Drip Art Night adds a splash of color to Orlando’s art scene.

Posted on by Thor

On February 26th, I went to the Drip Local Art Night to sketch. Drip is located at 8747 International Dr. Ste 102, Orlando, Fl right behind Denny’s and Senor Frogs. Brit Lytle was body Painting an attractive model whose breast became the eyes of an owl. Artist Janae Corrado was exhibiting her mysterious and dark fanciful paintings. She seems to exhibit her art at every event that I sketch. She sets up early and breaks down her exhibit with an enviable ease. At this event she worked on one of her paintings when she wasn’t talking to prospective clients. Kristen Lockhart who organized the event set up a Drip community art project which allowed anyone to channel their inner Jackson Pollack by pouring paint onto a large panel.

BalaChandra Belly Dance performed several acts during the evening, along with Corsets and Cuties, a Burlesque Cabaret. The burlesque was staged near the bar with sly smiles becoming the drinkers to loosen up and have more fun. Staging a strip tease in the round must present intimidating challenges since it becomes hard to discreetly cover private parts that are only meant to be unveiled for the final climax. Music was supplied by Frank Asaurus Fresh who was the DJ from 8:00-10:00. Artist could keep 90% of all art sales while DRIP got 10%. This is a great way to meet some of Orlando’s best visual artist while experiencing lively and fun dance and burlesque. Many artists who said they wanted to participate ended up being no-shows. I can’t believe any artist would pass on this fun way to showcase their work. One of my DRIP sketchbooks was sold which justified the time spent designing that print on demand book.

My Urban Sketching students tackle new architecture.

Posted on by Thor

With my Urban Sketching class at Elite Animation Academy, (8933 Conroy Windermere Rd, Orlando, FL) I seek out unique sketching opportunities in the Conroy Windermere neighborhood. The Tavistock Financial Center (4705 S Apopka Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL) on the corner of Apopka Vineland and Conroy road was erected a few years ago. It houses a brokerage firm and several other businesses I’m sure. It was built in an Italian, Mediterranean style with the two functionless bell towers. On the weekend, which is when we had the class, there is no traffic at this front door round about. One of my students peeked in the front doors, but the building was locked.

My two students sat on the sidewalk and curb and they worked hard to get the immense building on the page. It was a good exercise in two point perspective. These students had already proven themselves as competent sketchers, so I let them block in their sketches uninterrupted.  I sketched along with them and I showed them my process each time I completed a phase. They saw the rough pencil pass, the pen and ink work and then the watercolor. As we worked, dark thunder clouds rolled in from the North West. The sky darkened to a threatening steel grey. Thankfully we all finished our sketches and got back to the classroom before the deluge.

The Travistock Financial Center combines the best of classic columns
and arches of the Mediterranean architectural style with modern
international design detail. Hand selected slate floors, exotic
hardwood panels and marble are used throughout the atrium lobby and
common areas. Dramatic artwork and plasma monitors adorn the wood
veneer paneled walls. Glass and metal will are combined
to create inviting and productive well lit interior spaces. Built over
secured parking and surrounded by lush, beautifully landscaped grounds,
the office building is both dramatic and functional. A full time
concierge provides an unparalleled level of service for tenants. The
concierge will be focused on making your life easier so that you can
focus on your business.The Financial Center also has
state-of-the-art security features that provide true peace of mind
for all tenant and guests.Ample on site parking is available. It looks like there are still office spaces for lease.

Heathers The Musical presents ruthless teens at the Dr Philips Center for the Performing Arts.

Posted on by Thor

Heathers The Musical will run from August 13 to August 23 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
(445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, Florida). The play is based on the classic 1989 film. Westerberg High is
ruled by a shoulder-padded, scrunchie-wearing trio of Heathers, (Lindsey Wells, Jillian
Gizzi, and Caroline Drage ) the hottest and cruelest girls in all of Ohio. But misfit
Veronica Sawyer (Nicole Visco) rejects their evil regime for a new boyfriend, the dark
and sexy stranger J.D., (Thomas Sanders) who plans to put the Heathers in their place.
 

