Berger Fine Arts News

Blonde Looking

2012-01-26T09:37:00.000-08:00

Here is a reverse portrait. The challenge was painting someone from behind and make it look interesting. The soft choice of colors combined with the stark detail of the blonde hair became a very striking picture and one that can goe in almost any room if your blonde.

Potrait of Beverly

2012-01-26T09:32:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I painted so many portraits and this is just another to show another style of painting. Unlike past portraits and posts this one is a little softer in tone, reflecting a quiet but steely look. These are really fun to do.

Western Iowa Bridge

2012-01-26T09:27:00.000-08:00

Here is another bridge close to Winterset. Beautiful setting for this in early Fall. I have a few more bridges on the board from Madison county and will post as soon as I get the time to finish them. At least now that I have them started it is fun to review the bridges and their construction as well as the time spent in western Iowa painting them. Truly a beautiful part of the country at any time of the year.

Covered Bridge In Winterset Iowa

2012-01-26T09:24:00.001-08:00

This is a recent landscape painting I did from watercolors I painted dating back to the late 1970's from Winterset Iowa. I spent three days traveling about western Iowa painting the covered bridges in the area. Wonderful place and wonderful time.

Jack Jablonski Portrait

2012-01-26T09:19:00.000-08:00

After I saw what happened to this young man I was compelled to do something for the family. I painted this to help show visually that Jack as well as the whole family is in Gods embrace, always. I hope it helps them as they go through the rehab process.

Twilight On The Plains

2012-01-10T12:09:00.000-08:00

I classify this as Western art but some may call it more landscape art. Either way it depicts a time and a way of life that has passed on. The colors here do not reflect very well from the original piece.

Governor Mark Dayton Portrait

2012-01-07T14:01:00.000-08:00

As promised here is the second famous Minnesotan portrait. Governor Dayton. I painted Governor Dayton in a non traditional pose because I believe he is definitely not a traditional politician. He seems to be a genuinely nice man who cares for other people. So the gentle smile and downward look I think helps to capture his spirit.

I was a little upset when I heard that the previous Minnesota Governor had an artist from another state do his official portrait that hangs in the state capital building. I am sure there are plenty of Minnesota portrait artists that would have loved the opportunity to do the work for him. Better to source it out I guess.

At any rate this gives you a pretty good idea of where I would go with the subject matter.

Senator Al Franken Portrait

2012-01-07T13:56:00.001-08:00

After the holiday I did quite a few portraits and forgot how much I enjoy doing them. I will post a couple today of famous Minnesotans so that people can recognize who they are. This one of Senator Franken is purposely painted without any of the political props that come with his name since becoming a senator. I like to keep it uncluttered and to the point. Senator Franken has a unique smile and look and and definitely has a lot of hair to work with.

Britt's Pub In Minneapolis

2011-12-08T18:12:00.000-08:00

Britt's Pub in downtown Minneapolis is a great place to kick back and have a cool one. Around the holidays its perfect for a good warm up before going next door to listen to the Minnesota Orchestra. A great eclectic mix of patrons and just a fun place to go. Which brings me to the subject matter in this painting. Though it wss fun doing reflections in the windows in the process I wanted something "English" and I did not want to paint someone holding a beer out front. I came up with a redhead in old English attire holding a strange gun. I am not sure for all the reasons and I messed around with some other subject but this is what finally worked for me and seems to fit the rest of the restaurant series.

This original measures 24"x 24". Signed Giclee prints are available at 22"x22" for $150.00 each. Email steve@bergerfinearts.com if interested in a print.

Boing B17 Art

2011-12-08T18:06:00.000-08:00

This painting was one that has been sitting on my table for over a year. I just had to finish it so I can move on and get it out of my studio. The original depicts a real plane that was shot up over Berlin but made it home. The number on the tail tells a story. The originalpainting measures about 42" x 32". Signed Giclee prints are available at a 24"x22" size for $125.00 each. If interested write steve@bergerfinearts.com and leave your contact information.

Templeton Rye Art

2011-12-08T17:58:00.000-08:00

Here is a new piece that combines a little bit of everything type, people, and wildlife. If you never have had the pleasure to enjoy a fantastic rye whiskey you owe it to yourself to to have a shot of Templeton Rye. The only problem is finding it. It seems to come out in small batches and if you are lucky enough to find it buy it, never mind the expense it is worth every sip of the extra cost. At any rate a fun painting to do.

Cadillac Art

2011-12-08T17:51:00.000-08:00

Another painting that falls in the classic car art the Cadillac emblem. This was a fun piece to paint and I think it fits in well with the expanding series.

I wanted to use a bold color in combination with the icon in a worn type of background. A 22"x22' giclee print on canvas of this piece of art will be sold for $125.00 each. Email steve@bergerfinearts.com to place an order.

Chevelle Painting

2011-11-19T09:18:00.000-08:00

This is for all the Chevy lovers out there to make sure that I was not just painting for the Ford guys. Don't worry man cave mechanics and car enthusiasts there is a Cadillac and Dodge soon to follow. This print is 22"x24" signed Giclee on canvas for $120.00 and can be ordered by emailing: steve@bergerfinearts.com Leave your contact information please.

Pet Portrait

2011-11-14T07:14:00.000-08:00

And now for something a little different a commissioned pet portrait. This one was special because the dog just wanted to play with everything and in this depiction it was a large stick. The dog is a wonderful combination of Labrador and border collie and probably is why that the dog is boundless in it's curiosity and energy. If you have a pet that you would like captured forever on canvas please feel free to email me at: steve@bergerfinearts.com

F-150 Ford Logo Painting

2011-11-03T20:40:00.000-07:00

Another Ford truck logo. There is something about these things that are as much fun to paint as flags. This is another signed Giclee print on canvas that measures 22"x22" and sells for $125.00. Email steve@bergerfinearts if you are interested in a print of these. More soon to follow.

Ford Shield Logo

2011-11-03T20:35:00.000-07:00

As long as I was painting Ford Logos I stared looking at them and over the years depending on the model the 3D logo design is very interesting. Some are just plain cool looking.

I am looking to paint more of these logos including Chevy designs too. This Ford paint measures 24"x24" and will be a signed Giclee on canvas for $150.00. More to come. Email steve@inposition.biz if interested.

Ford Logo

2011-11-03T20:22:00.000-07:00

I started painting a ford logo and when I finished I felt it needed something else to dress it up. Since it is a symbol that is endearing to all Ford mechanics and ford car lovers the logo seems to need something to put in the garage. A "man cave"calendar came to mind and one thing led to another and I ended up decorating the logo with a redhead for a final touch. Any similarities to the "Dreaming of Monte Carlo" painting is purely accidental. This is a signed Giclee print on canvas that measures 10x16 and sells for $125.00. Email steve@bergerfinearts if you are interested in a print

Travail Restaurant in Rorobbinsdale MN

2011-10-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

Another of the restaurant series I have been working on over the summer is this piece called Travail. Travail is located in downtown Robbinsdale and has been named as one of the top 25 restaurants in the nation. The food and atmosphere is great but I fear they will soon be growing out of their current location because of the lack of seating. Hour long waits are not uncommon.

The name is definitely unique and I wanted to highlight it in the finished piece but the only place it is highlighted is on the awning on the front of the building. The lack of a dynamic exterior forced me to come up with a unique scene going on in the front of this restaurant to make the painting interesting to look at.

This is what I came up with and visually I believe I achieved my goal of making the painting say something, to someone.

The original painting measures 26" x 26' and signed Giclee prints are available at the size of 22"x 22" for $150.00 ea.

W.A. Frost Restaurant Painting in St. Paul Minnesota

2011-10-29T07:44:00.000-07:00

One of my all time favorites in St. Paul is W.A.Frost & Co. Even though they do not have live music inside there is still a lot of local flavor outside the restaurant all year long. The interior atmosphere is great and the summer patio is also great on hot summer evenings. What is this painting saying to you is up to you.

The original measures 30"x30" and signed Giclee 22"x22" prints are available for $150.00

TG Football Poster

2011-10-28T10:58:00.000-07:00

This is another "Award" type painting that I will be donating for a local high school fundraiser auction. These are always fun to do especially for high school athletics. The original of this measures roughly 30" x 36" and really is dramatic to look at. It will look good in someones den.

