Cynthia Blair

Nikki Sixx portrait, The Chaos Star

2011-08-04T21:08:00.000-04:00

My latest painting was inspired by Nikki Sixx’s new book and album, "This Is Gonna Hurt.
Many of the symbolic references come from this, in one twisted way or another. I may have expanded on some and pulled others right out of my, er, head. Artist’s prerogative. Maybe I haven't finished it yet... sometimes ideas and concepts come in the strangest ways.

To the curious who would like it explained, here goes, top to bottom:

● The skull monument above his head is his fascination with death, as you see on the ribbons that say "Sixx" on the left and "Mort" on the right.

● The swirls to the right and left of his head are part of the same monument, when composited they formed an image of horns, loosely defined. I get a lot of great spontaneous design ideas that seem to come together like happy accidents when I'm playing in Photoshop. Even though this is a traditional painting, I do my initial compositions in Photoshop. It's like a bit of mind foreplay.

● The famous medieval astromonical clock of Prague is the main background. Interestingly enough, you can tell just about anything looking at that clock but the time. The clock was first installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the only one still working.
An interesting story about the clock:
80 years after the clock was installed, the legendary master Hanus rebuilt the clock and as legend has it, the Town Councillors had him blinded, so that he would not ever manage to build another instrument greater than the Orloj in Prague.
The story also says that before he died, master Hanus deliberately damaged the clock so seriously, that nobody could ever fix it again. He also cursed the instrument, so those who tried to repair it have either gone mad or died. (Factual history states the clock was repaired many times since its orginal installation, however.)

So how does this clock connect to Nikki Sixx? Besides the fact that it makes an awesome design, it represents the concept of time and is a reference I took from his book.

● The trip he took to Prague with Kat Von D. Notice how, to the left the clock hand looks like the plunger end of a syringe, and there’s a trail of blood running down the hand and dripping off onto the face of the clock.

● Just to the right of his head you can see the astrological signs represented on the clock, starting with Nikki’s sign, Sagittarius, the Wounded Healer. I could get way deeper into this, but if you want to learn more about astrology, Gahl Sasson has a really interesting website, The Cosmic Navigator, which has free audio clips on the signs. They are each in-depth, about 40 min or so.

● The scars on his cheek: obviously self-inflicted ... and a reference to his photographic work, his thoughts about our definition of what is beauty, etc. I must say I really enjoyed the book and love the album…he is a wildly creative, talented man…he has seemingly spit in the face of his demons, shown them the light of truth…but I daresay he lives with them still. That 'inner asshole' he speaks of in his book is still a part of the person he is.

● This is where the last symbol comes in: the 8 pointed chaos star under his arm. Means out of chaos, order. Duality. Light and shadow. Alignment between the earthly and the divine. Awareness makes all the difference, allows you to step away from your ego and make conscious choices.

Did I forget anything?

Tech details of the painting:

15x20 acrylic painting on illustration board, mixed media with markers, pastel pencil, string gel for the 3D blood. About 10 hours.

The photo reference came from a famous photo of him, sorry that I don’t know the photographer credit or I’d put it here. When working with a photo of someone famous I generally try to change it up a bit, add things, remove things. If all I wanted to do was reproduce a photo , that would be rather boring, don’t you think?

I highly recommend Nikki Sixx’s book, “This Is Gonna Hurt”, his album of the same name, and the Documentaries on YouTube

Max Green, Escape The Fate

2011-04-04T10:34:00.000-04:00

Exploring the dark and light of Max in the mirror.

Since I get so many requests for Max Green, I didn't know whether to choose a early version of Max or a recent version of Max to paint, so the only solution was to paint both. I evolved this into a story which got bigger as I went along. It started with the interview about him being possessed by demons, so I (literally) threw lots of blood at this and smeared the "666" in blood colored paint with my fingers. Yes, finger-painting these days, LOL...come to think of it, I've always used my fingers a lot when I paint. And I added string gel over the blood so the blood is actually 3D, like in Oli's "Blessed with a Curse" painting, it actually drips off the board. This is really fun.

I like starting with a base concept but having plenty of room to add to the story and have some random things happen with it, some elements I just decided to throw in along the way, like the skeleton hands, so the whole painting evolves in its own way. Lately I never plan all of a painting out...I want to be out of control a bit, so the intuitive parts can emerge. A good portrait has a story to tell, something juicy you can sink your teeth into.

I started with acrylic but also added some pastel and finally painted his faces in oils. I think I spent 6 hours on the whole painting but 10 hours alone on that annoying small face in the top right (inside the photo edge). At one point I had Max looking like he had demented Marilyn Manson eyes, when he was supposed to be looking friendly! It was then that I started laughing hysterically – I laugh at myself all the time anyway - threw my brush down and walked away for while. I suppose maybe Max wouldn't mind looking a bit like Marilyn Manson, but that wasn't meant to be part of the story concept. I did finally get the small photo to look pretty much ok, but not without a lot of aggravation and the smallest brush I could find. In traditional art there is no 'undo' button, sadly.

If I could share one BIG tip with you: DON'T try to draw or paint portraits too small, you will lose your mind! I painted his one over about 5 times. WHY? You ask? It's because my smallest brushes aren't small enough – not even my #2 cat’s tongue!

Artists! Do yourself a favor, when you're learning to draw or paint faces, get a big enough piece of paper! Trust me when I tell you it takes 3 x longer to paint it small.

Well, Max, wherever you are, I hope you like it.

Ronnie Radke

2011-02-23T22:04:00.003-05:00

badass Ronnie from old Escape The Fate days
now frontman for Falling In Reverse

tech details: 15x20 acrylic, charcoal and pastel painting on board
about 9 hours.

Still experimenting with my new mixed media techniques...I'm really liking the effects I can achieve. I think I'll do a tutorial on this one.
I was looking for a rough, sort of edgy looseness to the painting, the medium and application has to fit the subject. I focused on his face, and hands most of all, they tell the story here. I drew in charcoal over the acrylic to give him more texture. The background was just roughed in with a palette knife.

Man, I love working in oils, but honestly, I couldn't have achieved these effects in oils.

for wallpaper or iPhone of this see my website under Media link:
www.cynthiablair.com

Escape The Fate Worcester Palladium 2.12.11

2011-02-13T15:18:00.000-05:00

There must be something special about this band that makes their fans so dedicated.
I have a painting for Craig Mabbitt, but when we get to the venue they want you to pay for their Meet & Greet signing at the end of the show, which is something I just refuse to do. I figure that they’d be happy to have original artwork from me, so I’m never going to pay to give it to them.

