The whirlwind of life was illustrated perfectly this weekend. I have spent the last two weeks focusing on preparing for the Orlando Folk Fest at the Mennello Museum of American Art, and now it’s over and done.

It was a beautiful, brisk weekend. I made lots of new friends, enjoyed visiting with some old friends and got to spend some quality time with my family.

My camera decided to stop working right before the show, so I am sharing pictures that were given to me through the generosity of others.

Here’s a little collage I put together:

One more:

It was a very successful show and the setting at the Mennello Museum is sublime. I got to design the image for the poster and buttons. Here’s a link to the site that the museum set up for the event: http://orlandofolkfestival.wordpress.com/

This weekend also brought the passing of a pop icon, Whitney Houston.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPHCThqqt0s She’ll be missed.

I’ve been working on a series of Sherlock Holmes doodles. It is mind boggling how many different ways this popular character has been portrayed. I picked a few of my favorite depictions of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional detective.

Basil Rathbone (left) starred in 14 US films as Sherlock.

Jeremy Brett, left, wished to be the best Sherlock Holmes the world had seen, doing extensive research and scrupulous about character details. His obituary read “Mr. Brett was regarded as the quintessential Holmes: breathtakingly analytical, given to outrageous disguises and the blackest moods and relentless in his enthusiasm for solving the most intricate crimes.”

My own interpretation of Holmes.

Benedict Cumberbatch (left) has created something of a frenzy among the newest generation of Sherlock fans. My daughter thinks his cheekbones are divine.

Finally, the blockbuster Sherlock Holmes. Robert Downey Jr. brings a steamy intensity to the role, and earned Downey a Golden Globe.

Next up, the Mennello Museum of American Art’s 10th Annual Orlando Folk Festival. I was lucky enough to be asked to create the poster art. I have worked on a bird chandelier series for years now, and it pops up in my work frequently. I mixed the birds with the Mennello’s themselves and Earl Cunningham, who’s art has gained critical acclaim both for the artist and the museum.

That’s Earl there in front, with Michael and Marilyn Mennello looking on from their perspective frames. Here’s the painting in a group photo the Mennello staff created:

The Folk Festival is February 10-12 and if you’re in the area, maybe you can stop by my tent and say “hello”.

Happy Wednesday!

I am so happy to have an extra day to enjoy my family, and a quiet day to be “free”. The plight of Martin Luther King Jr., and all african americans, is so opposite of my experience, I can’t help feel unworthy of this day off. In an effort to make sense of what went wrong, what has changed and where we are today, I have watched documentaries and tapes of MLK’s speeches. Worthy or not, he was a beacon of light, and had a universal message we can all benefit from. For that I am thankful.

“Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.”- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today I am featuring another artist, with a few sneaky doodles towards the end.

Rachel Ernst lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, and she is a super hero. Well, she makes capes anyway. But wait, she makes LOTS of things. The first thing that I saw that Rachel makes is a family tree.

Here’s a sample, with some folks I know… my in laws! See that “Schreiner” on there? Every leaf is a name, and there are blank leaves to add more Schreiner’s. My in laws received the Family Tree this past Christmas and it was a lovely, touching gift. The tree is quilted and easily framed.

Rachel does more than that. Don’t stop now.

Paper? Yup. Among other things, recycled paper wall hangings (made from cardboard tubes!), and gorgeous flowers:

Some other fabric creations:

These are the cutest hand warmers I have ever seen. Filled with rice, a few seconds in the microwave, and you can have warm hands for an hour!

Of course, Rachel can keep your feet warm too, with fabulous style.

I love Rachel’s work, and have a link to her Superhero super stuff:

www.superheroescapes.com

The Superhero link, is the only one I have to share at the moment. I wrote to Rachel, about my interest in featuring her and her creations, and she said she is taking a little break, to spend time with family. She’ll be back at it in no time, however. If you’re interested in anything you can reach Rachel at the Superhero site, or you can contact me and I’ll be sure to pass on your information.

Now, a few doodles:

J R R Tolkien has a January birthday, and I had to do a little doodle in his honor. I am a big fan of The Hobbit, and now I am excited about the new movie coming out!

A nod to one of my favorite shows as a kid, The Jetson’s.

A poster I created for my daughter’s high school theatre department. Space Macbeth. Sounds like it will be out of this world…

A little spot illustration (above) was created for the Maitland Art Center, for their Participation event in March. I’ll share more details about that as the time draws near. In the meantime, I’m preparing for the Mennello Museum of American Art Folk Art Show. Here’s a sneak peek of one of the pieces I’m working on:

See you soon!

I’m off and running this new year. How long is the year considered new?

I’ve been wanting to improve my watercolor skills, so have been doodling with those. Here’s two examples:

J.R.R. Tolkien inspired me with magical thinking in The Hobbit. January 3rd is his birthday.

