A blurb about Blurb.com

Ta-da!! My first Blurb book.

This past Friday, I found a nice surprise at my doorstep: a box leaning dangerously close to a puddle as the dying rains of tropical storm Andrea washed through the open halls of my condo building.

Packaged carefully inside the box was a book from Blurb.com which I had ordered five days earlier and expected to received a week and a half later.

The back side.

The book I had printed was a 20-page edition featuring my submissions to Dani Jones' Daily Doodlers sketch challenge from back in March. I had requested a paper sample package from Blurb.com and also received a promotional code for any order placed by June 2. Got it in just under the wire.

Due to copyright restrictions of some of the images' inspirations and quotes that I used, this book won't be made available for distribution. It was only a personal test-drive of Blurb's Indesign plugin, PDF transfer and printing. I may be involved in a Blurb-printed project for someone else later this year, and wanted to learn more about the process. Still, it was quite exciting to see my own little book.

I was very happy with Blurb's printing results overall. The book was a perfect-bound softcover with their premium lustre paper. The colors on the glossy cover were brilliant. (The photos don't accurately convey the colors. It really looked good.) The inside pages were also bright and saturated. 20 pages exactly, placed right, plus one page at the end which had the Blurb logo on it, which I could have had removed by paying an extra 7 or 8 bucks. It didn't matter much to me at this point.

Inside pages.

The only areas to keep an eye on with future printings are these: Any textures or patterns in which the colors are similar seem to lose contrast. This can happen under any printing process. I've seen it in the best art books. The images also look a bit darker - not in a way that I was very upset about, though. But, it is something to keep in mind when prepping any photos or images. They always look brighter on the screen. If the digital file looks dark, the printed piece certainly will be, perhaps even more so. And, it is so important to use the color profile that Blurb provides. It will make all the difference.

More inside pages.

The process for creating the book was relatively easy. Having worked in the graphic design industry for many years, I can't emphasize enough the importance of good image and file preparation prior to submitting to any printer. I scoured all of Blurb.com's FAQ pages, tutorials and forums for every ounce of information on how to get the best result. Blurb has great webinars available on their site covering monitor calibration, book design, file preparation and more.

They also offer tools like Bookify, which can be used to upload photos and make books instantly, and BookSmart, downloadable software that allows for more personalization. I chose to go with their InDesign plugin for maximum control. It helps you create the document at the right size and page count, including bleed and safe area marks. The final PDF can also be uploaded through the plugin. It was really simple.

So, here I am, thrilled with the results and very motivated to create more images for future publications of all sorts. Thank you, Blurb.com.

And, special thanks also to Dani Jones, who provided a great inspiration with her daily sketch challenge. Many artists participated and produced some awesome images. They can be found on Twitter, Instagram or Tumblr under the hashtag #dailydoodlers.

Locutus

Locutus - iPad with Procreate

 Why do you resist? 

We only wish to raise quality of life, for all species. 

- Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Best of Both Worlds, 1990

Proud to say I am a Star Trek fan, specifically a TNG girl. So, here's Captain Jean-Luc Picard during one of his off-days as an tricked out Borg. This two-part episode will be released in select theaters soon for a day or so, and even though I've seen it a million times, it's tempting to check it out on the big screen.

Below are process pics of the sketch. I've seen the process of other artists, usually a graceful ballet of brush or pencil strokes which evolves into a beautiful piece.

I am the first to admit, my process is a train wreck. Nonetheless, with patience and persistence, it still yields postable results.

This is the source image I began with. I also referenced others with a brighter red light.

I first lay down preliminary lines. Then, I start to fill in the eyes, nose and mouth area.

Fill in more features. This is the point where I'm wondering where it's going. I start to tackle the Borg hardware, then notice poor Locutus has cranial swelling. Time to remeasure.

Fixing up my proportions, Locutus is back on track. Adding details and further tweaking. Once I'm satisfied with a black and white sketch, it's on to coloring. 

It's easy to get spoiled on the iPad or any digital device, where you can do infinite corrections and changes. Tactile media forces you to make more of a commitment. I'll be returning to traditional painting and drawing soon, to see if these exercises have strengthened the "perceptual" muscle. At least, I've saved some trees in the meantime.

Timey Wimey

The Tenth • iPad with Procreate

I'm old enough to know that a longer life isn't always a better one. In the end you just get tired. Tired of the struggle. Tired of losing everyone that matters to you. Tired of watching everything turn to dust. If you live long enough, the only certainty left is that you'll end up alone.

