The Sketches and Ramblings of Dude

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-19T08:13:00.000-08:00

So my wife and I worked on a holiday card...enjoy!

Update for Nov!

2011-11-04T05:07:00.000-07:00

Well good day everyone! And another year in my life passed the other day...still looking for the last few as I just can't seem to find them. Been busy and unable to focus lately. But sketching still brings me a peace in my mind. Enjoy!

Something birdy going on...

2011-09-22T12:32:00.000-07:00

We've gotten some much needed rain lately...grey skies, rain...you get the feeling doom is coming around the corner...somehow this bird made it into my thoughts when sketching. Enjoy!

Has it really been that long?

2011-09-09T11:09:00.000-07:00

I guess it's been a while since I posted anything. I blame the usual ups and downs of life in general. So I apologize for anyone that might still be coming back here, hoping for a post...but behold here it is! I do give my thoughts to family and friends that have been hit by the floods in the Northeast. I left that neck of the woods for several reasons, none of them pertaining to mother nature and her methods of making life chaotic at times. Well...maybe one...the snow...can't deal with it for extended periods of time.

That being said here are some sketches that I have created over the last several weeks! The first one is just a simple one of a gym girl...
Next up is Black Canary from DC Comics! Nice ...love the fishnets huh?
Next up several hot babes!
And the rest are just sketch dumps with various things...

So as you can see I have been working on my drawing abilities with a bit of success! Thanks for stopping by and checking them out. And with the NFL season beginning let's enjoy some football...at least until NHL season starts! For those who lost loved ones on 9/11 my heart goes out to you. I miss ya Billy...it all begin that day.

4th of July...

2011-06-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

Yes it's that time of the year for my dogs to freak out for a day or two as people decide for some reason to set off illegal fire works which with the weather we've been having makes it a safety issue since it's been hot and dry for the most part.

In the meanwhile I have indeed continued to sketch just haven't been posting them as I should be. I was browsing some blogs I watch and was inspired by one to sketch this little sketch out. Have a good and safe 4th of July and enjoy!

It's Hot Hot Hot...

2011-06-02T11:38:00.001-07:00

No lying here folks...it's the 2nd of June and it's 95 degrees outside. That being said it's freaking hot out already!

Been busy here with several things going on...but for those who enjoy them here's a sketch!

Rapture = Fail

2011-05-23T10:57:00.000-07:00

Well there you have it...guess once more the person who says "The End is NEAR!" is proven to be a failure...

And just to show that I have actually been drawing lately...enjoy!!

The End of the World? Meh...but check out these photos from the 5k!

2011-05-20T06:41:00.000-07:00

So here I am typing what could be the last words of mankind...okay...maybe not that extreme...as we all know some religious persons feel that the bible guarantees that the world will end as we know it on May 21st at 6pm. It GUARANTEES it folks! So is that EST or PST? I think I will wake up Sunday and find nothing has changed and the dogs will still want to go outside and want to go for a run.

Chances are we will read about it, or hear about, how those that did believe this now have sold everything and have nothing and realize they are in a bit of a jam now. The guy who created this whole concept will come out and say "oops...my bad..." and then say he meant 3011...well heck sure by then I will be dead anyways so big deal.

It is amazing that so many people can be led to believe something that just doesn't make logical sense. Of course those that do believe it have a tendency to not rationalize things out as such. Don't fall for stories that just don't have a solid ground, or make any sense. Maybe it is because I have never been grounded into one religion. I studied a bunch and came to the decision that they pretty much all are the same and just worded differently to which ever point they are trying to make. I always thought if all these religions are to believe in peace and all why are there so many fights and wars about them. Well cause per the norm for the human race if you don't like someone suddenly your god says smite them. Most people are greedy and selfish...and that is something that is taught to them by the people who brought them up. It's a ongoing cycle and in my humble opinion religion should only be used to teach people good values and not things like "smite thy enemy". I mean come on people...can't we all just get along?

There I have ranted...now check out these photos from last weeks Pet Palooza 5k! A race where it's not about the human and more about the dog. Each person can run with one dog. So the wife and I decided two of ours will be enjoying some quality time and boy did they! Come on...these photos bring a smile to ya don't they? Those are some happy dogs and tired humans! See you all next time!

Something Different...

2011-05-17T08:06:00.000-07:00

So it's been a bit since I posted anything as I have been busy. But this past weekend my wife and I decided to run the Pet Palooza 5k which is a run for the Humane Society in Charlotte. Dogs were very much allowed so we decided to run it with ours.

The first is all four of us near the finish. The white dog is Copper and the Black is Cleo.
Of course this was an awesome photo that the person took. Can't say much except he loved the run.
Cleo and I have this habit of hitting heads together...don't know how it first started but when I get home and she runs up to me I will touch our heads together as she is wagging her tail the whole time.

And...

2011-04-18T08:18:00.001-07:00

Forgot this one...I actually like this one...

Be Safe Out There

2011-04-18T07:31:00.000-07:00

Good luck to all the Boston Marathoners today...especially those from the Charlotte Running Club.

It's been a while since I've updated here. Let's say it was a couple of rough weeks at work and such and call it even. Either way I saw this blog the other day and it showed a photo of something that was slick. So this past weekend I followed the idea. I recently purchased the Atomic Robo and Dr. Dinosaur statues, which are awesome by the way, and with both on the desk I began to draw Dr. Dinosaur which came out pretty good.
And then using this I put this together...what kills me is that so far none of my coworkers get the joke...is the joke on me?

A Mime is a terrible thing to waste...

2011-03-22T11:17:00.001-07:00

I apologize now for the poor drawing...drawing a lined shirt in the seat of a RAV 4 can be a difficult thing...The joke was well played though...

Scarred for Life

2011-03-21T11:16:00.001-07:00

Another sketch done during lunch today...getting to be a daily thing here...Enjoy!

Sketch of the day...

2011-03-18T10:08:00.001-07:00

Lunch time caught me cat napping...so in the spirit of things...Cats in Space!

Dog Rule #2

2011-03-18T06:03:00.000-07:00

I see this one a lot with the three cats and three dogs making up my household...

Humor of the day...

2011-03-16T12:13:00.000-07:00

Sketched out this little one during yesterday's lunch and shaded it during today's. Enjoy!

At a loss...

2011-03-14T05:34:00.001-07:00

With the tragedy this past weekend in Japan it's one of those times to think that Mother Earth with everything we do to effect her still has a wicked temper. I hope Japan recovers from this and no more troubles hit it anytime soon (i.e. Nuclear Power Plant). I wish all those effected by the earthquake and resulting cataclysm peace. Nothing I say can take the pain away from those effected by it.

Another sketch from the NEW sketch book. I finally completed the one I had been using for the last year and several months...My wife claims this sketch has a Jack the Ripper style to it due to the hat and I am guessing from the female to the left. I didn't intend it that way but sometimes it just happens. I sketched the girl one day and several days later saw this hat that I wanted to give a try. The person underneath was just my hand sketching something out.

Cheers...

Checking the Time

2011-03-08T04:59:00.001-08:00

Just something that I knocked out fairly quickly the other day. Cheers!

Some Expressions...

2011-03-02T10:31:00.000-08:00

Well here we are mid week and I thought I would throw down some recent sketches.

