Alien Invasion *in Progress*

Yup. . .definitely a work in progress :)

((Scroll down to find post with original drawing for this project))

"Someone told me it's all happening at the zoo. . ."

I'm taking an animal drawing class at SVA. . .turns out to be more like a animal painting class as we are using watercolor to
"capture the *spirit* of the animals." Yeah, well anyway. . .I just like drawing animals. . .or err painting them, in this case. Turns out this watercolor technique is really loose and fun. . .but I still want to draw the animals, you know. So maybe I'll do a little bit of this (because it won't hurt me to do something loose. . .and they look kind of cool) and a little bit of drawing.

Here's what I did for the first class at the Bronx Zoo:

Bunnies, rainbows, and kittens. . .

. . .or just bunnies. I just finished reading Watership Down and had rabbits on my mind. I sketched these from my head inbetween projects at work, not trying to catch any character in particular. . .I thought it would be cool to draw one of the Owsla, but it didn't necessarily turn out that way.

I'm back. . .and Alive!

The mutant animals in Maine did not eat me!. . .and I am back :) What a wonderful experience it was! Here is a quick watercolor and sketch that I did inbetween the rains at Echo Lake in Acadia National Park. Enjoy!

A deluge of posts

Today marks a tropical storm's worth of posts (no I wouldn't say a hurricane). It is not as if my wouldbe posts are missed. . .but I am trying to be more frequent. . .and less of a "failure!" ;p

Anyways, I'm going on an adventure to northern Maine next week and hope to have sketches from the train, bus, van, and taxi trips plus hopefully I will find some time to sketch/paint in the wilderness. I am going to be volunteering on a trail crew so it's not like I'll have a ton of free time to do such. . .but hopefully.

Till next time. . .if I don't get eaten by a bear that is! ;p

The Creation and Destruction of the Cosmos

On the science channel last night, there was a documentary circa the 70's about the cosmos and its creation. It had mentioned theories about the creation of the universe previously unheard by my ears that centered around ancient Hindu beliefs. The Hindus apparently believed that each galaxy was created by a god's dream. Every galaxy had it's own god and after many years (I forget how many), their dreams would crumble from existence and the galaxies would cease to exist. And then, they would dream over again, and new galaxies would be created and the cycle would repeat. Tying it into the current astronomical sciences, the documentary stated some scientists to believe that the expansion and contraction of the universe may represent the same phenomena. When the universe expands, galaxies and the contents of the universe are created and exist for billions/trillions of years, to cease to exist when the universe starts to contract and all matter is compressed (and if you're a scientist, please correct me if I am saying this wrong). It is a cycle, and the contents of each cycle are oblivious to the contents of each previous or future cycle.


I found the documentary's conclusion, although an obvious turn, to be that which rattles the constructs of reality in our brains, and makes the world and our existence seem a little less certain than we have made it out to be (even though certainty it is not). It is a little mind earthquake:

"Perhaps man and the universe are the creations of god's dreams, or perhaps god is the creation of man's dreams." oooohhh

While this was going on and I was in the midst of packing (I'm going on a trip!). . .I grabbed a paper and pencil and sketched this. . .nothing special. . .quick, and not too much thought put into it. . .but I wanted to sketch, and I am happy for that.

Father Abraham

Yes this is a sketch blog. . .but I can't help but type more words than you care to read. . .and put up less pictures than you expect to see. I've been reading this bargain B&N book "The Wit and Wisdom of Abraham Lincoln" which contains various stories that bring to light our 16th President's humor, knack for story telling, kindness, good-hearted nature, and pure genious. Dear Mr. Lincoln is the one historical figure I deeply miss; though, how that is possible to miss someone you have never known, I do not know. There was obviously no chance for our time periods to have ever crossed. . .and yet I feel that if he was alive today, he would be able to help this world greatly once again. But this great man has done enough and endured more than any individual should have in a lifetime. So to wish the impossible (if the impossible were possible), would only be selfish. With him being on my mind quite often, I felt like sketching him. The sketch, I feel is nothing one can consider even remotely decent. His face is also squashed in from the side. But I sketched him and it helped ease the obsessive quality of my mind.

