
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Goooo Bayside!

Sunday, October 9, 2005
Ben Folds at Savannah, GA

Click right here to see the band sing Dr. Dre...
Click right here to see the band Rock the Suburbs...
Click right here to see Ben directing the audience...
Friday, October 7, 2005
Moving Time

Wednesday, August 31, 2005
California Addictions
My time in Southern California is coming to an end. Here is a list of things that I have become addicted to while here this summer:
1. In-N-Out Burger
2. Mango-a-go-go at Jamba Juice
3. Two Spanish-speaking radio stations 97.9 and 99.7
4. Swimming laps in the hotel pool
1. In-N-Out Burger
2. Mango-a-go-go at Jamba Juice
3. Two Spanish-speaking radio stations 97.9 and 99.7
4. Swimming laps in the hotel pool
Monday, August 29, 2005
The Grotto
The actual Grotto itself was pleasant. We had to traverse over ridiculously giant rocks that were basically balancing on one another in order to descend down into the dry river bed. Making conversation, Viki asked if there were an earthquake and she suddenly became pinned under a boulder if I would kill her even if she begged me to end her internal and external suffering...
Yeah, Debbie Downer...I know...
"Well, if it were ME, how would you put me out of my misery even if you COULD do it??" I exclaimed.
"I dunno, probably throw rocks at your head I guess..."
Though the Grotto itself was a blast, the return trip was not of equal blast quality. The problem with hiking into a dry valley is that the entire trip back is an sweltering uphill climb. The two rangers - who apparently decided to sleep in on a Sunday - were present upon our return and informed us that a heat advisory was in effect at the time and that the two of them had been recommending that hikers hit the mall. "Good to know," I thought.....
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Elaborate Silver Bowls
Friday, August 26, 2005
"Just An Artist..."
Well, I'm wrapping up my time in Gum Grove Park. Still no koala sightings yet...
This location has slowly become my favorite spot because of the proximity to the hotel, abundance of free parking, scarcity of tourists, high dog-to-human ratio, and constant eucalyptic aroma. I hope this area isn't going to be crawling with a bunch of new houses next time I come...
Today, a friendly old man walking by and admiring my painting chatted with me about various topics such as how beautiful the central coast of California is and how Gum Grove Park is a nice area to stroll. Everything was cool until after a long pause he asked, "Son, are you a Christian?" I awkwardly answered with possibly the strangest reply ever given to this question in the history of the world...
"Oh, no sir...just an artist."
In the end, he gave me a pamphlet, said a few words about his changed life, and left in the white van that he rode up in. While eating his dust, I on the other hand pondered my unusual but natural response. It just seemed the way he spoke of Christianity that we were talking about professions and not affiliations...
This location has slowly become my favorite spot because of the proximity to the hotel, abundance of free parking, scarcity of tourists, high dog-to-human ratio, and constant eucalyptic aroma. I hope this area isn't going to be crawling with a bunch of new houses next time I come...
"Oh, no sir...just an artist."
In the end, he gave me a pamphlet, said a few words about his changed life, and left in the white van that he rode up in. While eating his dust, I on the other hand pondered my unusual but natural response. It just seemed the way he spoke of Christianity that we were talking about professions and not affiliations...
Thursday, August 25, 2005
I Am the Chameleon
I decided today would be the last day to paint in El Dorado Park, mainly because my paintings need time to dry before I pack them into boxes. I've spent so much time at this spot I feel like I could repaint all the lines, values, and colors from memory if I had to (but hopefully that won't be the case.)
By the way, have I mentioned that I've been addicted to the Spanish-speaking radio stations since I've been here? I only like the ones that play old style Mexican music with lots of trumpets and accordians. Today on the radio a little girl requested in Spanish one of my favorite tunes of the summer. The DJ asked "Cuantos anos tienes!?" and in a tiny voice she replied, "tres." It was quite adorable. In the chorus of the song the guy is saying "I'm a chameleon." Now you too can enjoy the song by clicking here .
Monday, August 22, 2005
Coldplay at Irvine, CA
Click on any of the songs below to see a video clip. I had a really good one of "Yellow" but hastily erased it at the concert thinking it was a fuzzy still photo...
The Scientist
Johnny Cash Ring of Fire
Can't recall song title just yet...
In My Place
Fix You
Sunday, August 21, 2005
LACMA
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Beef Toungue Taco
I sure am getting used to this whole hiking thing...
Escondido Falls in Malibu required a bit of rock climbing and stream hopping but the reward was well worth it. The first mile of the trail was down the paved road of a extravagant mountain-top neighborhood, which made it a little awkward when rich people drove by wondering why two haggard Asians were mulling through their streets. After a steep climb that even a mountain goat would be proud of,we reached the second tier of the falls (as seen in the picture above.)
Afterwards Viki and I went to La Playita...a totally ghettoed-out Mexican food joint literally on the side of the road in Santa Monica. You can either take food to go or sit on side and eat it. Of course, I let Viki order in Spanish so that they knew we were on their side. Don't let the ghetto appearance fool you though because the food is so fresh, authentic, and delicious. Today I had a beef tounge taco amongst my order which I enjoyed thoroughly.
The day before Escondido Falls, I continued painting at Gum Grove Park in absolute isolation. The park is overrun by eucalyptus trees which really makes for a nice minty aroma when the wind is blowing. Unfortunately, when the wind is blowing though, my canvas turns into a damn sail. No koala sightings yet by the way...
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Norton Simon, Pasadena CA
Other highlights for me included a Cezanne portrait of "Uncle Dominique," a large Daubigny landscape, some small Boudin beach scenes, a Van Gogh portrait of an old guy, and a Rubens "David vs. Goliath" which was hands down just plain ridiculous.
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Eagle Rock
Monday, August 8, 2005
I'm Hunting Wabbits
Saturday, June 4, 2005
Bobo's Wardrobe
I went back to Jacksonville for a few days to find out that Bobo the yorkie had acquired himself some new duds. As you can see, he's stylin' now with a very extensive wardrobe.

