The Windy City Watercolors by Bertie Brown

The Windy City

original watercolor cityscape w/woodwinds: 10" x 14"

more treasures I find

as still I press on

will I get to an end

will it ever be done

dreams lurk in my mind 

every night as I rest

while days are task-filled

on this treasure filled quest

I know that in time

there’ll be a reward

a peace not soon spoken

but one that endures

BB'25

 

The Winds of Spring Watercolors by Bertie Brown

The Winds of Spring

original watercolor still life w/woodwinds: 10" x 15"

Well

the music said “rest”

so the woodwinds obeyed

they rested their best

and quietly laid

their reeds 

and their keys

right down

with no frown

then I got my stuff

my paints, pan and brush

turned on my i-tunes

and worked until dusk

now when I was done

I took just one quick 

lollipop lick

then settled to munch

 a black licorice whip!

BB'23

 

Into The WindsWatercolors by Bertie Brown

Into The Winds

original watercolor woodwind NY cityscape: 10" x 14"

so onward we go 

thru the pix fit to show

of this year's BertieBrowns

you’ll enjoy them I know

BB'22

 

into the Winds Watercolors by Bertie Brown

into the Winds

original watercolor cityscape with woodwinds: 10" x 14"

what ho!

i’m gonna say this

gettin’ older is so

not tops on my list

seems there are some peeps

pollyannas and such   

who’ll tell you how sweet

it is, that’s a bunch    

of crap, oh ‘tis true

there are a few perks

please don’t misconstrue 

we work out, not work

and nap after noon

there’s grandies to keep

that’s work that we seek

it helps keep us fit

and quick on our feet

but losses do come

that’s harsh, and a fact

‘though dismissed by some,

i’ve got much less tact

so try if you can

to put off old age

‘cause footloose it seems

ain’t quite fancy free 

BB'22

 

UPtown Girl Watercolors by Bertie Brown

Uptown Girl

original watercolor cityscape w/woodwinds: 10" x 14"

The French Conundrum

The French Horn is happy

Wherever it plays

From Woodwinds and Brass

To  the Strings with such class.

Yes, the instruments agree

That it’s sound does so please.

And most of the time

The horn is quite amiable

But it can get unruly

And downright unplayable 

BB'22

 

Into The Woods Watercolors by Bertie Brown

Into The Woods

original watercolor woodwinds: 10" x 14"

Woodwinds Rule

The Woodwinds agree it’s a funny thing

To sit behind a sea

Of self-important Strings

They chuckle to think

That a skinny black stick,

An Oboe, 

You know,

Is chosen to play 

The tuning note

And if the orchestra is listening

And not playing by rote

They’ll make beautiful music together...

At least that’s what we hope! 

BB'22

 

The WindyCity Times Square Watercolors by Bertie Brown

The WindyCity Times Square

original watercolor woodwind scape: 10" x 14"

Quints Jam

The woodwind Quintet

Is surprised and upset

That a brass French Horn-et

Is allowed on their set

But the French Horn explained

While the Woodwinds complained

That his rich rounded sound

Keeps the Woodwinds anchored down

So they changed all their plans

And that’s how it began

For the “Woodwind Quints Jam” 

BB'22

 

Woodwinded Watercolors by Bertie Brown

Woodwinded

print: 10" x 14"

Toast!

cheers to beginnings

for 2000-22

I do hope my paintings

are pleasing to you

so here’s to good starts

what e're they may be

as paper and paint

spread out before me

may each have a touch

of magic I trust

as bravely I wield 

my pencils and brush!

BB'22

 

Woodwinds Rule Watercolors by Bertie Brown

Woodwinds Rule

original watercolor woodwinds: 10" x 14"

The Woodwinds agree

 Tis a funny thing

To sit behind a sea

Of self-important Strings

They chuckle to think

That a skinny black stick,

An Oboe, 

You know,

Is chosen to play the tuning up note

And if they're listening

And not playing by rote

They’ll make beautiful music together...

At least that’s what we hope! 

BB'21

 

Quints'Jam Watercolors by Bertie Brown

Quints' Jam

original watercolor woodwind quintet: 10" x 15"

the woodwind quintet

is surprised and upset

that a brass french horn-et

is allowed on their set

while the woodwinds complained

the french horn explained 

that his rich rounded sound

kept the woodwinds anchored down

so they threw up their hands

made a quick change of plans

and that’s how it began

for the woodwind “Quints Jam”!

BB'21

 

The Heart of the Orchestra Watercolors by Bertie Brown

The Heart of the Orchestra

original watercolor instrumental w/strings, woodwinds: 10" x 14"

 A String Thing

The strings are such

A complicated section,

We say that and invoke

Our greatest affection,

With notes that soar

To the highest of heights

The violins bow frantically

Trying to get it just right!

And notes writ so low

A bass’s brow frowns

While bending to bow

So low to the ground.

Always self important

No humility, not a trace

They sit right up front

And take up prime stage space.

The rest of the orchestra

Accepts this with grace

Their parts they play well..

 They are quite exceptional,

And oh so professional...

BB'20

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Strings 'n Things Instrument Watercolors by Bertie Brown

Strings 'n Things

original watercolor w/strings, woodwinds:15" x 18"

Well

the music said “rest”

so the woodwinds obeyed

they rested their best

and quietly laid

their reeds 

and their keys

right down

on the ground

then I got my stuff

my paints, pan and brush

turned on my i-tunes

and worked until dusk

now when I was done

I took just one quick 

look and a think

it's done, I proclaimed

and pronounced it a day!

BB

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Pick-up Sticks Watercolors by Bertie Brown

Pick-up Sticks

original watercolor still life w/clarinet, oboe, flute, bassoon: 12" x 16"

Play Away

it’s really okay

to chill out and play

we all know we should

(that is understood)

but still we forget

and totally get

ourselves in fun debt

we think if we could 

buy us some fun

then surely we would 

feel wonderf’ly good  

BB

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Posies & Posers Watercolors by Bertie Brown

Posies & Posers

original watercolor still life w/clarinet, flute, sunflowers: 15" x 17"

i keep pressing on

‘cause that’s what i do

to see what comes next

with a painting or two

there’s music, of course

and sunflowers, sure

with pitchers and more

a donkey of yore

it’s funny, you know

when themes just won’t go

and my artwork shows

my real life also

BB

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Quints' Jam Watercolors by Bertie Brown

Quints' Jam

original watercolor still life w/horn, woodwinds

back in the day

i remember we played

with marbles and jacks

and baseballs and bats

but sometimes i recall

though i tried hard to stall 

i had to apply

my  lip 

to the tip

of my tarnished old horn

and try not to sound

too bad or forlorn

much later i found

practice, patience plus time

would greatly improve

my horn teacher’s mood!

BB

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Quint's Jam Watercolors by Bertie Brown

Quint's Jam

original watercolor still life w/horn, woodwinds: 17"  x 22"

Winter Blues

oh, how i long for June or July

with summer sunshine

and butterflies passing by

this season of cold 

has taken it’s hold

with harsh winds now wailin’

seems the sun has gone sailin’

so i’m getting all set,

though it’s hard not to fret,

as blankets cover my lap

 and i settle in

 for a long mid-winter’s nap......

BB

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Quints' Jam Musical Motif Watercolors by Bertie Brown

Quint's Jam

original musical motif watercolor w/woodwind quintet: 15" x 18"

a musician displays 

exhibitionist ways

but it’s all okay

‘cause music filled days

and nights do remain

quite high on our list

of things we like best

so please don’t insist

we cease and desist!

BB'13

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