They do this all day.
http://society6.com/DavidFinley/Skelly-Cat-and-Orange_Print#1=45
Showing posts with label David Finley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label David Finley. Show all posts
Skelly Cat Chases an Orange
They do this all day.
http://society6.com/DavidFinley/Skelly-Cat-and-Orange_Print#1=45
Buying Art for the First Time
by David Finley
On its own, it is a beautiful piece of abstract sculpture, but for me it represents much more. This is the first piece of original art I've bought from an art gallery. I've always wanted to have a good collection. Hopefully, it is a contagious wish that you, my reader, shares as well, but every art collection has to begin somewhere, and this piece is where mine began.
Southport, North Carolina is a beautiful and quaint coastal town filled with great restaurants, antique stores, and a few art galleries. Most of these art galleries are filled with what you might expect from a ocean side town. There are beautiful photographs of the ocean tides, watercolor lighthouses, pen and ink pelicans, and paintings of various marine life. They are simple and straightforward, exactly the kind of art you'd want to hang in a beach house.
These galleries, while lovely in their own right, were not the environment I was hoping to find to display my paintings and mixed media pieces. If you've taken the time to look at my work, particularly my fine art pieces, then you understand I definitely don't make quaint paintings of lighthouses and pelicans. Still, I perused each gallery in town anyway, if anything, just to exhaust my own curiosity.
To my surprise, one gallery defied its competition. The sign out front read "Artshak". Artshak, would one day change the direction of my career, providing me with two very special friends and mentors. But for the time being, I scratched my head at the very casual name and strolled in anyway. The art that greeted me inside was unexpected. While it did feature some pieces that could be expected in a coastal town, the rest of the gallery was filled with an assemblage of contemporary pieces of sculpture and painting. Even the ocean themed work was a bit more experimental.
It turns out, I had found a home. Within a month of that day, I sold my first two pieces.
This is the power of art. It can be a gateway that binds and connects us. As the artist shares himself, the viewer learns more about herself.
The closest comparison is an author writing a profound work of literature, with the reader integrating the story into their own life. The writer's story becomes the reader's story, too.
We make art and intend for it to be seen. As we bring our art into the public forum it ceases to be a monologue, and becomes dialogue. It's why we see ourselves in Michelangelo's "Creation of Adam" or Monet's "Water Lillies" even though those artists have long since passed away.
Selling art taught me the relationship a buyer can have with a piece. The buyers of my first two paintings requested to meet me and thanked me for making the work. It is a personal and wondrous thing to enter a gallery and find that special piece. The little glass sculpture I bought was like that for me. I knew I wanted it as soon as I saw it, simple as it was. It did help that it was in my price range, but there were other pieces I could have bought instead.
Even now as it hangs in my window it speaks a daily message to me, one I hope you don't mind me sharing with you:
If you're interested in beginning your art collection I have two words of advice. First, buy what speaks to you, even if you just like the way it looks. Second, don't buy anything just to impress someone else. Would you want someone to buy your paintings who didn't connect with them or really want to look at them?
On a final note, I bought my little glass sculpture above from Artshak, the very gallery who gave my own fine arts career a beginning. It seems fitting somehow. The piece was sculpted by an artist named, Michelle Arthur. I hope selling the piece and passing it on has filled her with the same joy selling my own art does for me.
I hope she knows how much her work has touched me.
Thanks for reading, Scofflaws!
-Dave
P.S. I'd like to share a little plug for Artshak. If you're ever in Southport, please swing by and check the gallery out. Visit their facebook page, which has more pictures, artist profiles, and examples of the type of work they carry by clicking here.
My First Art Purchase
There's a little piece of glass sculpture hanging in my kitchen window. Hues of vibrant red, lively green, and soothing lavender spray their color into my house as the sun passes through. Though solid, the simple sculpture seems to move and hum. Kinetic overlapping slender rectangles are suspended in the air by a single metal ring. It likes to dance in the sunshine providing splendor as I wash the dishes or peel carrots.On its own, it is a beautiful piece of abstract sculpture, but for me it represents much more. This is the first piece of original art I've bought from an art gallery. I've always wanted to have a good collection. Hopefully, it is a contagious wish that you, my reader, shares as well, but every art collection has to begin somewhere, and this piece is where mine began.
How it Started
My road to purchase art from a gallery actually begins a little over three years ago in the same gallery who gave me my first chance.Southport, North Carolina is a beautiful and quaint coastal town filled with great restaurants, antique stores, and a few art galleries. Most of these art galleries are filled with what you might expect from a ocean side town. There are beautiful photographs of the ocean tides, watercolor lighthouses, pen and ink pelicans, and paintings of various marine life. They are simple and straightforward, exactly the kind of art you'd want to hang in a beach house.
These galleries, while lovely in their own right, were not the environment I was hoping to find to display my paintings and mixed media pieces. If you've taken the time to look at my work, particularly my fine art pieces, then you understand I definitely don't make quaint paintings of lighthouses and pelicans. Still, I perused each gallery in town anyway, if anything, just to exhaust my own curiosity.
To my surprise, one gallery defied its competition. The sign out front read "Artshak". Artshak, would one day change the direction of my career, providing me with two very special friends and mentors. But for the time being, I scratched my head at the very casual name and strolled in anyway. The art that greeted me inside was unexpected. While it did feature some pieces that could be expected in a coastal town, the rest of the gallery was filled with an assemblage of contemporary pieces of sculpture and painting. Even the ocean themed work was a bit more experimental.
It turns out, I had found a home. Within a month of that day, I sold my first two pieces.
