Mike Brouse Fine Art Boulder, Colorado

How To Loosen Up Your Painting

2012-01-27T12:28:00.000-07:00

I just received an email from an artist who is trying to turn the corner in her painting. She wants to improve, loosen her style and better define her style. There are no shortcuts to becoming a really good painter, but some of the tips below may help you on your journey.

Quick tips to help you loosen up and/or further develop / improve your style:

Use what I call a second generation technique - first do a watercolor of the scene....do not spend more than 45 minutes on the 8 x 10 (small) watercolor or pastel
Then paint the oil or acrylic from the watercolor......do not use any other references except memory
Use a large brush #14 for the entire painting......do not use anything smaller except a finger or palette knife to move paint around
Use only a palette knife.....same idea.....a blunt painting instrument.....
Try to recreate one of my paintings.....one that you like.....try it. Deconstruct it, try to think thru the layering process.
If using oils - always begin with a turpentine wash......I use organic turp (turpinoid) - don't spare the wash.....make it runny. Then begin painting on top of it - make the oil painting flow by using Linseed oil and/or other medium (I use Copal too).

I hope some of these tips make sense to you. I have used all of them during my own development process. Of course I continue to push, take risks, and paint as many canvases as I can each year in an effort to keep improving. Good luck!

Down in the Valley - 18 x 24 - oil

(At The Fine Art Gallery in Ft. Collins, Co)_

Five Peonies - in my grandmother's 100 year old watering can

2011-09-20T13:34:00.000-06:00

Five Peonies - oil - 20" square

I loved my grandmother "Thelma", and I learned a lot from her. She used this watering can ever since I can remember to water all the flowers and pots around her home in Dewart, Pa. I inherited the can, and I use it all the time to do the same thing she did. I think of her often. This painting is currently featured at Earthwood Gallery in Boulder. (1412 Pearl Street)

Pet Portrait Artist in Boulder, Colorado

2011-09-12T19:04:00.001-06:00

Five Dogs - 20 x 48 Oil

I really like meeting your dogs. I enjoy the challenge of creating an impressionistic oil painting of your best friend. A five dog painting is especially challenging. This painting will clearly light up any room!

Here's a nice quote from a recent article about my work: "His vivid and sensitive pet portraits give him special satisfaction to create on commission, as cherished mementos for pet owners. “My goal is for the animals to be expressive and communicative, and for there to be a sense of movement – as if they could get up and walk away.” Mike isn’t shy about talking about some of his “secrets” for creating his animated portraits. “I focus on brush movement, mixing cool with warm colors – which creates a push-pull ‘dance’ for the eye, and I use tiny dots of red and blue in the eyes and nose.”

Olivia 16 x 20 Oil

I usually paint my dog portraits on thick canvas, and then frame them in a contemporary dark floater frame.

Tootie - 16 x 20 - Oil

Contact me for more information.

Commissioning an oil painting from Mike Brouse

2011-03-03T18:19:00.000-07:00

36 x 24 oil on canvas - Niwot, Co - looking west toward Long's Peak

Some of my favorite projects are commissioned oil paintings. It's fun to work with a client to make their vision come true. In this example, the clients walk on this path near their home in Niwot, Colorado and they wanted a specific scene incorporating the path looking west toward Long's Peak.

I initially did three watercolor studies that incorporated three different ideas. In the end they selected the one with the "diverging path", the ponderosa pines, and the wonderful view of Long's Peak. I had them come to my studio several times to check on the progress. Each time we made some adjustments until they were 110% satisfied. I recently (2011) delivered the painting and put it on their mantle.

The client happiness is my total concern during these projects. It does not matter if its a small project (like a small pet portrait) or a large landscape project like this one. Please contact me for more information. I can provide references as needed.

SunLit Path by Boulder Colorado Artist Mike Brouse

2011-02-06T07:10:00.000-07:00

SunLit Path - 20" square oil on panel

I'm always inspired by the beauty of nature. When I go for a hike it seems like everything is moving and I'm out there moving with it. The light is constantly moving, leaves are falling, the trees are swaying and things are changing. That's the feeling I'm trying to convey in this painting. I hope you feel it too.

The Boulder Cafe is on the Boulder Pearl Street Mall

2011-01-09T18:48:00.000-07:00

The Boulder Cafe in Spring - 12" square in a contemporary black floater frame

One of my favorite spots to paint on the Boulder Pearl Street Mall. There is always a lot of activity. I've painted this several times. I'm really happy with this newest version. It really has the feeling I was looking for.

Cross Country Skiing in Colorado

2011-01-07T19:00:00.003-07:00

X-Country Trail - 24" square

There is nothing like being out in nature, on a cold quiet trail at sunset in the Colorado mountains. This is old man winter at his very best. I tried my best to bring you that feeling of being out there in this painting. (If you click on the image it will allow you to enlarge and view the brushstrokes and texture.) Cross country skiing and snowshoeing is very rigorous so getting cold is usually not a problem. Actually being too warm is more often the case because it's easy to overdress. I hope you've been able to get out there and enjoy the beautiful winter season.

Mike Brouse paints Colorado - Title: Aspen Dance

2011-01-02T10:38:00.000-07:00

Aspen Dance - oil - 30" square

I just finished this painting over the Christmas Break in Dec 2010 - I'm trying to bring the feel of the forest, aspen trees etc... right in to your living room. This painting is already hanging in a private collection. I did this as a commission painting. I was working with the client to integrate the right colors so it would work in their living area. This is fairly easy for me to do.... in this case, many mixes using ultramarine blue, some gray greens and yellows.

Mike Brouse exhibits oil paintings at Earthwood Gallery in Boulder, Colorado

2010-12-16T20:54:00.001-07:00

Earthwood Gallery - Pearl Street Mall - Downtown, Boulder

When you're in downtown Boulder with a few minutes to kill check out my favorite gallery. Loaded with jewelry, glassware, pottery, paintings and other fine art work from nationally known artists. The oil painting in the window titled "Aspen Shadows" sold last month. They usually feature one of my oils in the window. The gallery is a long narrow space with tall ceilings. It's a great place, with a very knowledgeable, friendly staff.

Blazing a Trail - Colorado landscape painting by Mike Brouse

2010-12-11T10:17:00.000-07:00

A new oil painting is always exciting for me to unveil. I've been painting Colorado landscapes featuring aspen and forest scenes for several months now. These are fairly simple compositions, but they are deceptively difficult to pull off. Aspen trees have recently become one of my favorite subjects. No two trees are alike! Different shapes, tree leans, thickness, bark color, shadow shapes, groupings etc.... make them a very interesting subject for me. I also try to make these paintings feel alive with color, movement and depth.

This one has more greens in the tree canopy than any I've done to date. Maybe I'm thinking about spring already (this one was painted in Dec 2010). 36 x 24 oil on canvas - As soon as it dries it will be exhibited in Earthwood Gallery on the Pearl Street Mall in downtown Boulder, Colorado.

Mike Brouse exhibits at Faustina's Gallery in Lewisburg, Pa.

2010-11-24T16:27:00.001-07:00

I am happy to be exhibiting my artwork in Lewisburg, Pa. at Faustina's Gallery on Market Street. Jody Horn (owner) is great to work with. It's killing me that I don't get back to Lewisburg often enough to see my old friends and relatives. I hope to get back to see everyone (and do some painting) in 2011.

The work I do for Jody includes local scenes of Lewisburg architecture (like the Campus Theater) and of course the wonderful central Pa. landscape.

I was born in Williamsport, and raised in Milton (a local town). I lived in Watsontown for a while, and went to school at Penn State so I have quite a connection to the area, and a love of the local landscape. Please stop by and support this special little gallery on Market Street, and say hi to Jody for me.

Amongst The Trees - Mike Brouse paints colorful Colorado

2010-11-24T11:58:00.000-07:00

Amongst the Trees - 30 x 40 - oil

This painting was inspired by the area up around Frisco and Dillon Colorado. I wanted it to feel like autumn, maybe a little breezy too. If you click on the photo it will allow you to zoom in on the work details. There is an amazing amount of color and texture that is barely visible on the low res jpeg. You simply must see this painting in person to appreciate the work I put in to it. I love living in Colorado and I hope it shows in this expressive work. Thanks for your interest.

You can see my work in person at Earthwood Gallery in Boulder, Co. (on the Pearl Street Mall) or in Estes Park, Co at Earthwood Collections Gallery.

Also, this painting was recently recognized as a "Jury Favorite" in the very competitive monthly Fine Art Views painting competition. I'm grateful for the recognition!

Sally - On her Watch, WestHighland Terrier - Dog Portrait Commission

2010-11-11T15:55:00.002-07:00

12 X 16 - Oil on Canvas - SOLD

I rang the bell. Sally met me at the door and she was immediately very friendly. I was there to meet her and take photos of her in her backyard for an oil portrait. We went out in the yard and I discovered that Sally liked to stand on a tall rock and overlook her territory. She has a magnificant view west overlooking a field, several back yards, and Long's Peak. My goal was to get her to pose for me up on that rock.

