Magic Pop an the technicolor circles

This sketch was one in my small moleskine with the wonderful medium of graphite. 

Graphite tends to smudge as the small particles sit on top of the tooth of the paper.

The smoother the paper, the less it sticks. Fixative is necessary if you want to keep the integrity of your drawing, or in my case I just scanned it.

This drawing was done with a dollar store pen set that had all the colors of the rainbow. I called it 'blockhead' for ironic reasons, maybeI don't actually know why. It's how my brain works I guess.
It just goes to show you that a sketch can be anything, especially because this one is just fun and brings a smile to my face when I see it.

More notes than anything else

I do a ton of writing. 3 pages everyday in the morning and now and again in my sketchbooks. It's good to always have a sketchbook on hand to keep those interesting ideas and notes. I also carry a small moleskine weekly day planner in my back pocket where I write down movies, and websites and things to check out when I get home or on the net, even books to take out of the library.

I also have a habit of writing on my hand.

Ballpoint works great, Sharpie not so good an I noticed my copic's tend to wear off by the time I get home erasing any notes I've made throughout the day;(

 Here are some notes I got out of a library book on how to clean linseed oil for oil painting.

This is basically a Home Depot shopping list for making some automata toys.

Mushroom Festival

I drew these fun little fungi my handy moleskine that I have had since June 1/2006. It is a good size to carry since it is smaller than the the I currently use, so when I travel on public transit I bring this instead.These mushrooms were drawn in HB pencil.  The contrast had to be altered a bit in the scan for you to see.

Can't rest on your laurels

Just 'cause I finished a painting and seemed to not be drawing on here for a week........
I know that you "can't rest on your laurels", you have to keep moving forward even if your new stuff isn't always as good as the stuff you just completed.

Another good saying that illustrates the point.........

"NO REST FOR THE WICKED!!!"

Sister Wendy Beckett, super hilarious an inspirational  art history host on PBS. I totally have a crushg on this particular nun!

This little surfer due was sketched from a toy that was less than an inch tall. I used Prismacolor to color it.

This piece was inspired by a Japanese Shunga print I saw. The girl is pink the boy is blue, unfortunately the scanner  have access to didn't pick it up.

Fire breathing dragon and a jack-ass. All the line work done with Copic a 0.5 multiliner.

HORSE DRINKING - Stage 5

My final step here was to use some Paynes grey for deeper shadows and definition. I paint int he eye, add hoof hair detail and some shadows in the horses mane. I use the paint like watercolor, very fluid and blend it with a small flat brush with soft bristles or use my finger.  I add in new highlights with a color mixed previously in stage 3. I use a small round brush to put in the finishing touches and signature.

The most fulfilling thing about finishing a painting and hanging it is.....

STARING A NEW ONE;)

HORSE DRINKING - Stage 4

So in this stage I did in fact finish the background. I added highlights on the water ripples. I also added dark mud mounds and worked on the light brown reflection in the puddle.  I applied a thin glaze (or wash) of Burnt Sienna over the horse to knock back the contrast of the highlights.

Work in progress for : www.saddleupestates.ca

My final steps for this painting will be to move down to a smaller brush an to go back in with darks and highlights and to add fine details.

HORSE DRINKING - Stage 3

If you are following this blog then you will have seen my prior posting of the horse drinking water painting that I am creating for an equestrian ranch started by my aunt and uncle. Find out more here: www.saddleupestates.ca

This is what I consider the third stage.  I first block in my darkest areas. Then to add depth I add a little white to the main color, in this care Burnt Sienna and fill in the masses. Afterward, I add a little more white and create the highlights. You can really begin to see the horse as it is flushed out.

The next step, for me, is to sit back and look an take it all in before I proceed to the next stage. More than likely I'll block in the remainder of the background and water.

Horse Painting Hung

I was sent this picture of the framed painting of a horse mentioned a few blog entries ago.(Date 6/1/10 = 6 or so entries age under the title, 'horse paintin'g). I was told to make a work to go on brown walls but they look more like a gross yellow.  Anyhow here is the picture of the work installed. It's nice to see it is near a window because I know that the gold on it will shine brightly.

HORSE DRINKING - STAGE 2

I've been painting away. The drawing I did didn't make it. It got covered in paint.

I drew on canvas and before I took a snapshot of the preliminary sketch for a painting, I was knee deep in the paint.  I suppose you could say I was a little excited to get started.  I was asked to do another painting of a horse for the equestrian ranch because the last one was an, and I quote, "awesome painting".

Here is photoed (mind the flash) the second stage of my painting process.  I block in the initial horse with burnt sienna.  Then I put in washes of Yellow ochre, cerulean blue blended with titanium white for the blurry background. My next step is to drip paint form either sides to add more intense blues and ochres to the composition. This also helps to add linear horizontal reference points to base my water ripples.

