Arthur, my friend.

 

Okey  Dokey, another one. Second one for Summer 2013, my take on the work of Alphons Mucha, a fantastic illustrator known for his graceful women, delicate colors, and decorative style that usually was a recipe for temptation. That being said, we may not have to worry about temptation with this one. This is a character who posed for me once before; a troll named Arthur. He lives under the park over on Alturia. He can be a bit smelly and rude, loves scaring soccer moms, and is ALWAYS hungry (he eats raccoons mostly), but he really isn't a bad fellow, he didn't mind posing for this one, as long as I promised  that I would feed him afterwards. This was done on an 8 x 10 canvas, using ink, acrylics and collage. The muse was a slave master today, now I'm all keyed up and have to try to sleep.

Summer 2013

Well, another summer vacation and I'm so very pleased. A long year with my kids at school, but not entirely without satisfaction. A rough year for teaching in general, for any of us brave or foolish souls who are willing to wade through all the tripe that continues to roll downhill from our great leaders( he smirks). But often a student's improvement, or even a kind word or hug makes all the difference in the world. At the moment, I will stand steadfast at my post, teaching visual arts, and hopefully the habits of mind that our young folks need in order to express themselves, find their own voice, and be successful problem solvers in whatever world they stagger into.
This post showcases my first painting for the summer break, which came without too much trouble. With a brief reprieve from being a domestic god; sans children and my adoring wife Sonya for a few days, I sat down without much prior thought, and began sketching and this came out of the recesses.  It is partly collage, ink, and acrylics on canvas board. As I worked on and reflected on the piece, the idea of "making one's own way through" what's been handed down to us over the centuries via oral tradition, the written word, and visual imagery from antiquity that have been etched in our consciences. These mysteries are written on my heart, now if only to share them.
Thanks to Pieter Bruegel the Elder  seven deadly sins
and The Book of Kells Book of Mark
Until the next one...

 Greetings. Thanks for taking a moment to check this out. Been awhile since I've posted anything. Same ole, same ole here, just parenting, working (still teaching art, k-5), playing bass in a band, trying to create a little artwork when time permits. I'd say overall everything is going really well here. Everyone is healthy and happy. God is good.
Anywhoo, here are the two most recent pieces that I've decide to post:
The first is titled ,Emissarium. Had the idea on the treadmill one night while listening to one of my favorite bands. More of a narrative than my last couple of pieces. Sort of a moment in time that takes place in a world that's lost it's way. Two of it's inhabitants are  visited by a messenger from another realm to offer them a gift. 16 X 20incehes, acrylic and ink on canvas.

 This one is untitled at this point. Another mostly abstract, "automatic drawing " sort of piece. 7 X 20 inches, ink on illustration board.








Well, hopefully be back soon. About to start another piece soon. I would be glad to do some commissions, illustrations,as long as I don't have to make it look like someone else's work.

Why Blogger?

So, it's been ALONG while since I posted anything. I'm sure everyone, especially artists, think to them self "why bother?" I went through a bit of a funk over the summer months, and didn't do much visual art at all. I started out pretty strong in May shortly after Summer break began, and then tapered off tremendously due to various reasons. For one, it's difficult to devote much time to something when you have two small children, who I love more than I ever thought imaginable. Secondly, I have been playing bass with a band, which takes much of the artistic mojo for itself, which is also a lifelong aspiration of mine that I receive immense pleasure and fulfillment from. 

    Anyway, back in the saddle again, and truly loving it again. Ever since social media became part of daily life, I told myself that I would use this resource to promote my art. Myspace was first, now facebook, my own webpage, or however I could get the images out to other humans. It has never, not even once drummed up any potential customers, opportunities, or anything remotely close to generating cash flow or notoriety in any way. So the question is "why bother?" Because I have to. I have to make art, be it music, visual art, or whatever else I fancy at the time. I don't care if I play and sing to an empty room, or make art for my own pleasure for the rest of my life (that's not true). Don't get me wrong, I very much appreciate anyone's comments regarding my work, and I love hearing or reading them. It means a great deal when someone takes the time to say "cool", or hits the "like" button. I would welcome a critique from my peers as well. A stroke of the old ego never hurts, I suppose. Be we artists have to do what we do. It's a blessing, a curse, a purpose, a distraction, a getaway, a punch in the throat to all the horror and insanity that goes outside of the studio. So I will continue to post things on here, even if it's just for me.   

