Latest Canvas

I've pretty much exhausted the t-shirt & cd art, at least for now.

I kind of feel like I've gotten a good base, and now I just need to sell myself and my stuff so that I can get a step up or two in Chicago's art scene.

So for now, I'm working with random stuff. Almost a 'back to basics' type deal.
Colored pencils, markers, pencil, & pen on paper, etc.
And, since college, I've had this passion for graffiti. Wildly styled letters, and beautiful pictures done entirely with spray paint. Some work really amazes me.

And while I'd never classify myself as a graffiti artist, I'd like to know some of the secrets.
How do you blend colors into a flawless fade? How do you make realistic pieces using only flat color?
So while I'm learning more about that, I've decided to dive into graffiti in a roundabout way.

I'll be doing some work on this.
But instead of scaling train cars, I'll be using scaled down models.
Progress & other adventures to come soon.
I'll keep you posted.

Be good.
--Nick

Photo is property of it's owners, used solely for exploratory purposes.Photo found here.

I feel like I'm taking crazy pills!!

We are all controlled and ruled by lights and buttons.

Example: From mid February until the end o' march, McDonald's sells Shamrock shakes.

For years I've been able to walk in & say "Can I get a half-chocolate half-shamrock shake?" aka a grasshopper shake.
And for years, I got my little cup o' goodness no problem.

Zoom to 2010, and to the point of this story.

4, count with me. One, Two, Three, Four SEPARATE McDonald's "restaurants" around me have refused my order.
Last night, the manager (who took my non-order) said they couldn't mix because of inventory procedures. (I'm assuming some McChief comes into every place and says, 'Hey! Why is there half of a small order of shamrock and chocolate left in your machines? What kind of games are you playing?!!')
Today's excuse, "We don't have a button."
whaah?
 
WE DON'T HAVE A BUTTON.
HOLY COW!!
So that means, if there's not a 'grasshopper' button on their fancy push button register, it is unavailable? Does it even exist?
 
There is a special button. I know that. Because every year, I wonder how they rung it up.
Every year, like clockwork, it shows I ordered a 'Special - Beverage'.

Has the whole world lost their McMinds?

You may be saying, 'Nick, it's just a shake. Let it go.'
 
BUT I CAN'T.

Why can't you push the chocolate lever, then 'Oops, accident' moved your arm 3 inches right, to the shamrock lever?


Why can't I just mix them myself? Cause I just paid you 3 dollars to do your job, and get me food that will decrease my lifespan.


But, being Mr. Niceguy, I politely order one small shamrock, one small chocolate, for almost 5 dollars. 

Happy St. Patty's day, everybody.
Let's go get ripped on O'Doul's!

--Nick

=UPDATE= They can't mix chocolate & shamrock, but they can mix my shamrock with vanilla...

Quick add for today.
Commissioned piece of pin-up incorporated w/ music.

"Atlatic Pin-up"
acrylic, 45 rmp on canvas board
(7" x 8.5") Jan. 2010

To Alyssa Cornett.

This piece is really simple and, like a lot of my work, was done in a day.
It's really simple but this piece is really one of my favorites.

More later.
--Nick

I ate an orange today.

Ha!

Funny, right?
Talk to ya soon.
--Nick