Universal City Walk Perspective.

I went to Universal City Walk on assignment for Querto Press to do a step by step sequence that showed how I would approach a scene with multiple vanishing points. This scene has five different vanishing points because all the buildings are at different angles to each other. The book on Perspective that this sketch was done for also has a large section in the back that feature drawings done in Orlando that can be completed by students to learn about one, two and three point perspective.

I was at the location with a friend a month before but there wasn’t him to sketch. Unfortunately security at Universal Studios considers an artist stool as a threat, and I had to walk back to my car to get rid of it. Going to sketch in such a controlled environment has it’s disadvantages.

At ant theme park setting there is always a wall of tourists walking around. It becomes a challenge to decide which tourists to include and where. If someone stands a few feet in front of me blocking much of the view, they are ignored. I had a hotdog at a street vendor around the corner and the dog was quite good, but expensive. Although I used to live only a quarter mile away from City Walk, I seldom went, because I prefer to keep my distance from the tourist hoards.

Would it be possible for a madman with an assault rifle to go on a shooting spree at City Walk? Most likely the answer is yes, but he couldn’t sit on his own stool.

Extreme Perspective Art Show at Dandelion Communitea Cafe.

Extreme Perspective Art Show at Dandelion Communitea Cafe (618 N Thornton Ave, Orlando, FL) Art is a show is all about an EXTREME perspective, either something grand, vast, expansive, large, or something tiny, cellular, small, minute or something from a perspective of enormous, like a very large collection of items or something extremely close up and uncomfortable or something from a unique and unusual perspective.

I submitted a framed original of a sketch I did at Fantasy Surf. At Fantasy Surf you can ride an artificial wave that never ends. Water is shot up over a plastic shaped wave and you can do tricks otherwise impossible in the ocean since you can hop down on the Past is surface to set up for spins o flips. The original piece of art is discounted since I didn’t add in the cost of the frame which was an up front cost for another show.

Theresa Touhey curated the show and when I arrived at the opening, she was seated at a table with

Natassia Dudack. Theresa reminded me about how her boyfriend spotted m in a Documentary about performance Artist Marina Abramovic. I flew into NYC on the final day of her extended performance of, The Artist is Present. Brian Feldman who was an Orlando performance artist at the time convinced me to sketch him sitting opposite Maria as they stared at each other. I got some decent sketches that day, but I still haven’t seen the documentary. 

I got to talk to artist Natassia Dudack, a bit at the opening. She had several delicate and well observed paintings of flowers in the show. Paintings on her cell phone portfolio hint at Buddhist themes to her work. One had a golden symbol for the “oohm” phrase uttered when meditating. She is also branching out to curate shows on her own. At the table in front of me, a family was out to show their support for Natassia. The mom was also an artist who does exquisite calligraphy brush paintings. The dad told me about his recent trip back to New Jersey where he went to his childhood home. The front door still had a carving that his dad had created over 45 years ago. Some art does last through the generations.

I joined Bethany Taylor Myers and her friends at a corner table for a while to catch up and laugh to a bit. Bethany has been friends with many artists in the room ever since she was 17 years old. It is reassuring to know that some friendships can stand the test of time.

Extreme Perspective will remain at Dandelion Communitea Cafe until September 3rd. Stop out to experience some local art.

Weekend Top 6 Picks for August 13th and 14th.

Saturday August 13, 2016 

7pm to 9pm Free but lanterns cost. 4th Annual Canine Memorial at Lake Baldwin. Harbor Park at Lake Baldwin 4990 New Broad St, Orlando, Florida. We got rained out last time and as you can imagine, we were all beyond disappointed. The great news is that due to popular demand, we were able to reschedule it right away, and better yet, all the key players are on board. So lets try this again!

We started this event four years ago when a very important member of our family, our beloved golden retriever Brandon, died. As anyone who considers a dog a companion knows, the intense pain that accompanies this loss was unbearable. Unfortunately, and as most pet parents often do, we grieved alone. During the following months, as our family grieved over our pet, friends, neighbors and even strangers shared their stories of loss and bereavement with us. That’s when it became painfully obvious to us that we all shared the same feelings of isolation as there wasn’t much support out there for those who grieve for a pet.

We realized that what we all needed most as a group was to have our feelings validated…

Motivated by that, my daughters and I decided to coordinate a collective memorial in order to provide everyone with the opportunity to honor and bid farewell to their treasured companions. The first Canine Memorial was held on the one year anniversary of our beloved Brandon’s passing, July 27th, 2013.

On that day, the cities of Orlando and Winter Park, Florida united to help us create the most beautiful and unique ceremony; one that brought together animal lovers from near and far, who expressed their sorrow by decorating lanterns in honor of their canines. These lanterns were then released into the water to carry away the heartwarming messages written to their beloved.

