Katie Messer art

NEW BLOG

2010-09-07T10:51:00.001-07:00

Setting up a new blog. This one will be deleted soon. If you wish you follow my new blog, find it here:

http://withallmyartandsoul.blogspot.com

Thanks!

ASLAN AND THE SUN

2010-07-21T18:20:00.000-07:00

Inkasaurus....

2010-04-25T10:40:00.001-07:00

In case you haven't figured it out, I've been quite busy. Here is some recent work I've completed, as well as some pieces that are still in progress.

This first one has been a work in progress for a few months now. It is a huge thigh piece I began on a friend, and a few session still to come. In case it is hard for you to make out, this tattoo is an anatomical heart with a banner wrapping around it. It is going to be very colorful, so it is taking us a while to get it finished. I have limited time to work on tattoos right now, but this summer I plan on making tattooing my main priority. I have several clients very patiently awaiting my availability, and I thank them greatly for their perseverance. My friend is really wanting to get this one finished up, so as soon as I do, more pics will follow.

This tattoo may look familiar, as it is the piece I started for my sis. The first picture of this tat can be found in the post before this one. It shows just the basic outline prior to adding color, as seen below. I love my sisters enthusiasm and spontaneity for her tattoos. We literally decide to start on new pieces for her at very random times and just kind of decided where to take it as we go. The coolest part about that is the tattoo always seems to fit her so well. I really enjoy working with her and feel very honored to be her main source for body art. I am certain you will see more of her tattoos in the future.

I have to apologize for this next photos appearance. I promise you my brothers skin is not really this color....that would be disturbing. This is a tattoo project in the works for several months now, mainly planning and coming up with creative ideas for an entire sleeve. As I mentioned before, this is my brothers tat. It is only the beginning of his sleeve, so a lot of work still to come, but I am very excited to finally get started on it, and so is my bro. My fam is getting the hook up! Not really fair.....I still have to go somewhere to get my work done. Unless of course, it is on my legs.......

.....like this! Yes, I worked on my tat a bit last weekend. I was just really in the mood to get some more ink. I am around tattoos all the time, and never have the opportunity to get my own. I didn't do a whole lot, but I did add some shading to the original tattoo, and added more outline above the piece. I did the new outline stuff completely free hand, which was amazing. I hate tracing. Always have, even as a kid. Getting to grab the gun and go crazy was thrilling. *Ahem.....TATTOO gun, that is....*

Dad, if you see these pics.....yes, I "drew" on myself again. And, YES, those are my legs, despite what you may think. The last time you saw them, I must have been 9, so obviously I haven't maintained sticks as limbs over the years. I filled out. A lot. And discovered that I possibly have some sort of genetic disorder morphed by dinosaurs. I admit my legs have that "prehistoric reptilian" look. Shut up, its true.

My Jabber-Baby-Wocky!

2010-03-09T14:25:00.000-08:00

Never did I think at 20 years old I would be a workaholic.....well actually I'm not that surprised that it has come to this. I've been busy with three jobs and somehow still manage to update my blog. This first tattoo probably looks a little familiar. Thats because its the most recent picture of the very first tattoo I did. I worked on it a few weeks ago, adding more shading and color. It definitely looks more finished now. I'm happy, and so is my client. DONE.

The last image is my sisters second tattoo. We are going to go back in with shading and little bit of a stippling technique. Can't wait to finish it!

Other than that, I've done several small tattoos (when I can fit it in with my hectic schedule) including some on the foot and behind the ear. However, I cannot wait to start on some bigger projects I've got lined up; a few sleeves, a couple back pieces, and a thigh piece I started on a friend. FUN! Seriously...this is the best job ever. You know how exhilarating it is when your friend falls asleep and you write on their face with a sharpie? Thats my job!...Only, I get satisfaction AND money. Call me up if you want to pay me to hurt you. What a strange world it is we live in....

(detail)

Am I crazy?...yesh

2010-02-08T07:50:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, I've been quite busy lately. I started a new job a few weeks ago, and have been doing tattooing on the side. Did this one for my sis, Laura. The small design was something the both of us collaborated on after getting the basic idea from out of a book I had. The leafy/floral/viney motif is VERY Laura. She was happy with it, as was I. Hadn't ever done anything with a color outline before.

This tattoo is my own (just above my left knee). I decided that the time had come and I just better tough it out and give myself one. Hurt like a mother, but I think it was more of a mental struggle, rather than physical. My plan is to add to it and eventually have this leg mostly covered. Although, I think this tattoo is completed fairly well, I know that if I hadn't done it myself, or if it had been done on someone else, it would have turned out better. It was definitely hard to focus on executing the design correctly, while enduring pain that I was inflicting on myself. I really had to put my mind in another place, but remain conscious enough to concentrate on my work. One of the hardest things I've ever had to do mentally, physically, emotional......but I'd do it again (and will!)

