In Case People still look here ...

Well now, it's been some time.

Why is that?

'Cause i've been out and about!

Maybe there'll be a more "interesting" post later, but first -

A few posts down, you'll see some sketches and some other artsy stuff.

One in particular is a chalk sketch of a giraffe and her baby (is there a term for "baby giraffe"? cub? haha, how foolish) on canvas.

I said you would see the finished painting; here it is:

It's not the best photo, with the flash, but you can still see it really clearly. Let me know what you think! (by the way, it was my first time to stain a frame as well)

laters

yo mk II

Hey all, it’s been awhile. Why?

… because this summer I spent most of my time on my bike riding around the county. A lot of young people (my age) find this county distasteful (at times it’s easy to agree). This is why:
This county is mostly flat farmland at the southern end of a valley. The ‘flat-ness’ is slightly disturbed by oil pumping units and derricks, as well as aqueducts (pictured [aqueducts are manmade canals used to transport water for farmland]), and of course the cities located in the southern valley. The view of the fields and fresh produce grown there is pretty in its own way. However, the air quality is horrid (naturally because air pollutants are from the entire valley are blown southward), making this area not so pleasant; especially in the summer.

BUT, there is another part of the local area that many people (especially the young and ignorant) don’t realize exists:

The county also contains thick tall pines. Tall mountains surround this valley on all sides; except the northern side. Here grows forests. Quite pretty, and much nicer to bike through. Too bad almost nobody realizes there's a forest near by...

Ironically the mountains contain the prettiest (in my opinion) area of the county, but also keep the smog and dust in the valley making it unpleasant. Kind of reminds me of people, who have qualities that make them amazing, yet are unhappy and horrid to be around because of those qualities.

Anyway, that’s why this silly blog has been neglected.

I also started working; in construction…concrete to be exact. (I’ll be starting college next semester)

And I just got home from Arizona

I’d like to make a new post and tell more about this interesting summer, but I’m going for a bike ride

Artist's Assistant

When playing the role of an artist’s assistant, you don’t always get glorious jobs such as laying a base color for a figure, or adjusting the artist’s highlights with a brush. Sometimes, you are handed the seemingly worthless, uninteresting jobs: washing the brushes, or primering the surface for paint.

That’s mostly what assistants get: dirty, unimpressive jobs. It can get annoying after awhile, especially if members of the press come to see the progress; ignoring you and talking directly to the artist; the artist you’ve been helping the entire time. It’s true, that no matter who comes in to the studio, they never talk to the assistant (who is usually in the area hurriedly working preparing for the call of the artist), they instead talk only to the artist, as if he alone did all the work. It’s the same on opening day; no one ever talks to the assistant.

However, despite all the neglect from everyone else; despite all the paint you’ve scraped off the pallets for hours at a time, it’s always a pleasure to hear your superior praise you for your hard work.

Plus, you both know you helped with that piece.

If I don’t now…I’ll completely forget

By the way…I like blurry photos. Not always, but at times the blur gives an interesting effect.

Alright..i typically would have some kind of written idea to post….or a sketch scan or something. But I don’t’. Mainly because I’ve been painting…a lot…

Instead, I’ll just post what I’ve been up to…or busy with, in the studio. Yeah, if I don’t post something, this blog will be forgotten..yet again…

My "sisters" came in the other day to check out the mural. This is my little sister, she’s been mentioned her before. She’s tiny!...but absolutely adorable...and very loving.

My big sister…you know, she’s really grown up to be a gorgeous young woman..even though it’s hard to tell in this picture haha. anyway, she's very kind; very headstong, but Incredibly kind and supportive.

Another blur (annoying to some yes yes). Eloy, myself, and Sebastian. Eloy is of course an expert muralist. I’m learning, and Sebastian is a local artisan. (if you look at it from a bit of a distance...it looks quite clear)

This is a shot of everyone who has helped with the mural…except for three. (one person missing is Steven….)Although young, both girls are very handy to have around…and take care of their assignments quite nicely.To be mentioned, Alyssa (girl to the far left) is a very good painter…almost as though she has a natural talent for it. (ha, and she is the only somewhat-sane looking smiling person)

Eventually (after some day next week haha), an entire write-up of the mural will be posted. AND, a little something about my sisters as well.
On a side note: to compensate for Steven not being in the group shot, this is him! (thanks Katrina for taking such an “amazing” shot of Stevo)

laters

Art Update

Now that school is out (for the moment), I’ve been able to work on multiple art projects at once

First: “Queen of Clubs”, an ink sketch my friends in my graduating class signed.

