Sunset Marina 8x10 Acrylic

I was drawn to this scene because of the overall abstract design. When painting plein-aire, there is so much to take in. It can be dizzying. But that is the challenge of painting. To make comprehensible all that we see before us. Actually, this is the purpose of painting for me.

Approaching Storm 11x14 Acrylic

 As I was painting this view, the Mississippi River was just a few feet behind me. I was so intent on working, I was startled three times by people looking over my shoulder. Maybe people should wear bells so they can't sneak up on you.

Dusk 8x10 Acrylic

SOLD

I really enjoyed working quickly in the challenge of the changing light as the sun was going down. The necessity of simplicity and sponaneity. The energy is embedded into the canvas.

Michelle 2 (Sketch) Acrylic 16 x 20

Another quick study of Michelle.

Charity

Charity has been my beloved companion for the last 15 years. Last night, she passed away in my arms after a short illness. My brother always said she acts more like a dog than a cat. Always running to greet me when I came in the door. Never far when working in the studio. I don't believe we know one half of one per cent about anything, but I know God is love and He loves His creation. In the end, I think that is really all we need to know.

Michelle (Sketch) Acrylic 16 x 20

I did this sketch of Michelle during an hour pose at an acrylic class I teach at Bucktown in Davenport, Iowa. I like the spontanaity of having to complete a painting so rapidly, especially when working on a larger canvas. Just let go and paint.

Jennifer 9x12 Acrylic

This is from a portrait workshop I recently began teaching at Bucktown, an old turn of the century saloon that is now home to many artist galleries in Davenport, Iowa. Jennifer is a wonderful model who wears colorful Indian type clothing. 

Roberta 16x20 Acrylic

Life is a series of expectations. Many are fulfilled. Many are not. I recently read where we have very selective memories of past events. And we have very inadequate visions of our future circumstances. When the future circumstances showed up for me, it was entirely different than I expected it to be. Of course, some circumstances you can see coming, others you just don't see coming at all.

I owe many Thank You's to so many of you who wrote and offered you heartfelt condolences and support earlier this year. I cannot say in words how much each note means to me. Thank you all so much. I am honored to be in the company of the Daily Painters. Simply the best! I haven't posted since last March because of the circumstances I didn't see coming. My apologies for dropping out of sight for so long. Please note: My address has never changed, but my email address has. Please contact me at bradbisbey@yahoo.com.

This is Roberta, a very beautiful lady who also happens to be a 5 degree blackbelt. I asked to paint her portrait to get myself back to the painting process. She graciously agreed. This painting also brought several commissions from others who saw it. 'Roberta' is painted on 16x20 stretched canvas. Not For Sale.

Peace 12x16 Acrylic

For all the outpouring of care and support from so many during this time, words cannot express how deeply grateful I am to each and every one of you. I will reach you all individually, but until then, please accept my heartfelt Thank You at this time. A finer group of people I have never met. Daily Painters are simply the best.

I was just beginning to adjust to living in this big house by myself. Then. My brother called at 10pm 2 evenings ago to say his house was flooded. He lives along the banks of the Rock River in Illinois and found himself in the middle of a record flood. He waded out with a few clothes and the rest is a total loss. What a terrible winter! Now I am adjusting to living in this big house with my new roommate. My brother calls us a couple of old maids. I am at long last taking refuge in my art!

I did a smaller painting last year using this same photo as a reference. I wanted to paint it larger with a more finished quality. It is painted on Windberg Art Panel. Available on ebay.

My Mother

February 01 1918 - February 12 2008

What a remarkable lady. Love of God, gentleness, unselfishness, strength of character are not just words that described her traits. They are words which descibed her. Through times of great joy and times of great sorrow, she didn't tell you how to live, she showed you how to live. I am so blessed that she was and will always be my mother.

Lost In Thought 6x8 Acrylic

Questioning 6x8 Acrylic

SOLD

A Walk In The Clouds 9x12 Acrylic

The Room 6x8 Acrylic

This painting has kind of a comic book flavor to it. It tells its own story, like one frame from a movie. Acrylic on canvas panel. 

Jenny 8x10 Acrylic

SOLD

Jenny is a great model. Almost every time I see her, her hair is a different color. Blonde, brunette, redhead, she wears them all well.

White Dress 8x10 Acrylic

SOLD

I posted this subject about 2 months ago. The first version was painted on matte board. This one is painted on canvas. The painting sold yesterday. When I was packing it, I noticed the matte board had a spot on it. The more I tried to fix it, the worse it got, so I repainted it on canvas. I may not paint on matte board anymore.

Triathlon 18x24 Acrylic

Sold

This was a commissioned portrait. I worked from a photo taken at the Chicago triathlon, so I haven't met this gentleman yet, but look forward to meeting him soon.

Sideward Glance 6x8 Acrylic

SOLD

Charcoal Drawing

SOLD

This was a 30 minute pose done with Wolffe Pencil and charcoal. I have been experimenting with water-soluable oils the past week or so. They have a strong odor which gave me a headache. So I am an acrylic painter. 

Drawing By Kate Skaloud

It's good to start the new year with good art. This is the latest drawing by Galva, Illinois artist Kate Skaloud. This is a commissioned portrait and her best work to date, in my opinion.

Beaux Arts 8x10 Acrylic

A close friend recently told me that she thinks several of my paintings look 'unfinished.' It's good to have someone around you who tells you the truth and not just what they think we want to hear. It causes one to dig deeper, to evaluate more, to look at work more objectively and not just settle. This painting was first posted on May 10th of this year. I always thought I let it go to soon. It needed punching up, so I punched it. I may be doing this with a few other paintings as well.

Daily Painters Studio Tour

The view from my studio window of the house across the street.

This is where I do much of my work. Sometimes an easel is set up for larger work, but for smaller paintings I set the canvas board right on my lap. I need a paint box with a lid so I can close it quickly when Charity or Hope the cats walk in. Rockwell and Remington are great inspirations as I work. Today, many of the Daily Painters are posting pictures of their studios. Please visit the Daily Painters site to see where and how artists set up a working space.

Stretch Revisited 9x12 Acrylic

Business Card 8x10 Acrylic

More Drawings by Kate Skaloud

When I look at these drawings, I am reminded of drawings I did long ago, before so many influences from so many sources tossed me back and forth. Influences both in art and in life. When I made drawings similar to these, I know I was speaking with my own voice. Seeing Kates' work helps clarify my thoughts as to why I became an artist in the first place. Simple and complex at the same time. Innocent and honest. A combination of gentleness and strength.

Figure Study 8x10 Acrylic

Out To Sea 8x10 Acrylic

Beachsitter 2 Acrylic 5.5x7

SOLD

I really am seeking more energy and expression in my work. Balance between too much detail and too little detail is the most beautiful combination. Fresh eyes are always necessary every day. When one just goes through the motions, it is best to step back and then start again fresh.

Ziegfeld Girl No. 7 Acrylic 8x10

Fly Away 11x14 Acrylic

I like to just sit down and go where the brush takes me. No model or reference material. Just painting for fun with imagined images. It's more like painting an idea than anything else. Maybe it's a sketch for a larger painting. Maybe it is what it is.