I played with her for a few minutes and gave her some treats. Then I got the camera out and began taking pictures. I was surprised that she was a little camera shy. For every 25 shots I took only about two were useable as reference. She was always on the move, and she is very short so I found myself laying down on the ground a lot. After about 30 minutes outside with her I had the shots I needed.

I sent several possible photos to Sally's owner for approval. After I had a clear direction I produced the above oil painting. Sally wore a great collar that day and it really helped the portrait to pop. I put all the paint and important strokes up around her face. I want the viewers eye to always end up on that great face.

Thanks for the great time Sally!

All the best,

In the Woods - 2010 oil painting by Mike Brouse

2010-10-20T17:48:00.002-06:00

In the Woods - 20" square, oil on panel

I used to walk in the woods all the time when I was a kid. Jumping over logs, jumping off of small cliffs, playing in the ferns etc... it's kinda wild, and everything is alive. I enjoyed painting this particular scene, and I kinda got lost in it from time to time just like when I was a kid. Come on in to my woods. This painting is featured in the 2011 Open Studios Library exhibit - Canyon Gallery.

Mike Brouse paints Aspen Trees

2010-10-07T11:17:00.000-06:00

From my series of paintings about Autumn in Colorado - these are both 11 x 14 oil on canvas. They really have that Colorado feel with the mountains in the background. The painting on your left is titled "In the Valley", and the painting on your right is titled "Three Aspens" -

Autumn in Colorado - Shopping New Oil Paintings by Mike Brouse

2010-10-07T11:09:00.000-06:00

Finding My Way - 18 X 24 - Oil on Panel

I painted this as an ongoing demo last weekend as part of Boulder Open Studio's opening weekend. Maybe some of you saw this when it was under construction. I went down the rabbit hole on this one and it was fun and challenging to try to find my way out. When I eventually popped out I liked what I saw. Sometimes it hard to find your way through the trees. There are often obstacles in our path, and we need to go around them, and over them, in order to find our way. Good luck on your journey!

Autumn in Colorado - Oil Paintings by Mike Brouse

2010-09-26T10:56:00.003-06:00

Autumn Fence Row (48 x 36 - oil)

This painting is for sale at "The Fine Art & Frame Co" in Ft. Collins, Co.

This painting really nails how I feel about the wonderful fall season here in Colorado. Growing up in central Pennsylvania surrounded by rolling mountains and woods of maple and oak really gave me an appreciation for the fall smells and colors. The diagonal fence row will lead your eye into this painting, and the diagonal tree lined hill will lead you up, and then some aspen trees on the left will bring you back around as your eye finds different paths around the fairly large image. I also put a nice open space in the middle of the piece to so your eye can rest if it needs to. So those are just some of the things an artist thinks about when composing a painting. I am really satisfied with the final outcome. Is there a center of interest in this painting? Can you locate it? I'm not a big believer in a center of interest per se. I think the entire painting needs to be interesting and keep the eye moving. However, if pressed for a center of interest.....it's the aspen tree and fence row area in the lower left.

Mike Brouse Art Newsletter - Invite to Open Studio

2010-09-21T15:29:00.004-06:00

Sept 2010 - Brouse Art Newsletter

Autumn in the Rockies 2010

My new series of oil paintings

Autumn Grove - oil - 36 x 48

Aspen Shadows - oil - 20" sq

Hello Friends - It's my favorite season! I love cooler days & nights, beautiful color, rustling of the leaves, football season, the world series, and the annual Boulder Open Studios tour. I would like to invite you to my studio during this free art event. I'll be debuting my newest series of paintings that are inspired by the autumn season. I'll also be working on various oil paintings, and discussing the painting techniques I use.

When: Sat & Sun Oct 2nd, 3rd & 9th, 10th (noon - 6pm each day)

My studio is #21 on this year's tour. Don't miss the preview exhibit of work from all 125 artists at the Boulder Public Library Canyon Gallery. The exhibit is open to the public now! Go see it! If you would like to hear me describe my work dial toll free: 888-827-8566 and key in 8002 (then my studio number 21)

Estes Park, Colorado - If you're in Estes Park don't miss the wonderful "Western Light" art exhibit at EarthWood Collections Gallery thru Oct 31st. Then go see the elk!

Boulder, Colorado - Earthwood Gallery invites you to come in and browse through all the art anytime you're on the Pearl Street Mall to see Mike's latest paintings + jewelry, glass, etc...

Pet Portraits & Commissions are always welcome. See my website for samples. A work of art is a great gift!

Lewisburg, Pa. - Faustina's Gallery - 229 Market Street - invites you to come in and see Mike's original oil paintings of the local area. Faustina's also does excellent picture and photo framing!

Finally, one more item you might be interested in: A book of 100+ year old photography taken by my great grandfather Lewey Thomas. The book is written by my great uncle, his youngest son Marlin Thomas (who is now nearly 80). ISBN: 978-1-4276-4670-5 Title: Looking Thru Lewey's Lens (100 years ago) contains an amazing array of photos taken with his 1903 Century Grand view camera with adjustable focus and exposure. The pics are of the Central Susquehanna Valley and its people. It's fantastic. The perfect little coffee table book. Each photo has a little story to go with it. Many of the stories were told to Marlin by his mother Mary Ellen Thomas (my great grandmother). An excellent little gift for $17.95 - link to more information here: http://marlinthomas.blogspot.com/

Click the following link to view Mike's portfolio of available works: http://mikebrouse.com/works

I hope to see you at my studio (#21) on the tour.

All the best,

Mike, Terri & Milo

Shining Grove - Aspen Grove in the fall

2010-09-20T17:13:00.001-06:00

Shining Grove - 14" square - oil on canvas
Featured at Earthwood Collections Gallery in Estes Park as part of the 2011 Western Light exhibit.

I'm on a roll with my series of paintings describing how I feel about autumn in Colorado. In all my work - it's about feelings and emotion using bold brushwork and color. I want you to feel something when you look at this work. I think great art is vulnerable to interpretation. I'm taking you to a place where hopefully the color and brushwork will bring out some feelings. If not, that is ok, but that is my goal. Thanks for your interest!

Aspen Shadows_Autumn in the Rockies

2010-09-13T10:21:00.000-06:00

Aspen Shadows - oil 20" square on panel

From my most recent work inspired by the coming of fall in Colorado. Also, here is a little Robert Frost poem that seems appropriate:

Nature's first green is gold,

Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

All the best,
Mike

Mike Brouse Paints How Autumn Feels

2010-09-08T21:31:00.000-06:00

I really enjoy the fall season. I like the cooler weather, the colors, smells, shorter days, the whole thing. It inspires me to try to capture the feeling of fall. So I'm adding these two new ones to my most recent series of autumn oil paintings. The yellow aspen tree is so symbolic of the fall season. I just wanted you to be up there in the branches.

This second example is about taking the ride out on a country road and enjoying the fall colors. I'm not sure where this road will lead us but I'm going along for the ride. I hope you can smell the fresh crisp fall air.
Both these paintings are smalls - 8 x 10 and 11 x 14 - oil on canvas -

Autumn Grove - an aspen grove turning color in the fall

2010-08-30T08:01:00.000-06:00

Autumn Grove - 36 x 48 - oil on canvas

Stepping in to my favorite time of the year in this painting of an aspen grove. This painting is obviously about the change of season, but also about how I feel about the beauty of this special hidden place. I hope you can feel the cool fall breeze through the quaking aspen leaves. I'm not going for detailed reality here. I don't think that's as much fun for me or for you the viewer.

This is one of the larger canvases I've done. As I get more confident in my painting skills I'm able to handle a painting of this size. During the painting process I was moving very fast, and totally exhausted myself as I maniacally applied paint to get this big canvas done all in one sitting. (alla prima) The next morning I added a few more strokes and some finishing touches being careful not to do too much and overwork the darn thing.

I'll be debuting this painting in my studio gallery during Boulder Open Studios in the fall of 2010. I am studio #21 on the tour. I would like very much if you could drop by and say hello. Don't miss the preview exhibit at the Boulder Public Library (Canyon Gallery) cause its a great event. One of the years best local art exhibits.

Autumn Path - or what fall feels like to me

2010-08-27T12:15:00.000-06:00

Autumn Path 22 x 28 - oil

Fall is my favorite time of the year. I'm a fall guy! I love the shorter days, cooler days and nights, and the wonderful colors that appear all over the place, especially in the woods. I tried to express my feelings of autumn in this painting. I'm working on a few more, including a very large piece on canvas. I painted this one very quickly, trying not to overthink it, not be a slave to the photos, and trying to give the painting what it needed to feel like fall. I also tried something quite different on the way I framed this. Something I learned from fellow artist Eldon Warren. I used a faux frame around the edges of the canvas - so its really a canvas wrap, but it has a really cool maple faux frame around the edges. I'm thrilled with it. See my website for more details, price, gallery etc....

