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Lightbox Expo 2020 online this coming weekend
Posted 5 years agoFor any art students out there, or those wishing to sharpen their art skills: or, if you're just missing conventions, especially the ones with art panels, and want to hang out with other artists....:
I blew one whole dollar to register and find out what kind of panels would be happening at LightBox Expo 2020 Online, September 11, 12, and 13. There's an incredible lineup of talent and speakers talking about art, animation, storytelling, and about anything else related to the creative process.
I'm definitely going to be checking out "Creating the Illustrated Novel", "Illustration Masterclass – Digital Inking" -- and that's just to start!
Recommended for any creative types!
https://lightboxexpo.com/
I blew one whole dollar to register and find out what kind of panels would be happening at LightBox Expo 2020 Online, September 11, 12, and 13. There's an incredible lineup of talent and speakers talking about art, animation, storytelling, and about anything else related to the creative process.
I'm definitely going to be checking out "Creating the Illustrated Novel", "Illustration Masterclass – Digital Inking" -- and that's just to start!
Recommended for any creative types!
https://lightboxexpo.com/
Patreon Updates
Posted 7 years agoWe've made a few changes to the reward tiers at our Patreon site! Some of the extras include higher-res posts of our webcomic "Faux Pas", print downloads, and an "Ask Aunt Myrtle" Q&A!
https://www.patreon.com/ozfoxes
https://www.patreon.com/ozfoxes
OzFoxes art in Anthrocon and Convergence Art Shows
Posted 7 years agoJust letting folks here know that if you are attending AnthroCon, the Ozfoxes will have a number of pieces in that Art show. We will also be displaying art at Convergence in the Minneapolis, MN area the same weekend. Check out our stuff if you're in the area!
Armadillo as a tank? ELP tribute Incredible Artwork!
Posted 8 years agoJerry Lofaro has completed another digital masterpiece that is mind-blowing:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?.....=3&theater
It's for the Keith Emerson (of the classic rock group Emerson, Lake and Palmer) Tribute Concert DVD.
And, if you follow art magazines, this piece is also being featured in the current issue of Airbrush Action magazine:
https://www.facebook.com/jerrylofar.....=3&theater
Be sure to check out the other art on Jerry Lofaro Designs Facebook page...there's some excellent anthropomorphic illustration!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?.....=3&theater
It's for the Keith Emerson (of the classic rock group Emerson, Lake and Palmer) Tribute Concert DVD.
And, if you follow art magazines, this piece is also being featured in the current issue of Airbrush Action magazine:
https://www.facebook.com/jerrylofar.....=3&theater
Be sure to check out the other art on Jerry Lofaro Designs Facebook page...there's some excellent anthropomorphic illustration!
Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 2017 con report
Posted 8 years ago(If you wish, you can read the con report here:
https://www.facebook.com/TheOzFoxes.....09075335826740
with photos!)
Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 2017! An OzFoxes Con Report:
Spectrum 5 was held in its original home of Kansas City in 2017, after an unsuccessful attempt to move the venue to the West Coast. Midwesterners like myself, of course, couldn't have been happier, though many others from all over the country seemed similarly pleased that the convention was back where it started. Spectrum has become our favorite show in that we get to mingle with other like-minded creators, from masters to students, who are eager to share their artistic knowledge, enthusiasms, and inspirations.
This was the first convention after being taken over by new management, so the number of panels was intentionally kept "lean." We particularly enjoy the panels and demonstrations, as this is a way to dive deep into the thinking and process of some of our favorite artists. The reduced schedule this year meant attendees had fewer problems attending events that might otherwise have overlapped.
Our first panel at the con was "The New Art Economy: Living Off Your Dreams," hosted by none other than James Gurney, author, artist and creator of "Dinotopia." It was a very informative panel, reminding us that the business of art has always been changing. The computer has changed things for today's artist in much the same way that the printing press changed things hundreds of years ago. According to Mr. Gurney, there has never been a better time for artists to promote their work since they no longer have to answer to a middleman or "gatekeeper" (a publisher, editor, slush pile reader, etc). This also means that an artist now has many more responsibilities than merely producing artwork, so the change is for many a two-edged sword!
