a Retrospective of Science Center Sketches on Exhibit

Posted on August 22, 2018February 7, 2022 by Thor

Since 2009, I have been going to the Orlando Science Center to sketch exhibits, galas and events. On the third floor I now have 32 pieces framed and lining the walls that are a retrospective of the sketches done over the years. My Analog Artist Digital World exhibit is up through October 23, 2018 so there is plenty of time to stop by.

The opening of my exhibit lined up with Science Night Live which is an evening where adults get to imbibe and interact with the exhibits which are usually reserved for the kids. My exhibit is in the halls that overlook Hall of Heroes. Many of my sketches over the years were done from this upper vantage point. Sketching this “god’s eye view” offers some privacy allowing enough time to get each sketch done.

Hall of Heroes is a traveling exhibit which allows visitors to immerse themselves in the world of superheroes, crime fighters, gadgets
and spies. Guests journey through several different themed
environments with surprises around every corner. Visitors of all ages
will love this exhibit that combines science and science fiction and
lets you discover your own super strengths. The Hall of Heroes Exhibit comes down September 3, 2018.

On the night of my opening, I invited about 5 Orlando Urban sketchers out to document the evening. I knew that I would have to spend much of my time at my table to answer any questions about mu work. Pam Schwartz was kind enough to man the table allowing me enough time to finish the sketch above.

I didn’t understand the appeal of a full sized half Bat Mobile. It seemed like it might be a photo opportunity but guests were not allowed back to sit in the drivers seat. I have to wonder where the other half of the vehicle might be. It must be sitting in another Science Center somewhere. The original Bat Mobile sold for 4 million dollars at auction. If that is so, then this half of the Bat Mobile might be worth 2 million dollars.

There was a model of a Bat Mobile made entirely out of 4 inch long wooden sticks. They were sort of like Popsicle sticks but thicker. There were loose sticks for guests to build their own. A couple built a skyscraper tower. Until it got to high for the woman to reach. They abandoned their creation and then a very tall guy who must be a basketball player added some more floors. It stayed at that height for some time until a thin guy looked up at it and decided to add one more floor. The upper floors buckled and he tried to save the building by grabbing the midsection which made the whole thing much worse. It crashed down and scattered all over the room. Holy Tower of Babel!

The Winter Park Sunset “Paint-In”

Posted on April 25, 2018February 7, 2022 by Thor

Winter Park Paint Out artists gathered on the
shore of Lake Maitland at the Winter Park Racquet Club (2111 Via Tuscany, Winter Park). There they
captured a beautiful Florida sunset, and then they took a break from the
week’s activities. The public was invited to watch as these
outstanding artists created a sunset memory on canvas. A cash-only
bar and buffet were available to non-members! I love sketching artists at work so I always stop out each year.

This year I was invited to participate as one of the artists in the week long Winter park Paint out so I will be executing sketches every day the event. On Friday April 27th, I will be doing a digital sketch at the Polasek Museum and projecting the image for people to watch as they mix and mingle. The evening is a Happy Hour and Mixed-Media Sketch Demonstration.

Two local historic studios, the Albin Polasek Museum (633 Osceola Ave, Winter Park, Florida 32789) and the Jack
Kerouac Project, will join forces to present this night of live art.
Local poets and winners of the Winter Park Paint Out’s live poetry
contest on Allpoetry.com
will read their work while artist Thomas Thorspecken, known locally as
Thor from Analog Artist Digital World blog, showcase the art of the
rapid sketch. Plein air requires the ability to adapt and capture the
subject matter quickly while conveying the energy and emotion of the
subject. True to Thor’s digital following, the artist’s sketch and
progress will be projected onto a large screen so viewers can enjoy the
developing picture while they contemplate the diverse poetry selections.
Orlando’s first poet laureate, Susan Lilley, will participate in the
evening’s poetry reading. A wine/beer bar and appetizers will be
available for happy hour beginning at 5 p.m. through 8 p.m. So if you would like to see me do a sketch live or perhaps you just want to heckle me, come on out and grab a few drinks.

This year’s Sunset Paint In is happening on April 25th 2018 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. again at the Winter Park Racquet Club (2111 Vía Tuscany Winter Park, FL 32789.) The event is free but it is suggested that you register in Eventbrite. I will once again be sketching away. I’m not sure if I will do a digital sketch or analog.

Finger on the Pulse exhibit at City Arts Factory.

Posted on December 18, 2016February 7, 2022 by Thor

This solo City Arts Factory Downtown Arts District (29 S Orange Ave, Orlando, Florida 32801)

exhibition is up from December 15, 2016 to January 13, 2017
Artist Opening Reception: Third Thursday December 15, 2015 6-9pm

Thomas Thorspecken (Thor) presents “Finger on the Pulse“, Orlando’s Artistic Expression. After the Pulse tragedy, Thor went to every vigil and fundraiser possible to documents Orlando’s attempts to heal. This project continues as he sketches family and friends of victims along with survivors, employees and first responders. For some the healing will take a lifetime.

Thor has been documenting arts and culture in Orlando for the past 10 years by doing a sketch a day and writing articles that share the city’s history. The project began as a New Years resolution, and has become a lifestyle.

The show features 19 prints of the sketches done in the weeks and months following the Pulse tragedy. I transported all the framed pieces to City Arts Factory in granny cart. All the pieces were protected using a bed sheet and some towels. It was such a luxury to be able to walk from my Thornton Park apartment downtown. Ive gotten spoiled since I moved from the dingy Winter Park apartment I was renovating these past 6 months.

Anyway, each print has a QR code on the label that leads to a full write up about each event sketched. Orlando is still healing. For some the healing will take a lifetime. A News 13 TV reporter, John Davis, shot footage as I hung the show, and then He interviewed me about all the Pulse themed sketches I have been doing. The story went live that night, but since I don’t have a TV, I didn’t see it. I contacted a Pulse survivor about an interview at the History Center, and she said that at the moment she read my request, my name was mentioned on Channel 13 News. That coverage helped me land the interview and sketch.

I’m heading over for the opening soon. Be sure to stop out to City Arts Factory before January 13th to see the show and possibly pick up some of my art for your art collection.