February 23, 2009

"Olive and Friend"

Oil on museum quality ampersand gessobord panel 8" x 8"

Have you ever wondered why some words are invariably coupled with a particular qualifying adjective? For instance, have you ever heard pride described as anything but foolish? It's always "foolish pride." Olive drab is another. Why are olives drab, I ask you? I painted this painting of Anne Stark's Whippet, Olive, to prove not only is this Olive not drab, but she is quite vibrant. Well OK, perhaps her companion is the vibrant one but I say guilt by association. All that pink reflects well on her.

13 comments:

Diane said...

what a sweet girl... love the low lighting... and her friend too. It's funny what dogs will choose for their buddies..

Mark Adams said...

Diane, Cats, too, can have strange companions. JJ litters the house with small plush mice, snakes, and tiny lions and bears, oh my!

Art Matters said...

This is magnificent. I have 3 cats that I love dearly. But this painting is so expressive.

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Deborah. I currently live with two cats, JJ and Anna, that are like family. (No, they ARE family.) We have a colony of feral cats that we are working with as well. Don't get me wrong, I love dogs, but cats are...well, as they say about Harley-Davidson - "If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand."

Kate Merriman said...

I don't know how you do it! So beautiful.

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Kate. 40 years of practice, nothing to it.

Mark Adams said...

Kate,

I was joking. Not about the 40 years experience - about "the nothing to it." Every painting is a challenge, sometimes things just fall into place, other times nothing seems to work. That's what makes art interesting. If it was easy everyone would do it.

Edward Burton said...

Another amazing job, Mark!

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Edward.

Anonymous said...

Another Masterpiece! Expressive indeed... as are the new photo's you've been changing up on the blog site. You are such a sucker for a good costume- I love it!

So excited to see you in person!
Showing Lil Jo your photos and art, he loves it. Lets hook up a phone call soon so he can hear your cheerful voice too!

Shine on Dad,
~:~

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Holly!

Can't wait to see you, too!

Rhonda Hurwitz said...

wonderful painting! you really captured this guy's personality

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Rhonda. Whippets are such fun to paint.