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.)
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22 comments:

  1. ArcobalenoJuly 16, 2009 at 5:45 AM

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

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  2. AlstonJuly 16, 2009 at 9:30 AM

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

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  3. Mark AdamsJuly 16, 2009 at 9:57 AM

    Grazie molto, Arcobaleno

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  4. Mark AdamsJuly 16, 2009 at 9:59 AM

    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.

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  5. Deb OJuly 16, 2009 at 10:32 AM

    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!

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  6. Roxanne SteedJuly 16, 2009 at 1:16 PM

    ahh - what a wonderful face! :-)

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  7. Mark AdamsJuly 16, 2009 at 1:56 PM

    Deb,

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

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  8. Mark AdamsJuly 16, 2009 at 1:58 PM

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

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  9. PAT MEYER --July 16, 2009 at 9:21 PM

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

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  10. Mark AdamsJuly 16, 2009 at 11:43 PM

    {;-)> Thanks, Pat.

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  11. Sheila VaughanJuly 20, 2009 at 2:33 PM

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

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  12. Mark AdamsJuly 21, 2009 at 9:22 AM

    I'm sure he is, Sheila.

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  13. Becky DreesJuly 22, 2009 at 4:29 PM

    Love the grass, too. Nice job, Mark!

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  14. Mark AdamsJuly 22, 2009 at 8:14 PM

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

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  15. Diana Moses BotkinAugust 19, 2009 at 4:32 AM

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

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  16. Mark AdamsAugust 19, 2009 at 8:28 AM

    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.

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  17. Pegi SueAugust 24, 2009 at 5:57 PM

    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:)

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  18. Mark AdamsAugust 24, 2009 at 9:08 PM

    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?"

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  19. beckielbooSeptember 1, 2009 at 6:14 AM

    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

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  20. Mark AdamsSeptember 13, 2009 at 7:06 PM

    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*

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  21. Dean GreySeptember 25, 2009 at 11:07 AM

    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

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  22. Mark AdamsDecember 4, 2009 at 4:30 PM

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

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