1. Bobo has Star Wars fever! Though he has a Clonetrooper, Bobo actually prefers Chewbacca because he thinks he's a good role model for furry creatures everywhere.
2. This Hello Kitty ensemble sports a useless yet adorable pocket on the backside.
3. I call this the Burberry Priest outfit...a Burberry collar and a black shirt.
4. This is his Preppy Popeye look. And no, he probably won't eat spinach.
5. Eep! What'd you do with the potatoes? This outfit is a little more artsy than the others.
6. Lastly, I like to call this his Marty McFly Life Preserver Vest (from Back to the Future).
I also went to Atlanta for a few days this week where I fully enjoyed the company of Korean cuisine...namely Korean BBQ. This picture is funny because it fails to mention the two guys sitting on the other side of the table. I just thought it looked funnier cropped this way. It looks like one of those Japanese eating competition shows on tv.

1. Bobo has Star Wars fever! Though he has a Clonetrooper, Bobo actually prefers Chewbacca because he thinks he's a good role model for furry creatures everywhere.
2. This Hello Kitty ensemble sports a useless yet adorable pocket on the backside.
3. I call this the Burberry Priest outfit...a Burberry collar and a black shirt.
4. This is his Preppy Popeye look. And no, he probably won't eat spinach.
5. Eep! What'd you do with the potatoes? This outfit is a little more artsy than the others.
6. Lastly, I like to call this his Marty McFly Life Preserver Vest (from Back to the Future).

Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Abstract Art
Friday, May 20, 2005
Blue Steel

This afternoon I went to the SCAD fashion show for the first time. What did I learn today? A good first impression on the audience will help hold their attention. In this case, a good model really made the difference in wowing or boring the audience. You definitely take the models who exude confidence more seriously than those who just awkwardly slump out there. As a result, you also unknowingly take the designs they wear more seriously than others.

Thursday, May 19, 2005
Use the Force, Degas

Y'know, people got on George Lucas's case a couple years ago when he remastered the original Star Wars Trilogy, making some obvious visual changes here or there. Even though people said he should've kept the originals intact, I think it was justified. Degas was still making changes to paintings all the time, even long after they were "finished."
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Close Encounters
Saturday, May 7, 2005
Edgar Degas and The Underdog
There were a couple things happening today. First off, the Sand Arts Festival was cancelled due to "inclement weather" as you can see in the photos. Looks like they cancelled it in the morning when it was cold and cloudy but some of the students who had already started just went ahead and finished their sculptures anyway. The first sculpture looks like some kind of car...the second one is a big face...and the third one is two sumo wrestlers.

Secondly, the Illustration Senior Show began tonight with a very good turnout. I actually took this picture much later in the evening when many people had already cleared out. Good job to those who organized it...the gallery space looked much better tonight than it did a week ago. The two pieces I showed were "Edgar Degas" and "The Underdog."

Secondly, the Illustration Senior Show began tonight with a very good turnout. I actually took this picture much later in the evening when many people had already cleared out. Good job to those who organized it...the gallery space looked much better tonight than it did a week ago. The two pieces I showed were "Edgar Degas" and "The Underdog."

Saturday, April 30, 2005
Sidewalk Arts 2005
Ah, Sidewalk Arts Festival...my favorite day in Savannah. Lots of locals, tourists, and dogs come out to watch us compete for big money prizes. It started off pretty smoothly...