My lovely and beautiful assistant, a rabid Mabbitt fan, (who requested me to do the art in the first place)
dives into the mosh pit and manages to get dead center in front of him during the set. As Craig jumps off the stage into the crowd, she's one of the people who catches him (see photo, taken just before the dive – she’s the one wearing the Pierce The Veil shirt). As he sings, held up by the crowd, she's right there, holding his hand and singing along.

I can't very well do the mosh pit thing when I have a painting in my bag, so I'm watching from the side of the stage in a spot where I can't get crushed. At the end of the set she comes towards me, eyeliner streaked down her face and her perfectly straightened hair looking like a lion's mane…

First words out of her mouth: "I touched Craig Mabbitt’s butt. I can die now."
Me: "Don’t you want to meet him, Monte and Robert? We can crash the M&G, like we always do?"
A: "No, I don’t need to meet him right now. I held his hand, I held his thigh. And I look like a mess, anyway. And I can’t stop crying – I was singing the lyrics and crying the whole time."

So apparently Craig Mabbitt has the power to turn girls into emotional jello.

Me: "It’s good, it’s all good. We’ll meet him next time in person. By then I will have finished Monte and Robert and Max." Maybe I need an assistant who’s not as star-struck by certain people, but it's her enthusiasm to meet her heroes that makes it all fun.

There's something about concerts that never goes as expected.

Oli Sykes, Blessed with A Curse

2011-01-21T00:29:00.001-05:00

First finished painting for the New Year is Oliver Sykes of Bring Me The Horizon. This one is inspired by his song "Blessed with a Curse" . In mixed media style, this 10 x 15 painting has acrylic, oils, blood splashes and tar gel applied. I splashed so much blood around I'm still finding it all over my studio. I'll be uploading a step by step video of how I achieved these effects soon. In the meantime, here's the final outcome.

Deathcore Metalcore Screamo, he inspires controversy and all the alternative magazine editors these days.

Memorable quote by Oli himself: "My hair is better than anyone's. That’s the only reason we started the band. Cuz like I can’t sing at all but their all like “Look at his hair… look at his hair!” Look but don’t touch. I said that to them. I said it straight away, look but don’t touch. I had to keep spanking hands, it was dreadful. But in the end they learned the rules that I go by. And now were selling thousands of records”.

Posted via email from artist Cynthia Blair

2011, Bring Me The Horizon

2011-01-04T22:49:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year to everyone! 2011 is going to be a powerful year of transformation, a time to find your own unique expression. A time to let go of old patterns, a time to expand and be open to the unexpected. I definitely feel it.

This started out as a plain painting of Oli Sykes 'til I decided to mess with his hair as if blood (stylized) was dripping down...then I had this weird dream where Oli kept coming up with the Tarot card 3 of Swords, known as "The Lord of Sorrow". So I decided to add that as well.

So, here I've taken my basic acrylic and oil painting of Oli's head and shoulders, and given it a background in Photoshop that includes the Tarot card meaning and some extra blood. I liked the juxtaposition of the smooth serenity of his face- an almost angelic quality - against all that cartoonish carnage. I could have really gone even further...cut his heart out like in his video...hmmm...that's an idea! Anything's more interesting than the plaid shirt he was wearing in the ref photo.

Scanning a painting into Photoshop and adding backgrounds allows me to experiment with ideas before I commit them to the painting permanently. I can also choose to bring out different "versions" or series this way.

I was planning a video "speedpaint" tutorial on this, but my new camcorder hasn't arrived yet. Stay tuned.
Next up on my board: Blink 182 :)

John Lennon

2010-12-23T00:27:00.002-05:00

John Lennon
Originally uploaded by Cynthia Blair

inspired by "Across The Universe"

in this time of peace and goodwill near the Winter Solstice, who better than John to remind us that 'all we need is love'?

In hard times, we may not be able to give financial ways, but we can always give the very best of ourselves to others. Be true to your higher self.

created in support of Memories In Music and the Music Heritage Project.

tech details:
15x18 acrylic on board

Jimi Hendrix

2010-12-10T16:27:00.002-05:00

Jimi Hendrix
Originally uploaded by Cynthia Blair

My tribute to Mr. Jimi !

Dancing between fine art painting and drawing techniques here...

tech details: 11x14 acrylic and pastel on board

part of my classic rock series
in support of Memories in Music and the Music Heritage Project

The Allman Brothers Band with Duane - Whipping Post - Fillmore East - 09...

2010-11-07T19:48:00.001-05:00

Wow! I was in the audience for this show - Fillmore East, NYC - good times.
My friend Bev and I had snuck out (we were 15) took the train into the city. "Eat A Peach" was so big then.

Drop Dead, Oli Sykes

2010-11-06T21:39:00.004-04:00

Drop Dead, Oli Sykes
Originally uploaded by Cynthia Blair

Drop Dead gorgeous
Drop Dead clothing
Drop Dead (tattoos)
Drop Dead you make my ears bleed...jk
It Never Ends (BMTH video).

tech details:
9 x 12 charcoal drawing on board

website: cynthiablair.com

Halloween in HP Lovecraft's hometown

2010-10-29T01:02:00.005-04:00

Watchful Spirits
Originally uploaded by Cynthia Blair

Ahh…Halloween month again.
Tis the season to revel in all things ghoulish and otherworldy. For myself, I come from a family of Scorpios, my Dad being born on All Hallow’s Eve over a century ago, my Mother born 10/29 and myself on November 15. So on Halloween, when the veil between the worlds becomes thin, I send my Dad (now deceased) a special birthday wish.

As my roots are Celtic, I have always been fascinated by the Pagan rites of Samhain, the Fire Festival. It is said that the veil between this world and the World of the Ancestors was drawn aside on these nights, and for those who were prepared, journeys could be made in safety to the ’other side’. The Druid rites, therefore, were concerned with making contact with the spirits of the departed, who were seen as sources of guidance and inspiration rather than as sources of dread. The dark moon, the time when no moon can be seen in the sky, was the phase of the moon which ruled this time, because it represents a time in which our mortal sight needs to be obscured in order for us to see into the other worlds.

Samhain was (and is) considered a very magical time, when the dead walk among the living and the veils between past, present and future may be lifted in prophecy and divination. So it’s my time to light a bonfire in the center of my stone circle, summon the spirit guides and ask for guidance on my journey. It is a time of reflection, and time of meditation, and feeling connected with all things both of the material and spiritual world, the physical and non-physical.

As to all those Haunted Houses and Fields of Screams, Trails of Terror, and other local attractions so popular around here, I just don’t find them remotely scary. I went to a new one tonight, hoping for a real scare…but sadly, no. And those “cute” Halloween decorations, fake blood, inflatable headless horsemen, and the like? Sad, really. Just NOT SCARY at all. I think I’ll take a walk through Swan Point Cemetary (Providence, RI) (final resting place of HP Lovecraft) and watch Sleepy Hollow with Johnny Depp again. Now Christopher Walken? He’s my idea of a guy I wouldn’t want to see in the woods at night. Johnny Depp? he’s just divine, in any movie. Time to dig out the old Midnight Syndicate CDs and decorate the castle.

