Waiting at the Toyota Dealership Service Department

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I had to bring my Prius in for its thirty thousand mile service to Toyota of Orlando (3575 Vineland Road Orlando FL). There was a nation wide safety recall of certain Prius models built between 2010 and 2014. My car was recalled. It seems that if there was a heavy load like a trailer, or boat attached to the car, it would not be able to handle the load an the car would shut down. I never haul anything heavier than a sketchbook, but I was concerned that the car might not handle the Florida heat. All that was needed was a software update and the power management and motor generator system would be repaired.

The thirty thousand multi-point inspection involved replacing all the fluids and rotating the tires. I had a few scuffs on the side of several tires because I park so close to curbs. The service technician tried to sell me new tires even though there is plenty of tread left. He claimed that there might be road noise since the tires were rotated but the car now is as silent as ever. I suspect he wanted to sell tires weather they were needed or not. There was a deal where you get the 4th tire free if you buy 3. The invoice also shouts out that “We Sell Tires!”

Middle aged business men used the waiting area as their office. One paced back and forth worried and upset about fees incurred in a deal. I decided to do a digital sketch since the recall was because of a computer software glitch. Just as I finished the sketch, the computer blacked out. Up until this visit to the dealership, all the service was free. The thirty thousand mile service ended up costing $730. Ouch!

The Flight Home From Richmond Virginia

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The flight back to Orlando from Richmond Virginia was pretty uneventful. I sketched the airport waiting area before we boarded the plane. I’m always surprised how many people are always staring at their phones. This week the Thorspecken clan are visiting Orlando from Germany, Connecticut, Upstate New York and Charleston South Carolina. They are all staying in a double suite  at a hotel only a quarter of a mile from home. The second they arrived they all were scrambling to get their digital devices hooked up to the web. Once dinner was over, the room went silent as everyone took out their phones to get “connected”. It had been many years since everyone had been together. When I travel, I still write a post every day but I make it a rule not to share my experiences on Facebook. Terry has followed my lead, since writing experiences on Facebook is like announcing that “I’m not home, please take all I own.”

My brother Don Thorspecken had over 500 photos on his tablet from a trip he took to Germany to visit Cornelia and Nini Thorspecken. We are related to Cornelia through Dr. Augustus Thorspecken who came to America in the 1830’s. His brother remained in Germany and Cornelia is related through him.  Years ago Terry and I traveled to Germany where we met every Thorspecken we could find. Flipping through the digital photos, history came alive. Dr. Oscar Thorspecken helped save Jews destined for the work camps by making it appear like they were sick. Oscar’s wife however was all for the Nazi party, proud that her son was in the war. This caused a rift in the family. Shortly after the war, one of the sons was hiking in the mountains where he was murdered for his  camera. Cornelia is a professional flute player who kept the Thorspecken name, even after she was married. I was most excited by photos Don took of photo albums he was shown in Germany. This put a face to the stories. My father pushed into Germany at the end of World War II crossing the Ruhr river and moving through the industrial district towards Berlin. He said once that he saw the Thorspecken name on a storefront. On my trip I met Herbert who served in the Luftwaffe. It is a small world. Basically every war is a civil war with distant cousin fighting cousin.

Weekend Top 6 Picks for August 9th and 10th

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Saturday August 9, 2014

9am to 2am  Orlando Nerd Fest 2014  3-Day Pass tickets
$50.00 August 7-11, 2014. Orlando Airport Marriott 7499 Augusta National Dr, Orlando, Fl. We’re putting together the biggest and best annual multi-day nerd party! Part music festival, part family reunion, all fun! The things we’re looking to do might seem very familiar if you’ve ever attended a Nepalese, a MAGfest, or even a Day After Show! Our designs are being made with you and your friends in mind for what quite possibly could be your best nerdy family vacation ever!! We have 60+ performers! You can find the Headliner Schedule here.

11am to 6pm Free.  Big Bang Bazaar. Maitland Civic Center Maitland Ave, Maitland, Fl. Over 100 Indie Arts, Crafts and Vintage Vendors! Join us for some Shopping, All Day Movies, Food and Fun! First 100 guests get a FREE swag bag full of goodies! Keep out of the summer sun with this amazing indoor event!

