"Smoking Table, Please..."

Just finished another scratchboard piece. This is 8x10, and I loved the dramatic, powerful lighting in the reference  photograph, which was used with permission from Monica (Monyart on Flickr).   This is a quite different subject than the animals I'm used to working on.  It's always good to expand one's horizons and try something different.  I plan on doing other smokers with dramatic lighting.

Paint Ventura!

This past weekend, an art event took place in the city of Ventura, California.   One block on the main street was closed to traffic. There was an art fair with artists selling their work in booths.  I was asked by the Red Brick Gallery (redbrickart.com) to participate in the Artwalk.

I set up a table just outside their door and spent the next 6 hours working on scratchboard and answering many questions that art lovers had about the medium of scratchboard.

There was a lady named Barbara who told me she loved Cheetahs, so I thought I'd post this pic of a work-in-progress.  It's only about 40% finished.  A lot more scratching to do.

"Bring On The Night" - Work in Progress

I have been working long hours at my regular job, so I haven't spent a lot of time on artwork lately.  Here is an update on the human figure piece.

Work in Progress... not yet titled

I tend to work on a few pieces concurrently.  That way, if I get bored while working on one piece, I can switch to another one.

 Along with the leopard, I am working on this study of the human figure.  I loved the lighting on this.  I am using new techniques learned during my workshops in Sebastopol in early July.   To get that smooth feel on the skin, I am using less pressure and a lot more scratching.

Work In Progress... Leopard

I've always been attracted to and fascinated by big cats.  I'm currently working on a portrait of a leopard.  The reference photograph is by Tambako the Jaguar, from Flickr.  He's a fantastic and prolific photographer who is very generous with his images.

This is on an 8x10 board and is the first time I'm using color on a piece.  Will post more updates as needed.

Updating the Website!

I have spent the last several nights updating the look and content of my website.  Had worked several hours on it when the software decided to stop working.  So all those hours were lost.  I had to download a trial version of a different software and start from scratch on the layout.

A few days later and it is finished and uploaded.  I'm happy with the results.  I hope the visitors are as well!

The Year So Far....

It's been a great year so far. 

Earlier this year I was accepted into the International Society of Scratchboard Artists (ISSA) as a Signature Member. 

The Society put together an exhibit at ArtHouse Gallery in Glen Ellen, California in July.  4 pieces of my work were juried into the show, and one of them, "Patriarch" (12x20in), was awarded a Bronze Award.  I was thrilled.

The level of talent on display was really amazing.  And the best part was that all of the artists that were at the reception were wonderful people.  This link will take you to a preview of the artwork that was on display there.

The two days after the reception were filled with workshops where some of the artists shared techniques, new tools, and marketing knowledge.

I came back from Glen Ellen refreshed and inspired.  It was a great experience.

Next year's ISSA exhibition will be held in Vancouver, British Columbia.  Gotta get started on some new pieces to submit!