Reagan the Rock Dog

Reagan at The Freedom Rock® May 2010

Reagan riding to The Freedom Rock® in Bubba's painting van

I just wanted to give a little shout out to our dog, Reagan; who's also known as "The Rock Dog". Reagan has been going out to The Freedom Rock® with Bubba since May of 2004 from the first day we brought him home. He took to it so quickly that when we drive by now he starts to get antsy and is always ready to stop and go to his "spot", which you can see from the first picture is the East side of The Freedom Rock® (the one with the most shade).

Yep, it's been a whole eight years since Reagan has been the "Rock Dog", and this will be Bubba's 13th year painting it. So we just wanted to recognize Reagan for all of his hard work and dedication as well! I'm sure he looks forward to meeting all of the visitors again this year and getting some treats from some of his most loyal fans-you know who you are!

Here are a few pictures from Reg out at The Freedom Rock® last year along with one of him in Bubba's painting van.

p.s. When I ride out with Bubba in the painting van and sit in the front seat, Reg just gives me this look like "umm get out of my spot". It's so funny!

Tour Bus 4/28/11

Today's tour bus was full of more visitors excited to see the The Freedom Rock® and meet Bubba. After stopping by the 'Rock the group visited Sorensen Studios and viewed some more of our artwork and photography. I would say this group was pretty lucky as the 'Rock has not been painted over, but that will change yet today. Bubba is on his way out to get the first coat of white paint on-good bye 2010 Freedom Rock!

We still have a chunk of 2011 Freedom Rock Calendars left and they are on sale for only $5.00! If you're interested in purchasing a calendar, please contact the studio at sorensenstudios@yahoo.com.

Special thanks to Jennifer Garside with First National Bank for all of your help and support...oh and the ice cream treat-my favorite!

Excited for this year's "Hidden Love Note"!

2010 Freedom Rock® (all sides)

North Side of 2010 Freedom Rock & Hidden Love Note

As we approach the beginning of "Rock Season" I get sad thinking of everything that will be painted over. A few of my favorites from this year are: Glenn McDole, CPL Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan, the whole west/front side and that moving quote by Eleanor Roosevelt. And then I think of the personal side of it for me, my hidden love note from Bubba! I wonder what he'll dream up this year. Please note: I can NEVER find it with out his help, buuuut maybe this year will be different...

Here is one last look at the 2010 Freedom Rock® along with a hidden love note that reads: Bubba [hearts] Maria (it was lightened for easier viewing..it's not quite that easy to find...trust me!)

P.S. Even though these heros will be painted over, their memories will never be forgotten. I've already got a few sneak peaks from this year's sketch and it makes me sooo excited. I can't wait until it's completed for all to see!

Tour Bus @ Sorensen Studios

We had another Tour Bus visit The Freedom Rock® and Sorensen Studios today. Here is a cool photo from the event snapped by Bubba on his cell phone. If you want to see this year's Freedom Rock one last time, you might want to hurry, Bubba will begin repainting any sunny day now...

Thanks again to everyone in the group for your support!

1st Edition Freedom Rock T-shirts!

Get 'em before they're gone! These shirts are proudly made in America and have a light weight feel...the perfect summer shirt. Please email or call the studio today if you're interested in purchasing yours today.
Or of course, stop on in!

sorensenstudios@yahoo.com 
641.343.7110

What we've been up to...

Maria 

Maria & Photography Clients

Tour Bus at Sorensen Studios

Just thought I'd give a little update about what's been going on at Sorensen Studios lately. As I've been saying, it's definitely starting to be "Rock Season". Now this is a term I made up because trust me in our world, there is such thing. Just like it's football season or my favorite, baseball season (note the NY Yankees jacket I'm sporting in the first picture).

Around here it starts to get to the point of where I don't see Bubba's face all day or sometimes all night because he is out at The Freedom Rock trying to finish his newest version. And it's usually followed by him looking like a totally different man when he returns from a full day of painting. The tan on that guy just in the month of May-I tell ya! But I 'spose that's what you get when you're painting for more than 8 hours in the sun. Running the studio basically by myself during this time starts to be a challenge but hey I love a challenge!

And then comes the visitors from all over the country and even parts of the world. They're nice enough to not only make a trip to The Freedom Rock but also to our studio. I always enjoy meeting them and hearing their different stories. I will try and take pictures of these amazing people and share their visits with you.

So here are a few pictures from our latest events. The first two are some pictures Bubba snapped of me in action at a photo shoot earlier this spring. As you can see how bundled up I was, it was cold! But boy was I happy with the weather cooperating with a group this big. I did feel a little sorry for them as they didn't have coats but we got them done and outta there in good time. Check out the baby's face-he's ready for his pictures. Ha-cracks me up!

