history, because, why not?

Adventures this big don't grow on trees...

I am guilty of having 'Hey, why not?' moments... so sue me. ha ha. If you didn't know already, Disney is hosting a little, good natured contest for it's re-release of James and the Giant Peach. I won't win, but you should enter. XD

If you also happen to be around Taylor, North Dakota for the weekend of the 24th of June, and you also happen to be a horse nut, boy! Are you in luck! And right across the grounds, at the Taylor Art Depot, there will be a free art show. You should really go to that too. Did I mention, it's FREE??!! Stop on over, or I will give your children espresso and a puppy.

Mott Fair, July 9th

Art in the Park was quite the learning curve. Made new friends, learned new things, had a great turn out, and with any luck, will be there next year. Thank you to everyone who braved the heat and the crowds.

Since photography is my hobby and not my profession, take my opinion for what it's worth, but 2 photographers I met this weekened that you REALLY should not miss are Les Voorhis and Pat Gerlach If you at all enjoy nature photography, you cannot miss these two. Mengleson, eat your heart out.


Speaking of my uninformed opinion, this Friday, I will be over in Mott, judging the fine art exhibits, as a last minute fill in for a real expert, Bev Haas. Have 100% experience on being on the other side of the show fence, so I have never judged anything; bear in mind, I will do my best with the guidelines presented to me, and if you happen to not be awarded the ribbon this year, please remember that I am a cartoonist, and I already have plenty of angry letters informing me about the fact that I wouldn't know real art if it reached up and bit me in the ass.

I am looking forward to meeting everyone in Mott, and seeing the wonderful talent the town has to offer, where I am sure they have a great sense of humor, and strong laws against hurting someone just because they didn't give your picture a ribbon.

that stings. Oh, and there's art show 4th of July.

I suppose it was bound to happen, but rejection has finally hit the studio. Revisions for book illustrations are nothing new, but it's the first time I've been rejected twice. *shrug* There's always a learning curve.

Going to attend more than 2 art shows this year - a number of which are outside. I enjoy taking the art outdoors, but then again, when I think phenomenal, original paintings... the first thing that comes to mind is not hanging it in the park. So long as it's not terribly windy this weekend, we're set!

In between all of that, there are couple book projects keeping me busy, traditional illustrations, sooooo fun, but gaaaaa... it takes so much longer than digital. ha ha.

Pekin Art Show was epic! And this hobbit-inspired painting was my hero for the weekend. Thanks to patrons and art appreciators alike who turned out, despite the weather, and made for a great time. Happy Independence Day everybody!

New Machine, Freeware, and Emotional Closure

It is finally coming to pass. I didn't want it to happen. This is a very emotional time for all of us, I know, but there's no more use in fighting it. I've been in denial, and it's time to move on. I am talking, of course, about having to purchase a new computer.

I don't want to have to say goodbye! I've been patching this poor little gateway along since before I left high school. We have a relationship, a commitment, which has evolved over time, that some days, I take far more seriously than say, for example, wedding vows.

Oh sure, I might have said for richer or poorer, till death do us part, etc, but I think if we're honest, we all have a little spot in our brains that reminds us, 'Meh. You might change your mind.' The bond you have with your computer is permanent! It holds your tax software for God's sake!

Now, you may think my values a little twisted. How can I possibly be more committed to a tower of circuits - none of which have any feeling, or care for me - but you have to consider the larger picture. My husband may be a warm, loving, caring person, but he will never, ever, run Photoshop and iTunes simultaneously!!!

Which brings me to my second point, the fact that the folks who run Adobe are soul-less wankers. These discommodious jackanapes have a brilliant product, and they know it. To make a long story short, my entire package, all-be-it admittedly, CS2, is magically nonrenewable. Oh sure, it might be mine, purchased some time ago, but that doesn't matter to Adobe. They are running out with CS5, and you had better plunk out $2,000 on it, cuz Adobe is pretty sure if you don't, no one will ever shag you. And don't you even think of pleading for mercy, say, purchasing a CS3 package, true, it may be their product, a product they are proud of, unopened, and newer than new, but because they are, and I believe they told you this already, taking pre-orders for CS5.

