Yorkie Painting

Here's a commissioned Yorkie painting I just finished.

Dog Painting Commission

I just finished up a painting this morning. Checkitout!

Christmas Gift

Here's a lil' something I got at a Christmas party.

Merry Christmas Cartoon for Dad

My dad needed a Christmas cartoon. Here's what he got.

Dober Progress

I am getting there. All the shininess takes time.

Sketching

Name That Actor

A little caricature-for-fun.

Working on the Schnauzer

I've made a little progress.

Schnauzer Painting - Blocking In

Getting started on a new painting today - blocking it all in.

Blue Cat

I just finished up this cat painting for a lady.

A Post Election Thought

I love a good comedian (who doesn't?), but when they start riffing about politics, or any subject that you understand better than most, you can see the problem with thinking in caricatures.

That's one of the problems with our news outlets. Journalists create caricatures, rather than accurate pictures, of reality. People get angry about stories they believe, but have very little connection with reality.

Random Thought

Regular soy sauce and reduced sodium soy sauce taste the same to me.

Am I the only one?

Cardinal in the Winter

I just finished up another piece. This one is an 8" x 8" painting I call, "Cardinal in Winter."

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm finally getting into "The Last of Us."

Christmas ALREADY?

Getting a jump on Christmas.

Here's a Christmas card I may have finished.

(knowing when I'm finished with a piece can be the hardest part of a project for me)

Random Excellent Work Music

Looking for some music?

I work at a desk all day, so I have the opportunity to listen to a lot of music during the day. Here is some of the good stuff I've been checking out lately.

The Distillers - Love is Paranoid

Energetic, straight forward punk. I could listen to this track 100 times in a row.

Leftfield - Original

Electronic music from 1995. It doesn't sound dated to me. I just like this song.

David Bowie - Love is Lost

This is one of Bowie's newer tunes - from 2013. A chill song with a great organ sound, sung in the way only Bowie could.

The Kills - Siberian Nights

This is from The Kills newest album, Ash & Ice, which I definitely recommend. Love the bass - love the drums. This song is spare, with a great groove.

Gotta run!

Tiny Dog on a Porch

Finished up a piece for a friend o' mine. I used my creative license with the colors. Just for fun.

Cats are Persistent

My cat has been making space noises outside the bedroom door for 15 minutes.

What a jerk.

For Your Amusement

I'm working on some shirts for a musician and I had the pleasure of drawing a mustache.

I thought I'd share it with you fine folks.

Enjoy.

Stranger Things - Netflix

I'm 4 episodes into Stranger Things on Netflix and I'm digging it.

Well, I'm digging it, but I have to watch it with a finger on fast forward, because Winona Ryder is a little too good at acting half-crazy (which doesn't sound like a compliment, but it is). I can't watch when she's flipping out.

I also have a pet peeve, which is characters who are absurdly cryptic. If you've seen the show, you probably know who I'm referencing.

But the music is great, the characters are interesting and I'm sucked in. I need to know what happens!

Recommended.

Autumn Squirrel

Here's a new piece I just finished. I'm getting some Autumn themed work ready.

The last squirrel I pained was 100% marker with a little acrylic paint. This one is a scanned hand drawing with Photoshop coloring.

Bright Hummingbird Painting

I had no intentions of painting more hummingbirds, but I was talked into it.

I'm happy I did because this piece turned out nice. I couldn't bring myself to use markers on the drawing, so this one is painted digitally. I may have to start painting with watercolor / gouache, because I think it will play better with the line art than acrylic paint, and I can get more accurate colors than with markers.

It's posted on Etsy.

The Masked Intruders - Hello, Beautiful

I stumbled across this song on my Twitter feed yesterday, which has invaded my brain and is holding it hostage.

Idiosyncratic and saccharine punk pop. Sometimes, you're just in the mood for it.

Checkitout:

Autumn Dog

I'm putting together some Autumn flavored artwork to sell as cards and prints. Here's the first completed piece.

Caricatures at Art in the Park - United Way

I did some drawing at a United Way event today.

I was paid for 2 hours, but I stayed for 3.5 hours because the line was so long. (They were nice enough to pay me for the extra time)

I officially need a system, because when caricatures are free everyone wants one.

Next time...sign up sheet at 10 or 12 minute intervals.

