Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch and saw Deborah

painting on my way out. If you know me - I know you 

 think I'm a fast painter but in reality I'm a tortoise compared to Deborah.

I stopped on my way out to chat for a short time but wanted to get 

my ride in before the afternoon winds. But then it hit me!!!!

Why didn't I record this event with my camera. Luckily she was still there on my way back. 

Deborah was finished and packing up but I convinced her to pose for me and we talked while she packed up. It was great to meet another daily painter and talk about the trials and

tribulations that go with a daily painting practice. Trying to find galleries, staying

on track, not getting depressed etc. It was good to find out that I'm not the only

one out there with the same questions and of course doubts. You can click on her name above to

look at her work - give it a go you'll be happy you did. Her mom was with her

and she's an artist too! How cool is that?

Have a great weekend - I'll be doing some com-plein air painting this week.

Thanks for taking a look - MB

6" X 8"

oil on panel

"DOWNTOWN CRUISER"

Cruising downtown Winnemucca, NV. 

We usually stay in Winnemucca on our way home from Mt. Shasta, CA.

We arrived in town early enough so I could cruise around downtown on my 

bike. Snapped some fun photos, there should be some more paintings soon.

Here's the start. 

Thanks a bunch - MB

FREE ART TALK TONIGHT!

"TUCKER"

Tucker was a happy dog but he didn't appreciate having his photo

taken until he was all tuckered out from a day of activity.

He was a sweet, loyal friend.

Thanks for taking a look - MB