- The Tenth Doctor

In celebration of David Tennant's return to BBC with "Spies of Warsaw", this iPad portrait exercise features the Tenth Doctor and his magical time box.

I've been watching Dr. Who since I was a kid. Yes, I remember the old black and white episodes on PBS. So, here is where I stand as a DW fan:

Favorite doctor:
Classic: Tie - Patrick Troughton and Tom Baker
Modern: David Tennant

Favorite companion:
Classic: Tie - Jamie McCrimmon, Sarah Jane Smith
Modern: Martha Jones

Favorite episode:
Classic: The Ark in Space (first one I ever watched)
Modern: Blink

Favorite alien menace:
Classic: I remember some silvery humanoid thing that was so fast, it could jump and disappear, but can't remember the name. That, and Davros, though I didn't like his Modern version
Modern: Weeping Angels (especially the Statue of Liberty one)           

T-Rex does the Hop

Easter T-Rex • iPad with Procreate

In the Spring I have counted one hundred and thirty-six different kinds of weather inside of four and twenty hours.  

- Mark Twain

As Spring comes kicking and screaming into our area, like a cat being taken to the vet, another holiday quickly approaches. Fake plastic grass, themed items of every pastel hue in the spectrum, and candy enough to put a gargantuan dino into a diabetic snooze have littered the stores since before Valentine's Day.

So, what's up with the picture? A result of a jelly bean overdose hallucination? A mockery of Eastertime commercialization?

None of that. He fell into my head - kerplunk! - one day while pondering what kind of bunny drawing I was going to do for illustrator Dani Jones' March Daily Doodle Challenge.

The Challenge can be followed on Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr (mostly on the first two) under the hashtag #dailydoodlers. Each day, from March 6 to 29 minus weekends, has a different theme and participating sketchers post their offerings. The results range from sublime to hilarious. A collection of crazy creative blossoms for all to see and enjoy. It's been so much fun, and the daily sketching has sharpened my skills in ways I didn't expect.

I am also taking my Easter T-Rex to Aquariann's Bunny Blog Hop, where I hope he'll stick to egg distribution and abstain from gobbling up the cute little critters featured there.

Click below to visit, and feel free to participate, too!

Shine Together

The Conversation - iPad with Procreate

When something happens, it can leave a trace of itself behind. Say like, if someone burns toast. Well, maybe things that happen leave other kinds of traces behind. Not things that anyone can notice, but things that people who "shine" can see. 

- Dick Hallorann, The Shining, 1980

Stanley Kubrick's film version of The Shining glossed over the family dynamics and more emotional elements in Stephen King's novel, and that's a shame. But, in spite of the slasher theatrics and cartoony performances by Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall, it's still visually impressive and has some nice moments in it.

There was a 1997 mini-series that was a bit more faithful to the book. Unfortunately, it went too much to the other extreme and came off like an ultra-sappy Hallmark Moment-of-Truth movie.

The above iPad portrait features my favorite scene from the Kubrick version. Hotel chef Dick Hallorann converses with little Danny Torrance, played wonderfully by Scatman Crothers and Danny Loyd, respectively. A small child who is stuck in a situation he has trouble understanding is comforted by an adult who offers advice and lets him know he is not alone. In all incarnations of the story, the character of Dick Hallorann is a kind, compassionate and brave soul.

Sometimes, when you are small and feel disconnected from everyone around you, it means the world when another person makes an effort to offer kindness and help you find the strength within.

The Midnight Star

Stella - iPad with Procreate

The world is what you make of it, friend. 

If it doesn't fit, you make alterations. 

- Stella, Silverado, 1985

This week's portrait features another strong lady, a fictional one from the 1985 film Silverado.

I saw it when it first came out in theaters. It was a fun homage to the popcorn Westerns of the past, with all the traditional elements - corrupt lawmen, outsider heroes and the final showdown shootout. It wasn't a movie that was out to blaze any new trails, proudly serving up every cliché in the genre. But I loved it anyway and thought Kevin Costner was the cutest thing in a fancy two-gun rig I'd ever seen.

The most impressive supporting character was a diminutive barkeep named Stella, played by the always impressive Linda Hunt, currently of NCIS: Los Angeles fame.