Portrait Painting

2011-10-28T10:49:00.001-07:00

It has been awhile since my last post but was a very busy this summer that included a little fishing bur far short of what I wanted to do. I have been busy painting new stuff and this post contains a portrait done from a photograph. Painting from photo's can be challenging (you can only paint what you see and if the photo is murkey the finished painting tends to be murkey) This was done for a couple that live in Atlanta of their son who is heading of to college. I worked out well and they were extremely happy with the result of their sons artistic portrayal I came up with shown here. The finished painting measured roughly 24"x 36".

The Loon Cafe Minneapolis

2011-08-04T06:48:00.000-07:00

Downtown sporting events in Minneapolis should always feature a visit to the Loon Cafe. I have enjoyed the Loon's unique atmosphere for years.

In painting this piece I wanted to convey the down home atmosphere of the cafe but most important I wanted to add a bit of intrigue to the painting. I have met celebrities, professional athletes and a variety of very interesting "B" bit players at the loon and enjoyed some great conversations and beers with all of them over the years.

That is why the woman at the front door in the cowboy hat is important. She seems to sum up the Loon's atmosphere. Because you never know who you will meet at the loon it was important for her to be looking back over her shoulder with that look of "y'all come on in". I have some great memories and great times with friend at this Minneapolis downtown landmark and this was a fun painting to do.

To order signed Giclee prints of this 22" x 13" painting for $175.00 contact: steve@bergerfinearts

The FIne Line Painting

2011-08-04T06:10:00.000-07:00

The Fine Line over the years has had some of the best live music performances in the Twin Cities. Because of the venues played at the Fine Line it was difficult to visually depict a category of music played there.

I started this painting with sketches of a painting with musical instruments in it but struggled with who or what to be included in the painting that would signify all the different kinds of music played at the Fine Line.

I ended up with this painting. A view of the outside of the Fine Line featuring their logo was a natural and adding a young woman dressed creatively suggesting that she is a talent but what kind of musician is she a singer, bass player, drummer? Who knows?

Finally adding a very happy romping dog carrying a tune in its head seemed to fit the message I was trying to convey. I do not know what tune it is but I suppose it would vary to the personality of the dog. Thus the paintings title "Everyone Runs To A Different Tune" seems to wrap up the visual in a nice package.

Signed Giclee Prints of this 9"x22.5" painting are available on canvas for $150.00To order contact: steve@bergerfinearts.com

JD Hoyt's Restaurant Minneapolis Painting

2011-07-28T22:30:00.000-07:00

I just finished this painting of "JD Hoyt's" which is another longtime favorite restaurant of mine located on Washington Avenue in the warehouse district in Minneapolis. You can be casual, formal or whatever it really does not matter the atmosphere here is definitely fun and the people watching is as good as the food is great. I have two versions of this painting and this is the one that won being finished.

What exactly is this painting trying to convey? Maybe a nod, a wink, a subtle look but most assuredly a lot more substance behind the quiet demeanor. Thats the best I can do for a description . All I know is that I like the way this painting turned out someday I may finish the other one.

This paintings original size is 22"x24" and 22"x22" signed Giclee prints on canvas are available for $175.00 each. Leave me your contact information at: steve@bergerfinearts.com if you are interested in purchasing.

Nyes Polynaise Room

2011-07-25T14:27:00.000-07:00

A new legendary local bar/restaurant painting I just finished. Nye's is a favorite for locals in Minneapolis looking for some unique atmosphere and believe me Nye's has plenty.

When visiting Nye's you are never quite sure what form of entertainment will assault your eyes and ears next. For years Nye's Polynaise room has been just a fun place to have few drinks and enjoy some fantastic local "Nordeast" food.

The question I am getting most from people who have seen this painting is what's happening in this painting? That is for you the viewer to decide. I know what emotion I wanted to convey by painting this piece and that was to get you the viewer to say just that. "What just happened in this picture"? You decide, I think depending on your emotional state it will vary each time you view this painting. That is what makes this painting so much fun, its a story waiting to be told by you.

If you visit Nye's remember customers usually ask themselves the same question when they leave, "what just happened in there?" That pretty well sums up the paintings meaning to me. I hope you enjoy it as much as it was for me to paint.

The original painting measures 18"x29". Limited edition prints for a $125.00 are available by contacting me at: steve@bergerfinearts.com

Logo Art

2011-07-25T14:23:00.000-07:00

This is a recent piece of work I did for a local CPA firm. Numbers falling to the bottom line. They have a really nice new office and needed some original art on the walls. Fun to do and great people. If you are interested in custom art work for your office please email me and let me know what you need and I will turn a unique custom piece for you.
Email:steve@bergerfinearts.com

Murray's Restaurant In Minneapolis Painting

2011-07-14T05:49:00.000-07:00

Murray's is home of the famous "Butter Knife Steak". Another painting in the local bar restaurant series that features a legendary steak and meeting place in downtown Minneapolis. Of course I tried to add a bit of sophistication with an outside night view, fun with the glamourous young woman smoking a cigar, notice she is wearing a mans white shirt and finally the chrome signage. The chrome was probably the most challenging part of this painting for me. I know I will hear some feedback that I forgot the "S" in Murray's but from the perspective that this painting was created it just did not look right. Prints of this painting are available now. The original measures 32" x25"

If you would like a 22 x 22" canvas Giclee print of this painting for $175.00 email me at: steve@bergerfinearts.com. Be sure to leave your contact information.

Glueks Bar & Restaurant

2011-07-14T05:39:00.000-07:00

This is a new painting in my series of local restaraunts that have been very popular to local collectors. The original painting measures 32"x16" and prints are being made that measure 10"x22". Glueks has a German heritage theme and that is why the accessories in the artwork created feature things German. Each featured local landmark has it's own aura about it and this is what I came up for Glueks.

If you are interested in a 10"x22" limnited edition print of this painting it is available on canvas and signed and dated. The cost is 150.00. Email me at: steve@bergerfinearts and leave your contact information so I can expedite your order.

Little Big Horn Painting

2011-07-14T05:26:00.000-07:00

Another Little Big Horn painting but this one is a little different. This is a panaramic view of the whole battlefield. This painting is not quite done yet and It measures 42" by 30" so it is quite large when viewed in person. This is yet another piece in the series of Custer paintings that I have done only this one features the battle viewed in it's entire scope of field actions. The information for the image shown here was gathered from a variety of sources including topographical information and archeological studies gathered after the fact. I think the "callouts" on the artwork help show the position of the units that were engaged on the battlefield on that day. I think this helps to understand what happened on that day and shows the scope of the battlefield.

Leo T. Kilfoy

2011-06-29T06:45:00.000-07:00

This piece was done for St. Ambrose University coaching legend Leo T. Kilfoy.

The combination of the University logo and images from the past involving coach Kilfoy coaching players was a lot to put into one image butI think it worked out well. I was able to make the combination of colors used in this piece work to pop the retro looking images in front of the university logo.

I still may make a few alterations to the art but it is pretty well to go as you see it here. I debated whether to use Latin or English for the text in the logo. For nowLatin won out.

Victory Memorial Drive Minneapolis Flag Painting

2011-06-12T15:13:00.000-07:00

This is the top half of the Victory Memorial Drive Monument in Minneapolis that I mentioned in the earlier post. The flag pole with its large gold eagle on the top is stunning when you look at it from the base of the monument.

As you know if you follow my blog I love painting flags but this one I wanted to show a somber reflective mood rather than a billowing flag, just a slight breeze to show respect for the 568 servicemen and women whose names are etched in bronze on the memorial.

The 11's at the top of this print reflect when World War 1 officially ended. The war to end all wars ended on the eleventh month, the eleventh day at 11:oo am.in the year 1918.

If you are interested in signed Giclee prints of this 19"x26" acrylic painting for $125.00 contact me at: steve@bergerfinearts.com
Be sure to leave your contact information for me.

Victory Memorial Drive Minneapolis Prints

2011-06-12T15:02:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Victory Memorial Drive was rededicated to showcase the beautiful improvements done to the monument at the end of the drive as well as the parkway leading up to it. It is quite a view from the monument looking up the drive through a canopy of trees.

This acrylic on canvas painting is a view of the stone slab that forms the base of the flagpole at the monuments steps. I wanted to get some emotion out of the granite surface, to show that it represents more than letters etched in stone. The faded reflective image at the base I thought would help visualize the cost of war.
Signed Giclee canvas prints of this 12"x 29"work are $155.00

If you are interested contact me at: steve@bergerfinearts.com
Be sure to leave your contact information for me.

