Brande Arno Art

4 x 4 inches, Oil on Board   I know that bees are NOT out flying around this time of year making snowballs, but I couldn't resist not creating this piece.  Probably because yesterday, we woke up to about a foot of snow and the kind that packs pretty good for snowballs.   I enjoyed snowball fights with my brother, Mark as it was the only acceptable way to get even with him!

6 x 6 inches, Oil on Board, Sold This is a portrait of my granddaughter, Corina.  She is 13 years old now and I thought this pose really captures the teenage part of her.  Corina's favorite color is Purple and yes, those are purple glasses.  When they come out with purple contacts, she'll be the first in line!  Below is a cropped view.   

February Morning 16 x 20 inches, Oil on Board with Palette Knife   May I wish you a peaceful holiday season.  I have finished all my commission work and I look forward to a blessed week with my granddaughter.  I plan to return to the studio in early January...but  I might be at the easel for one or two more pieces before we ring in the New Year!  - God Bless America -Brande

Mae, 10 x 10 inches, Oil on Board, Sold   This is a portrait of a well-loved canine who passed.   Painting portraits like this for persons who will always love their doggie is a major highlight in my artistic growth. 

This is a digital of my little Schnoodle, Cookie.  It best represents what turmoil is in my heart tonight.  I'm trying to look for an answer to WHY?  Why would someone go into an elementary school and shoot children.  I have such heaviness in my heart. I know the intense pain that slashes a parent's heart when their child dies.  I lost my son to cancer in 1989.  I'll never get over it, but I've learned to live without him.   I can't imagine trying to heal from a child's murder.  20 children got out of their warm beds this December Friday morning, getting ready for school while mom or dad packed the lunches that would not be opened.   Tonight, heaven has 20 more little angels from Sandy Hook Elementary but their parents are writhing in pain on earth and others, like myself are shocked numb.  As the details are uncovered, 6 adults inside the school were also killed....

5 x 5 inches, Oil on Board I've been flipping the pages of my older sketchbooks for inspiration.  I remember when I made this drawing...It was a fine summer day and I was walking on my property, sketchbook and pencil in hand and spied this little guy.  I was very quiet and quickly got a gesture drawing, then took my time to add the environment. He'll be up for auction on www.dailypaintworks.com

5 x 5 inches, Oil on Board This portrait of Greta Garbo is the result of my attempt at this week's Daily Paintworks weekly Challenge.  It's not as strong as I'd like, but it's not a bad attempt either...so in short, I'm happy with this piece.    I like to participate in these challenges because I learn so much by them.  Plus it's fun to see what I come up with.  Below is a close up, which I really like. On another note, I'm the proud owner of a brand new Scion IQ.  If you don't know what kind of car that is, well the first thing you'd notice is how small it is.  But I love it and I always wanted a small car.  If I didn't get my small car now, we'll...I'm only getting older.

5 x 5 inches, Oil on Board Today's painting is inspired by an older pencil drawing sketchbook.  Although I don't remember the exact location, I do know it is in the county I live in which is Ontario, NY.  Because I was using a pencil sketch reference, I could take quite a bit of artist license with the palette...which is always enjoyable for me.

4 x 4 inches, Oil on Board Another pair of Big Bottomed Bee girls.  These ladies are ready to go ice skating.  Yes, I know bees don't ice skate, but the BBB's do!  They have matching boots, mittens, antenna muffs and poodle skirts.  The snowflakes reflect their wintergreen attire.   This painting will be up for auction on Daily Paintworks. Click on this link to bid.    http://www.dailypaintworks.com/buy/auction/90734