Boogie’s Dream and The Artist:

BOOGIE:

Boogie is the nickname that I bestowed on my beautiful daughter Haylee. Along with Boogie, my beautiful wife Glenda, myself, 2 dogs, and 1 cat we are lifelong Dallas residents. Boogie came to us late in our life. She recently graduated from Ursuline Academy of Dallas, with the “Covid Class of 2020”! She is now attending college at Texas Tech University in pursuit of “Boogie’s Dream” to become an electrical engineer.

THE ARTIST:

I have spent approximately 45 years in sales and marketing for the industrial, and medical mobility solutions industry. I was a regional sales manager in the medical division for the largest manufacturer in the medical arena. Approximately 4 years ago without forewarning I was terminated with a late Friday afternoon phone call. Sadly, after devoting more than half of my life to this industry, I found that I was victim to new management, and younger blood!

Obviously this also meant that my income stopped just as abruptly with that Friday afternoon phone call. I can personally attest that finding a new job in my age bracket is not so easy, not to mention the “Pandemic” making it just that much more difficult. Below is a brief explanation of how I got to where I am now with my art hobby.

As a kid I was always a “doodler” and would draw cars, planes, etc. In school my friends would get me to draw things on their notebooks like their favorite hot rods and such. This is when I realized that I enjoyed their enjoyment equally as much as I enjoyed the creation process. When I got out of school I went into professional sales. The need to support myself caused me to have to devote myself to earning a living, never thinking at that time to pursue making a career with my art. So, I continued doodling, and did a few watercolors occasionally for my own self enjoyment and relaxation. Let’s fast forward to about 6 years ago!

We were on a summer vacation in Breckenridge Colorado to escape the July heat in Texas. The mountains of Colorado has always been one of my favorite get away destinations. While strolling down Main Street window shopping we went into a local art gallery to have a look. I was drawn to a fabulous collection of impressionism paintings by the famous internationally acclaimed painter, Michael Flohr. The manager sensed my interest in his collection and explained that Michael was actually in town and would be doing a two day exhibition starting the next day. He cordially invited us to attend the exhibition, and meet the artist.

We showed up the next day and the manager introduced us to Michael, and he and I hit it off immediately. He was very funny, and down to earth. When he learned we were from Dallas, it just so happened that his wife whom he met in art school grew up in Plano Texas, which is just up the road from Dallas. Michael was very forthcoming about his techniques and his background. We spent almost that whole day, as well as the next day at the gallery watching him paint. I was totally mesmerized watching him orchestrate his techniques. It was then when I realized how much I wanted to again get involved with art. I wanted the enjoyment, and thrill associated with having the ability to create a work of art that could be displayed, and bring smiles to peoples faces. (Remember, at this time I was still employed)

That last day of his exhibition I explained to Michael my penchant for doodling, and my hidden desire to be an artist, and to learn painting. He was very encouraging and proceeded to give me advice on supplies and things needed to get started. His medium was mainly oil. I actually started out with oils and then segued into acrylics for the abstract wall art. In his pep talk to me he told me that I just need to relax, practice, experiment, and most importantly, have fun! He showed me a portrait that he did of his wife, and it was almost like looking at a photo. He said, “it is obvious that I can do a realistic image, but that isn’t what I enjoy doing as much as the impressionist style painting, after all if I want realism, I have a camera!”

When I returned to Dallas, I heeded his advice and encouragement, thus inspiring me to begin buying the suggested tools to start my new journey of learning to paint. I was buying things left and right and storing and organizing for the better part of a year when one day my wife asked me, “When are you going to paint something?” I had the fear of failure syndrome going on in my mind. I reached back to the recollection of my discussions with Michael and picked up the brushes and relaxed, practiced, experimented, and most importantly had fun, so here I am. As I mentioned earlier, my hope is that those who may purchase any of my works will enjoy them as much as I enjoyed creating them!

I am a big believer, that in life, all things happen for a reason. I can not say enough about Michael Flohr, as an artist, and as a mentor. I will always be forever grateful for his encouragement, and the advice that was the inspiration for me to pick up the brushes, create, and have fun! Thank you Michael!

So, in conclusion, this is only my 6th year of painting. Hopefully my hobby, can now become my new career. This site is my, “Open For Business” sign. Please remember that the revenue generated through sales of my works will be Dad’s way of helping make “Boogie’s Dream” come true.

Thank you, and enjoy,

Bob & Boogie