Paint It, Nuttall!! The series (playlist)

I've made a playlist on YouTube JUST for the docu-webseries created by Pauline Johnson, "Paint It, Nuttall". Feel free to view it, share it, like it, and share it again!

The Studio...on video!

Thanks to the talented Pauline Johnson, we have another installment of my docu-series, "The Studio". This was made a year or 2 ago, so you can see works-in-progress that are now completed in the background. Please visit the Youtube page and share your thoughts! You can view below or at THIS LINK

Usagi in the Plush

I finally ordered this awesome plush Usagi Yojimbo, the samurai bunny rabbit created by Stan Sakai (Bunny Bodyguard, to be precise). Suffice it to say, the Nuttalls love it.

Nuttall Art Studio may be near an end.

Due to the lack of finances coming into my home and studio, there's a good chance I may not have the studio much longer. I am not giving up, because to give up is to admit defeat, and dese feats are made for walkin', not walkin' away. The energy I feel when I open the door to my studio is overwhelming at times. I have such a nip on about what I do, it's ridiculous! There are so many unfinished projects lying around the studio because my mind is drawing, painting, sculpting a mile a minute and my body can't catch up! The studio isn't my dream; the studio is part of the dream that I've been striving for my entire life. My dreams used to be to meet my heroes, my idols, my inspirations. I've used my abilities as an artist to achieve those dreams (with ONE still on the table. WHEN will you film in Michigan, Jack??) and my heart's filled with pride and joy in what I've accomplished. But now that I've reached that goal, now what? I've earned the respect of my lifelong heroes, Sergio Aragones and Stan Sakai, I've spoken, shook hands with and even sold artwork to Sammy Hagar, I've put a smile on BB King's face. Twice. But how does that help me? Personally, it's uplifting and powerful, but does that help me get gallery exhibits? Can I feed my children because of it? It's bragging rights, or to some, name dropping. I want to support my family and my career as an artist by BEING an artist. I also want to encourage and (morally) support other artists, young and old, to follow their dreams, but smarter than I have. Hence, the West Branch Artist Pool I created.
I have had some success with the studio, and word is getting out, but commissions are few and far between. The lessons I teach are to 3 kids, and it's not enough to pay the rent, to be blunt. The studio isn't a shop to sell the work on the walls, but if someone sees something they like, there's a price. It's really a place for appreciaters of the arts. But, at the same time, I can't have the studio if nothing sells.
I will constantly be updating about whether or not I can hold onto the studio. With Christmas in a couple months, I'm hoping people will notice the quality of the work and the low (yes, the prices ARE LOW for the quality) prices and realize that original artwork is far more thoughtful and long-lasting than a video game for a system that will be obsolete in a year or so, or socks that only get holes eventually.

Sergio and Stan get ahead of themselves (get it???)

I may have mentioned her before that I created a ceramic rattle for Sergio Aragones and Stan Sakai each of them. I gave them their respective rattles at the 2010 Motor City Comic Con.

Sketchy weekend

These are the sketches I got from Sergio Aragones, Stan Sakai, Ken Wheaton(Popeye Picnic Special) and Art Baltazar(Tiny Titans, Patrick the Wolf Boy). I will have them all framed soon, and copies put up in the studio!(Art Baltazar drew his sketches with Crayola. Awesome)
Now, the unique thing about the sketch Sergio did for me is that he told me that he's not very good with caricature sketches (WHAT???) when I JOKED about him not having to draw me. The video I posted before here shows him working on the sketch!

Stan Sakai with his drawing

Ladies and Gentlemen, Hoboes and Tramps, cross-eyed mosquitoes and bow-legged ants...