This was the following conversation had:
Me: It's telling me my serial number is invalid.
Ass Who Will Remain Nameless: Yiiis. I am showing this to be an invalid serial number.
Me: But this is my software.
AWWRN: Adobe is currently taking upgrade orders, would you like to -
Me: NO! I just want to install my software.
AWWRN: Yiiiis. I am seeing that this is for a CS2 version. We are not currently servicing this product.
Me: I know it's for CS2, that's why we started this conversation!
AWWRN: *takes the time to repeat what Adobe is selling*
Me: *suggests they shove what Adobe is selling up one of their primary nasal passages.*

In the end, turns out, no matter what your problem, if your software isn't the system they're selling, the only fix is to buy an upgrade. To quote the church lady: [link]

So to make myself feel a little better, here are some links to some dandy freeware:
Paint = Sumopaint [link]
InDesign = Scribus [link]
Photoshop = Gimp [link]

Sure, you probably already knew about these, and yes, of course, I have no alternative to break down and get a new system and software, because you can rely on 3 things in this world. Death, taxes, and that the only solution, is to purchase an upgrade.

Ramblings and WIP's.

Well, haven't I been the productive, sleep-deprived little sod? New originals, or prints, are now available over at the site, and I have actually managed to meet 98% percent of my book deadlines which can only mean one thing: ART SHOW season is just around the corner. Time to get in touch with your inner gypsy.

This year, I am trying something new. I am taking my husband along on some of these weekend escapades, because I like a challenge*. Ok, sure, maybe he doesn't like hiking, or being out in the sun all day, or finds camping about the same level of fun-filled exuberance as a root canal... but I have never let that stop me from dragging him out on a weekend before. Why start now?

My only reservation is,... with regards to our 2 beliefs about time travel. Every year, time of departure for an event is the subject of literally millions of marital arguments, and while I certainly would never engage in crude generalizations based on gender, all of these arguments are started by men.

Let's say an event starts at, 9am. My husband, under the mistaken belief that events actually start on time, will factor in for traffic, weather/road conditions, being 15 minutes early, time to find parking, the time change, and an extra 20 minute cushion for possible engine trouble, meteor strike or invading Germans, will be ready to go not later than 3:20am and pacing about the house, jingling car keys in a suggestive manner that makes the lady of the house utter suggestions as to what he can do with his bloody keys.

Of course, by the time I have remembered the 12** other things I had forgotten to get done because I was busy for the past 2 weeks doing all the other things I needed to get done first, we have calmly spent the morning discussing our differences and formulating a reasonable compromise in that I am out of touch with the known physical laws of the universe, and he should quit being a bleeding, key jingling time Nazi.

I have yet to be late or miss an art show, and for all the work that goes into it, I love it, and because we are both mature, intelligent adults, the next time we have an event to attend, we will have exactly the same argument.

Tradition is important in marriage.

Will look for you at the art shows! Stop by the booth and say HI!



*or, perhaps I have brain damage.
**I will still, at minimum, forget 2.

Tutorials and Art Shows

Recently, I have been occupied with book illustration deadlines and the odd new website construction, but as we all know, May is coming, and thus Art Show season gets into full swing. There's really no better way to get in touch with your inner gypsy than being at an art show - so if you have the chance to throw up a table, I highly recommend it. Or else, face gypsy curse! Mua-ha-ha-ha-ha!

There is only 1 kurfuffle* I have with art shows, and that is, as I view it anyway, the unholy fees for entering. You need nothing less upfront, for some of these shows, than the GDP of Brazil! It can be quite frustrating, especially if you're starting out, and there is always an abundant of talent out there that deserves to be seen. I ask, general public, if you were to see a concert, you wouldn't expect them to charge the orchestra and let the audience in free? Same goes for a movie or a play, readings, ballet, etc.... lame. But I digress; *hops off my soap box*

Sooooo... there have been a few updates over at the site, 4 Dog Arts , including 2 new pieces now available. Hope on over and see! K? Thanks!


*this is a family friendly blog, g*$%^@!