Thursday, July 29, 2010

Pencil Study


I sketched this up last night over coffee, and I think it's got potential for another painting. I used some of the Yuki photos from her last visit. Now that July is almost over, I'm starting to feel my gallery show opening date of Sept. 2 creeping up on me.
Back to work!
-Ed

Today's syndicate cartoon


I hope I'm wrong, but it HAS to be somewhere.
Had a great time at coffee last night. Good sketching, good discussions, and good company. Those of you who would like to join us (or re-join us) are always welcome. Wednesdays at the Lakewood Starbucks from 5:30 to 8:30. Bring a sketchbook!
I also wanted to take a second to welcome the new followers of the blog. Looks like some people in Jax. are peeking in. Cool.
-Ed

Sunday, July 25, 2010

The Days of The Week Book

We were babysitting for three days last week, and as usual my 5 year old niece had a book "project" for us to complete (on deadline). This time it was The Days of The Week. Last time we did Seasons, and the time before that the book was called Months (12 pages is a lot BTW). Anyway, Auntie and Uncle were both "assigned" their days, and we had to work under the watchful eye of the boss.



I'm not sure why, but no one wanted to do Thursday. So we didn't meet our deadline. We're saving that day, the cover, and the title page (these are really serious books) for next time she's over. Hope you enjoy this - it was kinda fun on a rainy Wednesday afternoon.




Cheers,

Ed












Saturday, July 24, 2010

Friday, July 23, 2010

Syndicate cartoon


After appearing that they might actually grow spines and ask Elena Kagan some difficult questions, Republicans seem to have folded. Looks like she'll skate right through - especially with the support of Lindsey Graham.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Dr. Sketchy's Jax Jam "I'm With The Band"


Dr. Sketchy's was fun yesterday. The theme was "I'm with the band," and we got to draw in the studio were some of Southern Rock's greatest bands recorded. I had to leave early for a movie, so I couldn't get as much detail as I would have liked. I added some of the stools, microphone stands, guitar, etc. in today from photographic reference. Enjoy. Tomorrow it's delivery of artwork, a local cartoon, and back into the yard studio for some painting. Stay tooned!



-Ed

Friday, July 16, 2010

Opening reception date moved


For those of you planning on attending, my September opening at the Corse Gallery has been moved from the 1st to the 2nd. Downtown Jacksonville's ArtWalk is on September 1st, so we decided to move it to the day after (Thursday). I will be handing out postcards in the weeks prior to the show, and I will of course be announcing it again on Facebook as the date draws closer. Mark your calendars and tell your friends. Hope to see you all there! -Ed

Last syndicate cartoon of the week


I've got a BIG weekend planned. Picking up new framed art works, listening to Jazz, lunch with friends, Dr. Sketchy's, and then a Louis Sullivan flick to top it all off! Should be fun. See you on Monday.
-Ed

Monday, July 12, 2010

Reviewing the Pentel Large Color Brush Pen


Today I’m going to be reviewing the Color Brush pen from Pentel. This is just one in a long line of quality products from Pentel of America. For more on Pentel products you can visit their web site at: http://pentel.com/ These pens come in a variety of colors, all of which can be viewed here. I have been using this pen almost exclusively for a recent series of canine ink brush paintings, and I am really enjoying it. For this review I will be breaking down my critique into four parts: Ergonomics, tip and ink flow, quality of line, and durability. First let’s talk about the comfort of the pen.


Ergonomics. It feels pretty hefty in your hand (which I like), the barrel is round in circumference with ridges running it's length for a good grip. The manufacturers have also placed ridges running around the pen head itself, which also allows for a good grip closer to the tip. The pen mechanism breaks down into three parts: the barrel, which holds the ink, and is the part that you throw away and replace (a recycling system would be nice - more on this later) - the pen brush head, which screws into the pen cartridges, and the cap. The cap does not fit as securely onto the end of the barrel as I would like, but this could easily be rectified with a simple snap ridge to allow for it to pop on and off. Replacement of cartridges is simple and straightforward, with the instructions printed right on the side of the pen brush head. Simply remove the old/empty ink cartridge by turning clockwise, and then screw the new one on counter-clockwise (a little odd, but you get used to it). With the cover slipped onto the back of the pen, the balance is even and the weight is distributed evenly across the pen’s length. As I said before, I like a little "heft" in the pens I use. I tend to work heavy, so I like a drawing instrument that is also heavy. The pen is about 7" long, and the brush head is equivalent to a medium to large size Sumi brush.

Tip and Ink Flow. The brush tip is made up of a synthetic material, and produces a medium to heavy line weight. I find the line to be fluid and smooth, without any clumping or "dotting." A gentle squeeze fills the reservoir with ink, and then a continuous, flowing line ensues, depending on pressure. The ink leaves the brush tip tip in a graceful and even manner with no bleed or messy overflow. Another interesting way to vary the line is to let the reservoir run dry, and then you can create more of a dry brush technique. The brush also seems to hold up really well over time. Being synthetic instead of natural hair you don't get as much "splaying" of the fibers as you would with a natural brush. This is a HUGE selling point for me, as I always seem to be going through brushes with my heavy hand.


Quality of Line. As I said before, the line is consistent and even, yet you can still vary the line weight from light to medium to heavy by how much pressure you exert on the brush. You can also obtain a dry brush feel by allowing the tip to go a little dry. As soon as ink is squeezed back into it, you can get a very tight line again. I like that versatility. I'll include a detail of one of my dog drawings, so that you can see the quality of line in a finished piece of art.

Longevity and Durability. This pen is built pretty sturdily. The plastic barrel is hefty and the cap clicks securely onto the tip end, although not on the back end. The tip can take a pretty good beating too, working from the side of the brush and back to a point, and still come up with a thin crisp line. The high quality Pentel ink also gives a really solid, dark black. A good crisp black is always a plus in ink brush paintings.

Score.
Overall I would give the Pentel Color Brush Pen a score of 9.5 out of 10. Other than a few tweaks to the cap, and a barrel recycling program, I wouldn't change a thing.

One more local


There comes a point where old sensibilities just get in the way of commerce - especially during a recession. I'm sure Baker Countians would prefer not to have to drive into Jacksonville to have a cold beer with their Sunday ribs or seafood dinner.

Today's syndicate cartoon


I'm trying to get all of these done very, very early this week, because I know come Wednesday, I'll be drowning in a sea of glue, glitter, markers and construction paper.

Some local stuff


Every year it seems that the beach clean up after 4th of July celebrations takes longer and longer. Couldn't help but see the connection here.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Friday toonage


Here's my final syndicate cartoon for the week. I keep reading about all of the in-fighting on both sides of the aisle in the run up to the November elections. Makes you wonder (once again) how anything ever gets done in Washington. Oh wait, never mind. Anyway, I've got some stuff scheduled for next week, so I'm gonna be cartooning through the weekend as well. Will post them as I finish them. Hope everyone has a GREAT Sat. & Sun. Stay cool.

-Ed

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Some recent local cartoons



It's been a busy week. And I've still got one more to do! Maybe something on this so-called heat wave. In Florida we call that "Tuesday." Stay cool.

-Ed













Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Latest Ink Brush Painting


Here's my most recent pen & ink work for my September show. Preparation for this has been taking up all of my free time lately, so tonight we're gonna take a break, visit downtown Jacksonville's ArtWalk,catch up with some friends, and look at some fresh paintings. Should be fun - grab me if you see me!
-Ed