Abandoned Coke Bank

2011-06-12T14:51:00.000-07:00

This is a watercolor I did of an abandoned bank that I saw in Iowa. The steel Coke and Pepsi signs plastered over the door I thought were interesting.

16"x29"prints of this painting are available for $150.00. If you are interested in purchasing a Giclee print of this watercolor named "Abandoned Coke Bank" please email me at: steve@bergerfinearts.com

Please remember to leave your contact information.

Trout Painting from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area

2011-06-01T08:51:00.000-07:00

My son and I just got back from fishing in the boundary waters in northern Minnesota and enjoyed the great outdoors once again. Fishing was OK but we have had better.

The BWCA is a wonderful place to recharge and enjoy nature and some great shore lunches. Trout were hitting Rapala's in 10' of water and despite the intermittent rain and cold mornings it was a great trip for us.

This signed and numbered print measures 16"x 20" and will sell for $170.00. If you are interested email me at: steve@bergerfinearts.com. Make sure you leave your contact information when you place your order.

Harmon Killebrew

2011-06-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

Harmon Killebrew, the name evokes baseball and all the emotions that go with the game. I had the honor to meet Harmon on a number of occasions and thoroughly enjoyed his conversation and good nature.

I knew Harmon was not doing great but I thought for sure he could beat the cancer he finally succumbed to. He will be missed not only as a legendary baseball player but as genuinely good human being. Sorry to see you go Harmon, thanks for some great baseball memories.

This painting is a signed limited edition print that measures 16"x20" and is priced at $170.00.

Beautiful Dreamer

2011-04-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

If you have boys in your family you know how the younger ones look up to their big brother. They can't wait to grow up and do all the things a big brother gets to do. This piece is a captured moment of a little brother trying on his brothers letter jacket football helmet and football and "dreaming big".

A really fun painting to do. It is also proof that kids really do grow up too fast.
Prints are available of this acrylic painting. Original size is 18"x 32"

Contact: steve@bergerfinearts.com

Still Life Wine Bottle and Relics

2011-04-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

This is the first still life I have produced for fun in a long time. A lot of objects and interesting shadows all combining to tell a story. I want to do a series of these maybe revolving around historical objects and wine. I will have to think about it. This painting will be shown next week in St. Paul at the St. Paul Art Crawl.
Title: Relics & Wine
Painting Size: 24"x 33"
Acrylic on canvas
Original Price: $3,500.00
Signed prints available 12"x 16.5" $150.00
If interested contact: steve@bergerfinearts.com Make sure you leave your contact information.

Bunkers Bar and Restaurant

2011-04-05T10:27:00.000-07:00

Another Minnesota Warehouse District landmark Bunkers bar, grill and music is still one of the greatest places in town to hear down to earth great live music in a relaxed atmosphere. This painting was meant to be fun to look at and make the viewer wonder what is going on in this piece.

I love doing this series of paintings and look for more very soon

This 8" x 17" signed Giclee print is available for $150.00. Contact: steve@bergerfinearts.com and leave your contact information.

Annies Parlor

2011-03-29T19:41:00.001-07:00

Here is another Minneapolis St. Paul landmark that I just finished. I frequented Annies Parlor years ago after many Minnesota football games. It has a nice view of downtown Minneapolis that I included with this view. I had to put cattle into this picture because it needed something and cattle seemed to fit the touch I felt it needed. You the viewer will have to decide if it is early or late in the day.
Original size 19"x26" Acrylic
Print size 9 x 13"
Signed Giclee Prints: $125.00
If you are interested in this print please contact:
steve@bergerfinearts.com

The One and Only Mickey's Diner

2011-03-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

Here is a new piece I did of another Minnesota landmark in downtown St. Paul.

Mickey's Diner has been serving hot food for a long time and it's hard to miss it especially at night. I had a little fun with this image and people ask me why the bear? I say to them why not. At any rate here it is and let me know if you are interested in purchasing a print.

Original: 14"x33"
9"x14"Signed Giclee Print On Canvas: $125.00
To Order: steve@bergerfinearts.com

Monte Carlo Minneapolis Landmark

2011-03-18T09:33:00.001-07:00

A Minneapolis landmark is the Monte Carlo Restauraunt. I love the atmosphere there and especial the food. In painting Minneapolis landmarks the Monte had to be a part of the series. I had another view that included the building but I found the sign much more interesting to paint. The paintings title is "Monte Carlo Dreaming" and signed Giclee canvas prints are available now.

Original Size: 22" x22"
Print size: 13.5"x10"
Signed Giclee canvas print
Cost:125.00

To Purchase Contact:
steve@bergerfinearts.com

2011-03-18T09:03:00.001-07:00

Bobby Kennedy may not have been a president but I think we can all agree he was a heckuva speaker. After reading some of his speeches from 1968 I felt he was talking about today. His speeches add more credence to the saying the more things change the more they stay the same. Bobby was a true leader in civil right movements of the day and I believe after spending some time with his politics he would be truly amazed on what is happening in today's political enviroments. This painting is my initial study painting for a color version but I wanted to make it available to anyone interested in making a purchase of the study.

Original measures 16"x 23"
Prints: Signed Giclee prints measure 8"x 11"
Cost: $50.00

To purchase contact: steve@bergerfinearts.com

Teddy Roosevelt "The Bull Moose Party Founder"

2011-03-14T06:11:00.000-07:00

Roosevelt is noted for his energetic personality, range of interests and achievements, leadership of the Progressive Movement, and his "cowboy" image and robust masculinity. He was a leader of the Republican Party and founder of the short-lived Progressive ("Bull Moose") Party of 1912.

I just finished this painting of Teddy Roosevelt and wanted to get it posted. This series helps to show what these presidents were all about. The quote attached to this painting is a well known verse in sports circles but it does add some insight into what President Roosevelt was all about. It is really a lot of fun to rediscover these men and what they did with their time in office like Mr. Roosevelt who as a child suffered with severe asthma and refused to succumb to his physical limitations embraced all things physical and became an outstanding athlete and later in life outdoorsman. He was home schooled until he attended Harvard and took up boxing. In 1881, one year out of Harvard, he was elected to the New York State Assembly as its youngest member. Roosevelt's first historical book, The Naval War of 1812 (1882), established his professional reputation as a serious historian.

After a few years of living in the Badlands, Roosevelt returned to New York City, where he gained fame for fighting police corruption. The Spanish–American War broke out while Roosevelt was, effectively, running the Department of the Navy. He promptly resigned and led a small regiment in Cuba known as the Rough Riders, earning himself a nomination for the Medal of Honor, which was received posthumously on his behalf on January 16, 2001. After the war, he returned to New York and was elected Governor in a close-fought election. Within two years, he was elected Vice President of the United States. He did all this before the age of 42.

n 1901, President William McKinley was assassinated; and Roosevelt became President at the age of 42, taking office at the youngest age of any U.S. President in history. Roosevelt attempted to move the Republican Party in the direction of Progressivism, including trust busting and increased regulation of businesses.

Semper Fi Marine Tribute

2011-03-09T11:22:00.000-08:00

I just finished this new Marine Poster. This one I have had in various stages of completion for some time and it is nice to have a finished product finally. The original measures 14x18 and prints are available for $70.00. Contact: steve@inposition.biz if you are interested in purchasing a Giclee print on canvas of this image.

The Stand off

2011-03-07T09:58:00.000-08:00

If anyone of your family members have spent anytime in the military overseas this painting will look familiar.

This is a piece I just finished. The imagery I think says it all.

Giclee canvas prints of this limited edition signed 21" x 13.5"painting called "The Standoff" are available now for $150.00 each. Free shipping.

Franklin Roosevelt Fire side chat painting

2011-03-07T09:48:00.000-08:00

Following the previous FDR post here is the FDR Poster with one of his fireside chats included in the art.

This art reflects a time in history that sounds a lot like what is being said currently by political parties in the United States and is part of the Presidential Series of paintings that I am currently working on.

This is a 14.5" wide x 16" high Giclee print that is signed, numbered and printed on canvas will sell for $115.00, that includes shipping.

If you would like a print of this painting with the speech contact me at: steve@bergerfinearts.com

FDR Painting

2011-03-07T09:25:00.000-08:00

This is the third painting of the Presidential Series. There is a speech of FDR's that goes with this painting and I will attach that art soon so that you can see the speech I chose to go with the art.

