Burns Version of Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Why should we get discounts and savings for just a couple of days? We extend ours for nearly two months leading up to the Holidays!! Check it out - and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

New Contest!

Now THIS is exciting! To generate excitement about Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, which is the entire month of October, I am hosting a contest called "Reading Rufus Rhymes to Rover." This contest basically asks you to record yourself reading a lullaby from Rufus Rhymes to your adopted dog and record it. Then, post it to You Tube and let me know! The winning video will be determined by a panel of dog lovers. But the best part is the prize... a COMMISSIONED PET PORTRAIT of your shelter dog! Can you believe it? I will actually paint your dog! That's a prize worth about $30,000!

For more info go here: http://ronburns.com/contest/

And good luck all!

Another Morning Smile Post

Saw this just the other day and wanted to share.

Check out these black bears having the time of their lives on an Alaskan swing set! Dangerous, but adorable.

Announcing the "I Love My Pet" Contest WINNER!

Congratulations to Abbie Fink and her dog Viva, a rescued lab/cocker spaniel mix.



Here's what Abbie had to say about her adorable pooch Viva, "Ron -- I love my Viva. A black cocker lab mix who has lived with me for a little over nine years. I adopted her as part of a fundraising event called Viva Las Vegas (hence the name) to benefit Florence Crittenton Services of Arizona. She gives great hugs and wonderful sloppy kisses. You couldn't ask for a better four-legged friend. And yes, that is her in my profile photo, too.”

Luv that she is a rescued dog and LUV that her adoption fees went to another great cause Florence Crittenton Service of Arizona. According to their website, "Every year, Florence Crittenton provides shelter, education, counseling and social support to nearly 1,500 girls and boys, ages 12 to 21. Many of the at-risk youth we serve are struggling with issues and challenges caused by poverty, abuse, neglect, crime and violence." To read more about them, visit them on-line at http://www.florencecrittentonofaz.org/.

Congrats again Viva and Abbie!!!

Fawn and Bobcat are Best Friends

Because I'm an animal lover, I get a lot of great stuff from my animal loving friends. Here is one of the latest... I think this story broke in May, so I may be a little behind, but the pictures are just adorable. So if you've already seen them, I'm sure you won't mind seeing them again!

The Jesusita Fire in Santa Barbara, CA caused these two to take shelter together. The fawn was 3 days old and the bobcat was about 3 weeks. The fawn came from somewhere in the fire and the bobcat from Carpentaria, apparently near Arnold Schwarzeneggers ranch. The poor bobcat was dehydrated and near death. They immediately bonded and snuggled together under a desk in the Santa Barbara County Dispatch Office for hours.



Although wild animals, especially of separate species, are never place together due to regulations, in the emergency situation, they had no choice. Rescuers were forced to put animals anywhere they could, since they had run out of crates large enough for the fawn. The bobcat cub ran to the fawn, it was instant bonding, and that's why we have these pics!

Rhyming w/ Rufus

Rufus, the lead character in my series of lullaby books for dogs, has his very own blog at www.rufusrhymes.com. There, every Wednesday he posts a topic and starts out the rhyming with his own witty little rhyme. Last week, his rhyme was about Animal Planet and went a little something like this...

I love to watch me some Animal Planet
Everything seems so real
But when I forget it's only TV
It takes my nose a day to heal



His rhyming ways must have seeped into my Facebook friends too, because I got this great comment from my friend DeEtte Starr in Silicon Valley, California after she received her copy of Rufus Rhymes.

(to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle)
I just got my book today
Read it through and just must say
Love it dearly,
Yes I do.
Looking forward to Book 2.
Forward grabbed my heart away
Rufus lives on to this day.

The Latest

I thought I'd take a moment to do a sort of week end wrap-up for all those interested parties.

The first part of this week was spent in Flagstaff, Arizona with my girls (my wife Buff and our two girls Loganberry and Emma). The weather was great and the house we stayed at had a great porch for Emma, who LOVES the outdoors, to lay on almost 24/7. We did a lot of hiking, which our whole family really enjoys and took some much needed R&R time.

Now, though, it's back to reality and there's some really great things happening in the world that I want to share with everyone.

First, Rachael Ray is doing a REALLY GREAT thing. She's donating about $200,000 to shelters from the sale of her Nutrish(TM) dog food. Animal welfare organizations can sign up to be a part of a bracket-style contest, and potentially win the $50,000 grand prize, while collecting $1,000 at each tier of the contest. The program is called Mutt Madness, and you can read about/enter by visiting http://blog.rachaelray.com/index.php/2009/08/06/announcing-mutt-madness-a-rewards-program-for-animal-activists/.

