Figure drawing

Finally, I am (mostly) settled in and forging ahead in the new chapter of my life.

A few days ago I had the pleasure of working once again with my favorite local model Kathy. It was a very low-key session, as we had not worked together in quite some time. tThe fact that I was sketching, not trying to create finished artwork, took the pressure off, and everything went very well.

The overhead light cascading down the figure was phenomenal. And the cloak created some very interesting shapes.

Here are a couple of sketches from the session:

Settling in, updates, and (yet aonther) disaster.

I am finally back in Colorado.
My stuff - including my art supplies - started arriving late last week. The rest should be arriving after the holiday weekend.
I have already begun a new routine of 'daily sketches' and will be working on larger stuff in the next couple days.

Now on to the bad news. My artwork arrived, the boxes undamaged. However, when I opened the shipping container and uncovered the pirate self-portrait, I found to my horror that all the vine charcoal had simply fallen off the paper! This, even after spraying it gratuitously with fixatif! The dark areas that I worked over in charcoal pencil (dompressed charcoal) stayed for the most part, but all the middle values (most of the piece) were laying in little piles along the edges of the container. I will once again have to rework the entire piece.
[Insert deep sigh.]

The good news is, I am ready to begin working on new material. I am very excited about my new adventure, and will post new work as soon as I have it.

Stay tuned!

The Move

The bags are packed. This morning I head out for a couple days with friends. On Monday I head back to Colorado. I am very excited!
I will be offline for a few days. Then, watch out!!!
Stay tuned for updates and new art to come.

Sunshine's new home

I donated the piece "Sunshine & Morning Mist" to the great folks at Sea World Orlando's Aviculture Department, as a way to say "thank you" for being so awesome over the last couple years and allowing me in to the aviary to draw the birds from life.

Sunshine was my very favorite model. I will remember her fondly.

New Personal Blog!

I have a new personal blog, where I will post news, events, and subjects that are not art-related, keeping this blog focused on art and related subjects.
There will be many exciting new things posted there! Gatorland, more amazing Bubble rings - MOVIES, and lots more!
Check it out at:
http://mikeyzblawg.blogspot.com/

Dophins and bubble rings

While watching the dolphins at work, I finally had my camera in hand and caught them doing their bubble rings on film. I first witnessed this phenomenon over a year ago when one of the large females (Bailey, I believe) at work started doing this. Over the past year, I have seen a couple of the dolphins playing with bubble rings. They create everything from small rings, to large ones the size of a hula hoop, and if you're lucky, you'll catch them making a helix, sometimes very large. They are very skilled at manipulating the rings, changing their size, and sometimes manipulating the shape into a sort of 'infinity symbol' loop type shape.

Here is a shot of one of the younger ones.

It really is the most amazing thing to see.

News, Updates, and Moving

It's official!
I will be moving to Colorado in September, to be close to my family and to focus my energy on painting.
I had several offers that were just too good to pass up. I am very excited for the opportunity to focus my attention on painting full-time.
In addition, I will have the immediate moral support of family and friends, which is worth its weight in gold.
Stay tuned for more art to come!

Cupid SOLD!

Good news!

My favorite piece, "Cupid," has found a permanent home in the extensive and ecclectic collection of Lev & Linda Ropes of Golden, Colorado.

Lev purchased the piece as a birthday gift to Linda, they both had been fond of it since they first saw it.

Here is the piece, in its beautiful new frame and new home, with its proud new owner.

New Studies

Check out the new studies. Click the link labeled Daily Sketches/Studies at the top right of the page.
Updates:
06/20/08
06/19/08

News: Mikey's art recognized in tribute

06/17/08:My piece, 'Doll Face'
http://mikeyzart.blogspot.com/2008/05/doll-face.html
has been recognized in the following tribute by the model Nano, for use of her likeness in my art:

[A TRIBUTE TO WATCHERS] May: Part 3 (Final)
http://news.deviantart.com/article/50717/

Many thanks to Nano -
http://nothingreal0.deviantart.com/