Class - Pastel Beach

Tried a pastel. Really wanted to focus on trying to blend color gradients. Unfortunately, I used the wrong kind of paper, and I used the thick pastels to do the palm leaves when a charcoal pencil was sitting right next to me and I didn't realize it. Oh well. Next time I'll know better. Other than that, I was happy with the sky and the clouds. About 3 hours.

Site Redesign Styles

Wasn't that long ago I released a new version of my site, www.jmspark.com, but I'm toying with beginning the transition of it away from a portfolio site. Here are some of the styles I was playing with today.

Class - Pencil Still Life

So, I've started taking some local art classes here in Catonsville at a place called Staub Art Studio. I go every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30. I'm really using it for two reasons. One, it forces me to do some artwork once a week. Not only that, it forces me to work on something for the sake of doing it, not for some big goal or project. It's no pressure work. Second, it's time I get back into art at a level I haven't for a while. Techniques on shading, blending colors, representing light, etc. would be really helpful in helping me reach another level in the digital stuff I do.

So, here was my intro piece, pieced together from four scanned sections. I wasn't thrilled with the goblet or the sheet shadows, but, eh, first time doing something like this in years and years.

Trench of Love

I love my fiance. She wanted a fountain in the front yard, which required a trench that ran to the outlet. This is a trench of love.

...and I wonder why I can't get any art work done.

New Studio

With the new studio painted and set up, I thought I'd post some pictures.



Drawing table. That's a flying DeLorean in the upper right.



Stephanie's easel and painting area.



More toys!

Mirror Me

In the house I set up a studio with a full body mirror hanging horizontally above my drawing table. Today before starting work I did a sketch of myself from the mirror. I don't know why I'm a "deer in the headlights". I think it's because I'm realizing how much older I am since the last time I tried to cartoon myself from a mirror.

Summer Vacation

As the summer closes this weekend, I've posted some of my summer vacation pictures from last July to South Carolina. It's been a long summer, what with the house and all. Finally back to working on my own projects, which are slowly coming together. The blog will pick up.


Duke ready for takeoff.



Stephanie and Ginger in the water.



Baby's first hole.



After much struggle, the kite was in the air.



An 80 pound fish caught by...me. Yeah. Sure. That was me...



Me and some complex looking food. I am so happy to be eating it.