You can already get a sense of the depth of the background and movement of foreground elements.

My next step is to block in my darkest tones and to use that to establish the middle values.

Gender Blender

I'm showing a new painting at the Gender Blender along with 20 other amazing artist's!!!
it sounds like it is going to be a fun, NOT TO BE MISSED Event!!!

Date:	Sunday, June 13, 2010
Time:	2:00pm - 6:00pm
Location:	Sugar Shack Art Salon
Street:	1424 - 23 Avenue NW
City/Town:	Calgary, Alberta, Canada

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Ladies and gentlemen, start your blenders!

Sugar Shack Art Salon is mixing up our final event of the season ... a fresh and tasty concoction fit for any queen or king. With gender bending performances, videos, art and interactive shenanigans by more than 20 fabulous artists.

As always, admission is free. But bring a few bucks. Because for a small donation, our team of Certifiable Beauticians will transform you into the boyz or gurlz of your dreams. Weather permitting, we'll also be roasting marshmallows and playing croquet. And we just know you'll want to give generously to BobGod's Booze and Legal Defense Fund.

So come take a walk on the wild side at the Sugar Shack Art Salon. See you all on June 13th!

PLEASE NOTE: This is a BYOB event

** Not recommended for children **

Sugar Shack is located in a residential neighbourhood. Please be considerate of our neighbours when parking. There is a large parking lot located one block east of the shack on 13 Street NW

Sacred figures

This is a continuation of my work with sacred figures.  I'm reading this phenomenal book "The Tantric Mysticism of Tibet: A Practical Guide to the Theory, Purpose, and Techniques of Tantric Meditation" By John Blofeld.  It has very informative and quotable information, very inspiring;)

Orca/Killer Whale Haida style

I don't know if it's random, or if my friend's (Tim) visit from Vancouver Island has subtly influenced my choice of subject matter....... but I drew this Coast Salish/Haida style Killer Whale. I have always been a lover of this west coast of art. This sketch was done quickly with Copic for the black and colored in with prismacolor. I may add more to the page, like waves or clouds or even a moon.

Vladimir Vasiliev

Here is that sketch I mentioned in my last post. I decided to color it in with Copic Markers and draw in every little bit of facial hair with a multi-liner..... it makes him look like a rougher/tougher gent.

Vladimir Vasiliev is the director and chief instructor of SYSTEMA outside of Russia.

Horse painting

Well although I did an awesome sketch of Vladimir Vasiliev before hitting the sheets last night.

Instead of a drawing, I wanted to show a painting I completed before it disappears into it's new home. I painted this horse triptych for my aunt and uncle who are staging their home on an equestrian ranch.  They needed something to go with their brown walls over the mantle.

I took all the photos of each canvas individually that is why the lighting looks a little odd. There is vibrant gold that shines when you look at the piece, photos cannot do it justice. The three canvases are 18" X 24" and were completed with acrylic paint. The wheat was painted by using some grasses I pulled up from Ben's yard last week when we did some digging in the front yard.

Snails

I drew these with my trusty copic, and used both Copic and prismacolor to color them in.

Who doesn't like snails? I have a strange fascination with these little critters. 

PINK PIRATE SHIP

I drew straight into this one with my copic marker. It was colored in the same sitting with Prismacolor. It is based on an animation model sheet I found in the QAS library.  I have been wanting to put together a pirate ship model as well (3D). I have one in my studio and my plan is to paint it pink and blue, here is a quick sketch/mock up.

Would real pirates flee at the sight of this ship I wonder?

Jack in the Box

This piratey Jack pops out of the box his eyes rotate from closed to open, his arms raise as he comes up. The motion is very interesting and I think this is my second favorite toy of the bunch. The first being Oscar the Owl.

The Village Blacksmith

Another  Cut-out Toys for Girls and Boys.  Circa 1922.

Pull the tab at the back and the Blacksmith hammers down on his work on a folded back anvil, as he does he taps his foot and his head bobs, concentrating on his task.

Steve in his Studio

Pull his cane to see Steve waving his hands to compose a picture. He leans forward and taps his foot.

The Old Pump

This one is not as well designed out as the others, some of the moving parts can be seen behind the puppet. By rocking the wooden board back and forth movement is created. The action here is pumping up and down with the left hand while pointing with the right. His foot also taps. There is supposed to be a rolled tube for the spout that the bucket hangs on. I do like his hat!

Bobby and the Butcher

Now, I could have gone overboard and made this a real horror gore show, but instead I'm saving it for later, for now this one is for the kiddies. I decided that prison orange would be suitable for the butchers garb. His head nods, so does the little boy's as he lifts his basket.  The butcher points and swings his cleaver and taps his foot. Now that is multitasking.

Pete the Planter

This one is a little more PC and just in time for the season.  Pete the planters head goes up and down as the post shifts and his arms go back and forth with the hoe. Looks like he has planted some turnips, that puts a smile on his face.