The mood has been on the low end of the spectrum but what do you expect at times when dealing with other human beings...it's always someone that needs to rock the happy boat.

I have been working with more expressions lately and trying to throw them in my sketches. I think they are working out nicely. Hope you enjoy them...

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T04:52:00.000-08:00

Hope you all have a good Valentines Day...

I tweaked this one over the weekend and still enjoying it! Cheers!

A Bit of This and a Dash of That...

2011-02-11T10:36:00.000-08:00

So here we are almost half way through February...Snow is hammering all my friends north and if it isn't snow it's just freezing cold. Well here I am sitting out at lunch with the windows open and sketching away in about 50 degrees. Total bunk huh?

I have been sketching! That's right I've not been sitting around doing nothing! So here's three I did over the last week or so...enjoy!
This one I like...just was working out a method of drawing the body and it came out nice.
Was trying to work on aging and think for the first attempt not to shabby hey?
This one I like the most. I was able to get an expression I really liked. One of sadness or longing...was thinking she was fading away...

Thanks for stopping by...cheers!

The Colored Witch

2011-01-28T14:39:00.001-08:00

So after sketching it I really had the bug to color this one. Enjoy!

Witchy!

2011-01-27T10:20:00.001-08:00

Something done during lunch...cheers!

As promised

2011-01-26T06:24:00.001-08:00

Found the sketch mentioned and here it is ... enjoy!

A Good Weekend!

2011-01-26T05:50:00.000-08:00

Hey all! Thanks for stopping by! This past weekend was an awesome one and will be remembered for much fun. My two friends and I met up in Atlanta for the NY Rangers taking on the Atlanta Thrashers in an NHL match up. Now for those who know me I am a big time NY Rangers Fan. We were able to get awesome seats...how close were we? This close!
It was an awesome game where they went into overtime and the Rangers won in a shoot out with a rookie named Mats Zuccarello taking the winning shot. We found a really good German Restaurant with good beer and food to take in before the game. The hotel we got was across the street from the restaurant and a block or so from the Arena.

In the third period with the Rangers losing I had lost the bet and had to wear Joe's Islanders jersey. I did but since the rules were not spelled out I wore it inside out. Yes the other Rangers fans gave me shit but when they saw that they laughed. When the Rangers tied it and went to OT I tore that jersey off.

The cool part? Well there were many but since I was next to the walkway where the players go to the locker room it was hanging my hand out and yelling good luck to them during the game and when they won getting high fives and stick taps from them all when they went into the locker room. The goalie came in from the ice and looked at all the Rangers fans and gave a heavy "whew"... where we all responded with cheers and pats on the shoulders and helmet.

Since I won the main bet...here is the reward...Joe and Pete proudly dressed in German garb!
I do have a good sketch to show off which will be later...for now... CHEERS!

Happy New Year & Welcome to 2011!

2011-01-03T11:13:00.000-08:00

So is it Twenty Eleven or Two Thousand and Eleven? I like the Twenty Eleven personally. So here we are, another year, blah blah blah.

My goals changed from the last several. Instead of saying I am going to run so many miles; I instead went with I will run the Dowd Half Marathon this year. I also said I would strive to do my best to get off my tush and work on a web comic. That being said...enjoy the love of my youth...even now watching Return Of The Jedi brings back that heavy sigh.

Happy New Year!

Almost there!

2010-12-20T11:48:00.001-08:00

Yea that's right...almost time for Saint Nic to pass out the goodies...but let's not dwell on that...

Went to two parties this weekend...I know right! Me going out? Never! But yes, the wife and I went to a surprise birthday party on Saturday night and then to a Christmas party on Sunday. Both were a good time in different ways. One was bowling, pizza, and cake...along with laser tag and a video arcade. I admit on passing the bowling and laser tag. I wasn't feeling all that great from a run that morning and didn't need to just get all crazy and get injured.

The Christmas party was very cool as it was held by a good running friend and his awesome wife. Why is she awesome? Cause wow can she cook! No joke gang...the food and atmosphere was very nice. I also got to me some other runners and hang out with another friend from the running group who I enjoy chatting with. The food though...wow...words do not give it justice.

Two sketches today...enjoy. Oh and if I don't see you or talk to you soon...happy holidays!

The first is an attempt at clothing and shadows. It came out very nice and I have to say I'm pleased with the outcome.
This next one is a self portrait kind of thing.

A Friday...

2010-12-17T11:47:00.000-08:00

First off...I miss ya my brother El Fogger...Still not the same without you around.

I've been working on a little project of sorts and thought I would share the sketches I did in putting this together for a dear friend.

Enjoy!

An Inked Witch

2010-12-09T11:36:00.000-08:00

Come on...it was too good to leave as pencil...

Stop me please!

2010-12-09T10:23:00.001-08:00

Another post! More sketches! Enjoy!

Edit: Made one correction on the witch to be a bit more accurate...

Another!

2010-12-08T12:30:00.001-08:00

This was a quick sketch I did that I just couldn't stop until I inked it and scanned it...I freaking love it! Too much walking dead zombies in my brain...

What another post?

2010-12-08T10:22:00.000-08:00

Make sure to listen to some John Lennon today. A really good master of music and thought in my humble opinion who is still missed...Just imagine...

In the meantime...enjoy three new sketches! This first one is a simple sketch during lunch and I was trying to achieve a feeling of a weather worn old timer from the sea.

This next one is a simple one of course...back side of a hot babe! Nuff said...
This last one is called "He watched the show "The Walking Dead""...with a little bit of Frankenstein thrown in because I happened to catch Young Frankenstein last week.

Knock, Knock...Anyone Home?

2010-12-03T10:40:00.000-08:00

Yes I am alive and well... I don't know how it happened but someone I lost my incentive / creativeness for a bit...okay I long bit...

The last few months did have ups and downs just like anyone else has it happen to them. Let's hope things progress in a pattern that sees happy, happy, joy, joy thoughts! Nice huh...now I have Ren & Stimpy in my head.

I actually have been working the artistic side in the sense of where I work...they are putting a website up soon and I made it known that my talents could save them some coins since I know how to work the magic on product photos. So I've been taking photos of products and cleaning them up for website use. That's right...I'm free and easy to use!

Now I have been working the sketches still and also have one that I want to give a dear friend as a gift of sorts but that is later...for now...please do enjoy this collection...

And happy holidays!

It's a unbearable moment...

2010-08-27T10:26:00.000-07:00

First off even though my running has not been up to snuff this year I have the honor of being the Runner in the Spotlight for our local Running Club!

http://charlotterunningclub.blogspot.com/2010/08/runner-in-spotlight-michael-dudish.html

So with all the things going on stopping me from enjoying this year on the health side, I was thinking today of a let down a bear might get when he goes to visit his favorite bee buddies and find out no more honey...out of it...whole batch down the drain...etc...

I give you my first attempt at drawing said bear...enjoy and have a good weekend!

Recovery

2010-08-10T11:00:00.000-07:00

The above comes to mind as if the guy on the left made a mistake and said something totally incorrect and the cute girl on the right found it rather funny.

I feel like that guy...it has been a bit...seems like this year is messing with me on my running. I am only now feeling better after fighting off it seems like 3 infections within a 2 week period. After losing five pounds I have been holding off from any runs since this whole thing began. Heck I even let my facial hair go and now sport a full beard!

Sketches you ask? I have some...enjoy!