Why Buying Art is Important
When I sold those pieces, a part of me sprang to life. For one, I made money doing something I loved, but it represented much more. What I painted on a canvas was my own chronicling of life, filtered through my own voice; my passion and emotion laid bare. Now, my work was being passed on to someone else, who continued adding to my narrative. It became their story, with the meaning altered by their own interaction.This is the power of art. It can be a gateway that binds and connects us. As the artist shares himself, the viewer learns more about herself.
The closest comparison is an author writing a profound work of literature, with the reader integrating the story into their own life. The writer's story becomes the reader's story, too.
We make art and intend for it to be seen. As we bring our art into the public forum it ceases to be a monologue, and becomes dialogue. It's why we see ourselves in Michelangelo's "Creation of Adam" or Monet's "Water Lillies" even though those artists have long since passed away.
Selling art taught me the relationship a buyer can have with a piece. The buyers of my first two paintings requested to meet me and thanked me for making the work. It is a personal and wondrous thing to enter a gallery and find that special piece. The little glass sculpture I bought was like that for me. I knew I wanted it as soon as I saw it, simple as it was. It did help that it was in my price range, but there were other pieces I could have bought instead.
Even now as it hangs in my window it speaks a daily message to me, one I hope you don't mind me sharing with you:
- Art is beautiful in all its forms as long as it is true.
- Art is the most powerful tool in your employ to touch others deeply and connect with them.
- When you get discouraged and feel defeated, remember the effect your painting, drawing, or sculpture can have on someone else's life.
- Always remember no matter how tough the business side of art can be, you are an artist first and foremost because you love art and want to share it with others.
Giving Back
If you can afford it, look at buying another artist's work. Build a collection. If you are an artist yourself, it's just good karma, or at the very least, good manners. That awesome feeling you get when you sell a piece will be passed on to someone else,.If you're interested in beginning your art collection I have two words of advice. First, buy what speaks to you, even if you just like the way it looks. Second, don't buy anything just to impress someone else. Would you want someone to buy your paintings who didn't connect with them or really want to look at them?
On a final note, I bought my little glass sculpture above from Artshak, the very gallery who gave my own fine arts career a beginning. It seems fitting somehow. The piece was sculpted by an artist named, Michelle Arthur. I hope selling the piece and passing it on has filled her with the same joy selling my own art does for me.
I hope she knows how much her work has touched me.
Thanks for reading, Scofflaws!
-Dave
P.S. I'd like to share a little plug for Artshak. If you're ever in Southport, please swing by and check the gallery out. Visit their facebook page, which has more pictures, artist profiles, and examples of the type of work they carry by clicking here.
Make Your Art Feel Sexy Again
by David Finley
Making a living as an artist is tough. Deadlines are getting shorter and shorter, and your time drawing isn't as fun as it used to be. It seems like you're doing too much work with not enough return on investment and the projects you've been hired to do are cliche' and unfulfilling. You wouldn't even add them to your portfolio.
Sure you might still say it's a labor of love to your friends, but what you really mean is your painting is a demanding and unforgiving mistress who will never ever let you rest. Oh, if only she would just shut up and leave you alone! Where's the tv?
You once beamed as you told your friends what you did for a living. Now, the thrill is gone. Maybe you're wondering why you and art ever fell in love in the first place.
What has art done for you lately?
It's certainly not making you feel like that child who first picked up a crayon and watched as their drawing came alive. You used to lay in bed fantasizing about your next piece, but lately you find yourself putting a pillow over your head trying to forget the commission due in two days. Plus you saw art flirting with another artist the other day at the gallery open house. What was that about?
Maybe she doesn't love you anymore. Would she be better off with someone else? Do you still love her?
Then, you remember how she made you feel alive like nothing else. You remember when you swore you'd die without her. You remember when you worked at that coffee house for tips just so you'd have enough money for you and art to get better acquainted in college. And, after all these years, admittedly, art is still looking pretty damned good, even with all those children you made together.
She has become a means to an end who you've drained of everything she originally had to offer you. You used her for money! Now, she might leave you. But, there is hope.
Art still loves you. So, don't be afraid. Go out and get her.
She just needs to know she is still sexy to you. When was the last time you attended a figure drawing class together? Have you made a point to doodle just for the sheer pleasure of being together? Will you let yourself get lost in her lines, textures and curves? Will you lose hours in he presence?
Make your art feel sexy again. Rekindle your romance. Take the time to savor her presence. Trust me, if you reach out to her, she will make you feel like that child again picking up a crayon for the very first time.
She will love you passionately, again. I promise.
The road you have traveled together is only the beginning. With rekindled fire, you and art will make better paintings, drawings, sculpture, and mixed media pieces than ever before.You will discover new ways to experience her, and in turn, she will bring out the best in who you are.
Thanks for reading, Scofflaws!
Dave, Grand Poobah of all Scofflaws.
By the way, you can buy this print at my Society6 shop. It's also available as a laptop skin, iphone case, and greeting card. Thanks for supporting the Haven!
No longer just two kids in love
Admit it, you don't love art like you used to.Making a living as an artist is tough. Deadlines are getting shorter and shorter, and your time drawing isn't as fun as it used to be. It seems like you're doing too much work with not enough return on investment and the projects you've been hired to do are cliche' and unfulfilling. You wouldn't even add them to your portfolio.
Sure you might still say it's a labor of love to your friends, but what you really mean is your painting is a demanding and unforgiving mistress who will never ever let you rest. Oh, if only she would just shut up and leave you alone! Where's the tv?
You once beamed as you told your friends what you did for a living. Now, the thrill is gone. Maybe you're wondering why you and art ever fell in love in the first place.
What has art done for you lately?
It's certainly not making you feel like that child who first picked up a crayon and watched as their drawing came alive. You used to lay in bed fantasizing about your next piece, but lately you find yourself putting a pillow over your head trying to forget the commission due in two days. Plus you saw art flirting with another artist the other day at the gallery open house. What was that about?