Long's Peak - a 14,000 foot mountain peak in Colorado

2010-08-20T09:16:00.001-06:00

It's great hanging around with other artists. Most of the time I'm so busy with all the stuff going on that I neglect this. You can learn a lot from hanging out, discussing art and techniques, and of course painting with other artists. I recently met Eldon Warren at an artist reception. Eldon is a Colorado artist (oil) who I am exhibiting with at Earthwood Collections Gallery in Estes Park. During our conversation about one of his beautiful oil paintings he described his process for creating a faux frame around a gallery wrapped canvas. He also pointed me to his blog where he describes the process. (Large canvases are a challenge for artists to frame. Putting a quality frame around a large canvas can cost hundreds of dollars minimum.) I left the reception excited that I would try it.

As you can see from the painting above I immediately applied my new knowledge (from Eldon) to this gallery wrapped painting. I was stunned and amazed at the clean, contemporary look. I am very happy with the final outcome.

The moral of the story is that hanging out for a few hours with other fine artists that are willing to generously share their knowledge can be exciting. I'm a art sponge! Thanks Eldon! I look forward to painting with you at the end of the month in Estes Park. To see Eldon's work, along with mine, check out the Western Light art exhibit in Estes Park at Earthwood Collections Gallery, or at Earthwood Gallery on the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder.

Western Light Opening Art Reception_Estes Park_Earthwood Collections Gallery

2010-08-11T19:28:00.000-06:00

Your invited to check out this exhibit in Estes Park, Colorado. It runs through October 2010. The Western Light Art Exhibit features new work from a handful of western based painters. Here are some pics from the opening reception for the Western Light Art Exhibit: exhibit pictures

Some beautiful artwork was sold on opening night, but there is a lot of work left to view and enjoy and perhaps add to your collection of original artwork. The variety of work is fantastic! I personally really enjoyed meeting and seeing the oil paintings of: Eldon Warren, Maggie Hellman, Margaret Jensen and Dawn Normali.

Sailing with Altitude at Ridgeway Reservoir in Ouray, Colorado

2010-07-22T11:39:00.002-06:00

My friend Laurie Riley took the photo this painting is based on from a paddle boat in the Ridgeway Reservoir which is in Ridgeway State Park in Ouray County, Colorado. The Mountain range in the background is the Cimmaron Range in the San Juan Mountains. This area is also called the Switzerland of America because of the rugged mtn range... Ouray has been a special destination of world travelers for more than 100 years. This small intimate community is nestled in some of the most rugged and towering peaks of the Rockies. Set at the narrow head of a valley at 7,792 feet and surrounded on three sides with 13,000 foot snowcapped peaks. I highly recommend a trip to one of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of the state.

Go sailing above 9,000 feet at Frisco Bay Marina

2010-07-12T14:57:00.000-06:00

Frisco Marina - 2010 - 20" square oil on panel

This is a very dramatic location for a boat marina! Terri and I have rented a kayak here, and we have also gone sailing on this beautiful reservoir that provides water for Denver. Frisco Bay Marina is located on the shores of scenic Dillon Reservoir in the heart of Summit County, Colorado. The lake spans 3,300 acres and boasts 25 miles of shoreline surrounded by majestic peaks. At 9,017 feet in elevation, the boating season is very weather dependent, but typically runs from early June to early or mid September. Dillon Reservoir is in a world class for sailing and regattas are held regularly.

This painting is beautifully framed. It will be exhibited for the first time at the Earthwood Collections Gallery in Estes Park in August.

Mike Brouse Fine Art Summer 2010 Newsletter - Invite to Western Light Exhibit

2010-07-06T06:12:00.001-06:00

Invite to Western Light exhibit in Estes Park, Colorado

July, 7th, 2010 - Hello and welcome to my art newsletter. I send this out from time to time when I have some announcements to make. This time I would like to invite you to the "Western Light" exhibit. It features some excellent artists from all over the west. The artist list is amazing! I'm so thrilled to be participating with so many well known, collectible and nationally recognized painters. I would love to see you at one of the (2) receptions being held in August at the Earthwood Collections Gallery in Estes Park, Colorado. This event is being heavily promoted in the Denver Post, Boulder and Colorado Front Range area. Mark your calendars for August! It's a great excuse to get up to Estes Park (Rocky Mountain National Park) this summer.

I will have 6-8 new oil paintings in this exhibit including the two shown above. Please visit my website"event" section or look for promotions in the local papers as we get closer to the August event.

Exhibition & Sale August 7, 2010 -- October 31, 2010

Everyday at the EarthWood Collections Gallery

Show Opening & Gallery Reception - Sat, August 7, 2010

Show Opening is at 10:00 AM

Show Opening Reception: 6:00 to 9:00 PM

"Meet the Artist" Gallery Reception - Sat, August 28, 2010

Show Opening is at 10:00 AM

"Meet the Artist" Reception: 5:00 to 9:00 PM

Location:

Earthwood Collections

141 E. Elkhorn Ave

Estes Park, CO

970-577-8100

Bicycles in Oil

I just sold a few paintings from my Bicycle Collection! My personal favorites are shown below, and are still available - Turning Point Resting on Pickets and Silver Steed are all oil paintings on panel. They are all framed in contemporary dark floater frames. Please contact me for more information about any of my bicycles! Remember - 10% goes to World Bicycle Relief

Mike Brouse Fine Art - Available Works:

You can also see my work anytime in Boulder on the Pearl Street Mall at EarthWood Gallery or in Lewisburg, Pa. at Faustina's Gallery on Market Street. Click the following link to view Mike's portfolio of available works: http://mikebrouse.com/works

Your invited to my Open Studio this fall!

Finally, I'm very happy to be participating again this year (October) in Boulder Open Studios! This is a "juried" studio tour that includes some of the finest artists Boulder has to offer. Hundreds of people pass thru my studio each weekend looking at my latest oil paintings, asking questions, and watching me do demonstrations. I hope to see you! More later as we get closer to fall.

Thanks for your interest in my paintings and your continued support! I hope to see you at one of these upcoming events.

All the best! - you can also follow me on Twitter or Facebook.

Don Sahli

2010-06-30T22:22:00.001-06:00

I took these pictures of Don Sahli as he painted a still life demo for a small group of artists at his studio up near Evergreen, Co. I have found a master artist I can relate to who is very generous with his knowledge. He is a courageous oil painter who has no formal training but instead was mentored by a famous Russian impressionist. (See Don's website for more detail and background on this artist) I feel fortunate to have access to him and his studio to learn more about the art of painting, and there is so much to learn.

Thunderhead - Looking South Toward Denver, Colorado

2010-06-26T09:33:00.001-06:00

Thunderhead is a view of the Front Range looking southwest from South Boulder. Denver is about 25 miles further south. I made the sky very exciting including a rain shower passing over late in the day. The sun is actually behind the clouds. Colorado landscapes are wide open, and big and bright. I hope you can feel the warmth. Of course the painting is all about that sky. I've discovered recently that I really enjoy the challenge of trying to capture the energy in the sky.

Yucca Sunset

2010-06-23T11:28:00.002-06:00

Yucca Sunset - oil - 20" square

The Yucca is a beautiful hardy high desert plant that is often overlooked. It is quite common in the southwestern states including Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico etc... I have featured them in several recent oil paintings. In this particular painting it is all about that Yucca plant against the beautiful warm sunset. I would imagine this to be a typical view for a jackrabbit as he tries to avoid the wiley coyote. Framed in a beautiful dark wooden frame from Mannies in Denver. This painting is part of the Western Light exhibit at Earthwood Collections in Estes Park in August 2010.

Dominant Flatiron

2010-06-23T11:20:00.001-06:00

The Dominant Flatiron

As I drove in to Boulder (after a 2 1/2 day - 1600 mile drive from central Pa.) in June 1982 I was stunned by the beauty and drama of these sandstone cliffs. I'm addicted to painting them now, and will paint them more often when I'm feeling ambitious. My paintings are available to see in person at Earthwood Gallery on Pearl Street in Boulder, Colorado.

Dakota Ridge Oil Painting - Boulder, Colorado

2010-06-14T21:46:00.000-06:00

Dakota Ridge is located just a few minutes north of my house in North Boulder, Colorado. I have lived in this house for 25 years. Terri and I ride our bikes up to Dakota Ridge all the time. There are a lot more housing developments up there than there used to be, but there is still a lot of open space to the north and west. This view looks north toward Lyons and Estes Park.

I am not a plant expert, but I think this is a Yucca plant in the foreground that is flowering. I like to add a foreground element to landscapes. I think it gives them a lot of depth. The foreground can be a flower, bush or even a wheelbarrel or rock. There was an amazing sky out there on this day. I have seen a lot of amazing sky's blooming out in this direction.

This painting is 22 x 28 oil on canvas. Contact me for more information.