A Magic Pill?

2010-07-23T10:38:00.001-07:00

So I'm going to get all political for a moment...I hold back a lot of this as I don't like people getting angry, which is the usual outcome of any conversations about politics, religion, etc...

We elected an awesome person for our President. And he warned us that it's not going to be an easy process rebuilding what we have, as a society, done to the United States over the many decades that have passed us by. Many children growing up today have few hopes or dreams other than to make it rich. This is wrong...as life is not about money or fame, and yet thanks to our media today that is what so many think of. I believe many think that if they get rich all of their problems will go away just by paying them out.

Fame and fortune is a fleeting thing except for a few. In the end we all end up the same way.

Some of the best people I've met are here where I work, in a not for profit company helping the visually impaired have better lives. So many of them mean so much to me, yes the incredible food they bring in sometimes helps (fresh egg rolls today = happy me).

But so many people out there don't help others and only continue to be selfish, always wanting more.

Instant gratification seems to be around every corner which leads the youth to always want something new, something now, and then discard it for the next new thing 2 minutes from now.

People...friends...I ask of you this...when was the last time you helped someone else? Someone who needed it?

The President is making things tough...he warned us of this...in order to get better we have to cut our dependency on other countries and learn to work with what we have here. We need to learn to not always be wanting more...we need to learn patience.

No little box from Acme will solve your problems...

The Heat...and I'm not talking about the NBA Team...

2010-07-20T10:13:00.000-07:00

So summer this year has been rough...the weather a bit hot, repairs of things expensive, and desire to run in this heat is low. I admit to my addiction of WOW which has always been fun hanging with other people with same said addiction. My sketches have gotten better which is nice. Speaking of...since it's been a while since I posted something new here is this one I drew and slowly coloring...
I did go in for my usual "let's check him for any abnormal things inside him" visit to the hospital with nothing found. Now this is good news without a doubt.

I've noticed this year over all has just been a "funky" year. Oh well...5 more months and we can work on a good finish...cheers!

The Heat of Summer is Upon Us!

2010-06-11T08:39:00.000-07:00

Hey all!

So my running is still pretty good. I've been dealing with the heat and such with lots of liquid. I also took out the BC Rich guitar, paid to have it set up and sound like new, which I will point out that I bought used so it's slick, and have been practicing again!

The Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup which is very cool!

Speaking of coolness...check out the final...

Pretty damn cool huh!

A Start of a New Week...

2010-05-24T11:13:00.001-07:00

So my running this year hasn't been great but it has been good. The miles are not going up as I would have liked but the quality is decent. One thing that I didn't expect to happen is actually beginning to occur and that is I picked up my guitar(s) again!

I've been missing the meditation that comes with playing the guitar and just being able to zone out. I took the electric to a local store and am willing to pay the high cost of getting it playable again. The acoustic I feel I got lucky and was able to just put new strings on it and start strumming it. I'm very rusty from my days of being in a band but you have to start somewhere.

A good example of taking some time off and starting up something again is when I dropped sketching so long ago and several years ago picked it up again. I've learned things that I'd missed out on the 1st time through it. Perhaps I can accomplish the same with the guitar. In the mean time here's an example of my sketching taking on some improvements. You saw the Greek one from last post but this is something in yet another direction for me...I'm looking forward to coloring this one with the tricks I learned on the Greek one!

Enjoy and have a good week!

It's All Greek To Me...

2010-05-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

Been working on this one for a while...I finally decided for a simple background. Yes it could have been better I'm sure...but damn it looks good! Have a good weekend!

R.I.P. Frank Frazetta

2010-05-10T11:15:00.000-07:00

Just heard some news that took a little out of me. The master artist Frank Frazetta passed away. He was and still is a major influence on my style. As a matter of fact I just drew this sketch of Conan thinking of all the ones I have since of his. He was also the topic that got me on good grounds with my wife! Here is mine which is not even in the same breath of his greatness...

Expressions of the day!

2010-05-04T11:52:00.000-07:00

I love it when a doodle turns to something more...it's like an idea...starts out small and has the potential for something more.

The bottom head started out as just that, a doodle, and then I kept on adding till I realized I had some expressions going on...enjoy!

Time Well Spent

2010-04-30T07:13:00.000-07:00

So it's been a bit since I've really thrown a bunch of recent sketches up and have only been giving in to one or two at a time. Today I give you 3 pages out of the sketch book.

The runs lately have been good. Did a straight 2 miles last night with no intervals and just running. It wasn't as fast as I had hoped for but the work was in it and was felt at the end.

I'm looking forward to the 3 miler on Saturday morning as I think we'll try that method again and simply go out and run and see how our time is.

Hey look at me...I'm getting distracted here...Let's get to those sketches!

The first consists of some profiles and head shots. There are several I like here and yes there is also the babe in the water. I actually like the angry youth on the lower right...something about it that appeals to me.

The second one is all out chaos! The person on the lower left that appears to be in a car actually is! It's a coworker with who I went out for coffee and as we had time left she hit the "crackberry" and I did a quick sketch. It came out okay which is nice...the one that I like however is the one to the left of her...that really just started out as a doodle that kept getting better.

The third and last is the most recent. I really like the one on the left as it was a tough sketch for some reason that when I finished made me smile at the work that went into it.
So the awesome Canadian band RUSH is out on tour this summer and is NOT coming to visit in my city which is strange as they have the last 5 times. They are doing the album Moving Pictures in its entirety and I am saddened that at this time I will not be able to check them out. There is still time that they might put in a effort but oh well...the thought that they are coming out with a new album is the best part.

See you around the universe gang!

Some Random Thoughts...

2010-04-22T08:49:00.001-07:00

So there has been some awesome NHL games, tonight is the NFL Draft, the weather has been wonderful, my running has been nice and I've seen good improvements...and Southpark is getting threatened because they do what they do best...make you talk about delicate subjects.

I love it!

Here is some random bad guy for you, just because you deserve it! Nice huh? Just because you also could use something cool to make your day!

A Weight Off The Shoulders...

2010-04-12T07:09:00.000-07:00

So last week I went through a 5 day audit to get the company I work for certified in the ISO9001 Standard. With no major or minor issues reported we passed and got certified. This was a process that has taken 18 months total since that was when I was brought on board.

We still have a lot of projects lined up and it's not like once you get certified you stop doing what you did to get there. You have to continue with the meetings, the ideas, the records and documents, the internal audits, the inspections, etc...

I also had a wicked run Saturday morning. We did the "booty loop" which is a 3 mile loop by attacking it in a run 5 minutes and walk 2, and repeat till you are done. Prior to starting I was able to chat with two friends, Sean and Chris, who are now in the tapering part of training for the Boston Marathon which is next week. Between that and the audit being successful the stage was set for a good run. And boy was it...the weather was perfect with it being about 49 degrees at 9am. We completed the run in 33 minutes on the dot with 4 stops along the way for the 2 minute rests. The 5 minute runs were probably done at about a 9:39 pace and boy it was awesome! I'm feeling it today but it's a good feel.