6:45pm to 10pm Tickets: $150 Taste of the Nation. Orlando World Center Marriott 8701 World Center Dr. Orlando, Fl. Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation Orlando event brings together the area’s top chefs who donate their time, talent and passion to end childhood hunger in Central Florida. Along with culinary delights, guests have the opportunity to sample select wines, cocktails and premium beers and enjoy silent and live auctions and entertainment. Every dollar raised fights hunger and homelessness in the Central Florida. Local beneficiaries include Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

Sunday August 10, 2014

 Noon to 5pm Free but grab a beer. Sunday’s with Smiling Dan. The Falcon Bar & Gallery, 819 East Washington Street, Orlando, FL. DJ.

12:30pm to 4pm Free. Florida Gospel Jam. Fish on Fire 7937 Daetwyler Drive Belle Island FL. Non Denominational Gospel open mic Every 2nd and 4th Sunday.

1pm to 3pm Free. Script Reading Workshop. Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show, 8267 International Drive, Orlando, FL. Read and workshop plays.

Bookmark It is Orlando’s Best New Bookstore

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Bookmark It (3201 Corrine Drive Orlando FL) was the editors pick in the Orlando Weekly “Best of Orlando” issue. Located on the second floor of the East End Market, this bookstore offers books by local authors as well as books that further the markets mission of offering locally grown produce for restaurants and shoppers. While I was just starting this sketch, Adonal Foyle, an Orlando Magic basketball player stopped in to sign some of his books. He wrote a children’s book titled  Too-Tall Foyle Finds His Game (Volume 1) along with, Shiyana F. Valentine-Williams and illustrated by Toni Pawlowsky. Too-Tall Foyle has trouble finding a sport that fits his abilities
and the other kids keep laughing at him. He faces give up sports
entirely but hopes to find his game. The book is set in the Caribbean and features
vibrant illustrations, the book is based on the life experiences of the NBA veteran player. Proceeds from sales go to support his Kerosene Lamp Foundation which uses basketball to
engage and empower at-risk youth to grow into healthy and well-educated
leaders in the Caribbean and USA. Foyle’s very presence made the bookstore feel small.His huge meaty hands gave a firm warm handshake.

I decided to take my tablet out to sketch. I worked in a bit of a panic since I didn’t know if the battery would last. The computer offers too many choices which slowed down my workflow. Kim Britt, Bookmark It’s founder, was experiencing technical difficulties with her laptop and smart phone.  Her phone kept turning off and then gave her the “blue screen of death”. She was petrified that she would loose all her photos and contacts. She looked up an Apple Store and discovered she would need to drive up to Altamonte within the hour to get the phone repaired. Although her assistant Moriah Lorraine Russo had the day off, Kim had to call her in because the store was staying open late for a “Sip and Stroll” event. The great thing about the sip and stroll is that I got to sip white wine while I sketched. Moriah told me about Wednesday night figure drawing classes at “The Space” and I plan to stop over there soon. She was going out to dinner, so she was only able to watch the store for half an hour. Patrick Greene came in to fill in after she left. Rather than making life easier, technology caused a frantic panic as it sputtered and faltered. As I sketched I got a warning that the battery was running low. In a panic, I saved my file and sketched faster. Before my sketch was done, my computer screen blacked out. The battery had died. As I researched this article, Facebook crashed. I suspect that relying on technology for answers is not a great idea.

Shannon Holt Hosted a Body Painting and Fine ART Fundraiser

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On July 18th, Shannon Holt held a Body Painting and Fine Art Fundraiser at Cafe DaVinci (112 W Georgia Ave, DeLand, FL.)  Shannon has been invited to participate in a Body Painting gathering in NYC. She is one of twenty five artists that were invited to participate. The event at Cafe Da Vinci was a fundraiser to get her up to NYC. Her fine art paintings were on display on the walls. When I arrived, the three models were just beginning to take their pose. The models on the sides looked like they would get exhausted since they were leaning over the whole time. I suggested to Shannon that they might want to lean against a piano stool to ease the pain.

Shannon put out a call for volunteer models on Facebook for “bendy” models. She was hoping for as many as ten models, with two assistants for this live paint job. Shannon’s mom was busy putting price tags on Shannon’s paintings as Shannon started to sketch on her three models.  Da Vinci’s got more and more crowded as Shannon’s Body Art progressed. A Florida Panther began to take shape on the models semi-nude bodies.