After the Gurney panel we took time to browse the exhibition areas filled with art booths and tables. It was here we met up once again with the marvelously talented Scott Gustafson (and his wife, who handles the business side of things for Scott). Scott's new book, "Storybook Fables", will be coming out in the fall, and we can't wait!
One section of the upper exhibition area was set aside for the host of this year's convention, Flesk Publishing, with all the artists they work with directly. It was at one of these tables that Margaret finally got to meet a hero from her youth: Wendy Pini, creator and artist of the long-running comic series "Elfquest." It was the first of several Pini encounters during the convention, but Margaret grew no less tongue-tied as the weekend wore on.
We also heard the sad news that Iain McCaig was recovering from a serious health emergency and would not be at Spectrum as anticipated. Iain is talented concept artist who worked for George Lucas on the Star Wars prequels, as well as a number of other genre films. At conventions past he has always been very inspiring and enthusiastic. His online tutorials and demonstrations are a continuing source of inspiration. We were very disappointed to hear of his illness, but were glad to hear he is recovering. Hopefully we can meet up with him again next year!
The convention closed down at 6pm, but we stuck around nearby for a live drawing session being held late that night in a meeting room at a nearby hotel. By the time things got organized, however, we were both too tired to participate for long, so we packed up our art kits and called it a night.
We returned to the convention for its opening on Saturday, to catch a bit of the panel being held by Terryl Whitlatch, who discussed designing unusual yet believable creatures for films. Afterwards we hurried to catch some a demo being held by James Gurney. It was great fun watching him demonstrate his clever and compact homemade "plein aire" kit, and to listen to the story behind his "Art Crew" uniform. (This outfit resembles something that might be worn by a construction worker, and allows him to work in settings where a more obvious artist would create a distraction.) Sadly, his demo was being held in an open area near the main convention area, and the crowd noise of the attendees made it impossible to appreciate all that was being said. Still, it was a fun time and we're glad he shared his time with us all.
From there we rushed back to the panel area where Wendy and Richard Pini discussed the art of Elfquest, reviewing the history of how they started a comic which has run almost 40 years. This was followed by a panel on the art of storytelling as hosted by Carla Ortiz who was standing in for Iain McCaig.
Later in the afternoon came the time specially designated for book signing. Margaret got several Elfquest-related publications signed by the Pinis, and they were gracious enough to have their photo taken with star-struck Margaret. We then got our Dinotopia books signed by the ever-personable James Gurney, who sketched a little dinosaur inside one book next to his autograph.
While we were navigating the Flesk tables, we added to our art library by purchasing "The Tribes of Kai," a gorgeously-illustrated graphic novel, which we got signed by artist Daren Bader.
After the con closed for the day, we headed to Consentinos for some deli-prepared dinner, then went to the Spectrum Awards ceremony at the Historic Folly Theatre, where awards were presented in a number of categories for the best art of the previous year. (Think Academy Awards for illustrators, sculptors and designers.) One special highlight of the event came early on as Spectrum founder Arnie Fenner gave a talk about the importance of creativity in an ever-more-divisive world, and that there was one sure thing that was likely to bring people together:
Sunday was the last day of the convention. Our favorite panel of that day was on "Comics and Choices," where industry talents like Richard and Wendy Pini, Frank Cho, Terry Dodson and Aaron Lopresti discussed the trials and tribulations of producing comics as a freelancer versus working for a major publisher. They noted the importance of creating and maintaining an Internet presence with your work, and the need to embrace the tough times one faces as a comics creator, and to work through it.
Sunday was a short day at the convention, and after one last tour of the many wonderful artwork and crafts on display in the main exhibition area, we made our way back home -- filled once again with creative inspiration and charged up to tackle our projects and dreams. As long as the Spectrum convention continues to be available to us, we shall keep attending with eager enthusiasm!
https://www.facebook.com/TheOzFoxes.....09075335826740
with photos!)
Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 2017! An OzFoxes Con Report:
Spectrum 5 was held in its original home of Kansas City in 2017, after an unsuccessful attempt to move the venue to the West Coast. Midwesterners like myself, of course, couldn't have been happier, though many others from all over the country seemed similarly pleased that the convention was back where it started. Spectrum has become our favorite show in that we get to mingle with other like-minded creators, from masters to students, who are eager to share their artistic knowledge, enthusiasms, and inspirations.
This was the first convention after being taken over by new management, so the number of panels was intentionally kept "lean." We particularly enjoy the panels and demonstrations, as this is a way to dive deep into the thinking and process of some of our favorite artists. The reduced schedule this year meant attendees had fewer problems attending events that might otherwise have overlapped.
Our first panel at the con was "The New Art Economy: Living Off Your Dreams," hosted by none other than James Gurney, author, artist and creator of "Dinotopia." It was a very informative panel, reminding us that the business of art has always been changing. The computer has changed things for today's artist in much the same way that the printing press changed things hundreds of years ago. According to Mr. Gurney, there has never been a better time for artists to promote their work since they no longer have to answer to a middleman or "gatekeeper" (a publisher, editor, slush pile reader, etc). This also means that an artist now has many more responsibilities than merely producing artwork, so the change is for many a two-edged sword!
After the Gurney panel we took time to browse the exhibition areas filled with art booths and tables. It was here we met up once again with the marvelously talented Scott Gustafson (and his wife, who handles the business side of things for Scott). Scott's new book, "Storybook Fables", will be coming out in the fall, and we can't wait!
One section of the upper exhibition area was set aside for the host of this year's convention, Flesk Publishing, with all the artists they work with directly. It was at one of these tables that Margaret finally got to meet a hero from her youth: Wendy Pini, creator and artist of the long-running comic series "Elfquest." It was the first of several Pini encounters during the convention, but Margaret grew no less tongue-tied as the weekend wore on.
We also heard the sad news that Iain McCaig was recovering from a serious health emergency and would not be at Spectrum as anticipated. Iain is talented concept artist who worked for George Lucas on the Star Wars prequels, as well as a number of other genre films. At conventions past he has always been very inspiring and enthusiastic. His online tutorials and demonstrations are a continuing source of inspiration. We were very disappointed to hear of his illness, but were glad to hear he is recovering. Hopefully we can meet up with him again next year!
The convention closed down at 6pm, but we stuck around nearby for a live drawing session being held late that night in a meeting room at a nearby hotel. By the time things got organized, however, we were both too tired to participate for long, so we packed up our art kits and called it a night.
We returned to the convention for its opening on Saturday, to catch a bit of the panel being held by Terryl Whitlatch, who discussed designing unusual yet believable creatures for films. Afterwards we hurried to catch some a demo being held by James Gurney. It was great fun watching him demonstrate his clever and compact homemade "plein aire" kit, and to listen to the story behind his "Art Crew" uniform. (This outfit resembles something that might be worn by a construction worker, and allows him to work in settings where a more obvious artist would create a distraction.) Sadly, his demo was being held in an open area near the main convention area, and the crowd noise of the attendees made it impossible to appreciate all that was being said. Still, it was a fun time and we're glad he shared his time with us all.
From there we rushed back to the panel area where Wendy and Richard Pini discussed the art of Elfquest, reviewing the history of how they started a comic which has run almost 40 years. This was followed by a panel on the art of storytelling as hosted by Carla Ortiz who was standing in for Iain McCaig.
Later in the afternoon came the time specially designated for book signing. Margaret got several Elfquest-related publications signed by the Pinis, and they were gracious enough to have their photo taken with star-struck Margaret. We then got our Dinotopia books signed by the ever-personable James Gurney, who sketched a little dinosaur inside one book next to his autograph.