I also was able to pick up the pencil and sketch again without thinking about audits. At first I wasn't liking it at all and then I kept tweaking it and tweaking it until I was blown away at the sketch, so then I added a pillar and some ivy which made it look like a Greek theme. Then without scanning, which shocked me, I just jumped into inking. I'm not done with this yet and I feel I can still tweak it some more with the computer but I am still in awe at this sketch / ink. I love the feel of it and the ivy...well the ivy freaking rocks. Here is it:

During the weekend we also got some yard work done. Some mowing, trimming, planting, weed killing, raking, etc...so the weekend was a good one with some naps thrown in as well! Till next time be good!

Awe...isn't that cute!

2010-03-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

Okay so I don't often draw children. For some reason I've always had a very tough time doing so. So out of nowhere and from left field I think...I suddenly draw this!
As I listen to the band MUSE does anybody see a similarity with them and the band that rocked so far back called Queen? I sense the spirit of Freddie Mercury is pleased...

I thought of several titles to the above sketch:

I Wuv U!
BFF!
First Love!
When it all ends!

Of course so many more I imagine...I did have a couple of good runs this week. Last night I did some intervals, and though I am in nice, happy pain right now, it felt good to push some speed.

Have a good weekend!

Something New...Single Abstract Noun

2010-03-22T08:05:00.000-07:00

Otherwise called SAN...( http://singleabstractnoun.proboards.com/index.cgi )

SAN is based on the US server Argent Dawn of the World of Warcraft game. It's a guild that is mainly made up of bloggers or those who read a lot of blogs. I saw this write up on it and could not resist. Though I don't really blog as much as some of the other kind people that do I do use it to post sketches and just chat about things going on.

Besides sketching one of my other favorite things is that game. It allows you to challenge yourself and your imagination but more importantly you get to meet a lot of cool folk.

I've gotten friendships started all across the globe and really enjoy it. If only they could all be on one server instead of on separate ones. But oh well, you can't get everything.

I started out making something I thought I would enjoy leveling. A warrior named Wojownik, which in Polish means Warrior. How original huh? I got this Draenei (Goat person) female going and got her to level 27. I was happy with almost everything about her. See I started making the female characters after a friend of mine said "I'd rather make something nice to look at while I play" and he got it right. One of the things that kept putting me off was I was sucking at the PVP side of things. This is the player versus player idea where in battlegrounds you take on the opposing faction for the win. I was getting my butt kicked around and since I normally don't get my tush handed to me it was bugging me. Normally I play a member of the Horde faction which are considered bad (though I just say misunderstood). This guild is Alliance (which I always called bad). So having to play Alliance for the 1st time in a long time was one thing but I have to have a class I can enjoy.

So last night I changed it...I made the warrior a bank alt (sits and handles auction houses , banking, etc...) and created another class that until recently didn't try at. So here comes the Paladin! My 1st attempt at one was years ago and I got okay at it but nothing special. Then a couple of months ago I tried again and enjoyed the leveling and battlegrounds so much that I also created one on my normal server's Alliance side in our sister guild. The Horde guild is named The Fallen Titans and the sister guild The Titans (How original right?).

Both of those guilds are good to be in. The Titans is very small as not many have done the Alliance side in our Horde guild, and are waiting for the new expansion before they do. But we have about 80-100 members in The Fallen Titans and they're all good persons for the most part to hang with.

This new guild, on a new server to me, and for me a first try at a roleplaying server, has been exciting. The people I've met in a week have been good and they have some awesome blogs. Though they have a lot of alt characters I would put the number of actual members around 200-250. If I am wrong I apologize and would also be even more impressed. So far I've been logged on and seen a minimum of 8 members and a maximum of 29. This is good as the chat lights up at times and a lot of it is good chat.

I do think I've written more now then I ever have before and I don't have any sketches (completed ones) to put up which is a shame.

Till next time!

Style Challenge for the week

2010-03-12T12:30:00.000-08:00

So this week the group was to do something in the style of artist Chris Sanders http://alohalilo.deviantart.com/

He does some really nice work. The main thing that grips you is the eyes and the calves. So I went ahead and gave it a shot.

Here are the stages...

And here is just the final...

I do have to admit to myself...a job well done!

When the Dragon can take a bow...

2010-03-05T12:47:00.000-08:00

Thought this was a nice one...my wife and I always like it when the dragon / monster scores a win. I mean come on...admit that once in a while that hero deserved what was coming!

Original Sketch:
Completed:
Have a good weekend!

A task worth doing!

2010-03-04T05:12:00.000-08:00

So my dear friend Rebecca is in a wheelchair...she had some surgery to help her get back in good running form. Let me tell you I've seen her run and toast the competition and this will only help her do it without pain. So since she is going through this rough recovery time, and I know how it feels as I have gone through some rough times myself, I thought I would sketch something for her.

So here is the start to finish.
And here is the completed...
Get well Rebecca!

A challenge well done!

2010-03-03T11:15:00.001-08:00

So on the deviantart website I have most of my art on there is a group called Design A Character. Every week a challenge is thrown out and you can submit stuff from it. The first month it was shapes. The artist in charge gave you 5 shapes and you had to draw a character from them.

Here is an example...
From top to bottom you see the progress. Most went to the 3rd stage which is to color them as well. I just wanted to get some work in at the same time so passed on that.

The new challenge for the month of March is he gave us the character from Dragonball Z...I don't know this character at all nor the cartoon. But...the idea was to draw him different then what he normally is. From everything I saw of him he was attacking something, angry, happy, or wild looking. I went with it and thought he needed some "me time"...

This was my submission...
I actually enjoyed this one. I thought I would not like the colored one as I enjoy a lot of the black and white stuff. But...I actually do like the final piece.

On another note; my running sucks. I am not at all where I want to be. I admit letting mother nature dictate to me when I can or cannot run. If it wasn't for my friends in the running group I would be in even worse shape. So thank you friends!

I have another piece of art to show but not until it's given to the owner. She gets first look at it!

Be good gang and enjoy!

And it starts today!

2010-02-12T11:32:00.000-08:00

Good day gang!

So the 2010 Olympics begin with the opening ceremony today, and in beautiful Canada! I'm sure there are some awesome events to watch but my heart is set on Hockey. I'd love to see the Canadians get it since the last Olympics they didn't get any gold if I recall. They're hosting so let's see if the home field advantage works to their favor.

I'll also give out a shout to C.H. in SLC! You know who you are you! I heard you've been visiting and it rocks knowing some of the gang from my old work place visit! I'll have to draw you something...hmmm...any ideas guys?

So I have proof that I actually have been sketching lately and not all tied up...now that would be fun! I give you two sketch pages from the book. The one above is some nice work on characters and the one below is some feature practice. Enjoy and stay warm!

It's a 2 ink day!

2010-01-13T10:36:00.000-08:00

So I'm very please with how the ink pens are working. They are very sensitive giving you the ability to change thickness and such. These two were done today during lunch. I dig the coffee one...the protruding chin makes me think the guy lives in the rich areas of Charlotte.

There Is A Slight Chill In The Air...

2010-01-11T07:06:00.000-08:00

It was a warm 16 degrees coming into work today. This past Saturday the running group did a lap around the booty loop here in Charlotte with it at 18 degrees. Comparing the two days I find today colder since I am not exerting the energy that I did on Saturday. I am fat fingering my typing since my hands are frozen.

I did get some drawing done this weekend. I first sketched it out and then inked it. I still need a lot more time practicing the inking and you can see but I am thrilled at the improvements overall.

Enjoy!

Edit: Corrected an issue with the drawing above...