At the very end I thought it was over, so I stood up and started packing away my pens, but there was 1 more (tiny) girl left. That was probably the fastest caricature I have ever drawn.

Should've taken some pictures, but I was in the zone and in a hurry. Next time!

Caricature Inspired by BEN HUR

I think I was subliminally inspired by the new Ben Hur movie.

I'm not telling you who it is.

Will Smith - Suicide Squad Caricature

My last post was a caricature, too. How fun is that??

The immortal Will Smith, folks.

Chris Pine Caricature

Practicing my caricature - don't want it to get TOO rusty.

For all you Star Trek fans - Captain Kirk Chris Pine.

Pin Up Sketch with Markers

I had a black and white drawing lying around from the recently finished shirt design, so I decided to use the markers on it. Maybe next time I'll see what markers AND color pencils together will produce.

Matt Damon Caricature

I just rewatched the original Bourne Trilogy, and I was inspired to draw a quick caricature of Matt Damon.

Pin-Up Art Finished

I finished up that T-Shirt. Check it out!

I kept the number of colors down so the screen printer can print it with all spot colors. Plus, this matches the style of the other shirt design I made for him a couple of years ago.

By the by...I am always available for graphic design and illustration, because making stuff like this is a lot of fun! Check me out at fowlerartanddesign.com.

Pin Up with a Gun

I'm working on a t-shirt design for a Gun Fabricator.

He wants the image in an old school pin up style, holding one of his most popular guns. I'm creating a metal themed frame around the drawing with some slick, metallic text.

This is going to be excellent. I will definitely post the final image.

I've Got an Exciting Announcement!

I am proud to officially announce my new website:

Fowler Art and Design

I offer graphic design services like logos, business cards, advertisements, banners, posters, etc.

Basically, if you're running a business or organizing anything you're going to need graphic design services.

Save yourself the frustration. Hire a professional (me!).

Making a Website?

I'm currently working on a website, which I haven't done in quite a while.

Last time I used Go Daddy to register the domain name and host the site. The more I used Go Daddy,though, the more I didn't care for it.

The main issue was that the website was a real chore to navigate. My account page was even worse.
There was just nothing particularly great about Go Daddy. It worked.

This time I wanted something more exceptional, so I went looking for a new hosting company. After reading some reviews I settled on eHost, which (so far) I would highly recommend.

eHost is extremely affordable. The website is very easy to use and my account is very easy to navigate. There are also a ton of features and options available to you, depending on your needs.

I think the best feature for me is the website builder. This thing is ridiculously easy to use, and there are a lot of interesting, creative templates to choose.

WYSIWYG website builders have come a long way. I've always coded my own sites, which is a real chore for a non-developer like me. Having the chance to use such an easy website builder iss like heaven in comparison.

Bottom line: If you need a website built, and you think you have it in you to put it together yourself, I would consider eHost.

Spoon

How many of you thought about The Tick when you saw that headline?

----------------------------------------------

Remember a band called Spoon?

I forgot all about these guys. It's a good band.

Here's a tune for you.

New Blink 182 Album

Remember Blink 182?

They're back with a new album called California

Give it a listen.

Graffiti Painting on a Motorcycle Helmet.

I'm getting started on painting a motorcycle helmet for a buddy.

I sanded the surface to roughen it up, then sketched out the image with a sharpie. I'm laying down the basic colors, now.

He wants the painting to be in a graffiti style, which is new to me, but that cartoonish, elastic, slick way way of working is going to be a lot of fun. The final product will be a combination of 3 scenes that will run together..

Wish me luck.

New Piece Added to Etsy Store - Smoky the Cat

I just finished this piece and added it to my Etsy online store, Markers and Paint.

This is a painting of a neighborhood cat that we have basically adopted. We call him smoky, for obvious reasons. (the neighbors' kids call him Fluffy)

He never comes inside, but my wife feeds him every night. His tail twitches when you pet him.

Our dog loves to play with / antagonize him.

Enjoy!

And remember, all of my prints are available though my online store or directly from me.

I'm also available for commission work.

Just hit me up.

The Brexit Results

Britain voted to leave.

Prime Minister David Cameron has resigned.

WOW.

The Guardian

Brexit Day

Today, Britain votes on the so-called "Brexit" referendum. The people will be deciding
whether they want to stay in the European Union or not.

This is huge for Britain.

If you're interested in the European Union and Brexit, there are tons of great videos online,
including Brexit: The Movie.