I already have the next president started for this series and I should have it done in the next couple of weeks. This original acrylic painting is 15.5 x 16 high. If you are interested in the original you can contact me at: steve@inposition.biz. The prints with speech will be priced in the following post. Watch for updates.

Chevrolet In Hiding

2011-03-07T09:15:00.000-08:00

Here is the final version of the Chevy in hiding painting. I knew it needed something else and I finally figured out that adding the Route 66 sign in the clouds was all it lacked. This is the first of a series of older cars that I will be paiinting through the summer. Watch for them.

This 12"x14 signed Giclee canvas print is now available for $110.00.
If you are interested in ordering "Chevy in Hidingcontact me at: steve@bergerfinearts.com and I will get a print shipped to you.

Chevrolet Hiding by Garage

2011-02-25T11:11:00.000-08:00

For a change of pace here is a landmark piece that was fun to paint that combines a little architectural history and automobile nostalgia.

Old cars are getting harder to find as well as the infrastructure that was built to serve them throughout the 40's and 60's. I was old enough to remember Phillips 66 gas stations and if you drive through Iowa and Minnesota you cans still find buildings that represent the brand that was called "Phillips". As far as 1962 Chevy's go my brother had one and I always loved that big boat style. Cars built today are getting farther and farther removed from the dinosaurs that use to roam the highways in the early 1950's and 70's. Too bad, I still love the look (and the sound) of the old cars rather than the new cars. The cars of today seem to lack any real definable individual style characteristics. This painting is not quite done but I wanted to post it. If you are interested in a print email me at: steve@bergerfinearts.com

JFK Portrait Painting

2011-02-19T12:09:00.000-08:00

Here is the color version of JFK painting that was done mid summer of last year. It has quite a different look than the previous monochrome earlier JFK painting.

Now that I have finished the Reagan painting (see below) I will need at least two other presidents to finish the "President Series". I have the third drawing on my table now and is being painted as I write this entry. I needed more coffee and a break.I may have to have five or six presidents in this series so watch here as I continue to paint. Someday I have to get back to state flags again. So much to paint so little time.

If you are interested in this print titled "JFK "Go Ahead Call Me A Liberal" please note it is a bigger size than most prints I do at 14"x20" but it does have quite an impact when you walk into a room, very dramatic.

Prints of this signed limited edition series will be priced at $150.00. Email me at: steve@bergerfinearts.com and leave your contact information if you are interested in a print.

Ronald Reagan Portrait for Sale

2011-02-18T12:42:00.000-08:00

Reagan would be 100 years old this year so to celebrate here is a painting of the president.

The original measures 13"x20" and is available for sale. Signed prints of this 9" x 14" painting are $170.00 each.

If interested I will offer free shipping with purchase, contact.: steve@bergerfinearts.com to arrange payment. Be sure you leave your contact information.

Yankee Slugger Painting

2011-02-18T12:34:00.000-08:00

Baseball season is almost here and I have been in the mood for some baseball so here is the first Baseball painting of the year for 2011.

For you Yankee fans here you go. This orignal is 21" high by 14" wide. You can buy the original for $3,500.00 or an 11x17" print for $90.00 with free shipping.

Contact: steve@bergerfinearts.com if you are interested in either./

Vince Lombardi Poster

2011-01-25T08:15:00.000-08:00

To follow up the earlier artwork with another quote from Lombardi was irresistible. I wanted something that every business owner, coach, and fan of football would like and how do you argue with this speech from Vince Lombardi on what it takes to be number one.

I am not sure where or who he gave this speech to originally but I think it was to newsmen asking questions on how does he keep his teams winning? What is the secret? I think Mr. Lombardi pretty well sums up winning with this reply that is part of my art work.

$50.00 and you can own this work, signed & numbered.
This work is available as a signed limited edition canvas giclee print . It measures 7"x18" (image area) and will retail for $50.00. That includes mailing. Contact: steve@bergerfinearts.com and leave your contact information to get one of these collector prints.

Viince Lombardi Color Painting

2011-01-17T22:07:00.000-08:00

After watching the Packers play in last weeks playoff game I wanted to finish this painting which I started some time ago. I was doing this painting at the same time of the black and white version I did for the celebrity series of paintings posted on my blog last year. Lombardi and his quotes are synonymous with football excellence and the Super Bowl so here is my salute to the Green Bay Packers and their quest for another Super Bowl and the Lombardi Trophy.

Green Mountain Boys Flag

2011-01-10T09:06:00.001-08:00

Recently I had a request for information about the Green Mountain Boys Flag I had painted earlier. See my blog post (July of 2009) for a look at that flag.

I have wanted to repaint that flag for some time and finally did a watercolor study for a new painting and showed it to some one who was in my studio at the time to see what they thought. After some discussion I felt that this painting was ready for a new look and set up to paint the new image on canvas after the watercolor study was refined.

Before I completed the final new acrylic painting the watercolor study was purchased. I usually wait until I am done with the final painting before I sell my reference work but they could not wait, they had to have it immediately and purchased the study.

The new Green Mountain Boys Flag original acrylic painting dimensions are 32"x19" so a limited number of signed Giclee prints are now available of this painting at an image size of 16"x 9.5" printed on canvas for $75.00 each.

If you do not know who the Green Mountain Boys are and what the connection between Ethan Allen, Seth Warner and Benedict Arnold was look at that previous blog of my (July 2009) for a brief background picture of the interesting character's behind the flag.

Cartoon Messaging

2011-01-05T06:03:00.000-08:00

A new year is here. I wanted to show some recent cartoons and how companies and individuals are using cartoons to tell their story.

If you have a message you wish to convey quickly and with a smile cartoons are a fantastic way to accomplish both. I have used cartoons in plenty of companies branding efforts (Aflac Insurance, General Mills, Once Upon A Child Retail Stores, Heartland, etc,) because they are so darned effective. If they are done right they will be kept in front of and continue to message to a targeted audience long past the initial delivery. I know of some cases and I am sure you have seen at one time or another a framed cartoon in a office or on someone's desk years after they recieved it.

At any rate besides fine art I have done a lot of cartooning over the years for publishers and companies that want to send a brand specific message. If you need something specific contact me at steve@bergerfinearts.com

Woman at Window Watercolor

2010-11-15T08:27:00.000-08:00

I have not posted many watercolor paintings or pencil drawings of non historical paintings but I do paint other things. (see post below)

I do enjoy using either medium and I wanted to show commission work that does not involve something of historical significance. Samples shown here will give you an idea of the style and range of my experience with both mediums. I like working in watercolors or pencil because they are both quick without the hassle of longer drying times that you can run into with oil and acrylics.

So if you are looking for some custom commission work using watercolors or pencil let me know what you are looking for and I will provide it to you before the holidays. Contact:steve@bergerfinearts.com

2010-11-15T08:16:00.000-08:00

The holidays are coming soon and no is the time to get your request in for a portraits of your family pet.

Capture your pet(s) likeness in a beautiful formal acrylic painting that you can hang proudly in any room. All I require is a decent photo to capture the likeness of your pet. Remember when submitting photos If I can not see it I can not paint it so please send a decent photo.

Send your requests to steve@bergerfinearts.com and I will get a quote to you after I know size and other specifics. Painting prices start at $150.00 without frame and I usually require a two week turnaround depending on the size.

First Minnesota At Gettysburg

2010-10-29T07:29:00.000-07:00

I have finally finished this painting "The Spartans Of Gettysburg" after about 7 variations. I wanted to capture the moment at Gettysburg when the First Minnesota Volunteers all 262 of them were ordered by General Hancock to charge down a hill into 1,800 Alabama soldiers moving up the hill. General Hancock needed time to rush in reinforcements to counter the 11000 man force forming behind the Alabaman's that were rapidly moving into positions to flank the Union lines -- "five minutes time," he'd write later. So he ordered Col. William Colvill and his men to charge the larger Rebel force to gain time to get his reinforcements into position.

“Every man in the first Minnesota realized in an instant what that order meant; death or wounds to us all, the sacrifice of the regiment, to gain a few minutes’ time and save the position and probably the battlefield," wrote Lt. William Lochren of the First Minnesota. Though the Minnesotan unit was outnumbered five to one they did not hesitate and lunged forward with fixed bayonets in a spectacular charge that could in all fairness be called suicidal.

