Jersey remarqued print raises the bar!

Last weekend, prior to the All-American Jersey Sale in Louisville, Ky., the remarqued Jersey print of the Foster Mothers of the Human Race was auctioned. Associate Editor Corey Geiger presented the image to President of the AJCA, David Chamberlain. David Jordan of Wisconsin purchased the print for $2,800, and the proceeds have been donated to the Fred Stout Experience Fund, one of the youth fund programs of the American Jersey Cattle Association.

read more "Jersey remarqued print raises the bar!"

Remarqued Jersey print sells November 7

The remarqued Foster Mothers print featuring the Jersey will be sold on Sunday, November 7 in Louisville, Ky., at the All-American Jersey Show, which is held at the North American International Livestock Expo. The 58th All American Jersey Sale begins promptly at 5 p.m., with the sale of the remarqued print, followed by the sale of the featured 80 live consignments.

The remarqued print is unique in that it includes a pencil etching highlighting the Jersey cow in the lower corner of the print. There are only two of these remarqued Jersey prints. One hangs in the offices of the American Jersey Cattle Association as part of its permanent art collection, and the other is to be auctioned to support Jersey youth programs. Hoard's Dairyman has donated two prints to each of the seven breeds represented in the painting.

Remarqued prints are the ultimate collector's item and typically command two or three times the value of limited edition prints. Any member of the American Jersey Cattle Association can assist you in participating in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The print is #44/1250 to commemorate Hoard's Dairyman's 125th Anniversary.

read more "Remarqued Jersey print sells November 7"

Bonnie Making Headlines!

The cover of the Wisconsin State Journal prominently displayed Hoard’s Dairyman’s “Foster Mothers of the Human Race” painting created by artist Bonnie Mohr. Today’s paper talks about the artist and how painting this image was certainly a “crowning achievement” in the life of Bonnie Mohr–the artist.

With the 125th Anniversary of Hoard’s Dairyman, Bonnie Mohr painted the updated Foster Mothers of the Human Race painting, which depicts the seven dairy breeds recognized by the Purebred Dairy Cattle Association. The print is on display, and one lucky Expo attendee will win the print in a drawing.

Signed and numbered prints are being sold (for $95) in the Coliseum booth from 12-1 on Friday and Saturday. Bonnie is spending that hour each day of World Dairy Expo signing prints and June Hoard’s Dairyman Anniversary issue covers (June issues also for sale at the booth). Come meet the artist and purchase your own Foster Mothers of the Human Race.




To order a print online, visit our bookstore!

read more "Bonnie Making Headlines!"

Bonnie in the Booth!

During World Dairy Expo this year, artist Bonnie Mohr will be making an hour-long appearance in the Hoard’s Dairyman booth. She will be there from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The Hoard’s Dairyman Coliseum booth can be found on the arena level of the Coliseum near the west entrance (Booth Numbers 213 and 217). While there, she will be available to discuss the Foster Mothers of the Human Race painting project and the Hoard’s Dairyman 125th anniversary cover.

Individuals who visit World Dairy Expo will also have the opportunity to purchase their own piece of artwork and have the artist herself personalize it. A limited number of the 1,250 signed and numbered prints will be for sale at $95 each. The prints are 20 by 26 inches.

read more "Bonnie in the Booth!"

Bonnie Mohr Studio- A Must See Stop

The Bonnie Mohr Studio and Glenmark Genetics (the dairy herd of John and Bonnie Mohr) was a stop on the National Holstein Convention tour. This candid photo was taken on Sunday, June 27 at the farm in Glencoe, Minnesota. John and Bonnie were hosts to hundreds of people into their home, art studio, and tie stall barn. Everyone who went through the food line saw these two images (the print and the quote that inspired it), including eight buses and many carloads of people.

There were many positive comments on the "Foster Mothers of the Human Race" painting. Bonnie had extra staff on duty to assist customers with their purchases during the tour stop. Have you purchased your "Foster Mothers of the Human Race" yet? Visit www.hoards.com to view order details or call Hoard's Dairyman at 920-563-5551 and ask for Kelly Wood at extension 139.

read more "Bonnie Mohr Studio- A Must See Stop"

See the cows–inside and out!

The national Holstein Convention heads to Minnesota this weekend. The last time it was in Minnesota, it was twenty-one years ago. (1989). Glenmark Genetics, owned by John and Bonnie Mohr, is one of the farm tours during the convention. You can see great cows in the barn, and just as attractive ones in Bonnie's art studio. You can see (and purchase) The "Foster Mother's of the Human Race" print or artist proof for yourself while on tour.

read more "See the cows–inside and out!"

And--It's the Guernsey!

The American Guernsey Association auctioned their remarqued print this past weekend, and it fetched an impressive $2100. The winning bidder was Patty McMurray of Pennsylvania. National Outstanding Guernsey Youth Winner, Karen Anderson, poses with the remarqued print. The National Guernsey Convention was held in Pennsylvania... and you can read more about the convention on the AGA webite: http://www.usguernsey.com/AGA%20Website/news1.htm

read more "And--It's the Guernsey!"