Front Range Ford

2010-06-11T10:44:00.001-06:00

Terri and I were riding our bikes to a favorite spot just east of Boulder off of Jay Road. As we were riding along several potential paintings caught my eye. This old Ford truck was sitting in the weeds with a great view of the front range looking north. It seemed to jump out of the landscape and I was able to visualize a fun little oil painting in my head. This painting is 11 x 14 on panel - and is available via EarthWood Gallery in Boulder. As you can see, especially if you click on this image - it has a lot of great texture in the foreground bush, the foreground grasses, the sky, and especially the truck.

I find a lot of interesting subjects for my work as I around ride on my bike. Sometimes I get too distracted by the scenery! I hope you enjoy!

Boulder Creek - Spring Run Off

2010-05-24T19:39:00.000-06:00

Boulder Creek usually flows clean, clear and cold most of the time. Strong runoff flow is usually from June through August, depending upon snowmelt from the drainage basin northwest of Denver and water releases from Barker Dam upstream. There are some fantastic spots to paint along the way. This creek rushes out of the mountains and into the City of Boulder, Colorado. The city has built many miles of both walking and bike trails adjacent to the creek.

I tried to capture the beauty, movement, and emotional response I have to the creek. This is my artistic "impression" of the creek as it roars thru Boulder Canyon in full spring run off mode.

Commissioning a Pet Portrait Painting - Ben + Angie & Mike's Cat, + Emme the Shih-Tzu

2010-05-12T10:30:00.005-06:00

Ben - 2011 - 16 x 20 - oil

Anne wanted to honor Ben with a portrait for their family. I painted Ben from client supplied photos. I never got a chance to meet him.

Angie and Mike love Figaro, and she loves them back! Figaro was adopted by Angie over ten years ago. After being commissioned I went to the house to meet Figaro for the first time. She made sure I was friendly and then she warmed up. I shot about 50 photos of Figaro, and Angie provided me with some of her own favorite photos via emailed jpeg images. We looked at the room Angie planned on hanging the painting (a bithday gift from her husband Mike). She selected a 14" square format that I would paint on canvas and frame for them.

When I got home I looked at all the pics and sent them a few to review. I made suggestions, but it is always up to the client to select the photo upon which the portrait will be based. We went back and forth via email a few times until they settled on the pose shown in the pic.

As you can see from the finished painting below I try very hard to capture an impression of the pet. I add color, bold brushstokes and texture to emphasize important areas. I try to bring attention to the face, eyes and nose while everything else plays a supporting role. I also try to create a piece of art. This is not just a pet portrait to me. I think that is an important distinction. I am not a pet portrait artist, although there is nothing wrong with that. I am a painter who loves and respects animals. I do pet portraits upon request. I try very hard to capture the beauty of the animal on canvas. I prefer to meet the pet in person and take some pics, but I have painted many pets from around the country using only pictures that were provided to me.

Here are some additional examples of the pet portrait work I do.

Emme - with her ball - 12" square oil on panel

Emme passed in 2010 and the owners daughter purchased a commission pet portrait for them as a surprise gift!

Oil Paintings of Hollyhock Flowers

2010-04-28T09:39:00.002-06:00

Hollyhocks - pink & red

I've always been attracted to these tall beautiful flowers that seem to grow near cottages, fence rows, and even sometimes in alleys. Hollyhocks have large 4-5” saucer shaped flowers for up to 2 months in midsummer. They are available in a variety of colors such as yellow, red, purple, pink and white on large flower stalks up to 10’ tall. Thomas Jefferson grew Hollyhocks at Montecello! I can understand why. They are eye-catching! I recently learned the Hollyhock is the flower associated with 13th wedding anniversary. When I was thinking of painting some florals I thought the randomness of the flowers along with the height and color variations would make an interesting impressionistic oil painting. So here they are. See my website for more detail, size, price and availability. These are both 20 x 30 oil on canvas.

Earthwood Gallery now features oil paintings by Mike Brouse

2010-04-02T09:51:00.002-06:00

Earthwood Gallery on the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, Co. is now featuring oil paintings by local Boulder artist Mike Brouse. "I think it is an excellent fit for my oil paintings." Gallery owner Ann Wilcox was impressed with my impressionistic oil paintings of The Flatirons, and some downtown Boulder icons such as The Boulder Cafe, and Crepes a la Cart on broadway. She also really liked my contemporary oil painting impressions of bicycles that I have seen in Boulder. I am currently working on more paintings for Earthwood in Boulder, and for their gallery in Estes Park, Co.

EarthWood Gallery has been recognized among the Top 100 Galleries of American Art in the country!

It is filled with beautiful paintings by artists such as Sarah Rogers, Eldon Warren, Maggie Hellman, Doug Braithwaite, and Robert Thoren to name a few. I'm really happy and grateful to be part of the artists at Earthwood Gallery.

Shown below is a new oil painting inspired by a spring snow in Boulder. The spring snow on the Boulder Flatirons just add to there drama.

The Boulder FlatIrons_again

2010-03-31T11:05:00.001-06:00

So after not painting the FlatIrons ever I am now painting a new version in oil every week. When I paint this beautiful scenery I'm trying to paint how I feel about them while using reality as only a guide. This one is 16 x 20 in a beautiful frame. A balance of cool and warm tones in this painting along with some nice texture.
See my website for more details.

Crepes A La Cart _in Boulder

2010-03-21T19:38:00.001-06:00

This little restaurant on Broadway in downtown Boulder is really bright and cheery when the sun hits it in the afternoon. It looks very euro to me and I thought it would make a great Boulder icon painting. I'm planning on doing it in several different ways including a night scene. I had fun with the reflections in the windows. Notice the bare little tree right in front of the door, no leaves yet cause its March 2010. A very bright colorful little 10" square on canvas.

The Boulder Cafe

2010-03-17T11:50:00.005-06:00

Some people think the Boulder Cafe location is actually the heart of the Pearl Street mall, and I agree. One of the most noticeable landmarks on the Pearl Street Mall , the Boulder Cafe occupies a beautifully refurbished Victorian building. I tried to capture the strong late day sunlight as it streams down Pearl Street. The time of day here is about 4pm in early spring, obviously before the leaves begin coming in on the ash trees. I hope you can feel the sun on your face. The painting above is 8 x 12 oil on canvas and the one below is 10" square oil on canvas.

The FlatIrons

2010-03-17T11:41:00.007-06:00

Boulder Flatirons - SOLD

As I drove in to Boulder (after a 2 1/2 day - 1600 mile drive from central Pa.) in June 82 I was stunned by the beauty and drama of these sandstone cliffs. This is actually the first time I've painted the flatirons in Oil. I guess I've always been a little intimidated by them, and also I was not sure I could paint them as dramatic as I think they are. I added some bluster to the clouds, and I must say, I'm happy with this painting. It is a 18" square oil on panel. The time of day here is early spring, early morning as the rocks catch the first sunlight. I'm addicted now, and will paint them more often when I'm feeling ambitious.

Below is another recent painting of the Flatirons, after a spring snow. It is 8 x 10 - I'm really happy with it. I'll use it as a small study for a much larger painting in the near future.

Mike Brouse 2010 Spring News

2010-03-08T19:01:00.001-07:00

Mike Brouse Fine Art

2010 Spring News

Spring is in the air! I'm really looking forward to getting out on my bicycle! I hope you are too!

Newest Series of Oil Paintings Celebrate the Bicycle

I'm still painting bicycles for some upcoming exhibits that I'll tell you about in the near future. In the meantime don't miss my current exhibit of bikes at the St. John's Gallery exhibit in downtown Boulder through March. This group of paintings has received a lot of interest, good press, articles, etc... see the "Events" tab on my website for gallery hours and details. Remember: 10% of sales from this series goes to: World Bicycle Relief

My bicycle painting titled Big Red painting was recently selected for a juried exhibit at the Lincoln Performing Arts Center in Ft. Collins. Lincoln Center Art Exhibit - Ft. Collins, Co. Reception/Awards ceremony is on Saturday, April 10th 6:00pm - 8:00pm (awards presentation at 6:30pm) for fine food and fine art. Of course you are invited and welcome to attend. Lincoln Center Exhibit Details

New Work: Series Focusing on Boulder

I'm working on some oil paintings about Pearl Street, and also a few paintings of the FlatIrons. Here is a link to a new oil I just finished about the Boulder Theater: The Boulder Theater

Spring Art Benefit and Gala: (please consider coming and supporting these great causes)

* Art/Aids Benefit - Boulder County Aids Fundraiser & Silent Auction at the Boulder Public Library, Canyon Gallery on Sat, April 17th, (6-10pm) 2010 Aids Benefit Aids Benefit Details

* Beautiful Art for Beautiful Minds - Art Exhibit and Auction to benefit The Mental Health Center of Boulder & Broomfield - Chinook Clubhouse (Macy's 29th Street) - Friday, May 21st, 2010 (5:30pm - 8pm)
Details about last years event:

I hope to see you sometime soon.

