Death gets a lot of Idea-Help

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Death might run out of ideas from time to time, but people always manage to assist him with new and effective ways of killing their brothers and sisters. Poison gas? Sure! Automatic weapons aimed at concert-goers? Why not?

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Couldn't keep reading the repetitious news full of lame politician's "thoughts and prayers", so I drew instead.

This one, like most of my sketches, began with a red Verithin pencil on toned paper. (I like Kona Classic best because I can use wet media on it if I choose.) Beginning a drawing with red pencil rather than graphite seems to keep my initial gestures looser, and I like the original red lines still visible in the finished art.

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The red gestural sketch is then tightened up with either a Pentel brushpen or a brush and India ink. Then, most often, I add the white highlights, before the shading begins--in this case, a fine-point white Signo pen was used for the white. The cross-hatching follows; I like Maica brand Hi-Tek-C pens if a crow quill and ink bottle isn't handy.

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This drawing is small--4" x 6". It's the third work of October--or "Inktober". The previous two were sort of humorous. Who knows what the news will bring in the coming days.

Thanks for the visit--I wish you peace.

Two Things

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A two-part post this week; 

containing this goofy (and rather stiff) anthropomorphic pencil swatting at a dip-pen dragonfly...

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...and this detail of a fun, original painting that is being offered at auction to benefit one of my favorite organizations; the Denver Young Artists Orchestra

 

I can't say or write enough about how mesmerizing and professional the young musicians of the DYAO are. We enjoy their concerts year after year and continue to be blown away by the full and gorgeous classical music they produce. 

 

I'm excited to support them in any way I can!

My music-themed piece is an original; permanently mounted on 1" deep cradled birch, and carefully varnished with a rich and glossy UV protective coating. This artwork needs no frame--it's ready to hang or stand on a shelf or table in your home! Click on this link to see the whole piece:

The Wake-Up Call

If you've been watching the fantastic Mozart in the Jungle, you know that the production is doing an excellent job portraying the excitement and joy, and also the despair and difficulties inherent in being a musician (or truly, any artist or creative). Despite the challenges, the arts continue to flourish; in a big way thanks to benefactors, patrons, donations, and fund-raisers. 

 

So please, nurture all the arts, and the dedicated young musicians of the Denver Young Artists Orchestra. Check out their auction and if you can, support them by participating. In addition to my artwork, there are many fine items to consider.

 

Thanks very much for your support of the arts--especially Young Artists!