Maybe she doesn't love you anymore. Would she be better off with someone else? Do you still love her?
Then, you remember how she made you feel alive like nothing else. You remember when you swore you'd die without her. You remember when you worked at that coffee house for tips just so you'd have enough money for you and art to get better acquainted in college. And, after all these years, admittedly, art is still looking pretty damned good, even with all those children you made together.
Rekindle your Romance with Art
No one enjoys admitting this, but one day you will realize the blame is on you. With all those commissions you've just been using art to fulfill your own needs. She didn't want to do that photo realistic portrait of your friend Barney and his six kids. Sh wanted to ,make that mixed media piece about encroaching technology and man's place in society. You made her make that portrait neither of you enjoyed just so you could earn more money.She has become a means to an end who you've drained of everything she originally had to offer you. You used her for money! Now, she might leave you. But, there is hope.
Art still loves you. So, don't be afraid. Go out and get her.
She just needs to know she is still sexy to you. When was the last time you attended a figure drawing class together? Have you made a point to doodle just for the sheer pleasure of being together? Will you let yourself get lost in her lines, textures and curves? Will you lose hours in he presence?
Make your art feel sexy again. Rekindle your romance. Take the time to savor her presence. Trust me, if you reach out to her, she will make you feel like that child again picking up a crayon for the very first time.
She will love you passionately, again. I promise.
The road you have traveled together is only the beginning. With rekindled fire, you and art will make better paintings, drawings, sculpture, and mixed media pieces than ever before.You will discover new ways to experience her, and in turn, she will bring out the best in who you are.
Thanks for reading, Scofflaws!
Dave, Grand Poobah of all Scofflaws.
By the way, you can buy this print at my Society6 shop. It's also available as a laptop skin, iphone case, and greeting card. Thanks for supporting the Haven!
Just the Art- Nude Study on Drapery
by David Finley
This is my second foray into my recent experiments with working directly on wood. Again, I am really enjoying the warmth and texture the wood is giving my work. You can see the first by clicking here.
To purchase this print or any of my other exciting (if I do say so myself) pieces, please head over to my shop at Society6 by clicking this sentence.
Thanks for reading Scofflaws!
-Dave, your Grand Poobah.
Female Nude on Drapery
Today's Just the Art feature is a nude female study I've titled, "Nude Study on Drapery". I made this piece a few days ago at the Cameron Art Museum's figure drawing sessions. The initial sketch and tones were made with pastel and washed on wood. I also used a cloth and my fingers to smudge and manipulate the marks a bit more.This is my second foray into my recent experiments with working directly on wood. Again, I am really enjoying the warmth and texture the wood is giving my work. You can see the first by clicking here.
To purchase this print or any of my other exciting (if I do say so myself) pieces, please head over to my shop at Society6 by clicking this sentence.
Thanks for reading Scofflaws!
-Dave, your Grand Poobah.
Finding Emotional Truth
words and image by David Finley
It takes courage.
My painting above is an example of how I've tried to do just that. I wanted to explore my own feelings, questions, and thoughts about death and the afterlife. A beloved pet of mine died a few months ago and a deep part of me just wants to know he's okay.
I've poured through near death experience stories, read theological debates, read the counter arguments of atheists, and combed the Bible. There are no definitive answers.
So, I decided to "paint these questions out" on a piece of wood. On the surface, this is a piece about a woman and a cat enjoying the celestial radiance of the moon in all its splendor. Underneath, it is my plea for emotional resolution and a manifestation of my hope.
This painting is about a lot of things. It is about my desire to have friends and family who will share the journey on the other side; to join those who have gone ahead before me. It is about the unknown. It is about who God is.
Hopefully, I've connected with you and the risk of exposing my inner self is worth it. Hopefully, it will inspire you to share your own emotional truth. May you find your voice and make work that matters.
Thanks for reading!
-Dave, Grand Poobah of all Scofflaws
Emotional Connection Through Art
In order to connect with your audience, you must communicate an emotional truth. But, it's harder than it sounds. Emotional truth is being completely honest about yourself, who you are, and what you feel. You are displaying a portion of yourself naked, exposed for possible judgment.It takes courage.
My painting above is an example of how I've tried to do just that. I wanted to explore my own feelings, questions, and thoughts about death and the afterlife. A beloved pet of mine died a few months ago and a deep part of me just wants to know he's okay.
I've poured through near death experience stories, read theological debates, read the counter arguments of atheists, and combed the Bible. There are no definitive answers.
So, I decided to "paint these questions out" on a piece of wood. On the surface, this is a piece about a woman and a cat enjoying the celestial radiance of the moon in all its splendor. Underneath, it is my plea for emotional resolution and a manifestation of my hope.
This painting is about a lot of things. It is about my desire to have friends and family who will share the journey on the other side; to join those who have gone ahead before me. It is about the unknown. It is about who God is.
Hopefully, I've connected with you and the risk of exposing my inner self is worth it. Hopefully, it will inspire you to share your own emotional truth. May you find your voice and make work that matters.
Thanks for reading!
-Dave, Grand Poobah of all Scofflaws
Children's Book Illustration Project- Page 2
by David Finley
Here's page two from the story, "ABC, Witch!" written by Jonathan Hickey, and cheerfully illustrated by me. You can see page one from yesterday's article right here.
Read more of Jonathan's thoughts and see his drawings of the thumbnails to this story at his website, Work From Home.
Here's page two from the story, "ABC, Witch!" written by Jonathan Hickey, and cheerfully illustrated by me. You can see page one from yesterday's article right here.
Read more of Jonathan's thoughts and see his drawings of the thumbnails to this story at his website, Work From Home.
