Here is a look at my sketch book from the perspective of working through the concept drawing in my mind.  Often I go through several versions of a drawing, before I settle on one that I like.  I believe that there is a method to my madness, but to quote the Cheshire Cat, “We’re all mad here.”  I leave you with the sketches behind my concept of why is a raven like a writing desk.

New sketch.  Have you ever been so happy that you malfunctioned?  This little robot has.

Here is a new winged critter/monster sketch.

Today His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama joined Twitter( http://twitter.com/DalaiLama ).  I had the opportunity to see and listen to him speak on Sept. 24th 2009 in Memphis, TN.  It was a small auditorium that seated only around 3 or 4 thousand people, so the tickets were expensive.  I decided at the last minute to go, due to only finding out he was in town the night before because of a blunder by one of our local elected officials in greeting him.  I rarely watch the local news.  I have an unpredictable work schedule and very limited extra funds these days.  So many things worked out just right to enable me to get the opportunity to hear him speak in person.  I released all attachments to the outcome of being able to find a last minute ticket at the venue, especially the afternoon of the event(they had already quit selling tickets for the event on line).  I was able to get one of the final 20 remaining tickets, and had brought just enough money to pay for it, since it was one of the more expensive ones.  After heavy security checks, we all took our seats and waited.  I again decided to release any attachment to expectations of the speech.

He spoke in a very casual manner.  The Dalai Lama at once puts you both at ease and commands your utmost attention.  His laughter is infectious, and you can not help but smile with him.  He would make a point, and often it seemed like I had at once know it all along to be true.  He says that we all want to be happy and avoid pain, both physical and emotional.  He also adds that you should not read anything extra into his words, because he is just a simple Buddhist monk.

I drew the sketch above later that same afternoon.  On the drive home, after his speech, there was a rainbow.  I did not turn the radio on, but rather just enjoyed the sounds of the city, and was thankful.

I hope to be a simple artist one day.

]]> http://www.andymcnally.com/2010/02/22/dalai-lama-twitter/feed/ 0 http://www.andymcnally.com/2010/02/18/427/ http://www.andymcnally.com/2010/02/18/427/#comments Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:05:50 +0000 Andy http://www.andymcnally.com/?p=427

Here is my latest illustration.  It originally started out, when I saw a box with an “x” on it.  I’m not much of a video game player, but it did make me think of an Xbox and how disappointed a gamer would be if they received a box with an “x” on it rather than an Xbox.  The original drawing(below) was meant to be sad, but I ultimately choose to create a happy ending.  Instead of a case of mistaken boxes, the young man is making the free association of his beloved gaming console.

Here is another character sketch that I’m working on.  I’m working on several ideas right now, but some of my favorite characters are my bird drawings.  What could possibly make a bird better?  Make it a ninja bird.

I created this pencil drawing for the “Draw a Dinosaur Day” Group/Set on Flickr.  I will be developing the sketch into digital art over the next couple of days.  Check out my friend Sara’s drawings on Flickr or her blog.  She is the creative force that invited me to the group, a wonderful artist, and a friend.

“road trip” – a collision of animals, rubber bands, sharpies, and imagination.

I attended my daughter’s Career Day this morning at her school, representing the career of “artist.”  I had a blast answering all of the questions the students had and sharing my inspirations and drawings.  I created 80 little mini zines/comics on why I choose to be an artist(pictured above) to hand out, and wished that I had been able to create 5 times that many to give to everyone.  I then ended up drawing and handing out 50 pieces of art, which was all of the sheets of paper in the art pad.  We then turned to the laptop and I drew a simple flip book style animation using Flash and my Wacom Tablet.  I will share the animation later today or tomorrow with everyone.  I would like to say a big thank you to the staff and students for having me.  I would also like to tell the students, that now matter wether your passion is art, sports, writing, the military, science, or a million other things, follow your passion and pursue a career that makes you happy.  Thanks again everyone.

ps.  If anyone that I drew a picture for at career day wants to send me a picture of you with your drawing, I would love to post it here on my blog.  Email me at:  andy@calexstudio.com

Meet Hello Robot.  I believe his real name is A5T1E, but everyone calls him Artemas, or sometimes Arte.  He is one of my newest illustrations.  Artemas can’t help but bring smiles to everyone he meets, with his brightly colored paint job and friendly attitude.  He is a wonderful friend and exceptionally kind, caring, helpful, happy, and loving.  I want to be more like him.

I’m in the process of making a few short stories with him in it, and making some designs with him saying hello in many different languages.  He is a robot after all, and can learn new things with both speed and ease.  Above is the original sketch for Artemas.  He was originally just going to be advertising my art work on my sites(thus his hand up, holding a sign), but after visualizing who he was and his personality, I realized that he was destined for more, like so many of us.