Weekly Drawings #1

   I recently joined a closed drawing and sketch group on Facebook where the main focus is for artists to help other artists by critiquing. The group also has a weekly theme and a weekly exercise (for those who want to participate) in an effort to get artists thinking and hone their abilities by pushing boundaries and comfort zones.

   I've decided that I'll share my sketches and drawings with you on a weekly basis as I complete the tasks given. Be prepared to see work that you normally would never see from me!

   Be sure to let me know what you honestly think! Thanks.

Weekly Theme #1: Mushrooms

 Weekly Exercise #1: Feet

Does This Sound Crazy To You?

 What if I did 100 paintings in 100 days and sold them for $100.00 each? Yesterday I was pondering what my new goals for the coming year would be when that crazy idea drifted into my head. I had done a 31 Paintings In 31 Days for Halloween of 2010 with great success. What if I pushed the envelope a bit further in 2012?

 Now, because this is a major commitment on my part I'd like to know in advance how many people would be interested in this huge undertaking and want to see this as it unfolds or would consider buying one due to material costs. The $100.00 price would include shipping in the U.S. Overseas sales might have to add a small extra shipping fee. I'd also take personal requests for pieces during that time as well and possibly offer a two month payment plan for those who can't afford to drop the $100 all at once. This would allow practically anybody to own an original of mine.

As friends, fans and collectors, what are your thoughts on this?

Stop! What Grabs Your Attention?

   Would you mind if I just asked you, just for the sake of helping me to understand better, what is it that really grabs your attention?

   You know, some people find, as they look at a painting which is very fascinating, that they can feel very attracted to it. Wouldn't you agree? You can feel your eyes tracing over every stroke, admiring the subtle changes of color, mysteriously creating forms which captivate you. As you look deeper and deeper, you begin to realize the mastery of the piece and you finally come to understand that it's value runs deeper than you can imagine.

   Have you ever wondered about how it would be if you owned a masterpiece like the Mona Lisa? Just think about that for a moment, the masterpiece in your possession, the way it makes you feel knowing that it's yours, that sense of wonder which turns to awe which turns to complete and total joy because you know it's priceless and beautiful beyond description. It feels good doesn't it? If I was a betting man, and I am, I'd say that you are smiling right now. That your heart may even be racing a little because you're excited at the idea of owning something so marvelous. At this very moment you have a grin on your face don't you? Or maybe you feel a little warm in the cheeks. I don't blame you, I mean I feel it all the time when I look around and view my paintings.

   There's just something about having something so thrilling and exciting that it makes you feel giddy inside. I'm sure you've felt that way too about some of my pieces. It's like the art has connected with you and is sharing it's secret. It's as if there's a cord of light going from you to it. And as that cord began to glow with the warmth of that connection, maybe you could imagine a time in the future, say a few weeks from now, while still feeling that deep connection and looking back to today and that artwork as having been the start of it?

   See, some people feel it just like that, like a snap of the fingers, and they let that connection happen instantaneously. With me, it sometimes takes a little longer. During the course of a viewing you really start to pay attention to those little details and you start to recognize those values and joys in it that fascinates you so much...with me and my work, it's the same connection and can really feel that growing bond.


You can leave a comment where you tell me what grabs your attention in the box below or you can email me your thoughts and ideas, if you'd prefer to be private.

What is Toys For Tots ~ HORROR style?

 

 Cruising through cyber space at a break neck speed I stopped on a dime. I came across a heartfelt contest that was created as an effort to get people to donate toys to the Toys For Tots charity. The idea was brilliant. Get a bunch of horror authors and the like to donate a signed book or whatever into a package and one lucky Winner will get the whole kit and kaboodle! Entering is simple. Just take a photo of you holding a brand new toy (priced at $5.00 or more) standing in front of a Toys For Tots drop off. Then take a second shot of the toy in the box (so that they know it was donated). Post both pics on the Toys For Tots Horror Style profile and you're good to go.

   I didn't even have to think twice. I wanted to add to that ever growing pile of creepy goodies that someone could win. So I contacted the person in charge of the profile and said how I wanted to donate a signed copy of the limited edition of The King In Yellow that has two of my paintings gracing both the front and back covers.

  You should see the ever growing pile of things the winner can get! It just keeps getting larger and larger and larger...with any luck, there will be a LOT of children (who normally wouldn't get anything) getting something under the Christmas tree this year.

   Remember when you were a little one? Think of the way your eyes would light up when you were given a present for the holiday. That feeling of pure excitement and joy washing over you. Making you giddy with excitement. Now's your chance to give that feeling to another little one.

  Read the note and rules yourself over at the Facebook profile of Toys For Tots Horror Style and give. 

 Please donate a toy. I'm a big softie when it comes to kids and feel that every child should have a toy for Christmas. Don't you feel the same way?