New Year, New Ideas....

2010-01-04T10:21:00.000-08:00

I have some of my new work, as well as sketches from my current sketchbook and old high school sketchbook work, posted on flickr. Check it out here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kts_art

This year, I want to do more with unique Typography.
Also, here is an example of a new project I'm working on called "Post-it Art". I simply draw intricate designs on super tiny pieces of sticky paper (pretty much self-explanitory). I have more examples on flickr. I'm always doing little doodles and sketches on sticky notes, so I thought I'd have fun with it.

Tattooie

2010-01-04T10:06:00.000-08:00

The first tattoo of the new year is completed. A friend of my sisters wanted this piece done and gave me a challenge (its on her side, from armpit to hip). This is only my second tattoo, so it was definitely a big project. This pic was taken right after it was done, so once this piece is healed the colors will brighten up a bit. Its hard to tell, but the flowers are purple with white in the middle, and the tree has some hints of caramel brown.

Travel Posters-Graphic Design Final Project

2009-12-16T21:57:00.000-08:00

The project was to create three travel posters for the year 1929...only a bit more modernized. Each poster had to take place in a different city. I tried to incorporate some elements of Art Deco in all three, and I also used the same sunburst image in each to kind of tie them all together. I had much better ideas, but kind of got bored after a while. Bummer. And poor Rome got the worst of it. I did that one in like one hour. Not my best.....but where was my motivation? 1929 sucked no matter what country you were from. I guess that part was suppose to be challenging. However, it was not.

Let me know what you think. Thanks.

HEY-O!

2009-12-01T08:12:00.000-08:00

These are new little originals produced for Etsy. Simple, fun, and easy creations. More to come!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/katiemesser

Newbies and Newsies.....

2009-11-15T11:03:00.000-08:00

Here are a few new pieces I completed in the past week. I've decided to start an Etsy shop in attempt to make a little income. These two pieces are for sale, including a couple of prints of older pieces. I just started this shop, so it'll take another week or two before I can get more work posted, and also to give it time to see how well things are going to sell. I have a million ideas for new pieces and I'm really excited to get started on them, beginning this week. Feel free to take a look at my Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/katiemesser

I'll post more work as it comes and I will accept custom requests, also. Thanks!

If you don't know what Etsy is, you should definitely explore the site. Everything sold is either handmade or vintage! I love it.

Tattoo Class

2009-11-03T09:50:00.000-08:00

My friend Aimee and I have almost completed our Tattoo class. We both have been interested in tattooing since high school and we finally found someone who was willing to teach us all of the procedures including applying the art, and maintaining a clean and safe environment. While tattooing is an art most people still find "taboo", its actually a growing and demanding industry. Only the extremely talented and well experienced tattoo artists become successful, and there are so many out there that just buy a tattoo gun and go at it without any professional observation or hands on training, which can be very dangerous. Tattooing is also a field that is almost impossible to enter. Because work is competitive, many tattoo studios will hire an apprentice, make them do the dirty work for two years (and in some cases, make them pay) and won't teach them the correct process. That is why we were so fortunate to find a teacher who wants to pass along his knowledge to artists who are seriously interested in the profession.

We started out practicing on grapefruit, then moved to pumpkins (for Halloween), and last night Aimee decided to go for it and tattoo her leg! It was an incredible adrenaline rush, and so much more challenging than I ever thought. I'm determined to move forward and get some progress in before our final class, which involves a step by step process of applying a real tattoo.

I'm hoping all my training may lead to something successful or at least get my foot in the door. I lost my job at Rez yesterday, along with the rest of the night crew, after working there for two years, so I'm trying to stay optimistic. Wish me luck! I'll do my best to keep my progress updated. Here are some pics of my work so far:

The Mighty Ibex

2009-10-29T22:52:00.000-07:00

So this is a piece I did for my little brother, for his birthday. When I visited him last, he asked me to draw him something involving the ibex ( a goat with enormous horns and my brothers favorite animal), and to also include some sort of brutal/apocalyptic scene. He's 17...enough said. Well, after brainstorming, we came to the conclusion that the ibex should be beating the crap out of a shark; a completely ridiculous and impossible scenario. This drawing is about creativity, imagination, and a dash a rage I suppose. Violent, yes, but completely imaginary folks. Please do not find offense in this piece. It was for fun, for visual pleasure, and yes, to feed the young curiosity of my brothers very creative and inspiring mind. Its been so long since I've drawn up something using only my imagination and the vision inside my head. A very good exercise.

I hate cars....