The Children's Illustration of David Finley
by David Finley
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| When food goes bad |
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| Anger |
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| The Bear who hated his job |
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| Carl and the honey bees. |
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| Dennis Dinosaur's delighfully destructive day. |
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| Dennis Dinosaur has a tea party |
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| Epic- Dennis Dinosaur versus Chimpan-Steve! |
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| Past the unicorns, across the Yoo Hoo sea |
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| OJ for my Hoe-Jay! |
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| Little owl- letterpress style |
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| Not again! |
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| Pinkerton Snake is stuck in a tree. Go get help Skelly! |
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| Two at sea- Bucket and Skelly |
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| Musical Dinosaurs make thunder in the weather factory |
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| Gumba- Mario's least dangerous foe. |
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| Reach- Your dreams are closer than you think |
The Importance of Doodling
by David Finley
It's 1:30pm. Your high school world history teacher is on day three of her lecture on the life of a feudal peasant in 15th century Britain as a post lunch malaise is laid on you like a comfortable blanket.
Her incessant droning is now sounding more like a lullaby than a history lesson, so you do the only thing you can think of before you fall comatose into the classroom floor.
You doodle.
At first it's simple, but it starts to grow, making the lecture on peasantry far more easy to digest. Oh, peasants were generally called serfs, who lived on and farmed lands belonging to Lords who had land granted to them by the King. Worlds come alive as your pen whizzes across your notebook filled with pages quickly becoming a living residence to the likes of Mickey Mouse and Spider-man as he fights off Gormouth the living Poop Monster.
Then a ruler slaps down on your drawing, startling you from a trance where you earnestly were digesting the lecture while simultaneously fending off the sweet lullaby of boredom induced sleep. You follow the ruler up a tense arm, across boney shoulders, then up a weathered and frowning face, until your eyes meet the disapproving glare of your teacher. She peers at you from behind a pair of glasses she has worn since the Nixon administration and snatches your drawing from your desk.
"Pay attention." she says, as she crumples up both Spider-man and Gormouth the living Poop Monster depositing them into the waste bin.
The Reputation of Doodling
Doodling gets a bad rap, when in reality it can be a very positive thing. Artists across the planet know this instinctively. Sunni Brown talks about this in a TED Talks lecture in a far more intelligent way than I could here. So I'm going to let her do the talking. Check out her talk here:
Remember to hold your head high Scofflaws, and doodle away!
-Dave, Grand Poobah of all Scofflaws
P.S. I've recently signed up with Google's affiliate program, which will add a bit of advertising to my site, but I promise that I will try to just include products I believe in or would use myself. For instance, I have used and have had a lot of success with Prismacolor markers. So, I feel comfortable recommending other artists buy a set like the one below. Click the image below for more information.
It's 1:30pm. Your high school world history teacher is on day three of her lecture on the life of a feudal peasant in 15th century Britain as a post lunch malaise is laid on you like a comfortable blanket.
Her incessant droning is now sounding more like a lullaby than a history lesson, so you do the only thing you can think of before you fall comatose into the classroom floor.
You doodle.
At first it's simple, but it starts to grow, making the lecture on peasantry far more easy to digest. Oh, peasants were generally called serfs, who lived on and farmed lands belonging to Lords who had land granted to them by the King. Worlds come alive as your pen whizzes across your notebook filled with pages quickly becoming a living residence to the likes of Mickey Mouse and Spider-man as he fights off Gormouth the living Poop Monster.
Then a ruler slaps down on your drawing, startling you from a trance where you earnestly were digesting the lecture while simultaneously fending off the sweet lullaby of boredom induced sleep. You follow the ruler up a tense arm, across boney shoulders, then up a weathered and frowning face, until your eyes meet the disapproving glare of your teacher. She peers at you from behind a pair of glasses she has worn since the Nixon administration and snatches your drawing from your desk.
"Pay attention." she says, as she crumples up both Spider-man and Gormouth the living Poop Monster depositing them into the waste bin.
The Reputation of Doodling
Doodling gets a bad rap, when in reality it can be a very positive thing. Artists across the planet know this instinctively. Sunni Brown talks about this in a TED Talks lecture in a far more intelligent way than I could here. So I'm going to let her do the talking. Check out her talk here:
Remember to hold your head high Scofflaws, and doodle away!
-Dave, Grand Poobah of all Scofflaws
P.S. I've recently signed up with Google's affiliate program, which will add a bit of advertising to my site, but I promise that I will try to just include products I believe in or would use myself. For instance, I have used and have had a lot of success with Prismacolor markers. So, I feel comfortable recommending other artists buy a set like the one below. Click the image below for more information.
Artistic Nude Figure Drawing- Artistic Tradition or Scandal?
by David Finley
What comes to your mind when you hear the words, "nude figure drawing"?
Do you equate those words with neon lit signs that say "Live Nude Girls" or club marques that say "We Bare All"? Perchance, might you picture an over-crowded sin filled room of leering male artists, eye pawing the delicate flesh of a young girl who has thrown away her self esteem to pay for college? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then I say welcome. This open letter is for you, friend:
Dear Sir or Madam,
I'm sure you've heard the usual defenses: "Artists look at the nude human body much in the same academic and objective way a doctor does." "There's nothing sexual about the study of the nude form in an academic setting." "Studying the nude female and male form in a live sitting is the only way to train the mind to understand the composition and visual make-up of the form."
To these arguments you say, "Phooey and fiddlesticks! That rubbish won't turn my moral compass."
I hear you. We artists are after all a bunch of scofflaws, which is why this Haven was started in the first place.
Let me be the first artist to applaud your virtue, but also let me pose a question if I might... Are you being completely, totally, and one hundred percent fair in your opinion of nude figure drawing?
