Keep on Sketching!

As promised here are the latest sketches from my day out at the zoo last Wednesday. I can't emphasize enough how much I love ebony pencils. My film is going as planned, and there is little to update with that. I plan to upload my 11second club entry WIP as soon as I push it a little more. Committing to an 11 Second Club animation whilst also doing freelance and my film has been tough, but it's a learning experience and I never want to waist a good learning experience.

Enjoy said zoo pictures below.

I do so love drawing Giraffes

Finally got to see the polar bear and he did not disappoint.

One of the seals had cataract, made for a very frighting sight so close to the glass.

Got to see the Kangaroos up close, though they were sleeping. Lazy buggers.

The antelope/gazelles or whatever they were, were very active and fun to draw.

Updates from Billions of years ago

Things have been going well as of late. One of the coolest updates I can share with you is the purchase of my very first fossil. I got it at a great price, as most half this size go for 40 or so bucks, I snagged this beauty for 15. It's real, the people I bought this off of are a local store that purchases and sells precious stones and minerals from archeologists, miners, etc. and so I have confidence in their ability to discern fake from authentic.

I use it now to remind me of the great diversity of life, the vastness of all the creatures that have come before me and died so many years ago. It shows me how precious and finite life can be in this great cosmic arena, and so it is my duty to make it the best one possible.

Measuring in at 4" this is one of the larger Trilobites I have seen.

In other news, I'm keeping up as best I can with the zoo schedule. My Wednesdays are pretty jam packed. In the morning I get up and head for the zoo around noon, making sure to bring pencils, a sketchbook, and sunscreen. By the time I leave at 5 I have an hour to get back home, get some lunch and then it's off to the urban farm at which I volunteer from 6-8. After that is done I can relax and enjoy 'Wing Wednesdays' with all of my great friends and roommates at Buffalo Wild Wings. Wednesday brings a great sense of accomplishment and ends it with friends, it is by far the day I look foward to the most.

Below: Pictures from the zoo!

Giraffe eager for some treats.

The polar bear swam right over our heads!

The lions were actually pretty active, a welcome situation for any artist.

I don't know when I plan to upload my sketches, but there were plenty to be had.

Snafu and Animation

"I just learned a secret it's a honey it's a pip! But the enemy is listening so I'll never let it slip!" Working on some Snafu related projects for a friend of mine. Other than making character sheets I'm also story boarding some sequences. That's the only tip I can drop on it at the moment. Until then feel free to enjoy some little Snafu character studies I've been doing.

Golly that's a lot, hope he makes it!

Pip as ever, and how!

Given them Nazis a belly fulla lead!

A good soldiers always remembers his gas mask.

What a dumb sod what a clown, just the kind of boob who lets his battery run down!

In other news I am happy to report that I am on schedule with my film. Animating a scene, sometimes two, a day has been a hassle but one can't argue with the results. Bottom pile used to be only just a few scenes of fully animated film, now the tide seems to be turning in the other direction. If I can keep this up I should be ready to tie down earlier than expected!

Rough Animation (Top shelf) compared to Full Animation (Bottom shelf)

Greening up Detroit

After being inspired by "Love Each One", I took some initiative and wandered deep into the 'ruins' of Detroit. Passing many an abandoned school or boarded up apartment complex, holes so big you could drive a car through them, and dilapidated Victorian houses, I came to my destination. It took a few tries and some wandering about in areas I wouldn't usually recommend, but once I got to the CFA building I was greeted with a blossoming garden and the promise of new life.

Stressful times and stressed friends has been pressuring my urge to do something productive and helpful. The farm turned out to be much larger than I expected, with fewer workers than I expected as well. The work day was comfortable and the people were welcoming. I spent the day getting exercise by tilling the land, preparing it for planting flowers. The day as a whole was refreshing, enjoyable, and something I'm eager to attend again.

Below are some snapshots I took towards the end of the workday.

Some of the workers were kind enough to take my picture.

Many cages were filled with new born baby bunnies, too cute!

Just like a rural farm, goats needed to be milked.

A beautiful horse of a breed unknown to me wandered the back fenced in area.

The local farm cat was very loving, and eager for pets.

They even had a pond for geese and ducks.

Many of the young goats were eager to great me at the fence.

The majority of my fellow volunteers, the gal in the middle with the hat is the coordinator.

The old school architecture juxtaposed by the lovely red barn. Notice the copper tops on the school.

The elderly gentleman actually rode the horse for awhile. At sunset it made for a stunning image.

Update from the Zoo!

Went to the zoo this past Wednesday and had a blast! It's refreshing to get outside and draw without a deadline. The sun was blistering and the shade was scarce, but I had good friends and talented artists to keep me company. Upon returning home I began working more on my film, I'm beginning to fill out and tie down a lot of my animation. As a whole it seems like a lot of work, but the filling and tie down phase is always the most relaxing for me. On top of this my loans have been approved, and now I simply have to wait until I can register for the classes I plan to take this summer. After a stressful year at CCS some relaxation is very welcome.

Below: Zoo Doodles!

To Doug Straton

In case you're taking a moment to browse my blog, I just wanted to say what a great pleasure it was getting to meet you. Your love of art and support of not only myself but both Mel and Derek is a much appreciated helping hand. I enjoyed describing the animation process with you, as well as introducing you to my friends, teachers, and parents. You'll be happy to know that I am picking up right where I left off only a week ago, on schedule to complete my film.

From left to right: Brian Stannard(my father), Me, Doug Straton, Scott Bogoniewski.

Two very happy Entertainment Arts Seniors.

All of us grouped together for a photograph at the senior show.

As you know, Mel, Derek, and I are all very grateful for your support and thank you for showing an interest in our art. I've got the meeting jotted down in my schedule and can't wait to speak with you again. Best a luck!

CCS 2010 Senior Show

Even till it's last days CCS finds ways to deprive me of sleep, though for good cause. This Friday I will be attending a CCS gallery show to be held in the Tubman building. All the seniors will be posting work to be sold and viewed by the public. My own gallery consists of ten pieces, eight of them for sale. Among the artists showing off their work is my good friend, roomie, and all around amazing artist Mel Miller, who won the runner up place for senior select and with it a massive wall space to showcase her work.

The biggest relief to come of this is the knowledge that after this I have a good month before I have to start worrying about school again. I've given CCS four good years, but as good as they may have been I will be glad to move on.

Best a luck