Baby Bob.

On Saturday, a surprise party was thrown for my dear, sweet, baby sister, Shelby. Someone ruined the surprise so it was really just a party (I'm still bitter about the entire ordeal), but it was a good time AND it's the thought that counts. I spent way too much time constructing this Bulbasaur (he's her fave) card for her. I used gouache. It's a tiny card. It's also kind of 3D because the Bulbasaur sticks out. My fave part? HIS LITTLE TOE NAILS! I also made the envelope! Click to enlarge!

Born This Day!

Today is Lady Gaga's 25th birthday and for the occasion, I thought I'd post this quote from Born This Way that I cut out and put in my sketchbook. I used GLITTER SPARKLE STICKER PAPER. The scanner doesn't do it much justice. Listen to your favorite Lady Gaga song today and raise your glass. Happy Birthday, Gaga!

OMGz.

Matt Benyo is doing the 30 day photo challenge on his blog.
Go read what today's post is for #17.
Made my heart melt.
:)

E is for Eh, Eh.

I am SO unmotivated. What's WRONG with ME? I pulled out a bag of illustration board I have lodged between my dresser and the wall and there was water all over the back of it and the board had water mold on it. I planned on doing a giant painting on it, but nope. So that is MOST troubling. I did, however, find some old work like this piece. It's New York City. I have a lot to make and do this weekend so next week should yield interesting results. Lady Gaga is debuting The Country Road version of Born This Way at 3 am. There's nothing else I can say.

D is for Dead.

I've been gone for 16 hours. I went to a concert in Akron, Ohio & saw The Dangerous Summer. They just didn't do it for me. I was, of course, the only one not drinking & my friend spilled lots of beer on my shirt so at least if I wasn't doing it, I could smell like I was. I drove home, got dropped off at Shelby's work, & hung out for 3 hours til she got off. I tried to draw, but it didn't happen. My ears are still ringing:I got made fun of this evening for liking the Jonas Brothers and Panic at the Disco (I didn't even bother to bring up Lady Gaga). I cannot stand it when people are pretentious about other people's musical tastes. Are you kidding me? You think what you listen to is BETTER than what I listen to? Grow up. Music is one of the most universal things in this world; everyone likes music. Maybe you don't like what I do or I don't like what you do, but I'm not gonna make fun of you for it. I didn't like The Dangerous Summer, but you don't see me making fun of the people that do. Maybe that's because I can respect people's choices and opinions. #grownupdecisions

C is for Cats.

Of course it's cats. I had to do this just because it'd be ludicrous if I didn't. My two cats are fine by the way. I remembered this page from my sketchbook at CCS. The Crew each drew a cat. I drew the one in the top middle. Makes me miss them.The Hallway Show has made a comeback! For all of you that participate, head over there and get your Tim Allens in by Tuesday!

Panic at the Disco's new album, Vices and Virtues, is OFFICIALLY out and it is AWESOME. Guess who one of the producers is? BUTCH WALKER. Though biased, he had no influence in my decision when I claim it's awesome. I feel as though it's more cohesive than the previous two, but draws influence from both and I'm pleased with their advances. My play count for the album is in the 40s. Just sayin.

B is for Birthdays.

Despite being awake for 35 hours, I managed to successfully surprise Shelby (on the far right with the giant bicep) at her work because at midnight she turned 20! I went with Jenna, Kiki, and Jordan up to Leo's with a cake and 20 candles. At midnight, we busted in, cake lit, and I screamed out, "Alright listen up everybody! We've got ourselves a birthday. Shelby right here is 20 years old! Can everyone please sing with me?" and we not only surprised her and put smiles on everyone's faces, but everyone in Leo's sang! It was amazing! Our wolfpack grew as we hung around (including: Dominick, Domenic, Randy, Tony, and Greg) and it was a great time with friends. I was so excited Domenic (guy in front of me) showed up because I have a soft spot for him in my heart. Shelby enjoyed herself, she got fat tips, and on the way home, Jenna and I jammed Born This Way. Perfect rendezvous.I tried to draw Shelby, but this doesn't look like Shelby. Alison said it's like a better looking version of Shelby. I spent too long on it and didn't feel like doing a different one so it is what it is. Happy Birthday, little sis. I love you so much. FOREVER.I also wanted to give a special Happy Birthday to Nathan's mom, Pat. She's a very nice woman and deserves a nice birthday. I hope it's fantastic for her.

A is for Apples.

My favorite is red delicious. I don't even know if there are green delicious apples, but I think so. I know there are Green Granny Smith's. What's your favorite?My hair is fading nicely and matches my Members Only jacket! I'm wearing a shirt under said jacket though it's obviously not shown. Look at how PALE I am!

WE SO EXCITED!

Rebecca Black has revolutionized what Friday means to us all. Everybody's looking forward to the weekend; all the partyin, partyin (yeah!) and all the fun, fun, fun, fun. Remember that yesterday was Thursday and today is FRIDAY. Tomorrow is Saturday and Sunday comes afterwards (just in case you forgot). My frans are kickin in the front seat and sittin in the back seat. I gotta make my mind up about which seat I should take EVEN THOUGH if I have 2 friends in the front and back, that would leave one seat in the back, but I'm still making my mind up about it.

If this song is stuck in your head; you have THE BLACK PLAGUE! lolololol

St. Patrick's Vlog.

Most of the family made cameos in this vlog. We recorded 25 videos and Charles KEPT MESSING EM UP! This is ridiculous and beware, there's a lot of yelling. I've been up for 19 hours. Happy St. Patrick's day! ART TOMORROW!

After!

Before.

Russell Brand.

Between hanging with old friends, time traveling (daylight savings), and making new ones (that made me sound a lot cooler than I am), I finished Russell Brand's second autobiography, Booky Wook 2. I am FLOORED by Russell Brand. Reading this book awoke something in me. He does come off as a prat (hello british slang), but he's sensitive, smart (his words are his weapon), incredibly funny, and very human. I was laughing out loud at a few parts in this book. I would recommend both books, but that's a lot of Russell Brand and I'm sure most of the people reading this aren't fans of his like I am. One of the more interesting bits in this book was when he talked about Katy Perry (aka his wife). Did you know she threw a half full bottle at his head during rehearsals for The VMAs and then they had a battle of the wits and insulted each other? It was a fantastic read. Everyone (himself included) claims he's flirtatious and charismatic. Russell Brand, you dashing, charming man, what I wouldn't give to exchange words with you.

Purpose/Party.

I hate to mention Nate again (because he's a brat), but I found this while creeping him and I don't know who said it, but I like it. FIND ME, PURPOSE. I'M READY.

A purpose is not something that you're going to find.
It's something that will find you.
And it will find you only when you're ready and not before.

Here's Rhiannon's photos of us surprising Alex! Shenanigans! Click to enlarge!

Time for a Tea Party!

One day, Nathan and I were discussing how much fun it would be to have a tea party, but then he hoed me on the deal and it has yet to happen. I imagine if I had one, I would wear a fancy outfit and a ridiculous hat like in this drawing. I've never been to one, so I'm not sure what you find AT one; but I assume tea and treats. I was inspired by Alice in Wonderland, Lady Gaga, and American McGee's Alice. However, I didn't use any reference; this is FROM SCRATCH. I used a nib and inked it. I'm having confidence issues with my inking, but I'm hoping that'll change if I keep doing it. What do you think AND have YOU ever been to a tea party?

Robert Ross.

Check out this awesomely bad over-the-top cut out. I bet you didn't know that Bob Ross died on the 4th of July. That's a fact. Another fact is that I FINALLY have Russell Brand's Booky Wook 2 in my possession. I'm so excited to read it.

Surprise Party.

Rhiannon came down and joined forces with Brother Chan and I. The 3 of us went to Alex's school where we prepared to celebrate her birthday, surprise style, in the parking lot. I pulled an all nighter and made this card for her with an inset:So, Rhiannon scooped us, and we went to Alex's school and filled her car with balloons (as exhibited below), I threw a ton of confetti that ended up EVERYWHERE, Chan brought the cake out, and Rhiannon was in charge of photos and party poppers, but I took most of the photos (with her camera). I held Alex as Rhiannon shoved cake in her face. Then Chan and Rhiannon shoved cake in each other's faces. I refused to get any cake smashed in my face, but I willingly shoved my mouth into it. We were all a mess, but it was so great and Alex was super surprised! MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! We went back to Alex's, Rhiannon did my hair, and we all went out to Old Chicago. It's always a good time for a Pizza Party with a couple of Kevins. My birthday is next! I'll start talking about that come April 1st (no joke).

Faux Spring Break.

I'm working on something that I can't post until tomorrow. I actually haven't even started working on it yet. I will after this. As my faux spring break winds down, I'm enjoying some Dr. Pepper and the musical stylings of Panic at the Disco. This entry is mostly for memory purposes, but it has some good tidbits in it too.

Why was this faux spring break? Because I'm not in school and therefore not on Spring Break, but my friends were on Spring Break. I spent a lot of time with Matt Benyo for our Buffy the Vampire Slayer marathon. I'm noticing a lot of parallels between the show and shows/things that are out now. In one episode, they even said "keep hope alive" which were the EXACT words on my tattoo that was on my arm. There were 2x where extreme twists happened that MB caught before I did, but then I caught them a minute after and screamed in shock. I may or may not have shed a few tears, but I'm pleased with our progress and the time put in. We just finished season 3. I'm going to have withdrawals because I want to watch it already, but unfortunately Matt Benyo has school and work, you know, RESPONSIBILITIES? So, we are working around his schedule. I'm slightly biased about Buffy; not because of MB, but because vampires are my favorite. I get sucked (lololol) into these shows and movies. Nosferatu is one of my all time favorite vampires. Nos would kill Buffy in an instant, but it's interesting to watch a slayer prevail in this series. Plus, the librarian, GILES, is AMAZING. The extended stay at Matt Benyo's concluded with me getting punched in the face in the middle of the night on accident and him getting a head bruise from an undetermined source. Thanks for a great week, MB!

Today, Alex and I went out for dinner at Old Chicago. One of my favorite things is being a regular somewhere. You get the occasional hook up on your bill, you get to know the employees (and vice versa), they know your order, and they treat you like a friend rather than a customer. Tonight was no exception. We sat in Lauren's section, she brought our drinks and put our order in before bringing the drinks. Matt saw us and brought another co-worker, Amy, to sit with us. Amy was super nice! We met the entire staff (thanks to Matt) and it was a good time. We decided we were feeling froggy and got dessert; something we never do. Lauren joined us and talked about the crazy shenanigans of Old Chicago. Good food and good company were in abundance this evening and it was a great way to wrap up a great week.

I stumbled upon 101 Ways to be Happy and #53 said: stay close to friends and family because moving far away from supporters can take a toll on your level of happiness and #56 said: make time for your friends because personal connections are so important and making even a little time to be with people who make you smile will keep you happy. This is all probably obvious, but sometimes we take our friends for granted; as if they'll just always be there. Sometimes we don't take the time to let them know how much they mean to us. I hope I mean as much to my friends as they do to me. Don't leave your friends guessing; tell them how much you love them.

Vampire Lounge.

I gotta give a huge Happy Birthday to Alex! She's 20 today and she's been good to me over the years. It all started because of the Jonas Brothers (they have a way with piecing friendships together). I can't make you a cake (because we know I have trouble with instructions), so this will have to suffice. LUH YOU KEVIN!Matt Benyo and I have been watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer (the series) and I thought it'd be stupid, but it's actually REALLY GOOD. We spent the past 3 days watching it and we're going to start season 3 hopefully this weekend. It seems only fitting I would see this hilarious text on When Parents Text:

Post It: Panic!

This is Brendon Urie (singer of Panic! at the Disco) as inspired by the Nine in the Afternoon video. PatD is a guilty pleasure of mine. I take that back; no shame. Their videos make me excited because I love old circuses, Vaudeville, & the theatrical wonder of olden times. They capture all of it and put a modern spin on it.

Post It: Alison.

This is my first of two Post-It posts. I asked Sister Alison to hang ten while I drew her. I told her she could watch He's Just Not That Into You. While drawing her, I kept saying the lines as the actors said them which prompted her to ask, "Will you please stop quoting the movie?" I didn't even hesitate when I said NO. Suck it, Al.

Face The Facts.

I've been sketch, sketch, sketchin. Here is a Vaudeville man and a sketch of Lady Gaga that I'm feeling blah about. I wanted to do a cool pop art drawing of her, but my sketches of her have felt really contrived lately.Matt Benyo showed me THIS interview awhile ago, but I never watched it because it was 2 hours long, but I finally took the time to watch it and it made me respect Lady Gaga a lot. I also found out she is pretty heavily influenced by Andy Warhol and Andy Warhol is one of my favorite artists and a huge inspiration to me as well.She said a lot of great things. One of those things being "your family teaches you more than anybody." BUT, my favorite thing she said was a quote about right and wrong that involved religion. I don't really like to talk about religion or politics on my blog because I don't want to fight about it, but I like the intent behind this quote:

"There's a balance. You gotta keep a balance. I can't only think about doing what's wrong or right. Doing what's wrong or right, it's SO religious, that is what religion is; what's wrong and right and I think religion is completely bogus. I believe in God and I'm a very religious catholic person, but religion is quite bogus isn't it? Because no religion doesn't hate one kind of person. So, it's very confusing for me. I still struggle with it. I feel that I am a good opinion about what is taught to young people and how we are mind controlled by whatever forces that be to believe or see things in a certain way and I think the most important thing that they need to learn is to love and to be non-prejudiced. That's what I think."

Watching Twister.

The CCS crew got together for a good ol fashioned hang out at Maria's apartment. We got pizza & beer (Root Beer for me), watched Twister, quoted Jurassic Park, and drew. James Noellert drew this picture of Lindsay, Maria, and myself. I'm the one on the chair. James, you made us all look great! I really enjoy the way James draws. Click to enlarge! We're all planning on hanging out more often. I can't wait!

The Legend of Zelda!

I've been doing my past 3 ink works on this envelope from France because it's conveniently next to my computer. The Sibs and I hooked up the Super Nintendo and we've been playing The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (though my fave is Ocarina of Time) and Super Mario RPG. Fun games + Family Bonding. I'm also a fan of playing Aladdin because I can beat the game in 17 minutes. Here's a little Link!

"Good Story, Gordie."

I've always been into writing and telling stories. The other night, Rhiannon, Brother Chan, and I were skyping and Rhiannon asked me to read a scary story out loud (because she said I have a good reading voice). We wanted to read THIS, but I don't own it. We looked on youtube for someone reading them, but the audio was bunk. Eventually, I came up with a fictional scary story involving an abandoned mansion, the 3 of us (plus 5 of our mutual friends), and The Midnight Game. It took me an 1 1/2 to improv/come up with/tell the story, but they both enjoyed it. Rhiannon said I'm like Gordie from Stand By Me; a storyteller. I used a nib and ink and came up with this. I'd like it to be something that happens this summer; friends, campfire, charred marshies, and some good ol fashioned story telling. Click to enlarge!

Like A Plastic Bag.

I went around and talked to my family with one question in mind: does anyone ever feel like a plastic bag? The hole that you see as I'm walking down the hall is from Shelby. She angrily punched the wall one day. We're all animals here; it's fine.

The Dentist.

"I can't eat that popcorn." [said popcorn was Drizzled Cinnamon Sugar Kettlecorn]

"Why?" Janine asked. "It's too sweet. I can't chew it with the right side of my mouth because it hits my tooth and sends chills down my spine." Charles laughed, "You need to go to the dentist." I didn't even hesitate when I said no. "Oh, you will." Charles continued. "I don't think so. I'm not 7." I protested. "We'll just have them put you in a straight jacket like they did that time you were 3." Janine said.

UHHHHH WHAT?

From an early age, I've hated doctors. I also hate pain. When I was 11, I went to get a shot and it took 4 people to hold down each of my flailing limbs while the 5th injected me. I digress, but it's important to understand that before I tell you this.

The dentist was Dr. Santoro and according to Janine, I used to LOVE going to him because he had toys everywhere (this was obviously a clever ploy on his part). Prior to my appointment, my parents told him that I didn't like the dentist so he gave them a drug to give to me in an effort to make it easier on all parties involved. On the way there, I was woozy, drooling, and lolling my head from side to side; think David after the Dentist. However, as soon as they arrived, I shot straight up and it was as if they gave me nothing. I guess I was SO incorrigible, Dr. Santoro PUT ME IN A STRAIGHT JACKET. I said, "Why didn't they just give me the gas?!" Janine told me they did. So, recap, I was drugged, gassed, and put into a straight jacket when I was 3 years old by a maniac. It's not like I'm a rhino; those measures were unnecessary. Is the reason I don't remember this story because I was so young or because I blocked it from my memory? I don't know, but thanks for traumatizing me at an early age, Janine & Charles! This is the sort of way you'd handle a Chucky doll; not me. It's no wonder I hate doctors. I think my tooth feels FINE now that I think about it.I used a nib and ink to do this! Click to enlarge!

Overseas.

Today, I skyped with my friend, Stephen, from England. I asked him if we sound ridiculous when we try to talk like we're British; then I did it. He laughed and asked, "Is that really what we sound like?" We then went over slang from England which includes: pants (stupid), fittie (attractive), stroppy (moody), ace (top notch/cool), gits, and plonker. Those last two are hard to define, but I find their slang interesting.

I also received a letter from my dear friend, Cloe (aka France), from Paris this weekend! I was thrilled! She wrote me this really long, lovely letter. I love international friends. It makes me happy to hear about their foreign affairs and life overseas.

I've got a new piece I want to do. I know what I want to do, I just gotta figure out how to do it. Keep your eyes peeled this week. I stumbled across Drew, and he does these left handed cartoons. I love the character and the writing he used here.

How Cosmopolitan.

This is a painting of a girl; it's Audrey Hepburn inspired. I say inspired because it was supposed to be her, but then I messed around with the facial features and it doesn't look like her anymore. My friend, Vince Joy, also inspired me. I'm pleased with the finish. It's 3 1/2 x 2 inches, gouache, and painted on the back of some illo board.The best times happen when you're least expecting them.

Questioning Everything.

I'm reading this book, but I haven't touched it in awhile. It has to do with cutting your life down to the essentials so you don't work some stupid 9-5 job you're gonna hate and the chapter that I stopped at asked, "What do you REALLY want to do with your life? Regardless of how outrageous it is, write down the NECESSARY steps to get to achieving it." I froze and reached a staggering conclusion; I have NO IDEA what I want to do in any capacity. I find it's so much easier to list what I don't want to do as opposed to what I do. What do I want? I want to be happy, but I know happiness isn't a fish you can catch. Shelby read in her ethics book that we have a better chance at being happy if we don't aim at happiness itself, but rather at the things we enjoy doing.' There's validity in that statement. I'm not saying I'm unhappy; I think I'm doing okay, but lately I just feel unfulfilled. Rhiannon just asked me what I was blogging about to which I said, "I don't know what I want to do with my life" and she said, "You're an artist, dude" and that is true. I make things. I put my degree to good use each time I do. Maybe I just FEEL LIKE I have to have it figured out to a T. At least when you're in school, you're working towards finishing. Charles has been placing a lot of pressure on me to go back and get my teaching degree. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE teaching and I love kids, but I prefer teaching sporadically as opposed to five days a week because I feel like teaching would lose its luster and become mundane. Maybe it's just about keeping yourself excited. Whatever it is, I'm paralyzed with doubt and uncertainty. Does anyone really know what they want to do?

Teaching.

Because Valentine's Day was Monday and Rhiannon's birthday was Tuesday, I haven't been able to talk about last weekend. I had the pleasure of being a drawing instructor for Continuing Ed at CCS on Saturday and taught ten 11-15 year olds. We primarily used charcoal (see to the right in the image below), but the third project used sharpies and prisma color pencils to create an imaginary creature. It felt really great to be back in an educational art environment. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. The kids were really attentive, eager, creative and I could tell they liked me; we even ate lunch together like the "Last Supper". My only regret was running out of time. Some of the kids weren't able to finish the third project which I focused on drawing inspiration from their imaginations as opposed to direct observation. They really got into the project. I drew the left one as an example. I really love art and there's nothing better than sharing that love, and my enthusiasm for it, with others.

Post Valentine's Day/Rhiannon.

I had 3 Valentines (Alex, Rhiannon, and Blake) because I was collecting Valentines like Pokemon. I couldn't say no to any of them. Blake and I decided to get dressed up and have a skype date. We were each other's across-state-lines Valentines! I was waiting for Alex to get off work upon which time I suggested we take an impromptu trip to visit our dear friend Rhiannon (2 1/2 hours away) and surprise her for her birthday. Well, it was a great success and I drove like a CHAMP and got us there in about 2 hours. On the way there, I decided we should sing to her outside of her window by calling, but she'd hear us outside too. Brother Chan goes, "Which song will we sing?" Alex and I just looked at him, dumbfounded. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHAN. WHAT DO YOU THINK?" We arrived and called Rhiannon: "Hey dude. I'm gonna sing to you, okay?" We start singing. Rhiannon screams from inside her house, "WHAT THE HELL?!" and she rushes to the side door to meet her three bffls. #priceless. We hung out for awhile and all of us looked like buttholes because we didn't bother getting ready; we had to make good time so these are legitimate #realtimez. Also, while on the way there, Matt Benyo told me to check his blog out when I got to Rhiannon's and when we did, Rhiannon and I screamed! It's SO GREAT! Matt Benyo, you are such a good person. This pulled at my heart strings.Rhiannon has a chalkboard wall! So I drew some things:After 2 hours, we said farewell and I drove home while Brother Chan and Alex passed out. It was a rough 2 hour ride and my eyes burned, but we made it home in record timing. We went out for breakfast (which was amazing) and now we're all home. It was 1 million percent worth it to see how happy Rhiannon got. Rhiannon, you're the biggest Kevin I know, but I'm really happy you were born. You're a great person and an incredible friend. I'll be your Sydney. I'll be yo doug. I'll give you a sandwich to put in your hoodie pocket that won't fit. You rule, dude. Here's a collage to show our friendship. People will probably think I'm in love with you. I'm not. Happy 23rd Birthday, friend. Have fun looking for Kevin in that book and watching Titanic.

Happy Valentine's Day.

I miss those heart sunglasses, being in elementary school and passing/receiving Valentine's, and Grandpa Bud. He used to buy us a confection to remind us he loved us and that he was thinking about us. I want to extend my love to my closest friends. They make me feel special when I feel like I'm not. I hope each of you finds yourself spending today with someone special (even if that special someone is you).

BORN THIS WAY!

Vincent Herbert, whom Gaga credits with discovering her in 2007 on Myspace, has worked as a producer with Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. He says: “The song ‘Born This Way’ just takes your breath away. It’s like everybody from three to 103 can relate to that song. I think she made the Thriller of the twenty-first century.”

Tiny Portrait 2: DALI!

Here's my second piece in the Tiny Portrait series. It's Salvador Dali and he's a bit bigger than the first portrait, but not by much. I used gouache. It's pretty much the only paint I use anymore (because it's the best). Click to enlarge!Tomorrow Lady Gaga releases BORN THIS WAY; the highly anticipated single off her new album that drops May 23rd (Matt Benyo, correct me if I'm wrong) and I am going to be eagerly waiting at 5 am to hear it. I went insane today over Lady Gaga. I don't know what happened; she literally brainwashed me. I think I may be obsessed. I'm trying to paint/draw her and it's frustrating me how difficult it is. It could be because I've been up since 7:30 this morning, but GET READY.