Expendable Part 2...

Another rough. I had a lot of fun with this one. I'm hard pressed to stop here so I'll more then likely go and finish this up a bit more. It's a bit of a different direction for me...

Expendable...

I'm going to be creating a bunch of these oversized thumbnails over the next couple weeks and then decide which one(s) I want to focus on. Granted this isn't exactly what you might call a fast rough, but that's how I flow...

Static...

Sometimes you just want to go at something...

Cold Brains...

"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with ..."

~AlbertEinstein

Know the answer? I do. And I did when a friend asked me last night, yet could not for the life of me think of it. He told me to guess. I hate guessing. I hate being wrong. Then I came up with the most abstract answers. It was a battle. But he was secretly teaching me a lesson. I think things out too much. Hence why I haven't been able to finish any art in such a long time. I keep expecting this one piece to be perfect, instead of perfecting myself with each piece I do. Extremely long conversation short, he challenged me to give my self timelines. I started this particular piece several months ago. I gave myself till tonight to finish it. And if it wasn't totally done, so be it. So here it is. And with this new frame of mind he kicked me into, I should be turning out more, more often. And somewhere in the fray will be something I can be proud of. My friend made me take a long hard look at myself last night. Something that really needed doing. It's friends like those that make this life worthwhile. 

Sara Rohan Newton

I knew I wanted to be an artist since I was at least five. It’s a decision I have a clear memory of making. It was Disney that inspired that decision, but it was my mother who started to nurture that. She was the one who taught me to draw. I remember running down the stairs one morning asking her how to draw a person. I remember she took out a little red sketchbook, flipped it open and taught me how to draw a little boy sitting in a chair, pointing out the shapes that made up the small figure. She arranged art lessons throughout the years and gave me countless art books always writing little notes inside exclaiming how she hoped they helped me on my career path. She would exhibit my artwork throughout the house and always say how each portrait I did looked like me in one way or the other. Throughout the years, our relationship would be stressed, but I have recently come to realize that perhaps that was just a byproduct of us being so similar. The first year I spent after college was back home. I suppose many people would consider it a backstep but I feel incredibly fortunate I made the decision. I’ve been back for almost two and a half months. While working Tuesday I was called down to the office to receive a phone call. It was brother. He told me mom had passed away.

Those words will be etched in my mind forever. I didn’t hear them at first. The more time that passes, the harder it becomes to believe them. She had been in ill health for some time but there was no reason for me to expect I’d lose her so soon. It came as a shock to everyone. I have found it particularly hard to understand. That I will never hear her voice again, listen to her stories, receive her honest advice, get to tell her my stories. Many people I meet are lucky to know their parents middle name. I have always found it important to know who my parents are and their stories because they are such an enormous part of who I am and who I will become.

My mother, Sara Jane Catherine Rohan Newton was born August 10, 1945 to Louis and Cozetta Rohan of Newcastle Nebraska. Her father was a farmer and incredibly hard worker. Her mother, a former English teacher who recently celebrated her 93^rd birthday. Louis and Cozetta where those types who worked hard to not necessarily provide a better life for themselves, but for their children. They had eleven, and spent every dime making a better life for them even if it meant they were a little hungry or tired. My mother was very fond of her father and shared many of his characteristics. Like him, she was a hard worker and she saved enough money by the time she was 18 to travel to Omaha and eventually San Diego California to attend college. There, she was reacquainted with Talmage Edward Newton III who she had met on a blind date in 1965 in Nebraska. They were engaged on May 29, 1968 while he was in-between tours of Duty in Vietnam. They were wed the following summer on July 12, 1969 in Omaha Nebraska. Following a honeymoon to Canada, the two Newlyweds made their first home in Columbia Missouri while Talmage finished his masters in Journalism. My father credits her for getting him through as there are many pictures of her typing up his papers. After all, my mother was a fantastic writer as well.

 After a lucrative job offer in Advertising they moved to New York and eventually Germany. In Germany, because she could not work, mom traveled the country and it’s neighbors. She and her friend Inez Dunst would go hiking, skiing, and even dabbled in grave stone rubbings. While both my parents enjoyed the opportunity to travel the world, they eventually decided to settle down in St. Louis Missouri. Mom enjoyed fixing up their 1904 historical home in Parkview and became actively involved in the neighborhood community eventually acting as an agent for 7 years who was responsible for taking the neighborhood out of debt while treasurer. Son Talmage IV was born in 1979 and as he grew mom became involved in The Boy Scouts of America. Winning several awards for her commitment to the Scouts, she continued her involvement long after my brother left after attaining Eagle. I was born in 1985 and mom was also very active in The Girl Scouts acting as cookie master for both troops that I belonged to over the years.  A well-read woman, she enjoyed reading and delving into the arts in her spare time. She encouraged both her children to explore their musical strength by buying a grand piano and arranging lessons. She also loved to write and was an accomplished and published poet.

Yes, my mother was a stay at home mom. A position many women scoff at today. They don’t realize how hard it is, and perhaps how rewarding. The days following her passing, my father, brother, and I have received an outpouring of support and letters explaining the enormous impact my mother had on other people lives. I think they illustrate what an amazing person she was far better then I ever could. Here are some excerpts:

“Her beauty, generosity, kindness, stalwart character, and willingness to speak her mind will never be forgotten.”