2009-10-28T22:52:00.000-07:00

.....so I like this.

Def Space FINAL

2009-10-09T10:11:00.000-07:00

My Graphic Design teacher finally reviewed my logos and he felt that the original logo for "Defensible Space" was a little too conservative and thought that boxing in the text would not read well once resized. I took some of his advice and this was the result. He felt the new one is lightyears ahead of the older one. I like it too.

Solar Wind #2

2009-09-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

I had some extra time in class, so I did another logo for "Solar Wind". This version is very literal, what with the fan spiraling symbol and the wind through the text. I don't know if I like it any better or worse than the first version. The real idea behind this logo is that the company could use the logo with the text or leave it out, keeping the fan symbol as the image for their company.

Solar Wind #1

2009-09-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

This logo was created for a made up company called "Solar Wind", a corporation that makes solar collectors and wind generators. Its a work in progress. I'm still playing around with different ideas. I kind of feel like the name is too hard to read or something. Maybe I'm just thinking about it too much. Any who...I'm up for suggestion. Thanks!

Logo #1

2009-09-15T11:54:00.000-07:00

For my first assignment in my Graphic Design class, I created a logo for "Defensible Space", a company that clears mountain land in order to guard against forest fires. After this assignment is turned in, we are going to submit our designs to the actual company in hopes that one will be chosen as their new logo. I'm up for suggestions, questions, and advice. Let me know what you think!

Print #1

2009-09-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

I completed my very first print earlier this week and thought I'd share it with all of you. Its nothing spectacular, just a glimpse of the kind of stuff I will be producing in this class. Since it was my very first print, I didn't use great paper, but I thought it turned out well. This class is pretty hard core as far as work and clean up goes. The process is extremely messy (I love that aspect) and there are many steps to follow in order to do the process correctly. Just to give you a hint of what I mean, this is almost a 3 hour class, and all that I completed was this little tiny print. Yeah....
I enjoy it for the most part and I'm still learning. Better work will be produced and I will eventually know what the heck I'm doing. So for now, enjoy my first print. It may look like a 5 year old did it, and actually it reminds me a lot of what Rauschenberg would do, but I actually love it. It turned out exactly how I wanted it to and that's all the really matters.

Bad for the environment....Good for art

2009-08-31T22:34:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across a very unusual artist today. His expertise is creating art on Styrofoam cups. They're awesome....check it out.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/13895571@N04/sets/72157614580046629/

I almost forgot!

2009-08-28T10:58:00.000-07:00

This is a piece I've been working on this summer. The original idea began over a year ago when I read Shakespeare's "Hamlet" in my Literature class. This is just the basic image I got in my head while reading it. Its not quite done (like just about everything I do). Hope you like!

Ahh childhood...

2009-08-27T11:03:00.000-07:00

I was rummaging through all my art stuff this morning and stumbled upon one of my very first paintings. It has no date, so I don't exactly know how old it is but I'm pretty sure I was between the ages of 2 and 3. My aunt Patrice, also an artist, took care of me when I was very young so my mom could go to work. I remember she would lay out a bed sheet on her kitchen floor, strip me down to nothing but a diaper, give me a canvas and some paint and let me at it. The earliest memories I have of life is spending time with my aunt, painting, making a mess, swinging in a laundry basket in her back yard, and for some reason I remember eating a penny....
Good times. Well, here is one of those paintings. I'm pretty sure I still sign my name like this.

You'll be saying "WOW" everytime.....

2009-08-26T22:47:00.000-07:00

So, I realize that it has been a while since I've posted anything new, however, fall semester just began this week and I'm proud to announce that I am taking two art classes: Graphic design and Printmaking. In short, I will be getting LOTS of new work done soon. (For those of you who are interested, I am also taking French and Violin lessons. That's right, I've got an awesome schedule this semester.) I'll post new stuff asap, but in the meantime enjoy this......

...it really DOES sell itself.

More Mannies...

2009-07-22T10:58:00.001-07:00

Mannequin Project

2009-07-22T10:31:00.000-07:00

Just returned from a great trip to California. I was hired to come out and paint faces on mannequins that will be used for a new clothing boutique. The store "A La Mode" is scheduled to open in a few weeks and I have no doubt in my mind that it will be a success! I was very honored to be apart of the stores development and I hope to return once its open and running. It was definitely an unusual (whose ever heard of painting mannequins?) but amazing opportunity to work out there. I'll never forget it!

Project #1

2009-06-29T11:39:00.000-07:00

This project was about creating three postage stamp designs based on one theme. My theme, retro telephones, came out of no where. I was just messing around in Illustrator and somehow ended up with the orange telephone. I was able to use my Wacom tablet a lot on these three pieces, which is awesome because the last time I used it, I think, was a few Christmas' ago when I made my niece and nephew coloring books. If you don't have a Wacom, get one!