Mark Your Calendar! Starting August 6th (TONIGHT!) at 9pm Shannon will star on “Skin Wars” which is Game Show Network‘s Ultimate Body Painting Competition. This is a reality show similar to “Face Off” where talented artists showcase their talents and each week one contestant is voted out of the competition. II is exciting to see one of Central Florida’s talented artists in competition for $100,000. Although the TV show has already been taped, Shannon couldn’t give away who won. There is a Skin Wars Shannon Party tonight at CafeDa Vinci. Stop out and chear for Shannon in the Olympics of Body Painting! 

As she started to paint her assistant Emma Kenemer showed up to help. Amazingly all the body painting work was done in three hours and that included breaks for the models. Sometimes only one model would pose at a time. Models LeNelle Stephens, Troy, and Alaina Pixley demonstrated patience, beauty and endurance. Before I left, I dropped some money in the tip jar. It was amazing to see such a collaboration. Working live, Shannon had to deal with constant distractions as she raced against the clock to finish her panther.  Body paintings are a fleeting art, and she had photographer Ryder Gledhill take shots of the finished piece. Shannon continues to raise funds for NYC. she is thinking of doing a kick starter. This would also be a great time to hire her to do a private painting and photography
session, buy some art or throw an unforgettable body paint party! NYC OR BUST!

The Wedding Ceremony of Andrea Kastner and Thomas Morton

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Thomas Morton and Andrea Kastner were married on April 26th 2014 at noon in Richmond Virginia. Wedding plans had to be changed at the last minute because the church they were going to be married in suffered from a huge fire. They were lucky to find another church in the heart of Richmond that could do the ceremony. It was a small intimate gathering of friends and family who gathered for the ceremony. I began my sketch by penciling in the harp player who performed as guests entered the church. The pastor said something to her and she packed up and moved to a far corner of the church.

After the exchange of rings, the pastor announced, “Forasmuch as Tom and Andrea have consented together in holy wedlock and have witnessed the same before God and this congregation and have declared the same by giving and receiving a ring, and by joining hands; I pronounce them husband and wife in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” The ceremony was short and sweet which means I was still sketching as everyone filed out of the church.  The pastor came over to see what I was doing. He admired the work, but I suspect he wanted me to wrap it up so I rushed to put some final washes down. The reception was in Richmond’s suburbs at the couples home. Bright pink and purple blossoms adorned trees all around the city.

Colonial Williamsburg Has History With Modern Amenities

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While staying in Richmond Virginia for a wedding, Terry and I took a one day road trip to Colonial Williamsburg. After parking in a huge parking lot, we walked into the tourist information center to get tickets for the day. There was a long wait as Terry negotiated a triple A discount. Single day tickets are about $44 per person. Besides being a tourist attraction, some of the homes are private residences. Cars are not allowed on the towns dirt roads until after hours. Our ticket girl is saving her money so she can someday live in the town. I asked her why she would want to live in a town that is swarmed by a locust mob of tourists every day, but then I realized, we live in Orlando, so who am I to judge?

The walk to the Colonial Williamsburg town center was about a quarter mile alone a winding path through the woods. The only transportation in the town was a horse drawn carriage so there were piles of manure in the streets. My goal was to draw a colonial insurrection on the main street starting at 3pm.  I discovered this revolutionary plot because it was on the map. Terry and I stopped for lunch right away and it took about half an hour to get our sandwiches from a local shop. I realized as we were waiting for our sandwiches that we should have ordered a loaf of bread and some cold cuts from the deli and made our own sandwiches.

Bus loads of cheer leaders wandered the streets. They gave a quick series of choreographed cheers as we ate lunch. Actors in colonial garb wandered freely among the throngs of tee shirt and shorts wearing tourists. They always stayed in character talking about troubles with Britain and other topics of the day. Through the course of the day history unraveled at an accelerated pace. At noon, the declaration of Independence was read on the steps of the court house.

As I sketched the main street, I didn’t catch and revolt. Instead, there was a broom jumping ceremony for two slaves. Although there were no official wedding ceremonies for slaves, this broom dance was an unofficial way for slaves to express their shared love. In some African-American communities, marrying couples will end their ceremony by jumping over a broomstick, either together or separately. This practice is well attested for as a “mock marriage” ceremony for slaves in the Southern United States in the 1840s and 1850s. Its revival in 20th century African American culture is due to the novel and miniseries Roots.

There was discussions among the women as well as they complained about their losses of fathers and sons in a revolutionary war that seemed pointless. Periodically I would Text Terry to let her know what was happening where I was. She wandered through the rest f the town exploring the many shops. Several boys played in the street drawing pictures in the dirt. Entertainments had to be simple since there were no video games to occupy them. I felt at home documenting the towns activities the way the would likely have been documented at the time.

