Upcoming Scratchboard Demos

There is a lovely posting regarding the upcoming scratchboard demo/classes in Florida, Texas and beyond. Take a look at it here. I love Ampersand products. They are simply the best surface for your art.

Today I am working on, you guessed it, the kickstarter book. I'm working on a questionaire to help folks write their or their dog's story...in 120 words or less. This is going to be more of a challenge,I mean, the editing all of them, than the drawing of 40+ new dogs. I'm up for all of it though. And Fay Barclay, my co-author will work on it too, thank the gods! I've decided that this is my major breakout year. Is that
crazy to say? Am I tempting fate to come kick me down the stairs? Don't care. I'm feeling it in my bones (sometimes it's just the arthritis, I know...)that doing this book is going to change something in my path. What is it? Do I know where I am going? Honestly no. But, knowing that I have been doing this work as an artist, seriously for the past 8 years, and steadily moving forward, sometimes just treading water, but still moving gives me hope. Sorry if this seems a bit disjointed..I've been driving for hours and also, Mercury is still Retrograde!! If you are in the Sarasota or Orlando area come play with scratchbord with me!

Still Scratchin' And Florida Demo's

I'm still here. Still running the kickstarter project pitch until April 7th. Still looking for new rescue dogs to draw and stories to tell. If you get a chance, go take a look at the project here. If you have not pledged to become a backer, please consider it. Any amount will help Fay and I make this book and get it out there.
This time next week I will be teaching and demoing (is that a word?) Ampersand Art scratchboard at the Art & Frame store in Sarasota Florida. That's Friday March 30th at 10am for 90 minutes. It will be hands on, and everyone is invited.  I'm hoping for a good turnout. It's my first time teaching in FL. The next day, Saturday March 31st I'll be at Sam Flax in Orlando. The class there will be from 11am-2pm. And then I have to get to the airport and fly to Austin for the Animal Trustee's Petcasso fundraising event. AND my Birthday!! I'm really looking forward to all of these events.
Those who know me, or who have read my artist statement, know that I believe that life is just a series of activities and events...some good, some bad, some in between. We run from some, we embrace others. That being said, I'm pretty happy to get to experience them all.

Dog Scratchin' Kickstarter Project And Some Other Things...

I've got a lot rattling around in my head today, so tighten your seat belts. 1st thing;  Yes, my kickstarter has project funded, Whoo Hoo! It was a day ago, or maybe a day and a half, I am traveling so the days seem to merge. We are now sitting at just a little over the $5,000.00 amount. There are about 30+ dogs to draw and as many stories to tell. I am very, very excited about this. That being said, with about 16-17 days to go before it ends on April 7th. I'd love to add to that number. And not just because I love drawing dogs..(which I do).There is a matter of having to pay about 7-10% of the amount raised to kickstarter and Amazon.  I know of more than a few folks who have expressed an interest but have not pledged. Come on now! You know you want to. I hope you want to! And I'm thinking this book is going to be awfully sweet and you and your pup could be in it! There are some folks who don't have a dog, and they have pledged anyway, just to sponsor someone else who does have a dog and a story. Heck, it could be the 1st dog you had as a child, who is long gone. There is no rule that says they have to still be in your life. There is another kickstarter project associated with dogs that is using some of my information in a youtube video (but I cannot share it yet as they have not launched) It's pretty cool. It's a different sort of project from mine, but dog related.
So, what I'm asking is; please, continue to share this information with your friends, and if you haven't pledged yet, please consider it. Any amount will help Fay and I to put this together and we will try to make a difference in the lives of some of the many shelter dogs out there...waiting. Go here to see the project And you folks with cats? Gather your photos and stories because the next book is for you. Stay tuned.

Here's an old scratchboard piece of mine. Years back I was afraid of color. I did all black and white, all the time. Now? I couldn't imagine one of my pieces without color. They don't feel finished to me with out some splash of red (my favorite) or blue. This is a large Ampersand Art supply scratchboard. It is out there in a collection somewhere. I forget who bought it. If you look at my kickstarter project here, you can see a newer version in the video.
 Ok, veering off into a different direction; I had the nicest time on Saturday at Jerry's Artarama Austin. It was SXSW so the crowd in the store to participate in the scratchboard demo was at about 10+, but they were determined and appreciative. A Grandmother brought her 3 Grandbaby girls, 2 sisters and a cousin. The oldest was 6. They had a great time, and I enjoyed working with them. It was cool to see how they took to the process. One of them was hyper-critical of herself and the marks she was making. Grandma helped and I ended up getting a great photo of her with her piece. Finally a smile!

Anyhow, I'm back to Arkansas in the morning. There for a bit and then back on the road to visit and teach some more scratchboard classes. This life is a good life, and it's good enough for me!
Thanks y'all....