While we were navigating the Flesk tables, we added to our art library by purchasing "The Tribes of Kai," a gorgeously-illustrated graphic novel, which we got signed by artist Daren Bader.
After the con closed for the day, we headed to Consentinos for some deli-prepared dinner, then went to the Spectrum Awards ceremony at the Historic Folly Theatre, where awards were presented in a number of categories for the best art of the previous year. (Think Academy Awards for illustrators, sculptors and designers.) One special highlight of the event came early on as Spectrum founder Arnie Fenner gave a talk about the importance of creativity in an ever-more-divisive world, and that there was one sure thing that was likely to bring people together:
Sunday was the last day of the convention. Our favorite panel of that day was on "Comics and Choices," where industry talents like Richard and Wendy Pini, Frank Cho, Terry Dodson and Aaron Lopresti discussed the trials and tribulations of producing comics as a freelancer versus working for a major publisher. They noted the importance of creating and maintaining an Internet presence with your work, and the need to embrace the tough times one faces as a comics creator, and to work through it.
Sunday was a short day at the convention, and after one last tour of the many wonderful artwork and crafts on display in the main exhibition area, we made our way back home -- filled once again with creative inspiration and charged up to tackle our projects and dreams. As long as the Spectrum convention continues to be available to us, we shall keep attending with eager enthusiasm!
Gurney, Pinis, Gustafson, McCaig in Kansas City April 21-23
Posted 8 years agoAny folks here that are in the Kansas City area might want to drop in at the Convention Center Municipal Auditorium the weekend of April 21-23.
Spectrum Fantastic Art Live http://www.spectrumfantasticartlive.com/ - "The Sundance of illustration" - has moved back to Kansas City and will be holding its 5th convention.
Admission is only FIVE DOLLARS for a day pass. A $15 weekend pass gets you into all the extra events.
This convention is all about art and creativity. While a programming schedule has not yet be posted, here's a sample of some of the guests and exhibitors:
- James Gurney: Creator of"Dinotopia"
http://jamesgurney.com/site/
- Scott Gustafson: My absolutely favorite illustrator
http://www.scottgustafson.com/
-Wendy and Richard Pini - Creators of "Elfquest"
http://elfquest.com/
- Iain McCaig - Concept artist for "Star Wars" and other films
http://iainmccaig.blogspot.com/
This is a perfect opportunity for students and other artists to immerse themselves in a positive, creative atmosphere, pick up tips from some of the best artists in the field, and definitely get your creative batteries recharged.
Spectrum Fantastic Art Live http://www.spectrumfantasticartlive.com/ - "The Sundance of illustration" - has moved back to Kansas City and will be holding its 5th convention.
Admission is only FIVE DOLLARS for a day pass. A $15 weekend pass gets you into all the extra events.
This convention is all about art and creativity. While a programming schedule has not yet be posted, here's a sample of some of the guests and exhibitors:
- James Gurney: Creator of"Dinotopia"
http://jamesgurney.com/site/
- Scott Gustafson: My absolutely favorite illustrator
http://www.scottgustafson.com/
-Wendy and Richard Pini - Creators of "Elfquest"
http://elfquest.com/
- Iain McCaig - Concept artist for "Star Wars" and other films
http://iainmccaig.blogspot.com/
This is a perfect opportunity for students and other artists to immerse themselves in a positive, creative atmosphere, pick up tips from some of the best artists in the field, and definitely get your creative batteries recharged.
Scott Gustafson's Marvelous painting with dogs!
Posted 9 years agoArtist Scott Gustafson has a beautiful piece based on "The Emperor's New Clothes" that canine fans here might like. I can't wait for his new book!
https://www.facebook.com/1731568070.....=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/1731568070.....=3&theater
Foxy Russian Cosplayers in National Geographic
Posted 9 years agoGorgeous fursuiting! Here's the link to a photo from an article about life in Russia in the December 2016 issue of National Geographic.
