Dancing Minotaur

This is also #100 out of my Sketchbook series. It was just a fun little doodle about the infamous Minotaur- the legendary Greek character that lived in the Cretan Labyrinth. I'm not exactly sure why I made him dance but why not?

Characters to draw from.

Just some of the characters one meets in a lifetime. Amazingly interesting people and just as equally interesting to sketch.

Summer people.

I love seeing some of the outrageous wardrobes on some people, especially during the summer months. Every now and then an outfit just stands out. It leaves an impression that's tough to shake and as someone who loves to see this and documenting them, it's a guilty pleasure of mine to draw.

Subtle tribute to my dad.

This is what I picture happening in Heaven right now.

Another take on vampires.

No particular thought here other than another one of my takes on Dracula or any other vampire. It just started out as a set of spooky eyes, then it morphed into the vampire ears, the shoulders, and then the ragged cape. I'm not so sure about the Colonel Harlan Sanders' Kentucky colonel bow tie though.

The drudgery.

So many times people are stuck with their every day grind and routine that they wear it like a heavy burden. It shows in their poor posture, the droop in their arms, their long drawn out expressions, and just the way they carry themselves in general. I tried to capture that mood in this sketch as I also remind myself never to be in that mode. Life's too short to have a miserable outlook on life.

Opportunities realized.

I posted this photo and the following text to my Facebook page a few weeks back when my dad passed away:

Earlier today, my dad went upstairs to be with my mom and God. Since coming to Canada in 1954 with $10 in his pocket, he had worked tirelessly to not only raise our family but to raise his seven nephews and nieces in rural China. I never knew him to take a day off of work from his 10 hour a day, six days a week, 50 weeks a year job nor did he ever complain of his job. He gave me my life, my morals, a work ethic and an ability to fend for myself. He supported my artistic endeavors from early on and imparted his sharp business acumen to me over the years. My dad was an inspiration and lived an epic life.

My mom called him home for dinner and he answered the call this time

Knowing what and where he came from, I really have a greater appreciation of the man now. He raised me and will forever be a guiding force with regards to how I live my daily life and how I'll chart my career.

My dad will be missed but his spirit lives on within me every day.

Diversity

One of the best things about America (as we just got done celebrating its Independence Day) is its diversity of people. I've always been a fan of drawing oddball crowd scenes like this- whether they're waiting at the airport, bus stop, in line at the neighborhood deli, or wherever.

Happy Independence Day

Iconic Uncle Sam sketch in the wee hours of the morning. My doodle will never be anywhere near the classic James Montgomery Flagg Uncle Sam painting in grandeur and stature.

1980's style throwback

Just for kicks, some oddball late 1980's grid work, circles and styling. Toss in a little bit of shmarmy and I think we're there.

Centaur in motion

This centaur sketch is a subtle homage to Ray Harryhausen who passed away recently. He was a very young 92 when he passed. He was a man with a vision and a way of making thing believable for the masses. He could imagine the impossible and make them move. I met him a few times over the years and he'll always be an inspiration to me not just with his talent but his happy-go-lucky personality.

Art school kids

Based upon what I see waiting at the shuttle stop at CCS nearly every day, these are typical sort of art school kids. They're fashionable and yet practical; a little stand offish and a little unsure of themselves with regards to their talents. Tackle boxes full of supplies, large pads of paper, and a little enthusiasm goes a long way in art school.

Sophia Pappas' prints & such

I just have to pimp & promote one of my students here. This is just some of Sophia Pappas' amazingly gorgeous prints that she's been pulling as of late. She's a recent grad, talented, driven, and hungry to help anyone out on their projects. Go check out her stuff at: http://sophiamariepappas.com/

The Desperado

The urban desperado- complete with glitzy vest.

A giant of a day

What did the villagers in fairy tales ever do with the giants they killed? I can't imagine how long it would take to de-compose- and are giants good eating??