Thomas Jefferson Stands Vigil in the Jefferson Hotel Lobby

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While visiting Richmond Virginia, Terry and I stayed in the Jefferson Hotel (101 West Franklin St, Richmond, Virginia). The place is lavish and luxurious so it’s five star rating is well deserved. While I slept one night, Terry got up because she smelled smoke. She complained and had staff come up to the room to smell for themselves. She suspects it was marijuana smoke. We suspect that the air ducts are interconnected between rooms on each floor. If someone lights up in the next room, the smoke spreads out and is piped into all the rooms via the ducts. Anyway I slept through the whole ordeal. The good news is that one nights accommodations were subtracted from the bill.

The hotel was opened in 1885 by Lewis Gunter who was Richmond’s wealthiest citizen at the time.  His millions came from the tobacco business.

It is estimated that between $5 and $10 million went into planning,
building and furnishing the hotel, with nearly $2 million of this amount
spent on construction. Unfortunately, Gunter’s enjoyment of his accomplishment was
short-lived, he died less than two years after the hotel’s grand opening.

In 1901 the hotel
itself came close to absolute destruction. A defective wire started a fire
that demolished three-fifths of the building. There were no fatalities,
however, there was a narrow escape for one famous occupant of the hotel,
the statue of Thomas Jefferson. A rescue crew, including the
sculptor himself, was hurriedly summoned to help. The men pushed the
statue onto strategically placed mattresses and carried it outside. They accidentally dropped it, and the head struck the ground and broke
off. For a while, the headless statue stood in the front yard of a
neighboring home. The head was kept in the secure vault of Henry Valentine, a
relative of the sculptor, and a member of the rescue crew. Eventually the pieces were  taken back to the sculptor’s studio, where repairs were made. The hotel reopened in grand style in May 1902 with Thomas Jefferson restored and intact.

The Weekly ‘Best of Orlando’ Party

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On August 30th The Orlando Weekly came out with its “Best of Orlando” issue. I was invited to the Best of Orlando party at The Beacham, so I knew I was nominated. I flipped through the paper that morning while in the last class of the month with my Full Sail animation students. I found myself listed in the “Best Visual Artist” category taking second place. Andrew Spear, who’s murals can be seen all around the Mills/5o District took first place, and Boy Kong, who is also an Urban Muralist took third place. From doing this blog, I’ve met many amazing artists in this town so I’m humbled by the recognition. I’m pretty sure I was nominated because I celebrate and report about all this amazing talent in town. The Orlando Weekly also came up with a new category of “Best Urban Sketcher” and since I’m the only person who is Urban Sketching in Orlando I got a one paragraph write up.

I have family visiting Orlando from all over the country and Germany, but I had to take the time to sketch this blow out party at The Beacham.  Since I would be sketching, Terry decided to visit my family while I worked. There was a short line to get into the club. A group of people behind a barricade shouting in excitement. One of them rushed up to someone in front of me and asked for his autograph. Then one of the excited fans asked for an autograph from the guy behind me. The fan said, “I loved your last picture!” and then squealed when he got the autograph. My last picture, a sketch of National Dance Day wasn’t half bad. How come no one asked for my autograph? Alright, shake it off, they are only actors adding a red carpet sense of excitement to the event. I was tempted to get out of line and sketch the screaming fans, but then decided my focus should be on the movers and shakers inside.

A bouncer actually had to check my ID to be sure I was of drinking age, as if my grey hair wasn’t ID enough for my age. I immediately decided that I needed a slightly elevated view. There was a giant bouncer in a yellow shirt at the bottom of the staircase. I was told only VIPs could go upstairs. I told him I was the media, but he didn’t buy it. I tried the other staircase and was blocked by another Yellow bouncer. I then found Erin Sullivan the Orlando Weekly senior editor and she told me the password which was something like, “Orlando Life”. I shouted the password in the bouncer’s ear and he let me pass. I had my tablet in the bag, but since this was such an expansive view, I pulled out my largest sketch book. As I started the sketch, Graham Jarrett, the Publisher of the Orlando Weekly was one of the first people to say hello. I was surprised he knew who I was.