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/m.....7587766900.jpg
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/m.....7587766900.jpg
"Tales of the ShadowWood" now available online
Posted 9 years agohttp://www.ozfoxes.com/ShadowWood.cgi
We've launched our new comic book project on our website, Our Patreon supporters have already seen a preliminary version of it and helped out with their comments and suggestions.
Join the adventures of Megan, Chris, Ellisif, and Galen every Monday!
We've launched our new comic book project on our website, Our Patreon supporters have already seen a preliminary version of it and helped out with their comments and suggestions.
Join the adventures of Megan, Chris, Ellisif, and Galen every Monday!
It's Done.
Posted 9 years agoIt's done. 48 pages of "Tales of the ShadowWood." Megan and the gang can take a little breather now...or can they? Or will characters from another universe clamor that we tell *their* tale? Do we ride back to the woods; or hop a starcraft?
Now taking orders for Faux Pas 2016 calendars
Posted 10 years agoWe are now taking orders for our 2016 calendars:
http://www.ozfoxes.com/cat15-cal.htm
Also, as seen previously here on FA, we also have 3 new designs available in our Christmas card catalog:
http://www.ozfoxes.com/cat10-crd.htm
Foxy fun for the holidays!
http://www.ozfoxes.com/cat15-cal.htm
Also, as seen previously here on FA, we also have 3 new designs available in our Christmas card catalog:
http://www.ozfoxes.com/cat10-crd.htm
Foxy fun for the holidays!
Comic Artist inspiration!
Posted 10 years agoEarlier this year I shared on our Facebook page my enthusiasm for British artist Mike Noble's fantastic work. Check out the cool wolflike alien from his comic adaptation of a story from "The Tomorrow People"!
https://www.facebook.com/TheOzFoxes.....=3&theater
I started researching this artist when I found out he'd done comic work for "Robin of Sherwood" and realized what incredible black-and-white art he does...not to mention layouts!
https://www.illustrationartgallery......Noble_Art.html
He also did comic stories for shows like "Space: 1999", "The Famous Five", and many others.
I've tracked down a good deal of his art on an excellent website "John's Look-out"
http://johnslookout.150m.com/
that is attempting to collect issues of "Look-in, The Junior TV Times" where Mike Noble's work was published.
Great inspiration worth studying!
https://www.facebook.com/TheOzFoxes.....=3&theater
I started researching this artist when I found out he'd done comic work for "Robin of Sherwood" and realized what incredible black-and-white art he does...not to mention layouts!
https://www.illustrationartgallery......Noble_Art.html
He also did comic stories for shows like "Space: 1999", "The Famous Five", and many others.
I've tracked down a good deal of his art on an excellent website "John's Look-out"
http://johnslookout.150m.com/
that is attempting to collect issues of "Look-in, The Junior TV Times" where Mike Noble's work was published.
Great inspiration worth studying!
25 years and counting...
Posted 10 years ago25 years ago, on another cool and sunny October 1st, the OzFoxes got hitched. We figure we'll give it another 25 years to see how it takes, and then decide where to go from there. Wish us luck! :)
"Reynard Estate" foxy figurines
Posted 10 years agoGot quite a kick out of this line of decorative figurines: nicely done! A foxy version of "Downton Abbey", perhaps?
http://www.lindaslittlebritain-shop.....eynard-estate/
http://www.lindaslittlebritain-shop.....eynard-estate/
Unused Disney Maid Marian art (Vixey too!)
Posted 10 years agoCheck out the concept art for Disney's "Princess Academy":
http://moviepilot.com/posts/2015/05.....anual%2Cmanual
There's a very nice sketch with Maid Marian and Vixey, and if you look closely you'll see Marian in a few other pieces by David Kawena. In fact, he managed to include nearly every female lead from Disney animation history.
Sadly, this short was never developed, but at least some dynamite concept art was created.
http://moviepilot.com/posts/2015/05.....anual%2Cmanual
There's a very nice sketch with Maid Marian and Vixey, and if you look closely you'll see Marian in a few other pieces by David Kawena. In fact, he managed to include nearly every female lead from Disney animation history.
