Art by Bruce: Random Acts of Artistic Nonsense

In America, anyone can grow up to be President, and anyone who doesn’t grow up can become the kind of artist I am.  When asked for my “mission statement” as an artist, I am always quick to respond: “I have none.”  To those who don’t know me well I may seem like a shallow-thinking person.  But my friends will tell you I seldom think at all. 

I’m a self-taught artist who began with no talent for drawing.  A passionate desire to learn the skills, and the willingness to work through frustrations and setbacks, eventually enabled me to become a professional artist.  I am not boasting.  I’m a man of average intelligence.  (My friends will argue I’m boasting when I say that.)

I used to be a serious artist—but I got over it.  It’s more fun to create “random acts of artistic nonsense.”   Now that most of my life is in the rear-view mirror, I‘m more convinced than ever that humor is our cosmic night-light, because it touches emotions we all share.  (Truthfully, I only do these drawings to watch my wife roll her eyes.  It works every time.  Life is full.)

Here’s a sampling of my colored pencil creations:

I learned something when I first introduced Brief Encounter at juried arts festivals:  There’s no middle ground when it comes to squirrels.  People either love them or detest them.  Personally, I’m impressed by their gymnastic abilities.  They always make me smile.

(“Brief Encounter” is available online at ArtbyBruce under Whimsical Wildlife.)

 I seldom have to think of titles for my cat drawings.  You see, I live with the models, and their behaviors usually suggest the titles for me. 

High Hopes features our cat Lucy in the backyard, gazing patiently at one of the birdhouses that line our fence posts.  (Her patience was not rewarded.)

(“High Hopes” is available online at ArtbyBruce in the category Collection of Cats.)

We collect empty wine bottles for a friend who makes his own wine, storing them next to a cat igloo in our family room.  One Sunday morning I discovered the scene you see here.  Evidently, our large tom cat Buddy (he doesn’t quite fit in the igloo) knocked over a bottle, which inspired me to create Sunday Morning Regrets.  (It was Meomi wine—but I changed the label to read Meowmi.)

(“Sunday Morning Regrets” is available online at ArtbyBruce in the category Collection of Cats.)

During Covid in 2020, all of my art shows were cancelled, and I spent a good deal of time with my wife and cats, binge-watching TV series.  My cats Buddy and Jack refused to abide by the six foot distancing guidelines, which led me to create Social Distancing Exclusions.

(“Social Distancing Exclusions” is available online at ArtbyBruce in the category Collection of Cats.)

We don’t allow our cats in the guest bedrooms, because so many people are allergic.  Most guests comply with this policy…but not everyone.  One November, people staying in our Rose Room coaxed our cat Jack to join them.  The following month, we received a Christmas card from this couple.  Tucked inside was a photo they had taken of Jack.  They not only let him into their bedroom, but also into the bathroom.  Their photo inspired me to draw Bathroom Attendant (aka Drink Responsibly). 

(“Bathroom Attendant” is available online at ArtbyBruce in the category Collection of Cats.)

“Olivia” was a four-week-old kitten we found along a country road here in Lancaster County.  (My wife says she resembles a hot fudge sundae on vanilla with caramel sauce.)  “Livvy” is a bundle of energy, but she does need to refuel now and then.  The Charging Station captures one of her quieter moments.

(“The Recharging Station” is available online at ArtbyBruce in the category Collection of Cats.)

Every artist toys with the idea of creating a self portrait.  I decided to draw one that reflects my serious, intellectual nature.

Writer O. Henry said that life consists of smiles, sniffles, and sobs—with sniffles predominating.  In my own small way, I hope to increase the percentage of smiles.  I humbly offer my whimsical wildlife drawings as a partial antidote to the six o’clock news.  (I think I need to work faster.)

(This book, as well as other books by Bruce, are available online.)

P.S. And now, for my two-cents, Donna here with some more interesting snippets.

Meet the Artist

The Berks Guild of Craftsmen sat down with Bruce for an interview, offering a unique glimpse into his creative world.

Spend the Night in an Art Gallery

Now that you’ve had a chance to meet Bruce and hear about his artistic journey, you might like to experience his world firsthand by staying at The Artist’s Inn and Gallery. The charming bed and breakfast that Bruce runs with his wife, Jan, is in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Enjoy a Federal-style home (built in 1848) that is nestled in a small town surrounded by Amish and Mennonite farms. Horse-drawn buggies regularly pass by the inn. It’s the perfect location for experiencing the best of Lancaster County.

The 177-year old Artist’s Inn and Gallery has romantic Jacuzzi baths, fireplaces, and massage showers. The Sisters House can accommodate the whole family. Located just three miles from Shady Maple , it also offer discounts for tickets to American Music Theater and Noah at Sight and Sound.

Every morning at the inn features a different four-course gourmet breakfast. All food is prepared from scratch with the best Lancaster County produce and herbs from the breakfast garden. Jan received a Spriit of Hospitality award from the Pennsylvania Dutch Convention and Visitors Bureau in Lancaster.

“Stop and Smile”

Bruce’s booth at craft shows can be easily located by a large sign inviting you to “Stop and Smile”. Bruce’s smiles are like free upgrades for your mood; they take any ordinary moment and instantly make it feel first-class. Whoever wrote, “A laugh is a smile that bursts,” could easily have been thinking of Bruce.

This is another booth that invites you to smile! AzarÉl Greetings photographs surprising images of backyard birds and critters. I originally set out to photograph birds; the squirrels decided the photo sessions were open to all. The squirrels and chipmunks have become a significant part of AzarÉl Greetings handmade cards. Bruce’s “Brief Encounter” inspired me to make some of our hilarious squirrel cards available online.

Bruce – You always inspire me!

Catch both ArtbyBruce and AzarÉl Greetings at:

Mount Gretna Summer Crafts Market  
Sat. & Sun., Aug. 16-17, 2025
Mount Gretna, PA; Close to the Roller Rink

Heart of Lancaster Craft Show
Sat. & Sun., Aug. 30-31, 2025
Roots Market, Manheim, PA

Catoctin Color Fest
Sat.-Sun. Oct. 11-12, 2025
Thurmont Park, Thurmont MD