So my boss changed his mind for the third time, and went with the polyurethane finish on the bar top despite controversy from all who were devoted to the drawing idea. I must say I am disappointed, but I still have the rest of the space to fill with drawings and framed work so I will not despair in the least. Going to be very busy the next few weeks.

It took some convincing with my boss Dan to push him into going with the graphite drawings on the bar top. He was all excited for the idea, but was getting restless because of crunch time. Fortunately, when I brought some sample work by, the bartender and a buddy of his were there to lend some support. They all took a look at some of my work, we all brainstormed for a half hour, and I will be starting the first drawing on Thursday morning. As a plus, the one guy asked me if I do skin work and wanted a tattoo design, and the bartender was considering commissioning me for some old truck renderings. Good promo already and the place is months from opening day.

Gotta return the favor and commend my buddy Russell Gossett for the props. One of the select few whom I attended school with that is in constant pursuit of the art dream. Professional designer and draftsman, very computer savvy unlike myself. Russ likes to get his hands into everything, a path that I am delegating as well. Look him up for anything from web design to clothing lines.

http://www.grafikss.com/home/

So, after finishing the mural of the logo and some hand lettering, my client just commissioned me to render some tight drawings on the bar top of the sports bar right along the 12 spout drafts. It is built entirely of natural wood with stained-wood breakers. I am going to be drawing some sports themed work such as team logos as requested incorporated with some personal freedom of artistic expression. The drawings are going to be highly detailed right on the wood in graphite mixed with some acrylics and some stain for an accent. The place is coming together nicely with a giant projector and a Harley Davidson, and I am definitely getting excited at the idea of people relaxing, eating, drinking and dancing on top of and amongst my art. As soon as I do my best to get back to my art this weekend after a 40 hour work week, I will be posting some preview samples along with some photos of the restaurant. I am welcoming any cool ideas and constructive feedback.

“My advice for anyone who wants to get involved with drawing based art: learn the fundamentals of drawing. This way you don't have to worry about how to draw something, your energy can be spent on what to draw. Content with confidence of your ability to execute it.”
Derek Hess.

I am not a huge fan of keeping sketchbooks, rather, I prefer to just sketch on printmaking paper, recycled paper, or wood. The final piece usually develops from a sketch and I like to maintain that process of drawing; the construction, deconstruction and reconstruction process. I have a fascination with deconstructing images, breaking them down into parts to form an interesting composition, allowing select components to form the end result.

A few worthy books on American Advertising.

Soap, Sex, and Cigarettes: A Cultural History of American Advertising
Juliann Sivulka

Culture Jam
Kalle Lasn

What a Character: 20th Century American Advertising Icons
Warren Dotz and Jim Morton

Twenty Ads That Shook The World: The Century's Most Groundbreaking Advertising And How It Changed Us All
James B. Twitchell

Home Front America: Popular Culture of The WWII Era
Robert Heide and John Gilman