Sadly, this short was never developed, but at least some dynamite concept art was created.
Updates from the OzFoxes Studio
Posted 10 years agoThere has been a lot going on lately at the 7-Acre Wood. Some of it has been rather frustrating: our car radiator blew up; Margaret is staring down the barrel at impending carpal tunnel surgery; and Robert unexpectedly blew out his foot - though we're hoping that's only a bad strain. Fair to say, such distractions have kept us from being as productive as we'd like. Such is life.
On the upside: the hillside location of our home means we were safe from all the recent drama known locally as "Ozarks Under Water." Familiar venues and main routes were washed away in counties all around us, as detailed at:
http://www.ky3.com/image/view/-/336.....I-0134-JPG.jpg
And, as seen in the photo, cute wildlife still snuggles in safely around our studio. Nothing is more inspiring to us or more exciting for our feline kids than a random critter showing up outside the window.
https://www.facebook.com/TheOzFoxes.....=1&theater
Creatively, we're keeping up with our Faux Pas updates, and the weekly Patreon-exclusive update on "Tales of the ShadowWood." On the latter, I'm putting the finishing touches on page 24, fully halfway through the saga of Megan and her friends.
Completely separate from the comic creations, I've been spending an occasional coffee break doing a *very* rough draft for an illustrated text tale featuring Marsha RedFox. This semi-soap opera tale includes kidnapping, brainwashing, attempted murder, and evil prince with marriage on his mind, a powerful villainess, and... well, imagine an episode of "McGuyver" or some similar 80's TV show, and you've got the general idea.
Other more mainstream WIP include a gouache painting of Marsha in a medieval gown admiring a rose; the annual Faux Pas calendar; and plans to release the "Inner Vixen" art on posters -- and possibly some new t-shirts via Cafe Press.
So, Life goes on, and we go with it - taking the good with the bad, the exciting with the mundane, but always with appreciation of our friends, fans, and the ever-present wildlife outside the studio.
On the upside: the hillside location of our home means we were safe from all the recent drama known locally as "Ozarks Under Water." Familiar venues and main routes were washed away in counties all around us, as detailed at:
http://www.ky3.com/image/view/-/336.....I-0134-JPG.jpg
And, as seen in the photo, cute wildlife still snuggles in safely around our studio. Nothing is more inspiring to us or more exciting for our feline kids than a random critter showing up outside the window.
https://www.facebook.com/TheOzFoxes.....=1&theater
Creatively, we're keeping up with our Faux Pas updates, and the weekly Patreon-exclusive update on "Tales of the ShadowWood." On the latter, I'm putting the finishing touches on page 24, fully halfway through the saga of Megan and her friends.
Completely separate from the comic creations, I've been spending an occasional coffee break doing a *very* rough draft for an illustrated text tale featuring Marsha RedFox. This semi-soap opera tale includes kidnapping, brainwashing, attempted murder, and evil prince with marriage on his mind, a powerful villainess, and... well, imagine an episode of "McGuyver" or some similar 80's TV show, and you've got the general idea.
Other more mainstream WIP include a gouache painting of Marsha in a medieval gown admiring a rose; the annual Faux Pas calendar; and plans to release the "Inner Vixen" art on posters -- and possibly some new t-shirts via Cafe Press.
So, Life goes on, and we go with it - taking the good with the bad, the exciting with the mundane, but always with appreciation of our friends, fans, and the ever-present wildlife outside the studio.
Great Robin Hood Art
Posted 10 years agoArtist David Kawena was commissioned to do some new sketches of Disney characters. His art of Robin Hood is awesome! Check the links:
http://davidkawena.deviantart.com/a.....wena-532822192
http://davidkawena.deviantart.com/a.....wena-533914364
http://davidkawena.deviantart.com/a.....wena-532822192
http://davidkawena.deviantart.com/a.....wena-533914364
Zootopia Sneak Peek: Foxy Fellow
Posted 10 years agoHere's a link to the first peek at the main characters from the upcoming Disney film for 2016.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/.....peek/28709913/
Looks good from here! Can't wait!
http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/.....peek/28709913/
Looks good from here! Can't wait!
