Man Vs Art Pilgrimage

Certainly an impulsive sketch. Here's the story: Last Thursday I had the opportunity to meet up with two of my all-time favorite creators/artistes, Raul Aguirre Jr, and Jim Lujan. While on work assignment, I was near the Los Angeles area, and made it a point to hook up with my buds. It was worth gold! I visited Minion Central: The Man Vs Art studios. Better than Disneyland to me, Raul's corner of the world was like going home. The lovely and vivacious Hortencia, and Raul welcomed me like family. The place is full of art, and I think I know now where Raul gets the greater part of his inspiration. Hortencia is a great artist, and you can't help to be inspired. Raul is a lucky man. This duo rocks. I don't have to say how much Raul inspires me, but being there was a bit like the high point of a pilgrimage.
We also visited the traditional minion stop: King Taco, a tasty taco haven. I broke my semi-vegetarian rule and had sopes and tacos (MEAT!). Worth it!
The great Jim Lujan met us there, and we had the greatest time talking about everything. It was like being in a mixed MVA/Lujan podcast live. Jim drew me an awesome caricature. Check that out! My first visit to LA, and he got me pegged Lujan-style. Love it! Thanks Jim!
I have pics, and more to tell, but this is long enough. The experience of being with these two greats was overwhelming, and my trip back to the hotel was a sad one. I wish I had more time with them. Inspiration and fun just breaks the meter when you're with these two. Not to leave Jim's cousin Ted behind, he gave me some "Horchata" at King Taco, and pitched in while I was "gushing art chonies". Thanks Ted. Of course, I have to thank Raul and Jim for the great hospitality. Both my brothers in art ensured I had a great time. They couldn't help it. Its in their DNA. Oh, and don't forget to visit Jim and Raul online, at their main sites (above) or their other haunts across the web. Thanks again! Well, this is all for now. Thanks for dropping by, and remember to have a great art time. You know I did.

Airport Animal Hat

Thought I'd give this blog a little action. In all truth, this is an impulsive sketch. Sketch Daily is Marshall "Calmplex"'s daily sketch initiative where he invites folks to post their daily work, whatever it may be, just some sketch or practice, or doodle, every day. I've been posting regularly this last week, but I had to travel for work again, and just managed this while at the airport. Pardon the bad lighting, but I always miss my scanner while on work travel.

I sketched this pen-brush/sticky note while charging my cell phone, and checking e-mail in a connection station while at the Philladelphia airport. I had just bough a cute knitted animal hat from a nice lady while walking towards my gate. My daughter loves these things. I sat at a mini stall, next to other travelers. Its kind of weird how they isolate themselves from the world. I don't blame them. I don't like airports much. Some working, others reaching out to their online friends, or talking on their cell phones while charging them. I think next time I'm going to sketch one of those folks that sit on the floor, tethered to their cell phones, which in turn, are tethered to a wall or column power outlet.
Anyway, I'm sure my daughter will like her hat. Hope you liked this. Have a great art time (at any cost LOL).