Kristin and Alex

Mixed media. This picture was a great memory that I got to capture. It's absolutely heartbreaking to paint such amazing people who've passed away so young! In their case Alex suffered from cancer, and beautiful Kristin never left his side. Words cannot express how meaningful this was, for me to be able to give a lasting moment that will be carried on throughout her life, now that he's gone. I can't imagine how much pain Kristin experienced throughout his fight. I feel like by being able to give this to her, I was able to connect with Alex on a personal level. I'm glad that I could convey life again through a soul that should never be forgotten.

Tools of the trade...

Out with the old, in with the new. My poor old paint brushes have turned into sticks with splinters, because I've used them so much. I admit the reason I've hung on to them for so long is - because they're like old friends, that have been good to me. My brushes have seen everything that I've expressed. Every vulnerable secret, anger, sadness, or elated moment was in my hands. It's unfair to give credit to what I've constructed, with acknowledging the tools used with my skill. So, here's a blog giving a tribute to the brushes that I am going to set aside. (Notice I didn't say throw away), sorry just can't do it.

Anyway, today after browsing every brush in Hobby Lobby I decided on a couple packs, that particularly suited my taste. And, what do you know? The cheapest pack for $3 had every brush I needed. Before the high art elites, or art snobs judge - I had a pocket full of money and chose those specific packs based on quality not price. You think a classic name brand has the best brushes and paints, since you've become comfortable, while being happy with the results. I've done the same growing up - same as I have with the cheap brushes, although a lifelong lessons have taught me better.

What artists do not realize is the very (same) companies are manufacturing the (same) brushes. One is sold in a cheap pack, with different color painted stems or label stamps - the other high end brushes are outlined in gold leaf packs and have signatures of companies or other artists. It's a sneaky trick to trap artists, so we feel important. Also, their advertisements insure us that the quality is up to par and assures artists that we can paint as good as Rembrandt! Don't fall into the trap.

The end of Newspaper Comic Strips?

Is this the end to our Sunday, newspaper comics strips? I hope not. After so many years (since my childhood), I can remember flipping through all of the news pages, just to reach the best section. My eye's lit up like a light when I saw the newest stories, and enjoyed laughing at their cunning jokes. Slowly, the strips started disappearing - even Peanuts, Calvin and Hobbs, also Garfield were losing their beautiful vibrant ink. We went from a full page with a variety of comics, down to a one page corner, that was crammed with the few (black and white) popular strips. We're in the process of a technical revolution. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the newest advancements. Although, there are things in the art world that simply cannot be replaced - and, that's holding a fresh printed paper in your hands with the latest humour. The cartoonists work hard to share little hints of life's relations. I've always admired their imagination. There are plenty of times that I wish I could see through their eyes, during hard times. They haven't been given credit in the high art world. Which is political nonsense - in my opinion. Comic strips have just as much meaning as a Mona Lisa. The difference is, comics relate to us in a modern era. After watching a Netflix documentary, I realized how hard they're hanging on. The sports section is taking over, and advertisements are smothering what's left. We need to support our artist community - big or small. Contact your local newspaper and keep requesting comic sections. This is a tradition that shouldn't end.

Old Navy and Their Slam on "Artists"

Old Navy is terrible, and their cheap products are as well. I've never been a fan, other than their flip flop clearance in the spring - which isn't worth buying anymore. Their Shirts discouraging artists, is really ignorant and demeaning. Especially to our youth! It took artists to design their cloths, buildings, and applied graphics to customize their signs. Before marking out "artist" as a real career, they should've thanked art for helping them achieve the success, that their company has gained throughout the years.
I've never followed a trendy store. Or really cared for t-shirts with slogans. This is garbage. If I limited my little one from "imaginative" success, then she would fall in line with any other paid establishment. Why not teach her to "create" her own opportunities, and encourage entrepreneurship? The visualization of success has to come from someone.