Stella sits in the eye of a storm of evil swirling around Silverado. She runs the Midnight Star Saloon with a calm demeanor and has the townspeople's respect. My favorite scene is when she first meets Paden, a luckless wanderer. He stays mostly on the sidelines as events unfold until Stella says the words he needs to hear to help him choose a direction:

Some people think because they're stronger, 

or meaner, that they can push you around. 

I've seen a lot of that. 

But it's only true if you let it be.

That's a statement worth raising a glass to.

Thank You, Harriet Tubman

Miss Harriet - iPad using Procreate

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. 

Always remember, you have within you the strength, 
the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars 
to change the world.

Harriet Tubman

But your father lived by a philosophy, a principle really.
He believed that...that if you could do good things for other 

people, you had a moral obligation to do those things. 

That's what at stake here. Not a choice, responsibility.

- Ben Parker to Peter Parker, The Amazing Spider-Man 2012

March 10, 2013 marks the 100th anniversary of the passing of Araminta "Harriet" Ross Tubman, a woman whose heroic efforts in the freeing of many slaves through the Underground Railroad continue to astonish.

While creating this iPad painting from an old fuzzy photograph, 2012's The Amazing Spider-Man was playing in the background. But, it wasn't till later that I noticed the coincidence. Two figures, one real, one fictional, and both choosing to do the right thing and help others, however difficult. 

Today's kids are more impressed with a swinging web-slinger than anyone in a history book. Computer generated monsters hold their attention longer. But, there was nothing artificial in Harriet's mission. She worked mostly in the cold of wintertime and in the dark of night. And the night was really dark. 

We in the modern world, especially those close to towns and cities, forget what real darkness is. When you can't see your hand in front of your face if it's cloudy or there's no moon. When it's clear, the sky is crazy with stars. There's nobody to call on, no phones, no passing cars, no maps or GPS. You're completely on your own. Add as a bonus, that in Harriet's case, she and the people she was leading to freedom were constantly pursued. 

Harriet escaped from slavery, but didn't stop there. She returned for her family, but didn't stop there. She continued to go back for people, through all kinds of adversity and the threat that she could be caught and/or killed.

What kind of courage is that? Where does it come from? And why is it so hard to find within ourselves. Looking at this life makes our own little problems seem beyond absurd. Our roadblocks don't come in the form of slavecatchers and dogs. They are the ridiculous illusions built up in our minds that we cannot do a thing. That our goals are too far off and we don't have what it takes.

If Harriet agonized over whether or not she had what it took to perform this incredible work, she didn't let it stop her. This little five-foot-nothing woman did it anyway. She set out to blaze a trail and succeeded, and that path to freedom continues to light the way for anyone who has dared to realize their dream.

Now, what possible excuses could any of us have?

Super Sunday

Of A Feather - iPad with Procreate

For we cannot help agreeing that no living human being
Ever yet was blessed with seeing bird above his chamber door —
Bird or beast upon the sculptured bust above his chamber door,
With such name as "Nevermore."

- The Raven, Edgar Allan Poe

In a few hours, a major showdown will occur in New Orleans between the San Francisco's 49ers and our neighbors, the Baltimore Ravens.

Since the Philadelphia Eagles' descent into crapitude, I will be rooting for these "other" birds. Many friends and coworkers are looking forward to seeing an NFL champion team once again reside close to home, especially those folks who are from Baltimore originally. They are frenzied with joy and I am glad for them.

The illustration above is dedicated to all Baltimoreans, near and far. Edgar Allan Poe stands with his bird and a slight smile on his lips – perhaps a portend of tonight's result? He lived for a while in Baltimore, and died and is buried there. The Ravens received their name in a contest, where the winning entry was inspired by Poe's famous poem about a distraught lover who receives a mysterious visitor in the form of a raven with a limited vocabulary.

According to Wikipedia, Poe chose the raven because "he wanted a non-reasoning creature capable of speech." Hmm. I wonder if our purple-clad turf jockeys are aware of that little factoid?

In addition to Edgar, I've also produced two other iPad paintings with my favorite app. A rose from a photograph and a portrait of Will Smith as Detective Spooner from the movie "I, Robot." This film was loosely inspired by Isaac Asimov's book of short stories about robots. The producers used some names and basic background, but nothing else. A sharp looking techie action flick, it doesn't cover new ground, but I love watching it just the same. Spooner is among my favorite of Smith's characters.

Ironically, the more painting I do on the iPad, the more I want to plunge headfirst back into watercolor and gouache, just to see what comes out after all this digital experimentation.