And so it begins!

2010-01-07T10:17:00.000-08:00

So for 2010 I had three resolutions, that's right three things that I really want to do. Okay..so I already do two of them and used to do the third...

1) Honestly run 400 miles in one year. I've done this 2 years out of the last 5 years...I came really close last year, 25 miles close!
2) Really improve on my art! Well duh! I've been doing that!
3) Pick up my guitar again and play! Now that will be the challenge!

But the running has been elusive...with colds and cold weather, I've put it off. This Saturday the running group I run with, one of two that provides me stress relief, will get together and pound out 3 miles at the booty loop in Charlotte. So it begins there...

The drawing is a thing I love to do and sometimes hate how I draw. The only way to improve is to practice, practice, and after that...practice. So I went to the local art store, Cheap Joes, and as usual they had some awesome prices on cool stuff! I bought a set of Pigma Micron ink pens, ranging from sizes 01, 03 and 05. They are different than that of pencils, or markers. So without further wait...oh wait...I also changed my signature on my sketches...so without further waiting...cheers!

Happy New Year 2010!

2009-12-31T10:31:00.001-08:00

Additional phrases that could have been used...

"You gotta take the job, even if you don't like it..."

"I even got waxed for this shot!"

"Yeah...they're real and they're wonderful!"

Final sketch for 2009, about 10 minutes total...Happy New Year! See ya on the other side!

La fin d'une bonne année

2009-12-31T07:01:00.000-08:00

That's right, the end of a good year!

Though many pitfalls and potholes did occur I would like to say that this year was a good one. I reconnected with quite a few friends, got some progress on my sketching, listened to some new bands, learned more than the last year I think as well.

I promise to start putting some more art up. I seem to put more on the deviantart site but need to also post some here. So with that in mind how about this?

Yea...thought you'd like that...yes the facial hair is growing and yes the hair on the top of that dome of mine is also there...I think...

Maybe I should update my avatar since it's me without that bit of hair?

To friends not here on this planet I miss you dearly. To my friends I know now I love you all...yes even you get a little bit of love (you know who you are)! To my awesome wife I adore thee, love thee, and can't wait to walk the upcoming decade road with you! To those I have not met yet, I can't wait! So remember...Don't get so engrossed in yapping on that cell phone That you miss something wild!
Be good and have a safe and happy new year!

Thanksgiving...let us loosen our belts!

2009-11-30T11:51:00.001-08:00

I recently saw a Chuck Jones classic. He was a talented artist for Disney / Warner Brothers. Check out some of his stuff here:

http://blog.chuckjones.com/chuck_redux/

I do hope you all had a awesome holiday! Mine started off in perfect fashion, a 8k Turkey Trot in Charlotte. I actually did really good. It would seem some of my recent poor runs can be put upon the fact the sneakers I was using, which it should be known that they logged well over 200 miles, were in need of another pair to cycle through them. So the Turkey Trot was a good run with new sneakers.

The goal now is to continue to keep up the long weekend runs. Now for me that means between 5 and 7 miles. For some others I know that is a short run. They excel at the running sport, and I get by.

Sketches! Yes I have some! Enjoy!

Whew!

2009-11-19T11:15:00.000-08:00

So I've been busy here. Where I work I've been getting the company ready for ISO-9001 certification. We had our pre-audit the other day and rocked it! I've been trying to sketch as much as my brain can give me a moment to let me use my imagination (not much). With this pre-audit I feel some of the weight off my shoulders for a little bit as I now I know what needs to be worked on before the next real audit in 2 months.

This was something I had been working on during several lunches. Enjoy!

The Dowd YMCA Half Marathon

2009-11-09T05:02:00.000-08:00

So it's done. The major goal I set out to do at the beginning of the year has been completed. This past Saturday my wife and I ran the Dowd Half Marathon (13.1 Miles).

So I guess this is in the category of "race report"

It was a chilly morning with the temperature around the low 40's. There were just under 1000 people to run in the race (though the paper said to watch out for several 100 runners).

We just finished a quick trip to the porta-jon when the gun went off and we began the race.

I can honestly say I felt good till about the 7.5 mile marker. It was there that the wall first gave me a hit. It didn't help that starting around the 4-5 mile mark a run/walk group decided to make me there target. They first went past me only to stop right in front of me and take up the whole road without any care of the people behind them. I hollered out that I was coming through them and they parted, mumbling some apologies.

But then every 10 minutes they would go past me and then stop. By the 4th time I snapped at them and they then told me they would go to the right when they stopped. Go to the right my arse...

Several did the next time but most continued to do their thing. I almost wiped out when one decided to stop in front of me and not move. At the very least, instead of hollering out "WALK!" they could have said "10 Seconds!" and then in 10 seconds they knew to go to the side of the road and walk.

This got me good at the water station at mile 7. They stopped to walk right in front of it and then stopped completely at the station taking the water and standing there. I hollered out "WATER!" and one person tried to hand me a cup but a walker stepped in front of me throwing my focus on the run off and allowing me to get pissed. I swore a little bit and then tried to push it off. Shortly there after the wall hit me.

From the 7.5 mile mark to the end it was a struggle to get a good speed without some effort. Finally my hips started to give in. This is from holding a slow pace...they don't hurt so much if I open the stride. I just can't keep up that stride for long...

So there you have it...I pushed all out at the end and finished it. Not many were behind me but I got rid of a lot of injuries and demons inside me in this run. Next up is the 8k Turkey Trot!

Fall is Here and the Time is right for Running!

2009-10-01T12:47:00.000-07:00

It's been busy here in Charlotte. Between work and things going on with the half marathon training. Anyways the cool weather is now here and it's beautiful. I love this time of year as it is filled with wonderful colors and the sense of closure before Winter.

And on that note...I really like this one...here is my latest sketch. We all know Wonder Woman (owned by DC) and she has always been one of my favorites. I don't feel I do her enough justice but damn...she is nice! They should get going on that movie for her. I think the brunette from How I Met Your Mother would be a perfect Wonder Woman.

Fall is here!

2009-09-02T05:34:00.001-07:00

Yes I've been sketching...and at the moment haven't scanned anything in to put up. I wanted to take a moment to show my appreciation of something that started Monday night. Cool weather...that's right...cool weather.

My wife and I are training for a half marathon in November and this past Monday we went out for our 3 mile recovery run in "easy" mode. The cool weather had arrived that day in the south that makes one feel that if he weren't following a training plan he could have ran much farther than the 3 miles just from the cool air that was outside.

It's like that again this morning...coming into work I noticed that cool weather, and some of the leaves had fallen from the trees around my house. I love fall...I really do. It's a bunch of things I think...It's the cool weather, the colorful leaves, the smells in the air that signify change of season. It's the college football that starts this weekend (go Syracuse!). And of course it's the NFL starting up again with the wrapping up of MLB. Go Falcons, and Yankees!

It's also the perfect time for running. I've always ran better in the fall. With only a 10k and a 15k left for the running series I have been participating in, both leading up to the Half Marathon in November, one can only take a deep breath and think another summer passed.

So there you have it...I welcome fall with open arms, and a smile on my face. Thanks for stopping by!

Nothing but love baby!

2009-08-06T12:00:00.001-07:00

So here I am training for that half marathon in November. I am sure the pain I feel now running in the heat down here in the south will trade off when it cools off. I've been busy putting some projects in place at work. This week was a tough one but it's all good now.