Secondly, North Carolina just did a REALLY GREAT thing. According to the article posted by ohmidog! the state just passed a bill that "calls upon the Department of Agriculture to establish basic humane care standards. It requires facilities with more than 10 female dogs and more than 30 puppies to register with the state, undergo yearly inspections and provide proper veterinary care." To learn more about it, visit: http://www.ohmidog.com/2009/08/07/nc-senate-passes-puppy-mill-bill/

Third, I just found out that I have a couple of RV-loving "buddies" at RV Buddies Online. The team is a few people rolling around the country talking RVs in their original on-line series. And, they must be good people because they support Prize, Not Fighter - my partnership with The HSUS to stop dog fighting and make sure that everyone knows dogs are to be prized, not fought. They're also a-okay in my book, because they are accompanied by a couple of dogs, Tobias and Alexander P. Bull (Tobias just passed away about a month ago and my thoughts are with his family). To check out the whole crew and a moving tribute to Tobias, visit: http://www.rvbuddiesonline.com/buddies/.

And lastly, I can't let Rachael Ray and North Carolina show me up! So, I'm giving away a Rufus Rhymes book, set of note cards, and a SIGNED LIMITED EDITION print to one lucky Facebook friend. So go join, befriend me, and I'll tell you how to win!

Facebook... But More to Come!

Ok, I've been a little absent lately on the blog side of things. With all the Rufus Rhymes craziness, commissions, painting my annual holiday piece, and still trying to paint other originals for people, I've been a little busy! But here are my latest brilliant Facebook friends and the little blurbs they have for my paintings. Then, I hope to be able to introduce you all later this week to the Rufus Rhymes blog... but more on that later... I'll leave you all drooling to hear more!

Because I'm a little behind, today you get two bests... The first is from a summertime painting of two dogs enjoying a pool called "Make'n a Splash." It was originally done at a commission, but soon after made into a limited edition as well. The winning entry comes from Gerry B. from right here in HOT, HOT Phoenix. She has a couple of cats and a dog, and a whole photo album dedicated to them, which makes her a-okay in my book! If you can't read the words, the top dog is saying, "Look out below!" while the bottom dog is saying, "La, La, La, La, La....Oooh Noooo!"



Then, the next image comes from Rufus Rhymes and although more than one person said this response ("My future's so bright, I gotta wear shades"), I thought it was great and have to give credit to the first person who said it, which was Christine R. from New Boston, Michigan. Besides 80's music references, Christine also enjoys Harleys and art.


Thanks so all my Facebook friends who continue to make my day with all these great entries. Keep 'em coming!

My Latest Genius Facebook Friend

For Take Your Dog to Work Day, I put up a very executive level painting (see below) and asked my Facebook friends what this tie-clad dog might be thinking if his people took him to work that Friday. There was a LOT of humorous competition for this one, so the person that won must REALLY be brilliant! She Melissa F., a pre-school teacher who yesterday was having a very up and down day. Hopefully, this will make today an "up" day for her!

If you can't read the type, her winning response was, "You're probably wondering why I called this meeting..."



My next bubble contest focuses on Rufus Rhymes, which is now available for purchase for only $8.99 at www.rufusrhymes.com. This is the first painting from the dog-centric lullaby,
"Twinkle, Twinkle I'm a Star." To post your comments, become my friend or fan on Facebook!

Fourth of July

Life is still busy, busy, busy here at Burns' Studio. I'm working on a couple of commissions and trying to work in painting this year's holiday piece. I'm excited that in just a week and a half Rufus Rhymes starts the pre-order and even happier that people will start to get them in their hands soon after! This project has been a labor of love for me for years and I'm so excited to see it finally in the end stages. But, that also just means I have to start work on the second Rufus Rhymes installment! Oh brother!

Well, that's it for your old pal Ron for today. I am wishing everyone a SAFE and happy Fourth of July. Here's an article about keeping your pets safe too http://www.ohmidog.com/2009/07/02/akc-4th-of-july-tips/!