Ayrshire convention sets the bar

Recognizing the special role of the dairy cow, Hoard’s Dairyman donated two limited edition prints to the seven breed associations. Both prints were remarqued and signed by artist, Bonnie Mohr. There are only two, of 1,250 limited edition prints, that are remarqued with a pencil etching of the respective breeds cow. A remarqued print typically brings twice or triple the value of what would be obtained for limited edition prints. One of these remarqued prints is being used in a fund-raising effort with proceeds going towards the breed’s youth programs.

The U.S. Ayrshire Breeders Association auctioned their remarqued print at the National Ayrshire Convention in Murfreesboro, Tenn. this week. This was the first of the seven remarqued prints to be sold. The lucky bidder was Lynn Lee of Tennessee who purchased the print for $425.

The six remaining remarqued prints will be auctioned off at the breed conventions or another breed event within the coming year.

To order your own print or giclee, visit http://www.hoards.com/bookstore/giftbook.

In the photo above, breed representatives at the 125th celebration stop to take a photo with Bonnie Mohr (sitting) before the remarqued prints were signed. From L to R: Kristin Paul, American Jersey Cattle Association; John Offer, President Wisconsin Ayrshire Breeders; Jillian Walther, American Guernsey Breeders Association; Mike Snyder, Holstein USA; Julie Wadzinski, Red and White Dairy Cattle Association Intern; Nicole Stout, Red and White Dairy Cattle Association; Dave Kendall, American Milking Shorthorn Society; Katelynn Robbins, American Milking Shorthorn Society Intern; and Roger Neitzel, Brown Swiss Cattle Breeder’s Association.

read more "Ayrshire convention sets the bar"

Foster Mothers Revealed

Greeted by a standing ovation, the newest edition of the Foster Mothers of the Human Race painting was revealed today at the Hoard's Dairyman farm during a 125th Anniversary Celebration. The painting was unveiled by creator and artist Bonnie Mohr and W.D. Hoard and Sons President Brian Knox. A crowd of over 100 was on hand to watch the unveiling. Representatives from each of the seven breed organizations were also present at the event to receive specialty remarked prints from Hoard's Dairyman in celebration of their breed's presence in the painting.

Below is a video of the unveiling. Let us know what you think!

read more "Foster Mothers Revealed"

It's a Balancing Act!
Bonnie Mohr is known for her fine art, but balancing her life as a mother, wife, artist and dairy farmer is an art unto itself. Take a listen to her daily routine, and how she tries to keep all the components in her life balanced, yet moving forward. Watch tomorrow as the painting is unveiled!

read more " "

Completed!

Bonnie Mohr has completed the painting, Foster Mothers of the Human Race. She reflects on the past several months of creating the updated version of this iconic image. The painting will be unveiled next Tuesday, June 8. Watch for more videos soon!

read more "Completed!"

It's presstime for the Foster Mothers

From paint to printing plate, the new Foster Mothers of the Human Race painting has now headed to the printers! We were there with Bonnie as she viewed the first pieces to come off the press. Bonnie carefully inspects them and adjusts the press' color output to make sure it is just as it should be. Watch her explain the process and tweaking in the video below. The excitement for the unveiling is building here in our office — we're just one week away!

read more "It's presstime for the Foster Mothers"

How the painting came to be

Where did we get this crazy idea? Well, in this video, Bonnie tells you. She'll refer to Gary who is Gary Vorpahl, our Director of Marketing. Bonnie will also tell you how she came up with (and labored) over the look of each cow. One thing is for certain — she certainly captured each breed's uniqueness! We cannot wait to show you the finished piece. . .let's start the countdown now. The unveiling will take place on June 8; that's only 14 days away! Yay!

read more "How the painting came to be"

First Look at the Third Step

As the date of the unveiling of the Foster Mothers of the Human Race painting approaches, we’d like to share the third view of the Holstein head. The first was the pencil sketch, the second was the underpainting, and the third is the Holstein head with color added, but without final details. The background in color has not been added at this point.

read more "First Look at the Third Step"

She's a real dairy farmer, too!

The artist of our brand new Foster Mothers of the Human Race painting is certainly entrenched in the realities of today's dairy industry. She lives (and breathes) it every day on her family's dairy farm located in Glencoe, McLeod County, Minn., just an hour from the Twin Cities. Learn about Bonnie's background filled with cows in this video message from Bonnie!

read more "She's a real dairy farmer, too!"

Original Foster Mothers revealed

We are often asked if the cows in the original Foster Mothers painting were actual cows of the day. Today, watch as we continue our interview with former magazine Art Director James Baird. He will share with us how the original painting came about and we'll find out who those cows really are.

read more "Original Foster Mothers revealed"

In the beginning . . .

