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Fruit - Yeah I Had To

3/31/2017

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Fruit On a Table
I just read an article written by Steven Pressfield.  That's the guy that wrote "The War of Art", "Do The Work", "Turning Pro", and other similar page-turners.  Also the guy, by the way, that wrote "The Legend of Bagger Vance".  You can find all those books on his website. 

The article I read today was called "What's Your Culture".  It was how entrepreneurial type people have to create a work ethic.  How do you get things done when your not answering to anyone.  

You have to learn how to keep promises to yourself. Like I promised myself I would post a drawing a day on this website.

That, my friend, is not easy.  I know not many people look at my website. That doesn't matter.  I am sure nobody would really miss it if I didn't post a drawing on one day. But I made a promise to myself that I would.  So I will.  

They may not always be stellar drawings but they do force me to make an effort to draw a picture every single day. 

One of the things that makes you a professional is keeping promises to yourself.  That's discipline.  That's professional.  

Here's my drawing for the day. I hope you enjoy. 

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Coconut Palm Trees

3/30/2017

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There is nothing so tropical as a coconut palm tree.  This place is littered with them.  

        But where did they come from?  

​        Why are they here? 

        Are they native to the Caribbean?  

​        Who knows.  
​

        Does it really matter? 

​Coconuts will float on water.  They've been known to travel on water for over a hundred days and still germinate after reaching land.  They (the ubiquitous "they" -  the conspiratorial "they" - I'm imaging scientists, naturalists, biologists, botanists, some sort of "ist") recon that coconuts can travel over 3000 miles and still be viable. Pretty cool I think.  My skin puckers after about 1/2 and hour. 
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They are tall, slender, curvy and very pleasing to look at.  
​There are thousands of different kinds of palm trees and their bark and structure can be quite different which I also find fascinating.

I love taking walks seeing all kinds of tropical plants. Coconut palms are amongst my favorites.

I thought I would draw one.  I'm including a video of the drawing here cuz they're fun as well.  

​I hope you enjoy. 
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Box Turtle on Water Island

3/29/2017

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I visited Honeymoon Beach on Water Island this last weekend. The place is really laid back. I usually go to a place called Dinghy's Bar & Grill at the far end of the beach. There is another place called Heidi's Honeymoon Grill closer but so far I've not been there.  

It's funny why a person chooses one thing over another. I don't think it really matters in this case. Is one better than the other? Probably not. If one place were markedly better than the other I could understand the choice. I don't seem to have any good reason for it though in this case.  

There are very, very few cars on the the island though you can rent golf carts there to get around but the island really isn't that big.  Less than 500 acres.  I guess you might need a golf cart if you were staying there or wanted to explore as much as possible during one day. But who wants to be in that much of a hurry?
Turtle iPad Painting
​The Water Island website mentions that they brake for iguanas, turtles and other little critters. As I was walking back to the ferry this little guy was strolling across the road. I took a few pictures. We helped him to safety.

It was a very nice day. Beach​, Jazz, Beer, Water. Hmmm... Who could go wrong. ​
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Sea Grape Leaves

3/28/2017

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Sea Grape Leaves
Sea Grapes seem, to me, to grow all over St Thomas.

They're called Sea Grapes because they produce clusters of fruit that look like grapes. Though they are edible, unless they are really ripe, I would't recommend trying to pick and eat them.

They are very atmospheric on the beach. The trunks can be gnarled and really very interesting.

Sea Grapes have roundish leaves. At some times during the year the trees/bushes they die off a bit - I don't think they actually lose all their leaves. The leaves, before they fall, will turn a very vibrant red. I thought it would be an interesting subject for an iPad Painting.
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Dragon's Away

3/27/2017

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While wandering the streets of St John this weekend I ended up in Mongoose Junction.  Did you know that the plural of Mongoose is not Mongeese.  It is Mongooses.  Weird, isn't it.  These ferret looking creatures are all over the islands here. 

Mongoose Junction is a conglomeration of shops, bars, and restaurants. It's a nice diversion for a Saturday afternoon. 

As many times as I have been there, I have not seen (read:noticed) these gargoyle(ish) lamps before. I snapped a couple of photos and then did an iPad drawing.  I kinda like the way this guy turned out.   ​
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In Watermelon Sugar

3/26/2017

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When I was in High School I was told to read "In Watermelon Sugar".  Reading, at the time, was foreign to me.  It is not that I couldn't read but I suppose I refused to read. I hated to read.  I had the attention span of a gnat. I hadn't cultivated the discipline it takes to see it through. 

After what seems like eons and plenty of hard work developing that concentration muscle between my ears I do truly enjoy reading.  A couple of years ago, in the little town of Manchester by the Sea, Massachusetts, I was strolling down the avenue and I found this fabulous little used book store.  
I love used book stores. Trolling Amazon for your newest diversion is nothing like wandering stacks and stacks of dusty old curiosities in a used book store. I love poking into this book, then peeking into that one and wandering from section to section to see what I can see.  This little bookstore gave me just that experience.  