1. Everyone's waiting around for 11 am, the moment we can begin drawing
2. My empty square, number 76. This year I decided to draw Napoleon, who I've been wanting to draw for a long time.

1. This is about 15 minutes into the drawing. The SCAD On Demand people came to interview me so look for me later on the SCAD website looking like a nervous fool.
2. Now I'm starting to really separate colors and values and give form to certain shapes.
3. A lot of people still kept asking, "So who's that supposed to be?"

1. After 3 hours of furious drawing, Napoleon is finally complete.
2. I don't walk around until I finish. Can't get distracted by the competition.
3. Here are some squares that stood out to me for various reasons..

1. Here is a well drawn copy of a Normal Rockwell painting.
2. I thought this was funny.
3. "Famous Last Words...Trust me!"

1. A lot of people paint a more flat, graphic look.
2. Even if you think you can't draw, you can be creative. These girls turned their squares into a putting green.
3. If you live in Savannah, then you know who this guy is.

1. Out of nowhere, thunder and lighting announce a storm at about 3:00. Luckily, I got a spot under this tent.
2. The afermath of the brief but severe storm. If your drawing wasn't washed away, then it was probably under water.

1. This picture (same as above) is before the rain...
2. And this is the exact same view after the rain. You can faintly see Napoleon there at the bottom struggling to say alive.
3. Here's a close up of my rain-soaked square. I know chalk drawings don't last forever but this was a little too ephemeral for me.
Right after the first crack of thunder they announced that the event was basically over. Usually they announce winners in the afternoon but I'm not exactly sure how that's going to work this year.

1. Everyone's waiting around for 11 am, the moment we can begin drawing
2. My empty square, number 76. This year I decided to draw Napoleon, who I've been wanting to draw for a long time.

1. This is about 15 minutes into the drawing. The SCAD On Demand people came to interview me so look for me later on the SCAD website looking like a nervous fool.
2. Now I'm starting to really separate colors and values and give form to certain shapes.
3. A lot of people still kept asking, "So who's that supposed to be?"

1. After 3 hours of furious drawing, Napoleon is finally complete.
2. I don't walk around until I finish. Can't get distracted by the competition.
3. Here are some squares that stood out to me for various reasons..

1. Here is a well drawn copy of a Normal Rockwell painting.
2. I thought this was funny.
3. "Famous Last Words...Trust me!"

1. A lot of people paint a more flat, graphic look.
2. Even if you think you can't draw, you can be creative. These girls turned their squares into a putting green.
3. If you live in Savannah, then you know who this guy is.

1. Out of nowhere, thunder and lighting announce a storm at about 3:00. Luckily, I got a spot under this tent.
2. The afermath of the brief but severe storm. If your drawing wasn't washed away, then it was probably under water.

1. This picture (same as above) is before the rain...
2. And this is the exact same view after the rain. You can faintly see Napoleon there at the bottom struggling to say alive.
3. Here's a close up of my rain-soaked square. I know chalk drawings don't last forever but this was a little too ephemeral for me.
Right after the first crack of thunder they announced that the event was basically over. Usually they announce winners in the afternoon but I'm not exactly sure how that's going to work this year.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Fruit For Sale

Here I am back in the day painting it in the cold of winter...

Sunday, April 17, 2005
Lowly Underpainting
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Buenos Dias Bonaventure

Thursday, March 24, 2005
Rocky
Monday, March 21, 2005
Get Well Soon Rocky


Thursday, March 17, 2005
They'll Never Get Me Lucky Charms
Time for the annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Savannah when thousands of non-residents come and trash the city! They leave a big mess but they also leave a lot of money, which I guess is what counts in the end.
1. An old school band marching outside the Catholic cathedral
2. Broughton Street, in front of the Jen Library
3. It's tradition for women to run up to servicemen and kiss them on the cheek...
1. Aren't these guys freezing?
2. A group of aspriring riverdancers
3. (blush) That confederate soldier is totally waving at me
1. Look kids! It's American Idol's Diana Degarmo!
2. Again, lots of servicemen
3. When I took this I didn't know that girl was going to town on those chips
If you look closely, you can see a large chip hanging out of her mouth
1. I'm not sure when this trend of painting your dogs green began
2. Now there's something you see everyday...a green goat
3. Ah, no spray painted gimmicks for this wise breed

2. Broughton Street, in front of the Jen Library
3. It's tradition for women to run up to servicemen and kiss them on the cheek...

2. A group of aspriring riverdancers
3. (blush) That confederate soldier is totally waving at me

2. Again, lots of servicemen
3. When I took this I didn't know that girl was going to town on those chips
If you look closely, you can see a large chip hanging out of her mouth

2. Now there's something you see everyday...a green goat
3. Ah, no spray painted gimmicks for this wise breed
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