A few of you noticed the prints hanging around the corner from the feathersphere yesterday and inquired as to their origin.
Well, you don't have to ask me twice to show you the work of my favorite artist.
All of the prints you see on that wall are by Marjie Bassler.
She humanizes animals in their actions sort of like I humanize my animals with words,
only she does a much better job of it and makes her living that way.
I discovered Marjie's work at an art festival back in 1998 or so, and it was love at first sight.
This print, titled "Bouncers," is probably my favorite. Clearly she understands exactly what happens
when we humans leave the room and our pets are left to their own devices.
If I took my equines to the beach, you just know Hank would grab the best lounge chair
while Alan and George froliced in the water and Lucy sailed a boat so she wouldn't get her feet wet.
I've never let Smooch ride Hank, but if I did, I'm sure she'd wave at y'all while I took a picture.
Would you look at the expressions on those rabbits?
The only reason I don't have more of Marjie's prints is that I've run out of wall space.
Recognize anyone in this painting? Marjie also does commissions, and back in 2002, I sent her photographs of all of my animals at the time, along with a short description of their personalities. This is the result, and it's the first thing I'll grab if the house catches on fire. From left to right, we see Hank, teaching youngster Lyle how to be a good horse. Then there's my yellow lab Annie, who never met a tennis ball she didn't like. Waylon and Willie are standing on the back of the couch, mirroring each other's actions, except Willie has a Corona in his hand because he loved to lick the lime juice off the side of a beer bottle. Dusty is in her favorite state of repose on the couch, with her friends Rosebud and Princess Daffodil by her side. Wynonna is enjoying a bath and another meal, while Snapper is flying about the house stealing my stuff. I love this painting so much it hurts. And now that I'm thinking about it, it might be time to send Marjie another batch of pictures. The current cast of characters needs to be immortalized as only Marjie can do.
What a hoot!
ReplyDeleteYes, definitely time to update the family portrait. It was the first thing that popped into my mind when I spotted Hank!
M in NC
Those pics are great. What nice memories you have of all the animals that have enhanced your life. It would be nice to add the newcomers too. Such great stories.
ReplyDeleteBest always,
Can't wait to see the result!
ReplyDeleteif I spend money on any prints it will be YOUR fault ;) This artist is wonderful, art and humor collide
ReplyDeleteI love the bright colors and whimzy of her work! Good choice Linda! Can't wait to see the next batch of 7MSN critters on your wall. :)
ReplyDeleteMarjie is about to be the busiest painter in the country because of you!
ReplyDeleteThey are fun and touching at the same time. Thank you.
Ohh, Yes please give her photos of your current cast of characters! She's very talented.
ReplyDeleteyou do need to get another one done of your current critters. i don't see any donkeys and i don'r know any of these except Hank and Wynonna... my fav is the bouncers...
ReplyDeleteWonderful work! Yes it is time for her to work on the current residents.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun to look at and enjoy. By ALL means you need to send in another photo. I can see why they make you happy. Hugs
ReplyDeleteI love them. I noticed that yours have a Southwest theme but, on her website, they aren't. Did you have her do them that way or did she change her style?
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for showing us--these remind me of some of my favorite children's book illustrations. I left my school library in New Hampshire well supplied with Southwest picture books when I retired.
ReplyDeleteI love the petroglyph horse and dog, they are perfect. Looking forward to the newest 7MSN version.
Love, love, love these pics and agree with everyone else, you need an updated family picture.
ReplyDeleteOMG, why have I never seen her work before???? Absolutely love everything. Happy 2014 to you!
ReplyDeleteOMG I think I'm in love! Heading to her site now.....must get Bouncers. Maybe a commissioned painting of my critters too.....
ReplyDeletewhat comes out the most in these paintings is the joy of all animals. I've never seen so much joy! you have a wall of happyness there.
ReplyDeleteThe way you live your life and "see" what surrounds you is perfectly captured in this marvelous artwork !
ReplyDeleteSuch fun artwork! I love the colors and the themes. I agree you need an updated version of your brood. JCC and Smooch def need to be immortalized!
ReplyDeleteDon't stop because of wall space! I have the same "problem" so I hang things over doors, on doors, over and even under windows. Sticking to convention is for the birds (and the birds don't seem to stick to it either)!
ReplyDeleteI've often thought of getting all of my previous and newer gang in a photo. I'll go look her up.
ReplyDeleteoh, please I see plenty of wall space...keep going! These are so sweet and just plain FUN! These really suit your personality for sure, so go treat yourself to more...more is better.
ReplyDeleteSome day would you do a post of your home? I'd love to know the floor layout.
ReplyDeleteWOW! Send Marjie my sincere admiration and appreciation. Her work is superb! I can totally understand why you love those paintings. WOW!
ReplyDeleteI loved these! Am conjuring.
ReplyDeleteI mean "bouncers" is what it's all about.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget Deets! That curly tail needs to be in the next one. I miss his antics...
ReplyDeleteLove 'em! Such fun! Some of the fun has gone out of my own painting lately and seeing these was very timely for me. Think I need to get a bit more whimsical and colourful!
ReplyDelete