Second: a mural for a local museum I’m working on in conjunction with a muralist out of L.A. and two local artists (my best friend Steven and Sebastian), as well as three (soon to be) junior high students. I’ll post the mural when it’s finished.

Third: my “little sister” loves giraffes and cherries…this painting (in progress) is going to be her (late) eighth grade graduation gift. When it’s done, you’ll see it.

Final: “Neo Genesis”, a graphite sketch I’m working on…‘cause I had an idea. It’s a sketch that (when finished) will portray birth but also death at the same time….in other words life. Again, you’ll see the finished piece.

Suggestions? Comments? Criticism?
Anything you have to say about any of these; please go for it

For My Friends mk II

Someone started to make me think (simply by posting a comment on my last blog thing; thanks, you know who you are) the other day. Personally, I desire change…a lot of people do. At the same time, others do not desire change, they dread it. Both the desire and disdain of “change” is natural, and people are free to choose whether they invite or revolt it.

This is my conclusion: as with many things in life, a balance is needed, a balance is healthy. Is a desire for something new natural? Yes. Is being content with what is already present natural? Yes. However, simply pursuing those concepts (always wanting something new or always accepting the surroundings) can verge onto ridiculousness.

An example; change: a monopoly on utilities grows. The price of said utilities sky rockets, resulting in many people going with out because they cannot afford them. Change, something different is needed for the (balanced) good of all.

An example; content: two individuals have been married many years. Although there is nothing seriously wrong between them (arguments and such), they may at times feel tired of each other; as they have seemingly learned most of the habits and mannerisms of one another. Ending and moving on is an idea, but learning to be content and happy with one another (with the person they said they loved and therefore engaged into a legal and emotional union) is another. Constantly jumping from relationship to relationship appears unethical and pathetic.

Anyway, my point is: learn to balance things in life. Strive for more, yet be content with some things. Always look ahead, yet be satisfied with the present (if the present takes care of the basic needs of life and satisfies the ethical standards of being human that is). Never only desire change while not really looking at the present, never become so bogged down with what you have that you loose sight of what could be reality.

Prioritize things; take things in stride…on step at a time. By doing so, a desire for change will balance with a content feeling of satisfaction much easier. Life is a constant waltz between change and contention, don’t fight it…observe and learn from those steps; remember that my friends. No matter what happens now,


AIM FOR THE TOP

For My Friends

If anyone disagrees with what I say next (and I’m sure there will be those who do), please make it known…I appreciate other points of view on such matters.

To transfer from one thing or idea to another; to substitute: change.

People speak of change daily. The most recent president seemingly built a campaign around such word. It would appear that people always desire change. People are never satisfied with their reality, so they wish to change it. People put much stock in “change”. The economy will change; people’s attitudes will change; a cure for cancer will be found instigating change; we as humanity will reach the stars there by causing a change.

Changes are merely a transition. RESPONSE BY ACTION! Action! Actions have value; actions show that people are affected and there by are concerned.

All the changes in the would can happen but only are of value if people acknowledge them. That is a truth. How people respond to change…is of value. Humanity can either reject, turn away from change thereby dubbing them useless! Or, humanity can respond and take action to confront or accept the changes of life! It is a simple choice...but one that varies among people and their desires.

People change…their lives and atmospheres change…but it all means nothing unless they make use of it. That is a truth. Change can be difficult…but how people respond makes all the difference!

Do you reject? Do you accept and add value to your changes? Answer! Does not answer to me…answer to you! You need to know! To change is to grow! Accept! No matter what you do…you change…no matter how you respond, how you add value by action, to those changes, you learn something about yourself and your desires. Grow! Learn! Take Action. Do not shy away from opportunity! Improve yourself with experience, with change. If you have a goal to better yourself that requires change, embrace it

AIM FOR THE TOP