So enough blabbering from me. . .and forgive me, I will not allow future posts to be as wordy (this *may* be a lie): This, however, is my blog and I wish to share a quote or two from the book. Let's let the man do the speaking!

In a letter to Horace Greely (I believe a big newspaper man), Abraham Lincoln writes:
"I would save the Union, I would save it in the shortest way under the Constitution. If there be those who would not save the Union unless they could at the same time save slavery, I do not agree with them. If there be those who would not save the Union unless they could, at the same time, destroy slavery, I do not agree with them. My paramount object to this struggle is to save the Union, and is not either to save or destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing any slave, I would do it; and if I could do it by freeing all the slaves, I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone, I would also do that. What I do about slavery and the colored race, I do because I believe it helps save the Union; and what I forbear, I forbear because I do not believe it will help to save the Union. I shall do less whenever I believe what I am doing hurts the cause, and I shall do more whenever I believe doing more will help the cause. I shall try to correct errors when shown to be errors, and I shall adopt new views as fast as they shall appear to be true views."

I guess just one quote for now. . .I hope you enjoyed.

Sketching Adventures on the Subway

I've never had two consecutive instances of "Hey you're an artist?" in the subway in one weekend ever. Usually people are quiet about it, but never fail to steal a glance or stare at what you may be currently scribbling.

1) The guy with the shiny gold tooth (this is probably what he *did not* look like as this is from memory):



I had my sketchbook on my lap as the car became suddenly too crowded to even attempt to draw. A young guy with a gold tooth standing in front of me noticed the sketchbook and asked if it was mine. "Are you an artist? Can I see your book?" I showed him but explained that I felt these weren't my best sketches. He went on to say, "Not your best? Are you kidding me? These are really good! You definitely got it. You just have to let go all fear and inhibition and do what's in your heart. That's when the real art happens. Anyone can draw people in the subway. But you shouldn't worry- you definitely have it- I can see it here." He went on to tell me that he was a painter and his brother was "Jesus Saves." He said if I hadn't seen it before, his brother's tag was all over the city. He then told me about his current painting which was of something of this sort: the Queen of Hearts breaking up with the King of Diamonds and passing her number to the Jack of Spades. . .or something like that. My stop came. . .I thanked him for the advice and then got off.

2) The next day, I was riding a fairly empty car and started to sketch. A Spanish speaking family (mother, father, and young daughter) were sitting next to me. The father had noticed me drawing- surely enough, I noticed him getting his wife's attention and pointing to me. He then tapped me on the shoulder, and not speaking any English, pointed to my pen and then to his daughter. I thought he was saying that his daughter liked to draw too. . .but evidently, this is not what he was intending on communicating. He then *grabbed* my book and pen out of my hand, pointed to me, then scribbled on the page, and then pointed at his daughter. He handed the book back and gestured to start. I only had a few stops and was worried I was going to miss my stop. So while keeping my eye on what was going, I tried to sketch his daughter (whose name is Betzy). . .I have never ever had that happen before. I didn't want to do a bad drawing of her, but I'm afraid that's exactly what I did ;p Anyway. . .interesting experiences on the NYC Subway.

Top Secret!

Well, it has been pointed out by my fellow coworker that I am a complete failure when it comes to this art blog thing ;p To disprove my coworker and to satisfy the few requests for more postings. . .I will post the current project I am working on outside of work. But shhh- you must keep this secret! Don't tell my friend- as it is a present for her baby shower. Got that? Cool. . .thanks.

Basically, I wanted to avoid the typical store bought clothing items and desired to give something that would enrich the child's entire life. A library! Why not introduce her to the wonderful world of pictures and words from the very beginnning? Hopefully then she will too grow up to love the magical world of books and stories. This is going to be a personalized sign (the baby's name will be up on the top left hand corner) that can set ontop of a bookshelf. It will be painted in acrylic on a deep cradle board. I am going to buy some books too in the end. This will be somewhat of a 3-D piece as I intend on getting wood letters to affix to the front and the top corner alien will be cut out. Maybe I'll make matching bookends to go with it too. But for now, it's just this.

Update

Hi everyone. A little update: I am moved and now have a little office space seperate from my bedroom to work in. . .I am more settled in than not. . .and I am back from a visit back home. . .so that means I should be posting more here. . .I hope!

