RABBIT OUT OF A HAT!

Surprise!

Here’s a first look - acrylic underpainting see notes below for 

technical explanation if interested. I covered the entire canvas today

I have to let the dust settle before I show that version.

Acrylic underpainting notes

I had to cover all that white and figure out the main colors at the same time.

I added Golden Fluid Matte Medium to the acrylic colors. 

The medium does not change the intensity of the colors it just helps the 

paint flow and adds a matte finish.

Acrylic can dry shiny and I wanted a matte surface for the oil to 

adhere to properly. I am happy with the results so far and if need be I can 

use Golden matte sealer before application of the oil paints.

You can see all my reference photos on the table as well. 

I think I printed 15 photos to tape to the painting while working on that area. 

The next step is oil! Yikes! 

I’ll start at the top of the rabbit and work my way down. 

The sky will be the last thing painted - in theory.

Working on a ladder is a challenge in itself - I’ve fallen off once so far.

I’m used to stepping back to take a look but not while a couple of feet off the ground. 

Acrylic paints - I like Nova color the best. You can’t buy them in a store

you have to buy them direct from the factory in California. 

They’re pigment load is quite incredible and the colors are so clean.

I’m also using an old set of heavy bodied Golden acrylics.

If you have any questions about process you can always 

email me. I’d like to say I’m really excited about this 

project but it’s a bit overwhelming. Hoping that once I start painting

with oils that all my fears will evaporate.

Thanks for waiting and waiting and waiting MB

CANVAS INSPECTOR

Lulu seal of approval 

You can see some comparisons here. 

My typical size canvas boards on top of the new stretched canvas 

12 x 12 - 8 x 8 - 6 x 6 and 5 x 5

It’s a stretch - no pun intended

Finished canvas hanging on my wall. 

For scale - My wall is 8’ X 8’ - 2 full sheets of plywood.

I accomplished some sketching today but it’s not ready to show.

It’s going to be awhile, there’s more to figure out than anticipated.

It’s pretty intimidating to say the least.

All that white!!!

Later MB

HUGE PROJECT

This is the prep for a 60” X 72” commission 

I had to finish all my other paintings before I could make room for this large canvas.

I taped the studio floor to visualize the scale of the canvas.

You can see the frame leaning against the table.

This painting will be stretched, painted and then removed from the stretchers

to be rolled and shipped. 

Here’s the floor covered with fabric to protect the primed canvas from any grit or grime.

Here’s the frame sitting on top of the primed canvas. I had to decide how large the 

salvaged edge was going to be. I thought 4” was plenty but after looking at the frame

on the canvas I decided to add 5” to each side.

Since it’s going to be restretched I wanted to make sure there was enough material 

To accomplish that task.

Tomorrow the huge job of stretching the canvas. 

Here’s a look at my scary studio. Not a horizontal surface available.

So after stretching the canvas there’s going to be a lot of cleanup 

before I can get started.

This is going to be a slow process but I wanted to let 

you all know I’m busy.

Thanks for waiting MB

NEED A TITLE

24 X 24 

OIL

I wanted the title 

“STORM MOUNTAIN” 

I’m not sure if that’s an appropriate title because most people are unaware 

of the original name for the ski area.  

If you have any ideas send them my way. 

I want to say thanks to everyone out there!

Georgi meant the world to us there’s no replacement 

Everyone made my week a little lighter with your thoughtful, heartfelt comments. 

Thanks for everything MB

GEORGI PORGI CORGI

April 23, 2003 - January 27, 2020

June 23, 2003

Georgi was my 1st dog. I carried him wherever I went.

I’d bring him in restaurants inside my jacket.

My friend Sandy said he’s never going to learn how to walk unless I put him down

He was so cuddly I couldn’t help myself.

In my studio helping out

Georgi was a happy companion always ready for action.

We were lucky to have him in our lives - what a gift

SKI-BUG

30 X 30

Oil

This is a new one, SKI-BUG. 

The first large scale SNO-BUG is below for your comparison.

I wanted to make this one brighter and a bit different. 

Rabbit Ears Motel in the distance.

It has to dry then off to the gallery. 

Painted all day hoping to have a new image soon.

Thanks MB

24 X 24

Oil

SPUTNIK

24 X 24

Oil

SOLD

I’ve been painting larger works for the gallery.

After painting small for so long it’s been challenging to make the transition.

A painting can take over a week instead of a day.

Progress is a bit slow.

Hope all is well and thanks a bunch for looking - MB

SNO-BUG

24 X 24

Oil

SOLD - YEAH!

