Back on the Trail

Being a dad and an illustrator and working part-time to support my family (and my illustrating habit) can lead to times when art has to take a backseat. My son has reached a point in his life where he still needs supervision but is finding his own independence.

Summer finale - Father and son trip to Gencon 50! Hitchhiking sasquatch approves!

It won't be long before he's not going to want to hang with dear old dad. Now that the summer has ended it is time to get back to my raison d être. 

The hard part was simply remembering where I had left off. I knew that I had certain projects I was working on but remembering the priority order was troublesome. There are potential portfolio pieces, time sensitive art, and time-intensive projects and I had the order all figured out before summer started. 

This week was about getting back into the groove. 

Thankfully, it only took a week! It's one thing to have a break when you have only one job. But the rest of life kept going and while I was still drawing, it wasn't to the same degree. 

The good thing about all of this is that I now feel more energized. When I have breaks my mind comes back more motivated and while this wasn't a break from everything, it was a chance to recharge. 

New art is on the horizon and I am so excited to meet it!

Spare Time?

What do I enjoy in my spare time? Aside from watching Science Fiction or Anime (about sci-fi) I have been playing Star Wars X-Wing Miniatures by Fantasy Flight Games.

I haven't been serious enough about it to play competitively. I don't think my skills are that good. But it is a fun take on turn-based combat. I particularly enjoy the non-linear aspect. Players can choose where to go based on the maneuvers of other ships on the board. Out maneuvering your opponent for the best attack with Star Wars themed ships and weapons is amazingly fun. 

I love being able to share stories of flying a tricked-out B-wing through an asteroid field to attack an Imperial Shuttle and its escorts. 

What I have also discovered is that it is fun to paint the miniatures too. Like this Jolly Roger-themed B-wing. The miniatures are only a few inches long (most are 1/270) so the level of detail is impressive and painting is a challenge.

I have a few other ships that I have painted as well but those are for another post. 

Seems I am never far from my strength!

Can't Stand Not To...

I am a big fan of Anime and the Macross series in particular. I have had the fortune of viewing all of the series and often ideas crop up that resonate with me.

In the latest series, Macross Frontier, the character Alto wonders aloud why people sing or try to fly. Another character, the superstar singer, tells him it's obvious. They can't stand not to.

For artists, this is the exact nature of what keeps us working long hours into the night chasing an elusive brush stroke or embellishment. It is built into the atomic structure of who we are. But, on a larger scale, I think it is also a human trait. There is something that keeps us looking for the next big thing whether it is the latest cell phone, a cure for a fatal disease, or the top of the world's tallest mountain. We simply can't stand not to try.

Not trying is stagnation.

Those who love artists probably understand this best of all. Our families see the pain and triumph and while they might not always understand why, they accept that it is a part of what makes artistic people who they are.

Spent

I am currently absorbing a host of things that have taken place recently. The most shocking and concerning was the news that my sister had a stroke. I can't keep all the details straight in my head but I know that she's talking more each day and can stand on her own. She lost the use of her right hand but with therapy it will get better.

I am the oldest of the five children in my immediate family and she is next. It was a total surprise and we're all reeling a bit. I know that she's getting great care and attention from the family who remained in California but, having moved to Ohio several years ago, it is hard being so far away.

The doctors say that the fact that she is a musician really helps in terms of her recovery. Still, it has to be hard to find yourself so limited. I couldn't imagine what I would do if I lost the use of my hands since they are so important to what I do.

She's tough and stubborn (my mother says it's a family trait) so that will carry her through.

Is This Thing On?

Lately I have been hearing a lot about the power of patrons and support. I recently read an article that described how artists need about 1000 True Fans to support you. These are the die-hard fans who pay anything to support your work.

That led me to wonder if I had any fans. Family included (and I have a BIG family) I figure there are maybe a few dozen. so for all of you I say THANK YOU!

I don't do the work specifically to please you but I am happy you're watching when I do produce art.

Don't be a stranger. Say hi once in a while and let me know what you think.