The Alabamans were disorganized and winded after charging nearly a mile, and the sudden attack by the small group of Minnesotans caught them off guard. The Confederates were momentarily thrown back; but they regained cohesion, and then delivered staggering fire into the Yankees.

The First Minnesota was virtually destroyed within ten minutes. Only 47 soldiers made their way back to the ridge. Colvill was seriously wounded, one of 215 casualties. The Rebels were repelled and Hancock succeeded in bolstering the Union line with reinforcements in that 10 minutes--but at a great sacrifice. 82 percent of the First Minnesota men were killed or wounded the highest casualty rate of the any American unit in any war. Hancock succeeded in bolstering the Union line with reinforcements in that 10 minutes, and the Alabamans were forced to retreat.

"I would have ordered that regiment in if I had known every man would have been killed," Hancock wrote. "It had to be done."

"They had not taken the Alabama flag, but they had held on to their own,' Historian Shelby Foote wrote. "And they had given Hancock his five minutes plus five more for good measure."

The Next Day the First Minnesota Helped Repel Pickett's Charge
Decimated as it was, the First Minnesota was not finished fighting at Gettysburg. Two companies that had been detached from the regiment, rejoined the unit, bringing the numbers back up to 150 men. On the third day of the battle, the Minnesotans were called in to help smother Pickett's Charge -- the climatic Confederate attack led by Gen. George E. Pickett. The First Minnesota suffered 45 more casualties, but Pvt. Marshall Sherman managed to capture the colors of the 28th Virginia. This flag which I have seen is today at the Minnesota History Museum.

This acrylic painting measures 24"x 36" and the original is still available. Signed Giclee prints with an image size of 20" x 15.5" are available for $250.00. Other sizes are available with framing options. Email me at steve@bergerfinearts.com if interested.

JFK Poster Go Ahead and Call Me a Liberal

2010-10-25T06:22:00.000-07:00

Well you can sure tell its election time. A lot of interest in this print with the included speech from JFK dated September 14th 1960.

So here it is a limited edition run of this 17" and 3/4" x 26" image area only Giclee print for $125.00. Each piece is signed and numbered and is guaranteed to be a draw in any room it occupies. If you need framing options please let me know and I can show you and price a style that fits the piece.

Email me if interested in ordering prints or framing options at steve@bergerfinearts.com

Jack Kennedy Painting

2010-10-18T06:51:00.000-07:00

After Painting sports legend Vince Lombardi and Marilyn Monroe the famous screen actress I had to finish the famous celebrity series with a political icon.

JFK was a natural choice for me, Abe Lincoln was close and I actually started one of Abe but with the Marilyn Monroe connections and the lack of JFK portraits in a natural setting like this the choice was made much easier for me. I will finish Abe later and post here.

This JFK original measures 18" in length by 9" wide and is painted in colors that reflect the other two paintings in the series. The image painted I think fits the personality of JFK and his tone of politics. If you are looking for a series of original art to finish off a media room or entertainment area this is the series that will always draw comments.

This image is for sale and signed limited edition Giclee prints are available at the original size for $180.00. Email: steve@bergerfinearts.com to order.

Babe Ruth New York Yankees Painting

2010-10-14T06:36:00.000-07:00

After a disappointing sweep of the Twins by the New York Yankees I was compelled to paint this picture of Babe Ruth. Read into it what you will. This image is slightly cut off at the bottom but signed Giclee prints are available of this 7.50x15" acrylic painting for $125.00. Mailed in a shipping tube this print is sure to bring comments to any room. Allow a week for delivery. Contact: steve@bergerfinearts.com for orders. Visa & MasterCard accepted.

2010-08-25T13:22:00.000-07:00

I just can not seem to get this painting done the way I want it. So here is the night version of the Wayzata depot circa late 1800's. I now have a day and a night version and am not working on modern day version anytime soon. It seems to me that their are many current versions of this historic depot. Prints will be available just contact me at: steve@bergerfinearts.com. and let me know the size you are looking for.

Vince Lombardi Painting

2010-08-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

I had to add this one to my second of three celebrity paintings especially since football season is just around the corner.

The colors of this on the original of this painting are much different than what shows here but monitors can never reproduce color accurately anyway.

This is another black and white look at a legend of the sixties. This will probably mean the third painting of this series should be black and white too.

Painting with a limited palette of colors is fun, refreshing, challenging and very rewarding when it all pulls together.
I like this paintings simplicity. I think this basic image evokes the simplicity of Vince Lombardi's views and approach to football and life. From what I understand of Mr. Lombardi he may have been a complex personality to understand but his complicated personality understood how to get the best results from people. His basic philosophy was to break complicated tasks down to their simplest of components in order to perfect techniques through repetition and familiarity. His ability to do this is what made him a great coach. In my opinion anyway.

Trophy Buck Painting

2010-08-09T19:15:00.000-07:00

This is a painting I just finished for all the avid deer hunters out there. You know who you are and you know this picture, its the scene you can't ever get out of your mind.

You have been out hunting all day and are just about to call it quits when you see the one that you wait all your life to see. The king in front of his castle, staring right back at you. In a second he was there and just as fast he disappears back into his castle. Now you get the essence of this painting and the reason it is titled "A King Leaving His Castle". This JPEG Image to the right does not due justice to the colors of the original but at least you will get an idea of what it looks like.

The original painting measures 17"x24" and when framed is very impressive whether you are a deer hunter or not. Signed Giclee print of this painting are available in the size of 15"x22" for $150.00. Email: steve@bergerfine arts if interested in purchasing or other available sizes.

Oh, and Mike B, if you are out there this ones for you. Never say never.

Marilyn Monroe Painting

2010-08-05T11:53:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to paint a celebrity portrait for sometime and why not pick a cultural icon like Marilyn Monroe. To keep it simple I used a black and white pallet with some tinges of yellow and I really like the effect.

This painting was interesting and fun to do because of the two light sources on both sides of Marilyn's face that can show her facial features starkly and still give the feeling of softness because of the subtle use of face shading.

The title for this painting is "The Look" and what I wanted to convey through this image is a feeling of confidence and awareness. Signed limited Edition 11x17 giclee print of "The Look" is available for 150.00. Contact me at steve@bergerfinearts.com and leave your contact information so I can get back to you about shipping, framing, sizes etc.

The unpublished Wayzata Depot Painting

2010-07-31T18:15:00.000-07:00

This is the first Wayzata Depot painting I did. Sometimes I will do a number of views to get the right feel for the completed painting and I usually do not publish the "other" study paintings but I had to publish this one here.

I am not sure when it happened but somewhere in process this view and this painting started not feeling right and well you will have to look at this one and judge for yourself.

Maybe I should have kept going with this painting but I decided to stop. The previous blog post is where I ended up so you can see for yourself where this painting ended up. I have had a lot of comments on this painting as people pass by it.

Wayzata 1800's Rail Road Depot

2010-07-31T18:02:00.000-07:00

I recently was in Wayzata Minnesota and looked at the historic railroad depot nestled right in downtown of Wayzata.

This building has existed since the late 1800's and considering the histiry it is in remarkable shape. I wanted to capture the spirit of the building but after reading some of the history to paint it accurately I had to do some research.

This painting is based on photos dating back to the late 1800's and the scenery around the depot has changed dramatically. There were no trees or groomed lakeshore at that time. This painting represents that time with a transport boat "Minnehaha" at the dock waiting for passengers in its yellow and red colors. I still have some finishing touches to this painting but prints are available. Please email me at steve@bergerfinearts.com.

1987 Twins World Series Painting

2010-07-20T06:27:00.000-07:00

As the Twins make their way to the playoffs (I hope) I was reminded of the 1987 Twins team that won the world series and how important Kirby Puckett was to that team.

I found my old tickets and looked at the cover of the program for that World Series held in the Metro dome and thought wouldn't it be neat to put Kirby with his hand held high showing that the Twins won the 1987 series and that team finally brought a world championship to the Twin Cities.

What I wanted to do was to create a painting that combines the images from the program cover the 1987 World Series logo and Kirby showing the Twins won the 1987 series. Here is the painting as it stands now and I might add this photo to the right does not do the colors in the original justice but I do feel the painting captures the electricity and emotion that was part of that memorable series between the Twins and the St. Louis Cardinals.