 The dress rehearsal I attended was delayed by about an hour as microphone headsets were adjusted and other tech issues were resolved. All the actors sat on stage waiting to rehearse the one large group number in the show. I recognized actress Ally Gursky who performed as Veronica’s childhood friend, Martha Dunnstock who became the butt of the Heathers ruthless jokes. Although not popular, Martha breathed hope into the otherwise sinister student body.

The musical numbers were fun and lively although not particularly memorable. During a sound check, Nicole was asked to sing and someone on the crew shouted out, “Little Mermaid”! She began singing as Ariel and I wondered if she played the Disney Character by day. The Heathers were as ruthless as their fashion tastes. When they first entered the entire student body moved in slow motion to watch their bold strutting. The set was painted in colors that were as bright as the Heathers red, yellow and green suits and skirts. Murdered students would return to haunt Veronica bathed in a green spotlight.

High school students might do anything for their first love but Veronica’s boyfriend goes too far for an all consuming love. Veronica finally regains her morals after becoming as ruthless and mean as the Heathers.

Show runs August 13 to August 23 at various times.

Tickets start at $15.73
Ticket prices include 6.5% sales tax
Alexis and Jim Pugh Theater in The Doctor Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, Florida

Weekend Top 6 Picks for August 15th and 16th.

Posted on by Thor

Saturday August 15, 2015

5pm to 9pm Free. End of Summer Bash. Center Lake Park Oviedo, Florida. Helpful Hands, Inc. in Partnership with the City of Oviedo is pleased to announce a Free Concert at Center Lake Park featuring The 13th Floor Band!

Food, Beer, & Wine for sale!

All proceeds help fund the Athletic Program administered by Helpful Hands, Inc. which provides scholarships to the City of Oviedo Department of Parks and Recreation Youth Programs.

6pm to 10pm Free. Starchild’s Odyssey: A Retrospective View Into the Imaginative World of Toni Taylor. Gods and Monsters 5250 International Drive; Suite E8, Orlando, Florida. Join us for a reception for artist, Toni L Taylor at the Transmetropolitan Gallery inside Gods and Monsters.

Toni Taylor began her professional illustration career in 1985 as a cover artist for Heavy Metal Magazine. She is a visionary artist whose work travels through the realms of fantasy and mysticism. She feels a special kinship with the mysteries of Ancient Egypt as well as the spirit of Native America. Goddess imagery is represented powerfully in her collection and as a lover of all things celestial, the beauty and limitlessness of the Cosmos often finds its way into her paintings…

Read this interview to learn more about Toni and see examples of her work.

7pm to 9pm Free.  The Orlando Shuffle. Beardall Senior Center, 800 Delaney Avenue, Orlando, FL. The Orlando Shuffle is always free, family-friendly, and fun. It takes place the 1st and 3rd Saturdays every month. Come play, learn, or just hangout. Retro attire is encouraged.



Sunday August 16, 2015

10am to 12:30pm $10. $10 Crealde Sketch Class. Crealdé School of Art, 600 St Andrews Blvd, Winter Park, FL. Life drawing from nude model. No instruction.

4pm to 6pm Free. Rodrigo Garcia- US Premier Concert Performance. Audubon Park Covenant Church 3219 Chelsea St, Orlando, Florida. 17 year old Rodrigo Garcia is a classical pianist prodigy from Cuba making his U.S. premier in concert this August in Orlando, FL at Audubon Park Covenant Church. You will not want to miss this special concert with Rodrigo! Check out this video of him performing.

9pm to 11pm Free. Comedy Open Mic. Austin’s Coffee, 929 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, FL. Free comedy show! Come out & laugh, or give it a try yourself.

Free Ticket giveaway. I have one FREE ticket to see an advance screening of M. Night Shamalan’s “The Visit” at 7:30pm August 17th 2015, at Cinemark Artegon Marketplace 5150 International Drive Orlando FL 32819.  The ticket admits two for the screening. Just answer the following question and the ticket is yours. At what age did M. Night Shamalan first start making films?