The Snow Gnomes

The Snow Gnomes - iPad using Procreate

A whirlwind holiday season made it difficult to give my little blog the time and attention it deserved. That will be one of my New Year's resolutions - more blog love.

Currently, I am creating this post through my newly acquired creative partner, a full-sized iPad. It's taken a few years of scrimping and saving to finally bring this fascinating little gadget into my life. I'm not one to jump onto the latest e-fad, but I've wanted one of these since Star Trek: TNG went on the air. Of all the Trekkie tech to be featured, this was the one I was most looking forward to seeing in our time. It only took 20 years or so.

Among the things I can do now are tree-friendly sketching, read books and mags in a space-saving fashion (which I desperately need), and watch online shows, movies and tutorials while pedaling away on my elliptical. And typing on a tablet has come pretty easily, too.

The above illustration was created in an app called Procreate . I've tried several - Sketchbook Pro, Brushes, Ink, Adobe Ideas, Eazel - but Procreate has been for me the most intuitive to use and most similar to Photoshop. It has layers, palettes, a great selection of brushes for painting, sketching and effects and the interface is so comfortable.

You can find many different iPad art demos on YouTube. The range of styles and detail is amazing. Illustrators Will Terry and Dani Jones use it often for their preliminary work. Dani Jones has just released a book called "iPad for Artists" which offers 144 pages of creative instruction and tool reviews for the iPad.

My illustration "The Snow Gnomes" is a peek into the workings of those little flake sculptors responsible for the winter wonderlands enjoyed by many each season. It is also my contribution to Aquariann's Snowflake Blog Hop. Hit the button below to visit and participate.

Happy New Year to all!

The Unsquished

Zombie Bug • Digitally colored pen and ink

The Unsquished

The bug you squished is back once more.
He's standing right inside your door.

Just one antenna did he lose,
and from his side drips greenish ooze.

With legs reduced to only three,
he takes each step quite carefully.

But, soon he'll sit upon your head
as you lay snoozing in your bed.

The Unsquished ©2012 Teresa Rodriguez

'Tis the season for spooks and creeps. The above illustration pays homage to the unfortunate victims of swatters, rolled up magazines and well-aimed toxins. We've all dealt with the fly that wouldn't die. Did he have friends? Or, did he just...change into something else?

Click below to feature your creature at 

Aquariann's Zombie Blog Hop:

Cookin' Up Something New

Something's Cookin' - Digital

The discovery of a new dish confers more happiness on humanity
than the discovery of a new star. 

- Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

When artists develop, they can occasionally find a style they feel too comfortable with, defining themselves by the medium or style and sticking to it until they burn out. It's a safe place to be, to stay with what you're good at and what's expected of you.

But, we are programmed to evolve. Everyone, from the old masters to the new amateurs, will show changes in their work over time. Those who embrace this process will lunge forward, making mistakes and glorious discoveries. Those who resist will eventually set aside their art for something more safe and predictable, never knowing what might have happened if they had stretched themselves.

The internet is a virtual buffet of resources from artists who generously offer their wisdom through websites, blogs and tutorials. Watching other artists won't necessarily affect your style overnight. However, you'll be armed with new possibilities as you work. Knowledge and experimentation takes you out of yourself, so you can reconnect with yourself again.

Here are some favorite web resources for tutorials, demos or general knowledge, a few grains of sand from an enormous beach:

FolioAcademy.com  
Schoolism.com  
ChrisOatley.com  
GurneyJourney.blogspot.com 
PaperWingsPodcast.com
 
UStream Channels:
Dani Draws  
David Petersen

YouTube Channels:
Jean Baptiste Monge  
Will Terry

Feelin' Squirrelly

Feelin' Squirrelly - Digital

Acorn's Lament

I fear that I will never be

A towering grandeur of a tree

with leaves that dance when winds pass by,

and limbs that stretch toward beckoning sky.

When spring returns, no birds will race

to build a home in my embrace.

I won't be here, alas, alack,

for I've become a critter's snack.

But...

if there's to be a desperate plea,

one final hope and prayer,

then Mr. Squirrel will bury me,

and won't remember where.

Acorn's Lament ©2012 Teresa Rodriguez

This tree-hopping traveler was born of a doodle that begged for completion. And, though I initially tried to think of a suitable story for the furry subject, my sympathy went to the poor nut clutched between his paws. Perhaps instead of becoming a meal, an oak tree's potential will be fully realized, and someday Mr. Squirrel (or his children) will be happily frisking along its great branches.

