Wednesday, June 29, 2011

I'm in T.E.S.A.!?!

The Exhibiting Society of Artists (TESA) is a committee of professional artists whose purpose is to promote original, contemporary art and artists in the community. I submitted an application to join them, but deep in my mind a part of me suspected that my chances of acceptance were slim. Why? Of the two members of TESA I know, one is a college professor, who hosts amazing art shows, and presents some of the most spectacular sculptural works I have ever seen, and the other is an acknowledged master of watercolors, who teaches various techniques and manages another art society in Pinellas Park. Some amazing people chair this committee, so to be welcomed by them left me in awe. Already, I'm making plans to exhibit at a TESA venue in August, The Carrolwood Cultural Center, and I will have more news on that shortly.

For more information on TESA check out www.arttesa.org.
Thanks for reading!

(2 C More art go to www.themindscapeartfoundry.com)

Saturday, June 25, 2011

SPC Lecture an Astonishing Success.

My lecture at SPC's Seminole Campus Library was extraordinary fun. Arrived at 10:30 to set-up - It was the first time since college that I gave a lecture with projector-assist and the screen dwarfed much of the conference room wall. Seeing the comics and the characters larger than life that was thrill in itself. The crowd was perhaps 20-30 attendees in size, composed of SPC students, a member or two from Pinellas Park Art Society and some curious visitors. Toting the camera along would have been a pain in addition to the laptop and equipment I needed to showcase, so for photos I relied on a member of the audience with a mobile phone camera.

Started off with a bit about me and my background. 1.) My comics originated at Streamwood High School when I attended art club and provided images for the School Newsletter. 2.) My greatest influence was Larson who produced the Far Side Comics, 3.) I was introduced to Japanese Manga in Eckerd College and fell in love with the expressive faces and simplistic design.

Got rather philosophical for a while while I discussed the two main characters of my comic series - Kayla and Nikki. Identical twins whose personalities and dreams are polar opposites, but ultimately the software that I use was the star of the show - as it should be. I gave the audience a crash course in how I use Smith Micro Manga Studio to produce a comic page - from start to finish
Start with a simple pencil sketch.
  1. The sketch gets scanned into the PC
  2. Then Manga Studio transforms the pencil sketch into a digital outline.
  3. The outline gets filled with color and shading.
  4. A photo background is added in using layering tools
  5. Then dialogue is inserted with word balloons.
The audience seemed to be impressed and amused which was the goal. and I decided long before to go unscripted. I don't want to bore people by reading from a page in a monotone voice. Once the series is complete this July 6th there should be a vote on which of the provided comics is best in show. I'm hoping that I gained some more readers and that some of the new information I've gained might lead me to get published.

Thanks for reading!



 


(2 C More Art got to www.themindscapeartfoundry.com)

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Pet Pal Newsletter





Lotus

Fun, Food
Gift Drawings, and more!
Live music provided by
80's cover band Screamin’ Donkey

Cost is $5 at the door and includes a complimentary beverage.
Friday, July 8th 6pm to 10pm
Ferg’s Sports Bar and Grill
1320 Central Ave, St. Petersburg

All proceeds will benefit Pet Pal Animal Shelter’s homeless animals and emergency medical fund.

Some Special Opportunities

You may remember seeing Richard Sean Manning’s breathtaking prints at Puppy Love. If you could not attend or really wish you had purchased an original print by the noted artist and philanthropist, now you can…. and for a great cause!

By visiting The Manning Arts website and purchasing any original works of art, 66% of the proceeds from your transaction will be donated to Pet Pal Animal Shelter!

Tony Korman of Korman Studios has generously agreed to donate 10% of any profits made from the purchase of his items to Pet Pal Animal Shelter. Tony creates beautiful lifelike custom sculptures of your pet. Please visit his site at www.kormanstudio.com. When you place an order, make sure to use the promo code PPAS.

“A Dog by Any Other Name”
Changing the Name of Your New Dog

Sometimes adopting a dog means adopting a dog with a name you don’t particularly like. Any dog can learn a new name, even if it’s completely different from his previous one. Your dog or puppy can be responding to his new name within a week if you use the following tools provided by noted dog authority, Sue Sternberg.
  • Decide on any new name you wish for your newly adopted pet.
  • For the first few days, carry a pocketful of treats.
  • Every once in a while, particularly when you want your dog’s attention, call out his new name and then immediately smile, praise, and feed him a treat.
  • Even if he doesn’t turn to look at you when you call out the name, do the aforementioned anyway, and soon he will know that hearing that word means good things are coming, and he will respond as if that word was his own!
Thank you!

When Sage and Sarah were asked to do a "Project of Worth" for Ozona Elementary, they decided that Pet Pal would be the beneficiary. The girls waged a campaign to collect essential items for the shelter. Below, you can see the results of their hard work!



Our mission is to rescue dogs and cats from animal shelters that may otherwise be euthanized due to time limitations, illness, injuries or lack of socialization and training. We are also dedicated to educating the public about the pet overpopulation crisis, the importance of spaying/neutering and responsible pet ownership.