What do you think about Halloween these days? Does any of it really scare you? Is it all getting just too commercial? What or who will you be this Halloween? I just took a trip tonight to a couple of Halloween superstores in our area…absolutely none of it was scary, a lot of it was in REALLY bad taste…I mean, bar boobs (?) You know a guy had to think that one up. Imagine the store detective guy that has to watch the dressing room cams for shoplifting…that MUST be scary.

On a totally unrelated and random note, I found a fun new app for your website or blog. It's a free social media toolbar by Wibiya that sits discreetly on the bottom of your page and is totally customizeable. Check out the FREE beta here

You sign up for a free account and customize what you want on your toolbar, and they provide you with a small line of code you add to your page. I installed it on my website so you can see it in action. I love seeing my pages translated into Chinese, even though I haven't a clue what it says.

Drawing Tutorial: Tattoos and Attitude

2010-10-23T13:56:00.008-04:00

David Schmitt, Breathe Carolina
Originally uploaded by Cynthia Blair

Finally, a new tutorial!
I used some different techniques this time, focusing on David's anatomy and great tattoos.

Tutorial uses black and white charcoal pencils on neutral gray, but you can follow in graphite (pencil) on white paper, too. This one shows my approach to drawing people with tattoos, as well as anatomy shading. Also shows how I create fabric textures, like his jeans and his shirt. Close-ups of different tricky sections included.

• click here to visit my tutorials page and download the .pdf

Jumping In with Both Feet

2010-10-20T00:25:00.009-04:00

So when my friend cancelled out on me to go see the Carl Palmer Band, I decided I wasn’t staying home regretting not going. I remember the words “Do one thing a day that scares you.” Ok, maybe it doesn’t scare me exactly, but I do feel uncomfortable going certain places solo. Finding out at the gas station that my credit card was missing could have been another excuse not to go.

But I did go anyway- and glad I did. I met some amazing new friends, who gave me a warm welcome, and got to witness probably the best drummer I have ever seen in my life – Carl Palmer. The energy and mastery of his art was mesmerizing to watch. Indeed, beyond any expectations I might have had. Mad respect for this guy! Still fit and thundering away with precision and fury. His guitarists were damn good, too (Paul and Simon, guitar and bass respectively). I won’t deny that I missed hearing Greg’s voice and Keith’s keyboards, but hopefully if they ever get together again I’ll fly wherever just to hear them. I suppose I shouldn’t have missed the HVF.

Great show, and the standing ovation for Carl was well-deserved.

And the following night, I get to see two of my favorite current alternative bands, Breathe Carolina and Mayday Parade – I could add Artist vs Poet here, too, but we arrived late *sad face* and missed their set. But Breathe Carolina= non-stop DANCE PARTY, yeah! I’m only sorry I was wearing heels 'cause I really wanted to take off those boots and jump and scream (which I did anyway).

We saw Nate Novarro in the bar and had a quick chat before David Schmitt showed up solo – perfect timing to give him his drawing and some prints. He’s thrilled "legit, it’s the best gift I’ve ever gotten" and we get carte blanche at the merch table for free t-shirts and posters. Awww….SWEET. I just love watching these kids reach for their dreams and see them shine, as they begin to see them come true.

They are so wonderfully appreciative of all the attention. Fame hasn’t smacked them into jaded rock stars. I hope it never does. The best of us do what we do for the love of the art, and it’s as natural as breathing and just another extension of who we are. Recognition has nothing to do with it – if it happens, it’s just the icing on the cake. At least that's how I look at my own career.

So everything collides…and time no longer seems linear. I feel old and young at the same time. I give myself permission to do anything I please, so long as it doesn’t go against my principles. We always, always have choices, even when we think we don’t. Imagine. Down with self-limiting beliefs! It’s a great life!

A Mega Dose of Jimmy

2010-10-17T00:37:00.000-04:00

While I was staying with Annie (Memories in Music’s Director) and Richard Hollinshead, my gracious and patient hosts, I had a real aural treat. Richard is an executive with Meridian Audio, and they have a pair of large Meridian speakers in their music room. Annie selected some classic Led Zeppelin from the catalog and cranked up the volume.

It was transformational, by far the cleanest sound I have ever heard in my life. I owned a nightclub at one time in my life, and we had a massive sound system with JBL’s the size of refrigerators. You could feel the bass pounding in your chest (definitely necessary for the experience). But the Meridians not only delivered that, but I heard sounds that I never heard on the recordings before, every note, clear as crystal, all in a package the size of a normal tower speaker.

By the time we got to "Dazed and Confused" we were in a trance, totally surrounded and immersed in the music. It was fantastic. I could have listened for hours on end, which, actually we did. At which point I think the neighbors would start to hate us or love us, depending on when they had to get up the next day for work. All I could think of was I WANT(those speakers)!

I only wish I could afford a pair…however I could probably buy that Maserati Cambio Corsa I’ve had my eye on, or put a sizeable down payment on a second house for the same money. *sigh*
Well, I’m putting that out to the Universe. As long as you’re dreaming, might as well dream big, you know? Never say never. Just sayin'.

Now I know where Tolkien had the idea to put Spiders in Mirkwood

2010-09-28T00:43:00.001-04:00

One night I was entering the loo when I saw the Queen Mother of all spiders in the sink. It was bigger than the drain so I didn’t even entertain the idea of drowning it. Apparently, these are harmless house spiders in England. Check Google images for ‘English house spiders’ and you’ll get the idea.

Now, in my house in Rhode Island (US) I am the fearless spider slayer, the one who grabs them off the ceiling in the middle of the night, the one who sweeps away the egg sacks and webs, and gracefully murders all the hatchlings. I live on the coast, right on the water, so we have loads of spiders. But ones this size? It might as well have been an offspring from Shelob’s lair.

So my host isn’t so fearless either. Annie screams and sucks them up with the vacuum. We were watching a bootleg of Led Zeppelin at the O2 when, in the middle of a fantastic Jimmy Page solo, 3 of them decided to join the party. One climbs down from the curtain and another runs right out of the fireplace and straight towards me at light speed. Annie screams, “watch out, it’s a Linford!” Translation: a very fast spider. I had visions of the spider scene from “Something Wicked This Way Comes” where an army of spiders started invading the boy’s bedroom at the command of the spirits, pouring from the ceiling and the doors and windows, even under the bedcovers.

