CIIS 41st Annual Commencement Visions

I created this sketch at the 41st Annual Commencement for the California Institute of Integral Studies which took place at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. I was sitting in the audience with others, patiently watching each and every graduating member slowly make their way through the procession of speeches, awards, and diplomas. My friend Marty and I checked out the Letterman Digital Arts Center across the street from the palace before the ceremony. Amongst sculptures depicting notable inventors of various technological significance, there sits amongst the offices of Lucas Arts a life like sculpture of Yoda. It did not vibrate, dance, or speak via a small button. It simply stood atop a rock, in peaceful stillness, staring down at us.

The above sketch is evidence that I became riveted by the speeches, and could not contain myself.

Monopoly Hobo

Hello mysterious followers of my blog. I just finished and shipped a new painting to Copenhagen, Denmark for an art show occurring there right about... now. The piece barely made it out there as I waited until the last minute to ship it out, spending about the same amount of money I was attempting to sell it at.

the theme of the show is "Where did all the rich people go?"

Well, they certainly have to go somewhere, maybe in hiding. But this particular rich guy lost all of his money betting on illicit dog fights, boxing matches, and certain fetishes that aren't legal in the states. Eventually he lost his property and investments in the divorce afterwards. He stews, bitterly alone and defeated. All he's got is a dog he found scrounging for food in the dumpster behind a Carl's Junior and a dream of one day getting revenge on his ex wife. Who knows what will become of him now?

I started an acrylic painting of this image before I realized that I was running out of time for the show. So I decided to do the piece in ink and watercolors. I think it turned out alright for such a last minute project, but I wish I could have filled in the background with some back alley ambience, or maybe a forest scene with leaves scattered about. But I'm okay with how it turned out, and I'm ready to move on.