As Good as it gets

This is the oil pastel I drew at the Art de Combat 3, winning the 1st Place prize (well, kind of. I tied with someone else).

Thank you to documentarian Pauline Johnson for filming and sending me the photos!

And the co-winner IS....

The Art de Combat 3 went very well. I had a blast. I think returning artists stepped up their games. It was nice to see some different artists there. I did win First Place. Well, I tied with First Place and we split the winnings. And last I'd seen, the drawing at the silent auction was bought for $75. It's always refreshing to hear the positive reactions to my artwork, even if I'm not thrilled with the piece. I liked the final project, but I was working in dim light for an hour and a half and I can easily see myself working on it more, but se la vi (spelled wrong. I can say it, not spell it). I will be part of the next combat, which will be April or May 2010 at Enchante Gallery.
I do have to admit that I feel bad when other artists tell me they won't win because I'm competing. It's nice to know they have that confidence in me, but then I don't want them feeling self conscience about their abilities. An event like this is stressful enough. Hell, I didn't even choose what I was going to do until 2 minutes before the shotgun start! No pressure, eh? I didn't know what to draw and I didn't know if I was going to paint, draw in graphite or charcoal, or draw in oil pastel. I eventually chose oil pastel and did a Jack Nicholson portrait. Photos will be posted soon.
I want to congratulate all the artists involved for surviving Art de Combat 3! It takes balls just to sign up, and it takes talent and inner strength to complete a project with judging eyes on you in a 3 hour period. Good job!

Kids and Combat

Well, tomorrow is Saturday, Oct. 17, my little boy's 3rd birthday. It's ALSO my daughter's and older son's last soccer games for the year, my wife's Girl Scout meeting (she's a Brownie troop leader) and the Art de Combat 3 at Enchante Gallery.
I'm still not sure what to do for the battle, although I'm NOT worried. I just have to figure out what medium to work with that allows a finished project in the 3 hour time frame, and the subject I'll be portraying. It's between Jack Nicholson, Popeye(from the live action movie), get a live model, or Curly from the 3 Stooges.
Last time I didn't decide on medium or subject until the starter gun went off. I used charcoal to create a Sean Connery drawing. I don't really want to repeat the medium, but who knows?

New updates

Here's an update:
Alot of brainstorming for the documentary. Hit a few walls in getting gallery attention, but that's nothing new. I don't have any new projects so there's no money coming in. Right now I've got a recurring ailment that's kicking my butt. I started on a Jack Nicholson drawing. It's a more detailed rendering, like the old days. I've gotten into a bit of a lull of drawing or painting quickly to get things done for events or keep prices down for clients. I've come to miss the articulate photo rendering that I've prided myself on.
Once I get some money around, I will be entering the Art de Combat 3 at the Enchante Gallery in West Branch, Michigan on Saturday, October 17th from 4-7pm. $20 at the door to get in, but you get to vote, drink and eat all you want.
I'm planning on doing a series of Popeye drawings and paintings, as well as Nicholson.
The West Branch Artist Pool exhibit will be up until October 15th at Kirtland Community College in Roscommon. The reception went well. Alot of positive feedback.
I think that's all for now. Chest pains are kicking in.