Illustration Friday: SCALE

My first IF contribution in an extremely long time. Hello from my new hom in NM - I've missed everyone!
This is a quick little spot illustration. I was thinking about scales and Justice and Libra and then I thought doing a portrait of Libra... but then I remembered, it's Thursday. This has to be done today, this has to be done quickly. So I moved on to thinking about doing a drawing of something showing scale... a penny WITH something. But that idea was simplified down to what is basically a universal scale tool: a penny, or any coin. It was fun, and it was really quick. I didn't even notice the time. I guess that's a good thing. :)
-m.

Update: Life

So, it's been a really, really, REALLY long time since I've posted. My show in ABQ went off beautifully, and it's been a whirlwind of events ever since. Between packing up my life in NJ, driving across the country (and breaking down in Louisiana!), moving into my new home in NM, and starting my new life as a full-time freelance artist -- things have been a little, hectic... to say the least. But I want to get back into things, into the illustrator's hat. I've been working steadily, which is a blessing, but I miss my blog and the new things it's always inspired. I miss being involved with Illustration Friday and SFG and all the others. So, I will be working hard to make the time to get back into it all.

I'll start with a sampling of my first freelance illustration project that was completed the NIGHT I ARRIVED in ABQ (so much for settling in). It was a very small, low budget project but fun none-the-less. This is for the cover of a promotional pamphlet for the Boys and Girls Club (not an actual book). I've included the sketch phase, the final drawing, and a mock-up of the cover. Enjoy!

Solo Show: WILDlife

In celebration of their first year in ABQ, Tangerine Cafe will be hosting my first solo show and gallery reception.

"WILDlife is a collection of my works centering on the animal side of life. Fantastical beasts, friendly fauna, and mysterious mammals alike come together to share a unique and all together wonderous journey through a variety of landscapes and stories."

Check out our announcement.

SFG! The Blank Book Project

Hello! I know it's been over a month since my last post. Summer seems to have thataffect on people.

But, I couldn't put off this project! This is the Blank Book project from SFG!. 50 illustrators, 500 days, one blank book soon to be filled with amazing artwork and amazing stories. Above is a picture of myself handing the book off to the next artist, Adam Levine, below is a teaser shot (a small cropped portion of my completed piece) that is posted on the Blank Book flickr page. It's been a really amazing experience, I'm so glad I got to be a part of it.



Speaking of summer, all day long I've been hearing about the 'last day of summer', sad faces, festive dress in farewell celebration, etc. What a load! It's the last day of AMERICAN SUMMER. REAL summer has almost a whole month to go! I say - don't stop enjoying it!

Illustration Friday: MOON

I've been out of commission for a while now, over a month in fact. I'm good and all, but I've been distracted. Loads to think about, plans to make, need of a summer break - of sorts.

So I return with another existing work: AquaLuna. This character was developed for a children's book dummy I started but never finished. This year it was accepted into the Colored Pencil Society of America's 15th Annual International Exhibition in Bethesda, MD - open now through August 25th. The Opening reception is August 4th, 7-9pm at The Mansion at Strathmore Gallery, 10701 Rockville Pike. I'm not going to be able to make it, but if you're in the area check it out!

Illustration Friday: SUIT

Late again. I didn't have time to do anything new last week and I had intended to post these sooner. Oops. I created them as a self-promotional series. I've now entered a couple in the Custom 52 contest, plus a new piece. Vote for me! Here, here, and here! Thanks!!

WRECK THIS JOURNAL: Keri Smith

Keri Smith is an amazing author, artist, and creative spirit. She has written several inspirational creativity books. This is her newest (there's ANOTHER one coming shortly - Guerilla Art Kit). I've been waiting for this one! After work on Friday I went over the the local B&N and picked it up. I was so anxious to get home and start destroying it. I have a serious perfectionist problem, but I love happy accidents. Playing with this journal is a reminder that you can find beauty in everything, even things that are beat up, destroyed, burned, scratched and more. Relax, let go, have FUN! Thank you Keri!!







Coincidentally, when I walked in to ask if they had the journal, the girl helping me asked me to wait while she went to retrieve it for me. While I stood at the information desk, I notice an interesting book sitting on the counter. I waited for someone to return and I asked if it was being held for someone. It wasn't, so I took it and went to sit down and started reading. It's called ˆGig: Americans Talk about Their Jobsˆ. It's really extremely interesting, and easy to sit and read in short spurts because it’s a series short essays by individuals living and working myriad jobs across the country. Being at a stage that I am really questioning what it is that I am doing and what I would LIKE to be doing, this seemed to fall out of the sky at just the right time. I haven't actually ˆboughtˆ the book, but I've been back to B&N twice and picked it up to read a bit more... is that bad? Check it out: