#4 of 100 Elephants Sneaky

I pushed the creepy sneaky feeling of this elephant. I took some inspiration from Golem of The Lord of the Rings. One of the things I was most happy about was the idea to turn the tusks down. That continued to bring everything inward.

#3 of 100 Elephants Four Arms

On #3 I just increased the number of arms. I think this was rather obvious. I should have done more.

#2 of 100 Elephants Goofy

For the second elephant I took some inspiration from Goofy. I pushed the thinness and awkward nature of the character. At the time I thought this was pretty extreme and a far cry from my normal elephant drawings.

#1 of 100 Elephants

This last semester I gave my introductory visual arts class an assignment to create 100 somethings. I took the challenge myself and created 100 different elephants. It was an incredible exercise in creativity. I often found myself stuck and then would have this burst of inspiration using my ideas to unique and new directions. I also determined to go completely traditional and practice my use of the pen.

It was frustrating and exciting.

These will be on display in the Quimby Gallery at Lyndon State College between January 23 and March 16 as part of the “the minuscule, wee teensy-weensy, tiny, itsy-bitsy, itty-bitty, eensy, infinitesimal, very small miniature diminutive, lilliputian mini art show with a mega LARGE title” exhibit. Anyone can create a work of art that is 2 x 3.5 inches and send it to the gallery between Jan 23 and March 13 and it will be hung.

In addition to that I will be selling the original 100 elephants for $5 each. If you are interested contact me. I am in the process of setting up an online store and will announce when that is done.

LSC Presidential Candidates (IF Forward)

With all the hubbub about the republican candidates running for president, Lyndon State College had the four final candidates for the Presidential Search came to campus (this was for the colleges president). During the faculty meetings with them I took the opportunity to draw each one. It was the only time I had during the day to draw. Each one talked about how they would move Lyndon forward so I thought it was appropriate to post them to Illustration Friday for this weeks word.

I am looking forward to hearing the results of who is selected and I am hopeful that a good final selection will be made.

100 Bow ties on Parade (IF Highlight)

In looking back over the year, finishing this personal project was definitely a highlight. I learned much about myself and my art in the process. It really helps to set goals and then to stick with them. I have always felt that an artist should work on drawing everyday, but with teaching and other responsibilities it seemed impossible. This last year, I made it a goal and set aside time to do it. It has been rewarding in so many ways. I am less stressed, my drawing improved and I feel I became more creative.

After all that work this is what I did. It is currently being shown in the Quimby Gallery at Lyndon State College as part of the 100 year celebration of the school. It was a fun project.

LSC Faculty Exhibit 2011

Today at 6 pm is the opening for the Lyndon State College Visual Arts Faculty Art Exhibit. In celebration of the 100 years of Lyndon State College, the theme is 100. The Show will be up until January 20. I received my print today and was overwhelmed with excitement. This has been challenging project in its size and complexity.

The wonderfully fun and well designed poster was created by Owen Fogg.

Any resemblance to any particular Lyndon faculty is purely coincidental.

I hope to see you there.

11 & 12 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 days or less

Alien and UFO (ˈālyən; ˈālēən)

This past weekend was another whirlwind of activity. Between trying to grade, help set up the Quimby Gallery for the Alumni show and Lyndon State College's Alumni weekend festivities (part of Lyndon's 100 year celebration) I squeaked in a few moments here and there to draw. This is a character that has been reappearing in my sketch book for years. I named him Uz.

88 more to go.