HAPPY HOLIDAYS

FALL

Feeling like fall here in Big Bear. Time to start thinking about another trip back east!

Sketch book
watercolor

FIRE

Big Bear on fire again. Actually, south of Big Bear this time. California really, really needs rain!

Big Bear Fire
Acrylic Painting
John Brisson 

COLD AND SNOW

Spending a lot of time moving snow but it has finally warmed up.

Mountain Winter
Reduction Linocut
John Brisson

LIAM

My grandson has been here in Big Bear for the last few days - Spent a bit of time at our animal rescue park.

Liam and friend

GRADUATION

For 25 years I have coached baseball at Big Bear's high school. This time of the year is always a bit emotional as our seniors leave us to move on to their new lives. I thought this speech (small segment) from Jim Carey was pretty spectacular!

http://sftimes.co/?id=955

HOME

"Art is the only way to run away without leaving home."
                   ~Twyla Tharp~

Big Bear Meadow
Acrylic painting on Arches paper

SNOW??

We were supposed to get a foot of snow over the last couple of days. Not even close!!

BIG BEAR

I've seen a number of bears in my years living in Big Bear, but this was a big bear in Big Bear!

HIKE

This last weekend I spent some quality time with wife, son and grandson. We hiked through historic Holcomb Valley, north of Big Bear.

EARLY FIRE SEASON

The heat and wind in Southern California over the past few days has given us early fire danger warnings. We certainly don't need another 2007 when wildfires forced evacuations here in Big Bear.

Big Bear Fire - Acrylic on Arches watercolor paper








Self Portrait - Why So Serious

SUMMER AROUND THE CORNER

The weather has been fantastic here on the mountain. It's time to start getting the boats ready for the lake.



                                               

 Coolin' - Acrylic on Arches paper

SNOW VISIT

My son, his wife and the grand kids came up to play in our new snow.

ANYTHING WITHOUT SNOW

We have been dealing with snow for the past week so I did this pastel with no snow anywhere!

Pastel on Strathmore paper.

BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Our little group played the other night in the Battle of the Bands. We weren't part of the competition, just the closing music while the judges were voting on the bands. It's great to play with these guys because they are the most popular teachers in Big Bear which means we can do no wrong!!    Battle Night

BIG BEAR ON HIGH

Acrylic painting on Arches watercolor paper. I can make the watercolor paper work, just not the paint!!

BACK TO NORMAL

Most of the visitors have gone home and we can move around our little town again. Great fireworks show as usual!

WILDLIFE CALL

One of our local Big Bear resturants has contacted me about displaying a couple of paintings during the summer months. Since we just received another 5 inches of snow last night, I'm not sure that summer is that close yet, so probably no hurry. They are looking specifically for wildlife subjects. I have this acrylic of a cougar from our local zoo that worked well for me. Also an acrylic of an eagle that reminds me of paintings done on velvet that I've seen south of the border, but other people have given me good comments on it. Just being kind I'm thinking.

REALLY!!!

Started snowing last night and hasn't stopped yet. I'm not quite as excited with new snow as I was thirty years ago!!

NICE WEEKEND

My son and his family spent the weekend with us here in Big Bear. My grandson loves to play my drums so I know he had a fun couple of days. I also finished a large pastel painting of him that we are hanging above our fireplace.