So, up until this project, I haven't seen any of the other students work. We have to do critiques for the Projects so I was able to catch a glimpse of some of the other work in the class. Yikes. Its almost like some of them didn't even try. I think this class is a blast! I feel like I'm catching on quickly. I used to believe that anyone could use programs like Photoshop and Illustrator, but I guess I was wrong. There is still a lot of artistic insight involved. I still have a lot to learn and I'm looking forward to it.

Illustrator-Assignment #3

2009-06-28T23:21:00.001-07:00

This assignment was a lot of fun. I had to select a musician and create a portrait of that musician using the lyrics from one of their songs. Obviously, I went with Johnny Cash (if you can't tell its him then I'd like to ask you to try to draw someone using only words-what now?) But really...I'm enjoying this class and I feel like I'm learning a lot. Oh and the lyrics I used are from his song "Hurt". Classic. I likey. K bye.

Assignments 1 & 2

2009-06-22T10:26:00.000-07:00

These are the first two assignments from my Illustrator class. I've worked a bit with Illustrator in the past and really enjoyed it. This class is accelerated so its pretty tough trying to stay on top of things.

Assignment #1: For this assignment, I was to create a logo of my name (I used my initials, KLM) using only shapes; circles, squares, triangles, etc. I liked the outcome, as did my teacher. He said that it seemed like I really knew what I was doing (I did not). Cool.
Assignment #2: This assignment was directed to help us learn how to use symbols. I had to create a landscape or cityscape, create three objects and turn them into symbols, then incorporate those symbols into the landscape or cityscape. The three symbols I made were the tree, flower, and cloud. The idea of a symbol in Illustrator is that you don't have to recreate one object numerous times. Instead, you make one and "stamp" it over and over again. Then you can make each symbol distinct; rotate it, make it smaller, etc. FUN.

Portrait Numero Dos

2009-05-24T09:48:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned a few posts ago, I'm working on more portraits this summer. The first one I did a couple months ago. I just did this one on a whim. Enjoy!

Heilman Project

2009-05-24T09:44:00.001-07:00

This image is a little small, but you get the idea. Just another family name someone ordered. I like to keep each one a little different from one another. For this one, I experimented with different colors. I don't think I've incorporated blue in any of the others. I liked the turn out.

Collage

2009-05-24T09:34:00.000-07:00

Finally, here is the collage I did in class. Obviously it is Ben Franklin themed. That just kind of happened; didn't plan on it. There is actually a second part of this collage. He's suppose to be holding the string of a kite and the string connects to the other half of the collage. The other half is pretty much a huge kite and I was going to add a real key, an old skeleton key, tied to the string and the kite (My mom's idea). In the end it didn't turn out how I wanted. I had to rush to get it done in time and it looked lousy. But, I like this first half. So...there ya go.

Perspective Assignment

2009-04-23T10:13:00.001-07:00

(Terrible photo, sorry)

So this is my drawing for the Perspective Assignment. I often don't do landscapes.....okay I never do landscapes, but I was kind of low on options. Perspective drawings usually involve a land or city scape....just because. I wasn't feeling too creative when I came up with the idea, but I do think it worked out in the end. There is a few things I feel I could have changed, and I'm going to. I promised my mom I would give this to her when it was completed and graded.......but.........instead, I decided to donate it to an auction with a very good cause. And, now that school is finishing up, I'm making a contract with my mom stating that I will draw her a new one, just for her (I have to do contracts, otherwise it will never happen; hence the mural I painted on the dining room wall, for my mom, that is now painted over, and all the bajillion other projects that I promise people, but never follow through because I have too much on my plate). Seriously folks, if you have or will receive a piece of my work ever in your lifetime, hold onto it for dear life. Not because its valuable or super original, but because I'm extremely weird about my artwork. I usually hate it and don't mind giving it to someone who will enjoy it, or I made something specifically for one person, and not my own enjoyment. You'll probably never see 75% of my work, because I'll never show it to anyone.....just ask my mother. I know its all psychological but I can't help it.

Moving on....I'd like to discuss my current project which is Collage. YESSSSS something I might actually enjoy and won't have to force myself to do! Anyway, its turning out pretty cool. I'm excited with the idea, colors, concept, etc. I'll update more on that when I can. Gotta goooooo......

Long over due...