So these are the most recent pieces, all my favorite medium to work with, inks on illustration board. The angel just sort of happened, I've been listening to a great deal of chant lately, just letting go, trying not to think too much. The other two were started with automatic drawing, which I define as just starting with some marks and building the image. If a narrative pops up that's ok, if not I'll just enjoy the process. Usually.

March entry, inspiration and things

 So, it's been awhile since I posted anything on here. However, I have been very busy with various things. That's the problem, and the blessing I suppose. I chose the name "Misterlanious" long ago for a variety of things, but it definitely fits my life; Definition of MISCELLANEOUS

1: consisting of diverse things or members : heterogeneous

2:a : having various traits
  b : dealing with or interested in diverse subjects
     I have for most of my life, especially in my adult life, been torn between the pursuit of visual art and playing music. I have pretty much always found great escape, pleasure and much pain in both of them, always trying to succeed in some form or fashion in one or the other. 
I was a music/jazz major at the University of Memphis for a couple of 
years, then changed to Illustration at the Memphis College of Art, after
coming to the realization that I didn't care to spend all my time and 
money learning to play other people's music. Particularly a kind of music; (jazz)
that I don't live out each day. This isn't the 1950's, and I'm not cool enough to be Miles Davis, and not dumb enough to do heroin and play in jazz clubs all night and lose my soul for that kind of life.
So, I pretty much play in bands with or write only original music, and I love playing bass and a little guitar with all of my heart. I could easily do it for a living, if given half the chance. I would never choose it over my present life with my family though.  My boys need a father more than I need that for sure. If I could have it all I would...Anyone...anyone...
     The main reason I chose art as a degree and profession, is that it's something I can do on my own without a drummer, guitarists, and all the other fickle, ego-driven, situations/people that develop in the pursuit of music. I am my only nemises in this lonely pursuit. My own fragile, prideful, stubborn, insecure, obsessive, behaviors are my strengths and weaknesses. They only hinder or help me, not others. I suppose art is SUCH a part of me because I started the pursuit of this at a much younger age than I started playing music. Long before I believed I couldn't do it. Comic books, children's books, Frazetta album covers, Riggs album covers (Iron Maiden),KISS posters, and too many more to name, inspired a lifelong pursuit of creating art that will never cease in my lifetime. I am inspired  to do art by anything from books, movies, a song, a phrase, a face, a mood or just about anything. Sometimes even food. I also enjoy teaching this to children in my day job, because I can relate to the kids who feel the same way, and it's actually something I can do pretty well. I love being a voice that says "you can", and "this IS important" to them. Don't ask me to do anything practical though. I won't even fix a lawnmower. I do some things though, I am middle-aged now. : ) 
     At the moment I just finished the Elvis above piece for a friend. I believe it will be in an auction for Southwest Community College. I wanted to do something fun, that would easily sell in Memphis, and there is some history of Elvis with the person I made it for. A ceramic Elvis bust comes to mind...Anyway I enjoyed doing it, and I hope she likes it. The other piece is one that I've continued to tweek since the last post. I added more contrast, a little more color, and I have to force myself to stop, or it may never be finished. I'm not sure what the next art project is. Maybe the other Elvis...?
      The exciting news in my life right now, is that I joined The Mike Dees Band. I love his music, and he has been a good friend of mine for a while, and I also was able to round up another friend/fantastic drummer, Brad Davis to play with us. The bass parts are challenging and melodic and the songs are accessible to anyone with a good ear for music. I am happy as a pig in... Here is a picture of yours truly and one of my basses, a Warwick 5 string. I also have a Warwick 4 string frettless, if someone wants to get a little slippery...