I bought a copy of "In Watermelon Sugar", by Richard Brautigan at that lovely bookstore. That little book has haunted me long enough.  After 40 years or so I want to slay that dragon.  I've been trying to muster the courage to to put this little puppy to rest once and for all.  I'm now on a mission.
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​"In Watermelon Sugar" is one of those rambling, fanciful, hard to digest books. I get caught up in this tangent or that tangent and nothing seems to make sense. This book tries to explain a place that doesn't exist which makes it a bit tough.  Many times I can do okay with those books.  I love the ramblings of Kurt Vonnegut Jr.  

I've been thinking a lot about that book (too much) and it inspired me to make a little iPad painting of a lovely juicy sweet watermelon.  I've just taken my first bite and I'm well on my way to conquering this little mountain - and I hope it tastes good.
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Life's Little Detours

3/25/2017

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We're all in a hurry to get things done, to make things happen, to make our mark on the world.  Marks are being made, by you, all the time.  The kindness you show, the hope you bring, and all the other stuff too.  But that's another story altogether.

I'm glad, that sometimes, probably not as often as I would like, I get the chance to see natural beauty. This last weekend was one of those times. Walking up Calle del something-or-other in Old San Juan I spotted this flower.  The white hibiscus growing in the middle of the sidewalk.  

I stared at it for a long while and took several pictures. Then I did a little drawing.  Hopefully, it will remind me to stop, occasionally, and smell the roses - or, in this case, the hibiscus. 
Hibiscus Flower Puerto Rico
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Lamp Post Drawing

3/24/2017

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Street Lamp
I have set a bit of an ambitious goal for myself.  I want to post at least one drawing or piece of artwork to my blog daily for the next year.  I didn't really want to say anything because I wasn't sure I would be able to keep up production and I didn't want to fail. 

I'm going to post one drawing or artwork to my blog every day for the next year. This at times, I realize, will be difficult and much of what I do is time consuming but I love doing it.  This means that not every piece that I post will be brilliant.  Not every piece will be horrible. There will probably bit a mix of good and bad.  Things I like and things I dislike.  

The objective is to get better day by day, week by week, and commit myself to getting something done every day and not let the time slip away from me.  

I will not comment on the ones I like or dislike and let you make up your mind what you think.  Today I am posting a drawing of a streetlamp.  
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Bacardi Factory

3/23/2017

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I have been to Old San Juan many times.  This was the first time I went and visited the Bacardi Factory.  We went through the tour of the factory and topped off the day with a little drink from the Bacardi bar.  

​I love their logo.  I thought i would give it a shot with a little bit of a tie dye background.  I enjoyed the tour very much.  
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Guard Outposts Old San Juan

3/22/2017

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The city of Old San Juan was once protected by a city wall.  The wall went all around the city and had many outposts or lookouts to see if there were attackers coming from the sea.  These look out posts are an iconic part of the old city of San Juan.  

I think I'd like to paint this sometime. 
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I Little Libation

3/21/2017

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I went to one of my favorite spots in Old San Juan this weekend.  El Factoria.  They serve a Spiced Rum Old Fashioned that is fantastic.  I sat down and drew a little remembrance of that little libation.

​The folks at El Factoria are experts at this one and I enjoyed it once again. Did this one on my phone as well as I didn't really have access to the iPad that day.  
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Duck & Run

3/20/2017

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This little fella was walking on the beach with me the other day.  

​I thought he would make a nice iPad Drawing.  

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Saturday at El Morro Old San Juan

3/19/2017

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Spent the weekend in Old San Juan - Had a really good time.  I sat in a cafe close to El Morro Fort.  There is a large expanse of grass where people were out flying kites.  They looked like they were having a good time.  

​Here is a little painting I did on my phone with the Brushes program.  
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Strawberry Fields 

3/18/2017

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Still trying to keep up with my drawing a day - at least one little piece of artwork a day to keep my spirits up and my eye keen.  It was a bit difficult today because we headed out for a small holiday in Puerto Rico. Had a little fruit for breakfast - Nothing beats a good strawberry - so here is one for the website.  
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Something with a little more color

3/17/2017

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I was asked why all the stuff I was drawing was in black, white and shades of gray.

I didn't have a real good answer so I decided on this today.

​I'd say this is little more colorful. Wouldn't you?
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Diet Coke Can iPad Drawing

3/16/2017

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Sometimes if you just look around your office you can find something to draw. 

When in doubt - Draw Something - Anything.  

Even old things can become new again.  
​
​Thanks for watching!
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Painted Birthday Cork 

3/15/2017

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Celebrated a friend's birthday.  I thought it would be nice to paint the cork from the bottle we celebrated with as a memento. I enjoyed the experience.  I hope he did as well. I think we all had a good time and I got a little brush time in as well. I think it looks good on my palette too.
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Conch Shell Video

3/14/2017

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This is a drawing I did on my iPad.  I think it came out well.  It takes a long time to scratch out a drawing but I think the end result is worth it. I'm not really sure how long this took but it is just over four minutes viewing.

