Commission - Dogs of Law (thumbnail)

I recently got commissioned to do an animal piece depicting the pets of a friend. I don't often do pieces consisting of animals since humans are where I feel more comfortable but I love exploring animal shapes and textures. Here is the progression of the thumbnail from this upcoming piece. This is about 2"x3".

I hope to accomplish more works delving into other creatures and/or creations. I have a few sketches I'll post soon on elephants, inspired by a friend's nightmare. I thought it would be nice to reconcile the two and perhaps they wouldn't scare him so much :)

A New Year

Here's to the new year, may it bring lots of work! I'm excited about doing some new commissions, and some new changes the new year is bringing. All I can say is its about time!  Cheers.

Hello Blog

Ok so I've been out long enough, I miss you blog. Now that I'm a graduate and have taken my little break, I've been thinking a lot lately about what kind of art to do. I'm sure every artist has this dilemma. Make great art with no holds barred, or, make something affordable to make some money!

I've read a few articles on the thought of artists "selling out." According to the consensus most artists in the biz agree that making art for money is pretty much the goal of every artist, to live off of doing what you love. But where is the line exactly between that, and making something, just because you can, for a quick buck, which has nothing to do with you. Personally I believe this is a relative non issue with "no name" artists. You have to do what you can to make a name for yourself, just as long as you know what you're doing.

I've been thinking a lot also about what to paint in general. Experts say an artist should have a voice, an artist should have a style. Over the years I've met and have had the honor of befriending many great artists with styles so unique I could always pick out their works on the wall. I haven't always thought of my own work that way. I'm interested in so many styles and see the benefits and fun of trying them all. But when it comes to making yourself known, potential clients should be able to recognize you, thus insuring recognition with the world at large.

Maybe its ok to do all experimentation on your own, but are we really limited to what others recognize as our style? I've always thought the message, purpose, or content of a work should dictate what it looks like, regardless of whether its recognizable as mine, I'd rather the work be good, and speak on its own. One comforting thought in all this seems to be that even when I try new styles or apply new techniques, I've always been told the work still looks like me. Hmm.

D&D Pin-Up Challenge

Here is my final work for the pin-up challenge. It took about 3-4 hours. A pretty small piece 9x10 roughly. It was a lot of fun to do, and I can't wait to do more. The next challenge will be the Discover a Muse project. There's already been a lot of great entries!

D&D Pin-Up Challenge

So anyone who knows me, knows of my love of fantasy, combine that with my love of games, and presto! You have a love Dungeons and Dragons. I played with some friends a while back and it was truly some of the strangest and funniest times we've had. So I've often thought about trying my hand at doing the artwork since I had so much fun doing it for my character. Auroran was his name and some of my work with him can be seen here. How I miss playing!

I've been following the Art Director's weblog, and anxiously waiting to enter some of the challenges he's put forth. This particular challenge is to create a pin-up work of any of the various races in the game. Once again my friend Domonique has aided me in anatomical reference! So here are a few sketches of poses I'm thinking of.

Exquisite Creatures Show

Its that time again for the Exquisite Creatures: Mermaid and Octopus Show. We're at a new venue, The Norwood Flynn Gallery, on Bach Lake. I'll be joined by my good buddy Andre Williams in the show. I'm really excited about making this reception since I had to miss it last year for work. There's a live mermaid table planned, which is interesting and cant' wait to find out what exactly that is, lol. Balloon animals, live music, food, wine, coffee, outdoor patio, and all kinds of art work! If you're in the Dallas area, check out the website for details. Darling it's better down where its wetter! Under the Sea! Exquisite Creatures.

Here's a sneek peek at one of my pieces gracing the walls!

Gallery 173

So George and I's show went off without any bad hitches. It might have been nice to have a venue like other people use but I know there were a lot of benefits in being in the studio. Most of my closest friends came for support, and it was nice to see some new faces too. It took about 5 hours to set up the whole show, with moving desks, climbing up and down the ladder, and breaks. I was surprised we actually managed to cover all of the walls even through obstacles. Our next stop will be Cora Stafford Gallery next week!

EESAT Installation

Here's a piece I did for Fibers: Alternative Process class. An installation entitled "Comet" hanging in the Environmental Education Science and Technology (EESAT) building on campus.

Waiting to hear back from Voertman's show is nerve-wracking! In other news I've found myself looking for new inspiration. An artist seeking to create through experience will sometimes find himself lost in it unable to return to that in which he found comfort.

Voertmans

As a class requirement this year, I'm entering the Annual Voertman's Student Art Competition. There are 3 Watercolor dedicated awards. I'm optimistic about entering, but there is a lot of great work out there and it really depends on the taste of the juror. My stuff is not very traditional, or mainstream, but thats what I like about it. Here are the pieces I've entered, wish me luck!