Avengers (and Justice League) Assemble!

As you can see, our Halloween was a super hero Halloween. Everyone chose their own costumes. I had to run around town to find a round shield and then paint it up to look like Captain America's. I had to search for something that looked like a hammer for Logan's Thor costume. And I pieced together my Green Arrow costume (and every piece of clothing was too damn tight!).

Now what?

I feel like I'm at a standstill. I have multiple unfinished projects, as well as some commission work to do, but part of what I do is drawing attention to my artwork and I'm not quite sure how to do that. What I've been doing doesn't seem to be enough to get the attention of the general public. Unfortunately, the talent doesn't catch an audience. I have to have a gimick, which I really don't like that idea. I also don't want to concede to the masses, in that I don't want to do popular celebrity art. The "celebrities" I draw or paint are people who I admire or who inspire me. Marilyn Monroe, Kurt Cobain and Hendrix don't inspire me (those being 3 subjects people always say I should do).
So, any ideas on how to get the world to notice me without breaking laws or moving?

Welcome to Nuttall Art

I donated this graphite drawing of John Lennon to a silent auction to support Habitat For Humanity. A friend of mine (Tim) pointed out that this year marks the 30th anniversary of Lennon murder, so I figured "what the hell?"
I'm not a fan of Lennon. Sure, he created some great music, but I'm not that into it. I did it because he's considered THE best musician ever by many. I've done Lennon drawings before, and when people saw them, they seemed more into the subject more than the artwork and recognized it and liked it alot. So, I figure if this is to make money, it better be a popular subject.

A fuller, less vague posting

Ok, this is the drawing I did for the Habitat For Humanity fundraiser in West Branch, Michigan. It seems that anytime I do a drawing of John Lennon, it gets bought and/or tons of comments (whether it's good or not. That's the popularity of John Lennon). That is why I drew him. Not because I'm a fan (I'm not too hot for him. Ready for the hate mail!), but since it's for a fundraiser, I wanted to make something that had a good chance of selling. That's why I didn't do a portrait of Jack Nicholson or Sammy Hagar. I idolize them, but not many people in West Branch want to buy portraits of them.

SUCH a VAGUE post!

Yesterday (0r day before) I posted a question on Facebook.I'm donating artwork for Habitat For Humanity in West Branch and I asked who I should portray. I put up my suggestions, and I got quite a few replies. But I chose who I think would sell best. I'll post a photo of who it is soon.

It's for the less fortunate, HALLMARK, not LOVE!!!!

SWEETEST DAY was created (coincidentallly by a guy who worked in a greeting card company) to give cards, gifts, candies, etc. to those less fortunate during the 1920s. The sick, down-trodden, unemployed, "Fellow Americans who are down on their luck", basically. The kind-hearted sentiment devolved into the 2nd cousin of Valentine's Day. I would rather honor the original thought behind the day rather than rush out and get a flower that'll die and smell within days.

Put your ear up to the Plant and listen....

**This drawing on display at Kirtland Community College Art Gallery in the West Branch Artist Pool Annual Art Show until October 31st****

I would like to recommend, if you are a fan of Robert Plant, and specifically Plant and Alison Krauss's album a year or two ago, Robert Plant's new album "Band Of Joy". It has some bluegrass, some blues, and an all-around soulful feel throughout. I was doubtful when I first listened, but it grew on me. Alot. I'm thinking of doing a series of Robert Plant artwork (behind my Popeye series, my Jack Nicholson series and my Sammy Hagar series), as his work, old and new is very entrancing to me.
Nuff said.

SAVED! For now...

Alright, the studio's safe for now! I sold some work to cover rent. I don't want the studio or my work to be about money, but I would like to be able to cover my rent, at least!To celebrate,here's a photo of my unfinished Sammy Hagar oil painting based on the painting I did for Sammy!

AND for the rest of October, to celebrate the safety of the studio, selected artwork is marked down in price!!!

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.

WEST BRANCH ARTIST POOL: The reception results

WEST BRANCH ARTIST POOL: The reception results: "I am very proud to have been a part of this show and reception. Congratulations to all the artists and thanks to all those who came and ..."

Kirtland Art Gallery has FOOD (and artists) tonight!!

Alright, cats 'n' kittens, today's the day! From 6pm to 8pm Kirtland Community College will be host to the WEST BRANCH ARTIST POOL ART SHOW Reception! We will have over 7 Ogemaw County-based artists, not even including two published authors AND a dance performance!
Oh, and there's free food and refreshments.

Damn the TOMpedoes (play of words on an old album)

I just finished a new drawing. It's charcoal. I don't remember the size, but it's not 18x24. It's in the studio now.

New Special!

NEW SPECIAL!!! 1-2 subject drawing, 11x14 (regularly $77) for $40!!! Offer ends Oct. 11th!!!
If you want a painting, it's regular price. If you want more than 2 subjects, it's an additional $15 for each additional subject.

WEST BRANCH ARTIST POOL: Support yourselves by supporting the WBAP

WEST BRANCH ARTIST POOL: Support yourselves by supporting the WBAP: "The Pool KCC reception is Wednesday, October 6th from 6-8pm. It's all free. Please come out and support your fellow artists, even if you do..."

Art Ramblin'

How are young, talented artists supposed to feel positive about what they do when there's nobody encouraging them? What if your precious football teams came to a game, and the stadium had only 1/16 of the seats filled? Then those players get discouraged because they don't feel supported by their community. If sports got the same support as artists, sports wouldn't be as popular. If you know an artist, be it a musician, a painter or a writer, come to their events and bring friends.
I created the West Branch Artist Pool ( http://westbranchartistpool.blogspot.com so all ages and varieties of artists in Ogemaw County have a place to share their opinions, their talents and their outlets for their abilities with others who may share as well. I hope to make it a community where we can share with one another and the general public so they know what this county has to offer in the arts. Too often, the performing and literary arts are forgotten when talking about "The Arts". That is another aspect of the Pool that I am stressing greatly.

But I'm rambling. I know I am. I yam bloggin' without editin'. Just come out to support your artists, people. How'd you feel if you threw a party and nobody came? That's how artists feel. Alot.