The Sea Girl and the Pearl

Digital - 7x8.25

The Sea Girl and the Pearl

She found a pearl,

the little Sea Girl,

upon the ocean floor.

She took it back

to add to her stack

of objects to adore.

The orb glowed bright

and offered delight

atop her trinket pile.

The Sea Girl's eyes

gazed on her new prize, 

and twinkled with her smile.

A giant eel

in search of a meal,

swam by the Sea Girl's home.

He saw a glimmer,

a shiny shimmer, 

in dunes of sandy loam.

The eel swooped down,

disturbing the ground

and searching for his prey.

The Sea Girl fled

into a thick bed

of seaweed where she lay.

The hungry eel,

who still had no meal,

went somewhere else to feed.

The Sea Girl packed

the treasures she stacked

and moved to the seaweed.

There was one thing

that she would not bring,

one thing she wouldn't miss.

She tossed her pearl,

the little Sea Girl,

into a deep abyss.

The Sea Girl and the Pearl ©2012 Teresa Rodriguez

The image above was the result of much experimentation in digital painting and painting in general. It was a rewarding venture, where I played with different brushes and techniques. Ironically, my work in Photoshop is helping my skills with traditional media such as gouache and watercolor. The main difference being the material expense that doesn't exist in cyberland.

I love to watch tutorials and demos by artists such as Will Terry, Chris Oatley and Dani Jones to see what how they develop their masterpieces. A search through YouTube can find lots of other educational nuggets by generous artists.

This week I am happy to be participating in Aquariann's Mermaid Blog Hop, where you can find lots of other sea folks who may have a less traumatic tale to tell. Click on the button below to visit. And if you are here from the Hop, welcome! :)

Aliens, Romance, and Pie

Scene from Twilight Zone's "Will The Real Martian Please Stand Up?"
- Ink on Yupo

This is my favorite TZ character, Haley the counterman at the HiWay Cafe. Big spoiler for anyone who hasn't seen that ep, but it's definitely watchable multiple times.

I've been experimenting with Yupo, a synthetic paper. Painting on Yupo is like painting on plastic - since the paper is polypropylene. Watercolor will pick up easily, ink will not. Lots of layers of washes are required. The resist factor of the surface takes some getting used to. I may do more pieces in ink, watercolor and pencil. Graphite glides on it like a marker. It's very cool and makes for richness in shading.

A previous study using inks was done on hot-press watercolor paper. Gone With The Wind was playing on TCM, and it's a nice background movie as you're working. I watched a bit, however, and became intrigued with the color palette of the scene when Rhett leaves Scarlet at the bridge to go off and join the Confederate army. Simple oranges, blacks and browns. I have those inks, I thought, and out came the supplies. A somewhat decent screenshot was found online for reference. Again, the ink won't budge like watercolors, but the brushstrokes and quickness of drying do create a nice texture.

Ink on Arches Hot Press Watercolor Paper

I used inks won in a couple of different contests through the Grumbacher and Koh-I-Noor FB pages. Grumbacher holds an ATC Swap every few months. It's great fun to enter, occasionally there are prizes, but the best part is receiving a little piece of art from someone else.

Koh-I-Noor held a Supply Closet Cleaning contest, offering a box of art goodies to two winners. Entrants were to illustrate the name Koh-I-Noor. I went with one of my favorite themes - pie. Apparently the judges were pie fans as well, and mine was one of the two chosen for a prize.

Ink and Watercolor on Bristol

I expected a little box and instead, at my doorstep after work one day, sat a carton big enough to hold an ambitious contortionist. They cleaned out the closets, alright. Paints, brushes, inks, pencils - all kinds of implements of creation were in there. Enough for me and a few of my artsy friends. Christmas in June!

Jaw-dropper

Mouse and Commander: The Far Side of the Puddle

6x8, Pen & Watercolor on Bristol

Name a shrub after me. Something prickly and hard to eradicate. 

- Captain Jack Aubrey

Peter Weir's 2003 film, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, has become one of my favorite movies of the past decade. Its rich detail and captivating scenes transport you to the world of an early 19th Century British frigate chasing a French privateer around South America during the Napoleonic Wars. The combination of gorgeous photography, editing, composition, visual effects and music serve to accentuate the brilliant performances of its cast. Although, I haven't seen all of Mr. Weir's work, this film surely deserves to be hailed as his masterpiece.