I'm hearing that the polling data is neck and neck. Nobody can predict what the results will likely be.

I for one, hope Britain leaves. The European Union is, unfortunately, a very authoritarian system. Many of their leaders are appointed, not elected. And their parliament has no real power.

A Great Art Lesson I Learned By Reading Steven Pressfield

Your lines don't matter.

It's about the subject, not the brilliant way you move a pencil.

I'm adapting some information I picked up from Steven Pressfield's new book.

Check It Out

Mother Goat and Kid

I don't know why in the WORLD I don't always use a brush to ink.

I put this cute little picture together this evening. I'm feeling a little stumped and stilted with my chosen medium...I may need to add some watercolor to the mix.

Trump's Anti-Terrorism Speech Yesterday

On the issue of terrorism, the Clinton and Trump responses could not be more different.

Check out this anti-terrorism speech from Trump yesterday. This is going to resonate highly with a lot of people who've been waiting for the president to be tougher and more plain-spoken about terrorist threats to America.

This is the kind of talk that could win the election for Trump.

The Speech

Mike Rowe - Don't Follow Your Passion

I don't have time to expand on this theme right now, but I thought some of you might find this video as interesting as I did.

Mike Rowe - Don't Follow Your Passion

I think many of us have counterproductive ideas about passion that Mike Rowe addresses in this short video.

Watch a Fascinating Movie About Brexit

As you may know, Britain will be voting on June 23 about staying in the European Union or leaving. I didn't know very much about the EU, but I stumbled onto this fascinating movie about Britain and the upcoming "Brexit" vote.

The movie explains the structure of the European Union and the effects of membership on Britain. I didn't realize that Britain has been a member of the EU since 1973.

The movie is very watchable and interesting. It wasn't dry or slow, but a great mix of entertainment and information.

You can stream the entire film from their website:

Brexit The Movie

If you're like me, and you sit at a desk all day, it's nice to have some stimulating audio.

Game Boy Made from Burger King Toy

I stumbled across this story this morning:

Game Boy Made from Burger King Toy

My Puppy Biscuit - New Finished Piece

Here's a piece I just finished starring my new puppy, Biscuit.

I've had a devil of a time with this one, trying to get the colors and composition right. As many warm browns as I used, the piece feels very cool to me. I'll just have to accept that aspect of the piece and move on.

The unique nature of the colors may be the main appeal for some people, though. If it can work for Alex Ross, it can work for me!

I love that I captured that way she sits and those wonderful, floppy dog ears.

Enjoy!

The Final Countdown Like You've Never Heard

I stumbled onto this little gem today:

Kazookeylele - Ukulele - The Final Countdown - Pockets - Stuart Crout

Selling Fine Art Greeting Cards

I've converted several of my fine art pieces into greeting cards, which I sell out of my wife's art store.

They've been selling quite successfully, so I decided to group a variety of them to sell together. The advantage of buying the card set is that you pay for 7 cards, but you get 8.

Also, this is the first time I've designed my own packaging, which was fun!

I'm thinking about posting these for sell in the Etsy store.

If you happen to be interested in picking some of these up, let me know. You won't find any other greeting cards like these. They feature my artwork on the front and the inside is blank, so they can be used for any occasion. I'm more than happy to ship to your location.

You can contact me at jasonfowler.art@gmail.com.

Just Finished Some Sketchy Artwork

I just finished up a piece of art for a buddy. He's gearing up for a music tour this summer and needed something he could put on tee shirts and posters.

The concept is summer memories and he asked for artwork that would be "epic" and "sketchy."

Deadpool Was Actually...Funny

I fully expected Deadpool to be unfunny and overhyped.

After watching it yesterday, I am surprised to say that I actually quite enjoyed it. It was entertaining and (gasp) funny.

For your amusement, the Honest Deadpool Trailor.

Want a New Food Idea?

Next time you're in Gaffney, South Carolina, stop in at a little place called Harold's and try some fried Fatback.

Just be careful or you'll break a tooth.

We tried it out because Guy Fieri himself, from Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, had filmed an episode at that very location, and HE tried some fatback. I believe he called it "money."

In case you've never heard of fatback, the definition is "fat from the upper part of a side of pork, especially when dried and salted in strips."

Google it!

Has My Computer Been...Violated??

