Thursday, August 28, 2008

Duck!!!


I have been busy over the last couple weeks putting together the last of my pieces for a gallery show in San Francisco starting September 5th that some alumni from San Jose State Illustration/Animation and I are doing. The show was concieved as a way for us to get together and have some fun while showcasing our creative exploits outside of our daily work. The theme of the show is centered around rubber ducks and features a broad array of styles and mediums. Most importantly, it was a blast to be a part of!

Monday, August 04, 2008

Vacation in the Sierras



I recently went on a vacation with Kristel to the Sierras including Bodie, Lee Vining, Convict Lake, Mono Lake, and all along Yosemite. It was a wonderful break from work and the city. There were a lot of great moments, and I even painted and drew a bit. This painting was of Tenaya Lake in Yosemite off of Tioga Pass. The water there is amazingly clear and fresh, but the altitude made swimming more difficult than I expected.



In Bodie, there was a great little old house that was totally falling apart. I sat in the shade and sketched while the tourists all spoke out loud about the history of the house I was leaning against. Apparently, that resident was killed in a faulty dynamite accident. Since it's a ghost town, everything is abandoned, but the old mine still looks pretty cool. Kristel, an avid U2 fan, pondered the possibility that the song "Red Hill Mining Town" may have been about Bodie.



One of the great highlights of the trip was seeing a bald eagle swoop down and catch a fish in its talons while we were hiking at Convict Lake. The eagle had to avoid seagulls' attempts to snatch its meal, so it flew out around the perimeter of the lake and directly by Kristel and I. I managed to snag a quick shot while he soared past us.

I had a wonderful time, and really enjoyed the mountains and high desert. I was sad the trip was over, but all good things must end, so I will have to start planning a new adventure!