Where to begin??? I have alot happening in the next few months- Blast The Blues, the Nuttall Art Studio Opening May 8th from 4-6 (with a raffle of artwork), Motor City Comic Con to see Sergio and Stan Sakai again, teaching at the Midland Center for the Arts, but something came up this morning that got my blood pumpin': SAMMY HAGAR and the WABOS at Common Ground Festival in July!!! It's a great event, and a great line-up every year, and the Red Rocker being in the mix is a Can't Miss!!! My hands are shakin' and my mind is racin'! "Should I do some drawings/paintings for the band?" "What should I do?" "Should I try to meet them again, and if so, HOW?"
As I'd mentioned in previous posts, the last time Sammy was at Common Ground, Melissa and I raced from teaching in Midland to East Lansing at the last second (we got out of teaching at 4 and the show started at 6 or 7). We only had enough money for gas for the next day to get to work, so we wouldn't be able to get tix into the show, but it's an outdoor event and we could listen to the show, at least. Melissa convinced me we should go, so we went. We got there a little bit before the Wabos hit the stage. A guy was trying to sell his ticket but we told him we had no money and I told him my story about Sammy. He moved on to sell his ticket, but turned around and just GAVE it to us! "You deserve this more than anyone." Perfect example of a true Redhead. Only problem was, 1 ticket, 2 people. So, we just decided to watch from the side because we didn't want to separate. In a few minutes, somebody went around and was GIVING tickets out for free!! HALLELUJAH!! So, I gave our ticket to someone sitting outside of the fenced and took our 2 tickets and went inside!
So, anyway, the whole experience, including his story about the re-vamped "Dreams" song, inspired me greatly, to tears even. I've held his words close to heart, and the decisions I've made in the last 2 years have been greatly influenced by Sammy Hagar (so I have HIM to blame for any fallout!).

Cheese Dip, Spinach and...whatever Usagi eats...

It's been confirmed that not only is STAN SAKAI going to be at the Motor City Comic Con, but the man who has been an inspiration since I was 7yrs old, Sergio Aragones! My geeking-out meter is off the charts right now, because also at the MCCC is Ken Wheaton, artist of the "Popeye Picnic Special Edition" comic book, along with one of the writers of the Popeye special, Chris Yambar.
So, we have the creator of GROO and artist of Popeye, THE two characters who've been at the tip of my drawing pencil for over 25 years, plus a newer favorite, Usagi Yojimbo by Mr. Sakai. My head's a' spinnin'!
The event is May 14-16th, I do believe. I met my hero in 2007, as any fool can plainly read HERE .

USAGI CREATOR IN NOVI!!!!

It's just been announced on the Motor City Comic Convention website, http://motorcitycon.com Stan Sakai has been added as a guest. If you've been reading my blog, you know that I met Mr. Sakai the last time he was at the con,and HERE is the link to that post.
Stan Sakai celebrated the 25th anniversary of his creation, USAGI YOJIMBO in 2009. He is also the letterer for GROO THE WANDERER and has for 28 years now (of course, not EVERY year.Just the years they were making the book). He is also the letterer of the Spider-Man comic strip, where he works with another Stan, Mr. Stan Lee.
Stan Sakai is a highly regarded cartoonist and a very generous and kind man. I felt a sort of kinship with him when we met, and hope I haven't driven him nuts over the past couple years since meeting him, as I still feel that connection and hope it continues.

Yet another link to my pics

Here's a link to all the photos I've posted on this here blog if you don't have the patience to go through the slideshow on top of this page.
Here's a sample-

The drawing is of comic artist Stan Sakai, given to him in 2007.

Smilin' about Sergio

I just saw the photo of me with the great Sergio Aragones and felt all warm and cuddly inside again. Meeting him and spending so much time with him (not his choice, I'm sure) and the equally great Stan Sakai was one of THE biggest highlights of my life. To read the stories, click here and here .

Aragones MADness

I just found some footage of Sergio Aragones during his "Cartooning with Sergio" segment of his exhibit at the Ojai Valley Museum. It got me nostalgic for my meeting him and Stan Sakai in 2007. I posted about that great day here .
Thank you, Eric, for posting your footage on Youtube, for those who could not make it to this great event at this great exhibit.

