Putting our Brand on Kewanee again!

I just spent the last few days with a great group of people...we were painting a mural in Kewanee, Illinois that celebrates the life of Neville Brand. Neville is an actor that grew up in Kewanee and starred in television shows like Laredo and in many many movies, often as a bad guy.

Here's the thing: There were 5 official painters, but many many others that helped make it happen.  There were people making us food, letting us sleep in their homes, and a hundred other things that helped make the experience something special for us all.  I knew we would have fun, but had no idea it would be a one mural walldog event with all the trimmings.  Thanks to everyone that helped!

The big surprise was a visit from Neville Brand's brother, Bryce, who at 92 years young told us many stories about his older brother. In fact, Bryce took the picture of Neville for the Kewanee football team as seen in the mural!

Back in the saddle

There are plenty of excuses for not keep up with posts, and I won't put you to sleep with mine. Suffice it to say that Elena and I have cleaned up and fixed a bike for her to ride this spring and she loves it.  I'll be joining her on some awesome adventures!

It's time to get caught up and share some things I've been doing... getting this boat on the wall was one:

I've also been working on my painting skills.... A visit to my friend who owns a brewery was an excuse to break out some brushes and do a little "antique" work:

I was having so much fun painting, I decided to use one of the leftover doors in my shop to paint my favorite car:

Don't misunderstand...my love of 3 dimensional work is strong and thriving...but I've found that a little painting practice can be just what the doctor ordered!

Stay tuned for the next installment of what's been going on!!

Mardi Gras!

There is a group known as the "Letterheads" that has been around for about 100 years.  At various times they have been more active than others.  This last week, there was an event in Mazeppa, Mn.
My schedule was such that I could only attend a portion of the event, and I enjoyed every moment.

My job was to help with technical issues (projectors, printers, computers) and talk a little bit about magic sculpt and how I use it.  I thought it would be a good time to dig out a fun project I'd started a couple years ago...the "Nautilus" from 20,000 under the sea.  I didn't want to sculpt a straight copy of Harper Goff's design, but add some of my own flair and twist to it.  It's about 33" long. 

We had several groups of children from the local school visit...ages ranging from 6-12.  They were able to see artists hand painting lettering, mural painting and pin striping.  Artists visited from all kinds of countries outside the US including:  The UK, Germany, Australia, Scotland, Brazil, Canada and Iowa.

There were presentations about painting, lettering, chalk board art...and lots and lots of laughter.

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Eventually, it was time to say goodbye and return home....while I was getting back into the swing of things and setting up other work, I took a few minutes to put some paint on my sculpture...

Multi-tasking

Today was a day to have multiple things going all at once....

First, a good friend in Aledo needed me to do a little carving for him...as his machine is
having some problems....so this 8' long sign has been carving most of the afternoon:

I've been painting the various parts of the Stark County Ambulance sign...they brought by a patch with the proper colors and that's been a tremendous help matching!

While I was painting, I thought about how much I enjoy re-using old containers that would otherwise have gone directly to some land-fill.  I feel that at the very least I'm giving them a second, third and sometimes 4th or 5th life before they finally end up in the dumpster. It's a little thing, but one that matters.  Since I only use water based paints, I don't have to be concerned about reactions with the plastic.

Tomorrow I should be able to wrap up the Ambulance sign and my friends 8' carving....

Shovel shovel shovel!

We've had more snow here, so much of my morning was spent digging out the drive and getting a path cleared at the shop....and I just know if I buy a snowblower, we'll never see another inch.

Either way, I made some time to wrap up Sinister Vision's booth logo sign.

Now it's back to the ambulance project!!