For some, it was the first real opportunity to say goodbye to their companion!

Sadly, and as expected, many more dogs have crossed over since our first memorial, leaving behind many families in need of an outlet for their grief. We must continue our mission…

Please join us Saturday, August 13th and you too will have the opportunity to honor the memory of a canine companion you have loved and lost.

An experience you don’t want to miss!

Just like last year, the entire ceremony will take place at the beautiful Harbor Park in Baldwin Park.

Please reserve your lantern to guarantee availability. Absentee lanterns are available as well, anyone in the world can order a lantern that will be decorated and released by a volunteer. For more information: contact Jannette at 561-577-7050/FloatingLanternMemorials.com or info@FloatingLanternMemorials.com

You can help us promote the memorial by posting this link.

As in previous years, we respectfully request that attendees refrain from bringing their dogs.

7pm to 9pm. Suggested donation $20. Living Room Theater – Community Show. 736 Boardman St, Orlando, FL. Tisse Mallon, Banks Helfrich and Jack Graham present an experiential, exclusive performance in a living room.

This unique 70 minute show consists of short segments focused on fun, connection and authenticity. From the funny to the serious, from the commonplace to the absurd, these original works take the audience on an emotional journey.

A few things for you to know:

– Due to the intimate nature of the show, no late arrivals can be accommodated.

– While not lewd or vulgar, this show is recommended for ages 18 and up.

– The show lasts approx. 70 minutes.

– There will be time for discussion afterward.

NOTE: Due to limited space, we can only accommodate a certain number of people. Admission is on a first come basis.

7:30pm to 9:30pm Free. Ryler Dustin’s Farewell Reading. Kerouac House 1418 Clouser Ave, Orlando, Florida. Please join as as we bid farewell to our summer resident writer, Ryler Dustin. Bring something to drink if you like and listen to what Ryler has been working on while living in the Kerouac House.

Sunday August 14, 2016 

10am to 4pm Free. Lake Eola Farmers Market. South East corner of Lake Eola Park.

Noon to 2pm Donation based.  Community YogART class: 7 Chakra series. Artegon Marketplace 5250 International Dr, Orlando, Florida. Every 2nd Sunday of the month YogART will be hosting FREE Color Therapy Yoga classes for the community at Artegon Marketplace (located in the community room across from section B6 – use movie theater entrance)

We are excited to bring you our “7 Chakra Series” that will focus each class on each individual chakra: breaking down it’s color, meaning, location and function. This particular class will revolve around our second major energy point known as “The Sacral Chakra”.

Color Therapy glasses will also be provided for those who wish to experience the effects of color therapy. Orange will be the primary focus for our Root Chakra but you may wear any color you want to work with.

This is an ALL LEVELS class which incorporates stretching, breathing exercises and light yoga poses geared around the Sacral Chakra.

We also have a color wheel on our site that explains the benefit of each color (glasses) Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet. http://www.yogartinc.com/color-therapy-chart/Please bring your own yoga mat and prepare to unwind

Check out our lovely YogART instructor’s website for more info on her, and some great articles:

www.jamiecrowell.com

*Any children who attend must be able to participate in the session quietly to respect the space of other guests. If your child is unable to partake without disruption we ask that you please refrain from bringing them. Thank you! Namaste ~

For more info contact us at:

info@yogartinc.com

1pm to 5:30pm Free. Family Day on the Second Sunday. The Mennello Museum of American Art, 900 East Princeton Street, Orlando, FL. The make-and-take craft table is open from noon-2:30 p.m., and docents are available to give mini-tours of the museum. Then it’s open house in the galleries until 4:30 p.m.

JiggleMan at the Windermere Public Library

I got to the Windermere Public Library just before 10am. A large white Colonial building was locked. I backed up and realized that I was trying to get into the Windermere Town Hall. The Library was actually behind the town hall. The tip off was a bronze sculpture of a child reading a book. There was a woman waiting at the front door. “Is it locked?” I asked. “They open at 10am, and not a minute earlier.” she replied. As we waited, parents and their children started to arrive. There were rocking chairs on the porch and tat young boys rocked excitedly. They had seen JiggleMan the year before. The mom explained that JiggleMan entertained the parents as well as the kids.

The door to the library opened and the kids rushed in like they were Black Friday shoppers. The event was going to take place in a separate meeting room but the glass doors were closed. I waited with parents and their kids in the hallway. Tisse MalIon arrived and then Banks Helfrich. He signaled me to come in a bit early to set up. Banks is JiggleMan. Tisse began blowing up large balloons with an electric blower. The kids in the hallway pressed their noses up against the glass doors and shouted with excitement each time That she started to fill a new balloon. One mom joked, “Who needs a show, just blowing up the balloons is enough.”

