Art Blog

Make things

I have so many things I want to finish. Want to make. I am at the cusp of releasing my little coloring book to the world. This project alone is the culmination of two years of roadblocks, perfectionism, and life. Almost two years. I want to make more, make it faster, and make it better. This creative unrest gives me the physical discomfort of itching in my palms. The sensation only stops when I draw or hike.

And, until I can sit down and ease the anxiety in my hands as I look on the rising horizon of all the projects I want to bring into the world - this post on the sketch42blog.com gave me some calm. I hope it does to you too. Its truth soothes me.

You Can’t Spell Art Without Heart

A new animated GIF of Arty reminding the world how important art is, in his own way. Help share Arty's message by clicking on him below and choosing your share options.

witharty.com

Coloring Book Launch Date!!

Look forward to a post announcement when the books are available next week sometime! Possibly even the 15th of February!!!

They will be available off Amazon and my Createspace store. Links will be provided on my blog, Facebook, email list, as well as my shop. Finally, its happening!

Also if you happen to want to have them in your store, my books are part of the Expanded Distribution Channel. This way you can order them at a discount so you can sell them at the same price they are being offered on Amazon.

Follow Your Harto

I have been a big fan of Hannah Hart for a while do to her Drunk Kitchen videos with their adorable hilarity. She has inspired me to do my own set of Drinking and Drawing, which might happen or not - depends on friends and time - both of which can be hard to schedule.

Well, her latest video had to be shared immediately. It really spoke to me - really hit me at my core, ya know? So, enjoy 

The Drawing Club with Bob Kato

Just finished scanning from tonights fantastic life-drawing workshop : 5 and 15 minute poses - i walked around the model with my sketchbook and markers.

Its once a week, with Bob Kato at http://www.thedrawingclub.com/

I must go again. Loved watching the amazing people there drawing.

Coloring book progress – Tired but happy

Finished the new front and back cover for my coloring book, Creatures Of Legend. It will now go through the approval process, and once its done, I will order my next proof - once its good - it will be ready for purchase!! Time for bed - good night.  

Update On The Coloring Books

As some of you may know, creating a brand for my children's coloring books and activity books was necessary before moving onto publishing the "Creatures Of Legend" Coloring book. I am happy to tell you I am closer and closer to a finished product.

Here are some sketches as I kept refining Arty, the character who will represent that brand. (Just keep scrolling down) He is soon on his way to the trademark office for a long process of waiting. However, before I use the "registered" symbol, I am free to us "TM" as I get the publishings going.

I will post as soon as I get the 2nd proof for my coloring book. Thank you for your patience!

Happy New Year at Mammoth Mountain!

To explain my recent radio silence: Mammoth Mountain in California was taking up all my attention. Here are some photos from the adventure! Surprisingly, not much snow fell, but the lifts were open and the runs were GREAT fun. Another fantastic feature of little snowfall was beautiful hikes with patches of snow, crisp skies and chill winds.

A new years wish

Thank you so much for all your support this year. The magic of the Internet and how wonderfully we can share images, interests, and beautiful things brings me daily joy. This year it has been especially inspiring. Counting my blessings has been overwhelming. The largest ones I feel compelled to share, right now, with you.

I am grateful for my friends, their patience with my schedule, and their forgiveness for my lack of a verbal filter.

Thank you to my family. I love you. The support you give me is unmeasurable. I wish you all peace.

All who read my blog: thank you. There are days where the energy to post, or draw, or do anything is gone. And then the thought comes: "But what about those few who read...and comment...what if I disappoint them because I haven't made anything.." and then I make something, draw, or write. Sometimes it doesn't get posted but the most important thing has happened: progress. You made that happen for me...right now you who are reading this, I thank you. Progress is, and always will be, my greatest challenge. This year I made progress but did not have the speed and satisfaction I hoped for.

I published my first experimental graphic novel, but still working on the book signing party. I had my first set of limited edition prints made, but dealing with production issues to make sure all packaging is beautiful. I applied to Comicon for the first time ever, but didn't score my own booth. I made art, but not as much as I wanted. I will keep making, keep working, and keep fighting for time.

But nothing prepared me for the thrill of encouragement coming from the expanse of the internet.

Happy new year to you. Thank you so much for reading. You help me more than you know. I look forward to this next year being as or more productive and exciting as this last one. You all have been good to me, and I hope to share more art with you.

Blessings, and draw on!

SNOWBIRD: a graphic novel by Erin Wilson

I love stories.

Sometimes, only 5 pages of one makes me tear up at work...I hate tearing up. Yet I wanted to know more about what was happening past the 5 pages of this graphic novel, so I consider this share-worthy. Its an overwhelming thing: to see art that looks as therapeutic to the artist as it does for the viewer. I also consider this brave of the artist to share art that feels so personal. I encourage you to check out, and support, SNOWBIRD, a graphic novel by Erin Wilson. Adorable, touching. Charm and beauty in the face of fear and pain is very special.

This is her Kickstarter page, where you can pledge to support her as she completes this graphic novel.

This is her Website

And this is where she answered Kickstarter's question with a comic.