4dogarts.com

4dogarts.com/blog is now where you'll find drawing, books, photos and all other sorts of nerdy ramblings for artists.

Also, htdhorses is up and kinda', well, running is a strong word.  Let's go for... stumbling along.  Check it out if you love to draw horses!  How to draw Horses

Happy New Year. Unless you're triskaidekaphobic.

But no worries, because if you are, then it's just 2012 + 1.  Or skip to 2014 - 1.  Both are silly.

Professional Photography. Or not.

This photo screams professionalism.

So have been hitting the grindstone solidly since I got back.  Have some fruits for my efforts to show for it, but don't have them all photographed yet.  Here's some wip's:

  The full piece will be 18x24in.  If I don't muck it up anyway.  And lo, as the Mythbusters did fondly saith, "Failure is always an option."  I'm new to pastels, but it's a learning curve.

Commissions are also being tackled.  Here's an 8x10 in the works:

and a larger owl:

And with any luck, will actually get the website a much needed overhaul.  Finally!  Woo.  You should get some How to Draw Horses and Dinosaurs action.  Having a copy already is no excuse not to.

Thankful!

Totally get to be at the big kid's table this year.  Kinda' awesome.

Also doing the cooking.  Sooooo much could be said about that.  Most of it probably in the 'unthankful' nature.  Probably.

Cheers, EVERYBODY!

ps: more art soon!  Woo!

ps2:  Oscar Wildecat is doing fine.  Thanks for all the well-wishes!

ps3:  Know what makes great gifts?  How to Draw Horses and How to Draw Dinosaurs!  Makes the perfect gift for the person who has $12.95 - But as of right now, it's even on sale, which is even better! 4dogarts.com

Last King of Scotland n' so much CUTENESS!

So this is why I haven't had time to post anything for ages:

The cuteness!  It burns.  He was in pretty tough shape - and suffers from a great many maladies yet, but I like Oscar Wildecat.  Let's hope he's a fighter and pulls through.

In other events, American Profits continues, as does refilling my inventory of other art.  I've rediscovered mixed media.  I guess I'd lost it?

Thanks to everyone who has purchased the books How to Draw Horses and How to Draw Dinosaurs!  I am amazed beyond belief.  Thank you doesn't even come close! 

American Profits and Math and Marketing Zombies

Also, AP awesomeness:

If you have trouble viewing this, visit here.

Character Ref Sheets

If you detected dogs in the area of American Profits, then you'd be absolutely right. Of course, I have no discipline, and routinely am the sort of person who will not only fall in love with a character, but leap into the middle of things, leaving a reader going, 'huh?'

American Profits - human

Because I don’t have a functioning time traveling device, nor do I have an endless supply of minions to do my work for me, I get behind on things very quickly when I change my focus to another project.  Which I do.  A lot.

 Its fun to take the time to humanize characters, but honestly, I'd never get anything done.  Which wouldn't be that different from how things are normally, when I think about it... still.  It was fun.

Dinosaur Movie Resolutions

OK.  This is old.  But I find it kinda funny too.  Thanks for asking.  (If you have any trouble viewing, just visit here.)  Also... HOW TO DRAW DINOSAURS only $12.95!  Get it now.

And.  This is flippin' amazing.  In case you don't know what's going on... it's based on this good-time Pride and Prejudice oldie:

And it lives again!

 



As made by talented Miss  Follow the EffYeahMrDarcy .  Or don't.

How To Draw Dinosaurs

So clearly, what I endeavored to create was a concise book that both men and women would want to read.  Something that could bring people together, people who love to draw, and help them via common ground, step-by-step processes, learn through humor and understanding, a little more about the paleo world.  Of course, as you'll see, I failed completely.  But what the hell - it's only $12.95.  Get it from Amazon, B&N, or demand it at your local book store 24/7, or just order it here.  Come to think of it, that might be simplest.

It's HERE!

Amazing.  I know.

Guess what else finally got knocked off the to-do lists?  Woo!  It's finally here.  (I realize that I am way more excited about this than I should be, but I am often absurdly excited about odd things. You get used to it.)  And by here, I mean, will be distributed this week.  I just have a few advanced copies. 

The first feedbacks? 

My Sister: You are like a brain-damaged Richard Dawkins.

My Friend: You misspelled Cretaceous on page 4.

I seriously need some new friends.

This will make much more sense later. Probably.

I've almost made it through June.  No one is more surprised than I am.

Huge amounts of thank yous to everyone who showed up at the BAGA.  It was amazing.  Here are photos.  Mostly of me, because this is my blog, and I'm fairly sure no respectable member of society would care to be associated with it.

Oh, silly internet.  Its so cute how you get me.

I had another caption for this pic.  Miss E said no.  That's censorship.  And that's wrong.

I'm happier than I actually look in this picture.

Nice people pretending to be interested in the doodles.

Everyday.  I'm shufflen'.

But you gotta share the art show love.  All summer in Mandan, the kiddos have worked their butts off making some jazzy art.  It'll be on display at the MAC from 5-7:30pm Thursday, June 28th.  Bring a friend.

Annnnnn.... Wait for it.... How to Draw Dinosaurs is nearly here!  Demand it this week.  It only took me the better part of 28 years.  (Shut up, Stephen King!)  There are already a few book signing dates lined up, and as soon as I have a complete list, I'll keep it top secret.  Wait.  No.  I mean share it with you.