Jerry LoFaro Art at Spectrum Live
Posted 10 years agoAnother highlight from Spectrum Fantastic Art Live: Getting to meet Jerry LoFaro in person! I had one of his posters from Celestial Seasonings and somehow missed that he would be exhibiting at the con.
What fabulous art, and what a pleasant gentleman to chat with!
http://jerrylofaro.cgsociety.org/ar.....cal-2d-1149561
Be sure to check out his website here:
http://www.jerrylofarodesigns.com/
What fabulous art, and what a pleasant gentleman to chat with!
http://jerrylofaro.cgsociety.org/ar.....cal-2d-1149561
Be sure to check out his website here:
http://www.jerrylofarodesigns.com/
Spectrum Fantastic Art Live
Posted 10 years agoWe were fortunate to attend the fourth annual SFAL held in Kansas City. It is the most inspiring, creative-batteries-charging convention ever organized. All that artistic talent in one place...it's overwhelming.
:https://spectrumfantasticartlive.com/
Among the highlights: Seeing Scott Gustafson receive Spectrum's 2015 "Grand Master" award. I've been a huge fan of his work for over 20 years, and it was great to get to see this happen in person!
If you are not familiar with Scott Gustafson's amazing artwork, check here:
http://www.scottgustafson.com/
:https://spectrumfantasticartlive.com/
Among the highlights: Seeing Scott Gustafson receive Spectrum's 2015 "Grand Master" award. I've been a huge fan of his work for over 20 years, and it was great to get to see this happen in person!
If you are not familiar with Scott Gustafson's amazing artwork, check here:
http://www.scottgustafson.com/
Just Because:
Posted 10 years agoJust because it's Easter, here's a link to a favorite song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqm-S9J1s_k
by Celtic Thunder.
"A Place In The Choir"
All God's creatures got a place in the choir
Some sing low and some sing higher,
Some sing out loud on a telephone wire,
Some just clap their hands, or paws, or anything they've got now
Listen to the top where the little bird sings
On the melodies and the high notes ringing,
And the hoot owl cries over everything
And the blackbird disagrees.
Singing in the night time, singing in the day,
When little duck quacks, and he's on his way.
And the otter hasn't got much to say
And the porcupine talks to himself
All God's creatures got a place in the choir
Some sing low and some sing higher,
Some sing out loud on a telephone wire,
Some just clap their hands, or paws, or anything they've got now
The dogs and the cats they take up the middle
While the honeybee hums and the cricket fiddles,
The donkey brays and the pony neighs
And the old gray badger sighs...
Listen to the bass, it's the one on the bottom
Where the bullfrog croaks and the hippopotamus
Moans and groans with a big t'do
And the old cow just goes moo.
All God's creatures got a place in the choir
Some sing low and some sing higher,
Some sing out loud on a telephone wire,
Some just clap their hands, or paws, or anything they've got now
It's a simple song a little song everywhere
By the ox and the fox and the grizzly bear,
The dopey alligator and the the hawk above,
The sly old weasel and the turtle dove.
All God's creatures got a place in the choir
Some sing low and some sing higher,
Some sing out loud on a telephone wire,
Some just clap their hands, or paws, or anything they've got now
All God's creatures got a place in the choir.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqm-S9J1s_k
by Celtic Thunder.
"A Place In The Choir"
All God's creatures got a place in the choir
Some sing low and some sing higher,
Some sing out loud on a telephone wire,
Some just clap their hands, or paws, or anything they've got now
Listen to the top where the little bird sings
On the melodies and the high notes ringing,
And the hoot owl cries over everything
And the blackbird disagrees.
Singing in the night time, singing in the day,
When little duck quacks, and he's on his way.