Banks put a line of masking tape on the floor to mark the leading edge of his stage. He quickly changed into a black jumpsuit with baggy black shorts in the bathroom. Tisse announced, “I’m going to let them in” “No, give me a minute.” Banks replied. He did a handstand and seemed to stay there forever. I sketched quickly. I could hearth kids in the hallway shooting the obvious. “He’s doing a handstand Mom, look!”

Tisse opened the doors and the kids sat on the floor behind the masking tape line. there was excitement and squirming as they all settled in. JiggleMan entered from the back of the room, walking a bit like a penguin in straight lines in all the open gaps in the audience. I was reminded of Charlie Chaplin. The kids were already enthralled. He ultimately found a front row seat, and waited along with the kids. Then he walked up to the boom box and adjusted the music, Shaking his bootie when he found a beat he liked. the kids loved his antics.

The show is a high energy romp with plenty of fun props. A pink balloon was bounced off the walls and balanced on JiggleMan’s head. He ran from the balloon as if in a slow motion chase scene.  The entire room of kids was shouting with delight. They were as fun to watch as the show itself. JiggleMan pulled out an electric blower and proceeded to clap at it and shake it, to turn it on. The kids shouted excitedly that he needed to “turn it on!’ When he did, the blast of air hit him in the face, contorting his features to comic effect. The blower was stood on end and small balloons were suspended in the air flow as if by magic.

The larger balloons were used to even larger comic effect. I don’t want to give too much away, you have to experience JiggleMan for yourself. I had a blast! Mark your Calendar,

Thursday, August 11

11:00amJiggleMan @ Southeast Branch Library

Friday, August 12

10:30amJiggleMan @ Herndon Branch Library

Saturday, September 17

2:00pmFree JiggleMan Show @ Hiawassee Branch Library (Orange)

Wednesday, October 12

10:00amJiggleMan @ Lakeland Square Mall

4:30pmFree JiggleMan Show @ South Trail Branch Library (Orange)

Friday, October 14

10:30amFree JiggleMan Show @ Southwest Branch Library (Orange)

Snap! print day sale.

Snap! Space, (1013 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL) held a Snap! print day sale with limited editions, and or open edition prints from local and international artists selected by Snap!
Tables were set up throughout the space for artists.

Each participant had their own photos to showcase and have some type of take away envelope or packaging for buyers to walk away with. I decided to participate, and I sketched the other artists displaying their work as I sat at my table. Chris Tobar was seated at the table beside me with a large tiger print behind him. Chris is now the art director at the Orlando Weekly. It was nice to meet the other artists and see their work. Although it was a pleasant way to spend a Saturday afternoon, I unfortunately didn’t sell a single print.

The Central Florida Storytellers Guild.

A friend advised me to sketch the Central Florida Storytellers Guild which meets each month in the Community Room of the Winter Park Library. I was very glad I went. It was a welcoming group, and if I we to ever share my own stories, I thin this would be a relaxed and encouraging group encouraging group to share stories with. Each storyteller pick a name from a hat to decide who is next to go on stage. Madeline Pots saw that I was new to the group, so she sat down and chatted with me for a bit. I had heard her tell a story once before at the Abbey. Her voice is distinctive with a soothing melodic flow. The Store told at the Abby was about how she let her artist husband do a full body cast of her. He had to step a way and the plaster began to seep into the air holes. The story was both terrify in and funny sin she lived to tell the tale. We all go to crazy lengths for love.

I sketched Madeline as she told a very funny story about how she had to wear green bloomers in gym class. Although not life threatening, the story involved the embarrassment of being dressed different than everyone else. Her adolescent desire was to conform, but as an adult to conform, but as an adult, I think she realized. the being unique has its advantages.

The fellow in the red shirt told a story about his boyhood idol, Gene Autry. He would watch Gene every chance he could get on TV. At a huge event at Madison Square Garden, tie finally got to see his idol in person. When Gene took off his cowboy hat, his hair piece came off with the hat. Even idols put on their pants one leg at a time. of course, my brash summaries are nothing compared to the actual tales, so you need to experience them for yourself.

Each story was unique and heart felt. It is hard to imagine that people willingly sit at home watching tr all night, when they could be out enjoying each others company and share in the is own great stories. Mark your calendar! Storytellers guild meeting are on the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm in the communist room in the win the Park Public Library (460 E New England Ave, Winter Park, FL). The next meeting is September 6th.

Tonight August 8th Pete Abdulla is the featured storyteller at the Windsor Rose Restaurant and British Tea Room (142 W 4th Ave, Mt Dora, FL Mount Dora). He begins his tale at about 1:30p.m.

Finger on the Pulse.

