More writing, more to come.

I've also been writing some little pieces in dialogue format.
I've been exploring a single topic and peeling it apart via two characters, a setting that isn't explicitly stated and an attempt to be esoteric by adding a poetry undercurrent which tries to encapsulate the whole piece.

Take a look at those here...

Back on Track

Finally worked out the issues with outdoor durability in the nests. Nowyou can set a 25 pound weight on top and they are solid.

I've been slow to get the improved versions out due to an in sane schedule but they are moving.


In the mean time I've also been working some ink drawings which are turning out pretty good. The practice is really improving my skill in a single finicky media.
I've also noticed my visualization skills going off the chart which is really helping in drawing from memory and the design process.

Production Failure

It happens to everybody. You create a cool thing like my bird nests. Those are great. People love them. Some buy them (read: actual love, not "they look cool").

I sent a few out the door thinking I had all the kinks worked out but when I weather tested one of the current batch I was...less that satisfied. It became mostly structurally unsound for something that is supposed to be a habitat.

Tonight I tried a couple different things which I think will solve the issue but I'll also be pushing past a mere fix and expanding my range and knowledge of the tools I use to make these things so it doesn't happen again.

Here's a couple from the new prototype batch.

When I get these things up to outdoor standards I will send out new pieces to those of you who've already got them. Free of Charge.

As for the batch you guys already have, enjoy, just know you will get significant structural degradation as long as they are thoroughly saturated with water.
I apologize profusely for anyone who has already had this happen and know that I am fixing it.

Thanks everybody for you patience!

Cheers

Movement.

A bit more on style. I know many of you are saying Hey, this guy's all over the place. Can't he just conform to a style?

The answer is NO.

I'm all over because my brain is all over. I work hard to master each of the styles I post about and I will not say that this blog encompasses my limits. I can work in any way my brain tells me makes sense and then put in the effort to make the ideas into real work.

I do however, have recurring themes to which I tend to hew Movement being one. I also tend to like nature themes because people stress me out but that's neither here nor there.

Let's try this:

1. Movement
2. Humor
3. Nature
4. Political commentary

If I can combine two or more of these in a piece then I will be happy.
As a practical matter, if you are stuck in a creative rut, make an assignment for yourself that has several themes. You'll probably like the challenge and you creative brain will thank you for the effort.

Cheers

A couple more. Pet portrait, Ink drawing

So, finally knocked out a couple more pieces that have been marinating in my brain.

 This pet portrait was challenging to say the least. I talked a bit about the process in a previous post but the final drawing really made me want to toss it in the trash.

After checking in with the client, I'm glad I didn't.
I think the issue was not only cumulative stress but that in my head I thought I was going to do this one in the style of my previous composite.

This turned out to be nearly impossible, at least for me, though not as an executable style, I just haven't mastered breaking down fur into believable shapes yet.
So I worked this in pencil like I would a painting, with many colors that don't really register to the eye unless you're looking for them.

The second is a development from the Sandhill Crane I just completed.

I stippled nearly the whole thing before adding several layers of light ink wash to finish it off. 

The goal for this piece as with the crane was movement. Of course the photo kind of mutes that effect but you should get the idea when you read, I hope. 

I think I'll re-shoot to get rid of the reflected light areas which dampen the black on the right third.