Making a move 2012

I've moved my blogging to a new site that's a little easier to manage. I'm trying to update more and show off recent work there as well! Please take a look when you have time! http://www.collectmariemason.com

What makes you stop?

Just a short note. I've been working away on paper pieces for the Give Me That Dog project. I have more great stories to paint, but I also feel that I need to do some larger canvas pieces. After the Carnegie Art Center show, I came to realize that my wonderful Safari Van was not only great for hauling dogs to the lake ...it was also my way to transport large paintings. Once the van became a "clunker" I was forced to trade it in. I got a great Honda with amazing gas mileage  so that we can travel back and forth to KC without too much cost...but I could not haul large paintings...so I stopped creating them. It's very difficult to find a van although pick up trucks are every where. ....just not the best vehicle to move art around. I'm now sure that I will be finding some van that runs well even if it doesn't look great! In anticipation of this event, I'm starting work on some larger canvas pieces. Stay tuned!

Give Me That Dog project Continues

I caught myself rounding a corner yesterday when I reviewed all of the great stories and photos that people sent to me upon my request. The first 10 paintings and stories were in a show in Leavenworth, Kansas and visitors really enjoyed the work. Hopefully the stories will encourage others to rescue a dog when a chance comes their way!
Now I have time to get started on the yet to be painted stories. I'm thinking of using a smaller paper format and possibly drawing the stories rather than painting. I hope the drawings will capture the essence of the story in much the same way the paintings have. I'll be sure to post some here on my blog when I get started!
In addition, we have a book with the stories and illustrations that have been completed. Find it at http://www.Bellacompany.com

dog story auction

Give Me That Dog show at the Carnegie Art Center in Leavenworth was good. Folks really enjoyed reading the great stories I received from fans. I hope the stories and paintings give folks the courage that the story writers had in just pulling a dog out of a "ditch" and into their hearts and homes!
Some of those paintings are being auctioned off on our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/BellaandCompany
If you like my work, you might take a look!

Yard Work and art work

Spring is such a wild and unpredictable time on the planet. This spring is no exception. Here in Weston, sandbags are being filled in anticipation of the rising Missouri river which, in turn, causes some local creeks to overflow their banks. We live up the hill from the flood plain so our home is not in much danger. Even though I credit myself for the flowers in our back yard, mother nature has her hand in that too. Warm sunny days mixed with cold rain days has really made the difference! All the work we have completed in the past four years seems to have made a difference. Even though we have four dogs, they very dutifully follow the paths I make for them! I'm sometimes tempted to return to my flower painting years. I gave it a try with a few small watercolors, but felt like I was just repeating myself...so, I'm headed back to dog stories I've received but haven't started yet. June 12,2011

spring cleaning

I've moved some of the larger stretched canvases to the Carnegie Arts Center for my show in May, so I've had space to really repaint and reorganize my studio. With the help of a good friend, I've added a wall so I can hang more work. Of course I had to move everything in the studio from one location to another and then back again. When I get in this re-organizing mood, it's tempting to toss a lot of art....and I have tossed some! It's difficult to imagine how my work will end up when I'm no longer here. What if anything will someone do with it and will it have any value in the future? It will certainly be a collection for someone to figure out! UMB bank in Kansas City, Mo has given me some great guidance in organizing my art, and a place where my art might be stored for some future interest. I'm hopeful that some distant relative might not only take an interest, but also benefit in some way from my work.
The current paper work for my new show has been interrupted by my urge to get this studio cleaned up and reorganized, but I think it's been worth it.

getting organized!!

I've been working away on some of the many great stories I received from dog rescuers. I have about 10 paintings completed so far. This morning I sat at my desk for two hours just sorting through all of the many great stories I haven't even had time to get started on yet!...Several folks submitted a story on my blog, but did not send photos by mail or e-mail...Dogs names:Peanut, and
Tess. If this applies...send me photos ....bellaandcompany@kc.rr.com