Happy 2020 - wishing you all the best🥂🍾 woohoo 🥳 

RUBY JEWEL

Cute Christmas Puppy

6 X 6

Oil

SOLD

BESSIE MAE

8 X 8

Oil

SOLD

WINSTON

8 X 6

Oil

Here’s Winston’s story

Winston loves life and his people (and really all people)

He loves cuddles on the couch, giving kisses, running

around crazy and playing at the dog park. 

Photo of Winston on the left 

I changed the scene a bit - what a happy, lucky dog!

Thanks MB

SNO-BUG

SNO-BUG

24 X 24

Oil

Here’s the photo I bought on Alamy for the painting. 

Some day I’ll paint the entire scene but for now I just wanted

to paint the bug with the ski rack.

This isn’t a great photo - I’ll get a better photo when

the sun decides to return. 

I wanted to add the space station sign to the empty

space on the left. You can see the miniature space station 

photo I cut out and taped to the painting for a couple

of days before deciding to paint it on the canvas. 

Turned out it was the perfect size. 

Thanks a bunch!

BLUE

5 X 8

Oil

I’ve been painting like crazy. Getting ready for the new gallery season

in Steamboat Springs. I’ve had a number of failures - which is the hardest thing

to overcome and keep working. 

Sorry for minimal posts 

I’m hoping for numerous successful paintings and posts going forward.

Thanks for hanging in! Hope all is well.

MB

BEGINNERS LUCK!

5 X 5

SOLD

5 X 5

SOLD

12 X 12

SOLD

5 X 5

SOLD

5 X 11

SOLD

These are the 5 paintings I brought into the Jace Romick Gallery 

last Wednesday - they are all sold! 

To celebrate I bought champagne 🍾 and cheesecake 

CHEERS!

MB

TEST UPDATE

First off I want to let you know the $120.00 painting panel experiment was a total bust.

The 2 panels arrived in a box full of packing peanuts and styrofoam(I detest those packing materials) I was depressed just opening the box. On top of that one panel was warped.

The panels were not stamped or identified as archival either, they looked like foam core covered

in craft paper. When I put my level on the warped panel I punched a hole in the panel.

Not very durable! Can’t have that in a gallery setting with art being moved from one wall to another.

I got on the phone immediately after accessing my options and called Elizabeth at Raymar panels and ordered 30 X 30’s. I’ve worked with these panels before they are a bit heavier but I know

the quality is there and the panels are stamped. 

Galleries need to know there’s a quality product underneath all that paint. 

On another note here’s what I’ve learned so far with my linen panel tests.

In order to get the look I want - paint sitting in the fabric impressions 

I cannot thin the oil. I have to apply the asphaltum or burnt sienna with a rag straight 

out of the tube. Slather it on and then wipe off the top of the fabric without removing 

the color from the crevasses. The panels are drying then I’ll do some more tests.

The idea is to use a palette knife technique leaving some of the linen to show through.

I saw an artist on line who paints palette knife style with old credit cards.

I’ll see if I can find that video to post later.

That’s it for now MB

TEST

Linen panels test

I’m interested in trying some new techniques for more of an abstract approach 

to painting. The bottom left and middle are the linen panels I ordered.

The left one is white gesso the middle panel is clear gesso.

I’ve tinted the panels with acrylic paint and then they will get a light coat

of oil paint which will be rubbed off. The bottom right panel has

jaune brilliant acrylic underneath Gamblin asphaltum. 

I’ve already decided that I dislike prefabricated linen panels.

I will use these boards to get started but I just ordered 3 yards of linen to make

my own panels hoping for a richer surface. The prefabricated panels are too

slick a surface for my taste. 

I’m finally getting busy and ideas are starting to take shape. 

On another note I’ve also ordered new lightweight panels for my larger works.

The panels should arrive Wednesday and I’ll either love them or hate them. 

It’s another $100.00 experiment.

JoAnne at SourceTek is pretty sure I’m going to love the new panels.

I bet she’s right - they’re a bit pricey. 

All is well - thanks for all the notes and congrats on the new gallery.

All the best MB

GOOD NEWS! Finally

8” X 8”

Oil

TEN GALLON HAT

SOLD

Yesterday was a great day! 

This 4th of July painting from 2 years ago found the perfect home. 

The model in the painting saw it at White Hart Gallery and purchased it on the spot.

Yeah! I love it when that happens.

Also, some other great news 

 I think 

still processing 

I’m elated and a bit nervous.

It took a lot of courage on my part 

My confidence level has been on the low end for quite some time.

I brought in 5 brand new, small format, Steamboat Springs Icon paintings of 

Rabbit Ears Motel, Space Station and FM Light

to show the Jace Romick Gallery director Ashlyn.

She was excited to see some bright colors, she was genuinely excited about the work. 

We talked a bunch, I felt really good about our art conversation.

It’s going to be a great working relationship - which is what I need. 

Cindy was the greatest person to work with at White Hart. 