And the otter hasn't got much to say
And the porcupine talks to himself
All God's creatures got a place in the choir
Some sing low and some sing higher,
Some sing out loud on a telephone wire,
Some just clap their hands, or paws, or anything they've got now
The dogs and the cats they take up the middle
While the honeybee hums and the cricket fiddles,
The donkey brays and the pony neighs
And the old gray badger sighs...
Listen to the bass, it's the one on the bottom
Where the bullfrog croaks and the hippopotamus
Moans and groans with a big t'do
And the old cow just goes moo.
All God's creatures got a place in the choir
Some sing low and some sing higher,
Some sing out loud on a telephone wire,
Some just clap their hands, or paws, or anything they've got now
It's a simple song a little song everywhere
By the ox and the fox and the grizzly bear,
The dopey alligator and the the hawk above,
The sly old weasel and the turtle dove.
All God's creatures got a place in the choir
Some sing low and some sing higher,
Some sing out loud on a telephone wire,
Some just clap their hands, or paws, or anything they've got now
All God's creatures got a place in the choir.
Classic Anthro animation: "Animalympics"
Posted 11 years agoA link to something excellent for all you youngsters out there who never got to see "Animalympics". This delightful piece of anthropomorphic animation came out in 1980 and still holds up. So does the soundtrack by Graham Gouldman. Enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48AihwuY2OI
or
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCpl_m3I6Us
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48AihwuY2OI
or
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCpl_m3I6Us
A Lesson in "Stupid Drawings"
Posted 11 years agoOne of the most valuable art lessons I learned this year: doing "Stupid Drawings".
I have long held the misconception that, if I have any worth as an artist, that perfect drawings should just flow from my pencil. (Of course, it doesn't, and abandoned art languishes in a folder for years.)
Attending an Ian McCaig workshop at Spectrum Fantastic Art Live changed that. He emphasized the importance of doing "Stupid Drawings" -- drawings that concentrate on putting together ideas without worrying about making a gorgeous piece of art. He even writes "Stupid Drawing" at the top of his sketches as a reminder. "Stupid Drawings" organize the framework of what will eventually become the finished art.
I still get frustrated that a finished piece of work doesn't just "happen" -- that it takes steps -- yes, "Stupid Drawings." But if an artist from LucasArts and a Spectrum Grand Master winner develops his art this way, then I suppose I can cringe my way through my "stupid drawings". I just need to remember that this is not finished work -- rather, I'm developing potential building materials for the finished art.
Perhaps, for all of us creative types, there also might be "stupid writing", and "stupid music", and...
(BTW: http://spectrumfantasticartlive.com/)
I have long held the misconception that, if I have any worth as an artist, that perfect drawings should just flow from my pencil. (Of course, it doesn't, and abandoned art languishes in a folder for years.)
Attending an Ian McCaig workshop at Spectrum Fantastic Art Live changed that. He emphasized the importance of doing "Stupid Drawings" -- drawings that concentrate on putting together ideas without worrying about making a gorgeous piece of art. He even writes "Stupid Drawing" at the top of his sketches as a reminder. "Stupid Drawings" organize the framework of what will eventually become the finished art.
I still get frustrated that a finished piece of work doesn't just "happen" -- that it takes steps -- yes, "Stupid Drawings." But if an artist from LucasArts and a Spectrum Grand Master winner develops his art this way, then I suppose I can cringe my way through my "stupid drawings". I just need to remember that this is not finished work -- rather, I'm developing potential building materials for the finished art.
Perhaps, for all of us creative types, there also might be "stupid writing", and "stupid music", and...
(BTW: http://spectrumfantasticartlive.com/)
F3, the Ozark Furry Convention
Posted 11 years agoF3 , the Ozarks Furry Convention, will be held in Springfield Missouri on November 20-23. Among the Guests of Honor will be the OzFoxes. Hope to see you there!
http://f3convention.wix.com/f3con
http://f3convention.wix.com/f3con
Launching
Posted 11 years agoJust letting folks know: We launched our Patreon page at:
http://www.patreon.com/ozfoxes
http://www.patreon.com/ozfoxes
