Maxine’s is a geat place to experience art.

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I met with Maxine Earhart at Maxine’s on Shine (337 Shine Ave, Orlando, FL) to figure out the logistics of mounting a show. We sat at the end of the bar to talk and I stayed for diner and a sketch.

Hanging on the walls was intricate and sensual collages by local artist, Maura Lucchese. Images of lovers and beautiful women were created with thousands of cuttings from magazines. Lettering mingled among the scraps relay hidden meanings to the bold images. Maura was unloading her show along with her friend, Kelly Herzberger on the day that I loaded my show in.

It was fun getting to meet an artist as we attempted to avoid crashing into each other going in and out of the restaurant’s front door.  Maura and Kelly also came to the opening of my show which shows that artists do support each other in Orlando. I was a bit intimidated that Maura sold several pieces in her show. Nothing sold from my show, but Kirt and Maxine ultimately coveted several of my sketches done in their restaurant for their collection.


Maxine’s has great food and there are often live performers as well to compliment the dining experience. Hours are Tuesday to Friday 5pm to 10pm. Saturday 10am to 10pm and Sunday 10am to 10pm. Reservations are a must because this place always gets packed. Come out and enjoy the Max Scene. It is a place where I’m always able to get a fun sketch. I’ve heard that one of my Maxine’s sketches might be used on fashionable women’s scarves. The details haven’t been ironed out yet.

AADW work on view at Maxine’s on Shine.

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Sketches from Analog Artist Digital World are now on display at Maxine’s on Shine (337 Shine Ave, Orlando, FL), through mid-April. Maxine’s was recently voted the best neighborhood restaurant and also best place for a date night. The opening for the exhibition was on April 12th. Complimentary cheese, crackers, fruit and vegetables were in a private quaint back room that resembles a mini temple. I was told that wedding ceremonies were indeed once held there.On the 2nd Thursday of every month guests are invited to “Meet the Artist, Meet the Winery, Meet the Brewery” as part of
Thornton Park’s Art and Wine Walk.

Friends came out to share their support. I had a small table set up outside with some books, cards and information about the art. Jessica Pawli was set up beside me offering free samples of wines. The white wine had a faint scent of oak that I rather liked. Sam Ewing, a former Disney Feature Animation, and Full Sail colleague came out to check out the show. He might be helping out by teaching my Elite Animation students while I travel to Turkey this year. Wendy Wallenberg posed by the doorway several times. That part of the sketch was already finished however. I joked with her that she was blocking my view of the dog.

When the sketch was done, I joined a large group of artists, authors and musicians who were gathered at a large round table outside. Maxine pointed out that this is how she always envisioned this place being a melting pot for the arts. Michael McLeod, came up with the catch phrase that this was the “Max Scene.” Maura Lucchese, had her work on the walls of Maxine’s the month before my show. She was taking down her pieces as I put mine up. It was like a whirlwind, Grand Central Station day as we rushed in and out the front door. Maura’s work is bright and sensual being created from thousands of bits of magazines assembled onto canvas. We traded cards. I did a sketch of her show and she gave me a sensual nude in greys, reds and blues. Some of her work showed couples kissing. The pieces are large and bold, and come together seamlessly from a distance.I’m a fan of her work now.

There was a long conversation about a live action feature film that featured angry chickens. The chickens were Hollywood executives who would pray on the innocent souls who sought fortune and fame. The puppet chickens were based on real life characters whose rude behaviors were exaggerated. It sounds like this is a film I should see. There seemed to be just one degree of separation between each person at the table. For instance Maura’s friend had worked on the sound track for Carl Knickerbocker‘s latest film. She had done the sound effects and yet this was the first time that they met in person. Wendy mentioned that Maxine had once been Miss New York State. I’m always amazed at peoples brilliant histories.

Donna Dowless spoke to everyone at the table, saying that we are the core group of people who always show up at events. Each of us contribute to the arts scene in our unique way. It is through the dedication of our efforts and the efforts of others that this city is becoming an exciting place to live. It was a heart warming thought, coming from Orlando’s Ambassador of Love. Her heart shaped pendant necklace caught the evening light. I felt the love on this warm southern night and felt grateful to be among such amazing artists.

Maxine’s on Shine

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I went to Maxine’s on Shine (337 Shine Avenue Orlando FL) of February 8th, to listen to Roger Docking on Guitar. Maxine’s is a local gem and is booked solid on weekends so reservations are strongly suggested. Since I was on my own, I found a spot 2t the bar. Maxine was at a fundraiser for the Ballet, but her husband greeted everyone warmly. I ordered an Orange Blossom beer and started sketching. For dinner I ordered the lasagna which was quite delectable.