My son was lucky enough to get a new bed from his Great Aunt and Uncle recently, his old bed was just too big. The bed had a more raucous adventure than some people I know. Toby’s bed reminds me of the story of the three bears. It’s “just right”.

How’s your new year so far?

Next big event is the Folk Art show at the Mennello Museum of American Art. I’ve been working closely with them on a poster for the event. Hopefully I’ll be able to unveil it soon!

Merry Christmas and Thank YOU for supporting the doodles. I am so thankful for you.

As you celebrate with your family and friends,when you pause to reflect, please consider a prayer for a little girl who has been diagnosed with an inoperable malignant brain tumor. If you aren’t the praying type, there is great power in positive thinking.

Here is a link that has been created on Elizabeth’s behalf:https://www.facebook.com/events/263087887077880/ Pray for a miracle.

May God Bless us every one.

I had a show recently, with 5 other  Orlando artists. “Art on Tap”, located in front of Taps, an eatery in Winter Park Village (https://www.facebook.com/TAPSWinterPark).

Sales were brisk, and one of the reasons why was because Taps took photos of the art and placed them on their Facebook page. Lots of the folks who stopped by, mentioned seeing the art on the Taps page (the power of social media).

Taps featured one of my pieces, and like magic, a wonderful girl came around and purchased the art! Here’s a photo:

She’s pretty. Then there’s me.

Here’s the photo Taps put up on their page:

I made some greeting cards for the show, and my daughter Elena made some card designs too. Here they are:

Elena’s cards sold very well, and I think she might just be in business. Aren’t they Great?!

One of the other artists at the Taps show was Jim McManus. I am feel compelled to write about him (the other artists are fabulous too), because he does something I’ve never heard of before. He is a 3D photographer. Here’s his website: http://www.LifeIs3D.com

Jim’s photos are surreal, until you put on 3D glasses, then, you are transported into his remarkable world. When I talked to Jim, he told me about how he started by making his own cameras, to perfect his technique. I really enjoyed talking with him and seeing his work.

Above, one of Jim’s charming photos.

Some Christmas doodles I’ve come up with this season:

More to come!

I have had the honor of creating the cover art for Orlando Weekly’s Holiday Guide! It is a nativity scene, with local Orlando celebrities in place of the Holy Family and three kings.

The celebrities are listed below, as some folks might not know some of the players:

Theresa Jacobs, the Orange County Mayor, is Mary (she’s the one on the left).

Buddy Dyer, the mayor of Orlando, is Joseph.

Dwight Howard is the super star center for the Orlando Magic, and baby Jesus.

Alan Grayson, former democratic Florida Congressman, represents the “Occupy Orlando” by offering the Guy Fawkes mask that symbolizes the movement.

The Honorable Judge Belvin Perry Jr. presided over the notorious Casey Anthony trial, offers his gavel and a menorah.

Miss Sammy, local cross dressing celebrity and advocate for gay rights, offers a pair of stylish shoes.

Last, but not least, uber popular Orlando Weekly Columnist Billy Manes, as the angel. Billy is on the right in this photo.

With the guide, and barrage of in store/online emails I’m sure you’re getting (just like my inbox), your holiday shopping should be all wrapped up!

I am thankful to you, who take the time to read my blog and glance at my work. I appreciate you taking the time to say hello, and even compliment my art. You will be on my list of prayers, when I am saying “Thanks” tomorrow.

Blessings to you and your family. May you have a warm, wonderful Thanksgiving.

This week I have paid homage to Native Americans, who deserve our recognition and thanks. If you click on each image, you can get a larger view.

The House of Blues “Where Art Meets the Soul” Folk Art Festival was fantastic. I met lots of new friends, deepened relationships with fellow artists, and enjoyed the beautiful weather. I took a quick video of my booth:

I created a new series, The Nine Muses, for the show, and sprinkled my booth with Star Wars, nuns and musicians.

Here is the initial sketch for the muses, you can see how the idea started:

Here are some finished Muses:

A new painting of Darth Vader, with Storm Trooper friend:

Since doing art shows, I found out it’s a common practice to trade with fellow artists.

I traded Jimi with Mary Proctor (http://www.missionarymary.com/), one of the most famous folk artists around. She is full of wisdom and kindness. Mary talked with my daughter and I last year, about choices. The conversation was aimed at my daughter, but I got just as much out of it as she did. Mary is a true treasure. The piece I got from Mary is titled “Look and See the Angel is You”. That gives some insight into Mary’s advice for Elena. So sweet.

What’s next? Art on Tap in Winter Park Village. https://www.facebook.com/events/261841023852484/

Art on Tap is 6 local (Orlando) artists getting together for a One day show at Taps, a tapas and wine bar in the village.

What would you like to see there? Looking for anything in particular (art wise) for the holidays?