Another Bubble, More Trouble

Last week I posted my favorite saying from my Facebook friends for what Newman in "Newman's Big Adventure" would be saying. Now, I want to post my favorite Facebook friend's saying for what the lab in "Life's Ruff" is dreaming of. I have to admit, I thought it was pretty clever for Kerry H. from right here in Phoenix, Arizona to plug the release of my new book Rufus Rhymes. So, I declare him the "wiener"! Kerry and I have a lot in common, as his interests are "Dogs, movies, dogs... friends, dogs, more friends, art..."

Again, if you can't read the type it says, "Dreaming of the release of Rufus Rhymes." Thanks again for the plug Kerry!

My Paintings Really SPEAK to People!

Last week, I put up one of my all time favorite images, "Newman's Big Adventure," in a Facebook album and asked my friends to tell me what they thought Newman was saying. There were a lot of really funny and great replies, but I thought I'd pick my favorite and feature it right here on my blog! So, without further ado... my favorite entry came from Andrea, a representative of Jersey Shore, NJ! She's a mother, and I hope her kids (2-legged and/or 4-legged) find her as funny as I do!

Below, you'll find Newman saying Andrea's statement. If you're having trouble reading it, it says, "Before you look in the truck all I can say is, I'm Sorry."

Happy Birthday to You!

I'm about to head out to celebrate with my wife Buff, because today is her birthday! So I just wanted to quickly write a little something about it here in my blog.

At the risk of sounding corny, sappy, etc., I am simply going to say that I am grateful for each day I have with her. We have been together since we were 15 years old, and have always been a great team. She encouraged me to become an artist full-time, and is an important part of my both my personal and professional life. Plus, she's a great mom to our two dogs, Emma and Logan.

So, Happy Birthday Buff and here's to many more birthdays spent together!

What Ron Burns Dog Are You?

About a week ago, I posted a quiz to my Facebook page called "What Ron Burns Dog Are You?" The quiz asks seven simple questions, and then matches you with a variety of different dogs, from a lovably lazy Basset Hound to a high energy Retriever. If you'd like to join the almost 200 people who have taken the quiz, to find out what you are, check it out here http://apps.facebook.com/whatronburnsdog/. You'll have to either already have a Facebook account, or sign up for one to take the quiz, but I think it's totally worth it!

Vick - Just Quick

I have so many things I want to talk about, but so little time! Who says being an artist is easy?!?!

The first thing on my mind is something that's been all over the news today - Michael Vick. I asked my Facebook friends what they thought, and got a lot of different responses, like...

• I don't believe for a minute that he is sorry for what he has done, I think he is sorry he got caught.
• I will protest the NFL if that man ever plays football again. My son is a huge football fan and thinks they are all heroes and he is NO HERO!!
• Frankly, he did the cause against dogfighting an awful lot of good. Counties across the country who used to look the other way actively began going after dogfighters, and dogfighting busts were way up in the year that followed his arrest.
• My thoughts about Michael Vick being released are not printable, or suitable for minors.
• I am wasting absolutely no effort on this scumbag, he deserves no thought or time from anyone.

I knew asking my friends (who are some of the biggest, best animal welfare advocates in the country) about Vick would probably not solicit the most optimistic opinions, but I tend to agree with my friend Diane who said, "keeping him in prison doesn't fix the problem of dog fighting... "

Personally, when I first heard about Vick's arrest and the charges, I was horrified. Directly after I heard, I called my friends at The Humane Society of the United States and we developed a program to help, called Prize, Not Fighter.



I agreed to use my artwork on a t-shirt to support actions to stop dog-fighting. To see our efforts and/or show your support, visit http://www.ronburns.com/philanthropy/prizenotfighter/index.html. What those dogs went through is absolutely revolting, and it's our job as animal-lovers to stop it.

For me, I take the latest Vick news as an excuse to refocus, regenerate, and look towards the future. I have never been so steadfast in my goal that every dog and cat finds what they deserve - a loving furever home.

I promise my next entry will be MUCH more upbeat... it'll be about my new book, Rufus Rhymes and even a sneak peak!

The Plant Side of Things

My last post and accompanying Facebook album had a lot of positive comments, so I figured I'd expand on it and include a few more wildlife pictures but also a few I've taken of the beautiful flowers and plants that surround us in Arizona. People who've never visited may be surprised to say how COLORFUL the desert can be!

Of course, because I'm an artist, I gather inspiration from these colors found right in my own backyard.