I will concede you might be. In which case, you've attended these figure drawing sessions in person, judged them for yourself, noticed a good majority of the artists are women, not men, and still thought lust an issue as you meticulously drew a foot, laboring fervently to get the placement and shape just right. I must say, your commitment to detail and self examination makes me like you all the more.
Of course you didn't form your opinion based on TV shows or movies either, which glamorize and sexualize the experience, showing a fantasy world where the artist woos his diamond necklace adorned model in a tawdry affair. You're far too savvy to have fallen for that. Besides, your virtue is too ironclad to allow you to watch movies like that in the first place. It's obvious you formed your opinion carefully, without preconception.
Indeed, I can hardly contain the sunburst my respect for you has become. So, I fold my hands in surrender. I will no longer endeavor to persuade you away from the concept that it is a shameful notion to pursue the study of life drawing and its associated moral depravities.
I should thank you for saving me many future headaches.
Ever your friend,
The Artist
What comes to your mind when you hear the words, "nude figure drawing"? Do you equate those words with neon lit signs that say "Live Nude Girls" or club marques that say "We Bare All"? Perchance, might you picture an over-crowded sin filled room of leering male artists, eye pawing the delicate flesh of a young girl who has thrown away her self esteem to pay for college? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then I say welcome. This open letter is for you, friend:
Dear Sir or Madam,
I'm sure you've heard the usual defenses: "Artists look at the nude human body much in the same academic and objective way a doctor does." "There's nothing sexual about the study of the nude form in an academic setting." "Studying the nude female and male form in a live sitting is the only way to train the mind to understand the composition and visual make-up of the form."
To these arguments you say, "Phooey and fiddlesticks! That rubbish won't turn my moral compass."
I hear you. We artists are after all a bunch of scofflaws, which is why this Haven was started in the first place.
Let me be the first artist to applaud your virtue, but also let me pose a question if I might... Are you being completely, totally, and one hundred percent fair in your opinion of nude figure drawing?
I will concede you might be. In which case, you've attended these figure drawing sessions in person, judged them for yourself, noticed a good majority of the artists are women, not men, and still thought lust an issue as you meticulously drew a foot, laboring fervently to get the placement and shape just right. I must say, your commitment to detail and self examination makes me like you all the more.
Of course you didn't form your opinion based on TV shows or movies either, which glamorize and sexualize the experience, showing a fantasy world where the artist woos his diamond necklace adorned model in a tawdry affair. You're far too savvy to have fallen for that. Besides, your virtue is too ironclad to allow you to watch movies like that in the first place. It's obvious you formed your opinion carefully, without preconception.
Indeed, I can hardly contain the sunburst my respect for you has become. So, I fold my hands in surrender. I will no longer endeavor to persuade you away from the concept that it is a shameful notion to pursue the study of life drawing and its associated moral depravities.
I should thank you for saving me many future headaches.
Ever your friend,
The Artist
Dennis Dinosaur vs. Chimpan-Steve
by David Finley
Just a simple update today with another Dennis piece. Once I get about ten of these in this series done, I'd like to start really looking at publishing as an option.
Eventually, I'll devote a series of articles on my blog here toward chronicling my journey towards children's books. Hopefully, my own journey will help you aspiring illustrators in your own pursuits and you won't have to stumble through it like I have.
-Dave
Just a simple update today with another Dennis piece. Once I get about ten of these in this series done, I'd like to start really looking at publishing as an option.
Eventually, I'll devote a series of articles on my blog here toward chronicling my journey towards children's books. Hopefully, my own journey will help you aspiring illustrators in your own pursuits and you won't have to stumble through it like I have.
-Dave
Dr. Sketchy at the Cameron Art Museum
by David Finley
This past Friday I attended the Dr. Sketchy figure drawing session at the Cameron Art Museum. I can't tell you enough what a fantastic time I had there, drawing, meeting local artists and gallery owners, and just having a fun being in a really unique atmosphere.
The concept behind a "Dr. Sketchy" session revolves around a specific theme instead of just body study. The models dress in different costumes and pose situationally while you draw them. There's an element of performance art meeting standard posing.
For this particular session, the theme was the disco era, studio 54.
I've never attended a figure drawing session that served alcoholic beverages or had a DJ working before, but after getting used to it, the volume of the music actually helps you drown out distractions and focus.
It was the kick in the pants I've been needing to do some good old traditional medium work, i.e. charcoal, conte', and ink. I've had a lot of success working digitally lately, but before Friday's session I had been hitting a wall with more standard materials.
The whole experience reminded me again just how important it is to participate in community as an artist. When you spend hours in your studio laboring over your work, it is easy to become insular. Engaging other artists not only provides companionship, but also helps you improve your work with valuable feedback, and creates opportunities to work with others to help advance both your career and the careers of your peers.
I've decided to attend more drawing sessions, despite the drive. Cameron Art Museum is also host to a more traditional weekly figure drawing session. Maybe I'll see you there.
The concept behind a "Dr. Sketchy" session revolves around a specific theme instead of just body study. The models dress in different costumes and pose situationally while you draw them. There's an element of performance art meeting standard posing.
For this particular session, the theme was the disco era, studio 54.
I've never attended a figure drawing session that served alcoholic beverages or had a DJ working before, but after getting used to it, the volume of the music actually helps you drown out distractions and focus.
It was the kick in the pants I've been needing to do some good old traditional medium work, i.e. charcoal, conte', and ink. I've had a lot of success working digitally lately, but before Friday's session I had been hitting a wall with more standard materials.
The whole experience reminded me again just how important it is to participate in community as an artist. When you spend hours in your studio laboring over your work, it is easy to become insular. Engaging other artists not only provides companionship, but also helps you improve your work with valuable feedback, and creates opportunities to work with others to help advance both your career and the careers of your peers.
