Well been awhile since I posted. Have been too busy with a new venture (non art related) to have time to breath let alone do some art work. Things are settling down a little so will try to get back to working with my pen and pencils in the near future. Check out the latest happenings on Illustration Friday as they have a new format which uses actual pics and is much more colorful. Also one of my favorite local artists was given an award by the State of Arkansas for his life's works. Check out the news on Zeek Taylor a real neat gentleman and an awesome artist.

Eureka Springs White Street Walk

The 22nd annual White Street Studio Walk took take place Friday, May 18th, from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m., in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Historic White Street is the working address of several local artists who will welcome the public into homes and studios to view their latest works. They will be joined by more than forty guest artists from the Eureka Springs area, who will show weaving, watercolors, jewelry, oils, pottery, stained glass and much more. One of Eureka Springs’ most popular events, the White Street Studio Walk is attended by those seeking art while enjoying the street fair atmosphere combined with refreshments and music. White Street is on the upper historic loop, not far from the Crescent Hotel. The event is free to the public. And a good time was had by all.  The weather was perfect, the crowd was jovial, the food was great, and the wine was plentiful. Hats off to all the artists who opened their shops, galleries, gardens and houses for a great time.

IF - Hitch 05/04/2012

Jumping the Broom: (Getting Hitched)

Is a phrase and custom relating to wedding ceremonies in different cultural traditions, found in many diverse cultures, those of Africa - Europe including Scotland, Hungary and Gypsy culture, all of which include brooms at wedding rituals. It is particularly associated with the Romani gypsy people of the UK, especially those in Wales. There is evidence showing the wedding custom was practiced by gypsies in England and Scotland as well as by African Americans and other groups.  In the American south, the custom determined who ran the household. Whoever jumped highest over the broom was the decision maker of the household. Or, whoever landed on the ground first after jumping the broom was predicted to be the decision maker in the marriage. In England, jumping the broom was always synonymous with irregular or non-church unions while in America the phrase could be used a slang describing the act of getting married legally, rather then an informal union not recognized by church or state.  

IF - Vocal 04/06/2012

And the streets were full of vocal people.

IF - Return 03-30-12

Well, I saw the new subject for this week and the song started playing. And I said no, surly I can come up with something different. But the noise just continued and only stopped when I did the drawing. So enjoy, comments and ideas always welcome just don't step on my blue swede shoes. :-)

James

IF - Swamp 03/23/2012

The dismal swamp steams -
Weeping the lonely frog howls
At the moon's rising

IF - Shade

Well this is a big change for me having mainly worked in pen and ink. Hats off to everyone who works with colored pencil. I have been wanting to try it out and have spent some time looking at the YouTube videos for tips and techniques. So with St. Patrick's day this week I decided to try  a Green Man style of drawing with a shade of green. So enjoy, as always comments and ideas welcome.