I thought I would put up a couple of my lunch sketches for your enjoyment. Have a good day and thanks for stopping by! Oh and before I forget...wish me luck on the race this coming weekend. All I want is to complete it!

A Good Weekend!

2009-07-20T06:52:00.001-07:00

So this past weekend has been declared a good weekend.

On Saturday morning we met up with the awesome group we have and went for a long run.

I only got 4.61 miles but it took every bit of effort to make it. I'm now on a training program to hit a half marathon in November and we should see some progress as we move forward.

Then we had a D&D game which meant a late night. But the bonus of this, out of many I could mention, is I can draw things as I go along. So here are the ones drawn from that night...some part of the game, and some not so much...

The RFYL 4 Miler!

2009-07-14T11:46:00.000-07:00

So this past weekend was the 4 Miler handled by the Run For Your Life store. I did not get the time I wanted which was 44 min but instead came in around 44:26. This is an expected 11 minute pace to a 11:26 pace. An improvement from the last couple of races and not quite what I wanted, but I will take it since it was a 4 miler.

Been busy here lately with lots of good things happening! Going out to a nice place for dinner tonight with some friends, training for a half marathon will soon begin, and drawing away! The first is something I have been drawing for the last two lunches while the other is the concept work for that commission. The waitress must be from the little fact that Trueblood started up again. Haven't seen it? Get going as it rocks! I really like the bottom lion...Enjoy!

It's a good day...

2009-07-09T05:51:00.000-07:00

So last night I had a awesome run. No question about it...I did 2 miles in 19:02 for a 9:30 pace. To me that is an indication that I am slowly getting back to where I used to be. I really enjoyed my runs under the 10 minute pace as I found myself pushing the best I could and have little left over in the tank.

I added a link to a good friend of mine in the "friends" links below...Kelly is one of my best pals and it should be noted for a couple of years I was barely ahead of her in the runs and now she's gotten ahead of me. Don't worry Kelly...if last nights run is an indication of me returning I will be giving you a run for your money soon enough.

Though I must admit my true goal is the half marathon in November just a handful of days after my 40th birthday. I consider it just another way of me saying I am not dead yet.

I've been working on a sweet commission for a t-shirt. Can't put anything on just yet but once I am able to I will my friends...trust me.

We have a good 4 mile race planned this weekend. The Run For Your Life 4 Miler Run for Your Cause race. It's in the Dilworth area of Charlotte. If ever you get a chance to ride through that area it's beautiful. Almost like watching some of the classic movies with Sophia Loren...just breath taking.

Chat with you soon!

And so on and so on...

2009-07-07T04:56:00.000-07:00

So this past weekend was quite the time...I was scheduled to visit the hospital to be knocked out and checked over for cancer...of which I am happy to say they found none! The evening prior to this event I was very please by doing 2.5 miles at a 10 minute pace. I find myself very happy at that pace and looking forward to building upon it.

The weekend itself was a good one just recovering from the visit with the hospital, which I won't bore you with the details. But last night I wanted to run but do it outside since we have a 4 miler this weekend. I was able to do 3.11 miles at about a 11:30 pace which was perfect. Perfect because with the heat a 10 minute pace was out of the question at the moment and also I knew if I slowed down I could go further which is exactly what happened.

I'm working on a possible commission which I am looking forward to should it come around. Really neat concept and new stuff for me to draw. More on that in the future! Be good and thanks for stopping by!

Holy cow where has the time gone?

2009-06-30T10:29:00.001-07:00

Hey gang!

Life likes getting in the way and that's my excuse for not blogging in a while. This weekend I am being checked out (it's a yearly thing) for any cancer that may be lurking about inside me. I have a good feeling that there is none, but wish me luck anyways!

Have you had your BMI done lately? I had mine done last week and it was a 33. Now this says I am obese...I throw down the flag on that. It does not take into account a persons muscle mass, and for those who know me, I have a lot of muscle mass in my legs. I checked a site and it said I should weight, the most, 188lbs. I kid you not when I say that I couldn't exist with my current muscles weighing 188 pounds.

So I have a possible commission I am working on...this is some concept stuff for it.

Other then all that it's a good day and I'm looking forward to the weekend! Have a good 4th!

Dude......

2009-06-09T10:29:00.000-07:00

So I had a race this weekend and once again a shin splint was the source of my frustration. So on Sunday I went and bought a different brand of Sneakers to try a theory that it was the sneakers contributing to this issue. I also decided to change it up a bit and for the next couple of weeks will be biking more and doing only light runs. So far it's nice. On Sunday I did 9 miles biking in 25 minutes at the gym. Last night I hit 1.25 miles running in 13 and followed it up with 9.4 miles on the bike in 25 minutes. So the legs have responded good to this and I have no issues...it's a cat and mouse game now...

I was sketching today with the idea of a hippie...and behold! Neil from The Young Ones!

An Awesome Weekend!

2009-05-26T08:36:00.000-07:00

Had a awesome three day weekend. Did a 3.72 miler on Saturday and then a 4.43 miler on Monday. The Monday one really has left me sore as heck but it was well worth it.

At the end of the run my friend Kelly pulled a fast one on me. She had found out by chance that my friend Joe was in town, so he was there at the end of the run in the coffee shop. I can't imagine my expression but both told me they have never seen me surprised like that.

I have added a subscription option on the bottom of the page so please feel free to use it!

Have a good week!

A long weekend!

2009-05-22T11:11:00.000-07:00

So here I am looking forward to a long weekend. I have a run planned and a party to attend so it's something to look forward to.

Here's a shout out to a good friend of mine in Charlotte. He is a writer for the Charlotte Observer. Here is a brief write up on him:

Franco Ordoñez writes about immigration for the Charlotte Observer. This Land covers the latest news and ideas about one of the country’s most perplexing issues of our day

Here is his blog, It's got some really good reporting: http://obsthisland.blogspot.com/

Have a great weekend!

Off To A Bad Day...

2009-05-19T07:48:00.001-07:00

So one of the cats decided to wake me up this morning at 4:45am and as I shushed her then one of the dogs decided it would be a fun time to put her cold nose and breath into my ear. So hoping this was not a sign of ill sorts and finding out it was indeed such...bad drivers plagued me on the way to work and I think I must have been behind 20 school buses as well during that time.

All this = Bad Mood...

So now I'm hoping that I have a good run tonight. That will solve it and make me happy.

Continuing the theme lately...Here is Brenda the Bug Killers Nemesis...The Spider Queen.

Cranking out another before the Weekend!

2009-05-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

The Hurricanes won last night in over time! Could the "Cup" be coming to Carolina again? It sure would be nice.

So I started on this one yesterday and once again it's that concept of a hot babe killing a bug.

Meet Brenda the Bug Killer...she doesn't like bugs that much and it shows. Have a good weekend!

Star Trek Re-Birthed!

2009-05-13T07:44:00.000-07:00

So this past weekend I went with some close friends and saw the new Star Trek movie. I admit at first, before seeing it, I was a purist and having issues with it. After seeing it I can only say what an awesome job on giving it new life. It is an awesome movie for young and old and those in between such as me. I apologize now for the poorly drawn Spock as it was done after the movie in a comfy chair while waiting to eat dinner. Which if you get the chance to eat at a T.G.I. F.'s don't. It was the 1st time I've ever eaten at one and will most likely be the last.