I jump off the couch, nail one spider with my DC’s, while the other two disappear near the couch. Both Annie and I are screaming at the top of our lungs for help from Richard, who sleeping upstairs. I mean, isn’t that a man thing, to come to the rescue?? Annie grabs the vacuum and after I locate the final spider, I herd it towards her. Annie sucks it up and the crisis is over, and it’s back to watching the concert. (Note: I don’t buy bootlegs and this is probably the first one I’ve ever watched. But I missed the O2 concert, so this maybe the only version of it I ever get to see. I sincerely hope Led Zep puts out an official DVD of the concert. )

Richard finally comes down later and asks how the concert was. He seemed to think that we were screaming our heads off because we were having a “Jimmy moment”…LOL

Robert Plant

2010-08-29T00:51:00.004-04:00

Oh the joy of being finished with this one! I started it back in June, wasn't happy with it, so I put it aside for awhile. As the Memories in Music in the Midlands Exhibit is coming closer, I had to finish! No exhibit about music from the Birmingham area would be complete without Robert, let's face it. So here he is, in regal form, to kick off The Music Heritage Project.

The original painting is for sale here to benefit Memories in Music and the Music Heritage Project, if you're interested, it is 24" x 36", oil and acrylic on canvas.

Robert's now touring with his new Band of Joy, so I chose some added graphics and colors that would complement his new retro circus style, yet there's no mistaking the Led Zeppelin roots.

Greg Lake

2010-08-16T01:01:00.004-04:00

I just couldn't imagine painting Carl Palmer and not drawing Greg Lake as well...I know he's not a musician from the Midlands, but he certainly belongs in the Music Heritage Project we're doing. I'll probably get around to doing a painting of Greg and Keith as soon as I get the Midlands artwork finished for the upcoming exhibit.

For those of you who don't know who Greg Lake is (shame on you!) he's the INCREDIBLE voice, songwriter and guitarist behind King Crimson (the first two albums) and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. I was a HUGE fan of ELP (and earlier KC) since the 70's. I heard they might be writing new music together...I'm stoked.

Greg, you still turn me on.

Here's another small 9x12 oil study I did of Greg from his video. Using blurry web images drives me nuts, though it is a challenge! This one I'm leaving in England so Annie can get it to Greg next time she meets with Katie.

A gift for one of my all-time favourite musicians. I hope I will get to hear him in concert one day.

Carl Palmer, legendary drummer

2010-08-06T01:05:00.003-04:00

Detail from a larger painting I just finished:
created in support of Memories In Music for the Music Heritage Project and Memories In Music in the Midlands Exhibit. 3rd painting in the series.

Carl is probably best known for his amazing collaboration in Emerson, Lake & Palmer and later Asia...but actually he's played in so many great bands there's too many to list here. Check out his site here: http://www.carlpalmer.com

tech details: mixed media
acrylic, collage, airbrush combined in traditional techniques
24" x 36" canvas
The original painting is for sale to benefit Memories In Music and the Music Heritage Project

see my website for other classic rock stars: www.cynthiablair.com

Ozzy Osbourne

2010-08-03T01:14:00.002-04:00

2nd painting in my series for the Midlands Exhibit.
created in support of Memories In Music for the Music Heritage Project and Memories In Music in the Midlands Exhibit.

I think everyone knows who Ozzy Osbourne is unless they've lived in somewhere in the uncivilized world for the past 40 years. Here's my version of the Prince of Darkness.

tech details: mixed media
acrylic, collage, airbrush combined in traditional techniques
24" x 36" canvas
the original painting is for sale to benefit Memories In Music and the Music Heritage Project here

see my website for other classic rock stars: www.cynthiablair.com

Nick Mason

2010-07-25T01:21:00.001-04:00

This is the first painting in the series created in support of Memories In Music for the Music Heritage Project and Memories In Music in the Midlands Exhibit.

Nick Mason, Pink Floyd's drummer! and of course references from Dark Side of the Moon, etc.

Basically this was my first truly mixed media painting, and I used a variety of techniques, including airbrush and acrylics with digital imagery. When I get down to working on the portrait (faces) area, though, I stick to oils or acrylic and hand paint.

tech details:
mixed media on canvas, 24" x 36"
Original painting is for sale to benefit Memoriesin Music and the Music Heritage Project here.

for more classic rock stars see my website: cynthiablair.com

“Where Words Fail, Music Speaks.”

2010-06-29T01:07:00.002-04:00

Caleb Turman, Forever the Sickest Kids
Originally uploaded by RISD illustrator

How true! Great saying by Hans Christian Andersen on a Jac Vanek tshirt. That was my souvenir from the Bamboozle Road Show last date on the tour in MA at the Comcast Center. That and a hug and auto from Caleb Turman.
Alex’s fav memory of the day was a kiss (oh yeah, on the lips!) from Caleb as she handed him my drawing.

She’s been a huge fan of Forever The Sickest Kids for ages, as well as requesting me to draw Caleb, so I knew she’d love meeting him. She also got a photo with JCook, so you know I’m going to end up drawing him as well. I’m training her to be my agent.

I re-worked areas Caleb’s drawing (earlier mistakes I was too lazy to fix!) because it had to be my best effort…until 3 am the night before. I mean, these musicians give us their best, every time they’re on stage, how could I do less? I think he really liked his drawing, and I’m thrilled he finally got to have it. I gave a print of Jack Barakat as the Mad Hatter to their merch guy Vinny- I would’ve liked to give Jack the original oil painting but it’s a bit large to take to a concert. There’s always next time.

Great concert…but I’d rather see them at a small venue/club. Comcast Center in MA…imagine- there was no pit. They kept inviting people down to the front to dance and security kept sending everyone back to their seats. Lucky for us, we had VIP box seats, so we could stack the chairs and dance away. Anyway, great day, even if it was hot and humid and clammy sweaty…most concerts are anyway (if they’re any good).

Be back there in 2 weeks for Warped Tour…gonna miss seeing 3OH!3 this year…Their new album is really getting into my head. Look for it this Tues. 6/29 and have a house party.

Gandalf The Gray

2010-05-27T14:11:00.005-04:00

"There are many powers in this world, for Good or for Evil. Some are greater than I am. And against some I have not yet been tested. " - Gandalf

Happy Birthday, Sir Ian McKellan! May 25, 2010

tech details:
oil on linen, 11 x 14

tutorial on painting wizards and old men: http://www.cynthiablair.com/tutorials.htm
or:fav.me/d2qi9oa

Oil Portrait Tutorial

2010-05-16T01:04:00.007-04:00

This is an oil painting portrait tutorial, including mixing skin tones, open canvas method, covering my painting process start to finish. Next up will be Gandalf, so I can cover beards and wrinkles, etc...all this is applicable whether or not you're painting hobbits, wizards, or just normal people...

is there such a thing as a normal person?