I had one of the longest, slowest days ever, yesterday

During the day, a friend of mine tells me she needs a quarter page newspaper ad, which I had made for her a couple of days earlier, rearranged to fit on an 8.5" by 11" flyer. I told her that was fine, but she would have to wait until after work.

When I finally made it home, I woke my computer (which I leave sleeping most of the time), and it started acting strange. The thinking graphic was spinning and flashing.

Then, my computer turns itself off, which isn't too weird because it sometimes does that to install updates, which I'm sure you've seen with your own computers plenty of times.

But, during the restart, the update message tells me that the Windows 10 update is being installed and configured, which is odd because I don't recall ever clicking a "yes, please install" button or anything like that.

I'm not 100% on this -- I may have accidentally agreed to the update -- but I think that Microsoft may have decided, after I had been chided by Windows 10 updated messages for months, to go ahead and install the update whether I wanted it or not.

Have any of you heard of that happening to other people?

Foiled by my computer, I decided to run some errands while the update was installing. My friend got her flyer, finally, when I returned home.

Sleepy Dog Added to the Store

Sleep dog is now added to the my online Etsy Store.

Check it out - these prints make excellent gifts for dog lovers or for anyone looking for an interesting piece to hang on the wall.

Sleep Dog Print

A Quick Thought

I'm listening to a radio show interview right now -- a very polite and civil discussion, I might add, which is a rare treat -- and I'm hearing the word "equality" thrown around, which irks me.

You and I wouldn't want to live in a world where everyone was perfectly equal, because all people are different. Would you want to be made to live in the same house as your neighbor or make the same money as your neighbor, no matter your relative qualities?

I don't want to be made to live the same life as you...I just want the same opportunities. As long as we all have the same opportunities (I won't unpack that idea just yet), I'm happy.

It would be nice if everyone who uses the words "equality" or "inequality" were made to define it. The process of definition would shed so much light on their ideas.

And, to reiterate, I looove civility. It makes me feel civilized.

Just for Fun - 90's AFI

Enjoy this little AFI gem from Very Proud of Ya, released in 1996.

Very Proud of Ya

Happiness and Good Luck!

It's Friday!!!

Friday feels especially good this week, I'm not sure why.

Sleepy Dog with Color

I added some color to the Sleepy Dog and the results are nice.

I'll adding this to the store, soon.

Sleepy Dog Drawing

I just finished drawing up a sleep looking dog.

I'll add color, but I'm am really enjoying the way the drawing turned out, so here you go!

Trump is the Nominee...Time to Accept Reality

At a certain point, you should (I think) accept reality and try to move forward.

A lot of people really hate Trump. They've fought him tooth and nail throughout the primary process. His words, scandals, flip flops, etc. They've all been talked about and exposed ad nauseam, but the Republican electorate that voted chose Trump.

I don't like it anymore than you do, but at a certain point we ought to remember the exhortation of Milton Friedman:

I do not believe that the solution to our problem is simply to elect the right people. The important thing is to establish a political climate of opinion which will make it politically profitable for the wrong people to do the right thing. Unless it is politically profitable for the wrong people to do the right thing, the right people will not do the right thing either, or it they try, they will shortly be out of office.

So the National Reviews and the Weekly Standards, instead of trying to defeat Trump, should now be trying to create a climate of expectation for him that will both strengthen the GOP's chances of winning and help the American people by creating a better political candidate.

Maybe I'm feeling a little idealistic today.

Cruz is Officially Out

After Indiana Cruz is out. It looks like Trump is going to be the guy.

Kasich appears to be hanging in there. I don't know why, since Trump is sure to clinch the nomination now that Cruz is out.

I'm not a Trump guy, but I suspect he can't be as bad as people fear. I would think he will now turn his attention to unifiying the Republican party and he'll begin attacking Hillary Clinton.

Trump vs. Clinton is going to be a reporter's dream.

Cruz's Concession Speech

Big Bird Finished

Just finished up a new piece I'm calling, "Big Bird."

Too much bird seed.

Amazing ISIS Footage from VICE

Check out this video footage VICE posted from the head cam of an ISIS soldier.
I thought it was amazing to see.

What It's Really Like to Fight for the Islamic State

Are Dog Mouths Cleaner Than Human Mouths?

I've always heard that a dog's mouth is cleaner than a human's mouth, which seems absurd to me, partially because my dog chewed on a dead bird today (and that's not the grossest thing that's been in her mouth).

