Been Around

So, I haven't been drawing a whole lot lately. My fingers are still numb (another appointment on July 15th). My friend visited and we went on a whirlwind tour of Cleveland (Tom Petty concert, Rock Hall, zoo, Light Bistro, Sweeties Candies, to see Kung Fu Panda, and a late night at Kinko's--we know how to party!). And, now my computer has died, permanently. I might hit Kinko's tomorrow to update something to post.

Scenes From Louie's Life

I haven't been drawing a lot lately. I had to go to the doctor for some numbness in my right hand. They think it might be carpal tunnel, but to wear an elbow brace for a week and come back. I love how doctors never seem to know what's wrong with you. In fact, the first one said, "Do you know why this happened?" I wanted to say, "Well, I did self-exploratory surgery, and couldn't find anything so I figured that I'd come to you."

Well, here's a Louie, not sure how much I'll post in the next week.

Route 66

I did my 2nd Illustration Friday drawing today. It's a drawing of the teepee hotels on Route 66. This week's topic was Forgotten.

Louie

Louie stares longingly outside of his habitat at the zoo, watching the children frolic and play.

He'd like a balloon and some cotton candy, too.

In answer to the question from the other day, Louie is the character of a children's book that I've been working on. What you see here are some beginning sketches and layouts.

Portrait

This is why I haven't posted a lot of little sketches lately, because I'd been working on the portrait of my parents for their 40th anniversary. Here it is all framed, before I took it to PA on Saturday.

Louie's Back

I've been thinking of my Louie story a whole lot lately, and I'm back to working it out. This is a little simple sketch of how it might go. I've done a few today, might post them over the next few days.

The Tourist

This is my latest big project. I actually took this picture of my sister as a joke, because she had the camera permanently affixed in her hand like this no matter where we went.

I'm going today to draw with a friend down in Little Italy, so I should have some new things to show later tonight.

The dog auction went very well. My dog went for over twice what mine went for last year. It really sucked that one person didn't turn in their dog. But, it figured. It was the same woman who shut down her gallery, and didn't tell the artists that had consignment work in it. She had just trashed all the artwork; seemed to take great joy in smashing some of it. I guess it's a lesson. Between what happened there, and what happened with Arts Collinwood, an artist has to always be on guard. It's hard to protect ones self, especially in the incident with Arts Collinwood, where it was just one guy who robbed the organization, the rest of the people are good, honest people with the best intentions.

No Drawing Today

I'm working on a big project right now, so I haven't had any little drawings to post for a while. I might catch up with Illustration Friday tomorrow, if I have a few minutes. But, I just wanted to post to update things. The dog auction to benefit the Friends of the Cleveland Kennel is tomorrow night. Also, I'm not a reality show junkie, but I alternate watching Top Chef and Project Runway throughout the year. I'm thoroughly convinced that my liking a personality one of those shows is a sure-fire death wish. As you saw with my drawing, on the last Project Runway, Chris March was my favorite, human hair dresses and all. First Top Chef was Dave. Top Chef Sam Talbot. Nick Verros from Project Runway. Top Chef's CJ. Yeah, they were all cut loose. So, it was no surprise when Dale was cut this week from the current Top Chef. I really thought it would be Richard and Dale in the finale, and I like them both. Oh, well.

Bull(fighter) Terrier Complete

I'm all finished with the Bull(fighter) Terrier. He'll be up for auction on Friday, May 23rd at the Galleria from 7-10pm. He and his brother and sister ceramic dogs will benefit the Friends of the Cleveland Kennel, which gives homeless pets in the Cleveland area a second chance. The event is $12 in advance through The Friends of the Cleveland Kennel or $15 at the door that night. Parking under the Galleria will be $3, but at that time, there should be plenty of free street parking. The event will also include music, silent auction, food, and drink. This is the 4th year that I've participated, and the 3rd ceramic dog that I've designed. Hope to see everyone there. It's a great evening, with lots of fun and excitement.