All the best,

The Boulder Theatre

2010-02-23T18:06:00.004-07:00

History: Opened in 1906 as an Opera House the venue featured opera, musical productions and silent movies. The building as it stands today was designed by Robert Boller of Kansas City, and had it's Opening Night on January 9, 1936. The construction included an expansion of the Opera House and was finished in modernistic lines. The theater facade was decorated in the art deco style popular at that time, with Terra Cotta, colored glass and black glass tiles.
In 1981, the theater was once again renovated, this time into a state-of-the-art concert hall. It featured such diverse acts as Bonnie Raitt, the Plasmatics, Jeff Lorber and Timothy Leary. Care was given to preserve the art deco ornamentation, including the hand-painted murals and fresco ceiling.

The painting is an impression in oil on panel. It is part of a series of oil paintings I'm pulling together featuring downtown Boulder. I put the most emphasis on the entrance area and the box office area to the right of the theater entrance. I personally have attended concerts, comedy acts, and E-TOWN tapings. Its a great theater with a beautiful balcony. 16 x 20 - beautifully framed - $575

Got a Good Punking on Valentine's Day Weekend

2010-02-15T17:51:00.000-07:00

Boy did I get punked last weekend. I had taken the day off to ski with a buddy. It was snowing hard, and we just parked the car at A lift (Copper Mountain) at 9am. My cell rang out with a message.

Phase 1 - arouse my curiosity
It was my wife Terri. My art studio telephone machine had just received a message from the concierge at The Ritz Carlton in Denver. One of his guests "loved" my artwork and wanted to know if I could meet them later in the afternoon to get a personal tour of my studio and any galleries or exhibits where I might have work. They were very interested in purchasing a painting before they left town. I was supposed to call the Nick, the concierge at The Ritz Carlton. So I called him, and yes these guests were very excited to meet me. What are there names I asked? The Concierge replied there names are Rehcerps & Allest or something like that. I did not ask him to spell it. I said I would call him back. I hung up. The names sounded Russian, or possible eastern European to me.

Phase 2 - set the hook deeper
I looked at Jonathan, my ski buddy, and we agreed that we could ski until 2pm ish and then head back to Boulder. I called back Nick, the concierge at The Ritz Carlton, and told him to tell the guests that I could possibly meet them in Boulder (for a personal tour) at 4:30pm. Ok he said, we are so happy that you'll be able to accommodate our guests. I will let them know and I will call you or text you back to confirm a time and place. Jonathan and I hit the slopes!

Phase 3 - reel me in slowly
The snow was great, better than I anticipated, and it was snowing hard making for excellent winter skiing conditions. We were both prepared for this and we were having a great day. When we stopped skiing for a quick lunch the concierge at The Ritz Carlton had texted me and left me several messages confirming that I was to meet the guests at the Boulderado Hotel Corner Bar at 4:30pm. Wow, what a day, excellent skiing, a day off from my corporate job, and a potential sale of a painting to a couple from the Ritz Carlton who loved my work!

We finished our ski day with several excellent black diamond runs off the back side of Copper Mountain. Then we skied down to the car via several more black bump runs. We were both tired now, and we took off for Boulder. We finally got to Boulder at exactly 4:30pm so Jonathan took me directly to the Boulderado hotel to meet the art lovers. He graciously waited in the car for me until I could meet these people and find out what was going on. I waited at the bar for 30 minutes, I even approached several people who I thought they might look like. They never showed.

Phase 4 - wriggling on the hook

So Jonathan took me to my car, we unpacked skis and said goodbye, but we were both wondering "what the Ritz Carlton" was going on! When I got home there was a message on my machine from the concierge at The Ritz Carlton. It said to call him immediately. I called, and he told me the couple was now waiting for me at Q's bar at the Boulderado Hotel. They were wondering when I was going to be there? I told him to tell them I would be there in 15 minutes. I got back in my car and drove down to The Boulderado.

Phase 5 - Put me in the net & let me flop around
When I got to Q's the bar was crowded. Everyone looked like they could potentially be the mysterious couple who loved my work. I asked a few people, nope, nope, and then I saw them. They were sitting at the end of the bar laughing and looking right at me. It was two very old friends from high school in central Pa. that I had not seen in 30 years! OMG - I was shocked, excited, confused, and we all laughed and hugged and had a few drinks, and talked about old times. It basically blew me away. I have never been punked so hard....and someday I will repay them! Thanks Stella and Jim for such a great punking and renewed friendship after all these years. (By the way, the names the Ritz Carlton gave me were their names spelled backwards or something rediculous like that.)

Making Art - The Truth About Connecting

2010-02-08T15:27:00.000-07:00

I am an artist. There is nothing I enjoy doing more than making art. However, at this stage in my life and art career I need a good day career and day job. I'm thankful that I have a day career / job that I like, and people I like to work with. Now someday I hope to retire from the corporate world and paint full time. I am confident that day will come, and that I'll be ready when it does. I'm working hard now to make that happen. I'm doing my best to communicate and connect with people via my artist website, blog, twitter, facebook, Boulder Open Studios, articles and ads in newspapers & magazines and taking advantage of every opportunity I can to connect with people. This is not necessarily easy. I would rather paint during my precious minutes of spare time.

My friend and fellow Boulder artist Lillian Kennedy recently wrote something in her blog that sparked me to write about the work involved as an artist to connect with people. Getting discovered does not just happen. It's not luck or winning the lottery. Making it Happen - Lillian Kennedy

This also ties in with another timely article I just read by Canadian artist and blogger Robert Genn. In his article: After-Show-Blues by Robert Genn he writes "It might be valuable for you to know that there are some artists who'd rather have a root canal than attend their own show. People actually get sick or arrange to be on a slow boat to Antarctica. Making the sudden switch from frenzied creativity to human engagement can be a shock to delicate sensibilities." He is right, and it again illustrates the work involved for the artist in connecting with people about your work.

I take some comfort in knowing that in my few short years as a professional "part time" artist I have already discovered what many experienced & established artists already know and understand.

Gallery Debut_Bicycle Oil Paintings_10% of sales goes to WBR

2010-02-07T10:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who was able to make it to this reception / debut of my series of twelve bicycle oil paintings. It was a great turnout, and the response to the paintings was great. I continue to be surprised by the interest in the bicycles. So far I have heard from many bicycle shops, bicycle blogs, bicycling websites and people writing books about bicycles. I am donating 10% of the sales to World Bicycle Relief (WBR) which is such a great cause that provides life changing bikes to impoverished people.

See pictures of the reception here:

Link to article in Boulder Daily Camera - "bikes for needy"

Mike Brouse Fine Art - Winter 2010 Newsletter

2010-02-01T08:58:00.001-07:00

Invitation to Art Reception: On Friday, Feb 5th (5:30pm till 7:30pm) please join me for a debut of my latest bicycle themed oil paintings at this lively reception at St. John's Art Gallery 1419 Pine Street in Boulder. You'll enjoy seeing over 25 paintings from a group of four local artists including my new bicycle oil paintings. Refreshments, wine, and music too...exhibit runs through March. Read the Press Release: http://files.faso.us/13650/678.pdf

New Oils Celebrate the Bicycle: I always love a good bike ride! I've been riding regularly since moving to Boulder in 1982. My new oil paintings of bicycles can be viewed in the "Works" tab on My new website. Remember: 10% of sales from this collection go to World Bicycle Relief !

Excellent Frame Quality: All my work is framed using the finest materials from Art Ready Frames (thanks to professional framer Linda Hogan) or by Jody Horn, professional framer at Faustina's.

Commissions: I always welcome inquiries and special requests for work including portraits of people and pets. I can be contacted anytime at ph303-444-2461. Click here for sample of a pet portrait that I just finished: Audrey - Greyhound - in oil Audrey_Rescued GreyHound_dog portrait

Galleries: You can see my work up close and personal at:

Faustina's Gallery in Lewisburg, Pa. -
St. John's Gallery (Feb thru March) Down the Rabbit Hole - Exhibit
Other ways to connect with me and stay in touch include: FaceBook or Twitter

All the best,
Mike

Artist Supporting Several Causes

2010-01-25T10:02:00.003-07:00

As I paint I'm expressing how I feel about something in the hopes that it might make the world a better place, or influence someone to do something good, or to think about something in a different way. I bring that energy to each painting. When I'm painting a bicycle I'm thinking about trying to get people to think more about riding their bike, renewing their passion for bikes, commuting on their bike, and perhaps even buying a new bike. When I'm painting a pet portrait I'm thinking about the pets devotion to their owner, and their open and trusting heart. I think about the great cats we have adopted, and all the pets at the humane society that need a good home. Every year I set aside time and money for several causes in these particular areas. I wish I could do more, and hopefully, eventually, I will be able to give more. In this blog post I wanted to share the causes I'm currently supporting:

World Bicycle Relief: http://www.worldbicyclerelief.org/

10% of sales from my bicycle oil collection
daily camera article

Friends of Animal Care & Control: http://www.azfaccs.org/

Annual support of their annual silent auction fundraiser

Boulder County Aids Project BCAP

Donating oil painting to silent auction

As an artist I'm always looking for the energy / passion to complete the next painting. These causes help to motivate and drive me when I could be doing other things. Don't get me wrong, I love to get lost in the painting process, but painting is always challenging. Ask any artist, it takes a lot of energy to continue to produce quality work. I'm happy that I've found a few great causes to help keep me motivated and cranking it out.

