Sunday, December 28, 2008

The third game


Courtney pulled this as a surprise gift at the Eckersley family Christmas.

Two More - old ones


Saturday, December 27, 2008

Segway to How to Draw Book Collection



I have been collecting books and pamphlets for many years and my collection has taken on a it's own categories. This is one category that I really enjoy adding to as I find them. Some of my favorites are pictured here: How to Draw Horses by Walter T. Foster no publishing date, Drawing Dogs by Diana Thorne 1940, How to Paint and Draw Children by Viola French 1950's (?) (reminds me of Henry Darger), Drawing Dogs by Gladys Emerson cook 1960's (?), How to Make Composition of Portraiture (all other writing in the book is in Asian characters).

Game Number 2




Camilla complained for weeks about not getting a game for Christmas. Meanwhile I was making her one. It seems to be some sort of drawing game like pictionary but she will have to figure it out.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Peepshow



I wish I could have photographed the inside of this one but I couldn't get the right angle. On the back of the inside of the box there are broken mirrors and when you pull up the black knob on the top of the box there is a small flashlight attached. When you shine the light in the hole the flashlight came out of and look into the hole on the front of the box, you can see a man wearing only a towel reflecting off the mirrors. You can't see the man in you shine a light in the front hole. Anyway, it's kind of fun. I made it as a Christmas gift for Davora.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Problem Solving


I'd like to know how other people decide what their artwork is going to look like. Can they describe it to someone else before it's on the canvas? For me it's like solving any other problem; I usually see the solution in the wee hours of the morning when I wake up from a dream or to go the bathroom. I used to see an object that exists or can be extracted from something else but lately I see a texture or a shape and color and then I figure how I can create that effect. It's been really trippy to have something this essential to my process change suddenly. It's more like painting than assemblage. Also, I've never been able to describe what my artwork is going to look like before I build it but, recently I've been able to tell my inquisitive wife what I'm thinking about and how I want to approach it. I've even been sketching my ideas. I must be a late bloomer.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Three Painters I Know

Here are 3 painters I know personally. Just felt like posting their websites today.

Jessica Graca
www.petunialoveswater.com

Joe Schlichta
www.joeshlichta.com

Jenna Colby
www.soopajdelux.com

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Glue

I've started using more gorilla glue. Even though it can be challenging due to expansion, I like how strong it is. It can be painted and for some reason I think it's pliable (even though it really isn't).

I used to use more PC-11 but mixing it is a pain and it is lumpy and dries hard as a rock. But, it's stronger than hell.

I like good ol' Elmer's white glue and good ol' wood glue for wood and sometimes paper.

Glue sticks are a staple, I don't care what brand.

While I like "Yes" paste for paper, it comes in gigantic tubs and dries out quickly. Then you have a very expensive paperweight. It is very easy to get rid of any bubbles or lumps though.

Hot glue is only good for children's art projects that you hope will eventually fall apart. Although I do like how it looks when dry and have used it for effect.

I hate crazy glue...enough said.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Fun-n-games




Just distributed the first of the games I've been laboring over for the last four months. I was planning on giving them as Christmas presents but the gift exchange plans were changed. Oh well, individuals will receive their games in time. At least I can post photos of the first game sent to Dika for her birthday. Not sure if she opened it up but I know she liked the painting on the outside of the box. That's what I get for trying something "conceptual".

Monday, December 1, 2008

Time

There is never enough time. Between work, home, partner, figuring out the kid thing, and just trying to remain fairly healthy I'm finding it hard to get any artwork completed. Maybe when Christmas is over I can find some time to focus.

I wish I could quit my job and live on nothing but that lifestyle has always eluded me. I always want a comfortable lifestyle where I can do or buy whatever I want (within reason) but in exchange for that lifestyle I work hard, more than forty hours a week as a matter of fact. I am responsible to other people, I pay a mortgage, I get to live alone with my partner not multiple roommates. If only my "good" job would buy me more time.