The third picture is one of a tour bus that stopped last week. We have two more planned for this following week. Lots of people to squeeze into the studio but we make it happen. Always a pleasure to have you all. Stop back and visit any time.

Well I better get back to it. Until next time....

Horse Pictures

Recently, we were contacted about getting some shots of a client's colt. We of course jumped at the opportunity. What a fun subject to photograph...and boy was he full of energy! This is a shot of me tweeting about the event and Bubba is snapping the picture(s). I will share them soon.

If you are interested in Sorensen Studios photography and artwork, give us a call or email today:
641.343.7110 or sorensenstudios@yahoo.com

Studio Visitor, Bob Wateski (Gunny)

Bob Wateski (Gunny) at Sorensen Studios pictured with
artwork by Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II

Shields of Strength Dog Tags

Meet Bob. I naively was getting ready to leave the studio for a lunch break this afternoon when I noticed his large RV pulling into the studio. I say naively because it's starting to get close to the renewal of The Freedom Rock®, so visitors are coming from all over the country. Of course being pregnant I immediately thought, "Oh no, I'm so hungry and I'm not going to get to eat lunch today!"

But as soon as he hopped out of the RV which pulled his Motorcycle on the back, I noticed his hat which read "Vietnam Veteran" and I couldn't help but be excited to meet and talk with him. I thanked him for his service and shook his hand as he approached the studio.

He said he was on his way back from Florida to Wisconsin as he spends the winters there due to his throat cancer from Agent Orange. My heart suddenly melted. Here I was worried about getting to eat lunch when this man fought for me and now has cancer because of it! It's one of those moments you know you were exactly where you were meant to be.

He was trying to locate the Freedom Rock because he had always wanted to visit it. He said he had noticed the sign here at Sorensen Studios and decided to stop. I showed him around the studio a bit and gave him directions to the Rock. He was disappointed in not being able to meet Bubba and I assured him Bubba was more disappointed not to be able to meet him, a true American Hero.

After he bought postcards and a calendar he ran out to his RV. "I'll be right back", he said. He came back with Shields of Strength dog tags (see 2nd picture above). These dog tags are sold to raise money for our men and women of all services and wanted Bubba and I to have one. I'm proudly wearing mine today! Please if you would like to donate to this wonderful cause, visit their website: http://www.shieldsofstrength.com/.

Thanks again, Bob. It was as an honor meeting you. I hope you enjoyed your visit to Sorensen Studios & The Freedom Rock®. And don't worry, my mom brought me some lunch for Baby and me! =)

Hello Spring Special!

It's here! Check it out and book your appointment today. View our online schedule for easy planning.

www.sorensenstudios.us

Miss Taylor

Meet little Miss Taylor. We had a very fun photo day celebrating her turning 2! And let me tell you, this little girl loooooves the camera. She also just so happens to be our niece as her mommy is Bubba's sister, Heidi. So I can tend to get a little extra click crazy with her as I do with all of my nieces and nephews! Thought I'd share a few of my favorites with you although it was definitely hard to choose. To view all of Taylor's pictures, go to www.sorensenstudios.us, click on the client tab and type in: taylor2011

If you are interested in scheduling a photography session with Sorensen Studios, please give us a call or email us at 641.343.7110 or sorensenstudios@yahoo.com. View our online schedule to find the perfect time for your shoot!

Juffer Family

I had the pleasure of photographing these awesome kids. They were so easy to capture! Amy, their mom said they had been working on and talking about pictures for awhile so they were well prepared. I could definitely notice. But of course we had a little fun and goofed around too-which is always welcome! Check out a few of their photos and their Custom Cover CD Case where all of their photographic files are fully edited and ready to print wherever-whenever.

If you're interested in setting up a session with Sorensen Studios, please call or email at 641.343.7110 or sorensenstudios@yahoo.com. Also, check out our online schedule to find a time that works for you-we're filling up fast!

Front of Custom Cover Disc Case

Back of Custom Cover Disc Case

Taylor Family

Well, I prayed for good weather for this shoot and we got it! How thankful I was. Especially since this was the only time this family was all going to be together. As you can see, there are lots of them! So organizing schedules for that many people who live in different area codes-well you all know how it can be. This was the end of a March shoot, and while we had rain, wind and snow before, after and a little during  this shoot, it really worked out great going into a surrounding set of wind blocking trees. The new addition to this family appreciated that I'm sure; isn't she lovely? Thanks again to all of you for braving the weather. We hope you enjoy your pictures for many years!

If you are interested in family photos by Sorensen Studios check out the website for our prices/packages and give us a call or email: sorensenstudios@yahoo.com or 641.343.7110