Bicycles in Oil_part 2

2010-01-18T09:55:00.003-07:00

My goal for my bicycle paintings is to encourage people to reconnect with their bike, purchase a bike, or to consider taking a bike ride with their kids, or get involved in supporting or building local bike paths, and maybe even to commute to work a few days a month in lieu of driving. These are impressionistic, contemporary oil paintings of bicycles I see in and around Boulder, Colorado where I live. A bicycle is a terrible thing to waste. If your not using a bicycle you can donate it to a cause. The cause I support (10% of all sales) goes to the World Bicycle Relief Org.

Bicycles in Oil

2010-01-04T16:00:00.004-07:00

I have been riding bikes probably as long as you have..all my life...most of us started with a tricycle and worked our way to road bikes, cruisers, mountain bikes etc... I really began riding in earnest when I moved to Boulder, Co in 1982. My boss at the time was a religious dedicated bicycle commuter and runner. He got me in to biking and I have been riding ever since. I'm not necessarily a gear head. I just like to ride. I used to put in a few thousand miles a year, but being older, and wiser, and needing time to paint I now put in much fewer miles but I enjoy each mile.

Recently I was riding around Boulder, Co (bike mecca) looking for potential compositions and I suddenly began noticing some interesting painting possibilities. Why not paint some bikes? I love bikes, I ride bikes, I admire bikes, so why not do some paintings of them? My latest series of oil paintings was born.

My goal for any bike painting is to capture the bike waiting for its owner to return. Ever notice how lonely a bike looks when it is parked? A bike needs a rider like a dog needs an owner. I donate 10% of all sales to The Global Bicycle Relief Organization.

You can check out some of my latest bike paintings at my website, and while you're there please sign up for my newsletter too. Thanks, now go for a bike ride! Brouse Website

Winter Butterfly

2009-12-08T13:30:00.004-07:00

I titled this "winter butterfly" because of all the cool colors I used, especially in the background. This is the first butterfly I ever painted. I really enjoyed the process of putting the flower together, adding the texture, and adding the little bits of orange on the butterfly to bring it forward. This painting is 12" square - oil on canvas - Sold

Griffey

2009-11-25T15:16:00.003-07:00

Griffey passed away a few weeks ago after many years as the loyal family dog. Griffey was loved by his parents and two young boys who were heartbroken when he passed. Griffey is now a work of art who should last a very long time. 12" square oil on panel - SOLD

Captain William Thomas (99th Infrantry Division)

2009-11-21T09:40:00.005-07:00

Commissioned oil portrait - 8 x 10 - sold

Excerpts from the book "Lewey and Mary Ellen" Moving On - by Marlin Thomas (isbn: 1-59453-673-2)

Stage: Dec 16th, 1943 on The Siegfried Line, in the Ardennes, Germany - The 99th is dug in there .....

Bill was caught with a couple hundred men two miles behind German lines. There was total disorganization. They found a radio with weak batteries and were able to make contact with an artillary unit who provided cover for them to make their escape. The men had to keep moving or take fire from their own artillery who was now firing to provide them cover. When Bill arrived at Elsenhorn he discovered only half the men had made it out. The commander at Elsenhorn asked for volunteers to go back into the fray and lead out some of the men who were still trapped. For reasons he never understood, Bill volunteered to go back and bring them out. The Germans had discovered the trapped men and were firing mortars and artillery. As he was going back in a flash from a mortar revealed the sillouette of a confused soldier under a tree. It was the major who was the highest ranking officer in the 99th. Bill led the major and the wounded back to Elsenhorn. Bill was recommended for the Silver Star.

2009-11-17T16:16:00.002-07:00

Luna - a sweet personality. She has a very soft coat that has orange undertones. I used cerulean blue in the sky and also in the shadows of her coat. I also think dog portraits work really well when there is sunlight across the dogs face. I like to have a shadow shape across the face or body (in this case her body, the chest area under her chin). In any case I really enjoy the creativity and challenge of these portraits as I attempt to make them a work of art. Luna - oil on panel - 12" square - SOLD

Tico_Dog Portrait_oil on panel

2009-11-13T15:52:00.003-07:00

Tico is a mix of Dalmation and Australian Cattle Dog. He is lean and muscular and what I call a stud. As you can see he has very expressive eyes. Tico was rescued from an abandoned ranch where he and his brother were fighting over food to survive. Tico to this day does not like his brother (poor Tico). He also does not like direct eye contact. He is a great pet, and like to howl when he hears a nearby train whistle. I painted Tico in oil on panel - 12" square - SOLD

Mike Brouse Fine Art - Fall 09 Newsletter

2009-11-07T10:40:00.004-07:00

Hello friends - I hope you are all doing well! I'm still painting every chance I get! It's my never ending battle to bring a little more beauty to the world. The holidays are coming fast! I can't believe how fast this year has gone by.

Gallery and Exhibits:

Boulder, Colorado Rembrandt Yard - First Floor Gallery -
please stop by to see some of my oil paintings at this show titled "The Men's Room". Sponsored by my friends at Boulder Open Studios. I will have paintings in the gallery through the end of the year! Location: Across the street from the Boulderado Hotel - 1301 Spruce Street (303-301-2970) http://www.openstudios.org/ This is a lovely gallery space so please drop in when you are in downtown Boulder!

Lafayette, Colorado - pARTiculars Gallery - http://www.particularsart.com/ -
I am happy to be exhibiting my paintings at this fine little eclectic gallery in Lafayette, Colorado. This is a sweet spot with lots of fine art, jewelry, pottery, and paintings to look at. Located on Public Road in Lafayette. Check it out!

Lewisburg, Pennsylvania: Go to Faustina Gallery at 229 Market Street in Lewisburg, Pa. (570-524-5080) I am sending Jody four new oil paintings of the Lewisburg area. You can see them on my blog. Ask Jody about the Rt. 45 self-guided Art Gallery Tour. Lewisburg is the home of Bucknell University and is such a great little place to visit. Learn more about Lewisburg: http://www.lewisburgpa.com/

My Studio:
You are always welcome to visit my studio to check out my current projects. I'm usually working on multiple paintings, and I always have a few recent works hanging to dry. I'm located at 4126 amber street in Boulder, Co. Give me a call to set-up an appointment. Commissions are always welcome. You can read about commissioning a painting on my blog. I participated in Boulder Open Studios again this year. The turnout was great! Thanks to those of you that were able to stop by. More information and a nice video of Boulder Open Studios is on my blog.

November 11th thru 15th LAA Members Fine Art Show -
Louisville Recreation Center 900 Via Appia Drive, Louisville, Colorado
Stop by to see a great display of local art and crafts at this show and sale. It is a juried art exhibit with cash awards and will have a great display of paintings and crafts by local artists. http://www.louisvilleart.org/

January 2010 - I'll have an exhibit of a dozen new oil paintings at the North Boulder Rec Center. I do this every year as part of the Boulder Art Association monthly art rotation.

Have a great holiday season! Stay in touch.

All the best, Mike Brouse ph: 303-444-2461

Check in with me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/
Boulder Open Studio Artist: http://www.openstudios.org/
Currently showing at:
pARTiculars Gallery in Lafayette, CO
Rembrandt Yards Gallery in Boulder, Colorado
Faustina Gallery in Lewisburg, Pa.

Baseline Trail_Chautauqua - 16" square

2009-11-06T11:09:00.005-07:00

I was riding up Baseline one fine day and I spotted these two entering Chautauqua park from Baseline Trail. The light was just perfect, and I had my camera so I was able to get a few shots of them. This is a unique watermedia painting on wooden panel that has then been dried and varnished. I don't do much of this type of painting anymore, but the colors are striking. I'm sure I'll get back to it. 16" square - framed - $495

Beach Baby - oil on board

2009-11-06T11:02:00.005-07:00

Probably one of the sweetest paintings I've ever done. I saw her on the beach playing with her father. She was from Brazil (I think), and I was very taken with her. I took some reference pics and thought about it for about 6 months before I finally painted her. The painting has great movement, great colors, and brings a certain bright mood to any room she is in. She is framed in a beautiful gold frame. 20" square - framed - $800

Rusty Dump Truck - 30" square - oil on canvas

2009-11-06T10:52:00.004-07:00

This is a truck that sits in Boulder on the Long's Farm property on Broadway. I have painted various scenes from that area. I framed it in a black floater frame and it looks quite contemporary. This pic does not do the painting justice as it is really striking and luminous especially when in a well lighted area. The colors (orange from oxidation and faded green) are actually compliments on the color wheel and it gives the painting a real punch and good energy. I personally was thrilled with the shadow shape from the side mirrow on the driver door. That made the painting for me. 30" square oil on canvas -framed $1100

Cherry Alley Cafe_Lewisburg, Pa.

