July 16, 2009

"Sprocket"

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

Dear old Sprocket was the American Bulldog belonging to my friends Lauren and David. Every dog has his day and sadly his has come and gone. He was always a playful pup who got his way - no napkin was safe on your lap nor shoelace left tied. This was Sprocket in his later years - ear thrown back, gums flapping in the breeze, that unmistakable grin. I'm sure Saint Peter is throwing him that slimy kong right now (and missing the tassel on his robe.)

22 comments:

Arcobaleno said...

Hi Mark! wonderful paint and...wonderful dog!!!! bello!!!!

Alston said...

Welcome back, Mark. Love the expression on thedogs face.

Mark Adams said...

Grazie molto, Arcobaleno

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Alston. I fear painting will be spotty (no pun intended) for the next few weeks but it felt good to move paint around yesterday instead of boxes.

Deb O said...

Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is a wonderful way to remember my old friend. I have tears streaming down my face right now.

What would I do without you? Lauren's gonna love it!

Roxanne Steed said...

ahh - what a wonderful face! :-)

Mark Adams said...

Deb,

The studio may not be Hogworts but sometimes magic comes out of it. Thanks!

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Roxanne. I guess I still have it in me.

PAT MEYER -- said...

I understand the part about every dog has his day. He is adorable. Pat

Mark Adams said...

{;-)> Thanks, Pat.

Sheila Vaughan said...

Aw, poor old Sprocket. Hope he is having a great time in the big blue yonder.

Mark Adams said...

I'm sure he is, Sheila.

Becky Drees said...

Love the grass, too. Nice job, Mark!

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Becky. I wanted to keep the grass sketchy and loose. I'm glad you noticed.

Diana Moses Botkin said...

I love this one, Mark... truly inspiring! Hope you're surviving packing... you have my sympathies.

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Diana.

We have lived in this house for 15 years and have amassed quite a collection of detritus. I am trying not to edit at this point just throw it in boxes and sort it all out later - tee hee. Of course that is what I said last time and I have to move those unopened boxes again.

I am going to try and paint today if I can find my way through the labyrinth of boxes in the studio.

Pegi Sue said...

OK, you know how much I love your paintings...but are you getting like me, and not painting???? I want to give you inspiration or something!!! I just LOVE YOU!!!!!
Hoping to see more soon.
Forever your biggest fan,
Pegi Sue:)

Mark Adams said...

Thanks for the encouraging words, Pegi Sue.

Fear not - the commissions are piling up higher than the boxes. There will be new work in a few weeks. Cross your fingers.

"Hmmm, Now where did I put that box of paint and brushes?"

beckielboo said...

Hi Mark, I've told you before and I'll tell you again (and again) you 'da man! Everything you do is perfect!

I've been so busy lately, I haven't been watching dailypainters.com and have missed your work.

OK, I have "the mime" but one day, I'll get there in time to have one of your fabulous dogs!

Good luck on the move - hateful chore! I have 22 years here & my late Mother also lived here! Big house - can't contemplate moving! You must have found a fabulous house to make you do it!
Beckie

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Beckie. Moving is not fun! We got the occupancy permit this weekend so it is a go for moving in at the end of the week. I am posting a photo of the new digs tonight. Most of the furniture is still here until we sell this house but all my "stuff" is in hundreds of boxes at the new place. It will take a while to sort it all out so I won't be doing much art for another week or so. *sigh*

Dean Grey said...

Mark!

I love the texture of the grass you achieved here.

Sprocket's facial expression is awesome. He's totally posing for the camera in a "yeah, I'm cool" sort a way.

Excellent job!

-Dean

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Dean. as always, I appreciate your observations.