“I will always recall the powerful wind that blew out of Nebraska last night, all night. I suspect it took a powerful wind, indeed, to separate Sara from those she loved.”

“She was one of the sweetest and most honest women that ever walked the earth.  I don't think she ever had a feeling of genuine ill will towards anyone...”

“She always treated us like her own children, firm but fair, giving but never spoiling, a second mother.  She was the picture of balance, raising two brilliant children in a modern world where all too often stay at home moms are scoffed at, not treasured.  And her children have done her proud... successful and full of love, for their country and their family, due to her tutelage and tender touch.”

“She was without a doubt the kindest hearted woman I have ever known, and she will be sorely missed for her love and laughter. Take consolation in the knowledge that you suffer not alone, for even 10,000 miles away, there are those that feel the grief of her passing.”

“Your mom was a huge figure in my childhood. I've always thought that she acted as maternal for _____ and I as she did for you and Newt, when we were all terrorizing the neighborhood. She was a woman with a big heart. She's carved an especially unique memory for me with her mysterious penchant for turtles.”

My mother did have a rather big thing for turtles. Last time we counted, about 15 years back, she had over 200 figurines of various styles and sizes. Now we have 3 live ones, and who knows how many figurines. Perhaps that is why her favorite verse is so fitting. From the Song of Solomon: “The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land...”

The reality of the past couple days has hit in some ways, and it others it hasn’t. But through it all, I am grateful that throughout her life my mother impacted as many people as she did, to the extent that she did. I hope she is looking down on us all realizing just how loved and cherished she is and how much she will be missed.

During a conversation, my cousin mentioned that the day of her passing was the Feast of Saint Mary and that my Grandmother feels that Mary swept her up into her arms, up to heaven, and away from her pain. I take great comfort in this notion and am grateful that this wonderful woman who I was so incredibly fortunate enough to call mom, is out of pain and can now look over us all and guide us through our own lives. She can give me the strength she so strongly possessed and the integrity that was integral in her character.  I am proud to say I was the daughter of the most amazing, beautiful, loving, intelligent, talented, creative, and strong woman I have ever known and will ever know.

"May the road rise up to meet you,


May the wind be always at your back,


May the sun shine warmly on your face,


May the rain fall softly on your fields,


And until we meet again... may God hold you in the palm of His hand"

For my Mother...

"The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land..." Requiescat in pace.

Anticipating this coming Friday I thought I'd post some art for Disney's new tale, "The Princess and the Frog" as well as another fairy tale they are working on, "Rapunzel."

 

Happy Birthday Walt...

I've been watching Disney movies all day while painting. Perhaps it's a subconscious act. Lost in my little world, I had forgotten what today is. It's Walt Disney's birthday. People have their different views on him but to me he'll always be a hero. Whenever I get to a dead end I just pop in his biography documentry, "Walt: The Man Behind The Myth" and get inspired and remind myself what's possible.

"The Princess and the Frog" hits theaters nationwide next Friday and I literally can't wait. Here's hoping it brings the same renaissance for the company that "Cinderella" and "The Little Mermaid" did. Both movies were Disney animations last hope before they considered closing shop on the art form that launched the company.

 

The art for "Princess" looks amazing. Just look at that background art. It's gorgeous and it looks beautiful with the animation. The story sounds great and the characters and music divine. This movie needed to come out yesterday. I haven't seen a Disney animation in theaters since "Brother Bear", quite possibly the worst Disney film, and one of the least likable films I have ever seen. It started to go downhill after "Atlantis" but hit rock bottom with "Brother Bear', that atrocious excuse for a Disney film. I try not to remember all those pointless direct to DVD sequels. Disney has had too many problems lately it's hard to remember that when they are good, they are the best. I have faith this film will restore all hope and remind myself and everyone else what a Disney film can bring.

It's rather interesting actually. "Cinderella" came out at the start of a new decade, (1950), "The Little Mermaid" at the end of one (1989), and "The Princess and the Frog", at the end of one as well (2009). Maybe it's a sign from Walt himself. Now, back to "Bambi"...

Jump Start...

I needed a jump start recently. I've found what I needed in a couple locations. Here are some recent finds. First, is Stephani Germanotta. Or, as you may know her, Lady Gaga. The first piece is fairly vintage and I fell in love with it right away. She amazes me. The second is from this week. Just goes to show this girl is not a one trick pony but a great artist I fall more in love with everyday.

Second is a lecture that really stood out to me. It's from TED Talks  Author Chimamanda Adichie warns against the danger of a single story. Visit the site. A friend showed me another one of these lectures yesterday and it sparked a interesting idea...

 

November...

One of two things I'm working on. This one has morphed substantially at least three times. I admit I abandoned it for awhile but think I have figured it out and it's on it's way. This is just a portion of it.


In other news, I have a job. Had an interview Tuesday. Was offered the job at the end of the interview. Can say that's a first. Nothing too special. Just holiday work, but a job is a job and I am grateful. I won't be able to go anywhere for Thanksgiving and Christmas, which will be interesting. A first. Lets hope I don't get too lonely...