How did it begin? The original Foster Mothers image did not begin as a preconceived piece. It began with a quote and the first step was taken when James Baird, former Hoard's Dairyman Art Director, and fellow Hoard's Dairyman employee and Associate Editor, Gene Meyer, attended the National Dairy Cattle Congress show at Waterloo, Iowa.

read more "In the beginning . . ."

The man who started it all

After foregoing his final years of college to join the staff at Hoard's Dairyman, James Baird, former magazine Art Director, created one of the most recognizable dairy paintings of our time. Join us in this first in a series of interviews with the man who started it all.

read more "The man who started it all"

Coloring the Image

Bonnie has completed the underpainting, and has progressed into using several colors in the painting. Listen as she talks about a challenging breed to paint.

read more "Coloring the Image"

Making the Imperfect Perfect!

The Foster Mothers of the Human Race painting is progressing well. As an artist works their craft, they aim for perfection. So, in the process of creating a painting, where does the artist make alterations or changes to better reflect the desired look? Maybe it is the placement of an item, the position of a head or leg, or the expression on a face. Bonnie shares with you the steps she takes in painting and addresses when she prefers to make alterations to the image.

read more "Making the Imperfect Perfect!"

It feels like the size of this room!

Bonnie continues with the painting of the Foster Mothers of the Human Race. Listen to some of the challenges she is encountering as she paints this special image.

read more "It feels like the size of this room!"

Holstein Head Underpainting

The Holstein Head is Taking Shape
Earlier this week, Bonnie visited with us about creating the underpainting for the Foster Mothers of the Human Race painting. Here is a look at the initial sketch of the Holstein head and the underpainting of the Holstein head. Continue to look for updates to this blog on Tuesdays, with some occasional bonus Friday footage as well!

read more "Holstein Head Underpainting"

The underpainting is done!

Bonnie is hard at work on the new Foster Mothers of the Human Race painting, and we are excited to share this video message from Bonnie about the underpainting — the monochrome framework of the finished piece.

read more "The underpainting is done!"

Painting cows unique as their personalities

A cow is not just a cow to Bonnie Mohr. She is currently laboring over each breed to give them all the most realistic look as possible. In this video message from Bonnie (sketch pencil in hand), she discusses her keen attention to each of the breed's unique qualities and to the structure of every cow. We'd like to thank Bonnie's daughter, Taylor, for helping film this video post. And, if you saw this video and were excited to see an early preview of the entire sketch of the painting, think again. We've altered the video just enough so you can't see the entire image. Don't worry. It's not your screen; the video looks "dreamy" on purpose.

read more "Painting cows unique as their personalities"

Your first peek

Here is your very first peek of what we have in store for this updated Foster Mothers of the Human Race painting: Bonnie's first pencil sketch. We'll be showing you this same portion of the painting from time to time as the project progresses. What do you think so far? Check back often for updates!

read more "Your first peek"

Behind the canvas

With her feet planted deep in the soil of rural Minnesota, Bonnie Mohr doesn't just paint life in rural America — she lives it every day. Her's comes complete with a husband, five kids all actively involved in the dairy industry, a herd of Holsteins and Jerseys, and a dog named Stella. Also, we'd like to extend our congratulations to Bonnie for recently becoming the mother of Minnesota's Jersey Queen. Learn more about Bonnie and her upbringing as a reader of Hoard's Dairyman in this video below.

read more "Behind the canvas"

Foster Mothers Prints

Click on the slide show to see the four versions of the Foster Mothers of the Human Race, displayed in chronological order. The initial painting was done in 1957, with all of the cows sporting horns. The 1963 view is a pasture scene with no horned cattle. In 1991, a drawing lined up the six breeds, and in 1993 the pasture scene had all breeds standing. All of these versions were done by former Hoard's Dairyman Art Director, James Baird. View the slide show and then vote for your favorite on the right hand side of the page!

read more "Foster Mothers Prints"

Painting the Foster Mothers

While 2010 marks the beginning of a new decade, it also marks a momentous occasion for Hoard's Dairyman. On January 23, 1885, William Dempster Hoard launched the first edition of Hoard's Dairyman. This year, our 125th anniversary, we've asked world-renowned dairy artist Bonnie Mohr of Glencoe, Minn., to help us create an updated Foster Mothers of the Human Race painting. With a century and a quarter under our belts, we know this fresh look on the famous Foster Mothers print will be a great launching point for future years of service to the dairy industry. The original Foster Mothers print was created in 1957 followed by updates in 1963, 1991, and 1993 — all of which were painted by former Hoard's Dairyman Art Director James Baird.

You'll find this all-new painting on the June 2010 cover of Hoard's Dairyman. This celebratory issue will highlight landmarks of the dairy industry and Hoard's Dairyman in the past 125 years. Luckily, you won't have to wait until June to get a sneak peak of the painting. We'll be catching up with Bonnie throughout the painting process. Recently, we sat down with Bonnie to visit with her about her excitement for this project.

read more "Painting the Foster Mothers"