An afternoon viewing of the film, followed by a sketching session, inspired the image above. It's been a while since I used the pen with watercolor, and recent experiments have ignited a long dormant enthusiasm for this combination.

One such exercise was to copy a work by Brian Froud, a masterful fantasy artist whose work has inspired characters in films such as The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. The piece I chose was a creature identified as a Shetland Trow from the book Faeries, written and illustrated by Froud and the equally excellent Alan Lee.

Two Trows - Left, by Brian Froud - Right, by me.
Oh, to someday have Froud's command of tone and texture,
and subtleness of line.

Copying a master's work has been used as a way to stretch one's artistic muscle by students through the ages. The idea isn't to change your personal style to someone else's, but to gain insight into the decisions that the artist made in the composition, tone, and color selection. The lessons learned are then applied as you develop your style and skill. I recall the times in art school, when these kinds of assignments came up, and while they were difficult, they were always rewarding in ways that revealed themselves in later projects.

Getting away from the tablet and stylus once in a while to reconnect with traditional elements that don't have an undo key is exhilarating every time.

Critter of the Week: La Luna

Moon Hug • Digital

 The moon's an arrant thief,

And her pale fire she snatches from the sun.

- William Shakespeare

This past Saturday saw the full moon reach perigee and look 14 percent larger than other full moons throughout the year, earning it the term Supermoon. Unfortunately, it was cloudy that night in my area, and I was left to create a big moon of my own to enjoy, with little Agnes to give it a great big hug. 

Here's some additional loony fun stuff:

Chinese mooncakes are made for the Chinese New Year and an autumn harvest festival. A thin crust covers a rich filling made from red bean or lotus seed paste with an egg yolk in the middle. Many recipes are available online, from quickies that look nothing like this pretty picture to more accurate versions that still use more familiar ingredients.

The first children's book written by L. Frank Baum was a collection of stories based on nursery rhymes called Mother Goose in Prose. Each nursery rhyme was expanded to a longer narrative with more detail and character development. We find out how the old woman ended up living in a shoe, a situation which many modern parents can relate to. The black sheep has an interesting attitude towards the wool industry. And the Man in the Moon longs to be a part of the world below, only to find difficulties arising from unexpected contradictions. 

I loved this book and especially loved the marvelous illustrations by Maxfield Parrish, such as the one above of the Moon Man.

Dr. Eugene Shoemaker, to date, is the only human being for whom the moon is a final resting place. Some of his ashes were on board 1999's Lunar Prospector when it was deliberately crashed into the lunar surface after a mapping mission. Dr. Shoemaker was best known for discovering the comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 with his wife Caroline and David Levy. He founded and was the first director of the Astrogeology Research Program and was involved in training the Apollo astronauts.

Art and Baseball Day, Part Three: At The Ballpark

Citizen's Bank Park

Baseball is the hurrah game of the republic! 

That's beautiful: the hurrah game! 

Well - it's our game: that's a chief fact in connection with it: America's game.

- Walt Whitman

I belong to the Church of Baseball.

I'm not as zealous as Annie Savoy in Bull Durham; more of a enthusiastic supporter as much as time and finances will allow. Delaware has no MLB team of its own, so we "borrow" the neighbors' - Phillies or Orioles.

The Phillies have been on my altar since childhood. They were one of the few things besides DNA that my father and I had in common, until he converted to the Braves in later years, accentuating an already established chasm between us.

There were seasons when I would be glued to every game, and others where I was distracted by the usual life stuff that presented itself. Whenever I returned to baseball, it was always for the Phillies, a big city team with a loony, green mascot, and fans that made Attila the Hun's army look like pussycats.

My attention would ebb and fluctuate, even after their 2008 World Series win, until the 2010's Snowmaggedon. In the midst of storms and snowpiles that seemed never to end, I dreamt of spring and all that came with it, including sun, gardens, and baseball.

I had never paid so much attention to Spring Training before, but while buried in drifts of frozen white, I became obsessed. Baseball represented everything that winter was not. It was green. It was warm. It was joyous outside playtime. And I began to appreciate it in a way I never had before. Football never held any glamour for me, and seemed a cold, violent sport. So, at the end of each season, I now begin the countdown to the days when our boys travel to Clearwater, Florida to begin their preparations.