I've decided to attend more drawing sessions, despite the drive. Cameron Art Museum is also host to a more traditional weekly figure drawing session. Maybe I'll see you there.
Great Moments in History- FDR's Inaugural Address
by David Finley
Click to see a larger version.
Thanks for reading, Scofflaws!- Dave
Click to see a larger version.
Thanks for reading, Scofflaws!- Dave
Fighting Racism Through Art
Words and Images by David Finley
Taking on Racism
I never felt like I really had the right to talk about racism with my art. After all, I am a white guy. But, that changed when I found myself trying to come up with Saturday Night Live style comedy sketches with some friends of mine. An idea came to me about an infamous racist organization's (I won't say their name, but they dress up like ghosts) rally where all kinds of hate was being spat out via a bull-horn, until the party is ruined by a confused pac-man running through the crowd eating them all. It made us laugh.
Of course, my friends and I didn't have the costuming budget to make something like that happen, so I started thinking of other ways to communicate the same joke. Was their a single image that could do the same thing?
As silly as it is, I got nervous about making a drawing like this public. What if I offended someone? However, that also got me excited. So, I made the drawing public.
It didn't offend anyone, or at least not yet it hasn't.
In fact, people seem to really enjoy it. The rebel inside me is a bit disappointed, but it is still nice to speak out openly on such a hot button issue.
-Dave, Grand Poobah of all Scofflaws.
P.S. I made my "End Racism" design into a shirt. If you feel so inclined to join the cause and wish to purchase this shirt, please visit my shop by clicking the picture below.
Taking on Racism
I never felt like I really had the right to talk about racism with my art. After all, I am a white guy. But, that changed when I found myself trying to come up with Saturday Night Live style comedy sketches with some friends of mine. An idea came to me about an infamous racist organization's (I won't say their name, but they dress up like ghosts) rally where all kinds of hate was being spat out via a bull-horn, until the party is ruined by a confused pac-man running through the crowd eating them all. It made us laugh.
Of course, my friends and I didn't have the costuming budget to make something like that happen, so I started thinking of other ways to communicate the same joke. Was their a single image that could do the same thing?
As silly as it is, I got nervous about making a drawing like this public. What if I offended someone? However, that also got me excited. So, I made the drawing public.
It didn't offend anyone, or at least not yet it hasn't.
In fact, people seem to really enjoy it. The rebel inside me is a bit disappointed, but it is still nice to speak out openly on such a hot button issue.
-Dave, Grand Poobah of all Scofflaws.
P.S. I made my "End Racism" design into a shirt. If you feel so inclined to join the cause and wish to purchase this shirt, please visit my shop by clicking the picture below.
Thor in Real Life.
by David Finley
Sometimes, whether I want to or not, I end up shelving a project for extended periods of time in order to devote more times to other projects. It's not that the idea is bad, it's just that I am mortal and have limitations when I stretch myself too thin. Such is the case with my Thor character here.
As the story goes, one day, my friend Andrew and I were brainstorming a story concept that involved, Thor, norse god of thunder, and the modern society. Much of the story idea involved how out of place the thunder god would be ordering a latte' at the local Starbucks. He would stand in line and complain about the prices, then mispronounce Venti, while trying to flirt with the girl behind the counter. I also had this idea that Andrew would draw the comic, and I would write and ink it. So, it would be crude, simple art with a very streamlined finish on it. We were really excited to get started on it.
However, we needed to table the concept because we were already working on so many other projects. Sadly, Thor sank into the deep waters of my doodle files.
After rifling through some old sketches, I came across a rough concept drawing I did for the character so Andrew would have a model to work from. I still like the design very much.
Here's that sketch:
It appeals to me for some reason that Thor would be a fat guy with a big red mustache instead of the long-haired blonde romance cover model Marvel portrays. (No offense Jack Kirby, you're still king!)
The sheer roundness of the character makes him fun to draw, so recently I tightened up the sketch and inked it to produce the drawing at the top of this article. Of course, it so happens that I am currently working on some other projects, so poor Thor will have to wait even longer. (cue sad music)
Perhaps one day this Norse Legend's modern adventures will unfold, but until then at least there is this drawing to commemorate him.
Sometimes, whether I want to or not, I end up shelving a project for extended periods of time in order to devote more times to other projects. It's not that the idea is bad, it's just that I am mortal and have limitations when I stretch myself too thin. Such is the case with my Thor character here.
However, we needed to table the concept because we were already working on so many other projects. Sadly, Thor sank into the deep waters of my doodle files.
After rifling through some old sketches, I came across a rough concept drawing I did for the character so Andrew would have a model to work from. I still like the design very much.
Here's that sketch:
It appeals to me for some reason that Thor would be a fat guy with a big red mustache instead of the long-haired blonde romance cover model Marvel portrays. (No offense Jack Kirby, you're still king!)
The sheer roundness of the character makes him fun to draw, so recently I tightened up the sketch and inked it to produce the drawing at the top of this article. Of course, it so happens that I am currently working on some other projects, so poor Thor will have to wait even longer. (cue sad music)
Perhaps one day this Norse Legend's modern adventures will unfold, but until then at least there is this drawing to commemorate him.
Finding Your Purpose in Life- 5 Helpful Tips
by David Finley
What is your purpose? Have you ever been confused about what you should be doing with your life? Maybe you feel adrift in a large ocean of questions.
It's a very lonely feeling. But, trust me when I say you're not alone. There's a lot of pressure to figure everything out early on, but we all face it. Just talk to any kid about to graduate high school or the college sophomore that needs to declare her major.
To clarify, when I talk about purpose, I'm addressing career and life goals. In my own experience, I have dealt with the question of life purpose on and off my whole adult life.
