May 2008

I’ve been drawing and drawing and drawing, animal after animal, some with success, others just not quite right for this company I’m working for, it’s all good experience though. Since I’m not allowed to post the ones that are accepted for print, I decided I should do a post of some of the ones that haven’t worked. I went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium to look at sea otters, I’ve drawn 3 so far, each one getting better, still none quite right.

This sea otter illustration was the first attempt, cute-ish, but totally overworked, the feet aren’t right, and I used paint when I’m supposed to be using pencil, oops.

The next sea otter illustration was a mom and baby otter together, almost ok, but again, not quite it, the legs were too dark and the babies face wasn’t fuzzy enough.

And then the next sea otter drawing, was even closer, but still not quite the look, it’s flat on it’s stomach because it would have been illustrated with kelp across it. The arms and face were right on, but the legs were a bit overworked. One of these times, I’ll get it.

I’m on a dead hero memorial kick, 1st sadie, now Robert Rauschenberg   who left this world May the 12th, 2008. This artist is one of my all time favorites, creating his own language in art and a unique look that has since been emulated  numerous times and inspired many people. Using assemblage and paint in a profoundly symbolic and poetic manner, this artist sparked an interest in me when I was just starting out. My work doesn’t resemble his in the slightest, but it was the feeling he created from his work, the energy put into the making of his art that grabbed my attention. I first saw one of his pieces in the Baltimore Museum of Art in 1996. It was this sculptural painting object/thing on the floor of the museum with a (stuffed) goat standing on this painting turned platform, a tire around its neck, and loose paint caked on its fur that made me step back and have a moment with this strangely wonderful thought process. He contributed to the dialog of  art immensely and along with Sadie, will be missed and appreciated my many.

I was honored to have 10 years with a very special furry friend (best dog ever) named sadie who I have to do a post on because she was so great and taught me quite a bit about myself. She passed on last week after coming down with a lungtumor/cancer beast that had it’s nasty way with her. It was a difficult thing to decide the end fate of my friend, but it seemed like the right thing to do??.. still bizarre and controlling feeling for me although I feel better now that I’ve had time to reflect.

So here’s to Sadie, may she move on with grace, and enjoy where her molecules take her next, she was honorable, loyal, quiet (except when she sang to go outside), loving, and the biggest, sweetest old soul, deserving only the best.

Much love you little fur-ball of good times, I will always miss you and your tiny teeth and velvet ears.