A few weekends ago, I took a trip to Montauk on what turned out to be a very rainy weekend. . .this is a quick little watercolor I did inbetween torrential downpours.

Enjoy.

"Where have I been?. . ."

. . .you may ask. My apologies for failing to flood the net with drawings. Life is happening and a lot is going on. I am currently in the middle of trying to find an apartment and move by June 1st, so I doubt I will have anything till after I move. I've also been swamped by freelance, so please forgive me. I will come back soon.

Let there be nothing. . .

. . .but inspiration!

The time has come. . .when I have nothing to post! (Well to be honest, I have old sketches on post-it notes I can scan in, but I want to offer something fresh) I promise you that it is not due to idle laziness. I've been working too much. But during the time it has taken me to save large photoshop files and take a quick "break," I have found some cool inspiration. So this is what I'm posting for this week:

Check out:

John Nevarez-hot stuff.

Stephanie Lo Stimolo- this is what I want to do!

The Consumption of Time. . .

Such a limited resource. . .although ultimately very unlimited as it always continues on and on.

I've been very busy and have been working nonstop for work and not for me. I just acquired another freelance project- a digital painting for a Spongebob game. So, yet another reason why I won't be able to do my own stuff :(

Shame on me- when I had time to be productive, I wasn't. . .but hey- we all need breaks right? Yeah, I needed a break and to take care of things.

I picked up the 2006 Writer's Market book so that I can try and get some writing published. There are so many things I want to do that I end up being scattered and not getting anything accomplished. . .so as long as I am working towards creative goals, then I am moving in the right direction.

So my one moment of sketching bliss was at lunch this week. Over the weekend I thought of an image with a three eyed frog. I don't know if this relates to my goal of trying to combine two very different interests in order to make my life more complete. On one hand, we have the art which seems all very self-serving to me. On the other hand, we have the desire to do something for the greater good- primarily something related to the environment and social change. So the only way I can see marrying the two is if I can do images that in someway move people or motivate people to change or think. . .so I thought about 3 eyed frogs. Why 3 eyed frogs? A la "The Triplets of Bellville"- Darwin, mutation, environmental contamination, etc.. . .and then my mind automatically went to the fastastical and in some way off topic, but also very on. A frog catching a little human "fly." Didn't get that far in my lunch sketch, but here it is. It definitely can be pushed. . .so I shall play with it more if I decide to settle on this.

Burned out on Adobe Illustrator and Freelance

On Wednesday, the Freelance God pointed his ever so massive and burdensome finger at me and said "She looks lacking in work-I can fix that. Make her work during the day and night. Give her freelance and make sure she says yes!"

And so I was given freelance work and I said yes. And each time I do that, I really wonder if it's worth the money. No, I don't think it is when my sanity is at stake. So this is the partial reason why I have no new drawings to post. But I am posting a sketch that is only 3 or 4 weeks stale and, to stoop even lower, my self-portrait I painted a 2 months ago just to practice painting. I know people have seen this one, but not *Everyone* has. . .so there ;p




I may have more to show regarding this sketch in the future. I'm thinking of doing some illustrations featuring this creature.

The Art of the Corpse Bride exhibit- NYC

Hi everyone. Here are the pictures I promised from the art of Corpse Bride exhibit that was down in Tribeca. Enjoy! Art of Corpse Bride

If the drawings could talk

At last- my second post! It looks like Thursdays will be my scan days because I don't have a scanner at home (well, my scanner is still in CA believe it or not) and this seems to be a convenient day to stay at work. Thank you everyone for checking this out and posting supportive comments. It means a lot to me :) Aye- such warm feelings during the bitterly cold winter. Okay- enough sappiness ;p

I saw an exhibit on the art of Tim Burton's The Corpse Bride in Tribeca on President's Day. There was some nice conceptual art plus actual maquets which were beautifully done. I'm sure some of you have the Art Of book, but I did take pictures and will post a link once I get them up on the internet for your viewing pleasure.

