I've been 'round and 'round with myself on what kind of first web comic I would first post, and realized I was just dragging my feet. Most of us would agree that you really never learn (or enjoy) how to swim until you just jumped in. A great analogy for a many things in life, I think. Just getting your feet wet doesn't give you a full appreciation of how your feet will propel you faster or keep you afloat while at rest. No, better to just jump in.

At first I planned on publishing an epic story I've been writing in my head entitled Frontier. A grand story indeed. Only three people really have any inkling what my premise or characters are, but that's by design.
I think most artists go through a protective phase of their work as if they're almost afraid they'll run out of creative fluid or something. "Well, that's a masterpiece! I'll not create another LIKE it!" Well, of course not. It just wouldn't be an original. Originality is what we seek, but being broke isn't one of those things we look for so buck up, lose the fear, and show the world what you've got. Just be careful to protect the originals you do have that you wish to put on the market. By protect, I mean to copyright where necessary, block the "save as..." function whenever possible, and make it clear to gallery visitors and fans of your work that it isn't free for the taking.

To sum up - it's okay to show the world what you can do. There are dozens of ways to do that now, and then there are as many or more platforms to showcase the work you wish to really sell in a more professional fashion. Check out our website or even sites like Fine Arts America for possibilities in sales.

When it comes to the webcomic. Yes, I'm gonna go with a webcomic, and soon. I have researched several webcomic platforms, and am happy to provide links for those interested, but in the end my question always had an answer...I happen to have a website and domain to not only host my own, but a number of other artists' web comics! Not to mention I've the software in place to design my own site completely from scratch. Gotta say, I'm loving that Serif Suite more and more every day! No, I am not planning to release the Frontier webcomic yet, but perhaps I've learned to swim a little better with the comic I am coming out with I'll have a great platform in place that will do my Frontier comic justice. More to come on the details of the comic I'm publishing as I post it. You're all in for a treat. And if you find yourself looking to share in the fun I encourage any artists and writers to join our little art community with their own fantastic stories and art. I'll have a platform to showcase both!

Speaking of seeing people; I find my best work is inspired by spending time in a mall or busy people outlet. Ha! We usually think of going to the mall to pick up a sweater or a brand new bag or a coffee, but I go for the people-spotting! If you're in the mood to draw or paint, but just not sure what to do or where to set your imagery than fear not my friends. Help is at the nearest people outlet -- *ahem* I mean shopping mall. ;-)

Once you've found that perfect candidate for the art work of choice, you've a moral obligation to yourself to either walk up and request a photo and release of them or (if you're really quick) get a field sketch done of them. Hopefully, your model is seated or stationary. Please note: any photo op must be accompanied by a signed release stating the person being photographed has allowed you to take their picture, and agrees with your stated intentions with said photo. If you've not stalked this person in a creepy sorta way, and they are relatively carefree it all works out for everyone. They might get a little royalty money from the art sales you make from finding inspiration in them.

Moral of the story today. People are everywhere; make the most of your day by helping others to help yourself. Go out there and get to know someone. You never know if that next drawing will have them in mind.

I'm pondering which application to use. Constant contact, icontact, mail chimp, or tiny letter. Any thoughts, people? You know, so that I can really toot my own horn with pizazz! ;-)

Today was a good day to draw...and be drawn too. Alas, not a soul could be swayed to sit for what could have been the most endearing portraitures of their lives.
People often lament about the weather and it's impermeable hold on our daily emotional directions. Well, if today was any indication than tomorrow will surely be the same. I don't want to jinx my profit margin before I even begin tomorrow, but this was a sad state of affairs. Today, it was sunny with smoke in the air. Tomorrow it is supposed to be sunny with smoke in the air. Maybe I'll catch a nap in haze of the noontime sun.

Wake me when it's time to draw someone.

Today will mark the third day of adding caricature to the little big town of Leavenworth, Washington for drawing caricatures during the Village Art In The Park festival. My first day here (Friday) involved a lot of firsts for this type of event. I had to have a white canopy with walls 10'x10' in dimension. Not such a difficult task. I had a really warm response from the visitors and artists alike; in fact, such a welcome really goes a long way towards making one feel wilkommen to a new work environment! I wish to extend a huge thank you to all the artists in the park who have shown your friendly sides to Maxin Art Studio & Company. We look forward to coming back.

Time for breakfast now. I've got to administer some form of mechanical triage to my " new" canopy. There seems to be some unruly buckling in key structural locations. Not cool.

Until next time Citizens!

I'm constantly working on improving my speed in art. In this day and age we're competing for what seems like a limited resource in funding. May the quicker artist prevail, right?! Wrong! It shouldn't be about competing against your neighbor or even the guy three cubicles down who constantly baits you. It's about achieving your personal best and then striving to best yourself. Just like we realize how much more critical we are of ourselves than others are - it all comes from the same drive to be our best at what we do. Let's not let that passion become anything less positive than the fusion power we require internally to build toward our next great accomplishments.

At the end of the day I'm in a race alright, but not with you.... I'm after glory and honor in holding myself accountable. I'm going for my own gold!

Hi. Today's weather is perfect for creative energy to flow abundantly from the great universe all around; that is unless you aren't conducting enough electricity to keep it going! I believe Leonardo DaVinci was onto something in his research of life and it's abundance. I will have to read up more on that soon, for now I'm satisfied with Tesla's book on energy generation, and a cup of coffee within the next 15 minutes. Whew! Here's to having enough sun and conductive fluid running through my veins today to get a few things done!

I enjoy talking with the kids in my - wait-a-minute; did I just refer to my students as "kids?!" They're not - really. In fact, I hope I don't offend anyone when I say that my students are sometimes more adult than some grownups I know. Though the forum they join me in is that of a drawing class we are free to talk about any subject matter (within reason of course) and sitting around the Round Table of Maxin gives all those present a sense of equality. My students seem to enjoy the freedom to be part of a 'round-table' discussion where we philosophize, improve our drawing and challenge our musical knowledge while slacker radio's 'movie music' channel plays on in the background.

As busy as my schedule can be at times it's nice to look forward to Friday not only because it's the end of the working week - but also the time when I get to meld minds with some very creative people!

I wonder if a Socrates Cafe is in order for the studio soon. For those who are unfamiliar with Socrates Cafe's there is a great little book out there (I have a copy in the studio) called, Socrates Cafe: A Fresh Taste of Philosophy, by Christopher Phillips. I just found it on Amazon.com for $11.16! Here's the current link:
http://www.amazon.com/Socrates-Cafe-Fresh-Taste-Philosophy/dp/039332298X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1336237926&sr=1-1
Anywho, the short version is this: a group of inquisitive types gather together after being challenged to read one book or another based on current discussion and events; this group uses the book(s) as a means to generate deep thought discussion and debate. It's nice if a beverages and snacks are available to help fuel the mind in these talks too.... I've participated in a few some time back, and while best in a library I believe the Art Studio and it's growing library along with the fact we do offer the occasional snack and ever-present hot or cold drink makes for a great place to continue solving the world's problems one book at a time!

Thoughts anyone?!