You kind of get in a drawing time warp. I think that is possibly where worm holes live. Anyway, I hope to do more of these videos because I find them so interesting to watch. I'm fascinated watching the drawing unfold and I was the one who did it. I love this function on the iPad.  

Hopefully, more to come. 
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Sunset Beach - St Thomas

3/13/2017

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When we had dinner at Sunset Beach the other night I saw this couple taking in the sunset.  They looked very peaceful and seemed to be enjoying themselves.  

Sunset Beach is called that because, of course, it's a great place to take in the sunset. They have good food and drink and decent service there as well.  

​Sometimes the colors of the sunset are just stunning.  I like the relaxedness of these two.  Not a care in the world and looking forward to tomorrow. 
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Shades 

3/12/2017

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I got these sunglasses from a friend.  We have worked together on a project called Veterans 360 which aims to help returning combat veterans get back on their feet.

​We have worked hard over the last several years on the project and have helped quite a few people.  We are still at it.  When I wear these sunglasses it reminds me of the work we are doing to help veterans.
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Lifesaver - Beachwalkin'

3/11/2017

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I found this lifesaver on a relatively deserted beach yesterday. It was just dangling on a palm tree waiting for somebody to save. It's peaceful when there was nobody on the beach.  No crowds, no music, just waves, clouds and sun.  When the weekend comes there will be parties and loud music on this beach. I like the quiet times much better.  

There was nobody to save yesterday but it's nice to know that this ring will be there if anybody gets in trouble.  
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Headphones - Things Just Laying Around

3/10/2017

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You must think that I leave things laying around all the time. I guess I do.  It's probably in my DNA.  These headphones are never really far from my reach and they have an interesting shape. There are cylinders, cones, squares, rectangles, straps and myriad other little details that all contribute to the make-up of the headphones. I think they, at least, look like a set of headphones.  

I really enjoy putting these puppies on and getting down to work.  Unfortunately, it is difficult to wear them and draw them at the same time. 

A simple aside. I ran across a new artist recently (New Years Eve - Jooles Holland) - musical artist - called "Rag'n'Bone Man".  He has released a song I really like called Human. I like the song very much. Here's a link to a video. 
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​Rag'n'Bone Man - Human (Official Video) - YouTube

It's a bit daunting to find something to draw every day. I want the drawings to be interesting which may be kind of getting away from the point of this exercise.  The task is to get to draw something every day - period.  Some days I will have more time than other days but the point is to get a drawing done every day. I need to get away from all the consternation and just draw something even if it is terrible. 

Now it's time to put my headphones back on, put my nose to the grindstone and do some work. 
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Double Barrel Symmetry

3/9/2017

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For today's challenge I choose binoculars.  I don't know why.  They were sitting there on the table minding their own business.  They didn't ask to be captured for posterity.  They were however, very cooperative.  They stayed perfectly still and quiet.  They didn't complain when the likeness wasn't exactly what they had expected. 

This double barreled symmetrical challenge helps me work on my observation and drawing skills.  I have to limit my time on these little practice drawings.  I could work on them for hours and hours and enjoy every minute of it.  I do want to practice every day and one way to practice every day is to keep myself accountable. Posting these pictures every day will help me stay accountable to myself and will be a record of the challenges, successes and failures.  

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Books n Stuff

3/8/2017

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Books n Stuff
​You would think books would be really easy to draw. They're just rectangles and boxes.  Aren't they? 

I suppose it depends on how accurately you want to represent those shapes.  

There are a lot of straight lines on books.  Straight lines are hard to draw without a ruler. Then again, as you can see below not all of the lines are absolutely straight.  If I used a ruler it might help but I am sure it would look stilted and robot like - which is not what I am going for.  

The books I have represented below were sitting on the coffee table in the living room. I thought I would actually try to observe what a book actually looks like. I decided here not to concentrate on the text and graphics on the cover. In the limited time I gave myself to draw this. I tried to represent them as accurately as possible.

The following dimensions were things I discovered in the drawing of books on coffee table. 

1.  Text and graphics in cover - blurred because text is difficult to represent in limited time and I wasn't sure how to do that.  
2.  Straight lines - difficult with free hand drawing - lines can get wobbly 
3.  Perspective - Single point perspective - I don't think I paid enough attention to vanishing points but tried to take it into account.
4.  Tone - light and dark
5.  Pages - How do you represent pages between the covers of the book?  I tried to use multiple lines. 
6.  Shadows - The books are kind of floating because there is no shadow grounding them.  

The end result, i think, can be recognized as books stacked. In my opinion, a good book is more easily read than drawn.  More time might help. 

I'll keep on practicing and trying to make little improvements here and there. 

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Delta - JFK - STT

3/7/2017

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Today we flew from JFK to STT. The end of a long journey. Had a nice cup of coffee this morning before the flight. It's nice to savor some of the simpler things. Life is made up of little moments all strung together. It was a long day but now, safely on the ground I can relax and rest. 

​I have some difficulty with symmetrical things like glasses, bottles and cups. Thus this little practice piece.

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