2009-11-04T11:11:00.006-07:00

Cherry Alley Cafe in Lewisburg, Pa. is a local landmark, especially for the coffee crowd. A popular hangout for Bucknell students and other locals for coffee, breakfast and lunch. This little 8 x 10 oil painting tries to capture the feeling of the cafe. I always visit the place a few times when I'm in town. This painting is available from Faustina Gallery in Lewsiburg.

Red Shutters

2009-11-01T19:45:00.010-07:00

A house in Lewisburg, Pa. that I've been wanting to paint for a couple of years. Why? It is so typical of Lewisburg......the federal style, the streetlight, and the American flag. When you come off the Lewisburg bridge take an immediate right and you'll drive right by the house. I like to put a lot of movement in my paintings, and light / shadow dancing around on the house really gives me the opporunity to make it feel alive. I wish I could visit more often...... 11 x 14 - oil on board, this painting is available from Faustina Gallery in Lewisburg, Pa. This painting started with a orangish yellow acrylic underpainting, then some brushwork, and some palette knife work in oil.

Campus Theater_Lewisburg, Pa.

2009-10-30T11:49:00.007-06:00

The Campus Theater is located on Market Street in Lewisburg, Pa. It is a great old Theater with a fantastic Marquee that hangs out over the street. Its definately a landmark in town. I remember taking girlfriends and dates to this theater when I was in high school.

This oil painting is all about that dramatic marqee. It is 8 x 10 oil on board. It is available from Faustina Gallery, along with my oil paintings of other local landmarks, located on Market Street in Lewisburg. Read more about Lewisburg: http://www.lewisburgpa.com/

Boulder Open Studios_Mike Brouse

2009-10-01T11:41:00.011-06:00

http://www.vimeo.com/7173642 Boulder Open Studios 2009 Video - watch it now.....

I'm happy to be participating in the 2009 Boulder Open Studios event for the second straight year. It's really a priviledge to have you visit me in my private little creative oasis. I would like to invite you to my studio location in Boulder at 4126 Amber Street. (Studio 82 on the tour) I love to hear feedback from the public about my most recent work. From an educational standpoint I'll be doing some oil painting demonstrations. I hope to see you!

Don't forget to check out the fabulous Open Studios Preview Exhibit at the Boulder Public Library Canyon Gallery. It is a terrific display of local art. You will not be disappointed!

Yard Birds

2009-09-22T17:39:00.005-06:00

This oil painting is about the front yard and porch of my Federal Farmhouse subject that I have painted many times. Of particular interest are the chickens who are scratching around. A fairly simple composition with several strong white areas that keep your eye moving around. This is oil on canvas ( 11 x 14) and is framed in a contemporary black floater frame. The painting has a lot of texture, especially on the roof, and clapboard siding. It was painted mostly with a palette knife.

$275 in a great black floater frame!

The Heart of the Matter (part 2)

2009-08-24T11:09:00.008-06:00

So the feeling I'm trying to express with the contemporary farmscapes is about family, roots, where we all started, where everything started for that matter, salt of the earth, and the organic nature of things. I also want these to feel dreamlike, as if they are fading fast, barely hanging on, and in need of nurturing. Bringing back value to the beauty of these places by contemporizing them (if that is what is necessary). This is titled Federal Farmhouse in Ochre Field. It is a 20" square oil on panel - framed - $700

(excellent texture)

The Heart of the Matter (part 1)

2009-08-24T10:27:00.009-06:00

Some days you can just feel it welling up inside you. Yesterday was one of those days for me in the studio. I knew exactly what I wanted to say, and I said it. This federal farmhouse composition has facinated me since I first laid eyes on it several years ago while driving around some of the most beautiful farm country in central Pa. (near Williamsport). I love the mysterious organic look of the place, and its anti-urban feeling. Its like watching an old classic movie or TV program. They just don't make em like this anymore. I guess that is at the heart of it for me.....the earth connection, the ancestors, the simple beauty of living in a rural landscape. I have more to say.....this is a contemporary farmscape oil painting on 24" square canvas. Framed - $900

Oil Portrait Commission - Dick Thomas

2009-08-22T09:58:00.005-06:00

One of the most difficult types of painting in any media is portrait painting. I love the challenge of catching the likeness, and attempting to make an interesting work of art from a portrait. I try to use bold brushwork, bright colors, and warm tones. I usually paint these based on photos. This is Dick Thomas from Dewart, Pa. The portrait is 11 x 14 oil on canvas. I was working from photos that were marginal in quality, but I'm happy with the outcome. I love the way he jumps out of the portrait and his vibrant and lively personality is apparent. These portraits of people, children and pets make wonderful gifts. SOLD

Reflections Series

2009-08-16T08:55:00.010-06:00

I'm working on a series of paintings based on sidewalk reflections and shadow shapes. These are fun, loose and allow me some freedom to explore. One of my followers described them as sensuous. I'll take that description any day. These paintings focus on things that often go completely unnoticed. Subtle postures and body movements, and of course the ever changing nature of reflections and shadows. I'm also experimenting with my palette as you can see from the cool blue dominance of some of the paintings to a warm dominance of others. I think this translates to the viewer as cool and rainy vs warm and sunny. I have framed these in beautiful black floater frames from Art Ready Frames. These are oil paintings on 20" square panels. They are quite amazing in the frames. $800 each - framed and ready to hang.

CloudBurst

2009-07-27T12:09:00.006-06:00

While I was attending the Cherry Creek Arts Festival in Denver this year the clouds opened up and it poured for 30 minutes. Immediately after the rain, the sun started shining and made for an interesting play of light and color on the sidewalk. I'm painting a few of these scenes in oil on 20" square - 1" thick panels. Framed - $800

Jaeger Pulling His Wagon

2009-07-10T15:46:00.014-06:00

This is one of my latest commissioned oil paintings. A portrait of a little boy, pulling his wagon, with his two loyal dogs watching over him. The idea for the composition came from the boy's father. I thought it was a terrific idea and I proceeded to work with him to get the pictures I needed to piece together the composition that I would base the painting on.

Painting the face of a little child, or even a woman for that matter is difficult because the beauty of the face is so tender and fair. It is very easy to ruin it by overworking it. In contrast, a man's face is easier....its not as tender and naturally has marks and lines. Capturing beauty is not the foremost issue when painting a man. As you can see from the close up of the little boy's face I had to be very subtle with the brush.....carefully layering on the paint and moving it around.

Of course we could have opted for a close up portrait of the boys face but frankly I like this approach so much better. It's much less formal and looks a lot more contemporary.

This oil painting is a surprise birthday gift for the boy's mother. It is 11 x 14 oil on canvas and is framed in a beautiful gold frame. I wish I could be there to see her face! These little oil paintings make wonderful gifts.

All the best,

Cabin on Pine Cone Island

2009-06-27T08:45:00.008-06:00

This looks like such a beautiful place to get away from the daily grind. This oil painting was commissioned. It is painted on a 20" square panel. I positioned the horizon fairly low and I kept the sky pretty quiet because of the work I did on the water. I did the foreground water and reflections with quite a bit of brush movement with layers of color and texture. I put a lot of different greens and quite a bit of texture in the beautiful pine trees. There is a lot to look at in this painting......different boats and watercraft, a floating dock, deck chairs, hopefully you can imagine yourself sitting on the deck in the morning having your cup of coffee. (SOLD)

Commissioning a Painting

2009-06-24T09:42:00.013-06:00

A fun and challenging part of my fine art business is working with clients to produce a commissioned painting. Usually it is an oil painting or watercolor of special places and subjects including cabins, people, or pets including dogs, cats and horses. I can do a photo shoot if you are local to the Boulder, Denver area, or I can work from your photographs too. I have produced paintings for clients from all over the country.

We usually begin the process by discussing your project, the size of the painting, and what kind of medium you are interested in. Then I will proceed along those lines after receiving a 1/3 down payment. I guarantee your satisfaction so no project is paid for or completed until you are happy. It is my goal to provide you with a painting for your home, or a gift for a loved one, that you can be very proud of.

My prices are reasonable, ranging from $300 for a smaller pet portrait to over $2000 for larger oil work on canvas. I am very easy to work with, and I remain in touch with all of my clients. I have many satisfied references.

If you would like to discuss a project please contact Mike Brouse Fine Art in Boulder, Colorado at 303-444-2461 or visit my website for additional information.

Blue Doorway

2009-06-09T20:32:00.006-06:00

I've taken this same house at 6th and Maxwell in N Boulder that I have painted before and isolated on the entry way area. I tried to mix warm and cools throughout the painting. I also mixed up the textures, and I gave this painting an unusually strong diagonal emphasis. The contrast of colors make this an interesting painting for the eye to bounce around. A green blue underpainting gives the painting a nice glow. One more thing, I thought I was done with the painting when my wife said "I think the flower pots are too similar in size". So I made the left pot a bit larger and more dominant. I think it also helps balance the painting composition a bit more too. A good call by Terri! She has a good eye! It is 16 x 20 - oil on board - $600 in a beautiful gold frame.

