mikeberryart.com

Well, it appears Bryan Larsen has started a new project, and it looks intriguing. Two models, one clothed and one nude, dramatic lighting, lots of warm wood texture, and a back-story rooted in Greek mythology. Sounds like a winner already. The image to the left there reveals his block-in drawing. I’d recommend you check out the rest of the post on his blog, www.bryanlarsenfineart.com.


Also worth noting are the two figure studies he’s posted. Simply amazing, as always.

Here he is, Jacob Daniel Berry. Not only is he my brand-new beautiful son, but he’s also the primary reason this blog (and my art) have all but vanished lately. Taking care of him is a full-time job, which is tough, because I already have one of those. He is absolutely worth it though, as any parent would tell you, and I’m told it gets easier with time.


In mid-to-late January my wife’s pregnancy got rough. She was constantly exhausted and started having blood pressure issues, which I now know can be pretty serious during pregnancy. I did everything for her that I could. I took over all the shopping, cleaning, and cooking. Finally she was induced and gave birth to Jacob February 3rd. I had hoped the hard part was over, since now I would have my partner back to help out with things, but instead I found that the hard part was just beginning. How naive we were. There is absolutely no way anyone can communicate to you the trials (or joys) of caring for a newborn. It’s just something that you must experience to understand.


Things are getting back to normal though. He is nearly 8 weeks old, and he’s starting to sleep better, smile, giggle and coo — it’s wonderful. Lisa and I have settled in to this new way of life as well. I’ve been back at work since he was three weeks old, and she plans to return soon enough. We’re beginning to take an interest in our hobbies again too, and take a little time for ourselves now and then. I hope to get the house cleaned up, and return to my artwork and this blog as soon as possible.

I am so impressed by this guy’s work. His name is David Malan, and he works as an Illustrator and professional Artist out of Utah. I check in on his blog from time to time, Brilliant Anyway, and I never fail to be amazed by the breadth of his talent.


Shown here are just a few of his more classically styled works, but he is also a very skilled surreal cartoonist and character designer. I’d say he’s as skilled with the classic mediums, oils, pastels, and charcoal, as he is with digital painting. Most artists, myself included, struggle to have such range, just as a singer or guitarist would. Practice, practice, practice…


If you’d like to see more, check out his official site by clicking here (and his blog is linked both above and on the right-hand sidebar). His official site really shows off some of his more impressive works, but I as an artist, I really enjoy reading his blog.

I think I’ve got my blog completely up and running. I’ve got the galleries working, random artwork on the sidebar, the ability to post pictures within my posts, a blog roll, and all elements skinned (or “themed” as WordPress says) with html and CSS control of it all. All that is left is regular updates and maybe a few extra pages here or there.

I found some more of my work while looking through the art room, so I took some pictures and uploaded it here. It’s just a few works from a session with Natalie Nicole, and two gesture drawings with another model, but it’s something. I’ve added some of them to this post for fun.

I hope to start drawing again now that things are looking more stable at work. It didn’t make sense to hire and pay models when my income was in question. It should be easier now that this blog is out of the way as well. Getting it “finished” in my eyes has really consumed all of my efforts, but I suppose it was good timing seeing as how working on it is free and I was worried about my finances.