    Anyway, that's what's up with me right now. Teaching, Daddying, playing music, doing art, sometime too many things at once. By the way, I am always open for commissions. Let me paint something for you, I don't want to kill your weeds. I am not that miscellaneous.

What's going on

Good evening to you, if you're reading this (or morning, or day). Just finishing up a good weekend of seeing friends, doing some music related activities and finishing this painting. This a large painting; 30" x 40 "canvas, India ink and acrylic. I began to think about imagery similar to this on the the way to work one morning while preparing for a show I had in December. This is a little different than the original vision I had for this. Originally there were three boys, each painting their tree of leaves, without any assistance from  animals. I originally drew all of them in, but after much consideration and gesso, I decided to scratch the two other boys, and add animals that I associate with Autumn. For now I will title this "First of Autumn". Fall has a fair amount of magic of it's own; with the other worldly colors, stripping of the foliage, and just the feeling I seem to get during the season. I enjoy working like this, using white, black, and just a small amount of blocked in colors. I have five new canvases to start on, so I think I will continue with this combination for a while. During my first inspiration for this I was listening to the Beatles, "Magical Mystery Tour", so I may try that again to see if it will trigger any new images. But I realize their are no magic formulas, but I love that album anyway. Thanks for taking a moment to look at this post. Cheers

Happy after New Year/ Spanish Angel

 Pardon the glare on these photos, still using poor lighting and a crappy old camera. This is the finished product of a piece/gift I did for a first grader at my school who lost his father in a fire. The piece is called "Padre, Heroe", to honor the man who sacrificed his own life saving his family in the blaze. Jose, his son immediately began to draw a male angel with three crosses, and called the drawing his father. I wanted to do something for the family, so the teacher told me that an angel would be a good idea for a card/drawing. The boy has remained a joy to be around, and it was a true blessing to see he and his family's smiles upon receiving the drawing today. I aspired to keep the drawing very child-friendly, almost Dora inspired, but I ended up going with more of a comic book style only slightly stylizing the angel to keep it cartoon-like and a little less realistic. My wife wrote a few verses from Psalm 91 in Spanish, that was appropriate for this piece;

Psalms 91:9 ^ Because you have said, I am in the hands of the Lord, the Most High is my safe resting-place.

Psalms 91:10 ^ No evil will come on you, and no disease will come near your tent.

Psalms 91:11 ^ For he will give you into the care of his angels to keep you wherever you go.

Psalms 91:12 ^ In their hands they will keep you up, so that your foot may not be crushed against a stone.

I really enjoy doing art for reasons like this. Now I'll go back to staring at this other canvas and see what happens...

Christmas Eve eve post

 Well, it's almost Christmas. This is pretty much my favorite time of the year. As a Christian, I try every year to find deep spiritual meaning in this holiday, but I tend to get caught up in all the hub-bub like everyone else.With all of the holiday "hustle and bustle", it can be a challenge to stay in a disciplined, create mode of working. I must say, that it has been much easier for me the last couple of months. I have recently re-established the habits of mind and body that make it easier to flow with some proficiency. It's mainly due to the fact that I want it so desperately. This "white whale" that we as creators seek, be it music or the visual arts, I have sought it out for most of my life that I can recall. I will get out of the daily grind and do what I feel that I need to do. Working for an organization that is struggling to prove it's validity (the public school system) with all of the politics and other bullshit, compounded with the stress of the job is proving to be unlike something that I wish to continue. I will find a way to do what I need to do.
     Anyway, these three pieces are my most recent offerings. The first, is called "such a great cloud of witnesses". This is loosely based on a scripture from the bible:
Hebrews 12

 ¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Somehow my late pappy showed up in the painting, along with some other familiar or not, faces. I love you and miss you Spec.

     The second is a work in progress for a first grade student at school who's father lost his life in a fire, saving his family. Truly tragic, the boy Jose, is holding up pretty well because he knows his father is an angel now, who watches over him. This is an attempt to capture a beautiful image for the family's Christmas card.
     The third, is a more finished version of a pen and ink sketch that I was working on, just to play with a bit of character development. It is about circumstances, or forces that threaten to "cut down" my dreaming tree.