2009-04-02T11:31:00.000-07:00

Wow, its been a while...well, here are a few recent sketches. I have lots more, just haven't had time to photograph them. My current project is working with color and I chose my subject to be a Madonna with a child. The sketch above was just an idea for the project. I ended up going a VERY different way......you'll see. I've actually done a lot of work on the Madonna. I'm not sure why, I guess just because it is a traditional image and I like to add my own twist on it. Eventually I'd like to paint a modern styled Madonna, just haven't decided how I want it yet. I think the worse thing about idea's is having too many of them. Having to compress all my thoughts and concepts down, leaving it simple, not over complicating a piece...its all very tricky. My Drawing teacher believes that anyone can become a great artist, yeahhh.....I think that's bull. I'm pretty sure that God-given talent has something to do with it.....or all to do with it. I'm not a great artist, and probably never will be. At least I enjoy what I do, and that's enough for me. I like to compare it to American Idol (I hate this show...probably more than America's Next Top Model...eh, maybe not). Okay, just because you can hit a note here and there, does NOT mean you should be rich and famous and sing for a living. Aren't we on like the 8th...9th season? Even if you were the one to win this year, it doesn't make you the best. Not by a long shot. These people are sad. I guess my point is that not everyone is an artist and certainly that not everyone can sing and not everyone can be rich and famous. That stuff doesn't even matter. Ugh....I wish people could see that.

Portrait #1

2009-03-06T12:48:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd start studying and practicing portraits. Its something I always feel I can improve on.

Portrait #1

Current Assignment

2009-03-03T12:21:00.001-08:00

My current drawing assignment is to work on this still life. We are learning the technique "chiaroscuro", which basically defines drawings in high contrast. Its actually a technique I'm very familiar with and love using. The word "chiaroscuro" is Italian and literally means "clear, bright" and "dark, obscure". This technique originated during the Renaissance and can be found in hundreds of paintings and drawings during that time and ever since. Masters like di Vinci, Rembrandt, and Caravaggio are most recognized for incorporating this style within their work. Wow, I'm beginning to sound like a textbook....

So this is my still life (already 5 hours into it). Its due tomorrow so I have to start hauling if I'm gonna get it turned in on time. I took a picture of the real view in class, so that I can work on it from home. I still have a looooong way to go. I'll post the completed version...umm sometime...eventually. I'm busy. Enjoy!

New Sketches

2009-03-03T12:06:00.001-08:00

These are a few new sketches I've worked on the past couple of weeks.

Bowwow-chica-bowwow

2009-02-23T19:36:00.000-08:00

Kittens, inspired by kittens @ Yahoo! Video

To Paint, or not to Paint....ehh probably not...

2009-02-13T10:24:00.000-08:00

I was recently going through all my old artwork trying to organize it and what not, when I realized that I haven't painted in two years! Holy crap has it been that long!? The last painting project I worked on was for a lady that I use to work with. She wanted a mural painted on her dining room table. I haven't even painted anything on my own time since then. I guess going through my old paintings from high school made me also realize that painting is hard work. It actually really sucks if you start a painting and never finish it. I believe I have a million of those piled up in my closet, just waiting to either be completed, or gessoed over for (eventually) new paintings. Painting is straining, time-consuming, and well...hard labor. No wonder I haven't done it in so long! Another mural I did two years ago took me over four months to complete. That probably lasted me up until now. Its crazy because I've taken several types of Art History classes and I've learned over and over about Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel mural. Heck...I've even seen it with my own eyes and can't believe how he ever completed it. It took Michelangelo over 4 years to finish the Chapel ceiling....and he returned over 25 years later to complete the nearly 68 foot wall climbing up to the Sistine ceiling, while in his late seventies. That is commitment. A few quotes of Michelangelo's I'd like to share, express exactly what I learn to live by every single day.

"I hope that I may always desire more than I can accomplish."

"A true work of art is but a shadow of divine perfection."

"Genius is eternal peace."

And my favorite, "I am still learning."

I thought I'd share a few old paintings I did three years ago. Good thing I have pictures of these, because one doesn't exist anymore, and the other I gave to my aunt as a gift. Also, I have very few paintings, I found. Even though it sucks and its hard work, I love it with all my heart. My goal is focus on my painting this summer.

24x30 in- Acrylic, RIP

14X18 in, Acrylic/Mixed Media

I'm not so clever when it comes to titles...

2009-02-12T16:53:00.000-08:00

Here are some recent sketches from my Drawing class. The one above is a gesture exercise we did in the first day of class. The one below is just a quick drawing for my sketchbook, and the last one is our current assignment. The assignment is to draw a self-portrait but only by using or representing the planes of our facial features. Does that even make sense? Well, the one below is just my practice portrait that I did in class last Monday. I'll eventually post a pic of the complete final product.

P.S. I think this is so hilarious. I look like a combination of the Thing and a Transformer. It also resembles the robot that Steve Urkel builds to look like himself....haha

P.S.S. I hate self-portraits.