A limited edition of 100 signed Giclee prints are available for $150 each. The original art measures 17" wide by 22" and is also for sale. Contact: steve@bergerfinearts.com for size considerations, payment termas and delivery information.

Fort Snelling 1890

2010-07-13T17:39:00.000-07:00

This is a little different view of Fort Snelling. The style of this painting is not as detailed as my other stuff but when I reached this point I just really liked the way the colors and the painting looked so I stopped before I screwed it up.

This is a view from across the fort from the river in the year 1890. The poles you see at the rivers edge are tie ups for river boats to tie up to so they could load and unload. The river current here is very fast. At any rate I am leaving it as is. The original painting is about 24"x30" on canvas. If interested in prints email me at (steve@bergerfinearts.com)

Robbinsdale Downtown Painting

2010-07-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

Robbinsdale Minnesota landmarks are hard to come by. This painting is a followup to the Robbinsdale watertower painting I did earlier in the year. Downtown and Wiz Bang Days celebration were the inspiration for this painting. I tried to capture the shadows of a typical summer day in downtown Robbinsdale and of course a robin on top of the clock. This is part of a series of small metro downtown paintings I would like to get done this summer. Wayzata and or Hopkins is next. Prints will be forthcoming and if you are interested in prints please feel free to contact me at (steve@bergerfinearts.com) and I will make sure I can give you the size you want.

Lake Harriet Bandshell

2010-07-01T10:51:00.000-07:00

I took a break from history to paint a current landmark the band shell at Lake Harriet.

It has been a while since I painted architecture I use to do a lot of wooden barns in Iowa before they would disappear into rubble. No two barns were created the same. All were unique and that is what made them interesting to paint and draw. The details were amazing.

But this painting was definitely fun to do. Talk about details in buildings this band shell has a bunch of character details. The day at the lake sketching and getting color ideas did not hurt either.

This original painting is 36" wide by 24" tall. I put a lot of purple in the water to show the Vikings colors are everywhere and it will be a part of a three or four painting series about landmarks surrounding the downtown lakes. A giclee print of the lake Harriet band shell will be price at $150.00. The original is still available for purchase

Custer's Last Signal at The Little Big Horn Valley

2010-06-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

This is the final painting in the Little Big Horn series. This painting shows General Custer and Scouts signaling his commanders to follow him into the Bighorn valley. Note the one scout has buckskin trousers on and Custer is also wearing buckskin. According to eyewitness reports on finding the remains at the site soon after the battle Custer was found with all his clothes intact and wearing the buckskin jacket shown here and shot two times both wounds were deemed fatal. According to Chief Crazy Horse who was eyewitness to the event when General Custer was shot for the final time as he fell he laughed. Makes you wonder what the general was thinking about at the end of the battle. It took roughly forty minutes for Custer to have his command annihilated. The rest of his force under the command of officers Reno and Benteen would fight for the next two days before being relieved by reinforcements. This painting is available in prints and original image size is roughly 20" x 36" . Full size Giclee prints on canvas are available for $250.00. Contact steve@bergerfinearts.com for orders.

Custer's Last Cavalry Charge Painting

2010-06-13T08:30:00.000-07:00

This is another painting about the events at Little Big Horn in 1876. There will be one more painting in this series that I have finished and will post later today. This will complete the set at four paintings. This painting is titled "The last Charge of the Seventh Cavalry". Image size is roughly 22"x 38" and was purposely painted with a darker sky and images than the other paintings of the series. I wanted this painting to convey a feeling of static energy being poured into an abyss of history. Whew that is statement that needs to be looked at again. At any rate watch for the last painting of the series. Giclees of this print on canvas will be offered at $250.00 each with artists remarked touches.

George Custers Decision a Painting by Steve Berger

2010-06-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

I admit as a historian I find the the 1876 battle of Little Big Horn fascinating for a number of reasons.

Maybe it's Custer's arrogance or the Sioux nations last gasp of independence that makes this moment in time so intriguing to me but it was most definitely a defining moment in the American West.

This painting called "The Decision" represents Custer's order to split his forces at the divide of the Rosebud River and the valley of the Little Big Horn.

Why he did this is for historians to argue over but it lead to the elimination of his command and the beginning of the end for armed native American resistance.

This painting depicts the conversation at that moment. I wonder what his junior officers thought as he gave the order to proceed and attaack the large Indian village that they could see across the river. His troops were tire and dusty they had just finished an 18 mile ride and it was just a little before 12:oo on that fateful day in 1876. What were they thinking?

GI Mom Painting

2010-06-01T08:59:00.000-07:00

This is a new painting that I had been thinking of for some time. I want to add some finishing touches but at least I am started and it is out of the sketch format. With memorial day just passing this one is for all the mom's in the military and there seems to be a lot of them.

I never seem to see any images that can convey all the loads women carry as mothers, wives, and soldiers. In this painting I wanted to capture that feeling. Maybe this painting represents the end of a long long day somewherere else but home.

This original painting called "GI Mom"has an image size of 12"x20" and is for sale as a Giclee for $125.00.

Voyager Painting

2010-05-25T09:05:00.001-07:00

This is the latest of the Fort Snelling works I have produced. This scene depicts a Voyager in his element. I may have a couple of changes to this painting. The original measures 36" x 27" and is an acrylic on canvas. If you would be interested in prints email me at steve@bergerfinearts.com

2010-05-25T09:01:00.000-07:00

This is a finished view of an original painting I did some time ago. I wanted to do something with the clouds in the sky and I thought adding an eagle would be interesting. I wanted to paint it so it would be immediately noticeable. Can you find it? This painting is part of the Fort Snelling series and is now finally finished. Prints are available just email me at steve@bergerfinearts if interested.

Pawnee Near Fort Snelling

2010-05-25T08:52:00.000-07:00

This painting is part of the Fort Snelling series I have been doing. I wanted to capture what it would be feeling like in the woods near the fort. Since it is near the Mississippi River there are steep bluffs, many ridges and trails and lots of color. This painting reflects a typical day for a Native American who is checking out his collection of flint arrowheads to maybe be re-purposed as flint for his newly acquired gun. It is just another walk in the woods near the fort.

Confederate States Flag

2010-05-08T06:21:00.000-07:00

One of the the first national flags of the confederacy is depicted here. I wanted to add something more to this piece rather than just show the flag by itself. After doing some research I discovered that the flag design as well as the design styles of the uniforms of the newly formed southern army had a design link. This is what made the painting shown here an
interesting combination of visual history.

This initial Confederate States flag was designed by a Prussian artist named Nicola Marschall. Mr. Marschall also designed the confederate uniforms we all have become familiar with that use the grey, yellow and blue color combinations used by the armies of the south during the Civil War. Mr Marschall lived in Marion Alabama at the time of this design and must have been active in other design endeavors during his lifetime which I would like to research to find out more.

Mr. Marschall's assignment to come up with a new flag also included a design requirement set by the provisional Confederate Congress that the new flag was to be similar to the"Stars and Stripes" flag used by the north.

Nicloa's design challenge was then can he make the C.S.A. flag different enough using the same combinations of colors, stars and stripes that the U. S. flag incorporated to stand on its own visual merit. Mr Marschall's design did indeed succeed in winning the newly formed governments approval. His unique combination of the elements required by the Congress made a beautiful visual statement that went on to represent the Southern government and was soon referred to as the "Stars and Bars"of the south.

Nicola's flag design was rapidly approved on March 4th 1861 and was shown first publicly at the Ben Johnson house in Bardstown Kentucky. It eventually made its appearance over the confederate capital dome later in the year.

A special note that the initial flag design had only had 7 stars not the eleven star flag depicted here in this painting. As the war progressed and more states fell into the confederacy more stars were added. The eleven star was added July 2nd 1861 and stayed until two more final stars were added November 28, 1861.

Prints of this are now available. A 2'x2' signed canvas Giclee print goes for $1,500.00

Dakota Warriors outside of Fort Snelling Minnesota

2010-04-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

This is a recent painting I did to go along with the Fort Snelling painting "series" which I have not posted here yet. The series depicts different scenes about the post as it appeared in 1848. Of course the Dakota people were a big part of the comings and goings of the settlement. This scene shows three Dakota warriors observing from afar. Just enough detail in the painting to evoke the distance between the two cultures the openess of the territory, both represented in this painting with the big sky and open prairie. Notice also that the sun is positioned to cast short shadows representing high noon on a hot summer day in northern Minnesota. I am sure this scene was played out many times in the 1800's, it was fun to paint while thinking of how it must have been to be alive during those days. This original of this painting is roughly 3'x3.5 and 2'x2' Giclee signed canvas prints of this painting sell for $195.00. Free shipping of course. Email steve@bergerfinearts.com to order.

