Cubist Comix

Art On The Run

Here you have the first of what I refer to as Art On The Run or drawings created while out and about or traveling; I feel that this will add a new dimension to my blog and give you, my dear readers, more of an insight into my creative process. This particular drawing was created at the request of my friend and fellow artist Christyna McMahon while I was in Southern California visiting family and friends last week. It was the combination of Christyna's request and my recent acquisition of an iPhone that made this possible. Ultimately, the important thing here is the challenge of creating a drawing on the spot wherever I may be and to share it with all the wonderful people that visit my blog from across the globe. I must admit, I really like this idea of creating art on the run; I hope that you like it as well.

Freedom Through Dreaming

This idea began one day as I sat at the cafe. As always, I was looking for an unsuspecting victim to draw when I spotted the lovely young lady pictured here. I originally did this in pencil with the idea of finishing it up later or on a return trip to the cafe but that all changed when I got home; the cool, overcast weather combined with the luxury of a day off spurned me into action. I became excited with the possibilities that opened up to me in that moment and I decided to just let myself go with what I was feeling. The first thing I thought of doing was experimenting with my pen and ink technique; having mastered cross hatching I, now, would like to add and expand that into something new. The second thing that came to mind was turning a basic cafe drawing into something strange and new. I didn't know what I would end up with but I can certainly say that I love what happened with this. This is just a preliminary drawing for a finished illustration that I intend to do within the next two weeks; I can't wait to do it as I've had even more ideas come to mind since I began this.

Two for Two

Here's another "Organic design" that I recently found while digging through piles of other art stuff. What is it? What does it mean? You're asking me? I'm the last one you should ask when you look for an explanation about my work; I just draw and paint and that's all I know - the rest is a mystery. I intend on finishing this series of paintings so keep a look out for those to pop up somewhere: here, Etsy, post cards, etc. So far I've had great feedback on these and would like to do something with them in the not too distant future.

So, what's next on the agenda? What am I going to throw myself into next? For the next six months or so most of my attention will be focused on the comics stories that I'm currently in process of preparing; my hope is to have at least thirty-six pages of material ready for this fall. I will post examples of what I'm working on as I get it done. Writing and drawing your own stuff is very time consuming so please bear with me. Aside from that the only other thing I can think of doing is... drawing. Pen and ink, watercolor, and colored pencil on bristol board.

The Door Must Always Remain Open

I recently found this painting while digging through piles and piles of art books. I did this ten years ago with the intention of doing a series, but as usual, other things got in the way and I ended up doing only two of these. When I did this I did it because I was feeling burned out with representational pictures and I wanted to do something, anything, no matter how strange or bizarre. Oddly, at the time I planned to do these solely for my own pleasure and this is why they were put away for so long.

This find couldn't have been any more timely for me; even though I started this project a decade ago it really pointed to where I am now - I guess you could say that I've come full circle. Over the last few days I've felt very restricted in my work; I do less of what I really want to do and more of what I don't want to do. How crazy is that? Strange, nonsensical ideas are always coming to me but they're not being put on paper and that must stop. Many of my recent posts have, to one degree or another, been about this;I guess it's just a natural part of growing and maturing as an artist. You reach a point where you know that you have to be yourself and follow your heart without caring about what anyone will say; I definitely have reached this point and there's no turning back now. It's do or die, folks. Over the weekend I had a conversation with a dear friend about this but in a more general sense; we both agreed that most people are unhappy with their lives because they're stuck where they're at and they think that they can't get out. They have literally shut the door behind them; they've given up on their dreams. It's all about the credit card payments and the mortgage payment. No thanks; I'll pass. Being yourself  is not the easiest thing in the world to do, but in the end it's all you can be. Pen and ink, watercolor, acrylic, pastel and gouache on bristol board.    

Have A Good Time All the Time

My goodness, how time flies when you're having fun; that's exactly what I've been doing since my last post and this is the result of that! Do you ever feel as if you're following the rules a little too closely? I was having that feeling lately and finally I said, "Fuck it, I'm going to have fun, no matter what!" Life is too short and rules were meant to be broken so why not have a good time, right? Nowadays we have the perfect opportunity to be free and do whatever the hell we want;  fifteen years ago we were still at the mercy of publishers and galleries (Bastards) when it came to getting mass exposure, but now that's changed thanks to these blogs. I'm not crazy about everything in the technology age but being able to show my work this way is certainly one thing I do like about it.

So, what the hell is the meaning behind this latest masterpiece? Good question. Don't ask me, I don't know; I don't think too much about it, I just throw myself into it and whatever happens happens. Not knowing what the result will be is half the fun when it comes to drawing; at least that's what I believe. Putting down what you really feel is not an easy thing, you have to have the guts to do it. I don't know about you but for me it's become something that has to be done; maybe people won't like everything you do or worse they might end up hating your guts but, hey, that's their problem; I'm too busy having a good time over here to worry about stuff like that. Have a good time all the time!

Organized Chaos

This design is a good example of  my non figurative sensibilities. As much as I love drawing figures, I sometimes get burned out on them and crave to do something spontaneous and different. I would say that I love doing this type of work just as much as I like figurative work, perhaps even more. There's certainly a great deal of freedom that comes when you're not constrained by anatomy or proportions; you're forced to use other skills that you might not necessarily use that often. Even though this is a random image, it is nonetheless very satisfying to me. The overall design and the fine surface detail are a very pleasing combination. Rapidograph in Aquabee.