Idk...

2009-02-09T23:37:00.000-08:00

A friend sent this to me and I just thought it was hilarious. If you can't understand why, then maybe you and I shouldn't be friends....

Bored

2009-02-04T14:54:00.000-08:00

I was sick and missed school on Monday so to make up for it I drew this still life for my sketchbook conference today. Its not much, but it turned out pretty good considering how awful I felt when I drew it. I don't know how I'm liking this Drawing class. I'm not sure I'll be getting much out of it. Maybe I'm just bored....

Outside Work

2009-01-30T23:10:00.001-08:00

12x18 in on Watercolor Paper

Here are some projects I've been working on outside of school. The one above is a piece I did for a friend. I meant to get it done by Christmas, but....I just finished it this week. The two below are from the recent journal I've been experimenting with. Ever since I took a class in high school, called Artist Journal, I've been really interested in mixed media and collages (something I get from my mom). I haven't had a ton of time to add to this new journal, but here are a few examples of what I have done.

Cover:

Inside of Journal, just a doodle:

Sketchy-Sketch-Sketch

2009-01-29T12:06:00.000-08:00

So now that my Drawing class is taking off, I thought I'd share a few sketches from our lesson yesterday. In a nut shell, I know everything being taught in class. It is after all only Drawing 1, and back in High School I took just about every art class that was offered. Also, I took 2-D Design last year, which is a good foundations course for the Drawing class I'm taking now. My teacher asked me about my previous experience and told me that my knowledge of art was showing. That felt pretty good to hear, but my goal isn't to be teachers pet. I do hope to excell both in my knowledgability and skill in Drawing. That's what was most frustrating for me in my Figure Drawing class last semester. I didn't feel like my work had much growth from beginning to end. I did see some improvement, but as an artist the goal is always to do "better". I think that by reinstalling some of the basic understanding of Drawing techniques, I may actually build up on my abilities.
The sketch below is my first attempt to compose a cross contour drawing. It was done in class. We had to face our partner and draw each other.
This other sketch is a blind contour drawing. I just thought it was funny. And it really did kind of look like the guy I was drawing. Sad...

Oh no....

2009-01-24T19:38:00.000-08:00

Yeah...I have a problem. Turns out that taking on five classes and adding another day to work is harder than I thought. What a horribly busy week! My Drawing teacher is a nut job, my Photoshop teacher is clueless, and I'm taking 4 online classes at two different online schools. WTF was I thinking?! To top it all off, I spent the night at Mandy's this whole week because her parents were out town and I was helping take care of her effing dogs! I woke up the other day and their was freaking doggie diarrhea spray at the foot of the bed. I haven't slept all week!
In conclusion, this is gonna suck.

WELL....

2009-01-19T22:58:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I start school back up. I guess I wanted to write a little something in case I find that I have no more time for this crazy thing. I knew that the next three months were going to be rough, so I basically did nothing today. It was pretty awesome, especially since I was recovering from a 9 1/2 hour shift at work yesterday....exhausting! I normally don't like adding shifts to my schedule since I go to school full time, but for some reason my tuition and books cost WAY more than they have in the past semesters. I had to buy some lame laboratory kit for my Geology class. I get to the bookstore and all I find is a huge box. I ask someone if this is the thing I need for my class and the lady tells me that inside the box are some DVD's and rocks. I asked her if she was kidding me, because there was no way I was about to pay $120 for a box of rocks. Unfortunately, she was correct. I did buy a $120 box of rocks today....and to tell you the truth, I died a little inside. The sales lady afterward thanked me for not exiting the fire escape door. I don't know how this relates to what I mentioned before, I just thought it was hilarious that anyone would actually leave through a big red door with a funny looking handle on it that reads "FIRE".
ANNNNND I'm off to bed so.....good night.

MY PRECIOUS!

2009-01-13T10:23:00.000-08:00

I officially decided to never have kids....I was at Starbies (starbucks) yesterday and had my ipod out for two seconds. I set it down, went for my HOT coffee, but missed......POURING it ALL over my ipod touch screen! OHH OHHH DEAR LORD! I froze! Just staring at the massacre I told Mandy to GETSOMEFREAKINNAPKINSRIGHTNOWWWWWW! She came back with like two.....I was panicking! Of course I had like three screen protectors and a case on it, making it almost impossible to break it off and get to the scorching liquid filling underneath the creases of the case. Mandy just kept saying....stop shaking..stop shaking! I told her that she didn't understand, because she doesn't have children of her own. To my unbelievable luck...the ipod was FINE! the several layers of screen protectors saved my baby! It still makes me sick talking about it....seriously, I couldn't sleep last night.
This is when I decided that it would be a good thing if I never had human babies. Had this little incident happened to my computer...results would have been fatal. I'm just waiting for the day that my computer slips out of my hands...or snaps in half...or spontaneously combusts. But, I guess its you risk you have to take as a parent....