Roger Docking recognized me. I had sketched him in the past because he was once a member of Andy Matchett and the Minx. That band performed together one last time several months ago at the cardboard art festival.  Andy explained to me that Minx was the last name of his former wife so the bands name was a bit archaic. They also used to use tons of confetti and toilet paper in their performances. Clean up after a show would be a nightmare. At a preview of my retrospective, Suzannah Gilman was talking about her recent experience watching Sting and Paul Simon in concert at the Amway Center. She had seats in the second row only a few feet from the stage. “Sting had to be the sexiest man I’ve ever seen.” She said. She pointed out how well defined his arm muscles were and his pants showed off the muscles in his legs. She then demonstrated a subtle hip gyration Sting used in the performance. It wasn’t a thrust, but more of a gentle grind. Andy practiced the move himself and I suspect it will find it’s way into his next performance.

Another performer Joe Lamy, and his daughter came in half way into the first set. He sang harmony, following Roger’s lead. I find that there is often a theme to my sketches. I pay attention to artists who are often unrecognized and perform as background ambiance. I think I identify with the artists who create beauty even if no one is listening.

My lasagna and drinks came to $28.71 and it was well worth it. The bill was enclosed in a book with a picture of the Mona Lisa on the cover. The title of the book was, “Stress, The Good and the Bad, Guilt Free Tension Control.” Sketching is my tension control but also a constant source of stress. I should have read a chapter. Perhaps it was a sign.

Neanderthal Ball

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11-15-13BallThe Neanderthal Ball was held on November second at the Orlando Science Center (777 East Princeton Street). Patrons stepped into the Past as they supported the future at the Orlando Science
Center.  Set amongst the prehistoric setting of
“DinoDigs” and the Ice Age theme of “Our Planet, Our Universe” exhibit. There was delectable food and wine choices under under the star lit sky on
the beautiful SunTrust Terrace. Of course there was a prehistoric the silent auction. Dress code was cocktail
fun with an accent on “cavemen couture”, with an animal print necktie or
leopard pattern cocktail dress!

Terry joined me, dressing like an exotic cave woman. She had a golden skirt and clashing cave woman patterns. The only thing I could find in my closet was a brown patterned Hawaiian shirt and cargo paints. I don’t have any animal print in my closet! I suppose I was going for more of a paleontologist look. The event was held in the dinosaur room of the science center. I focused my attention on the Maxine’s on Shine bar. This was one station that was sure to be busy all night, plus the bar maids were sporting plenty of cave woman cleavage.  The dinosaur skeletons were lit by red spot lights. As it turns out I was siting in a red spotlight as well so my ability to see what colors I put on the page was altered.

When it came time to crowned a new Harriett Lake Caveman Couture Champion! Terry was shocked that she didn’t win. She bought me a couple of food samples which I scarfed down as I sketched. The next room had a huge planet earth globe that showed how the continents might drift as the planet changes millions of years into the future. Florida quickly sank into the ocean.

Queen of Hearts Casino Night

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Jenny Coyle organized a Queen of Hearts Casino Night in the parking lot next to Maxine’s on Shine (337 north shine ave, Orlando, Florida). Jenny organized the event to help raise money for her independent film, “Perfect Love“. Terry wore all stripes looking like a zebra on steroids. I thought I would sketch her playing, but she wandered to the far table and I didn’t see her again.

Shelly Maxine introduced herself saying I had sketched her many years ago as she folded napkins in another restaurant. She was dressed up as the mad hatter and her wild red hair sprouted out from beneath a cougar skinned fur hat. She and her husband, Kirt, are the best possible proprietors at this amazing restaurant. A musician was performing inside and he had just released a CD. He was performing Beetles cover songs however so I didn’t get a taste of what his original music might be like. Jenny wore a bright pink queens dress. She said she felt like a five year old when she saw it.

As Jenny said, “Don’t lose your head, it’s only a party! 

There will be:

Blackjack, prizes, drinks, and live entertainment!

For just $10 you got your first drink and your first few thousand dollars in funny money for the casino. We’re making our money off of the buy in for the casino, and the silent auction items. Naturally this means we are trying to get as many people there as possible. 
Costumes aren’t required, but I might be inclined to give you some extra cash for the casino if you come out in an Alice in Wonderland themed getup.”

After Terry lost all her chips and I finished my sketch, we went into Maxine’s for an appetizer. I ordered some Calamari and it was great, being baked rather than fried with a sweet vinegar drizzle on top. I took the waiters advice on a beer although I don’t recall the band. Maxine invited me back to sketch the restaurant interior and I will most certainly go back. The place is a real gem.