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

 

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

 

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

TEDDY BEAR

8" X 8"

Oil

He's a sweetheart! 

Thanks a bunch MB

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. 

Joe Tilson - LOOK 1964 

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.

 

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    

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 

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!

 

BREATHE

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 

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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!

SKINNY-DIPPIN'

8" X 8"

Oil

 Cindy - White Hart Gallery owner gave me an assignment for fall - I asked for the suggestions.

She suggested bear, moose and fox paintings along with fall foliage paintings.

I told her that could be a stretch especially the fall foliage idea but I've decided

to give it all a go. I have 16 ideas ready to go - I'm not sure if the first fox painting

will ever see the light of day but Skinny-dippin' is the 3rd painting finished in the series.

Paint on! 

Thanks a bunch - MB

Leap of Faith IV

I'm really not sure how to start this story. In April I saw an ad in Southwest Art advertising a special

section for their August issue titled "Women in Art". 

I didn't have any paintings that I thought were worthy but on a whim I committed 

to a half page spread for the August issue. I've never felt so WRONG in my life.

I knew I needed 2 images that worked well together - you may remember 

when I posted these paintings I said they were for something BIG! Well

here it is. I even hired the local photographer Tim Murphy so the images would be perfect

and magazine ready. If I'm going to spend I'm going all the way. You have no idea how 

hard it's been to not spill the beans and jinx myself. 

The magazine came out last week and both paintings were sold today.

Their new home - Santa Fe! 

WOW! I'm a lucky girl. 

I also had an inquiry from a gallery owner but I have nothing to report on that front. 

I bought a bottle of bubbly - I'll be celebrating tonight.

Thanks for all the support over the years. I owe it all to everyone out there pushing me along.

Thanks a bunch MB

MOVING FORWARD

"One Step at a Time" or "One Foot in Front of the Other"

8" X 8"

Oil

Change is in the air - not sure where this will lead.

Thanks for looking! MB

REFLECTING ON EXPERIENCE

8" X 8"

Oil

This is my new favorite size panel for painting. Richeson makes an affordable, high 

quality gessoed panel. I buy them from Blick and I've been pleasantly surprised by the 

consistent quality. If you're looking for an Ampersand panel alternative this is a good choice.

This larger size is difficult to finish in one sitting so my posts might be spread out a bit.

We'll see how it goes. It's been great so far!

Thanks a bunch MB