Lee Ling - Chinese Laundry Man

Ok, so this one is not exactly politically correct. It was designed in the 1920's after all. I really like the style and action in this one. As he scrubs laundry the broom sways back and forth, his head bobs forward as he taps his foot. The action is spectacular, though I don't think I'll be showing this one around too much.

Oscar the Owl

This is Oscar the owl. He reminds me of the owl clock on Mr. Dressup. When his wings flap he blinks his eyes and his right claw arcs from side to side. It makes me laugh.

Kelley The Cop

I've been really interested in animated toy's an automata lately. I've been making a whole bunch of things out of paper. I found some toy's for kiddies from a magazine in the 1920's and began making them.  Here is the first one I finished. All the joints are connected via sewing pins taped on the back. These things are so cool when they move.

Kelley's arms go up and down while the go/stop sign swivels and his head bobs. I scanned it flat but is is 3D.

COPIC certification

About a month ago I attended a COPIC certification workshop.  As if I wasn't biased enough before the tips, tricks and techniques I picked up as well as some of the new COPIC products I added to my collection makes me an even stronger believer in the COPIC line of products. I'd like to start carrying them through my site, 'cause they are so rad. COPIC for life! Here is my certificate and soon I'll have their logo for my site as well. If you haven't tried their stuff I urge you to get on it!

Automata design

This is a free hanging design sketch for a cloud, lightning and rainbow automata I thought up. Then I decided to put the mechanism on the outside to show various mechanisms at work..... perfect for what I have in the works.

I was also asked to be in a show at the Sugar gallery with a theme "genderbender". Now I know I was probably asked because I am good at making "shocking" work. But the theme has me a bit pissed off. My initial design idea is to have Satan with his balls hanging low popping the bird to those who go to the show. "Play Nice." 'Nuff said.

You'll notice at the upper corner an owl smashing down with his powerful talon. Yes, the Illuminati stomp crept it.

I had another idea to create buildings with neon monsters designed on the outside kind of in the tiki style that eat people. They could be on a conveyor or wheel as the mouth opens and closes after they enter. It would make a cool moving art machine indeed.


PS: I have been a bit annoyed by the free scanner (Canon Lide 25 that I have free at my disposal)
and my current sketchbook, bleeds, cheap paper and hard binding makes it difficult to scan.
C'est La Vie, it's what I have.

Zoobilee Zoo

It was a beautiful day outside and I took a short walk over to the zoo to sketch the Giraffes for the Onemilliongiraffes.com  project I saw on facebook.  I brought my trusty tools, and a dragon fruit to snack on.  I felt that my small gestural thumbnails were the best thing that came out of the day.  Heres some scans from the sketchbook. Pencil stuff done in HB with a mechanical pencil.

I then sat down in the dry mud where they had ripped up a whole section of the zoo to build new exhibits. There was these posts that were once a spider web playground. They had an informative panel explaining how spiders spin their webs so I jotted down the steps with my trusty Copic marker.

Son tatty and stickers

Mother's day is just around the corner. Inspired by an idea to get my mom a tattoo that say's son.  So here is the preliminary design. I'm going to print it out an make a sticker to give her as a gift.

I decided to create a sticker sheet out of some of my past drawings. I used an old packet of Avery 03383 sticker sheets I had in my studio. I colored them with Prismacolor so they would be bright and lightfast. Afterward I coat them with a UV protective Varnish so they wont fade and will be protected in the elements should they get some exposure.

Here is the sticker sheet I printed out and colored with Prismacolor. 

Afterward I coated the sticker paper with Golden Archival Varnish. (pictured below)

Then cut them out on a mat with a very sharp exacto-blade.

Systema Logo

I was asked by my martial arts instructor to come up with a logo for our club.  I came up with this initial sketch and it will be completed in illustrator. I'm way faster on paper but logos need to be perfect and done in the computer. I will only have to draw half then mirror it and change the legs. It is based off of the Russian coat of arms and I cleverly added the Calgary tower in the middle. The part I like is how it mimics the shape of the crowns. The Calgary tower was drawn from my view on the hill overlooking the Stampede grounds.

Visit: Calgary Systema If you want to know more about Russian martial arts.

MUSIC BOX

I applied to Artcity 2010 today with my idea to build a combination automata/music box. I want to make it about 4 ft wide and install it in the downtown core for people to enjoy.  Here is one of the design sketches for the piece.

For the drawing nerds, that is 2 point perspective and it worked out that the back leg can't be seen from this angle. Convenient.

loose and free

I was feeling really good and loose and free when I created these two pencil sketches.

Fear and Filth

I drew this in the dark while watching an episode of the Pacific @ Bender's.

Trisula - Trident

Kangling - Thigh trombone

Chattra -Parasol