1971 Triumph

"Triumph"

Oil on canvas  48" x 60"

This is a special motorcycle.  It's a painting of my dad's bike while I was growing up. 

It's a 1972 Triumph ...trophy.

It was the bike I rode on the back of when I was growing up.

Good times.   

I'm thinking about getting myself a new Triumph these days.

They're just as beautiful but have all the modern amenities!

Thank you for looking! 

1971 Triumph Motorcycle

On my easel in the garage.... my 1971 Triumph TR6.  I'm painting a motorcycle of mine.  I grew up riding on the back of this motorcycle, going on rides with my dad.  Great memories of holding onto my dad...helmet...vintage goggles and summer rides. 

I still have a lot to do, but I'm making progress... this painting is 48"x 60" ...the biggest I've ever painted. I've always wanted to be able to roll a motorcycle in the house and have it in a corner like a beautiful sculpture through the winter.... this might be another way to enjoy a motorcycle in the living room.   

Thanks for looking and reading! 

"Free Spirit" .... as a painting progresses.....

"Free Spirit" 

 oil,  8"x 16"..not sure, but close

I want to paint a larger painting of this one.  

This is a small study...colors I want to use....layout, that kind of thing.

I took pictures along the way.  Not usually something I do, but did it this time.  

I love the look of the painting progressing...so I thought I'd show you.

I love these skull paintings.  Looks modern to me but I love the symbolism and ideas

 of spirituality that can be hinted at.  

Thanks for looking!

Lead by example......

"Head in the Clouds"

16" x 20" oil

Lead by example…..

I love who my dad was....exciting, adventurous, funny, loving and also just very down to earth and playful.  He was always chasing a dream and making fun things happen! I admire those qualities about him…I'd love to see more of that in the world.

I need to lead by example….be like him!  Go out and live the life of my dreams and let people watch me do it.

I want my boys to see everyone can do these wonderful things and everyone in their own way can live in their own adventure.  We don't have to watch from the sidelines and just admire others…we can go out and do it too!!!

Okay.....just thinking out loud,

thanks for checking in with me.

Go out there and live the life of your dreams people!!

Lets do this!!  

Ready to Ride

"Ready to Ride"

18" x 24"  oil

I love the props......goggles, helmets, wigs, gas mask.

This is a self portrait of me waiting for my first motorcycle ride of the season.

I've told myself I want to learn to ride a motorcycle myself, but really I love going for 

a ride on the back....with someone I trust doing the driving.

I grew up with my dad taking me for weekend rides....we had fun! 

"Waiting for Enlightenment"

"Waiting for Enlightenment"

oil on canvas

I have a cool skull that I love to play dress-up with.  Some days I put a small toy in his eye socket......some days he wears funky hats and wigs.  I have a selection of goggles and vintage eye glasses he models for me.  

The burnt-out light bulb reminds me of times when I haven't got a clue.  Lately I find myself searching for more meaning in my world.  Why.......why do I do what I do?  Why do others do what they do?  Why are some days blissful and other days not.  Do I have some control over any of this?

Who's in charge?

This was a good way to focus myself and just think about color, shapes and light.

Easier than thinking about the other stuff.

New Website!

I'm excited....I have a new website!

Take a look .......... tell me what you think ...

or just take a look.

www.MarianneElson.com

1970's motocross boots!

Okay....I'm showing you paintings from the past year, give the blog something to look at while I experiment on paintings in my studio.

These are some seriously great boots!  Do you know what attracted me to them?  Yes....the metal shin guards and metal buckles.  Tarnished metal, paired up with old worn leather......it just doesn't get any better than this!  Kinda has a Mad Max flavor don't you think? 

I have a painting in mind for these, but this was a fun warm up for something else down the line.

"Head in the Clouds"

16" x 20"  oil

More figure paintings....

"Waiting for Spring"

24" x 30"  oil

"Quiet Man"

18" x 24"  oil

"Ready to Ride"

18" x 24"  oil

Things with Wheels....

"Cross Country" 

30" x 40"  oil