Tutorial on oil portraits here, as a downloadable .pdf

Tutorial Time! hehe

2010-05-16T00:55:00.005-04:00

Finally, after a bunch of requests, I finally did a tut covering the basics of portrait drawing- it's in charcoal, which I use, but really the ideas can be applied to any medium of your choice. It also applies to regular people, not just drawing hobbits, hehe.

I included a list of materials, as well as some close-up tips on eyes and lips, step by step images, start to finish. You can view the portrait drawing tutorial here.

Frodo approaches the Mirror of Galadriel

2010-05-05T21:26:00.003-04:00

Frodo approaches the Mirror of Galadriel
Originally uploaded by RISD illustrator

"The mirror shows many things:
Things that were
Things that are
and some things that have not yet come to pass."

tech details: oil on board

Tutorial on this painting step by step at: http://www.cynthiablair.com/tutorials.htm

http://www.cynthiablair.com

I'm Ready, Jack's Mannequin

2010-04-23T23:03:00.001-04:00

"Only after disaster can we be resurrected." - Fight Club

Whatever I expected when going to see "Jack’s Mannequin" for the first time, Andrew McMahon more than exceeded it. His performance was amazing, beyond anything I have ever witnessed- someone who can play the piano, jump on the keyboard, throw the piano stool into it and still sing into 2 microphones and sound better, more intensified than even his albums have to offer. His talent comes at you like a tornado that rips you from the earth and leaves you spinning.

It may be that he writes about his life and his troubles; speaks his own truth. But the best thing about his lyrics is that we can all find ourselves in them, the shadow and the light. The phoenix rising from the ashes of death; reborn into new life.

When you meet him, he is down-to-earth, a nice guy patiently greeting everyone who is shivering in line on a chilly April night. He takes photos with his fans, signs autographs, gives hugs. In his shoes, I would have been totally exhausted after the boundless energy he had on stage. But he gives time to his fans with sincere appreciation. It was great to see so many people, not fan-girls, tell him what an inspiration he is.

When you’ve faced death, you never look at life the same way again. Resurrected.

“Maybe there'll be no one listening
And even if I find the strength to stand
Doesn't mean I won't go missing
And the world will come
Crashing…” - lyric from “Crashin’, album ‘The Glass Passenger’

No worries, Andy, we’ll be listening.

Frodo: Courage

2010-04-10T01:39:00.002-04:00

Frodo: Courage
Originally uploaded by RISD illustrator

"Even the smallest person can change the course of the future."~ JRR Tolkien

To have courage is to be afraid, but go on anyway. This was a scene near the end of the movie 'Fellowship of the Ring, 2001', where Frodo is afraid but resolute, determined to face the Enemy alone.

One of my favourite heartbreaking scenes. *sniff*
and a painting subject (the emotional content) I didn't have the courage to tackle til now. It had to be perfect, it had to bring something more than just the correct likeness. You be the judge. I'm the work in progress :)

tech details: oil on board, 10" x 13"

Andy McMahon, Jack's Mannequin

2010-04-09T23:12:00.003-04:00

Andy McMahon, Jack's Mannequin
Originally uploaded by RISD illustrator

One of my favorite musicians lately, starting with "Glass Passenger" and heading backwards in time to the days of Something Corporate. His lyrics just reach down and punch me in the guts with their authenticity.

"Memories like bullets, they fire at me from a gun, cracking me open, yeah-" from "Swim" by Jack's Mannequin

And I'm a sucker for a great piano. I'm glad to hear they're touring again. I'll be catching Jack's Mannequin at Ryan Center 4/23/10 - maybe I'll get to meet him and give him this- a thank you for sharing his talent with the rest of us!

tech details: oil painting on board, 10" x 10"

Avril In Wonderland

2010-03-05T01:44:00.002-05:00

Avril In Wonderland
Originally uploaded by RISD illustrator

best damned thing was falling down that rabbithole!
Avril as Alice, inspired by the soundtrack for Almost Alice

tech details:
oil painting on board 15 x 17

Jack Barakat as the Mad Hatter

2010-03-01T01:48:00.002-05:00

Jack Barakat as the Mad Hatter
Originally uploaded by RISD illustrator

Jack would love the phallic flowers...
All Time Low contributed "Painting Flowers" to the movie soundtrack found on Almost Alice

tech details:
Traditional oil painting on board
guitar pick background in Photoshop
10 x 16

Frodo at the Gray Havens

2010-02-16T14:21:00.005-05:00

Recently, I feel I've gotten decent enough at painting portraits in oils to get into some subjects I've wanted to paint for a long time, such as my great love for all things Tolkien and Lord of the Rings. And yes, although I read the books light years before the movies, Frodo=Elijah Wood, hands down.

My favourite character has always been Frodo, probably because I could always relate to him. Minus the furry feet, it's been me against the dark lord.

"Frodo, in the darkest hours of my life, you showed me how to find courage when all things seemed hopeless. To go on when surely it would have been easier to give up."
Thanks, Frodo. I dedicate this one to you.

Owl City Fever

2009-11-10T22:02:00.000-05:00

It all began one recent night with Alex playing Ocean Eyes quietly on her Mac as I was working on my workstation next to her. Who IS that? I asked after half-listening, focused on my project. Then the tunes started to tunnel into my subconscious, before I realized it. I started smiling without even realizing I was doing it, my spirit lifted as though it had wings. I can’t explain the feeling, maybe the closest would be ‘a lightness of being, that radiated through my whole body’ . Weird, I know. I’m a Cynic and a Dreamer known to Flights of Fantasy, but most days I’m pretty well grounded.

Owl City Fever

If you are susceptible, you may experience some or all of these :
Symptoms:

when listening to Ocean Eyes, a huge smile resonates from deep in your soul and spreads through your body, erupting in a silly grin you just can’t wipe off your face

running barefoot in the snow without feeling cold

dancing naked in the rain

as you close your eyes and turn up the volume, you deliriously take flight on the wings of possibility

pure joy and lightness of being

Warning:
This music is highly contagious.

Dear Adam, thank you for sharing your gift of love and joy of creation, your wings of fantasy. May success never change you, even as Owl City Fever spreads throughout the world. And may the world respect your private space, so you will always have time to dream of Fireflies and Vanilla Twilight.

Glamour Kills Providence

2009-10-21T21:03:00.004-04:00

During bag searches at clubs, I’ve always managed to sacrifice something to security. This time at Lupo’s it was my water and Sharpies. “If you have any markers better give them to me now or I’ll have to dig through all your pockets!” She said with a no-nonsense icy glare. What did she think I was going to do- tattoo all the toilet stalls? Stab someone so they could die a slow death of ink poisoning? Ok, I understand they want to sell water, but when you’re in the pit, getting to the bar to buy water is NOT an option. You’ll get carried out from heat stroke first.