It turns out that statement is untrue, but it's true-ish.

Scienceline.org says:

“It’s like comparing apples and oranges,” says Colin Harvey, a professor of surgery and dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also the executive secretary at the American Veterinary Dental College.

And ABC News says:

[Veterinarian Marty] Becker says many of the bacteria in the mouth of a dog are species specific, so it won't harm its owner. 'So a staph or a strep for a human is not transmissible to a dog, if you were to kiss it, and vice versa,' said Becker.

So their mouths aren't cleaner, but their germs aren't likely to be harmful to people.

Mystery solved.

The Song Test

The things we hate to do feel like wastes of time.

But I was humbled yesterday when I finished one of these dread chores during the playtime of 1 song.

So, if you want to know how long something actually takes, start a song or an album and see how many songs you get through.

John Stuart Mill on Opinions

If you read nothing else from this post, read the last quote.

It is FANTASTIC.

This paragraph from On Liberty by John Stuart Mill is speaking to me this morning.

If you don't have it in you to read the whole thing right now, I'll highlight the most interesting bits.

Unfortunately for the good sense of mankind, the fact of their fallibility is far from carrying the weight in their practical judgment, which is always allowed to it in theory; for while every one well knows himself to be fallible, few think it necessary to take any precautions against their own fallibility, or admit the supposition that any opinion, of which they feel very certain, may be one of the examples of the error to which they acknowledge themselves to be liable. Absolute princes, or others who are accustomed to unlimited deference, usually feel this complete confidence in their own opinions on nearly all subjects. People more happily situated, who sometimes hear their opinions disputed, and are not wholly unused to be set right when they are wrong, place the same unbounded reliance only on such of their opinions as are shared by all who surround them, or to whom they habitually defer: for in proportion to a man's want of confidence in his own solitary judgment, does he usually repose, with implicit trust, on the infallibility of "the world" in general. And the world, to each individual, means the part of it with which he comes in contact; his party,[Pg 33] his sect, his church, his class of society: the man may be called, by comparison, almost liberal and large-minded to whom it means anything so comprehensive as his own country or his own age. Nor is his faith in this collective authority at all shaken by his being aware that other ages, countries, sects, churches, classes, and parties have thought, and even now think, the exact reverse. He devolves upon his own world the responsibility of being in the right against the dissentient worlds of other people; and it never troubles him that mere accident has decided which of these numerous worlds is the object of his reliance, and that the same causes which make him a Churchman in London, would have made him a Buddhist or a Confucian in Pekin. [emphasis added]

And here is the best line:

Yet it is as evident in itself as any amount of argument can make it, that ages are no more infallible than individuals; every age having held many opinions which subsequent ages have deemed not only false but absurd; and it is as certain that many opinions, now general, will be rejected by future ages, as it is that many, once general, are rejected by the present.
On Liberty, John Stuart Mill

Colorful Bird

Added a new piece to the shop.

We All Miss Prince

In honor of the passing of an iconic musician, I'd like to share my favorite Prince video with you:

While My Guitar Gently Weeps featuring The Purple One

He rolls in a little over halfway through and shreds.

What a great performer.

Want to Improve Your Drawing Immediately?

If you like to draw, and you want to make your drawings better instantly (drum roll)...

...measure.

Not with a ruler -- proportionally. You've seen artists with 1 eye closed sticking out their thumbs or pencils. They are comparing different areas of their subject to see what's in line with what and how big this is compared to that.

It's all about getting the right proportions, not absolute measurements per se.

If the relative proportions of your drawing are correct you're going to be in great shape.

Alcohol and Pills

I was turned on to this Todd Snider song today:

Alcohol and Pills

I believe that Fred Eaglesmith wrote the tune originally, though:

Alcohol and Pills - Fred Eaglesmith

"Fame don't take away the pain; it just pays the bills." 

Alcohol and Pills 

Gavin Mcinnes and Education

I just listened to a podcast with Gavin Mcinnes and an anonymous guy who's been running charter schools. They talk about how much better charter schools can be than regular public schools. They also talk about education in general. I found it fascinating.

It lasts about an hour. If you don't want to hear rough language, don't bother. And if you don't like strongly expressed opinions, don't bother.

Checkitout.

Finished a New Owl Print

I finished up an owl print and added it to my Etsy store.

