"Barnyard Animals" is the current series of paintings by Phil Dynan and Anastasia Nelson. The work is based on the animals that live with the artists in Northern California and painted as collaborative works. This involves passing the drawings and paintings back and forth between the two artists until they are satisfied that the work is finished.
Nugoro is a Mediterranean Mniature Donkey who is employed as a "fire break manager". He has four acres of land to keep clear for the artists. Nugoro is a happy and energetic donkey, with a colourful sense of humour. This is reflected in the paintings, one showing his serious side and another showing his happy-funny side.
The cow, Number 223, lives on the Masami Ranch where Phil also does his jogging. She is a friendly cow and quite used to Ana taking her photo. She was a natural choice for this series of paintings.
Gertie, the Mammoth Mule, is a favourite with buyers. The original was on view at the Woodside Grill (Gaia Hotel, Anderson) but sold fairly quickly. Prints and cards with this image of Gertie sell very quickly at this popular restaurant/hotel. The bright coloured ranch in the background is the Alvares Ranch on Boggs-Champlin Road, another of Phil's running spots.
This series includes sheep, cows, llamas, the donkey, alpacas, and goats at this stage. Perhaps the most controversial painting is "The Smokin' Goat", a portrait of "Bunny", who appears to be smoking a cigarette. In reality, she is trying to get the glue off the cigarette paper!