At Pints for Pulse, The City Song Players performed Finger on the Pulse for the first time since it had been recorded a week before.  Shadow Pearson was on piano, and Eugine Snowden got on stage to help with vocals. The song has been picked up by a subsidiary of Sony and paperwork is still be in filled out.  The song is just two minutes and forty seven seconds as Shadow explained, it is we radio friendly. All sales of the song are now be in donated to onepulsefoundation.org.

A news camera was trained on the stage, and on c again, I felt like I us witness to history.  All the beer tents were far away, so no one was crowded up to the stage. There was no refuge from the sun. I sketched fast hoping not to burn to the complexion of a lobster. Before I knew it, the song was sung and the beer soaked crowd cheered its approval. Even as we numbed ourselves with beer, art can still punch through reminding us of what cause we are drinking for. Actually, I didn’t drink a sip. My cause was to witness and sketch this performance.

Pints for Pulse

Pints for Pulse was a community event that featured beer, art, and music at Festival Park (2911 E. Robinson St., Orlando, Florida). It happened to line up with Orlando Drink and Draw (ODD), so I made it the month’s drink on and draw in destination. Tickets however were $50 and I don’t think any artists of he than myself showed up. This was a craft beer community event that raised money to help the pulse nightclub victims. There were 80+ breweries, food trucks, food tents, burlesque shows, drag shows, and  more, all to help raise funds for those affected by the pulse night club tragedy.

When I arrived, I quickly walked around the entire event. Beer vendors were serving shot glass sized servings of beer. I didn’t get a wrist band since I didn’t plan to drink, just sketch. I stopped as soon as I saw these redefine artists hard at work on a collaborative piece of art. They were paint in on square wooden panels and each artist seemed to be in charge of their own panel. Some panels interlocked. For instance the swan engulfed for of the panels along with a lizard. At the end of the day, the entire painting was going to be given to the winner of a raffle drawing. These artists sweated the in butts off to complete This group mural, So whoever won, was getting an amazing painting for next to nothing.

Steve Parker pulled off his panel, so he didn’t have to work shoulder to shoulder the whole day.

Peace, Love, Pulse. All proceeds from this event went to OneOrlando.

Weekend Top 6 Picks for August 6th and 7th.

Saturday August 6, 2016

6pm to Midnight Free but get beer! Craft Beer Carnival. The Copper Rocket Pub 106 Lake Ave, Maitland, Florida. Come one, come all to the greatest prost on earth! The first ever Craft Beer Carnival at the Copper Rocket Pub in Maitland. Join us for what will surely be an EPIC night of craft beer fueled fun and excitement. Watch as sword swallowers, fire dancers, body painters, stilt walkers and more party it up with you in celebration of Eli Brooks and Jeremy Wood’s birthdays! Beer tents will rise up, bands will lay it down and the party will carry on! Come thirsty and bring friends, we’ll need your help to float the event exclusive KEG OF PRARIE’S BIRTHDAY BOMB! Simply mention Beer Snob Society and recieve *20% OFF* of your tab for being part of the coolest beer club around! (Discount also applies to your guests)!!!

9pm to 11pm Free but get a drink. Disarm Hate.The Falcon 819 E Washington St, Orlando, Florida. Participating Artists (so far):

Brandi Monard

Carmen Berfield

Cristina Glynn

Holly Tharp

Josie Pedragoza

Korri Lacalamita

Laura Ashley

Melissa Doskoyz

Michelle Irizarry

Morgan Wilson

Plinio Pinto

Tina Thomas

Also the 49 Portraits created on the evening of July 3 will be on display.

Cory James Connell www.gofundme.com/295tskk 

Jean Carlos Nieves Rodriguez www.gofundme.com/29g76x8 

Javier Jorge-ReyesReyes and Jean C. Nives Rodriguez www.pulseoforlando.org

10pm to the next morning. Free. Creative Sleep Over. Defined Enterprises 279 Douglas Ave, Altamonte Springs, Florida. You ever wondered what would happen if a buch of creatives got together and slept under one roof? No need to imagine anymore, every second saturday Defined Enterprises opens it’s doors for all the creatives to spend one night out of the month together. Feel free to bring your own set of tools that allow you to create. Bring your own pillows and blankets. Food and bevarages will be served through out the night.

Creatives, artist, dancers, directors, photographers, musicians, engineers, gamers, techies, models and innovators, you guys are all welcomed.

EVERY SECOND SATURDAY!!!!!

BRING BOARD GAMES AND THINGS THAT WILL HELP US COLLECT MEMORIES!!!!

Sunday August 7, 2016

10am to 4pm Free. Lake Eola Farmers Market. South East Corner of Lake Eola Park. Produce, flowers, gifts and the unexpected.

Noon to 3pm Free or donation. Music at the Casa. Mini parlor concert every Sunday.

2pm to 4pm Free. Yoga. Lake Eola Park, 195 N Rosalind Ave, Orlando, FL. Near the Red Pagoda.