Anyhow the sold out show packed Lupo’s tighter than I ever remember, with a larger than average amount of parents, too. Alex Gaskarth must’ve noticed, because he dedicated a song to the parents getting drunk at the bar. I walked through the lobby and saw parents lumped everywhere on couches with a glazed look on their suffering faces. Those foolish enough to buy a hotdog in the lobby were treated to moldy buns (who in their right minds would buy food in that place??? *shudder*) Those parents brave enough for the floor clung to the bar and fortified themselves with alcohol. Don’t get me wrong, I too am a parent, but when did we forget to live in the moment, lose ourselves in the music? All those hippies of the 60’s and 70’s, music was life…what happened? Good music to me is ageless. Maybe I’m just weird, or art school rewired my brain or something, but I don’t regret it! But I digress… (oh, don't ask me about when I worked a cinema candy counter, you'll never eat popcorn again)

The music was amazing. I’ve seen all four bands quite a few times in the past year, but they just keep getting better. Alex’s acoustic set with “Remembering Sunday” and Cassadee singing duet was so good, and “Therapy” is one of my fav songs anyway. I’m a sucker for good lyrics. And Jack collected a record number of bras onstage. I wonder what he does with them after the show…

We The Kings had a great set starting with “Heaven Can Wait”, including a new song along with other favorites. WTK owns for having the nicest merch guy ever- Chris V. – I gave him drawings for the guys, not knowing if I’d get to meet them later. He shook my hand and said “Be sure to hang out near the black tour bus after the show, they’ll be coming out to meet everyone.” So we hung out a bit after the show and almost everyone from Hey Monday, WTK and ATL were taking photos and signing, despite those Florida boys complaining about the cold. (you can see the signed ones in my DeviantArt scraps section). Oh yeah, and I had to borrow a Sharpie.

the Maine, the rain, ATL and Warped Tour Boston ‘09

2009-07-22T23:08:00.004-04:00

Crashing ATL’s signing, the Maine, and other rainy day adventures!

7/21/09 NorEaster + Warped Tour=mud. Drenching rain until about 3pm…late because of beastly traffic, we missed some early bands and signings. When we finally made our way to the All Time low merch tent (I was too afraid to consult my paper map too often, it was wet and disintegrating in my hands!) we located one AT&T tent only to find out they were at the OTHER AT&T tent, signing. Slogging thru the muck when we get to the line, it’s like 500 people long, and we don’t have one of the 100 AT&T passes needed to get into the signing.

So we decided to wait in line anyhow, just in case they’d take pity on the dripping masses of fans waiting patiently in the rain…We found ourselves at the ramp to the deck where they were signing, and an AT&T guard checking the passes…having no pass I whipped out my latest portrait postcard and mentioned something lame about us knowing ATL. She was really very nice, took pity (or wanted to speed up the line) and offered to let one of us in. That caused a discussion among the 3 of us so she waved us all up “JUST GO!”

I asked Jack if they got the original drawings (from Believers Never Die tour) and he was soo sweet about it, told me the drawing is now in his Mom’s living room on display. I told him I was honored, which I am! That made my day. He signed a copy for me, and since I had nothing for Zack to sign, I asked if he’d write something about Jack on it, too. Alex signed his, and Ryan signed with Alex after I promised to draw him also.

At the Maine’s tent, we totally missed their signing but a kind merch guy mentioned they were coming in 20 min for meeting with fans. John O, Jared and Pat were really amazingly nice, they took photos with their fans in the pouring rain for what seemed like hours. I think Pat really liked the group drawing I finished the night before. I really didn’t have time to draw each band member separately, but as a group, all their faces were so small it was actually harder. Lesson learned!

Hanging in front of the Maine’s tent I got to witness Jac Vanek (tent next door) nonchalantly poking a big puddle in her roof, which dumped like a pail of water on an unsuspecting person’s head. We rescued a Taking Back Sunday poster off the ground which disintegrated into little chunks of paper in my pocket; so later on, as we resurrected it from oblivion, I called it “Taping Back Sunday” as it is now equal parts poster and scotch tape.

Due to the stage schedules and conflicts, I got to hear All Time Low and those raunchy dudes from 3OH!3 who put on an amazing performance if you can live through getting crushed by their fans…one girl in front of me was jumping up and down like the energizer bunny on speed, waving a blow-up flamingo over her head and screaming. By the end of the set I wanted to strangle her with the stupid flamingo’s legs but my feet were so crippled from her stomping on them that, in my haze of pain, the wad of gum flew out of my mouth and down into the back of her hoodie.

All in all, a great time. Every Warped Tour is a unique experience. Someday I’m going to get up early enough to get there by 11.

Today I hear from a reliable source that my drawing of John Bonham is on its way to his widow Pat, which makes me very happy, indeed!

Michael Jackson dies as we visit with Anberlin

2009-06-26T23:15:00.006-04:00

What an odd memory- first meeting up with Tour Manager Andy Sprague, who invites us into the bus with “Michael Jackson just died, we’ll all watching it on TV” ... How surreal…both events. How often do you get a personal M&G? They’re all such great guys that I immediately wish I’d done drawings of all of them.

The Webster Theatre (Hartford, CT) crowd for Anberlin/Taking Back Sunday/Envy on the Coast is far better behaved than when we went to the Secret Valentine Tour in Mar…however the security is not. I’m really thankful for the VIP passes so we could watch from in front of the barricade, because the show is sold out.

Envy on the Coast I hadn’t heard before, and I still don’t have a good impression of their music, as the sound system was clipping the mids and highs in a big way. Anberlin was so good I’m thinking they really should headline on their next tour. I still can’t get “Breaking” out of my head, it’s just one of those songs that you catch yourself replaying over and over. They’re very intense onstage, and I’m really glad I got to meet them and see them play live before drawing the other band members. It really means more to draw someone I’ve met-I get such a better sense of who they are.

Taking Back Sunday was great also, watching Fazzi’s guitar work and Matt Rubano jumping all over the stage.
( http://www.panicatthestarship.deviantart.com pointed out that Matt has an amazing six pack). Adam was excellent, the crowd was nuts and it was like 110 degrees.

I was trying out my new FlipVideo to see how it recorded under stage lighting, when I accidentally caught a random guy jumping up on the stage and the security guard flew after him and tackled the guy like a football. YouTube video link
Technical note: DO NOT try to dance and take videos at the same time. Or scream. Or sing. Watching the playback will give you VERTIGO.

As for Michael Jackson, I remember him from his old days, when he was black and incredibly talented and my favorite album was “Off the Wall”. That’s how I’d rather remember his personal legacy. I bet he would, too.