The Groo Crew (Heavy on the Sakai)

If you know me, you know that I am obsessed with Groo the Wanderer. I have been flipping through the pages of Sergio Aragones' creation longer than I've been able to read. Groo (and countless other comics) contributed to my learning how to read. It is also, along with Popeye, the greatest reason for me to start drawing. I drew Popeye in First Grade, and Groo in Second Grade. Over the years I learned the names of the men who put the Groo books together (Sergio Aragones-Creator/Pencils/Inks, Mark Evanier-Writer, Tom Luth-Colorist, Stan Sakai (seen above)-Letterer) and came to admire each individual's work. I also found that Groo wasn't ALL they did! Sergio, apparently, has been working with MAD Magazine since 1962 as well as many side projects and collaberations with Evanier and other artists. Mark Evanier has written many books, written for television, written other comic books, and was assistant to legend Jack Kirby (he currently has a book released, titled "KIRBY: King of Comics". You can read about it here, or buy it here). Colorist Tom Luth has worked on various comics, including USAGI YOJIMBO by Stan Sakai, Disney Adventures, and others. He also works in book design and if you visit his site, I won't have to list the many things this man is capable of. Stan Sakai will be celebrating in 2009 the 25th Anniversary of his creation, USAGI YOJIMBO. He also letters for the Spider-Man comic strip and will be doing (or did. I'm behind in my comic shop dwellings) a special for Marvel Comics.

Stan is also one of the kindest gentlemen I have ever had the fortune to meet. I met him at the Motor City Con in 2007. I spoke to him throughout the day, as well as the guy whose table was to Stan's left. Some guy from MAD with a swirly moustache. Also a great guy. Stan appreciates the true fans and treats them as family rather than like they're stalkers. If I'd had money, I would have bought more because his work is great, but times have been tough for awhile.

ANYWAYS, I did a drawing for him as well as Sergio. 2007 marked the 25th Anniversary of Groo so I did a woodblock to commemerate the occasion. I printed 6 copies. One for each member of the "Groo Crew", one for me and one for another crazed Groo fan. GARY!! (He was kind enough to take Tom and Mark's prints to the San Diego Con to give them). Above is a photo of Stan viewing the print I gave him. He told me that he enjoys block printing as well. He also has a Bachelor's in Drawing and still a fan. Some of our conversation really touched me and inspired me to continue what I do. It meant alot and I took a great deal home from that day from both Stan and Sergio (who shared his "fanboy"-ness when he was a kid that I was experiencing in his presence.

Seriously, I couldn't stop shaking and smiling.

I wish I could give Stan more because I don't think he realizes how much he gave me that day.

Well, I'll be! The truth IS out there!!!

Well, it's been explained concerning the two Sergio awards. Mr. Stan Sakai wrote me back with this:





There were, technically, two Sergios. The older one,was never cast as it was much too complicated--that isthe one with the computer, pen, etc. It had t be castin six parts then attached. The newer one, given toStan Lee, is the official one--simpler, cleaner, witha great design. It is also much easier to cast. s

The image on the far left is the one Stan Lee received, and is the current one. Both, however, share a certain resemblance to a certain artist with the same name.

So, you can all rest easy now.
Thank you again, Mr. Sakai.

I DID Err!!!

The great Stan Sakai sent me a link to a photo of himself, Sergio Aragones and Stan Lee the night Mr. Lee received "The Sergio" award

1n 2007. Here is a link to Mr. Sakai's post on his blog:

http://usagiguy.livejournal.com/13699.html

This photo shows a different statue than the one I previously posted. I'm trying to find out why....

A correction (thank you Usagiguy)

I was notified by a reader (THANK YOU) that the award that bears Sergio Aragones' image is called "The Sergio". This award banquet was created by the members of CAPS (Comic Art Professional Society) to honor writers, artists, performers, etc who have impacted the comic industry. The award given was named after the co-founder of CAPS, Sergio Aragones. He was the second honoree to receive this statue, after Jack Davis in 2006.