This mission takes a great deal of funding. If you wish to help our cause, please visit our website to make a donation. Donations can be made in honor or in memory of a loved one or a pet.

Please feel free to forward this newsletter to friends. We would like to share our news with as many people as possible! If someone has forwarded this to you, and you want to sign up to receive the newsletter regularly, just use this link.

Pet Pal's Ninth Annual Puppy Love was a great success. We would like to thank the following individuals and businesses for their contributions and support:

Life Styles Family fitness, The Hampton Inn(Seminole), Hilton Inn Express(Seminole), Harvey’s 4th Street Grill, Angela Ramsberger, Hollow Tree Images, Richard Bialor, Lyle Polyak, Michelle Foster, Steve Kilburn, Gilbert Jewelers, The Stress Relief Clinic, Salon on the Grille, Andy and Louise Reeves, Hennessy Construction, Bronson and Mary Alexander, Joni and Jeff Witt, Fresh Market, Petco, Tampa Theatre, Museum of Fine Arts, Capt. Rick Frazier, Michelle Fincher, Wal-Mart, Mangrove Golf Course, Old Farmer’s Creamery, Megan Funk, Tampa Improv, Blue Waters White Sands Guesthouse, Sue Edwards, Kathy Proper, Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Rays, Island Salon, Crystal Image Gallery, Kay Sherman, Island Massage, APEX, St. Petersburg Museum of History, The Dali Museum, Ron Schnell’s Superkicks Karate, Regal Pet Sitting Service, Diane Martin, Terri Lou Richey, Debby Dailey, Pei Wei, Scully’s Restaurant, Ellen Altmore, Merry Rosenfield, Violet’s Vanity Boutique, Animal House, Purple Onion, The Magic of Mary, Marcie Anderson, Vicki Anderson, Dolphin Beach Resort, Embassy Inn, Palm Beach, Herb Snitzer, Tackle Shack, Tom Gessler, McDonalds Corporation, Tara Pisano, Community Concern for Animals, Bowled Restaurant, Cypress Run, Roco Traders, Dianne Caton, Historic Inns of Annapolis, The Hair Gallery, Hilton Costa Mesa, Embassy Suites Walnut Creek, Homewood Suites Mobile, Oyster Catchers, Kathleen Leslie, LMT, Texas Cattle Company, Susan Zaffater, Angela Ramsberger, Pronto Carwash, Edible Arrangements, Mariner Car Wash, Canoe Country Outfitters, Megan Trethewey, Aerial Innovations, Steve Pica, Hampton Inn St. Louis, Bob Lee Tires, Embassy Suites Las Vegas, Doubtree Orlando, Merial, Patricia Cheyne, Tyler Garzo, Sherry Dufresne, Bob Holm, American Spirits, Yvonne Edmonds, Sign of the Dolphin, Debbie Brooks, Milagros, St. Pete Yoga, Mark Georgiades, Vinyl Resort and Golf Club, Miami Dolphins, Nutrisource, Valerie Widner, LMT, Tranquility Wellness Spa, Embassy Suites Napa, Fred Astaire Dance Studio, Pet Smiles, Savoy Spice, Ingrid Toney, Clearwater Aquarium, Linn Sennott, Renaissance Day Spa, Stephanie Brobiel, Grooming by Aunt Jac, Cindy Gordon, Sue Stariha, Frescos, Foolish Pride Tattoo Co., Sterling Cleaners, Tim Ramsberger, Shell Key Shuttle, Bon Aire Resort Hotel, Sirata Beach Resort, Angel Schumaker, Shapiro’s, Courtside Grill, The Yachting Gourmet, Harbor House Inn Maine, Stake Out Grill, Horse and Jockey, Lowes, Rosemary Lutz, Jean Halden, Robert Forlizzo, Richard Bailer, Dr. Long, DVM, Tony Langland, Advance Auto Parts, International Diamond Source, Carolyn Edds, Dolin’s, Gulf Coast Garden Center, Don Longfellow, Alex Foster, Wicked Salon, Vista Galleries, Florida Orchestra, Seminole Tattoo, Gone to the Dogs, Best Buddies, A Bow-Meow Affair, Dan Boldt, Team Touch, Racquet Club of St. Petersburg, Brick Feng Shui, 1st Choice Equestrian, Screamin’ Donkey, Barry Rothstein, Midtown Restaurant and Sports Bar, Grattzi’s, Moon Under Water Restaurant, Beth Boyle, Hair of the Dog Grooming, Being, Mary Vincent, Jacquelyn South, Tricia Baker, Richard Dangereau, Randy Roberts Hair Salon, Jamie Martin, New Dawn Animal Behavior, Lin-Z Salon, Diamonds Direct Inc, Poodle Palace, Fig, Kalamazoo, Marcia Duley LMT, Jenny Clutterbuck, Flavors of Florida, Love My Dog Resort, GoGo Errand Service, Judy Campbell, Derek Alvarez, Bayou Club Golf, Dr. Bender, Progressive Dog Training, A Taste of Asia, Platinum Hair Salon, Brimstone, Pasadena Pet Motel, Joan Grayson, John and Eileen Nave, Scott and Terra Sroka, Balsam Hamade, Meg Haight, Pet Food Warehouse, Pet Supplies Plus, Macia Duley LMT, Sandy Johnson, Jennie Clutterbuck, Go Go Errand Service, Judy Campbell, Linda Biltz, Kay Sherman, Victoria Oliver, Bayou Club, Flavors of Florida, Derek Alvarez, Lois Admire, Randy Roberts Hair Salon, I Want a Walk Pet Service, A Bow Meow Affair, Progressive Dog Training, A Taste of Asia, Platinum Hair Salon, Brimstone, Mary Kym Rey, Crystal Davis, Joan Grayson, Tanya Sharkey Photography, LA Fitness, Crown Plaza Westshore, The New Barker, Kathy Marlor, No Name Java, Paws in Paradise, Sarah Grace Nadler, Dr. Hood, AAA, Pioneer Pet Salon, One Lucky Dog, Crabby Bill’s, Harvey’s, Village Inn, Massage Envy, Hilton Downtown St. Pete, Sacino’s, Starbucks, Michele Frank, Mr. and Mrs. Alderman