I get confused. 

Many thanks to all those from Austria to Australia and even exotic North Dakota, who've purchased originals and prints in the last month.  Seriously.  You have no idea what that means to this fragile ego and the tiny operation.  If you're interested, there are still a few available at 4DogArts or over on Ebay.  Click over.  Or don't.

So much else to share, but June won't let me.  June soooo doesn't understand the creative process.

Now Hiding From June

Da breaking ob da fellowship awlways maeks me sad.  Yes.  In case you were wondering, I am that stupid-excited for the Hobbit release.

OK. Enough cuteness.  If I owe you something, and I likely do, I apologize for the crazy storm that June is working up to be.  You are awesome, and I am behind.  Per usual.


Here's some horn tooting, if you're interested:

• 1 June: Reception at the BAGA Gallery, Bismarck, ND, from 5-7.  Come one, come all. My art is on display through June; do be the definition of brilliant and stop by anytime.
• 5-28 June: Art Classes Begin in Mandan, ND.  Ages from 6-18.  Interested in attending this summer?  Get a hold of the office over at the VSA. (No one is more surprised than I am, that I am trusted with classrooms of children.)
• 8-9 June: Art Show in Center, ND.  You should come!  Or don't.
• Fingers Crossed: New book maybe?  Will keep you posted.

I really appreciate everyone's patience with everything, and if I take too long to get something printed or mailed to you, please know that it's not a subversive plot to overthrow the free world.   My email gets full.  I declare voice-mail bankruptcy on a regular basis.  Despite my repeated efforts, the post-office refuses to keep staff for my round the clock convenience.  The best possible efforts are made on my part to be timely and efficient, I promise.

Did I mention you were pretty?

Paleontology - Know the Warning Signs

Dunno who to credit for this, but its brilliant!

Know what else is brilliant? How to Draw Dinosaurs!  Coming June 2012.

And know what else!?  Had a fantastic time up in Williston, North Dakota at the Pride of Dakota show.  The most fun I have ever had getting rained on.  Indoors.  A funny story... but for later.

Had the best neighbors a soul could ask for.  Danielle Stuckle, of Dakota Cactus, Andy Knudson of Plains Perspective Gallery, and Darren Krueger of Obsessed Photographers.  Will make a point to attend for next year, and so should you!

Ornithopod Drawing Tutorial

I could use a few more hours in a day this week.



Ornithopods Webby Drawing Tutorial by ~sketcherjak on deviantART

I know, pictures of your pets = most pointless use of blogging ever.

VSA North Dakota Needs YOUR Help

As many of you are aware, last summer VSA National lost much of their federal funding and 75% of staff.  This is un-flippin-'ceptable.  Even if that were a word....

VSA is an outstanding organization for connecting students of all backgrounds with the arts. The support of the volunteers, organizers, teachers and aides is amazing, and bringing students with challenges to a place where they can express themselves, have a laugh, and take home a masterpiece is a life changing experience. Challenge students to think, create, laugh and explore- donate to VSA North Dakota - and keep bringing the arts into every life.

Come out on March 28th in Bismarck and help raise cash and awareness for a wonderful organization.  There will be young soloists.  There will be art.  There will be food.   


Got something unavoidable on the 28th?  Donate away, right here, 24/7:VSA North Dakota

Owl Jointed Dolls and other reasons to be an artist

Because I'm sure this is the quickest way to get invited to swank parties in the Champagne region... a jointed owl doll.

It was one of those, "I HAVE TO MAKE THIS, NAOWAH!" type moments I am prone to having, for which I reserve the right to not have to explain to anyone.  When I look at him, I think of all the other productive things I needed to get done this week.  Time well spent, I think. 

I dunno how you put a price on this much awesome, but he is for sale.  He'll be on display at the Bismarck Art Gallery through the end of December.  Brilliant! (Want to see s'more pics of Iagan?  Click here to head to the 4Dog gallery.)

How To Draw Horses

Fo' realz!  It's out!  It's hitting bookshelves as we speak.  It's the only reason to get out of bed that I can think of.  How to Draw Horses - Everything you ever wanted to know about drawing horses, hardware, history, & mythology. Complete with clear, step-by-step instructions and information on costumes and armor from multiple periods in history from around the world. Anatomy and action, wagons and wedding coaches, it's all in this book!

And it's only $12.95.  Take two, they're small!  (It would be awesome if) ALREADY A MILLION COPIES SOLD! You can order a copy online via 4 Dog Arts, Amazon, Etsy, and several other fine retailers nationwide.  If they don't carry a copy in your local bookstore, demand it.  Nicely.  Want to order a copy and have it personalized?  Just say the word.  Need a third option here for closure?  I'm on it.

Seriously.  I thank you.  For real.

Lost Dog. Not Book Realted. Probably.

In a complete diversion of my attention, we found a new face in our yard this evening.  (If you were out hunting north of Richardton and lost your dog, fear not.)  I took the liberty of making up some lost-dog posters that Rocko says I should not show to anybody.  He is likely correct. 

The thing about dogs is, they're rather on the honor system.  I do my best.  Hope he sticks around.