Cash Moneys...

2009-01-08T14:42:00.001-08:00

Since Christmas, I have been doing some personal monogram designs, as well as last names, and giving them as gifts. They have been so popular, however, that I have already began selling them. My mom asked me to make one for her boss' family and her boss' mother requested another and three more since, which is great since I've been needing some extra money before spring semester begins. Projects like these are so awesome because I'm actually benefiting from doing what I love. Its cool for other people too because they can buy a personalized gift without it really costing them. I've really been interested in the structure and design of fonts and typography progressively within the last year. These monogram projects allow me to explore and experiment with new sorts of composition and style which helps me progress with my visual perspective. I hope to continue with these types of projects throughout the year, as well as my card making. I don't know about you, but it seems these days birthday cards, anniversary cards, etc., are so lame! They're expensive too! I'm not gonna waste $3.50 on a piece of paper that expresses what someone else wrote, especially when the person I'm giving the card to is just going to throw it away. I'm not a fan, that's all I'm saying. I'd much rather make a card that which expresses my personal thoughts and creativity. And if they throw it away after, it may crush me a little, but at least I didn't loose money. I'm cheap like that I guess. We'll...that is all.
Oh wait...also, this first image really is someone's last name. It's probably one of the most ridiculous things I have ever agreed to do, especially since all 13 (YES, 13!) letters are drawn by hand and are not copied or duplicated. Yeah...100% handcrafted my friends! You get the point...

New Years Shmoo Ears....

2009-01-01T12:38:00.000-08:00

This is a list of my New Years resolutions that I "plan" on keeping up with. I figure that if I have a lot of resolutions, then chances are I ought to stick to at least one....??? Maybe....

1. Save $3000- I plan on going to Europe again sometime in the future.
2. Get a car- I haven't had a car in over two years. I think its time I get one.
3. Move out- this WILL happen
4. Graduate from college- I'm almost done anyway...
5. Read more- I never have the time these days.
6. Picture-a-day project- This is a project I started on two years ago and never followed through. I will update you on more of that later.
7. Learn a new language
8. Grow my hair out- Something I haven't done in 5 years
9. Get a tattoo- I'm so picky...I decided that I must finally get one.
10. Find a new job or internship- I gotta leave the rubber gloves and toilet plunger behind...
11. Relearn how to play the violin- My first passion. I learned when I was in 5th grade and haven't picked up a violin since. I miss it.
12. Make movies with Cheyenne- We always come up with silly ideas...
13. Cleansing diet- Not to loose weight....just to, ya know...cleanse.
14. Less t.v.- I really don't watch much of it now, but once I went 3 months without any t.v. and it was awesome.

Okay that's it for now. I'll probably add more when I think of them. Ciao!

Goodbye ohh ate

2009-01-01T12:28:00.000-08:00

Sayonara 2008! The last day of the year had a beautiful sunset that I was lucky enough to capture.

Our Day in Denver

2008-12-31T16:34:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, my friends and I spent the whole day in Denver. First, we spent a few hours at the Denver Art Museum, then we had a late lunch at Paris on the Platte, and lastly we went shopping in Boulder. Here are some pics from our day:

Final Pieces

2008-12-17T12:07:00.000-08:00

These are the final pieces for my Figure Drawing class:

Masters Copy

2008-12-03T23:14:00.000-08:00

For one of our assignments a while back, we were to find a drawing done by one of the famous Master artists, and copy it. I chose to use a Michelangelo sketch. The first picture below is his original, and the second is my attempt to duplicate it.

New Model....Finally!

2008-12-03T11:58:00.000-08:00

On Monday we finally got a new model. Yes, another female. She was probably the most outspoken model we've had yet, in fact it was all we could do to get her to shut up! I think she mentioned having four cups of coffee before class....bad idea when you have to sit still for three hours. In all fairness though, she was probably the best model so far. I think the coffee might have added a little kick in her posing skills. The best way to describe her would be.....the little mermaid. The scene where Ariel is washed up ashore and wraps herself up in the big canvas tarp, is exactly what our model looked like when she showed up late to class. She forgot a robe that day, so instead she took her skirt and pulled it up under her armpits. Hilarious, yet awkward. Plus she had long red hair, which was another thing interesting because most of our models put their hair up. Whatever, it made the drawings unique.