Posted with approval of Pet Pal Animal Shelter, authorized on 06.13.2011

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

ComicArt @ SPC: Set up Photos

New Photos to show! The Comics are set up for all to enjoy! Seminole Library is hosting a large assortment of Comics on artistic display - mine included. My work, The Long Way Home: Tales from Eerie High, follows the lives of two twins in their introduction to W Maxwell Eerie High School, the most unusual "institution" in the 50 states. Visit Saint Petersburg College, Seminole Campus Library (9200 113th Street North, Seminole, FL) from June 3rd to July 6th to see issue 1. This show benefits the Thesis work of Brandi Stark, an SPC educator and PHD. I will also be giving a lecture on how to make comics with Smith Micro Manga Studio on June 25th. Hope to see you there!







(2 C More Art Visit www.themindscapeartfoundry.com)

Got a Taste for Some Art?

Art and a meal, does it get better than that? Just finished hanging a collection of framed photos and giclee prints at this Safety Harbor eatery. Open for breakfast lunch and dinner, serving coffee, espresso, a variety of beers and wines, tasty treats and delicious meals. Live Music on Friday and Saturday (Closed on Mondays). Come by and enjoy my artwork with a drink or sit down to lunch or supper. Taste Cafe is located at 500 Main Street in Safety Harbor, Florida. For information call 727.723.1116 or visit http://www.tastesafetyharbor.com to check the menu.







(2 C More art go to www.themindscapeartfoundry.com)

Friday, June 3, 2011

ComicArt @ SPC: On Schedule and in the news!

The Saint Pete Times is now running the back story!



Seminole Library is hosting a large assortment of Comics on artistic display - mine included. My work, The Long Way Home: Tales from Eerie High, follows the lives of two twins in their introduction to W Maxwell Eerie High School, the most unusual "institution" in the 50 states. Visit Saint Petersburg College, Seminole Campus Library (9200 113th Street North, Seminole, FL) from June 3rd to July 6th to see issue 1. This show benefits the Thesis work of Brandi Stark, an SPC educator and PHD. I will also be giving a lecture on how to make comics with Smith Micro Manga Studio on June 25th. Hope to see you there!


Thursday, June 2, 2011

Find my photos on Egmont Key!

Egmont Key is a small barrier island on the mouth of Tampa Bay just southwest of Fort Desoto State Park. It can only be reached by ferry or private boat and is home to the ruins of Fort Dade, a lighthouse and a collection of gopher tortoises. This is an exquisite place for photography! Inaccessible to motor vehicles the island remains uninhabited by all but resident park rangers. The lone photographer often has the entire island all to him- or herself.

In support of my photographic endeavours, and those of fellow artisans, The Egmont Key Alliance (EKA) is a local organization whose role is the preservation of the natural and historical aspects of Egmont Key. They have allowed a small number of locals to exhibit our artwork for sale on select Island Days, in the Old Radio Room. Proceeds from the sales benefits EKA's efforts. These fundraising art sales culminate with the EKA's annual Discover the Island Fundraiser, in November. During this fundraiser one of my favorite shots of The Egmont Key Lighthouse will be available on auction.

For more information please visit EKA's Website.

Selected works of art available for sale in the Radio Room.
(this photo provided by EKA representative Janica Johnson)


Where is Egmont Key?
(Map Provided by Google Maps)


(2 C More art visit www.themindscapeartfoundry.com)

A ComicArt Show @ SPC!

A little known fact about me, in addition to Photography I also enjoy writing and illustrating children's comics. My work, The Long Way Home: Tales from Eerie High, follows the lives of two twins in their introduction to W Maxwell Eerie High School, a place whose faculty and students provide the comedy. Visit Saint Petersburg College, Seminole Campus Library (9200 113th Street North, Seminole, FL) from June 3rd to July 6th to see issue 1. This show benefits the Thesis work of Brandy Stark, an SPC educator and PHD. See the ad in the St. Pete Times! I will also be giving a lecture on how to make comics with Smith Micro Manga Studio on June 25th. Hope to see you there!