On Art and Baseball Day, after a luxurious dip in the Philadelphia Museum's collection, I drove down to the sociological ecosystem with the dismal name of Citizens' Bank Park. That's what it will be called until the next corporate takeover. If only we could go back to naming sports complexes in honor of dead people who don't try to buy out one another.

Having not been to a pro game in many years, I discovered two things. One, not surprisingly, the food is overpriced garbage and you eat it anyway. Fortunately for me, they had vegetarian-friendly overpriced garbage in the form of vegan hot dogs.

Two, I could not stay seated. Normally, I watch a game while pumping away on my elliptical, burning extra calories after home runs. I felt claustrophic and fidgety in the stands. Although, I carry around a few unwanted pounds, I'm not nearly as hefty as some other spectators who easily had a least 100 pounds on me and still sat squished in the little plastic seats. It was much more relaxing to walk around, partaking of the occasional fat-laden munchie, and watching the game from the rails.

They lost fabulously. Went down in flames. Got smacked home to Mama. It was well enough into the season to not be too surprised. This year so far, the Phillies are inspiring more tears than cheers. Those seasons happen every so often. But, being in a baseball park, I learned, is not strictly about the team. It's a social occasion, filled with mingling, eating, and enjoying fresh air.

While observing the crowds, I was reminded of a painting I had stood in front of earlier that afternoon: Toulouse-Lautrec's At The Moulin Rouge: The Dance. Like the baseball fans who milled around the stands and alleys, the painting's subjects were also people from all walks of life gathered at a popular social watering hole.

This was our Moulin Rouge, I thought, standing patiently in the ice cream line, while waves of bodies traveled back and forth like blood cells coursing through an artery. At night, the similarity would be even more apparent, under the glow of artificial light. Even though at the ballpark there are kids instead of prostitutes, Henri might still have enjoyed it.

I'll be returning later in the season, whether the team finds their game or not, to observe, enjoy, eat like a pig, yell "Hit something!" and absorb the last vestiges of Summer before the cold starts creeping in again.

Art and Baseball Day, Part Two: Scribbling Away at the Museum

Sketch of Virgin & Child, 1646, Jose Jusepe de Ribera

In case you hadn't noticed, I love to scribble.

The other, more refined term would be to sketch. Scribbling is what I call grabbing a pencil, pen, crayon, lump of coal or any other implement of creation and attacking a handy surface (usually paper) with it. Scribbling is the sound made by such an endeavor, when all other sounds fall away and shapes, curves and textures come to life at your hand.

After visiting the Van Gogh Up Close exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum, I inhaled some lunch, then set out to explore the countless rooms, hallways, nooks and crannies of the vast collection. If I saw something that caught my eye, out came the drawing pad and pencil, ready to take down pictorial dictation of a celebrated work.

It's amazing what you discover about a painting by copying its forms in simple graphite. Breaking it into shapes and tones, you see patterns that reveal themselves only after the intense scrutiny necessary for duplication.

I was drawn to Spanish Baroque painter Jose Jusepe de Ribera's Virgin and Child for its earthy depiction of the Holy Mother and little Christ. While working, I wondered about the models used, who they were and how they became the actors in this scene. Aside from the bright blue of the shawl and the angelic expressions, this could've been a sweet family portrait of any mother and baby.

Sketch of Young Boy
with Toy Soldiers,
1876, Antonio Mancini

The face of the Young Boy with Toy Soldiers by Antonio Mancini intrigued me. The composition of the piece looked like that of a photograph spontaneously taken while he played. Although frilly collars and over 130 years separate the subject from any kid today engrossed in his games, the unaffected expression of youth surely hasn't changed much.

Guan Yin, 960-1279, Song Dynasty

What a delight to turn a corner into a darkened Asian temple to find Guan Yin, the enlightened figure in the Buddhist tradition associated with compassion.
I always loved the way she sits, as she is often portrayed in this position, chilling out, ever so mellow and calm. One of my favorite stories about her is when she was executed for not entering an arranged marriage and was sent to a helllish realm, her love, compassion and grace threatened to turn it into a paradise, and she was summarily kicked out. It's been said by modern thought teachers that we are each responsible for the energy we bring into a situation. The legends of Guan Yin certainly illustrate that the lesson is not a new one.

