Day 288

I know it's a little cheesy, but I love Las Vegas. They say that Disneyland is the happiest place on Earth, but I respectfully disagree; my choice is Vegas.

There's a lot to be said about the commercialization of the Strip. Hell, even "old Vegas" - Freemont Street - barely retains its original charm because of the ceiling, complete with giant video screens. But I'll still take it. I love to stroll the street and imagine running into Frank or Sammy or Dean stumbling out of a casino...drink in hand and a woman or two on their arm!

So, this is my tribute to one of my favorite places. I sure hope I can get back there soon...

#288 August 4, 2011,  Prismacolor on paper

Day 200

As I look back over the past 200 self-portraits, one thing that strikes me is a distinct lack of color. (That's part of why it's here today.)  A bit of an explanation: I would dearly love for each piece to be a fully realized work of art. But in reality, I simply don't have several hours each day to devote to making the artworks in this series.

Fortunately, one of the unspoken goals of this project is being met: while making an artwork each day, my drawing skills are getting better and better. I realize this sounds like an little amateurish statement, but every artist should strive to improve their skills each and every day, whether they are a hobbyist or a Michelangelo. 

I know I've mentioned this before, but something that has come as a welcome surprise is the fact that many of these self-portraits have become "sketches" for larger scale artworks.  I like the ideas that this one is giving me...

#200 May 8, 2011,  Watercolor and colored pencil
Sounds: Pearl Jam, rearviewmirror (Greatest Hits 1991-2003)

Day 146

It's that time of year again: baseball teams are in Spring Training gearing up for a fresh new start. In theory, every team has an equal chance of finding success. With the disparity in team payrolls, it's clear that this will never again be the case, but each season seems to find a unique club that defies the odds and becomes the story of the year.

To me there's something very special about the game of baseball. I never was a great player, but I love the game. I love the way a baseball feels in my hand - it just feels natural for some reason. I love to watch a third baseman make a diving stab down the line and rifle the ball across the diamond to get the runner by less than half a step. I love to see a curve ball that breaks so much that it appears to have been affected by supernatural forces. And I love to watch a centerfielder run an impossible distance to make a dazzling play for the final out of an inning, only to be the first batter when the team comes to the plate.

To me, there are two only two sports seasons: baseball season, and the time that I'm waiting for baseball season to begin.

#146 March 15, 2011,  Pen and colored pencil
Sounds: Avett Brothers, Mignonette

__________

Happy Birthday to Juliet Gayle -
I hope you had a fantastic birthday!!

Day 144

This drawing started out the same as so many others have, with my expression appearing somewhat sour. As I've said so many times, it's simply easier to maintain a frown than a smile for the time it takes to make a complete drawing.

Then something very nice happened: my lovely gal made me smile. And that smile remained. The drawing had to be altered midway through, but that was definitely not a problem. I think this self-portrait now looks a little more like "me" anyhow.

So thank you Shana, for putting a smile on my face. And happy birthday, baby...

#144 March 13, 2011,  Pen and colored pencil

Day 113

I'm not particularly fond of the candy that comes from these kind of dispensers. In fact, I find it a little disgusting the way it appears to emerge from a slit throat!

It's fun to get reacquainted with an "old friend," in a manner of speaking.  I recently mentioned how much I love working with Prismacolor colored pencils. I've been a fan for years, and it always feels nice to use them after a time away.

I wish I had taken two scans of this self-portrait: one with, and one without the orange background. I initially had the face and "body" finished, at which point I contemplated what my next move would be...or if the drawing was simply completed. I chose to add the additional color to surround what was already finished - and it popped! The orange was a good choice...

#113 February 10, 2011,  Colored pencil
Sounds: Avett Brothers, I and Love and You

Day 61

Today was a difficult day to draw. I spent the better part of the day fighting with a confusing electrical wiring diagram, to no avail. So as evening became night, the last thing I really wanted to do was draw. Ironically, this is actually the third drawing I did in the sitting. While I can't say that I'm terribly pleased with the result, it IS better than the other two!

I will say, however, that it was fun to work with the silver pencil on black paper. Even though I don't feel that I achieved the overall effect I was shooting for, the process was interesting.

#61 December 20, 2010,  Prismacolor colored pencils on black paper

Sounds:  Frank Zappa, Sheik Yerbouti



Day 58

As I've said before, I really love using colored pencils, although I rarely seem to use them much anymore. And using them on colored paper is even better.

Although our styles are slightly different, I have noticed a bit of a parallel in my work with that of my friend Nora Othic, as well as one of her influences Wayne Thiebaud.  Nora enjoys adding an unexpected color - perhaps a bright pink or orange - that would not occur under normal circumstances.  As I neared completion of this drawing, I realized that something was missing.  Sure, the portrait looked fine and I was happy with it for the most part, but it just didn't "pop." 

That all changed when I added the bright green outline!  When doing this sort of thing, however, it's important to add a bit of the color elsewhere to create a sense of unity.  Upon closer inspection, viewers will find touches of that same green in the hair and in shades of the skin tone.

And for those with a discerning eye: yes, I got a haircut...

#58 December 17, 2010,  Colored pencil (Prismacolor) on paper

Day 13

It was a nice change of pace to use some color today. I'm a big fan of working monchromatic and the red-violet pencil is one of my favorite colors. So I suppose it's no wonder that my expression changed a little as well!

#13 November 2, 2012,  Prismacolor
Sounds: U2, Achtung Baby