New stuff/update

 Working on another painting, slow but steady. The pen and ink is just a practice sketch. I keep having this vision of these baby-like characters and trees. I started the painting, but ended up gessoing out the sky a couple of times. Just wasn't happening. Anyway the sketch I did tonight was a lot more fun, and ended up with a clear concept. Avoid those that will try to eradicate your dreams...The saw-creatures are coming toward the boy's tree of dreams/visions that he is guarding. Stand firm and keep dreaming. A little cliche but true. I'm not sure how the painting is going to turn out though. I have to decide on colors and such. Oh BTW, my art show was a lot of fun, I got to explain some of my work to folks and got a lot of feedback and affirmation. I am looking forward to doing more work and having a bigger, better show next time.

Finally a new painting

 Well, finally three weeks later a gallery piece is ready. 30" X 40 ", acrylic. I decided to do a piece on Edgar Allan Poe. I am intrigued by his poems/stories as well as his distinctive look captured in the old photographs. I did not want to only capture his likeness, but a bit of the other-worldly, feeling that I associate with his works. Mysterious, yet almost comic book imagery flutters in my head as I read "The Raven", and I thought it would be an interesting concept for a painting. I enjoyed most of it, but as usual, I feel that I have to relearn a way of painting each time I paint, especially something this large.
 I know I had to have painted the background of the night sky three times or more.

Anyway it's been a tough three weeks balancing work, a family, and grieving over losing a best friend halfway through the painting. He did see it halfway finished, and liked it very much. I guess I am content with it for now.

Working on gallery work

Greetings self. Been working on a couple of things lately. Finally finished up ink piece already posted on facebook. Turned out good I think. Now focusing on gallery work for a December show at a lovely friend of mine's gallery. I will be working bigger than usual, excited about that. Have several ideas, going to work up some thumbnails and decide which ones work. Trying to stay away from dark imagery for this, more like children's narrative images, with a couple of exceptions. We'll see. I'll post some as I go.

Nothing going on but work lately

It's been a while since I did anything to post. However I am thinking about it. I teach art to elementary school students, so I at least get to draw at work. It's been a good school year so far (it's only been about a month), but I haven't had time to work on my own stuff lately, between lesson planning, grading papers, and my two kids at home. It's frustrating to always want to be working on something and not doing it. Often, when I do have a little window of time, I am frustrated or apathetic about it. It seems that it's all been done before. I need to focus on something that keeps me interested and motivated. ? Anyway, here's an older commissioned piece I did a while back. Cheers.

The troll is hungry

Finally another piece. Had some problems uploading photos to the blog for a couple of days. I also ended up redoing this after the first one didn't turn out so good. I loved the drawing by itself, but I need to find a way to work with acrylics that I enjoy, and doesn't take forever. The last post; "The Squeal of the Hampire" didn't turn out so good with the acrylics and color pencil, and the letters really sucked. This one I actually really like. I like the simplified drawing style, and the colors are nice as well. The first time I did this one, I used acrylic and added ink toward the end. I did not like they way they looked together so with this one just acrylics, and it's much stronger visually. I am in need of a new scanner, but working on the artwork is more important at the moment.

Latest Blog

Another addition to the "Monster a Day" idea. Silly idea, but the play on words stuck in my head. I started with a graphite drawing on illustration board, added a little gesso for texture, and then acrylics and color pencil. I thought I had the scanner problem licked by scanning the "rooted man" as a tif, but I scanned this in as a tif and a jpeg, and it's still blurry. It looks a little bit better in real life, but you get the idea.

Today's Post

This is my latest piece. More of a narrative, rather than just a stand alone image. Tried to hold back on over-working the background to no avail. I guess I'll have to harness my OCD behavior for good one day. The lettering is still a bit of a challenge, especially if I try too hard. I'll keep working...