I should have had business cards because I met a dozen or so interesting people. One woman knew of another event sketcher and she asked me if I would consider sketching her wedding. Since I’ve done this before, I stopped sketching long enough to give her my information. A few people stopped to watch me work. I become slightly self conscious when someone watches, but then get lost in the process again in no time. I tried talking to several people but the music was too loud. A Weekly intern stopped by several times and took photos as the sketch progressed. I spotted Hurricane Maria at the bar and Wendy Claitor on the floor. Andrew Spear found me and we posed for a photo. As he left, he said, “You keep working, I’m going to get drunk.” Someone else told me, “You already won, you should be drinking and celebrating!” All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Next to me a couple started making out as the music heated up. I was rushing to finish the sketch so I could meet my wife and family later that night. Patrick Kahn, and his wife Holly greeted me warmly as I was finishing the sketch. Patrick opened Snap! Orlando this year and already the new gallery won the ‘Writers Pick Award’ for ‘Best New Art Venue, and Snap won ‘Readers Pick’ awards at #2 for ‘Best Gallery’ and #3 for ‘Best Arts Event/Festival.’ I’m so happy my first solo exhibition was at Snap. They took such good care of me and I feel like I’m part of the Snap family. Devin Dominguez said hello and asked, “Where is Terry?” I shouted back, “She’s with family!” “Aren’t you family?” she said. Jokingly I responded, “I used to be.”

As I walked back to my car, I called Terry to see if I should drive over to the hotel. She said, “Your too late, I’m about to leave.” Why can’t I sketch faster? While lost in the precess, it seemed like time stood still, I was catching a fleeting moment, but actually hours had passed.  On Facebook, Suzannah Gilman remarked, “No category, for ‘Best Wife of an Urban Sketcher’?! What is UP with THAT?” She makes a good point. It takes a saint to put up with my daily sketch obsession.

Weekend Top 6 Picks for August 2nd and 3rd

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Saturday August 2, 2014

10am to? Free. Avalon Skateboard Fest. Founders Square Avalon Park Orlando, Florida 32828. Free Event for the whole family 5K & 10K Race, plus best trick contest. One lap race for kids 10 & under

7:30pm to 9:30pm  Free every Saturday.  Amy Watkins and Superhero Poetry Open Mic. The Geek Easy 114 S. Semoran Blvd Suite #6, Winter Park, Florida.  Open to all: Musicians-Lyricists-Artists-and Poets of all kinds. Bring out the cape and have some fun. http://poetry.meetup.com/362/

9:30pm to Midnight Free.  Eugene Snowden (of the Legendary JC’s). The Falcon 819 E Washington Street, Suite 2, Orlando, Florida. Orlando’s soul sensation Eugene Snowden (of the Legendary JC’s) performs at The Falcon!

Sunday August 3, 2014

2pm to 4pm $50 $25 student rate.Fundraising Strategies For Artists with E. Brady Robinson. Snap! Space / Snap! Orlando 1013 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, Florida. In this 2 hour workshop, students will learn fundraising strategies to support new projects including setting goals, identifying donors, utilizing social media and the pros/cons to crowd-sourced fundraising. Tickets

E. Brady Robinson is Associate Professor in the School of Visual Arts and Design at the University of Central Florida. She teaches Professional Practices in Art for the Emerging Media, MFA program at UCF. Robinson is Contributing Writer for Professional Artist Magazine and covers opportunities for emerging artists, contemporary photography and the international art market. She is the author of “Pocket Guide to Self‐Publishing for Artists” published by Professional Artist Magazine. Robinson is represented by Addison/Ripley Fine Art in Washington D.C. Her documentary ‘Art Desks’ will be published by Daylight Books this fall and distributed by D.A.P. Robinson has taught workshops for FotoWeekDC, The Historical Society of Washington DC, The Aspen Art Museum, Georgetown University and The Corcoran College of Art + Design. NOTE : Students must present student ID at the door with their special rate paid ticket.

3pm to 5pm Free but grab a beer. Inaugural Open Mic. The Falcon 819 E Washington Street, Suite 2, Orlando, Florida.  (sign-up starts at 2PM) Anyone can come, sign up, and perform original or non-original music, poetry, performance art, comedy, etc. Open Mics are a vital part of any music community as a place to come together, share art, connect with each other, and get feedback on their work.

9pm to 11pm Free but get a coffee. Solo Acoustic Spoken Word. Natura Coffee & Tea, 12078 Collegiate Way, Orlando, Florida. Spoken word open mic. 407 482-5000.