Adventures & Stories

Tarpon Queen - July, 2010

It's nice being married to someone who likes to fish. Nicole recently won the Ladies Division of the 80th Annual Sarasota Tarpon Tournament by catching/releasing a 36" girth fish (that's about 165 lbs!). Not only that, she was selected to represent the tournament as "Tarpon Queen", a role the committee resurrected after a 40-year hiatus. She makes a pretty queen with her sash and tiara!

New Artwork Partnership -
July, 2010

My friends just opened a cool new store on Venice Avenue in Venice, Florida. Stop by Destination Beach to meet 'Steve' and see some really cool stuff like scooters, skimboards, skateboards, apparel and fun beach necessities. You'll also see my artwork, and get to grab some KONA coffee and a piece of authentic Key West key lime pie. You've got to see this place and tell them Brendan & Nicole sent you! www.destinationbeachfl.com

Tarpon! May, 2010

Caught my first one for the Sarasota Tournament -- about 100 lbs. Textbook. Fish to the boat in 30 minutes!

Little Gasparilla Island - May 2010

Nicole and I spent a week on Little Gasparilla Island -- just fished and not much else. Here's one of the big Redfish I caught.

Tournament Kickoff - May, 2010

Start of the 80th year tournament - here at Kickoff Banquet with my painting 'Island Girl' - a pretty girl releasing a Tarpon while her little dog tries to get it. A perfect piece to celebrate the historic event.

South Florida Museum - May, 2010

Met at the Museum to talk about potential exhibit of my retro-style paintings. Also got to meet "Snooty" the Manatee, a family member of the museum for many years

Siesta Fiesta - April, 2010

Nicole and I exhibited at Siesta Fiesta, which was a lot of fun, particularly since we saw so many familiar faces. My retro-style art was the biggest hit, and the weather was beautiful.

Artists in Action - April 2010

Painting outside Art Uptown Gallery is always fun - here I'm working on a new painting of birds seemingly flying like musical notes

Prize-Winning Artwork, March 2010

My 'Waiting on the Tide' painting of redfish hovering over a grassy flat took third place at the Juried art exhibit celebrating Mote Marine Laboratory's 55th Anniversary. There was some beautiful artwork there, so I was honored to earn a trophy.

Playing Hooky

One of our first great, sunny days, so after delivering artwork for the show at Mote, Nicole and I had lunch at New Pass Grille on Longboat Key, then walked Lido Beach. It would have been a shame to rush back to the studio to work. . .!

First Offshore Adventure of 2010. . .

We're finally back to normal conditions in April, so friend Jim rounded up the crew for a great day of fishing - offshore 115 miles, no less. Here's just one of the many grouper caught that day.

Special Olympics Fishing Tournament

For my third year, I participated in this fun tournament, taking Nicole's brother out fishing. A beautiful day, and we caught so many Spanish Mackerel we didn't know what to do with them!

Tournament Artwork

Here's one of my newest retro gals - the image will be licensed by the Sarasota Tarpon Tournament to celebrate its 80th year. A great opportunity to be a part of such a historic event.

Tampa Outdoors Expo, March '10

A fun event, sponsored by Tampa Tribune and Frank Sergeant, somewhat of a legend in the Tampa area. Exhibiting was fun - here's my booth.

TV Show, March '10

Filming at Comcast studio with fellow tournament committee members announcing 80th annual Sarasota Anglers Club Tarpon Tournament in 2010. My painting 'Reel Reel Reel!' got some good play, too!

Wedding Bells

On Valentine's Day Nicole and I renewed our vows at Siesta Beach - we're coming up on our 5th anniversary and thought we'd do something fun.

Cupcakes, Anyone?

Recently participated in a cupcake eating contest for charity. It was hard work, let me tell you. . .

Street Painting December '09

Brendan paints in front of Art Uptown Gallery, December, 2009 - it was a beautiful day that just begged for some outdoor activity!

Brendan Runs First 5K in 5 Years. . .

And does pretty well overall, considering small children were passing him!

Meeting Two of the "Deadliest Catch" Guys. . .

Brendan and Nicole are on the committee for the 2010 Sarasota Anglers Club Tarpon Tournament, and at a recent fundraising event met Keith and 'Mouse' Colburn. Great guys, and a fun event overall. They were heading out to Alaska a few days later to start production on their show, and pick up another crab season. What an exciting job they have!

Thanksgiving, 2009

The artist not only creates masterpieces on canvas, but can also carve a mean turkey, too! Art has no limits. . .

Nautical Trader Event

If you’re in Nokomis, looking for a special nautical-themed object or marine hardware, stop by the Nautical Trader (www.thenauticaltrader.com). It’s one of Brendan’s retailers for his ‘new vintage’ prints, so Brendan stopped by for the recent open house in October to showcase more of the artwork, and he had a lot of fun too.

Nicole and I participated in our first outdoor art show in Boca Grande, mid-October. Here’s our finished tent display, plus one of us inside trying to stay warm. In spite of ridiculous amounts of wind and chilly temperatures, it was a great day – lots of fun. We may just do another one!

Showcased Artist at Art Uptown Gallery, Sarasota, June, 2009

Brendan, with marine-life paintings featured in the windows, works on his newest Ballyhoo™ girl – a mermaid riding a sea turtle. It created a lot of buzz on the street.