“If you’re going through hell, keep going.”

– Winston Churchill

I am working with an amazing doctor who is currently writing a children’s book. His name is Dr.E. I am confident it will help some of those in need and I am proud to be a part of it. Some of the stories I hear are regarding young children. Most of which have known virtually no childhood to speak of. I could not imagine what it’s like going through this, or in Dr. E’s case, being the person who has made a career out of helping these individuals. God bless them all.

Today was about as close as I ever came to NOT posting a sketch. I spent the better part of the day in bed. Feeling crappy with nice weather outside just sucks. Anyway, this is a five minute get-one-done sketch. I hope you enjoy it.

I judged a scholastic art show tonight with two other accomplished judges. I was blown away by the display of talent from the children. It was nothing short of inspirational.

I was going to put a bowler hat on this guy. I wanted to look more human than dog. I changed my mind at the last moment. I still think he looks more human than dog anyway.

Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.
– Jim Rohn

I am not bragging when I tell you I have  seven years of college education. That equates to two associates and one bachelors degree. If I collected all the knowledge I gained in those years (minus the incredible art history lessons I received), I believe I could have taught myself the same stuff in a week. Okay, maybe a month. The point is, unless you are being taught specific techniques and exercises, the rest is all bullshit (sorry, Mom). My college professors were a bunch of windbags. I bet you half of them were stoned when they walked into class. They certainly talked like it. I remember one “professor” had us paint a still life for ten minutes, then trade places with person next to us, flip our canvas’, and paint the same still life over the one we just painted. Apparently, his pot was particularly potent that day.

If I were to teach, and I am considering it, I would teach the same way Mr. Steve Perkins taught us in high school. Technique and heroes. That is, learn a specific technique and find a hero that you like who is famous – or not so famous for using that technique and write a biography about him, copy one of his pieces, then use the same technique on a piece of your own.

f**k drawing what you feel like. That comes after you know all the rules. You have to know them to break them. Pablo Picasso was an accomplished, classically trained painter in his teens. Need I say more?

Okay, so I’m a traditionalist at heart, so sue me.