One thing that has been bugging me is lately I've seen a lot of drivers not using directional lights, eating all sorts of food in the car, smoking and talking on the cell at the same time, etc... you get my meaning. I just don't understand the laziness, or poor thinking of people thinking they can do several things at once. Recently it was release that the ability to "multi-task" is incorrect. The brain actually cannot do two things at once and instead does "snap shots" of the task. So you are not truly giving it 100% and only 50%. So, letting me rant on this for another moment, if you are driving and performing another task you are not really paying attention to what is most important...driving. I've seen you weave around in that lane, almost not hit your breaks as you get close to someone, almost miss your turn because you wanted to use the cell phone...

Do me a favor...give driving 100% and give the people around you the attention they deserve. Thanks for letting me rant...I needed that, as Charlotte traffic has gotten my anger lately.

This last sketch is a nice one. I love the guy on the bottom as I was aiming for someone eating a really hot pepper and the results...I think I nailed it!

Death to the Great Beast!

2009-05-08T05:20:00.000-07:00

Here it is I just state I don't know when I will try coloring another sketch and BLAM, I sketch one that demands it. First though...this one my wife sent me...and it rocks.

I really laughed my butt off on this one. Now on to the other...

One of my coworkers screamed when this tiny, little, non-dangerous spider walked out from underneath a stapler on her desk. Hence a few days later my brain reacted and out of the dark blue recesses of my mind I drew this...after inking it I had a huge grin on my face as I hit it perfectly. Enjoy and have a great weekend...

The Sun is out and I am itching to...

2009-05-07T08:01:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the day! I had this awesome workout last night. My wife and I went to the gym and biked for 5 minutes. Then we hit outside and ran for about 3 miles and capped it with another 5 minute bike ride. The legs are feeling it but I feel pretty darn good for the race taking place this Friday night. The Twilight 5k is one of those races that take place on a Friday night in uptown Charlotte where everyone that is still downtown gets to see half naked people running a race and having a good time. It's a pretty nice event and for a good cause.

The foot is much better and I'm looking forward to getting the inserts next week (hopefully) to improve some more.

Have you noticed? Hmmm...maybe not...check out the new Title Block above! Pretty cool huh? I've taken some of the most recent sketches and made them into a new wallpaper so to stick. To see more of those new ones check out the other site at Deviant Art. Here is a little taste of it just in case you might be lazy...

Which I am sure you're not...so I will count on you checking it out. I've been working a lot on my sketches of facial expressions and then with my new found love of ink I then ink them up. I have found they look more "complete". What's that? When will I get to working with color again? Good question and I will let you know the answer to that...at some point...later on...

Have a kicking weekend and thanks for stopping by!

The Caveman Couple

2009-05-02T13:17:00.000-07:00

This morning was a decent 2.35 mile run, and I'm following it up with this sketch to ink work I did. I really like this one as I kinda am hitting exactly what was coming to mind when I started it. I also was able to add some of those I did the other day. Cheers!

Practice, practice, train, train...

2009-05-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

Well I now know that my left foot is the source of years of back pain, and now recently foot pain. After getting scans of me walking on it, which I have to say is a really cool thing to witness, I saw how it rolls and puts a lot of pressure on the foot, using only 1/3 of the actual foot to walk on.

What does this mean? Orthotics! Which after learning that it will set my bio-mechanics to neutral and allow me to walk, run, etc...without a lot of the pain I deal with!

I did some new inks and of course blogger is giving me a fit trying to download them. Check out my art site and see them at: http://worldofeldude.deviantart.com/

Have a good weekend and if I can I will try to load them up again later!

Day by day...

2009-04-15T05:13:00.001-07:00

So the drawing class is over...I really had a good time, met some awesome people, learned a lot of cool new techniques.

My foot is still sore as heck if I stay on it for too long. It's not a sprain, there is no stress fractures, and all I know is that the doctor wants to see an MRI done to it.

Can't run and can only walk for a little bit with the pain before it gets too great. My fingers are crossed that the pain goes away and it was only a strange occurrence which won't happen again.

Last night I sat outside while my wife took the dogs out for a walk (one at a time since we're trying to train them, thank you dog whisperer...), and while watching the great event take place I sketched out our mailbox. Cheers!

One step at a time...

2009-04-07T05:03:00.001-07:00

So about 7 months ago I really messed up my right foot from running a race. It came at the end when I sprinted and I was out of running for 2 months. This past Friday I felt fine...went to bed and when I woke up I had a left ankle sprain. No clue how it happened and so now I've got an appointment to see a specialist. I look upon this as a good sign as then I can get a good idea what's going on.

So as my orders are to take it easy, ice it, keep it raised, etc...all of which I am doing my best to follow, I am humored that people are telling me to take up swimming. I know, I know...all in good thoughts...but some of them are family members who know that I cannot swim. I've had professionals try to teach me, certified instructors for that matter, and still I cannot swim. The main reason and the only reason is that I actually can swim...underwater. My muscle mass is such that I cannot tread water or stay on top of the surface. When I try to tread water I have had my head so far back it hurts with no treading and only sinking happening.

Underwater my legs can push me faster than most people due to their size. But they hinder me on top when I need to breath. So for those wishing for me to take up swimming thank you. But if you knew how my body is mostly built wrong for that it is not worth it. Thank you for your offering of advice but I really like running. I am not made for it but love it. It brings to me a peace that I can only imagine other runners share.

I love when people say running ruins the joints and such. In truth it does not. Running in bad sneakers not made for you is what does it. Running actually strengthens and helps you. It's the people who jump into it thinking they can wear any sneaker that find they end up in pain. The right sneaker, the right pace, means you can run and enjoy it. Which is what I do!

Whew...feels good to let out some steam. So those out there that enjoy running...keep it going and save some energy for when I get back! Cheers!

You asked for it...you got it!

2009-04-03T05:28:00.000-07:00

Beautiful weather is here in Carolina! And as I promised to share some of the things I have been working on from my drawing class here they are. The first is my first attempt ever with charcoal. We had a candle holder and a small water container and I just started to work the charcoal. The second is from last night and is about the 4th time working with the charcoal and the techniques I have learned. This is a sketch of our dog Copper. He's doing what he does best and that is taking up space on the couch at night on his blanket. Yeah...his blanket...just kind of took it over. Cheers and have a good weekend!

Cool method of story telling!

2009-04-02T08:35:00.000-07:00

Slagsmålsklubben - Sponsored by destiny from Tomas Nilsson on Vimeo.

April Fools!

2009-04-01T05:13:00.000-07:00

It's tough to do much for April fools when you work where I work. The urge however strong must be kept in check by using simple jokes and such.

A pal of mine has a sports blog which is pretty cool...

Check it out for me at: http://offysports.blogspot.com/

Working on some cool things at the moment which I will scan soon enough. Cheers!

Another Ink Job

2009-03-19T10:01:00.001-07:00

Another beautiful day in Carolina...enjoy!

Lessons...lessons...lessons!

2009-03-18T11:12:00.000-07:00

Which all point to practice, practice, practice! The Master Drawing Class I have been attending has taught me some new tricks. The cool thing we started working on this past Monday was how to do line art and by using a marker you can draw using the "less is more" idea. I also started to mess around with my sketches and rework some with the markers. I think...they look better and I feel I now "gained a level" in art! Wish me luck this coming Saturday as it is the first of a series of races. It is a 4 mile race and I am hoping to run it all and not die out from out of breath. Cheers!