And to Anberlin, I ‘m certain they’re destined for music greatness. My nephew Dennis has great faith in them, and I’m sure he’s right. Check out their music on http://www.Anberlin.com. If you haven't caught them live, there's a few US tour dates left before they head off to tour Australia.

And a BIG Thank you! goes to Stephen Christian for posting my drawing on his Twitter !

True Believers Never Die

2009-05-01T22:23:00.003-04:00

First time at Mohegan Sun Arena. Liked the curbside valet service-SWEET! We were so late we missed Hey Monday’s set and walked in to the beginning of Cobra’s. We had seats in the Nosebleed section… thankfully I had purchased a VIP pass which I skillfully counterfeited into 4 of them (what would I do without Photoshop?), and we found ourselves allowed onto the reserved floor section. Too bad I couldn’t do the holograph. We were even let in backstage, until some hall patrol Nazi glanced at our badges. I didn’t think fast enough to flash one of my promo cards...

The security guys were really so nice! although there were way too many of them…maybe 1 for every 10 people. no moshing here, folks. the Indians rule and all is well ordered and a bit overly sanitized. I prefer that true nightclub experience, like Webster Theatre(CT) or Lupo’s(RI). A certain amount of grunge and spontaneity is necessary, just like the smell of stale beer and cigarette butts in the carpet. There’s a certain sense of history to those places, like a sacred shrine, y’ know? Maybe it’s because I spent so many profitable years as a bartender in one. hehe. And I don’t drink or smoke- maybe that’s why. but I digress…

Ryland and Alex noticed us from the stage (we were right next to the barricade) so I finally managed to give ALL the Cobras their original drawings-as I promised Ryland last summer at Warped. Their set was really high energy and they just keep getting better every time I see them.

And All Time Low was great, too…Bkat, missing his signature hair stripes, jumped off stage and played in the seated audience for about 5 minutes.

FOB, who I’ve never seen live before, really gave a powerful performance. Patrick Stump’s talent just blows me away…his voice is golden. I never expected them to do such a long set- even their encore was 4 or 5 songs.

So everyone received their drawings, including Pete and Joe…I’m glad to have finished Joe Troh just in the nick of time, but wish I had also completed Andy and a new Patrick…oh well, more for next time I see them. I hope they enjoy them as much as I did drawing them. Great inspiration! :D

Crashing Cobra's Meet & Greet...Sassyback Tour 11/28

2008-12-05T22:34:00.000-05:00

We were freezing our butts off in a line like a mile long! from the venue, Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel, waiting for the show. I saw another line of people for the Meet and Greet (stupid me, I had the tix for 2 mos. and didn't even think to sign up). After everyone in the M&G had gone in, I saw a couple of security guys outside. I stopped and asked one of them to take my postcard(I have one with a bunch of my FBR drawings on it) in to Cobra, hoping they'd remember me -- to see if they'd let us in. He agreed, then came out a few minutes later and ushered us in VIP-style!!

First person I met was Alex Suarez, he was so sweet, remembered me from VWT this summer. I gave him and Vicky-T their original drawings, asked them to sign prints for me. I never saw Gabe or Nate at the M&G, I'm thinking they didn't come, because Gabe was saving his voice? and Nate is well, shy? Ryland was there, but by the time I finished talking with Alex and Vicky, he had left...so lucky us, we also got right down in front for the show!!

It was the first time I'd ever heard them inside a club (about 2000 people), and WOW- from the minute they came onstage the energy was electrifying. Amazing performance, start to finish.

Great night! Now I can look forward to seeing them next tour (with a new album!) and maybe I'll be lucky enough to catch up with Gabe, Ryland and Nate to give them their drawings. Meeting Alex and Vicky-T again... priceless...FANGS-UP!!

Rock Band Live 10/28

2008-10-31T22:16:00.000-04:00

Enjoyed RBL last night in Lowell, MA. Great performances by the CAB, Plain White T’s and Dashboard Confessional, and of course, PATD. I figured it was high time I gave them some of my original portraits of them, so I packed up 4 and some extra prints. If things had gone according to plan, I would have arrived a bit early to hand the drawings off in person…but after getting my crowd together and spending 2 hours on the road, we were lucky to make it in time to see the CAB get started.

So by the time Panic played I was about 25 feet from the stage (yeah, not exactly close) No, I’m not one who likes to grab attention. But by the time they were into their second to last song, I figured what the hell, took my drawing of Jon Walker and held it up. Spencer noticed it almost immediately and said “Hey Jon, look, that’s you!” and pointed to me. Next Jon and Brendon look closer, and Brendon says, “Wow, that’s some talent!” Here I tried to yell out that it was for Jon to have, but I probably did one of those *deer in the headlights* things (Christ, the main video camera was on me and everything) and didn’t try to advance to the stage to give it to him. The last thing I wanted to do was intrude on their performance, man. In the last song 3 of us held all the drawings up so they’d get the idea the drawings were meant for them. After all, their music and their amazing talent is what inspired me to draw them in the first place, so it seemed that the drawings really belong to them.

So, in the end, Ryan, Brendon, Jon and Spencer have their drawings. My gift to them for the many good times and great music they have inspired me with. Hope they enjoy them and much as I enjoyed drawing them. And, of course, I have more originals to give them next time they come this way.

Portrait Drawings

2008-06-09T01:33:00.002-04:00

Lately I've been playing around with charcoal pencils and gouache on illustration board, doing some portraits...most of these you can see on my DeviantArt link~ I knew eventually I couldn't resist playing with the drawings once I scanned them into Photoshop.
So this is traditional art/digital art fusion. I think I'm hooked. And I'm really enjoying drawing portraits, something I haven't done in a few years.

Interview

2008-05-17T19:10:00.004-04:00

Amusingly enough, I recently received a email from a high school student, requesting an interview for his Art History class. *What a laugh* since when did I become one of those artists whose work is important enough to be history ? Either out of ignorance or lack of sleep from working/partying the night before, I slept through Art History class at RISD, that early morning class in which they dimmed the lights and showed slides and droned on and on about the significance of each artist and movement.

Anyhow, the interview questions seemed rather bland at first glance, but I found myself really thinking about a few of them as I answered.

Q. Why do you create your art?
A. I am a visual person, compelled to express myself in creative ways. It comes as naturally as eating or breathing. Two quotes which come to mind here: “Without art, the crudeness of reality would make the world unbearable.” – George Bernard Shaw
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” – Pablo Picasso

Life is boring without art. Reality is boring. So I take a bit of fantasy, mythology, and oftentimes “heighten” my subjects, by portraying them larger than life. I am fascinated by the symbolic meaning of things I paint, of the myths and legends behind the subjects. I feel that we have lost some of the ancient wisdom and spiritual connection to the earth that our ancestors had.

