ACK! Grrr..!

Well, this laptop is not cooperating at ALL. It simply refuses to connect to any network at all, it matters not where or when.
*sigh*
I have loads of photos to post, but I guess they will have to wait until I get this 'situation' sorted out.
:(
So much to do... so much to do...

In the meantime, take a look at the dog I posted last week. ;)

Mikey's BACK!

Howdy boys and girls! Mikey (that's me) is back!

After a self-imposed Internet sabbatical, I am back – to a self-imposed, limited-internet, diet.

For the near future, I plan only to access the internet on a weekly basis. To quote about a dozen of my favorite action/adventure movies: “Remember – short, controlled bursts.”

The sabbatical has paid off big time. It has allowed me to focus more of my energy where it has been needed. The result has been a year of excitement, adventure and fulfillment.

And what a year it has been! So much has changed, and so much has been accomplished.

I have weathered storms and basked in sunshine. I have steadied some turbulent waters and rode some exciting roller-coaster s! All the while, I have been inspired, productive, and thoroughly enjoying myself.

I have lost 1 band, a longtime friend, and 3 computers; I have been reunited with almost all of my guitars and many of my longtime friends; I have played pirate in the desert and rolled the dice; I have been applauded, condemned, kissed and kicked; I have discovered new friendships; I have found support and inspiration, joy and exasperation; I have achieved many long-term goals and found new directions; I've gone out on a limb and put it all on the line – more than once, and in many ways!

I have done some soul-searching and made some tough choices; I've focused my introspection on becoming more connected with who I am and what makes me happy. I have come into my own as a creative force, and I have found my voice, as an artist and as a musician. And I am confident that where I am in the world and in my life is exactly where I should be.

I have completed some major projects, and entered some interesting competitions. 

And along the way, I have created a solid metric TON of artwork! I am organizing the files to post when I pop in to say hello.

I have created this giant snowball, and I'm ready to ROLL IT!!! :)

Stay tuned for tales and anecdotes, photos, posts, links and more.

Peace and love -

Mikey

[A dog.]

MORE progress on FABLE cover and interior art

Another meeting with the authors, and more progress.

The map - in progress...

Progress on FABLE cover

I met with authors Lisa Fender and Toni Burns to go over cover art, title typography and other details for the cover of "Fable - book 1 of the Lorn Prophecy."
I had narrowed the choices of title fonts down from hundreds, and created title treatments for several dozen. I narrowed that down to about 2-3 dozen, with about 4 or 5 top contenders to present to the authors.
I was pleasantly surprised when they picked my favorite for the title type. In fact, their 'top 3' was identical to my 'top 3.'

As a teaser... here's a preview of the top 3:


...here's the front cover illustration:

...and here's the interior map, before adding text:

my entry in the Spectrum 20 Fantastic Art competition

Here is my entry - the cover illustration for "Fable"...


...and here it is in the competition!!!...

I saw the photo and thought, "wait a minute... is that it?" Sure enough, I zoomed in and THERE IT IS!
Wow, there were a LOT of entries in this year's competition!
I wish the best for all the entrants... Can't wait to see the results, and the annual book... it's bound to be FANTASTIC!
:)

FABLE cover art FINAL

Here's the final cover painting.

I apologize for taking so long to post this...

The front cover for Fable, the fantasy novel by Lisa Fender is finished!

This has been a labor of love for me. :) 

While working on the cover, I have had appropriate movies/shows playing in the background to set the mood. 

In the course of finishing this painting, I have been through Game Of Thrones Season 1 - no less than seven times! along with LOTR - all three movies - twice! and Star Wars III - Revenge of the Sixth - twice...

(I'm really in my element here!)
Now I'm getting the print ready to submit to the Spectrum 20 (annual competition of Fantastic Art.) :D
http://www.spectrumfantasticart.com/

Progress on FABLE cover art

Early Stages of development

Beginning work on foreground

The completed cover painting

Cover art for FABLE by Lisa Fender

I am really enjoying my latest commission: front and back cover art and interior illustrations for the fantasy novel "Fable" by Lisa Fender and Toni Burns.

Here is a sneek peek:

WIP: Front cover for
"Fable"
by Lisa Fender

WIP:Inside map for "Fable"
by Lisa Fender

SALVADOR DALI Original Painting SOLD!

Congratulations and heartfelt gratitude to Christy Boerckel, who just purchased the original painting of
Salvador Dali:

Salvador Dali
Acrylic, 8x10"
Collection of Christy Boerckel

Christy is an avid art collector and fell in love with the painting.
It is always rewarding when my artwork strikes a chord with an art appreciator.

Public Image 2012 Art Walk and reception @ Anam Cara Gallery

Finished hanging my
new pieces for the show!

Friday, September 14 6-9pm -
Art Walk/Reception for "Public Image 2012" at Anam Cara Living Arts
445 S. Saulsbury St. Studio G
Lakewood CO 80226

You are invited to enjoy the art walk in Belmar's Block 7 Art District. Feel free to drop in and say hello... I have over 24 pieces in the show, over half of them are brand new!
Hope to see you there!