CAPS was formed in 1977 by Sergio Aragones, Mark Evanier and Don Rico. It was formed as a group of common interest people to socialize and share in information and updates. Some of the current members, along Aragones and Evanier, are comic greats Stan Sakai, Matt Groening, Tom Luth and Stan Lee, to name a very few of very many.

For the full, ACCURATE story of how the statue of "the Sergio" was designed by THE Sergio, and switched designs behind his back, click here.

Did I Err?? No...

I gotta post this. It's tugging at me.

I'm working on a book about the experiences I've had through my artwork, so the stories told here will be brief so if I DO finish the book, people will still buy it. However, I gotta show these pics and write about 'em.

One of the large parts of the book will be about the man above, Mr. Sergio Aragones.

Sergio began drawing for MAD Magazine in 1963 (if that's incorrect I'll fix later) up until now, missing only one issue as fault of the post office. He is a widely recognized cartoonist, receiving countless awards and portrayed in one award (I'll add the name of the award later).

How I was introduced by the great Aragones was flipping through comics of my cousins and brothers. At the age of 7, I picked up my first intro to Sergio Aragones' GROO THE WANDERER, and I haven't stopped flipping. It is about a mindless wandering barbarian who is quick with his swords and slow of mind. He tries to fight for good, but in fact he just tries to fight. I began drawing the gourd-nosed warrior instantly, and playing Groo (nobody knew what I was doing, so I played with trees. Really, I played Groo with trees as playmates). I learned how to read in part from Groo (and comics in general, a credit comic books don't get. They help to learn kids to read). I also learned of the legend of Groo through the writings of the Groo writer, Mark Evanier. He would tell stories in the letters page of how kind and how crazy FAST Sergio can draw. Many fans and friends speak highly of how fast Sergio can think and draw. I became fascinated by this fact and tried my hardest to learn to draw fast, just like my hero (did I just say HERO??). I will stop here in my brief history lesson and explain the photos above.

In 2007 the fans of GROO celebrated the 25th anniversary of GROO. The "Groo Crew" (which consists of Sergio Aragones( creator, plotter, artist), Mark Evanier (writer), Stan Sakai (letterer, creator of Usagi Yojimbo), and Tom Luth (colorist)) released a 25th anniversary book, after 4 years of a Groo-less world. Also in 2007 came a new miniseries, Groo: Hell On Earth. It also marked the return of Sergio to the Michigan based comic convention, the Motor City Comic Con in Novi, Michigan. Also attending was comic great Stan Sakai, letterer of Groo since 1982 and most notably the creator of Usagi Yojimbo. These two comic powerhouses are good friends and colleagues and were seated next to each other at the Motor City Con.

After almost 25 years of writing to the GROO GRAMS (the letters page for Groo to the creators), doodling Groo on any paper in front of me, and dreaming of meeting my idol, I finally came face to face with one of the men responsible for my becoming an artist. With me I brought a drawing I did for Sergio, two block prints for him, a copy of my comic M.I.A.: Mime In Action, a few things to get signed, and photos. One of the photos is shown in the photo above of a papier mache sculpture I did of Sergio and Groo. He seemed genuinely impressed and flattered. I also showed pics of each of my kids dressed as Groo for their first Halloweens. Unfortunately for them, they were all either one month old or one WEEK old when we dressed them. I also showed him my Groo sculpture I did 7 years ago, and he loved it, and told me "You know, I sculpt too! I sculpted this piece here", he told me as he pointed to a bust of Groo and his dog Rufferto. I had thought for years that someone else had done that, I told him, and was very impressed that it was he who did it.

I also bugged the hell out of Stan Sakai, another one of the nicest gentlemen I have ever had the pleasure to meet. I will post that meeting soon, but right now my hands are cramping and my wife is glaring at me about being at the computer too long, so keep checking in for more pics, more stories about these two men called Sergio and Sten...er, I mean STAN (started rhyming. Sorry!) and my historical day with them!