While I always knew deep down what I really wanted, I was afraid of making the wrong choice. Recently, I decided it was worth shooting for my artistic and creative dreams despite the chance I might fail.
My passion is and always has been art. As a kid I knew it, but somehow once I entered adulthood I let a lot of doubt seep in. Happily, I have it sorted out now.
So how do you figure it out? I'm no expert, but I thought I would include some things I've learned on my own journey. Hopefully, it will help you as you pursue your own.
Standing
out does invite criticism. It also invites a whole lot of well meaning
advice that would encourage you not to move forward. As you cross into uncharted territory it will most certainly make others, both friend and foe alike, uncomfortable.
-Dave
What is your purpose? Have you ever been confused about what you should be doing with your life? Maybe you feel adrift in a large ocean of questions.
It's a very lonely feeling. But, trust me when I say you're not alone. There's a lot of pressure to figure everything out early on, but we all face it. Just talk to any kid about to graduate high school or the college sophomore that needs to declare her major.
To clarify, when I talk about purpose, I'm addressing career and life goals. In my own experience, I have dealt with the question of life purpose on and off my whole adult life.
While I always knew deep down what I really wanted, I was afraid of making the wrong choice. Recently, I decided it was worth shooting for my artistic and creative dreams despite the chance I might fail.
My passion is and always has been art. As a kid I knew it, but somehow once I entered adulthood I let a lot of doubt seep in. Happily, I have it sorted out now.
So how do you figure it out? I'm no expert, but I thought I would include some things I've learned on my own journey. Hopefully, it will help you as you pursue your own.
Finding Your Purpose in Life (In 5 Helpful Tips)
1. What are you interested in?
This seems obvious, but it is often overlooked. What interests you the most? Can you watch the History Channel for hours? Do you experiment with new ingredients trying to perfect new recipes? Maybe you've thought of an invention that will change the way people watch television.
Our passions guide us. They are a blueprint of possibilities. In my article, What Really Matters in Life- I posed this question, "What is that thing you can spend six hours doing and it feels like six minutes?" If time seems to fly by at lightening speed when you're making cookies for your church bake sale, maybe you should consider baking for a living.
2. Don't be Afraid to stand out.
We often don't pursue things because no one else has. It's uncharted waters, and there seem to be sharks out there. If your passion is unconventional, maybe you should try it anyway. Failure may be all but certain, yet that passion will still continue to press if you don't act on it, eventually settling into a big pool of regret.
There was no such thing as a full length animated movie before Walt Disney made Snow White. Disney sunk a ridiculous amount of money into making the film when almost everyone out there said it would never be a success. If it had failed, it most likely would have spelled the end for the Disney studio. Fortunately, it was very successful. Yet, Disney didn't stop there. He continued to take incredible risks on creative projects, eventually opening the first theme park, Disneyland.
It's an incredible and inspirational story, but it never would have happened if Walt Disney had been afraid to stand out.
3. Don't wait for a sign.
Signs from the heavens don't usually direct us toward our path. I'm not saying it has never happened, but typically conventional wisdom guides us a bit more. Often, the answer is a bit more mundane.
When I was four, I could sit for hours and watch my Dad draw at his art desk. He was my hero. I remember sitting at his desk at home when he was away at work, turning the lightbox on his drafting table on and off, and also slicing my fingers on a pair of scissors when I was eight, but that is a different story. Eventually, I found myself drawing all the time hoping that one day I would be as good as my Dad.
No star fell from heaven. No divine voice told me what I was supposed to do, and recently I came to terms with that being okay. Truth be told, it was the misery of not pursuing my passion in art that lead me to the certainty I have now.
4. Stop putting so much pressure on yourself. There is no deadline.
Putting pressure on ourselves is a form of perfectionism, and as I wrote earlier this week, perfectionism is a dangerous obstacle when it comes to pursuing dreams. Things don't have to be perfect before you start doing them. You also don't need to be an expert before you start either.
Set realistic goals for yourself. If you want to be a chef, be a chef. Know that you are a successful chef when you cook for others to purchase and enjoy. Success doesn't have to be a show on the food network, with three cookbooks on the National Bestseller list.
I placed all kinds of pressure on myself to succeed at very high levels. I've been published in magazines, books, and had my art hang in galleries, yet I still had the feeling that I hadn't made it yet. The result was a constant feeling of defeat and failure. More recently, I've just decided that as long as the majority of my workday is filled with art and writing, and our living expenses are met, then I am living out my purpose. I have made it.
Also, despite what anyone else says, there is no deadline on any of this.
5. The right way presents itself through action.
If the path you choose isn't the right one, the right way usually presents itself as you move forward with your choice. When you sit and wait, the path remains obscure, and might never actually materialize. Taking action, even the wrong action can help you determine your path, or at the very least, show you what you don't want your path to be.
Both of my Grandfathers were Christian pastors. Despite my passions, I wrestled with whether I too had that same calling on my life. I pondered whether I should give up my passion for art to pursue a higher, more divine calling.
While I never did attend seminary, I was employed at a ministry for a number of years. During my time working in the ministry, I fantasized and dreamed about a life pursuing art instead. Now, I can look back without regret knowing that pursuing art was the right choice. So, even the wrong path taught me about what I really wanted to do, and the question about whether I should follow in the footsteps of my Grandfathers was finally put to rest.
Finding Your Purpose
Let me encourage you as you search for your passions and chase your
dreams that so much of the richness of life is in the pursuit, and not
just the goal. Searching for your purpose can be difficult and confusing, yet it is a journey filled with lessons, adventure, and a richer life.
So as you navigate the waters of life, I hope all of you will find what you are looking for.
Thanks for reading, Scofflaws!
David Finley: Scofflaw?
