My night as a street artist.

I was so thrilled to be a part of the entertainment this evening at the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's Odyssey Ball. The evening followed a New York theme so the main room was Central Park where Roslyn Kind was to put on a concert. I was in the silent auction room & cocktail lounge which was Broadway. A talented cast of four sang showtunes and I created chalk art in the vein of street art. The event planner had requested that I create an impression of the Strawberry Fields mosaic in Central Park and I did so (as you can see above in progress). The piece ended up going for $350 in the silent auction which was really nice.

I've got to admit that while my contribution to the evening ended up going very well, I was worried beforehand. I'd only recently gotten back into chalk work and never in a situation like this. So I was happy (and a bit taken aback) that folks were very complementary and interested in my technique. I even passed out a few cards because of interest in commissioned pieces and mural painting.

And probably the most touching part of the evening was the one fellow who chatted with me for a while and got choked up when he told me about his daughter who is fighting breast cancer. He wanted to share with her John Lennon's message in my Strawberry Fields mosaic art. Imagine. The foundation's motto is "Imagine a Cure". I didn't tell the gentleman about those close to me who are in their own battles – a close relative and a close friend and colleague. Imagine. So many people are fighting, and it was really wonderful to be a part of something that is working to imagine a better world. Take care, all. Hug a loved one. Peace.

Still kicking...

Howdy. I've been juggling five illustration jobs, so things have been busy. It's funny how the work comes in waves. There on the right is a logo I created for a family show written by Scott Martin. It takes place at a camp in 1938 where folks get freaked out over Orson Welles' War of the Worlds broadcast.

In addition to the Little Green Men, I've also been fielding adjustments to the Clean Riverside comic/coloring book. And I'm working on nailing down contract details and rough sketch ideas for an online book cover. I also did a little doodle for Musical Theatre Guild's upcoming reading of Out of This World – a caricature of a lead actor as a Greek god that will be blown up and used as a set piece.

And then there's a job that's sort of out of the norm for me. I'll be appearing at the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's Odyssey Ball at the Beverly Hilton Hotel tomorrow. Following a New York theme, the entertainment will include dancers, singers, and, as requested by the client, a chalk artist. I know... I don't usually work in chalk. But I've created a piece (also requested by the client) representing the Strawberry Fields mosaic in Central Park. I'll be putting the final touches on the piece and drawing something else at the cocktail party, so I look forward to a new adventure. After the gig I'll post my musings as well as a photo of the art.

Well, that's it for now. It's a lot, but I don't think I'd have it any other way. Take care, all! Peace & love.

An artist's vacation.

I've taken some days recently to chill with friends and family. I count these as "days off" of a sort. Today I took an artist's vacation... at least as defined by li'l ol' me. I love to draw. I love that I'm making a living doing so. But sometimes I forget the sheer joy of my art while fighting to meet deadlines, worrying I'm not meeting a client's expectations, shuffling paperwork. Today I'm at a place where I'm waiting on a couple clients to approve rough sketches and a few others to get me info and photo reference so I can get started on their projects. It was the perfect opportunity to A. totally veg out or B. do some sketching for pure enjoyment. I chose B and I'm so glad.

I've just been sitting at the desk listening to jazz while March Madness rolls along on mute on the TV... and doodling. I completed one of my "drive-by caricatures" (a sketch of someone inspiring that I'll now send to them as a gift), a doodle that I promised a friend I would do in a free moment, and a sketch that I was inspired to do while sitting at the bro's place watching The Office. I've enjoyed the show, but it was especially fun to sit and watch it on DVD. I really love this show and I've done a little doodling as you can see. I'll continue to add to this piece to fit in more folk, but here it is at this stage.

I feel rejuvenated and relaxed in my calling. Now, bring on the next jobs – screaming campers, disco dancers, and two seasons worth of show logos. I'm ready. Peace & love, y'all. Go get 'em!

A "DUH", an "ARGH" and an "AH"...

Have you ever worked yourself into a frenzy kicking your printer, looking for updated printer software, kicking some more, and otherwise beating your head against the wall because you couldn't print a simple document – and THEN realize that you spent a frustrating hour-and-a-half for no reason since you were just out of paper. I just did. DUH.

I have now successfully printed a necessary DMV form to take to my appointment next week where I will seek to replace my stolen license plates. Yep... stolen. It's not a huge deal – just a big ol' inconvenience. I wonder how many times I'll get pulled over by the po-po. ARGH!

But this was the only wrinkle in a lovely Easter jaunt down San Diego way. After working my brain to the bone on the bus coloring book, I got it to such a stage that I could take my show (and my laptop) on the road. So I partook in an amazing Sunday dinner and had the chance to visit with dear friends over the past couple days, eat lots, and even take in a show. AH!

So that's me in a nutshell. I'm onto new projects and new adventures. Peace & love, y'all! Go get 'em.

A peek at the bus project.

It's very possible that the Omnitrans Buster the Bus coloring book project will be completed this very evening. So what am I doing? I'm procrastinating by updating my blog. What is wrong with me?? But at least it's bus related. Here is a preview of the cover of said project. I have yet to add the Omnitrans logo on that blob below the title, but you get the idea. The character that is labeled "Buster" is a caricature of their costumed character, and this character accompanies the kids on the bus trip. Buster and the kids ride a full size bus in the book. Mine is not to question why – mine is but to do or die.

If I can get it done and sent off tonight, I may make the trek down to San Diego for Easter with friends. And I may stick around for an audition Monday. We'll see. Well, bye for now. Peace and love, y'all!

Taking a break from the talking bus.

There's only so many times a guy can draw a bus. The Omnitrans coloring book ("Buster the Bus") really is a fun project, but I'm going a bit cross-eyed. In a bit of down time, I sketched a presidential candidate. There on the left is a rather hurried impression of Barack Obama. And now I'm back to drawing the bus. Bye for now. Peace and love, y'all!

The way things get done.

Just a quick note from the trenches... I've been spending my days working on the Omnitrans Buster the Bus coloring book project (and taking care of the busy work of projects past and projects yet to come). Some of the work has been done while out and about. I sat and drew the talking bus (see above) on Venice Beach – breezes a'blowin', waves a'crashin', crazies rollin' by. And I drew some more bus at a little seafood dive just south of Malibu as the sun set over the Pacific. My office can travel and thats neat.

I've also been able to connect with some friends over the past few days. In addition to having a nice St. Patty's Day with some of the gang, I also feel fortunate to have spent some time catching up with folks from past chapters of my life – breakfast with Mar from college days and a dinner with Stu from Disney days. It has been so wonderful to relive the good memories and chat about what the future might bring.

Oh, and it looks like I'll be spending a couple weeks in Wichita this summer. If everything pans out like I hope it will, I'll be playing Marcus Lycus in A Funny Thing Happened On the Way To the Forum. That will be a lot of fun, and it will be wonderful to play once again with the Wichita gang.

Well, that's it for now. I've got to draw some more bus. Take care, all. Peace and love!