Rhino Family 2/3 lifesize copyright 1999 by Dave Putnam

These sculptures are designed to scare either African lions or Asian tigers. The rhinos are halfway between the African and Indian rhino subspecies. The owner of Rhino Family lives near a zoo where a tiger escaped a few years ago. In this particular episode the tiger never left the zoo grounds, but it easily could have. Any tiger prowling around a suburban neighborhood will look over the fence and see these bad boys and head the other way. Do you live near a zoo with substandard enclosures for its big cats? If so consider a rhino sculpture from Barking Dog Studios.

Barn Owl three times life size copyright 2007 by Dave Putnam

This sculpture is designed to scare rats, pigeons, some domestic animals, and people with weak nerves. The giant owl swings overhead on an invisible wire; when the wind blows it swoops in on hapless victims visiting for the first time and gives them a scare. Frequent visitors are quickly aclimatized to the mobile sculpture. It is an open question whether rats become aclimatized.

French Joy copyright 2010 by Dave Putnam

Bastille Day in Paris is a time for unalloyed patriotism and reveling in the essence of Frenchness. An explosion of red, white and blue national pride reminds us Americans that democracy erupted in France just about when it did on our side of the Atlantic.

You might think that this painting would be suitable for beginning collectors. Unfortunately viewing French Joy before meals will trigger cravings for rich food with heavy cream sauces. Therefore only experienced collectors or people with excellent cholestrol levels should consider owning this piece of art.

Circle of Friends copyright 2010 by Dave Putnam

I was told to capture on canvas the feelings and emotions displayed by a small group of friends when they got together to party. All the friends possessed a great deal of mental horsepower and their conversations were fueled with high octane gasoline, maybe with even a little nirto mixed in. The resulting painting throbs with verbal energy and it has a sense of depth telling the viewer that this energy is well directed.

Dave & Martha Lumberjack Duo

To the left we have Pacific Northwest copyright 2010 by Dave Putnam. This painting evokes the raw wilderness of the region spanning Oregon to Vancouver back in the 19th century.
Below we have Oxen copyright 2010 by Martha Putnam. The lumberjacks in the old Pacific Northwest would haul trees to waterways with teams of oxen. Most people viewing these two paintings will experience an uncontrollable urge to put on a flannel shirt, pick up an ax and start chopping down trees. Therefore, only experienced collectors should hang art as powerful and subliminal as this.

New Mexico Chili Peppers 60'' by 72'' copyright 2010 by Dave Putnam

Martha and I go to New Mexico once or twice a year. Over the past 16 years I have never had the courage to eat the really hot chili peppers, but on our last visit I dug down deep and found a well of courage. Tapping this unexpected source of bravery, I ate a lunch rich in hot peppers. The memory of that lunch was permanently seared into my consciousness and as soon as I got back to California I got out a gigantic canvas and expressed myself. This painting is good for people whose doctors have ordered a bland diet but they yearn for something spicy. Looking at it while you eat will make the food seem spicier than it really is. Your stomach will enjoy the mild food but your brain will think its getting something hot. As I've said so many times, good abstract expressionist art can deliver practical everyday benefits beyond mere aesthetics.

Islands Produce Dogs and Lava

To the left is Hawaiian Volcano copyright 2010 by Dave Putnam. The combination of lava and sea water makes for an explosive subject matter. This is a reminder that the ring of fire around the Pacific has been picking up steam lately.
Below is Savanna copyright 2010 by Martha Putnam. This is an island dog who evolved in the Caribbean. But all wild island dogs end up looking alike as nature takes away the artificial look stamped on dogs by man and returns them to their roots.