Turquoise Door

2009-05-26T16:22:00.008-06:00

This is a house at 6th and Maxwell in North Boulder. I ride my bike around Boulder every week. Its a beautiful town with varied architecture. The sun is very bright at 5000 feet above sea level. I'm always scanning in alleys and flower beds for possible painting locations and compositions. I kept riding by this house at various times of the day and I was intrigued by the colors, the play of shadow shapes from the tree on the wall, sidewalk and yard. Could I make a painting of this? I decided to take some pics and as soon as I saw the pics I knew I could make an interesting painting. This is 16 x 20 on canvas board. It is oil, mostly painted with a knife, some softening other brushwork here and there. There is quite a bit of texture too. It really turned out to be eye catching and quite striking. ($600) framed in a beautiful gold frame.

Federal Farmhouse in Spring

2009-05-22T12:24:00.004-06:00

The federal farmhouse in the spring is a 12" square oil painting on 3/4" canvas. It is contemporary with lots of great texture, and color. Its amazing how many different ways there are to look at this building. I'm going to keep pushing it and see where it goes. $290

My oil painting style is a combination of underpainting, brushwork, and knife painting. I really like the french painter Gerard Mortier. I'm trying to move my working style in that direction.

Federal Farmhouse w/Blue Shutters

2009-05-22T12:11:00.005-06:00

If you follow my work at all your going to see this farmhouse transform and morph into different images. I love the lines and potential in the structure to take it further. In this painting (18 x 24 on panel) I gave it a more contemporary edge. It also has some great texture in the foreground, porch roof, white wall, and the blue shutters. This size original oil painting is a great value at $700

Poppies in Morning Sunlight

2009-04-26T10:34:00.007-06:00

Oil SOLD Paintings on pine panel (6 x 8) each $250 beautifully framed in gold fames - I put a lot of energy into these two little paintings. I painted them simultaneously side by side to make sure I got the values right. I wanted them to be able to stand alone, but also compliment each other. I'm beginning to compose my paintings so there are very dark darks with patches of light or vice versa. I think this makes for a strong emotive painting. I want my work to draw you toward it. The strong value contrast definately accomplishes that. I'm also trying to show my confidence, and that I'm in control of the painting process now. I'm also painting positive uplifting images. I don't care to try to make political or environmental statements. I'll leave that to others.

Federal Farmhouse

2009-04-08T10:09:00.004-06:00

Do you want to slow down and enjoy life's simple, peaceful pleasures? Then this part of the world is calling for you. This is a central Pa. federal farmhouse. I just love the character of the place. I have painted it several times now and I continue to be interested in it. I wish I could bottle this feeling and sell it to the world.......cheaper than Pepsi. This is a 12 " square oil painting on thick 1" canvas support. The theme is "farm" but I approach these traditional scenes with a contemporary realism.
$225

Bursting Forth Again

2009-03-31T17:45:00.003-06:00

This is an oil painting on 1" thick pine panel - my forvorite surface to paint on with oil paint. This scene is actually near Folsom and Iris in Boulder, Colorado. I have painted it before, only this time I went in real close to get the texture of both the flowers (roses) and the picket fence. When these roses get going in June they are really agressive. They look like they are going to eat the picket fence that is trying to keep them in the yard. The first 1/3 of this painting was done with a brush, and the last 2/3 was all knife painting.

Title: Bursting Forth Again - 12" square oil on panel - $225

Red Caboose

2009-03-28T08:32:00.003-06:00

Red Caboose is an oil painting with a lot of texture, painted mostly with a knife. There is a lot to look at, but I think the eye will keep coming back to the man walking toward the tracks. The subject matter came to me in Pa. during a trip a few years ago. Those are actually retired RR cars, but I wanted to bring them to life as much as I could. We need more RR and passenger trains especially in urban areas. How did we all end up in automobiles that get 12 mile to the gallon anyway? The buildings on the left were added to bounce your eye back into the picture, otherwise those tracks would lead your eye right out of the painting. This painting definately has a very masculine feel to it. I also paint flowers and other subjects that are more feminine, in fact I'll probably swing back to the feminine in my next painting. (a picket fence with flowers peeking thru it) Title: Red Caboose, oil on panel - 20" x 24" - $425

High Road

2009-03-23T18:58:00.006-06:00

Sold -

This new 12 " square oil painting was primarily painted with a knife. This is an impression of a rural road near Elimsport, Pa. I added the poppies! You can see a farm in the distance. On the other side of that mountain is Williamsport, Pa.

12" square on wood panel - $275

Down in the Valley

2009-03-15T20:33:00.003-06:00

This is an impression of the view from my brothers back yard in central Pa. You might say it is peaceful, serene, a soft quiet beauty. It is late in the day near last light in early fall, and the corn is dry and the leaves on the trees are starting to turn.

I have tried to paint this several times in watercolor but I was not totally happy with it until I did it in oil.

I did a darker underpainting (in oil) using a combination of ultramarine blue and umber. I established the mountains, trees, then moved to the foreground, and then did the sky. Then it was a matter of tweeking everything and harmonizing the painting. I think it says what I wanted to say!

Oil - 10" square on panel - $195

Beyond the Corn - sold

2009-03-06T20:01:00.005-07:00

My memories of rural Central Pennsylvania are summed up in this painting. As you drive around the countryside you will see farmhouses and barns rising above the corn stalks, especially in the late summer and early fall when the corn is high before it is cut down. The federal style house architecture is quite common. This house is probably over 100 years old.

The corn stalks are striking in this painting. I really laid on the paint, and color, and eventually used an impasto medium that allowed me to get a really thick vertical line going with my knife. I added a lot of texture to the house too as I layered on oil paint. I wanted the barn to play a background or supporting role, trying not to compete with the farmhouse for attention. The horizontal field in the upper part of the painting will kick your eye back into the painting.

I love central Pa. and its rural landscape. I hope it shows in this painting. 18 x 24 oil on canvas - $550

Through the Shed Window

2009-03-06T18:00:00.008-07:00

This is a 20" square oil painting on a 1" thick pine panel. I love painting on this really stiff support. This shed, located on Long's Farm in Boulder, Co. is a rich source of content for me. I could paint every nook and cranny of this thing. The character is endless.......surrounded by orange poppies and fields of iris in the spring. I'm so happy I have a place like this so close to my house. It makes it very convenient.

As you can probably tell, although it may be hard to see from a 2d photo, the painting has a lot of texture and frankly a lot of layers of paint. Toward the end of the process I layer on thicker and thicker as I build up certain areas for emphasis.

I hope you enjoy it. Title: Through the Shed Window - 20" square on pine panel - $800

Splish Splash

2009-02-20T10:15:00.004-07:00

This is another composition based on what I saw at Ft. DeSoto Beach in Florida. This was obviously a very calm day. This little girl was the older sister to the little girl in my Beach Baby painting. I used the magic triangle again in this composition. The kids in the foreground making the base of the triangle, and the man out in the water is the point of the triangle. The reflections on the wet beach area are very important to grounding this painting.....in other words, without those subtle reflections the children would look like they were floating instead of being part of the painting.

This is a 12" square oil painting on canvas. I painted the sides of the canvas too. I like using this technique because it enables hanging the art without a frame (if desired) for that more raw contempo look. This painting has a very calm, serene feel and it is exactly what I was shooting for. $ 275

Light & Surf

2009-02-12T13:04:00.013-07:00

The trip we took to Ft. DeSoto Beach last May is now spawning several new paintings. Its great fun for me to paint these beach and surf scenes. I live at 5000 ft above sea level so its nice to visit the beach from time to time.

In this painting titled "Light & Surf" I remember watching this young woman entering the water and getting wet. She was glistening in the setting sunlight and the play of the light, waves and splash was really interesting. I took quite a few pics and watched her and her friend for a while. I was visualizing a painting at the time. It took me 9 months to get it out of my system!

That is often how it works for me because I'm not painting full time.....thank god I have a real job that pays the bills. I paint when I can fit it into my schedule which is as often as I can. In fact, sometimes I can manage to do several paintings a week. I don't consider painting to be work though.......even though it takes an enormous amount of focus and energy. If I can ever paint full time it will be like playing until exhaustion all the time. Sounds very good to me!

Now, about the painting - its 12 " square on a 1" thick pine panel. I always gesso the panel and add some texture underneath. I use more texture on some paintings and less on others......just depends. This one has light texture where I would say "Beach Baby" has a medium amount of texture. I wanted this one to have a little more ocean action so I laid in more surf and water splashing around. I also did a bit more of body profile but her head is still facing out to sea. I also exaggerated the color of the ocean a bit......trying to give it more drama..... The sides of the panel are also painted as part of the ocean so it gives the painting a third dimension, also makes it more contemporary and it can be hung as is without framing. It can also be easily framed if so desired. The most difficult part of this painting was the woman's backside swimsuit area. It is challenging to really make it look wet, and shiny, and actually part of the woman.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed painting it. $290.00

Contact me at http://www.mikebrouse.com or 303-444-2461 (Colorado)