Checkitout

It's Time for People to Grow Up

If you want to have a debate with someone, the first bad habit you need to drop is outrage.

How do you debate with an offended / outraged person? And that's what it's all about today. What can my group and me be offended at next?

Grown ups can talk and disagree. And grown ups can debate -- and this is the real key issue -- grown ups can debate in good faith, meaning I will allow you to be right; I will admit if I'm wrong; and we're both willing to give ground if it brings us closer to the truth.

I wish we could, as Americans, and as people, learn to really debate instead of parsing our opponents words for the phrase or idea that will "shock" and "offend" us.

The great thing?

I believe we can!

The Shortest Distance

A funny thing about the internet: You can be busy doing things, but never do the meaningful things.

The most effective action is often the most direct, which is exactly the kind of thing that people don't want to do. Why do you think we're so passive-aggressive?

The upside? You can break through that and become a direct action kind of person, which is going to put you miles ahead of most other people.

And, yes, I'm talking to myself.

Chickadee on a Branch

I finished up a new piece today.

You can check it out, along with other works, in my Etsy store.

Woe to the Loss of Civics

I was listening to some pundits discussing our delegate selection system -- observing the wide variety of opinions which felt, to me, like they were based on partial and incorrect information. And some were talking about how this Republican election felt like it was being stolen.

I wish that we all understood our republican system of government more, and the way our political parties work. If we're going to argue, let's at least all have our facts straight.

Randomness

Amazingly, I didn't have a single bowl of cereal this weekend.

That fact makes this bowl I'm eating now taste so much better.

Ah.

Bear on the Rocks

You can purchase a 6"x 6" glossy digital print at my Etsy store. If you're like me, and you've bought everything under the sun for your parents, siblings, spouse and friends for birthdays, etc., then you know how awesome it is to find a new, interesting gift!

You've found it.

One More John Locke Quote

I've got one more John Locke quote I need to share. This is from the Second Treatise on Government:

As Usurpation is the exercise of Power, which another hath a Right to; so Tyranny is the exercise of Power beyond Right, which no Body can have a Right to.
-John Locke

We put up with far too much Tyranny in this world. We would be well served to understand what it is and resist it every time.

Tyranny should be a non-partisan issue.

Weezer News

The Weez just released a new album.

Like the blue album, the green album and the red album, this one is called the white album, although it is officially called "Weezer."

I've only listened to the album once, but it was good. They are channeling some of that early 90's rock energy that put them on the map.

Check it out.

Remember Maniac Mansion?

I stumbled onto this fun video from Ron Gilbert about the making of Maniac Mansion. I thought you might enjoy it, too.

Ron Gilbert - Maniac Mansion Postmortem

Bee and Purple Flowers

Here's a new piece to help ring in Spring:

You can check our this piece, and others like it, at my Etsy shop - Markers and Paint.

Thoughts While Reading John Locke

The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom. For in all the states of created beings capable of law, where there is no law, there is no freedom.
John Locke

We get so caught up in our systems that we forget the fundamentals.

Men are born free, and the government's place is to protect our freedom.

Our president is an executive, not a boss or a king. Our Congress is made up of our representatives, not our masters. The Supreme Court exists to defend the Constitution, which defends us.

Of course, this all assumes that you want to be free.

I just thought this was a nice thought for today.

Here's the Thing About People Who Talk Too Much

There is a type of person whom you've met (and you may be one yourself) who talks endlessly about things uninteresting to the person listening.

Here's the thing: They all know they're being tedious and they do it anyway.

I don't know what it is. It's a mental wiring issue. Maybe extra dopamine is released - I don't know.

But they know.

They know.

Your only recourse is to fight back with an endless barrage of questions. Maybe, just maybe, you can steer the conversation to more friendly territory.

Good luck.

Want a Good Martini?

You should definitely try Alton Brown's Martini recipe.

Checkitout

He also makes a mean Daiquiri and Bloody Mary.

You Know the Day

Happy Easter!

Holidays are an excuse to be just a little happier. Take advantage!

Baby Woodpecker

If You're Going to Paint Like a Pro...

I'm learning more and more that using the correct VALUE is more important than using the correct color.

Painting is only convincing to the extent that it can communicate. It's important to be able to identify and duplicate values accurately because values contribute up to 80 percent of a painting's effectiveness and will guarantee you a convincing illusion of truth. 