There were other sketches done during that afternoon, favorite paintings revisited as well as new discoveries. During my years in Philly while attending UArts, I regret not spending more time at the Museum while I had easier access. As I left to go to Citizens' Bank Park for the Phillies' encounter with the Mets, I made a quiet pledge to come again later this year, and also take advantage of the close proximity of smaller museums around Delaware.

Art and Baseball Day, Part One: A Visit with Vincent

Two Cut Sunflowers - Vincent Van Gogh • vangoghgallery.com

Working distracts me infinitely better than anything else. 

And if I could once really throw myself into it with all my energy, 

that might possibly be the remedy.

-Vincent Van Gogh

On a carefully planned April day of Art and Baseball in the big city, I had an opportunity to attend the Philadelphia Museum of Art's exhibition, Van Gogh Up Close. A feast for the eyes doesn't begin to describe it. The image above is a poor reproduction of the original painting, which is composed of chunky, luminous brushstrokes that tempts you to run your fingers over them.

How Van Gogh depicted the arrangement of seeds inside the sunflower through the subtlest of markings amazed me, and it's something you can only appreciate standing in front of the painting itself, close enough to take in the detail, but not so close the museum guard yanks you back like a hooked trout.

Rain - Vincent Van Gogh • philamuseum.org

From outside of his room at the Saint-Paul clinic, Van Gogh was able to capture a field bombarded by a passing storm despite the bars covering his bedroom window. What impressed me most about this piece was that it really looks like a storm. So many storm paintings attempt to bring power to the clouds and water with color and contrast, making them too bright. The above image is an accurate portrayal of a dreary day where you can almost hear the rumble of thunder and the constant pattering of raindrops on the ground and the building. You can even make out the accumulation of water into glistening puddles.

The exhibit was a further reminder that no matter how good a print job or digital capture is done, you cannot experience a painting fully, with all its personality and imperfections, unless you meet it in person. There are colors that can never be conveyed by anything other than the human eye.

So many other paintings called to me in the exhibition rooms. I did what I usually do: wandered around like a lost drunk, gazing at some for several minutes, then running back to others that had stuck in my mind. I tried to exit several times, only to be stopped by the urge to make another round, all the while sending my love and gratitude to the artist.

After making it out the exit, I was immediately bombarded by the commercial inspiration of Van Gogh's work through the vast variety of overpriced items in the gift shop. Prints, bags, umbrellas, games, shirts, scarves, mugs, magnets, and so on. What do you think, Vinny? Thousands of dollars gleaned from paintings that people in your lifetime didn't give a damn about. You only sold one painting. These folks are making a fortune. The most painful offerings were the holographic bookmarks. Gag. That being said, a magnet of Two Cut Sunflowers graces my refrigerator, and the accompanying coffee table book for the show lies on my ottoman.

An art teacher of mine once told of how someone had said that an artist must suffer in order to create. My teacher had scoffed at this, only to change his mind later on. I, too, did not embrace the notion that pain was necessary for an artist. It seemed like a dismal future for anyone who embraced a creative career. But, the years have taught me different.

When we create, we enter a new world, away from the one that is the source of the pain. For a little while, the brushstrokes, or chords, or words, or whatever becomes the reason to exist. The relationship to the medium is the only one that matters, and it's a relationship that gives far more comfort, sometimes, than those with the situations and people in our lives. Van Gogh seemed to feel that keenly, as suggested by the above quote.

If the universe gave us the pain of our self-awareness, it was at least thoughtful enough to also give us a wonderful form of escape that can still be shared with others.

Critter of the Week: The Gift

Jack and Midgie - Digital 8x10.5

This image was inspired by the wonderful offerings of the Nightmare Before Christmas tribute show at Galerie Arludik in Paris.

I found out about this when Australian concept artist and illustrator extraordinaire Charles Santoso posted his lovely submission on his blog, My Mini Tree House, another inspiration spot worth exploring.

Do check out the show's pieces online if you get a chance. They are absolutely delightful! You'll see artwork by Charles, Bobby Chiu, Girald Guerlais, Uli Meyer and so, so many others.

My angle for the above scene was an alternative outcome to Jack Skellington's experiment. What if the kids, instead of being horrified by the presents produced by the Halloweentown crew, were thrilled with the unusual and exotic "toys." Who needs bland Barbie dolls and lame Legos, when you can have your very own toothy, snarling, drooling Groggelyte? Talk about wondrous variety.

Many thanks to storyteller Tim Burton for his zany little tale, and to director Henry Selick, who brought glorious life and vision to the film.