Mars Rover "Curiosity" Blasts Off!

I think with all the amazing technological advancements that we have here in our daily lives like tablets and GPS as well as the out of this world, fictional technology in modern movies, it's so easy to take for granted that humans ACTUALLY have the technology to send unmanned rovers to a distant planet in real life. It's not even the launch that blows me away but more so the technology that allows for a foreign object to land safely on Mar's surface. NASA's constant ability to "wow" on a large scale is why they're the testament of what is possible through collective human ingenuity. Can't wait to see pictures from the surface when Curiosity lands in August 2012.

Also, if you've never been to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida I highly, highly recommend it. Not a tourist trap by any means; it's an actual working facility that just happens to open it's doors to visitors to learn more about what they do. Seeing the old Saturn rocket in person will really give you an appreciation for the old school astronauts who were willing to strap themselves into a literal bomb for the pursuit of science!

Sneak Peek: Odyssey Magazine

Here's another look at two rough, cropped-down sketches for upcoming spots in Odyssey Magazine. Had fun with both assignments!

8-Bit Halloween Costume

Need a last minute Halloween costume? Then this probably isn't for you. Last year my buddy and art colleague Dan Liuzzi created an intricate 8-bit graphic model head of himself, which is currently featured on Photojojo as one of "7 Photo-Worthy Costume Ideas to Inspire Your Halloween Attire!" Took him a few weeks to build it but it was definitely worth the wait.

Sneak Peek: Odyssey Magazine

Here's a sneak peek, cropped down sketch for an upcoming illustration in Odyssey magazine (Cobblestone Publishing.) If you're wondering how a guy in a suit with a waiter in the background will be pertinent to a kids' science magazine, then tune into the January issue to find out the answer.

My Table Magazine: Houston Culinary Awards Issue

I had the honor of being asked to illustrate this month's cover for Houston's My Table Magazine celebrating the 2011 Houston Culinary Awards and recognizing the seven Chef of the Year nominees (Mark Cox, Anita Jaisinghani, Randy Evans, Hugo Ortega, David Denis, Ryan Pera, and Marco Wiles.) Launched in June 1994, My Table is a critical guide to dining out – and dining well – in the greater Houston area. Special thanks to the great editorial staff at My Table for helping me put together this fun assignment.

For the past four issues I've also been having fun as the regular contributing illustrator on the magazine's "Tasting the Town" segment where one single food item is ordered and compared through various local restaurants. Previous featured items were calamari, Vietnamese iced coffee, garlic, and Asian steamed dumplings. Keep track of future issues of My Table to see what other delicious items will be featured!

Boston MFA Pencil Study

Taking advantage of living in the Boston area by trying to regularly visit the MFA. Very nice museum, awesome Sargent murals in the rotunda, and nice collection of a little bit of everything. Always good to see more of the Monet haystack series in person too. I sat down for this little sketch not too long ago, one of my first sketches in this new Leuchtturm sketchbook. Sketchbooks are sketchbooks for the most part, but I bought into this one because it said "Bound in Taiwan" on the packaging and I just couldn't resist.

Boston Adventures

Latest update EVER. I moved to Boston back in February to start a stint with Clambake Animation as a background artist on an upcoming animated series. Here's a description from the official Adult Swim May 2011 press release:

"Tight Bros is a new animated comedy that follows two moronic "clergybros" who are on a quest for fat beats, hot chicks and tricked out cell phones. Vince and Aaron were called by God to spread a holy message: one of peace, love and tearin' up the club. By day the two sell religious kitsch at a kiosk in Viceroy Del Sol mall. By night they hunt for babes, but only with mega tans and super smooth waxes in place. Premiering in the spring of 2012, Tight Bros is created and written and executive produced by Sam Johnson and Chris Marcil."