Scribbles

In often find in times of creative block that something I don't understand is trying to get out. When this happens I like take out one if my favorite pens (usually a Micron 05) and do a few blind drawings. I let my mind wander and I stare into space and let my hand move where "the spirit" wills it.

The results are sometimes interesting, probably only to me. But I like the thought that creative energy flows through and makes what I don't have the comprehension or courage to make. At times I'm surprised at what's on the page either because it resembles something or happens to be inspiring. I would say its akin to seeing shapes in the clouds, except I made this cloud.

I've never been a fan of scribbles in art myself, because they just seem to be a cop out. And yet I find so many works in museums that appear to be just that. Anyone who's attended art school for any length of time can tell what a last-minute work looks like and sounds like.

However I can see the value in such an exercise. It is very freeing, it loosens up the muscles, a warm-up if you will. We often did quick sketches in college for just this reason.

One of my favorite writers on art and creative processes, Julia Cameron, wrote a couple of things that I ponder daily when making art. One must be willing to make bad art, and one must create at all times, not just when "the mood" strikes. Among the great many artistic truths she writes about in her many books, I find these two to have been the most helpful to me in getting to work. Fear of perfection should not hinder progress. Fear of any kind should not stop you.

Bloodstorm

Character variant from the alternaverse where Storm is seduced by Dracula and becomes vampire herself.

Game of Thrones

So I'm all caught up on the show, only took me less than a week. With the upcoming Comic Con in Irving I thought I'd do some sketches. Daenerys has captured my heart, I love her growing strength and independence. Enjoy these sketches for now, more to come!

Sketching in public

I don't care what other people say, I happen to like the cliche image of the artist at work in his local coffee shop. It's not the only place one can create and it's maybe not the first option we choose. We do however crave exposure, if only for a moment of validation from a passerby. If the world is not exposed to us then how will our ideas grow? Not to mention the lure of coffee and free wifi access whilst being around other like minded individuals in need of getting lost in a crowd of strangers. Often cliches exist for a reason. Perhaps they are useful.

Erykah Badu aka DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown

I had the great pleasure to finally see one of my "divas" in action this week. A friend and I went to see Ms. E. Badu herself drop beats and spend records for our enjoyment at the Prophet Bar in Deep Ellum. It was an early birthday present for me and I was so excited. We had been talking about seeing her for months and we just knew that we couldn't miss her next appearance now that I had moved to the area, I planned on being a firm supporter.

The night began simple enough with a jam session with local DJ, and then some live music from the band. They were amazing and it was such an experience to hear her music in a live setting and feeling every nuance of the melodies. When Lo Down Loretta Brown arrived we sat back and listened to her spin her favorite artists and mix influential beats. It was an evening with a friend in a harmonic discussion of music. "I just play what I like, I dunno what ya'll do" she stated on the mic. Toward the end of the evening I could hear her music coming in to play, and I will admit to waiting to hear the artist play with her own material.

My favorite song, "I Want You", began, and my friend and I began to lose it. Then as she began to appear to leave as the night was drawing to a close, an excited scream came from the back of the crowd as Nazeled Hazel made her way to the front of the stage and grabbed the mic. Our perseverance at the from of the stage was about to really pay off. We stood in disbelief that we would hear the songstress not only belt her famous soulful melodies, but also funk out the song to an approving audience. If you want RaDiO you are in the wrong place, was the anthem of the night. I couldn't stop moving, I couldn't take my eyes off the spirit of creativity I was witnessing.

Ms. Badu is indeed a creative spirit and a major influence on me and my art and it was a great honor to be in the presence of hers.

My favorite scribble.

Among the faces that came out, almost 50 now, this is one of my favorites.

FACE!

I got in the mood to make a series of faces for fun. Sometimes you have to make art for the joy of it, and remember why you loved it in the first place.

Halloween Ram Horns

First, Mount to Board and Shape Wire

Second, Papier Mache!

Third, set out to dry.

Fourth, create texture, GET THE ROPE!

Fifth, spray paint, matte black.

Final, attache to headband, and WEAR!

Entry Portfolio: Art Takes Miami 2012

Johnny Perez
Hello all!
If you like what I do, then please give me a vote in this competition. Thanks in advance!

Dallas Comic Con

This year I got to attend the Dallas Comic Con at Irving Convention Center.  This was my first con, and I had a great time.  The real reason I attended was to get the chance to meet one of my favorite celebrities Felicia Day!  She's an inspiration and as I found out an incredibly sweet and genuine person.

Felicia Day as "Codex" from her awesome web series The Guild

I got to meet some industry folks as well in the Artist Alley.  I spoke with Rob Thornton whose work can be seen here.  We had a good conversation about keeping a portfolio and breaking into the biz.   I also got to meet Thomas Dougherty an upcoming illustration artist with a published children's book.

I spent way too much money, but walked away with bags full of inspiration.  It was great seeing all the costumes and effort fans put forth.  It was fun to talk to new people who understood what it meant to be a geek or nerd, etc, and feel genuinely free to be different.  I can't wait to go next year!