I didn’t think it was possible to find a new venue with the same attitude but I believe 

The Jace Romick Gallery is going to work out great.

I signed a contract on the spot to show in the gallery.

Looks like I have a new home.

It doesn’t feel real yet but I’ll get there eventually.

Thanks for waiting again and again MB

MAKE A CHANGE OR GIVE SOME CHANGE

I’m alive and well. Painting as usual but haven’t posted because

I’m working through some stuff in my head, the paintings are not ready

to post at this time. Lots of ideas bouncing around in my head 

I guess that’s better than no ideas!

I’ll get back to it thanks for understanding MB

If you’re wondering how to help those less fortunate in the Bahamas

I’ve included a link to NYT article on how to donate.

HELP HURRICANE DORIAN SURVIVORS IN THE BAHAMAS

CHERRY PICKER

8 X 8

SOLD

I’ve been having an incredible month with numerous sales.

It’s been hard to keep up which is a good thing.

No complaints 

On another note the

White Hart Gallery building has been sold and the last day for the gallery is September 27th.

Cindy the owner is closing the business due to numerous personal issues.

I’ve known for some time this was coming it’s not a surprise.

Cindy has been more than accommodating by keeping me in the loop.

She was surprised at how fast the building sold figuring it would take a year or more. 

Best laid plans!

Anyway - I’m freaking out a bit

 Lots of hyperventilating going on along with unusual heart palpitations. 

Sorry for not communicating but it all happened a lot faster than anticipated.

More later

Thanks for hanging in and hanging on MB

BACK IN THE SADDLE

8 X 8

SOLD

TWILIGHT

4 X 4

Oil

SOLD

I’m on a roll for sure, sold some cows as well. 

I’m painting like crazy for the rest of the summer art season.

It’s a short, intense window to sell paintings in Steamboat Springs.

Thanks to White Hart Gallery and Cindy Arnis 

Cindy is a kind, thoughtful, honest and caring gallery owner.

These are rare qualities in the art world, I’m so lucky to have this opportunity.

Also, a shout out to all my followers 

Thanks for all the comments and emails. 

You guys are the best!

Later MB

SPACE STATION AGAIN

12 X 12

Oil

SOLD!

Thanks a bunch MB

MY BEST SIDE

SOLD - WOOHOO!

Can’t believe it’s almost the 4th of July 

Yikes, I better get busy.

Summer arrived - it’s been nice to be outside.

Saw a doe and her fawn today in the yard. Should’ve had my camera.

They were soooo cute together that the traffic on my road stopped 

 for a minute or two. It’s hard for those city folks to slow down, pause and 

look. If they’d roll down their windows they would be serenaded by a forest

full of bird songs. I live in a beautiful place.

All the best MB

YOU’RE INVITED!

STEAMBOAT ART MUSEUM

Looking West: An Exhibition highlighting works by

American Women Artists 

Pony Express

30 X 30

Oil

Opening Reception with the Artists 

Friday, June 28 6:00 - 8:00pm

The juried show features 150 paintings and sculptures by

members of American Women Artists and is the 

fourth show in AWA’s 25 campaign to visit 25 museums

across the country and showcase women artist members

over the next 25 years. The Steamboat Art Museum is

honored to be among the first Museums to present this 

exhibit in 2019. Works in this show will be for sale. 

Exhibit will continue until Monday, September 2.

Be there or be square!!! 

MB

NO VACANCY

SOLD! WOOHOO 🎉 

This painting was in the gallery window for 2 days!

Way to go Cindy, owner of White Hart Gallery

Made my day, I better start cranking out some work

A little incentive is my motivator 

I love it when my paintings find a home.

Later MB

HAPPY SUMMER SOLSTICE

 MB’S Summer Solstice 2019

Needless to say my motivation level is low

we had to turn our heat back on

I’m cooking a comfort food dinner with loads of carbs

I’m not complaining I just wanted to share!

Later MB

SPACE STATION

24 X 12

Oil

Dry and ready to hang. 

I think this is by far my favorite Space Station painting to date.

Studio shot with new 

NO VACANCY & SPACE STATION

Thanks for looking. 

All the best MB

IT’S TWINS!

CELEBRATING THE TWINS!

We are happy to announce the birth of the twins. They are about a week old

and this appears to be their first big outing with Mom. 

My neighbor Fritz painted the moose crossing sign and we’re so happy

they chose to cross at the sign. We really wish they’d stay away from the road but my other neighbor

has a couple of ponds the past babies like to play in. I’ll try to get some photos when they’re 

down there splashing in the ponds. Might be too cold today.

We had a mountain lion in the yard on Friday so we’re all a bit concerned

for the Mom and her babies. We’re stressed out - I can’t imagine how she feels!

This will be a painting eventually - later MB