Bennington Flag Real or Not?

2010-04-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

This is another 4'x4' painting for the American Flag series. I did a smaller version of the Bennington flag but I wanted to do a larger one for the collection. The history behind this flag is interesting. The Bennington Flag large '76' makes it easily identifiable as banner from the American Revolution, and it seems every one has seen this flag at one time or another.
A legend claims that the original Bennington Flag was carried off the field by Nathaniel Fillmore and passed down through the Fillmore family, and was, at one time, in the possession of President Millard Fillmore, Nathaniel's grandson. Philetus P. Fillmore flew a Bennington flag in 1877, to commemorate the Battle of Bennington. Mrs. Maude Fillmore Wilson donated the family flag to the Bennington Museum. Because of the family association, the flag is also referred to as the "Fillmore Flag".
Many doubt the actual use of the Fillmore flag at the Battle of Bennington. The flag of John Stark's Green Mountain Boys is generally accepted to have been there, but the Bennington flag has become more strongly associated with the event. Both Stark's flag and the Fillmore flag are held in a collection at the Bennington Museum, but the Stark flag is accepted as an 18th century regimental banner, while the museum has dated the Bennington flag from the 1800s based on the nature of the machine-woven fabric it is made from.The curator of textiles in the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of History and Technology speculated that the flag may even have been a centennial banner, made circa 1876. If this is true than this flag is historic but it represnts a different era than what people think it represents. I will go with the Smithsonians observations. 2'x2' Giclee canvas reprints of this artwork are available for $165.00 email steve@bergerfinearts if interested. Free shipping of course.

Minnehaha

2010-04-13T07:41:00.000-07:00

This is a painting of the wooden steamboat Minnehaha. This boat was built in 1906 and was powered by steam. It would cruise lake Minnetonka a suburb of Minneapolis all summer long. As personal gas powered boats became popular the ridership of the Minnehaha decreased and the upkeep became to much of a factor to keep the economics of the boat cruising the lake. The decision was made to sink the boat in 1926. She stayed on the bottom until the mid 1990's where she was discovered again and raised from the depths. She was miraculously restored and has been in active passenger service 1996. What a great way to spend an evening on the lake. It may be a little slower but in the middle of summer everything is suppose to slow down.

Broadway Joe

2010-04-09T12:28:00.000-07:00

I am adding another sports painting that I recently finished. This one is of Joe Namath. Broadway Joe was a favorite of mine when he played for the Jets not the Rams. I had a chance to meet him on the field when he played for the Rams at the end of his career. This picture pretty well sums up how I remember Joe. Confident and in complete control of his game.

This 12"x18" print will be selling for $150.00 signed. If interested in this print leave a comment with contact information below or email me at steve@bergerfinearts.com and I will get back to you.

Minnesota Twins Country

2010-03-02T13:49:00.000-08:00

I had to do this one just for fun. This is not the finished painting but you get the general idea. The image is roughly 26" x 20" and it combines some fun imagery. Like I said in the previous post it is fun to be painting sports again. I hope it shows.

Twins Opening Day Poster

2010-03-02T13:25:00.000-08:00

This is a new painting I recently did to celebrate the opening day of the Twins home opener at their new stadium Target Field.

If you notice this year the Twins have three logos in their marketing mix. The circular one shown on the left in the painting is celebrating fifty years of baseball in the Twin Cities. The smaller one in the upper right is celebrating the opening of Target Field. The one in the lower left is the new signage that is in center field of Target Field that shows the twin city dudes shaking hands. And lastly in the bottom right is the original Twins Cities logo. Putting a local Minneapolis hero Joe Mauer in front of the whole bunch is only right. The Twins should be fun to watch this year.

This Giclee print is for sale for $75.00. Email me at steve@bergerfinearts.com. or leave a comment that you are interested with your contact information.

It is actually a lot of fun painting sports figures and events again mostly because I think it has been so long since I painted them. In the early eighties I did a lot of stuff for Viking players and every now and then I will see one of the old guys and say hi to them. Wes Hamilton who was an offensive guard at the time and is still local and has a painting of mine as well as defensive tackle Mark Mullaney. I saw Carl Eller the other day too. There were a few of them. I still have a Fran Tarkenton original that Fran signed. There were some real charachters in the day.

Favre Champions Self painting

2010-02-19T09:47:00.000-08:00

Champions
This is a new painting I just had to do after the 2010 Minnesota Viking season ended. It is based on a picture I saw of Brett Favre on the ground during the Saints playoff game. All I could think of is what must be going through his mind in the final minutes of the game. So the poem goes with the painting on what a champion must be thinking about. When it is all said and done and the game is over, after you have done your best and you are out of time how do you will yourself and what thinking process must a champion like Favre go through to do it again.

I have made signed and numbered Giclee prints of this painting and they are available for $125.00 each. Free shipping of course. If you would like one email me at: steve@bergerfinearts.com and be sure to include your contact information.

I have been doing more and more sports paintings and with baseball starting soon look for more baseball art and sports paintings to appear here soon.

Wolf on Lake

2010-02-10T14:34:00.000-08:00

I enjoy camping in the Boundary Waters canoe area during the course of the year and the wolf population has enjoyed a healthy return. Though we do not see them in the evenenings we hear them conversing during the night. We also see their tracks in the daylight while fishing and enjoying shore lunches.

This painting was inspired by a visit to Lake Saginaga and I wanted to convey the vastness of the night with a wolf running across a frozen lake Saginaga with his shadow mirroring his gallop. Prints of this painting are available. Signed 14" x 34" prints on canvas are available of this painting for $125.00. Email steve@bergerfinearts.com if interested in purchasing.

Custer's Flags & Little Bighorn

2010-02-10T14:21:00.000-08:00

George Armstrong Custer and the battle of Little Bighorn is still a fascinating event in American history for me. It was a watershed moment on so many levels that I continue to read every thing I can get my hands on that involves the events of that day in history.

I have painted Custers Personal flag which he carried in the later days of the Civil War and still survives today. This is because he did not bring it to the battle of little Bighorn but left it at the fort Abaham Lincoln. I have wanted to paint the 7th cavalry company colors as shown in this painting for some time and here it is.
Signed 16" x16"prints of this painting are available for $80.00. Email me if you are interested in a print. steve@bergerfinearts.com

2010-02-10T14:07:00.000-08:00

Here is a recent oil painting of the first Minnesota's role at Gettysburg. I usually paint in Acrylic but I thought it was time for an oil painting. If you understand the history of the Minnesota First at Gettysburg it is nothing less than awe inspiring. The men of the 1st Minnesota are most remembered for their actions on July 2, 1863, during the second day's fighting at Gettysburg, where the regiment prevented the Confederates from pushing the Federals off of Cemetery Ridge, a position that was to be crucial in the battle.
Maj. Gen. Winfield S. Hancock, commander of the II Corps, ordered the regiment to assault a much larger enemy force (a brigade commanded by Brig. Gen. Cadmus M. Wilcox) telling Col. William Colvill to take the enemy's colors. The fateful charge bought the time needed while other forces were brought up. During the charge, 215 members of the 262 men who were present at the time became casualties, including the regimental commander, Col. William Colvill, and all but three of his officers.
The unit's flag fell five times and rose again each time. The 47 survivors rallied back to General Hancock under the senior surviving officer, Captain Henry C. Coates. The 83 percent casualty rate stands to this day as the largest loss by any surviving military unit in American history during any single engagement. The unit's flag is now in the Minnesota Capitol's rotunda.
Despite the horrendous casualties the 1st Minnesota had incurred, it continued the fight the next day, helping to repulse Pickett's Charge. The surviving Minnesotans just happened to have been positioned at one of the few places where Union lines were breached during that engagement, and, as a result, charged the advancing Confederate positions one last time as a unit. I have had the honor of viewing (see previous blogs) the captured Virginia battle flag captured by the Minnesota First during Picketts charge which currently resides at the Minnesota Historical Society. I have painted my versions of the Virgina flag and it prints are available..

