Inktober #3

Inktober #3!  Done on the 5th of October, because life gets in the way.  It's based on a photo from the amazing, astounding Art of Horror reception I attended last night.  This girl and her friend dressed up as two StrangeDolls (made by my friend Beth Robinson.)  Truly, a wonderful homage!

You can see the original image here, photo by Stephen Mease.

Inktober: first two days

INKTOBER

#Inktober 02 A happy guy to offset a crummy day!

Alright.

I'm doing it!  An ink drawing a day, for the 31 days of October.  Started by the awesome Mr. Jake Parker, Inktober is one of those challenges that seem so simple at the beginning.  Just like 24 Hour Comics Day.  We'll see how I fare.

Here are the rules, if you want to join in.  I'm also posting these drawings on my Sweet Enemy Art FB page.

I've decided to draw people from photos or video stills.  First up, I was watching Annie Lennox music videos and damn, her face is arresting!  So I've challenged myself to attempt a face-a-day.  The cards I'm drawing on are by Canson, from their Fanboy Comic & Manga series, and the pen is my favorite Pentel Pocket Brush.  Here we go!

#Inktober 01  An attempt at Annie Lennox.  meh.

Creep along with me

Sweet Enemy Art and The Art of Horror

Guest curated by Beth Robinson and Sarah Vogelsang-Card, The Art of Horror gathers artists who lean towards the creepy and macabre into one lovely juried exhibit that runs through the month of October. I delivered four new pieces to the gallery last week, and saw some amazing work there already.  Please join us for the opening reception THIS FRIDAY, October 4th, where upon:  "you will meet the artists, imbibe treats and spirits, and marvel at the creepy visuals and fire dancing goddesses."  Wow!  Every year this show gets better and better.  And it's free!
The S.P.A.C.E. Gallery is located in Burlington at 266 Pine St., suite 105 and 106.  This gallery is right in the heart of the South End Arts District, with plenty happening all around.  The reception officially runs from 5 p.m. till 10 p.m., but often goes quite a bit later.  

Rick and I would be wise to not stay too late, however, as this Saturday (October 5th) we launch into our SEVENTH year of hosting 24 Hour Comics Day!  That's right, from 10 a.m. Saturday through 10 a.m. Sunday the 6th, all participants endeavor to create their own 24 page story without prior preparation.  We're back at Artists' Mediums and the public is invited to come watch our progress.  Don't feel like driving out at 2 a.m. to see what we're up to?  Follow us through the Artists' Mediums FB page where I'll be updating with some regularity.  I'm hoping to reach my goal of a 12 page story...but maybe I'll surprise myself.

AT THE SAME TIME, because, why not!  Artists' Mediums is hosting it's four employees for the Vermont OPEN STUDIO WEEKEND.  We will each have work on display and work in progress Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.  There's also a great sale going on at the shop this weekend only, so if you're a scribbler or a splasher, or know someone who is, you'd be wise to visit!  

creativity in the wee hours

It never fails:  the closer I get to an event, the more REALLY AWESOME IDEAS start coming as to what I could create for said event. 

But as I get older, I am at least able to let some of these ideas go, and thus remain somewhat relaxed.*  "Next year," I'll whisper as I pat them on their little heads and send them out the door.  "You're a great idea, really great.  But let's try for next year.  Bye bye!"

Still, the idea of completing these 18 new small paintings just cannot be let go of.  I have tonight (and it's almost 11 p.m.) and tomorrow night in which to finish them.  

Here's a view of what I did to our living room last night.  Camped on the couch while installing hanging hardware and roughing in colors. The lights are low to protect the innocent.

Now, off I go to attempt this crazy goal.  


*I am fairly certain my guy will attest to this.


Bonus picture from my archives!  Here's what I look like after way too many hours spent painting and staring at screens.  Well, it could be worse, I suppose.

this is actually from 3 years ago.
I don't want to see an updated version.

  

Art Hop September 6th-8th 2013

My studio table this afternoon 

These new canvases and mini-panels are a blast to work on.  I am feeling very productive!  

Our friend the S.P.A.C.E. Astronaut!

ART HOP:  The official info is here

Art Hop hours at S.P.A.C.E:    

Fri. Sept 6, 5 pm - Midnight

Sat. Sept 7, 10 am - 11 pm

Sun. Sept 8, 11 am - 4 pm

Find us at 266 Pine Street, right behind Conant Metal and Light.  Look for the Astronaut mural;  when you enter that door, we are the first studio on your left.  

Swish on over to see the new work!

What's up Portland?

Portland, Maine, that is.  I'm headed there for the Picnic Music & Arts festival this weekend.  Looking through the vendors I'm both excited and a wee bit worried:  Excited to be selling alongside some great-looking vendors, and worried that I am going to buy too much stuff...

Still, it's a great experience, and I'm going with local art maven Beth Robinson of Strange Dolls.  And I will be debuting my new panel paintings!

here's just a few...

Next stop, Art Hop September 6-8th at the S.P.A.C.E. Gallery, where Jess Polanshek and I will be sharing this awesome space:

Yours truly, always smirking

Hmmmm...what to do with that niche?


thanks to Polanshek for the studio pics!

Bears!

Here are a few bears I painted recently, you'll notice they're inspired by the banners I made a few months back.   They'll be going up on Etsy soon, but you can message me in the comments if you're interested in them.  Speaking of Etsy, make sure you read all the way through this post.

By the way:  in honor of today's British royal birth, I made a terrible joke on the last photo.  Sorry in advance.  

Bear and Honeybee  Acrylic on panel, 7"x5" $45

Bear with Honey Jar, Acrylic on canvas, 4" x 6" $40

Bear and Berries,  Acrylic on panel, 7"x5" $45

Bear has a Snack, Acrylic on panel, 7"x5" $45

Bear Apparent (get it?  Heir apparent!)  Yeah.
Acrylic on 4"x4" x 3/4" panel, $40

  Watermarks seen in photos are not on the actual work.   

Now then:  Do you follow me on Facebook?  Like my page and you'll see a way to browse my Etsy shop that is most rewarding (click the "My Etsy shop" icon once you're there.)  

I'm currently offering 10% off items already in the shop.

Why?  

Because my checkbook needs a stimulus so I can make more art!  

So follow this link and treat yourself!

https://www.facebook.com/SweetEnemyArt/app_259525164100619