Hello everyone! I have had several requests of which I will address in this blog post...one request was to see Pedro in his hat! I mentioned several weeks ago that I finally figured out how to get the poor boy in a sombrero...well - here he is!

Folks have also been asking when I might get around to making another video. So...here it is!

I have been having great fun with a super cheap digital camera I found for $8 bucks! Hilarious! It doubles as a web cam...as you can see. I think I might use it for my character animations if I ever get around to it. It is only about 1.5"x2" big, so it is very easy for me to carry around in my pocket and be wierd with...and I tend to lean toward spontaneous wierdness! You will have to jump over to the photography page and check out the photo slide show with some of my favourite photos that I have taken! I have had great fun capturing the things that I always see and try and take mental pictures of...now I can just be mental and take pictures!

The next request was to get a peek at the painting that I did while on my en plaine aire adventure (see post 7/18). Well, I need to get it back to Studio 8 to put some finishing touches on it, but here it is!

You might notice that in the background there is not a fire truck to be seen...that is because they had to go! Once I finish the painting in the studio, I will post it in the gallery for all to see. I had a great day, enjoyed talking to the people that stopped to chat, and managed not to pass out from the heat. Although the back of my legs are a bit pink! I'm happy to say that I only suffered one minor industrial hazmat accident when the wind blew my turp and liquin all down the front of my shorts. If that wasn't bad enough, when I went to wipe it off, I managed to smear oil paint all down the front leg in a lovely colour of orange. Oh well! One more pair of painting pants can't hurt!

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Until next time - ROCK ON!

Hello everyone!

I hope everyone had a very festive and happy 4th of July! I personally took some time out to go camping and take in the fresh air, as well as a very emotional and dedicated tribute to our vets that have served and are serving. The fireworks mixed with music and messages from our troops and political leaders was very touching. I know that I am so very thankful, as well as sad, for our troops that serve and allow us the freedoms we enjoy. It makes me very sad to think of all the loss of life that happens in our world everyday, but when it occurs as an aimed act of violence, it particularly makes me very weary.

OK! As promised...please meet Plunky Pinkerton! My latest character development in my series of the moment. She is a very mischievious little girl, that enjoys sweets and yo-yo tricks. She is not very pretty, but her personality and sense of humor make up for that!

I have one more character that I am working on (a mad scientist!)...and then I am going to turn my attention to set building and props! I think this will be just as much fun! I have also been making a list of character requests! For those of you that have e-mailed me...what fun! By the way...Pedro now has a new hat! I figured out how to make him his own little sombreo!

I have very much enjoyed everyone's comments, but have also really enjoyed watching people interact with the characters. It is fun to see how they begin to associate little plot lines and stories about them as they hold them and take them all in. I love how people begin to project their imaginations into the character. So if nothing else, I feel I have succeeded in making people laugh, and live a little bit of thier imagination through the characters. So much fun!

Remember - the characters will be on display in my studio as I get them done. So if you would like to see them up-close and personal and release a little of your own imagination...please consider coming to the next 2nd Friday event which will be July 11th! I will soon be sending out a reminder e-mail, so if you would like to sign-up to receive those reminders, if you haven't already, you can do so on the opt-in form on this blog page located in the right hand column!

Until next we meet or speak - Rock on!

I have to say, that if you are looking for a project, or hobby that will allow you to transfer any and all negative emotions or aggressions...character development is IT. I am having so much FUN! I would find myself just giggling uncontrollably and just cracking myself UP while working on this latest character. I have also found myself looking at the world a bit differently and with a lighter heart. I just might have opened a door to a lost imagination that I haven't set free in years! 

I would like to introduce you to Pedro, and his 3 pet chickens, Roxie, Beethoven, and Fox!

Beethoven is the black and white rooster, Roxie is the little white chicken, and Fox is the little brown one. I'm currently trying to work my way through some kind of hat for Pedro...and have moved on to a little girl character that will probably make an appearance in the developing storyboard of the adventures of Pedro and his Chickens.

I hope this give everyone a chuckle and a smile to start your weekend!

I have LOVED all of your comments! Keep 'em coming! Great fun.

OK...I'll admit this up front...I tend to jump between projects, and once I get on a new project...I become OBSESSED. Now, how long that obsession lasts...who knows. Right now I am obsessed with claymation and stop motion animation. I have decided to play with creating my own little story lines and scenes using characters that I create. I have always been inspired by artist Chris Sickels of Red Nose Studios, and he has been great in offering me the encouragement and tips to keep me going. My first attempt at characters is a little rough, but...I would still like to introduce you to Mr. Nettles and his dog Proton.

Mr. Nettles is very cranky...and always has a cold. His dog Proton...well, could care less. He thinks we are all stupid and he can't believe he tolerates us. Like I said, my first attempt...so poor Mr. Nettles has some issues, like oversized hands and stumpy legs, but I am working it out. Proton however...I am pretty proud of...he can walk, and wag his but. So some limited motion. Currently I am working on a character that is much improved as I went to school on Mr. Nettles on better body structure and hands. I can't wait to show him to you, as I laugh out loud everytime I see him! I am working out some details for his clothes...and soon he should be able to make his debut...so coming soon!

I did have the honor of Chris Sickels himsef stopping by my studio at the last 2nd Friday Open Studio event. I was so anxious to get his feedback and input on the characters. (Actually, I was quite nervous!) He told me he was 'jealous' of the dog, and impressed at my first attempt with Mr. Nettles, and that he was so happy to see someone else take up the art. We then swapped some story ideas and video ideas - what FUN! I can't tell you what a compliment this was coming from him! Check his stuff out at http://www.rednosestudio.com/ and you will see what I mean! He is AWESOME, and a great person to boot.

I plan to keep going on my character development, and once I get my cast of characters ready, I am planning on doing some small tests with each...then who knows what crazy and wacked out concepts I will come up with! (insert evil and demented laugh here).

Please let me know what you all think of Mr. Nettles and Proton!