The Art Mobile takes art to the streets of Orlando.

Posted on by Thor

It was a cold February night as the Art Mobile parked in front of St. Matthew’s Tavern at the Orlando Beer Garden, on North Mills Avenue, Orlando, FL starting at 10 pm. The truck was full of killer art by Franklin Reyes. Matt Boss (Producer/DJ) will be layed down the beats and Boy Kong. was painting a mural on the side of the building! I sketched as the U-Haul truck was decorated with a white sheet. The DJ had a projector that showed the Art Mobile logo and then a black and white film whose plot I couldn’t follow.

Franklin’s paintings were representational with a touch of mysticism. Colors were rich and vibrant with bold use of pattern. As I finished my sketch, drag queens began arriving at Mathew’s pub. This was clearly another great sketch opportunity, but I was cold, tired and satisfied with my one sketch. Boy Kong was just beginning his mural as I got ready to leave. He finish the mural very late that night, or very early the next day depending on how you look at it. The mural was up for maybe a month or so and then it was painted over with an image for a show called “Joe’s NYC Bar” that had actors interacting with other patrons in the bar as the story unfolded. I was curious about this interactive theatrical production but it didn’t cross my radar in time.

The Inbetween Series at Avalon Gallery is a hidden gem of the Orlando Music scene.

Posted on by Thor

On February 15th I went to the Gallery at Avalon Island (39 South Magnolia Ave, Orlando, Florida) for the salon style in-between series. Patrick Greene, Avalon’s curator host this music series between art exhibits on the week before Third Thursday when all the downtown galleries have opening for their new exhibits. This group featured a bass guitar, drums, a xylophone and a cello. There was no cost to attend, but donations are always welcome. I set up to sketch behind the drummer and sketched with vigor through the performance. The group was known as “Attached Hands“. The experimental music felt new age and melodic. It soothed and felt improvised.

The hippest folks in Orlando can be found at Avalon once a month.The In-between Series just won the “Best New Imaginative Music Series” by voters of The Orlando Weekly.  The series is cultured, it’s progressive and it’s free. The next performance will likely be August 17th but that is unconfirmed since the invitation isn’t out yet. It is a relaxing way to start out a Monday evening once a month.

Drinking and Drawing at the Thursty Topher.

Posted on by Thor

ODD2 was held at the Thirsty Topher on Alden Road in the artsy warehouse district which is part of Ivanhoe Village. This bar along with the Fringe Festival offices next door and many other art studios will be facing the wrecking ball this fall. In there place, a high rise condominium will be constructed.

All told, about 8 artists stopped out to drink and draw. When I arrived, Gay Geiger was already at work sketching the beer she had selected. She had just changed jobs and sketching seemed a good way to celebrate. I ordered a Southern Tier beer which was dark and had a citrus aftertaste. Carlos Basabe, an artist I hadn’t met before, joined me at the bar.

Artists sketched each other, shared their work and sketched the bar scene.

I introduced myself to each artist as they arrived, but I didn’t have any agenda for the evening other than drinking and drawing.  The bartender, Sam knew of me from a past sketch I had done. She introduced me to Viking Blod which is a meed made from honey and it is delicious and strong. That became my drink of choice for the night.  lt is made with honey and the honey combs which are buried underground for at least a year to ferment. Meed is apparently one of the oldest liquors in the world. lt really tastes like life blood, and it packs a punch.

After quite a few drinks, several artist recruited an unsuspecting patron to join in and do a sketch. He drew a character called a Cactopus.  It rules the land and sea. On land it is a water conserving Cacti and at sea it is an octopus. It’s side kick was an angry looking spider-fly and they were joined by a tumble bunny. Carlos began sketching the characters as we all joked about the characters. After a few Viking’s Blod and a Southern Tier, it seemed like a glorious idea.