2010-02-10T13:54:00.000-08:00

Well it has been awhile since my last post and I have a lot to catch up on. I have a series of Ironclad ship paintings that I have put the finishing
touches on. The first is the CSS Atlanta. The view I chose for this painting was one from the bottom up that shows how the boat was constructed. It is very hard to find information on these ships which makes them fun to paint after the research is done. The CSS Atlanta, was a 1006-ton ironclad ram, and was originally built in Scotland in 1861 as the merchant steamship Fingal. In November 1861 she ran the blockade into Savannah, Georgia, with a large cargo of weapons and military supplies. After Union forces closed the exits from Savannah, preventing her further use as a blockade runner, Fingal was converted to an casemate ironclad and renamed Atlanta. She made her first appearance as a Confederate warship in mid-1862.

Atlanta made two efforts to attack Federal warships blockading the coast and rivers leading to Savannah. The first, in early 1863, was thwarted by obstructions blocking the route to the sea. In June 1863 Atlanta made her second attempt, targeting blockaders in Wassau Sound. There, on the 17th, she encountered the U.S. Navy monitors Nahant and Weehawken. In a brief battle, Atlanta went aground and was overwhelmed by Weehawken's superior firepower, forcing her to surrender.

The captured ironclad was taken into the Union Navy as USS Atlanta, commissioning for service in February 1864. She was stationed on the James River, Virginia, to support the operations of the army under General Grant. On 21 May 1864, she fired on Confederate cavalry that were attacking Fort Powhatan. A year later, with the Civil War over, Atlanta went north and decommissioned at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in June 1865. After several years "in ordinary", she was sold in May 1869. Reportedly, she subsequently became the Haitian warship Triumph and disappeared at sea off Cape Hatteras in December 1869.

We The People Painting

2009-09-08T07:31:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I stretched my lettering skills. After doing some watercolor studies which I posted earlier, I thought doing a canvas painting would be a nice touch to the American flag series already produced.

This original painting measures 2'x3' on canvas. The colors are meant to blend with the other paintings in the American Flag series but I think it stands on its own merit as a single display piece.

The calligraphy flowing in a free form like this gives life to the words of the Preamble to the Constitution. By putting them in free flowing rows they begin to represent the stripes of a flag catching a nice breeze.

I wanted to make the words of the Preamble beautiful to look at as individual strokes as well as impact-full and alive when viewed as a whole image with the original typeface featured on the original Preamble "We The People".

Smaller signed Giclee prints of this painting 12"x12" will be offered for $200.00 each if ordered through Berger Fine Arts. Email (steve@bergerfiinearts.com) if interested in purchasing.

German Flag

2009-09-08T07:15:00.000-07:00

After seeing the Irish Brigade flag I was approached to do a German flag for an office enviroment. Take a look at the lettering. Not only is this font style fun and unique but it just looks splendid when combined with the other elements in this image.

I wanted to combine the German flag colors with a traditional German Icon of the eagle to convey the old with the new Germany in one image. This 2'x2' image is meant to make a bold statement in any room.

Smaller signed 12x12 Giclee prints of this painting will be available for around $200.00. Framing will be available.

The State of Texas Art

2009-08-28T20:00:00.001-07:00

I have been producing state flags and I was doing a watercolor study for a larger acrylic painting of the state of Texas flag. I was trying something a little different by adding some other elements to the art rather than just the flag.

I am still not sure about doing it for every state but it does add a little something to the painting. I still like making watercolors too so if anyone is interested in purchasing this art contact me at steve@bergerfinearts.com.

U.S. Constitution Art

2009-08-28T19:35:00.000-07:00

It was time to stretch my calligraphic skills again and I wanted to do something with the preamble to the U.S. Constitution which I have included in my Historic U.S. Flag series.

My goal was to use type as part of the design to represent a waving flag and keep it interesting enough with the combination of type styles to be fun and beautiful to look at.

This is another watercolor which measures 11x17. I plan on making this into a 4'x4' acrylic painting to accompany the rest of the US Flag series.

If you are interested in this painting email me at steve@inposition.biz and I will gladly make you a Giclee or watercolor print.

St Mary's Logo

2009-08-28T19:14:00.000-07:00

I recently went home to my high school reunion and enjoyed the company of a lot people who I have not seen in a long time. People and places all change and we laughed and talked about the changes in our lives since we were last together. It made the evening a lot of fun.

I did notice that every five years or so when I come back for a reunion that buildings that I thought would be there long after I was gone are disappearing.

First it was St. Mary's grade school, then they the St. Mary's High School was demolished and finally this year it was St. Mary's Church. The church I believe was built in the early part of the century. With it being gone there is nothing left to even recognize that St.Mary's school or parish ever existed. Its all in our memories now and they too will fade.

At any rate I thought I would make a painting to at least keep some of the memories fresh and to remind others who never knew about St. Mary's that the school existed and the events that happened there shaped a lot of kids for a lot of years. Enough said.

Aviation Art Hangar Displays Steve Berger's US Flag Series

2009-08-17T09:02:00.000-07:00

I recently joined the home of Aviation Art Hangar's Gallery of world renowned aviation artists. You will find my work under the new category of "Other Military and Patriotic Art" I am very excited to be a part of this gallery's selections.

Aviation Art Hangar is based out of Columbia Maryland and the owner is an aviation enthusiast and a pilot for life. The owner hand selects artists and artwork with customer satisfaction paramount in all the gallery's selection offerings.

This is a first class operation and I am very proud to have my work displayed with world renown aviation artists like Robert Taylor, Stan Stokes, John Shaw, Robert Baily, Phillip West, William Phillips and dozen of others.

Go to Art Hangar at www.aviationarthangar.com and you will see quite a collection of the finest aviation art found anywhere. You will also see some flags their too.

Marine Semper Fi Art Print

2009-08-17T08:13:00.000-07:00

There has been a tremendous amount of interest in this image since I originally posted it and I finally wanted to get it posted and priced.

This limited edition Giclee print (100 prints) is is ready to frame. The powerful image is a unique piece of Marine Corp art.

Each print is hand signed and numbered and measures 13"x25.5" and is
priced at $350.00.

Email orders at steve@bergerfinearts.com with your contact information including email address and phone number where you can be reached.

The Alamo Flag

2009-08-06T12:05:00.000-07:00

Wow, I did not know what I was going to uncover when doing the research for this flag. This painting depicts the Alamo flag. Or is it? For well over 150 years, popular culture has placed the 1824 Flag flying from the walls of the Alamo during those fateful thirteen days when a handful of determined men stood before the might of the Mexican army and shouted "Liberty or Death." The idea that the defenders of the Alamo flew the 1824 Flag is rooted solely in the belief that the defenders were fighting for the restoration of the Mexican Constitution of 1824. That belief and all conjecture that flows from it, are unfounded. Indeed, the idea that the defenders would have considered flying the 1824 Flag from the walls of their fortress is, at the very least, far fetched and, at the most, demeaning to their cause and their memory. This flag existed no doubt but there is no empirical evidence to prove that the green, white and red tricolor with the black numerals 1824 supplanting the central Mexican eagle was ever used at the Alamo.

The flag was not captured and preserved by the victors nor recorded in the military accounts of the day. Though there were accounts by Texans of it being captured from the Mexican army months after the fall of the Alamo at a later battle. The few people who survived the battle were never asked about the flags the Texans flew. Those citizens of Béxar who were asked about the subject were questioned some seventy years after the fact and gave answers that are open to very broad interpretations. That leaves only the desire to restore the Mexican Constitution of 1824 to bear the full weight of evidence for the idea that the Alamo defenders would fly the 1824 Flag. So what to believe is up to you and the historical record.

Terry James Art Showing Steve Berger's Flag Art

2009-08-04T12:28:00.000-07:00

Terry James Art Gallery in Oxford Connetticut announced that they are showing my work in their gallery and on their website. Owned and operated by James and Terry Tottenham since 1987. Their Featured Artists include Don Troiani and Terry Waldron. If you love history you will absolutely love the art at this site. The Gallery is a showcase for historical art.

It is a real honor to be included with this wonderful gallery and this group of talented artists.

Visit their website address at http://www.terryjamesart.com and you will see what I mean. For now my work is listed under featured artists section at their home page.

I can not say it loud enough. Thank you Jim and Terry for including my work in your gallery. I hope all my friends visit you and keep coming back to www.bergerfinearts.com and visit the blog section listed on my home page to see my current work.