Guest Post by Jonathan Hickey
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| Self Portrait- by David Finley |
He loves sipping tea, taking long walks on the beach, and drawing cute, cuddly animals. I once saw him blubber like a baby because a infant duckling died of "natural causes." Honestly, it made me very uncomfortable.
David calls this blog, "The Haven for Scofflaws, Roustabouts, and Ne'er-Do-Wells." You may consider this title just another example of David's clever wordplay but I wonder; do you, gentle reader, realize how much you have been duped by this so called "scofflaw?" This self-proclaimed "roustabout" who is nothing more than a man-child hiding behind his southern charm and dogeared copy of Roget's Thesaurus. Well, I for one, am not fooled. The time has come to settle accounts.
By definition, a "scofflaw" is someone who not only breaks an ordinance but does so repeatedly. They have zero regard for law enforcement and if they should receive a summons for court, they simply disregard it. They relish in a total disgust for the establishment. Well I have it on good authority David Finley voted Democrat in the last election and plans to do so again. Scofflaw? I think not.
"Roustabout" is a term that applies to unskilled laborers. Oilfield workers, deck hands on the Mississippi River, and your run of the mill circus folk typically have the moniker attached to them. Sadly, David's last "real" job involved a brief stint in middle-management. How can anyone who uses Excel be considered a roustabout?
Which only leaves "ne'er-do-well" - a Scottish expression from the 1700's referring to an irresponsible, and lazy person. Any regular reader of "The Haven" knows this also to be a misnomer; especially considering David's recent output. The man is many things, but irresponsible and lazy simply doesn't enter into the equation.
So I offer a new name for your blog David; "The Haven." It's short, sweet, and certainly more accurate. Apply it immediately or suffer the consequences of dwindling readership and a life of cyber obscurity.
Tread lightly.
Work From Home
Artists Beware: 3 Dangers of Perfectionism
by David Finley
My wife and I were conversing recently about the new path I was taking as a full time freelance artist. I filled her ear with how happy I was to be making art again, and how free I felt from the life we had been living just months before.
Eventually, the conversation progressed to the status of my online store, where I planned to sell prints and originals of my art. This wasn't the first time we had discussed the matter. So, I explained how I was making new art and as soon as I had a body of work I was happy with, my online shop would be born. For some reason my response didn't make sense to her. Why not open my store now with the work I already have and add better work as I go along?
She was right. I had let perfectionism almost stop me from taking an important step toward my goals.
So, my own battle with perfectionism came to my attention. It is something I was mildly aware of before, knowing even in my younger years I was my own worst critic. However, I never considered what perfectionism might be costing me as an artist and a creative professional.
There is a bit of illusion perfectionism throws our way. It masquerades as quality control and encourages excellence. Because, while it keeps our standards escalating ever higher, perfectionism is the summit of a mountain we can never truly climb.
3 Dangers of Perfectionism
1. Perfectionism Will Cause You to Procrastinate
As I said before, I wanted to have a perfect portfolio of all new work before I opened my shop online. Yet, if I had waited for my dream portfolio, I would have missed out on the prints I have sold since I opened my shop.
It's not just my online shop either. There are so many shows, companies, and galleries that I have neglected sending my work to because I wanted things to be perfect first. That's not lazy, but it is a form of procrastination.
2. Perfectionism Will Lead to Frustration and Depression
As artists, we thrive on the melancholy. We love to stare at our own
work, mentally dissecting and breaking it down. But, it is a dangerous
preoccupation that can hinder your personal well being if left unchecked.
Perfectionism can spread to all areas of our life and rob of us our daily joy. As we sit and compare our lives and our work to others who seem far more successful, the depression only grows worse because we will never be as perfect as the ideals we see in other people.
3. Perfectionism Can Cause you to Miss Out on your Dreams
Had they stopped to think about it more, it would have decreased their output dramatically. Perfectionism might have kept one of the greatest bands in history from ever happening.
A Perfectionist No More... Well, Mostly
Realizing how big a problem perfectionism can be has really helped me as an artist. It is better to do than to have the perfect plan.
Perfectionism has its place. There is nothing wrong with striving for excellence. There is nothing wrong with planning. Just don't allow it to stop you from doing what you love the most.
Thanks for reading, Scofflaws!
-Dave
Illustration Friday: Return
by David Finley
I once joked with my sister, saying if I was ever to get publicly attacked by a lion or a bear, I think it's really funny to yell, "Not again!" just as they pounce on you.
Not only would it be good for Youtube views later, but it would create an intrigue around the whole thing that went beyond the moment. I like to think people would wonder who this poor man was that was repeatedly stalked by a bear.
The drawing above was made for the Illustration Friday topic: Return. This was one of those rare moments when an idea for the challenge popped immediately in my head.
I made the drawing in Adobe Illustrator and added textures in Photoshop. Comments are welcomed here.
Thanks for looking!
-Dave, Grand Poobah of the Haven for Scofflaws
I once joked with my sister, saying if I was ever to get publicly attacked by a lion or a bear, I think it's really funny to yell, "Not again!" just as they pounce on you.
Not only would it be good for Youtube views later, but it would create an intrigue around the whole thing that went beyond the moment. I like to think people would wonder who this poor man was that was repeatedly stalked by a bear.
The drawing above was made for the Illustration Friday topic: Return. This was one of those rare moments when an idea for the challenge popped immediately in my head.
I made the drawing in Adobe Illustrator and added textures in Photoshop. Comments are welcomed here.
Thanks for looking!
-Dave, Grand Poobah of the Haven for Scofflaws
My Songbird
Words and Images by David Finley
 |
| Songbird- by David Finley |
Songbird
Cold fatigue kisses my weathered cheek;
Upon sun feathered breasts where spring winds blow.
Her songbird voice becomes summer rain;
'Til my autumn crown becomes winter snow.
-David Finley
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