The next Orlando Drink and Draw will be September 7th at Redlight Redlight (2810 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL) from 6pm to whenever. Carlos gave me some ideas for some artistic socializing and I’ll arrange to try one of these ideas at the next ODD.

Sketching swans and ducks at Lake Eola.

Posted on by Thor

This is the last sketch I did at the First Orlando Sketch Tour. Instructor Kelly Medford and touring artist Gay Geiger set out to sketch the black swans and ducks. It had been threatening to rain all day, so it was nice to have a moment to enjoy a break in the weather. I decided to only use line in the foreground of the sketch. The far shore and city scape I left as bold blocks of watercolor. Since I had just done a demonstration on watercolor of the pagoda using no line, I was loosened up to try the same technique here. By verbalizing my thoughts as an instructor, I ended up learning something new. This is a technique I should be using more often. It is far more experimental and leaves much more room for discovery during the process. I am very much a creature of habit however so change comes slowly. Eight artists came out for the sketch tour and I had a blast collaborating with Kelly Medford sharing our sketching techniques. I hosted a second Sketch Tour at the Orlando Fringe and will probably host another one in September or October as the Florida heat dies down.

The Orlando Sketch Tour explores color.

Posted on by Thor

At the First Orlando Sketch Tour we were chased inside Panera Bread thanks to impending rain. Kelly Medford and myself made the best of it and the restaurant became our classroom. Here we introduced everyone to the watercolor pallets we had supplied each artist with. We asked everyone to make a color wheel and then to make a light watery wash of each color along side a dark, syrupy wash of the same color. When working on location, I seldom have the time to mix colors, so I mix color washes on the sketch to find the colors and values needed. A sketch always starts out light and then I keep adding pigments to build up the darks. Trying to cover the whole surface except for a few white spots is the first objective.

On this day, students from Elite Animation Academy came out to join the Sketch Tour artists.  My wife Terry also came out to show her support. She is in the center of the sketch in the pink cowboy boots reading a magazine. Her signature sketch is a smiley face and she can finish that in five seconds. Shelby brought her daughter on the tour and together they discovered color and how to compose a sketch. That seems like the perfect way for a family to spend time together. My Elite Urban Sketching students were well into their studies so I let them sketch in peace offering just a few suggestions if they needed help. Between the eight or so Sketch Tour artists and the four Elite Animation students, we pretty much filled up the front room at Panera Bread. A little rain never stops an Urban Sketcher.

A sketch demonstration from the First Orlando Sketch Tour.

Posted on by Thor

I hosted the first Orlando Sketch Tour along with plein air painter Kelly Medford from Rome Italy on March 1st and 2nd. We decided to hold the Sketch Tour at Lake Eola and we gathered with about six other artists near the Japanese Pagoda at the North East corner of the park.

Kelly and I tag teamed, offering advice to get everyone warmed up and ready to start sketching. All skill levels were encouraged to participate, so we each offered one on one instructions to each student to bring them up to speed. We started off the day with blind contour drawings with artists sketching each other without glancing at the sketch. Then we did quick gestures again without looking at the page. I did several watercolor sketches to demonstrate value studies. I painted the Red Pagoda since it was in view.

The clouds moved in and we went to find cover at a lake side restaurant. I didn’t sketch at that location. Instead I did thumbnail sketches for each student showing them how I might compose the scene they were sketching. Kelly and I covered a lot of material that weekend and hopefully we encouraged the artists present to take a sketch book with them to document their next vacation. If just one artist from the Sketch Tour catches the sketching bug, then I’ve done my job.

I’m planning to host an Orlando Sketch Tour quarterly. The second Sketch Tour was held at the Orlando Fringe Festival which offers endless sketch opportunities. I’ve just started hosting Orlando Drink and Draw (ODD) events every month, so over time I should meet more local artists who love to sketch. Last year, the Orlando Weekly claimed I was Orlando’s best Urban Sketcher. Since I’m the only Urban Sketcher, that title doesn’t have much panache. I want to meet others who are as passionate about art as I am.