Tshirt design idea

Here is a t-shirt design I want to work on. Obviously I will have to work on the actual type, but this is the general idea of what I want it to say. I really like the idea of the standing fisherman giving the idea of a cross from far away.

Family Tree

Sometimes, you just want to paint a tree! Also, I needed an excuse to hang a bunch of family photos and I know that I never hang things very evenly, this way I just need to make sure they are hanging on a branch!

Bottle to Glass

Dakota and I decided to be crafty today and try to use old glass bottles and turn them into glasses. After watching a few how to videos we decided to test it out ourselves.

First you score the glass, we put it in an empty can to help keep it straight

Then you heat the line that you scored

After heating it, stick it in ice. You might have to heat it again and ice it again. We had to do it twice

Sand the edge smooth, this is the trickiest part

Now you have a new cup :)

More Fish Paintings!

 More fish paintings inspired by Dakota! A quick look into what my sketchbook looks like lately. I'm exploring color, line, shape and of course.... FISH!

Watercolor Tiger

Here is a work in progress! This tiger is coming together nicely and I am loving the colors I have so far. I am painting with watercolor again so I am slowly adding layer by layer. I have to be careful that I don't have to much water on the brush so it doesn't take off any previous layers. At least that is how I have been painting with them lately. As far as process goes... I DO NOT DRAW IT BEFORE. When I am painting from life or a photograph with watercolor I have been "drawing" with the paint brush first. Usually in a really light blue color. I roughly map out shadows and outlines and then slowly add more details as I go, starting with the lightest color first.

Fly Fishing at Yellow Breeches

There is just something in this man's blood that makes him want to constantly fish. Like the rivers and steams literally run in his veins.  Such love for this hobby has reminded me of what my passion for art, creating and capturing moments is. Today I took Dakota to the Yellow Breeches for the first time to fish. I sat on the bench along the stream and worked on some paintings. But I also brought along my camera too! I like to see what he catches and with my fancy lens, I can zoom in and get some pretty awesome photos as well! This is the only time Dakota smiles for his photo being taken!

6 to 26

I'm sure I have shown off my giraffe drawing from when I was 6 years old multiple times before. It may be one of my favorite pieces I have ever created. I still remember sitting in front of the T.V. watching my favorite show at the time called Pappy Drewit. A wonderful show that had the goal to teach children to draw. (Later at Pratt, I actually got the chance to meet Pappy Drewit! I showed him my little masterpiece and he signed my sketchbook next to a printed copy of my giraffe.) I also remember how proud I was of my drawing, and running outside with my computer paper piece flapping in my hand as I ran to my dad to show it off. For my seventh birthday my mom put it in a little frame and I was so proud.

Anyway, I've been trying to paint more lately and brush up on my watercolor skills. I couldn't decide what I wanted to paint and as I was searching through old photos I came across my lovely giraffe again. Immediately I was inspired to create a similar piece just... 20 years later. Some responses I received on Facebook were encouraging and positive. But one that stood out was a comical post from a close friend stating "Sam, have you been trying to out do yourself since you were 6? Great job!"