Graydon Parrish 

Hummingbird and Orange Flower

When Judging Politicians Remember...

... your guy/gal needs to have the right enemies.

A Short Truth

Unfortunately, it's easier to spread a slogan than the truth.

A slogan fits on a bumper sticker, while the truth often requires some explanation. A slogan sinks in immediately, while the truth must often marinate.

Don't be fooled by the bumper stickers.

5 Ways to Improve Your Painting

1) Make sure the drawing is sound. Don't try to fix it in the painting stage.

2) Learn the difference between form shadows and cast shadows.

3) Choose a dominant color.

4) If the highlights are warm, make the shadows cool (and vice versa).

5) Treat the background like your subject. Don't just add it in at the end.

h/t Harley Brown

A Dwarf Warrior

I decided to draw a Dwarf Warrior today.

Why? Because it's fun -- that's why.

Announcement - Brand New Prints Shop Online

I'm very pleased to announce to Grand Opening of Markers and Paint - my Etsy shop for digital art print.

My shop specializes in nature images that were made with ink, Winsor & Newton pigment markers and acrylic paint.

All of my image at 6" x 6" and would look great hanging on any wall (yours and all your friends!).

If you'd like to check it out for yourself, click here:

Markers and Paint - Etsy Shop

Random Music Post

Sometimes I have to listen to some Local H.

That grungy, lyrical, melody infused, hooky grunge rock.

Listen for Yourself

To The Blessed Among Us

I admire people who sort of travel organically along a certain path -- each step of their process built upon a previous step in a definite (and useful) direction.

I have to fight the impulse to flit from idea to idea.

A Lesson From the Media

We can learn an important lesson from the childish media.

Responsible, mature people can debate in a measured way, addressing the points and assumptions of others without getting too hung up on the actual language.

Minutely parsing speech is worse than useless.

It is a stain on our discourse that we are too busy being offended and playing "gotcha" to engage in grown-up debate.

A Birthday Lesson

When my wife and friends are so considerate and thoughtful on my birthday, I realize how much more considerate I'd like to become.

What a great birthday gift.

A Lil' Birdie

Just A Thought

It's amazing how frightening another person can be when they explain their views, and you don't share their fundamental views of the world.

Mixed Media Horse on Bristol

1 Tip for the Struggling, Frustrated Artist

Some budding artists bounce around.

It behooves you to focus on 1 thing for a long time. Choose 1 type of subject matter; and 1 media; and 1 size paper / canvas / whatever.

And keep working on the same sort of images. With each new image you add to your technique. You start to experiment. You grow.

ALSO, you'll have a body of work.

Focus -- don't flit.

Before You Argue With Someone...

You can put forward the most solid arguments known to man, but if your opponent has a head full of bad ideas you may as well be making Peanuts teacher noises.

In other words: When you realize that your debate buddy sees the world in a fundamentally different way, it's time to step back and tackle the worldview.

Save yourselves.

Trump and Jargon

Jargon is the enemy of effective communication.

Trump is teaching us what many of us already knew: Part of the reason people despise politicians is that they speak in political jargon.

News Flash: Almost no one is a politician. Almost no one speaks (or likes) the lingo.

And we've learned that jargon is a substitute for authenticity.

Listen, politicians. Don't talk so much. Have a sense of humor. Act like a grown-up. Sell us on the philosophy of America, which can't be beaten.

Freedom.
Happiness.
Dignity.

Ideas and Gravity

It's funny -- We're all wired up to prefer certain opinions and positions.

I find myself naturally wanting to defend certain people and ideas with whom I have no real experience. It's like gravity. And I have to step back and ask myself why I feel like I have skin in that game.

One of the crucial skills we all have to learn is how to take that step back.

The Mystery of the Scanner

Why is it that a piece of artwork can look great on paper, then look lousy when I scan it into the computer?

This reminds me of all those television shows I've seen that expose how easily your brain can be tricked.

Yeesh.

John Locke - Two Treatises of Government

I'm currently reading Two Treatises of Government by John Locke. The first treatise is a refutation of another writer about the Biblical source of monarchical power, but the second treatise is a theory of government and the natural laws of man.

Fascinating stuff.

“In transgressing the law of nature, the offender declares himself to live by another rule than that of reason and common equity" Ch.2, 8” 
― John Locke, Second Treatise of Government

A Bear