While russia goes about leveling as many buildings as possible in Ukraine, the Ukrainian people realize a country is much more than just its structures. This is Saints Anthony and Theodosius Cathedral in Vasylkiv, Ukraine. It may or may not survive but more importantly, resistance will endure. Buildings can alway be rebuilt. The idea that Ukrainians control their own destiny, vote for who they want as a leader, and decide how they want to live their future is stronger than any amount of edifices.
The Brooklyn Circus
My friend, Ouigi Theodore owns the coolest clothing store in Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Circus. In fact, he may be the grooviest person Ive ever met. No doubt he’s the best dresser I’ve ever known. Anyway, I did this drawing for him. If you ever want to dress like an influencer, then buy something from Ouigi’s store. I’m an old dude but I’ve been stopped on the street a hundred times and asked where I got what I’m wearing by hipsters. I always give them the same answer, “The Brooklyn Circus.”
Ukraine
My new dream is to one day visit Ukraine. I want to drink in the pubs, eat in the local restaurants, and visit the sites of heroes. Of course, that won’t be possible for quite some time but I do hope it becomes a reality in my lifetime. I can’t wait to draw on the streets of a free and democratic Ukraine. Here is another virtual illustration I did. It’s of St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral in Kyiv.
Chickens
Of all the birds on planet earth, only 30 percent actually live in the wild. The rest are enslaved in poultry, factory farms waiting to be annihilated and a miniscule fraction are in pet shops and zoos.
Ukraine
During the height of the pandemic lockdown, I did a series of drawings where I pretended to virtually travel to countries I’ve always wanted to visit. Then I created what I called, a single “Vircation Drawing” of each location. One of these places happened to be Kyiv, Ukraine. I’m reposting this illustration I did of St. Andrew’s church in Kyiv. Now, none of us can physically go there. Although nothing can prevent our hearts and souls from being there alongside the Ukrainian people.
Two Brushes
When I started to do these acrylic ink paintings, I purchased four small paint brushes of various sizes. I only use two of them. My little brain loves to keep things simple. If you’ve ever looked at photographs of famous painters studios, you always see jars filled with all kinds of brushes. On my desk, I have a tiny ceramic I made that holds the two small brushes. It’s as visually unimpressive as you would imagine. As a result, there’s hardly any mess when I paint though.
Japan
I think I figured out that I don’t really paint. I more or less do a drawing while using a brush instead of a pen. Therefore, I don’t think of myself as a painter when I do these. I’m sort of an illuspainter. It’s not easy breaking my habits and stop relying on my ancient bag of drawing tricks.
Rabbit
I can always pull a rabbit out of my pen.
Life Drawing
Good form.
Girl With Cat
Mad magazine, Cracked magazine, and Sick magazine all play an important part in my early art education. They probably play a larger part than any of my art teachers or art school. Every once in a while, I have to bang out a drawing in that sort of style. Not sure what part of my subconscious this came from but here it is for your visual pleasure.
Game Of Shrooms
This year I will be participating in my very first Game Of Shrooms event. It was created by the artist, Attaboy. It’s a world-wide event where artists create originals works of art that are mushroom themed. Then they give the artworks away by hiding them in public spaces and leaving clues on social media. I will create two framed pieces. I’ll post about it in June when it happens. Any artist can participate if they want. Just look up Game Of Shrooms online and follow the instructions.
Bacon
I just finished reading the book, Francis Bacon, Revelations by Mark Stevens and Annalyn Swan. The 900-page biography of the Irish-born, British painter basically covers every single moment of his tumultuous life. Quite a read. Hopefully my own painting will improve slightly having consumed all of his lunacy.
Wings
“Friendly reminder that chickens only have 2 wings. So when people order 24 wings, that’s 12 chickens.”
Plant Based News