The Final Four

2008-11-29T20:58:00.000-08:00

As part of our final for the class, we are required to create four colored drawings involving some type of unique technique. I have started working on one so far, maybe two...I don't know yet. I have used a coffee staining and pastel technique that I learned in my 2D design class from last spring. The more I experiment with it, the more I like it. In fact, I have even worked with it on the side for Christmas presents....but more of that later. This is, although not quite complete yet, one of my final four pieces:

I will have a better, more clear picture once this is complete:

Again with the bad crop job....this is just another colored drawing I did while in class:

Self-Portrait Assignment

2008-11-29T20:49:00.000-08:00

For the third assignment in class, we were to draw a self-portrait, however there was more to it. It had to include at least three-fourths of your body, throw in some sort of foreshortening aspect, AND draw an x-ray, styled, skeletal feature as well. Don't worry, we didn't have to be naked in the portrait, but a freaking skeleton?? Come on?! Well, I was more than unhappy with the outcome of this assignment, so I have chosen NOT to include a picture of it. Maybe later...we'll see how I feel about it.

A familiar face.....and behind

2008-11-29T20:33:00.000-08:00

This may surprise you, but it is VERY hard to find people to pose nude for art classes. I find that strange....I mean, who wouldn't? Great atmosphere, you can be your own boss, you only work two days a week, AND you get paid the big bucks! Seriously though, these people don't get paid squat and I can't find any real reason why anyone would do this. I say this because we have to have the same models rotate every few weeks. Here are some more drawings from the previous models:

Model #1:

Model #1:

Yeah, I know...terrible lack of cropping, Model #3:

Model #3:

Model #4

2008-11-29T20:17:00.000-08:00

Model #4 was also young, but was our third female model. She was extremely nervous at the beginning, but once she broke out of her shell a little, she really got into the posing. She has some dancing background, so a lot of times she is able to be in uncomfortable poses for longer periods of time. I have a few drawings I've done that I have liked primarily because of the view from which I drew from.

The drawing below was one of the most uncomfortable for me. As you can see I am LITERALLY standing over her while she sits relaxed in a chair. This was actually my teachers idea. He is always moving my easel around the room, trying to find the most interesting perspective for me to draw from. I think the weirdest thing for me when I drew this was feeling like the whole class was staring at me, watching my every move. I was directly under the lights, along with the model. For the first time, I saw what it was like for the models to be the center of attention. Intimidating much?!

Model #3

2008-11-29T19:12:00.000-08:00

The third model for my Figure Drawing class was also the first (and only) male model we had. He was a college student, young and well fit. I think, for some reason, all my drawings of him turned out better than the female models, maybe because the females had more going on...hips, breasts, curves, etc. It was cool having a young model because he was able to do more interesting poses. For example, one day we tilted two platforms on their sides, and put a box on top of those for Max (the model) to sit on. He sat about six feet off the ground and was so high up there that the spotlights were below him. Everyone in class sat of the floor and looked up towards him to get an extreme view, which is what we are always looking for. Here are some of the first drawings of Max.

This is the one I mentioned from above:

He was really falling asleep here:

I think this one looks like a Spider-Man pose:

Model #2

2008-11-29T19:05:00.000-08:00

Our second model was Carol and she was quite the character. The best way to describe her would be a weird, skinny, cat-faced type lady. Yeah...Carol liked her cat-eye make-up a whole lot. She was oddly friendly and I think at times she must have forgotten that she was nude. At the end of twenty to thirty minute drawings, she would walk around the room and check out what everyone had done, sometimes not realizing she hadn't yet put her robe back on. I don't have any pictures of my drawings of Carol, but I will post them up soon.

Model #1

2008-11-29T16:22:00.000-08:00

The first model for my class wasn't at all what anyone would expect. She is about five feet tall and is easily well into her sixties. A very quiet and plump woman; fragile and sweet, yet bold and daring. I can't help but feel awful for her, being that it is freezing in the art room at times, so much that I can barely grasp my piece of charcoal without my fingers shattering like icicles...and I am fully clothed with a jacket and scarf! Any who, Jackie (the model) is without a doubt a trooper. I don't ever think I will have the confidence to stand nude in a room with nothing but a spotlight and twelve art students focusing in on my every flaw, but I do often wonder why an elderly woman chooses to apply herself in this type of field. Whatever the reason may be, I still give her credit. That lady's got balls (not literally). Here are a few earlier drawings I've done of her. Enjoy!

Figure Drawing Class, Assignment #1

2008-11-29T15:54:00.000-08:00

The following work has been completed during my Figure Drawing class over the fall semester. This is only my second studio art class, but its definitely coming along and I enjoy it very much.

For assignment #1, I had to draw a bottle in three different views, then draw four hands and four feet, both with some sort of foreshortening feature. All in all, there is a total of eleven drawings for assignment #1, however I have only posted a few of them.