Inside Look: Uniform Pets Doctor Labrador Retriever
For this post I’m sharing about the inspiration behind the Doctor Labrador Retriever.
I've thankfully had a pretty uneventful medical history so far. I've never stayed in a hospital overnight, never had to have major surgery, but i've been around loved ones who have. Because of my lack if interaction with doctors and medical staff aside from the routine check ups and hospital visits, I tend to get an uneasy feeling around them. And I get the heebie-jeebies as soon as I small rubbing alcohol.
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Sharing my "Heart"
Earlier this week I shared about how I'm taking part in a fundraiser for cancer research with proceeds going to Lungevity. The fundraiser is being organized by Cut Artisan Hair Design in Flemington, NJ, with over 20 local artists lending their talents to create art on a heart. The art will be on display the entire month of February (at Cut) and available for sale.
Read MoreRingoes NJ Farmhouse Landscspe art
There's this farmhouse in Ringoes NJ on Manners road, that every time I pass it, I think "this would make a great painting". I snapped a photo on my iPhone while my wife was driving, and although I didn't capture it how I wanted, I liked the sky & land of the photo. Here's some digital art based off my photo. #farm #ringoes #nj #art #landscape #digitalpainting #artist #njartist #hunterdoncounty #newjersey #winter
Bringing Smiles Through the Art of Social Media
If you've been following me for any length of time, you know that I practice a daily art habit. I create at least one piece of art a day, and post it to social media. As of late I have also been incorporating public images I find through my social media streams, namely Instagram.
Some people have wondered why I would choose to pick a random stranger and use their post for inspiration to create a daily digital drawing. Aside from looking for ideas and inspiration, I have found that when I create a piece of art centered around someone else, it brings surprise and delight to that person (expect only once, where the person was a little apprehensive).
There has been so much noise on social media with everyone airing their opinions on current events and politics. So much hate and division. Rather than add fuel to the fire or checking out completely, I'd rather start another conversation - using social media to spread JOY and KINDNESS.
Below are two recent examples of recipients of my daily art from their posts to Instagram, along with their reactions. This is why I do it. To make people smile. To make them feel noticed and loved, even if for a moment in their day. You never know what someone else may be going through. And as an Artist, you have the power to use your art to benefit someone else's life. I mean, it's blessed you in the act of creating it right? Why not share that blessing?
Where can you share your talents or art to enrich the lives of others? Try it for 7 days straight and see what happens. I'd love to hear about it!
One of the many Yoga inspired digital drawings I've done as of late. @flyandreleaseyoga
This drawing was following a recent Walker Stalker event, where I was part of the Artist Alley. So many fans of The Walking Dead were excited to meet their favorite stars. I just had to capture this moment from @ProducerJamieNYC with #NormanReedus @BigBaldHead
How I Live Sketched an Event
On Sunday, May 31st, I was live sketching the Liquid at the Shore event from start to finish. This was a historic event with over 4,000 people in attendance, so it was a great opportunity to try to capture the day in a new way. (Click through the images above).
What exactly is "live sketching"? I documented the happenings of the day as i saw and experienced them. My choice of tools for the day were my trusty iPad, Pencil stylus, and the apps Skectchclub, Picfx and Snapseed.
I roamed around looking for the iconic snapshots of the day. For example, we had magician Justin Flom come and perform, so I captured a moment with he and his lovely wife Jocelynn.
First, I took a photo with my iPad for reference. Then I loaded the photo into the app Sketchclub on a bottom layer. On the top layer, I draw a black line drawing of my subjects. I then select spot areas where i paint in some color on the layer below the line drawing. Next I import some textures and play with the layer modes until I get a desired effect.
Once complete, I export and sometimes import into Picfx or Snapseed to add a bit more texture, a vignette, or some other subtle effect.
Being that I had a lot to capture and draw on the spot, and uploading to social media as I went as well, I had to keep thing real loose and quick. Each drawing took about 20 minutes form snapping a photo to uploading to social media.
It was a fun way to capture moments of the day. For an extra level of fun, it's always nice to tag people in the drawing when posting on social media.
Fertile Ground
I'm please to announce that one of my pieces will be part of the Artist 2 Artist Network show "Fertile Ground" at the Printmaking Center of New Jersey. If you're local come join us for the show's opening on Saturday, January 17th from 1-4 PM, 440 River Rd, Branchburg, NJ 08876 As a bonus you can view some collaborative pieces that were worked on by several artists including myself. The show runs from January 17 - March 7, 2015.
30 Days of Faces exhibit
Don't miss your chance to see my 30 Days of Faces solo exhibit at the Hunterdon Library North Branch. Show ends August 31st. Most works are for sale. Spread the word!
Hunterdon Library North Branch
65 Halstead Street, Clinton, NJ 08809
Hours:
Mon 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Tues 9:00 am-9:00 pm
Wed 9:00 am-9:00 pm
Thur 9:00 am-9:00 pm
Fri 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Sat 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Sun CLOSED
Bill Murray Won Me First Place
Last weekend I entered the Hunterdon Library Outdoor Art Show. It was my first time in a show like this, and to be honest I wasn't too sure what to expect. They provided me with a 4 x 8 piece of snow fence to display my work, some for sale, some not and two pieces that I was to enter into the show for judging.
There was so much great work, and a variety too. The judges had a hard time deciding. Ultimately, my "Billiam Murray" took home First Place prize in the Mixed Media category! Hopefully I did Bill proud. ;)
