Dust Jacket Studios is now on Facebook!

Dust Jacket Studios is now on Facebook!

R&R

I am proving to be very inconsistent with my blogging.  In the last couple of months I haven't finished any new artwork, but have managed to make some good headway in my book project.  I have also been home on R&R and finally got to see my finished studio!  While I still have to make an actual studio out of it when I get home for good, I did make it a little cozy for the two weeks I was home.

backgrounds ready to go

working with what I got. 

working on a new home portrait using grid method

I love how the wall color came out, and plan on doing my desk and shelving with that same rosewood stain as the windows.

Also while back in the states, I came across this amazing artist in an unlikely place.  While visiting Olympia Candy Kitchen in Chambersburg, PA, I fell in love with the prints throughout the store by Ray Hendershot.  All I had was my phone to take pics, but I took one of every print in the store.

I actually liked how the lights on the Christmas tree reflected off the glass

so much to chose from!

Definitely making it a point to go back to make a purchase.  Actually, I already ordered a copy of his out of print book on Ebay.  I was, however, disappointed to find that the building I had been using to base my model of Dust Jacket Studios off of has been sold and will be turned into a parking garage.  It made me slightly ill.  Seeing it in person there were parts that would have been amazing as far as turning it into a gallery, but there was some structural damage that explained the low sale price.   Nevertheless, I always hate to see history torn down to "make way for progress."  Yuck.

Instead of a recipe, I suggest some chocolate therapy via the Candy Kitchen online store.  Mmm... their turtles are my favorite!

good grief

IT's been awhile since I've updated.  It's been awhile since I've really drawn or written, either, so that's why.  I'm trying not to let my environment get the best of me.  Isn't it my job as an artist to take advantage of this experience and use it to fuel my creativity?  I don't know.  Being homesick sucks.  I sit down to draw, and I get all depressed thinking about that brand new studio I have back home that I haven't even broken in yet.  I have a couple pictures my roommates took after they finished the window sills.
The color is "Buzz Blaster Blue" from Behr.  I had it on my wish list for the studio since before we had it rebuilt.

The new  studio is about the same size as the old one, only the ceiling doesn't slope down, which is my favorite improvement.  This is just a little 8x8 room on the side of the garage, but it has a sink, great lighting, and is all mine!  I'm not sure yet how I want to set it up inside.  Instead of choosing between a drafting table and a large work table, I'm thinking of trying to build a custom combination.  I love building projects!

In keeping with my sappy theme, here is the

SKETCH OF THE DAY

This is my first home portrait. Literally, just a sketch to get my feet wet.  This is my own cute little house.  I've also done a couple even rougher sketches to test how I might like certain changes we are considering. Mainly landscaping, but I threw on a porch just for fun based on this pic:

Currently, I am reading The Girl Who Played With Fire.  No recipe there, so here is one inspired by my environment.

RECIPE OF THE DAY

Ingredients:

• 1 package active dry yeast (1 tablespoon)
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 4 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1/4 cup butter, melted (used when grilling)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand about 10 minutes, until frothy. Stir in sugar, milk, egg, salt, and enough flour to make a soft dough. Knead for 6-8 minutes on a slightly floured surface, or until smooth. (I just set my food mixer on 7 minutes, and let the machine do all the work.)
Place dough in a well-oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and set aside to rise. Let it rise 1 hour, until the dough has doubled in volume.
2. Punch down dough. Pinch off small handfuls of dough, about the size of your fist. Form into balls, and place on tray. Cover with a towel, and allow to double, about 30 minutes.
3. While the dough rises the second time, pre-heat your grill to high heat.
4. At grill side, form one ball of dough into a thin oval. Lightly oil grill with melted butter. Place dough on grill, and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until puffy and lightly brown. Brush the top side with butter, then flip the naan. Brush cooked side with butter, and cook until the second side is also lightly brown. Remove from grill, and continue cooking all dough balls until finished. Cover the cooked naan with a towel to keep it moist and warm. Try not to eat too much!

This recipe came from http://www.about-afghanistan.com  The local nationals that work on post share their naan with us all the time, but when I asked how they make it they couldn't really give details.  They make it by taste out of the habit of making it nearly every day for most of their lives- never written down, just passed from one generation to the next.

Christmas Greetings!

Well, I finally have internet in my tent, so this will be much easier to do!  I've had alot going on as far as my artistic ventures are concerned.  As much as can be expected from the middle of nowhere, that is.  Thanks to an Amazon gift card for Christmas, I have a few books, pencils, and paper on they way (and a much needed electric kettle to make my tea!)  I will also have a little more time to get back to some good old fashioned drawing since I wasn't able to sign up for any classes in the upcoming semester- too much uncertainty in my work schedule.
So, I am taking advantage of the opportunity to get back to my roots.  I used to love drawing houses as a kid.  I threw in landscaping, cute little windows, and there was always a swing set.  I've decided to hone my skills in doing home portraits while I am here.  That way, when I get home I should be ready to offer the service openly. I've got to do plenty of initial runs for practice and testimonials first. Unfortunately, GoDaddy sucks and somehow took down my website even though I just renewed it.  I can't get them to respond to my emails, and I'm just sick of their crappy service anyway, so I'm just giving up on it anyway.  I will do a whole new site when I get home and get everything a more established anyway.
I'll post pics as soon as I get started.  I did do one drawing since my last post- the first in quite a long time, too.  Not perfect, but not bad for being out of practice. : /

LEO

In DJS news, I've pretty much completed a mock menu for the cafe to include in presentation packets for investors.  I know it's very early, but I want to make sure I've got everything ready to make it happen.  The space I had scoped out turns out to be around the corner from a small family owned book shop that also sells original paintings (mainly by the owner.) Hm.  Well, location will still also depend on where my better half is willing to be. location location location