Q. What is its purpose?
A. Individual self expression, mostly. I want people to feel something positive, to create something of beauty in this world. There is too much hopelessness and self-destruction out there.

Q. Does any of your work convey a meaning, message or agenda?
A. Yes. I was trained as an Illustrator (RISD, BFA/Illustration) so I always have a purpose in mind when painting or drawing. Once finished, the art takes on a life of its own and may convey an entirely different meaning to the viewer than I had originally intended. This is OK.
For example: When I draw or paint someone’s portrait, I am not necessarily looking for photo-realism, I am looking to bring out the essence of that person, that which is unique and different in their character as I see them.
“The job of the artist is to deepen the mystery.” -Francis Bacon

...by the way, the student got a 100 on his presentation. Alot better than my grade in Art History.

The Garden Lady website

2008-03-14T21:59:00.005-04:00

Newly launched is Ana Newell's Garden Lady website. She is a talented landscape designer, and being a lifelong gardener myself (many of her featured flower and container photos are of my own gardens) it was really a pleasure to design this one in the middle of February. I think green will always be my favorite color. Visit Ana the Garden Lady at The Garden Lady

Jamestown Arts Center website

2008-03-14T21:46:00.006-04:00

Website launch for Jamestown Arts Center, which is a newly founded community arts group dedicated to providing artists of all ages and disciplines with space and education. Jamestown is a community very populated with amazing talent, so I was honored to be chosen to represent them on the web. Certainly, this is a basic design, as they will grow and need much more in the future. Visit them at this link: Jamestown Arts Center

the Donovan Gallery website re-design

2008-01-25T12:38:00.000-05:00

New design for the Donovan Gallery, which has been a landmark at Tiverton Four Corners for years. The challenge: feature 45 artists with a sampling of each of their work, along with artists which are featured monthly in American Art Collector. This had to highlight and coordinate with her advertising, as well as list her workshops and other specialties, such as Red Sox Art. This is the first time I made extensive use of the "Preview Image" widget, which performs beautifully, creating fullsize image mouseovers within the page. I was able to place 45 artists with 90 large images within one page. Come visit the Donovan Gallery website: click here

Schock Gallery opening

2007-11-25T20:43:00.000-05:00

New Gallery opening in Jamestown on December 1. About time I started painting again, finally. Website: SchockGallery.com Named after David Schock, not because the work is shocking...although it might be fun to do something shocking for it. Hard to shock anyone these days. It's all been done before. Anyhow, the Gallery is 5 of us (to start) David (oils), Myself(pastels), Kate Petrie (photography), Barbara Hutchison (oils), Pat Tuff (photography).

Christina Beecher emerging new artistWebsite Design

2007-11-13T18:57:00.000-05:00

Christina Beecher has a beautiful, gestural way with landscape painting. Here monotone paintings are particularly striking. Check out her work here: Christina Beecher. Another website design by yours truly.

Cindy Wilson, fine art photographer Website Design

2007-11-13T18:47:00.000-05:00

Seems I'm really busy these days with webdesigning. Actually, I love doing work for other artists. This site is a rather large and comprehensive portfolio for Cindy, who has some really breathtaking shots of Block Island and coastal RI. She is also excellent at weddings and other commercial photography. View her latest work at Cindy Horovitz Wilson photography.

And finally, after 4 years- my site Re-Design!

2007-10-20T12:05:00.000-04:00

Finally, after 3-4 years of guilt that I have created so many websites yet not re-designed my own, I finally did it. Why is it so much harder to design a perfect stranger's website than my own?? I think I put ideas on paper at least a half dozen times, over the space of a couple of years. Nothing is ever perfect. This re-design certainly isn't perfect, but neither am I...still struggling with finding my own "voice", my own direction. That's why I chose to design a complex, layered background (which is really based on a ghost image of my paintings). And I decided to split my paintings into seasons, the Equinoxes, rather than the old genre way. So you will see the backgrounds and color schemes change throughout the year, along with featured paintings. My choice of subjects are strongly influenced by the equinoxes, so it seems natural. When you look at my digital art section and notice the pervasive "dark" mood, I can tell you that these images were created in Autumn, before Samhain (Halloween). I digress. Check it out if you like, send me an email.

New Website Design

2007-10-20T11:12:00.000-04:00

Here's a total makeover for Priscilla Foley, now creating wonderful waterbird watercolors and watercolor collages in her unique way. She asked me for something very simple yet elegant to show off her style, so I came up with this design. Visit her at http://www.waterbirdsart.com to see her amazing collages.

New Artist Website Design

2007-09-07T22:50:00.000-04:00

I just finished designing a website for Carol Bodiford, an emerging artist from North Carolina whose art is a work of ethereal beauty. She does large landscapes and murals for collectors as well as interior designers. Check her out at: Carol Bodiford.com
I love creating websites for artists- each one is so unique in how they view the world...it is always a challenge-not in complexity, but to reflect and hopefully enhance that unique quality.

Into The Woods

2007-09-04T21:05:00.000-04:00

New Project: Illustration for "Into The Woods" for Jamestown Community Theatre's Fall Production.

Kind of Red Riding Hood meets Tim Burton...I still have to add some of the characters in next. I love Halloween, although I really despise all those cheesy cute decorations or ridiculously gory props. The real magic in Halloween is the unseen, the ominous veil of suspense. The psychological terror, real or imagined. Since this is a comedy, I'll just have some fun in Adobe Illustrator and keep it light.

Illuminating Results

2007-08-30T21:58:00.000-04:00

When I returned home from Martha's Vineyard a couple of weeks ago, I played with PhotoshopCS3's new camera raw adjustments on my Illumination Night photos. Rather amazing. I did walk around and take some late afternoon shots as well, like the one posted here. To check out my night photos of the Grand Illumination, click here

Illumination Night in Oak Bluffs

2007-08-14T16:50:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow I'm off to Martha's Vineyard to photograph the Grand Illumination - thousands of oriental paper lanterns glow around the Martha's Vineyard Campmeeting Association, illuminating the gingerbread cottages surrounding the large Tabernacle. The event has a truly magical quality about it.

To learn more about its history, which dates back more than 100 years, click here: http://www.mvcma.org/grand.htm

I've always wanted to do a series of paintings based on Illumination Night, but my past research photos have never been good enough to paint from, due to the challenges of night photography without flash, crowds (no tripod). This year I will take a different approach, using a monopod and longer exposure time, instead of pushing my ISO to 1600. Armed with my Canon XT and remote cable, I hope for better results this year. If nothing else, it will give me the opportunity to play with the new camera raw "smart object" capability of PhotoshopCS3 extended.

By the way, the photo you see here was not taken by me, I found it randomly on the web, saved it because it reminded me so much of the Grand Illumination. Whoever took this shot is a far better photographer than I!