My friend Kisu who is smarter and funnier than I said this: "Nice art blog. Although, it would be more interesting if all the text were written from the point of view of the artwork. So then it would truly be your art's blog." And I am going to partially steal his idea and pretend that I am just as smart as him! ;p I shall ommit "all" and replace it with "some" so that it reads "some of the text." Give me a moment- I'll get to it.

Backstory: So I signed up for this Conceptual Art and Character Design class at NYU (Continuing Ed). It didn't turn out to be what I expected and was more geared to beginning students than anything. I was very disappointed because it sounded like it could be good and dropped it. For some reason, I'm under the impression that I missed out on something in school because I didn't take animation classes and think there's a class out there that will teach me something that perhaps I missed. But here are some sketches that were kind of for this class but most importantly for myself. More character driven:



This is for a character named Elan, Maker of Peanut Butter. There is a partially finished children's story to go with this that I wrote a bit ago. . .I just have to finish it! So, if art could talk, it would say: "Damn, you'd think she'd make me at least interesting looking. . .different you know? Instead I look like bloody Harry Potter! After a second pass- you think she'd improve?! Heck no! More Harry Potter! Just draw me a damn wand and I'll cast a spell that'll free me from Erin's pencil!"
Yeah. . .I'm sorry- I didn't mean to that. . .but you do kind of look like Harry Potter. I'll work on you some more, I promise.
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The old guy is derived from an idea about a farmer who is not really a farmer at all. Not really developed, so I am not going into it. I like the style- must have been a "good drawing day." The little girl- lunch time sketch at the front table where people were chit chatting about their children while glancing suspiciously over to me wondering whether I was drawing them or not. . .I wasn't! ;p And if art could talk: "What bliss- I came out on a good day. But where's the rest of me?! You gotta get beyond heads girl!" My response: Um yes, I do tend to do a lot of heads and upper bodies. . .gotta get comfortable with drawing the whole thing! Solution: Let's attend some life drawing sessions- I haven't been keeping that up and I know it would help.
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I wanted to see if I could draw anything beyond Dora and the Backyardagains. I really don't know the way I like to draw anymore and whether I want to go more cartoony or realistic. But I think something inbetween is nice. . .and my answer could be found in those I am inspired by. And the art says: "Awe, the cuteness! You know it's not in her blood. She likes to draw ugly and scary things. . .or well at least used to. So she gives me an ugly doll and sneaks it in that way."
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Some sketchbook pages. I'm almost done with my little sketchbook- yay! I can't wait to get a new one.
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I went to the American Museum of Natural History on Saturday to draw and see the Darwin exhibit. Rusty at animal drawing. . .even dead animals! I like the line quality of the Sambar though. Better than my previous attempt. When do parents become so stupid? How many times did an adult say, "What's this, a reindeer?" for the child to go "No, read the sign- it says it's a Sambar!" Very funny how many times you'll hear the same thing over and over as you sit there drawing. Two young kids (maybe ages 7 and 9) sat next to me as I was drawing with their own sketchbooks and their mom was handing them crayons of their request as they were drawing the animals. I was very impressed. I wish I had been encouraged to go sketching at museums when I was little. They seemed to be having fun and I tried to give them some encouragement.

And. . .now that this is the longest blog in history. . .I shall say good bye till next time. I probably won't be so wordy always.

*Erin

"When drawing was fun"

At last! I've decided to jump onto the art blog bandwagon. I don't feel I have been drawing enough and thought this would be a good way to try and keep drawing. I can't promise the most brilliant chicken scratches (although, I bet they're better than any farm chicken can do!), but I'll try my best to keep this up. I can't help but think of the little engine who could. . ."I think I can, I think I can. . ."

"The little drawer who could. . ." Well, I'm not so little anymore. . .and I don't think I can. . .
I know I can (although sometimes, I don't think I can. . .but that's in moments of frustration and we all have those every once in a while).

The other night, I was thinking about how I used to draw as a kid. . .and remembered those wonderful days of bliss when drawing was fun; when one could sit down with a box of crayons or a pencil and draw, draw, draw without hearing commentary from classes, teachers, peers, art directors, and the most critical self playing in one's head. The world was a lot more innocent back then ;p

So I thought for my first post, I'd post some sketches about my memories of drawing:







Hope you enjoy!

*Erin