See more in my UPDATED Facebook album here... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=12879&id=1663877814&l=a7f58b6a37

Home, Home on the Range

Although I'm known for my paintings of domesticated animals, I am really inspired by all animals. In fact the first animal I ever drew was a Rat Fink! That's why I'm so glad that, although we live in the Phoenix metropolitan area, our house is located enough on the outskirts that we still see vivacious amounts of wildlife. Our neighbor is a great nature photographer and has captured some of the amazing wildlife sights around our neighborhood.

I'm going to share just a few pictures here, but to see the full album, check out my Facebook album, here... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=12879&id=1663877814&l=a7f58b6a37


Bob the Cat

Cactus and Ruiner - the Owls

Lizard

My Week - In Review

First I want to thank Kelly and Victoria, two wonderful interior designers, who have a great blog called Design Ties, at http://design-ties.blogspot.com. Kelly wrote a great and flattering blog entry about my art and is sharing it with all her blogger friends through a community where people share what they're "hooked on" each Friday at http://hookedonhouses.net/. This community is a great way to share with people across the country and even the world what is new and currently inspiring them, something I truly believe in and completely love! Please check out both sites, and support these wonderful bloggers!

My week started out pretty crazily with the Obama dog selection. With just one simple comment on my Facebook page, people started a heated debate about the situation right there on my profile! As I was in sort of down spirits about the whole debacle, a shining little spark of joy, hope, and beauty came when I heard about Susan Boyle. In case you're not among the 20 MILLION people who have seen Susan's You Tube performance on the British talent show, Britain's Got Talent, check it out here. I just think it's great to see someone who refuses to give up on their dream, and it inspired me to renew my dedication to my dream - that one day, there will be no more lonely and I-want-to-be-loved eyes from orphaned dogs and cats looking up at me from behind caged-in doors. What's your dream?

Artists Need Vacation Too

View of an Oak tree and vines

Admittedly, I am very lucky to be able to do what I love, which is not only painting shelter animals, but helping to get them adopted as well. Sometimes though, it seems like I'm burning the candle at both ends, and I need to take a little vacation. And, that's exactly what I did this past weekend and thought I'd share.

Last Thursday, Buff and I headed off to a place that holds a sentimental place in our hearts - Napa and Sonoma Valley. We lived there for a few years, and each time I visit, it reminds me of the days that I spent with my best furry buddy Rufus.

We met up with friends from the opposite coast to relax, sight see, and of course do some wine tasting! The temperature was perfect and the sights of nature could not have been better - vibrant yellows, greens, and blues...you know how much I like vibrant color...were everywhere! The valleys were in the midst of mustard season, creating vivacious yellow fields wherever we went. I'm not sure what it is about the atmosphere in that particular region of the country, but it reminds me of the unique lighting that inspired Matisse in the South of France. It was the perfect setting to taste wonderful food paired with amazing wines, and sample olive oils as well. Buff and I could not have asked for a better vacation.

Buff and I sampling wines

Upon returning from the trip, Buff and I were left feeling an incredible sense of rejuvenation and joy. Unfortunately, today we heard the news that a dear friend, and the man who awarded me the title of Artist-in-Residence for The Humane Society of the United States passed away from cancer. With heavy hearts, we are reminded of just how blessed we continue to be, and have a renewed sense of thankfulness for our health and our opportunities to make memories with good friends like we did this weekend. It makes one appreciate the simple things in life, like a wet doggy kiss, a warm embrace, or the full bodied aroma in a glass of Sequoia Grove Malbec (my favorite wine of the trip).

Charlie and Linda with Buff and I at The Estate Restaurant

For more pics you can check out my Facebook album at http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=152263&l=0874a9cf04&id=1663877814

My New Home!

I have been testing out this blogging thing a bit on MySpace, but like the format and options of Blogger...So I'm moving!

And, as a first post at my new home, I wanted to do a little update about what I've been up to since the new year began.

I've been talking with a publisher about my second book. This one will be something the whole family can enjoy, including the family pets of course! I've also been developing a raffle program for non-profits. I want to offer my artwork for a raffle in order to help raise money during this tough economic time when many organizations are desperately hurting for funds. Third, I've been painting the rest of my Couch Pawtato series, for those collectors who joined my Art of the Month Club. http://www.ronburns.com/couchpawtato/index.html And, fourth, we just got a new hi-tech video camera and have been busy playing around with it, so I can show everyone what all goes into my painting and my philanthropy. It's sort of strange seeing myself on camera so much, but Buff is starting to consider herself quite the accomplished director!

And...just trying to be all that my furry kids, Logan and Emma, already think I am.