And Let The Warm Weather Begin!

2009-03-10T10:28:00.000-07:00

So it's a big change from last week and the snow. Now everything is starting to show some blossoms and the green is slowly getting greener.

The drawing class is awesome. I've learned some new tools to help me. Quadrants, blind sketches, and that which I dig...the 30 second sketch!

Here are two I've done lately. The first so reminds me of Marilyn Monroe and I had some thoughts of her and a birthday cake! Happy Birthday Mr. President (You get the idea...)

The second was just a random sketch that turned to a power walker. Hope you enjoy...and Cheers!

Recent Snow!

2009-03-05T06:21:00.000-08:00

Those of you who pay attention to the weather might have noticed the east coast got hit with a little bit of snow. Well beautiful Charlotte also was part of this. About 4 inches landed in my area and below are some of the photos from it. Enjoy!

Good Things!

2009-02-24T06:54:00.001-08:00

So I'm trying to get to that next level in running and now fighting shin splints for my left leg. I deserve it as I tried to push myself to far 2 weeks ago with a 4.2 miler with all hills. I will not be put off but slowly get back and kick butt.

The cool thing is that I had my first drawing class last night. Now I was nervous going to it as I didn't know what to expect but it ended up being very cool. There are 11 of us in the class and we started with some very basic stuff (introductions, blind sketches, 30-sec sketches, shading). Future classes involve charcoal, color pencils, and other neat things. I am really pumped up about it as these are things that I always wanted some training on.

I also felt very good about where I am. I found I was not on the low end off knowledge and actually towards the top (at least that is what I think) but with the right direction I know I can get really good and take it to the next level.

On another note I am looking forward to my brother coming down this weekend and also some good running things going on in the next couple weeks. Which I will pass along in due time.

I will also put up some of the new sketches from the class as I go along. Cheers!

Things be shaping up!

2009-02-11T11:28:00.001-08:00

So I've been practicing on many different things such as eyes, hands, bodies, curtains, robes, etc...but nothing I can post at the moment.

But my running has finally kicked it up a notch! This past weekend I ran, with the aid of some good pals, 3.87 miles. This was the longest run this year and it really helped my confidence. I also had another 3 miles last night. This Thursday I am running with another group for 3.72 miles and on Saturday I will test myself with a brutal 4.2 mile hill run.

I have found several walls with running. The 1st wall is the 1 Mile Wall. This is for the beginner or the person starting to run again after injury and whose endurance is just shot. Once you break that things get easier until...the 3 Mile Wall. It seemed like forever where I could only meek out 2 miles, 2.5 miles, etc...until finally I got past the 3 mile mark and didn't feel like I had to stop during it.

The next wall is usually around 5 miles. It seems to go up in 2 mile increments for a little until after 5 it seems like it hits the 9. My goal this year is to do the YMCA DOWD Half Marathon on November 7th. I will be turning 40 on November 1st and so it will be a achievement and a milestone for me. I still want to do a marathon and might just surprise myself depending on how I do with the DOWD run.

I also found a cool website:

http://zenhabits.net/

This gives some good thoughts and advice for things you, yes you...and I run into every day. Check it out.

Thanks for stopping by and checking me out...cheers!

And so the long drought begins...

2009-02-02T07:20:00.000-08:00

And another season of football is in the record books. I was really pulling for the cards. I mean come on...Pittsburgh...you now have 6 Superbowl wins. They don't have any. You couldn't have let them get that one could ya? Thought not...

I've found a new paint tool that I saw reviews from on Deviantart and some sketch publications. It's called Paint Tool Sai, and it rocks! It gives me exactly what I want and you can't beat the price.

The result you might ask? Below a bit is the original and here is the updated sketch after I used Paint Tool Sai on it and began to learn all the tricks...Enjoy!

PETA how I love thee!

2009-01-28T04:36:00.001-08:00

'Veggie Love': PETA's Banned Super Bowl Ad

Ruffles and not the chip kind!

2009-01-27T12:22:00.000-08:00

I've recently learned how to do some folds and ruffles with my sketching. The bottom of the dress in this sketch I am pretty proud of. Is it my best? Nah...but it is the most accurate!

Enjoy!

The Hatter

2009-01-16T08:17:00.000-08:00

So that sketch I did yesterday turned out to be really nice so I decided to push it a little and see what happens. It is freaking cold outside, why I have a run planned tomorrow morning when it is supposed to be 5 degrees amazes me. I really must be stupid or a glutton for punishment.
Enjoy the sketch...Cheers!

Now that was fast...

2009-01-15T10:41:00.000-08:00

So after my little vent on manners I knocked out a nice little sketch during lunch...Cheers!

Manners 101

2009-01-15T05:51:00.001-08:00

No sketch to post at this point...working on some cool ones.

Manners...

Don't yell at a person when you can talk at a normal level in a rational manner and listen to the other side of the argument.

This should be followed just as much as don't drink and drive. Yelling is a waste of energy that could otherwise be put to a more useful purposes. For all those out there who have a tendency to just explode for the smallest of reasons...get over it...apologize to those you've yelled to and act like the adult you are supposed to be.

Need I say more? I didn't think so...have a good day and cheers!

What does a bird think of when it flies over a new car?

2009-01-08T11:20:00.000-08:00

I was just wondering that very question as I was driving recently and a bird flew over my truck. Finally getting over a illness which left me unable to do much of anything over the holidays. Since I was really looking forward to hanging out with my friends Pete and Kelly and their family for Christmas and then the two of them for New Years I decided to make it up by doing this little sketch. They greatly appreciated the humor in it. I've been trying to get Kelly to send me a copy of her in this slinky dress for months now, and even when I am over at their house for a moment somehow it misses the conversation. So this is my way of making some humor out of it.

Cheers!

2008 A year to look upon...in other words... I am sick!

2008-12-31T06:42:00.000-08:00

So as I said I am sick with a bacteria infection in my sinuses. Go figure that I would spend my x-mas and new years sick or getting over it. Nothing great planned except sleep and doing nothing.

But to all of you...a happy holiday and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Make some good resolutions as mine will be to get back running again like I mean it and to hit 400 miles.

I also look forward with eager anticipation to my drawing class I will be taking in February.

Be good... Cheers!

Lunch Time Posts

2008-12-22T11:02:00.001-08:00

It's cold outside...just enough to say that it's cold outside!

A Trip to Nashville reviewed...

2008-12-22T06:08:00.000-08:00

So it's recovery time for me. The trip to Nashville was awesome. We went to several cool places to eat and drink. I saw my first NHL game and the home team one...yes Joe, I checked, it was my first just as I said it was. So I guess you were in a haze and it was someone else who went to the game several years ago.

The Atlanta Falcons won yesterday and are in the playoffs! So the weekend was a good one.

Happy Holidays everyone and be good! Cheers!

2008-12-16T10:49:00.000-08:00

Just some recent works done in the sketchbook. Trying to get the facial features down better. Have I mentioned in February I've signed up for a Master Drawing Class for 6-8 weeks at a local college? Yup! Looking forward to it. Happy Holidays! Cheers!