Musings - Lester Yocum

The Success of Failure

2012-01-21T03:24:00.000-08:00

Inspiring words, whether you're a writer, artist, or anyone else trying to get through life.

-Les

Excerpted from “The success of failure: Pulitzer winner's surprising road to the top.”

By ToddLeopold, CNN

January 20,2012

Full articleat http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/20/living/jennifer-egan-creativity-failure/index.html?hpt=hp_c1

Jennifer Egan, Pulitzer Prize winning author, describes her creative growth -- and success -- as "incremental all the way."

…Failure.It's such an ugly word, isn't it? It reeks of cancer, of loss: the sense thatwhat once went wrong cannot be set right, that the world has come to an end,that failures are failures forever -- that it's not just the project thatfailed, but you. Successful people, we imagine, are somehow blessed withmore optimism, bigger brains and higher ideals than the rest of us.

But it's nottrue. Successful people -- creative people -- fail every day, just likeeverybody else. Except they don't view failure as a verdict. They view it as anopportunity. Indeed, it's failure that paves the way for creativity.

John SeelyBrown is the former head of the Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), the Xerox labresponsible for digital printing, the computer mouse and Ethernet. He says"trafficking in unlimited failure" let PARC's employees inventonce-unimaginable technologies.

"Mymantra inside PARC, which was never particularly appreciated in corporateheadquarters, was at least 75% of the things we did failed," he says.

…Beingcreative doesn't require being Mozart. Stubbornness and practicality play arole, too. Studies of grade school and college students indicated they owedtheir academic success to such characteristics as curiosity, self-control andwhat psychology professor Angela Duckworth termed "grit" -- evenif they were of average intelligence.

…Failureseems to loom around every corner, especially for creative types like writers."I think it's totally rational for a writer, no matter how much experiencehe has, to go right down in confidence to almost zero when you sit down tostart something," author John McPhee once observed.

That's notnecessarily a bad thing if it's kept in perspective.

…“You haveto be OK with failing." Clients naturally want to play it safe, butsometimes the most interesting ideas are out on the fringes. For example, hesays, a cell phone provider might want to focus on established users, but whatabout trying to market to people who don't own cell phones at all?

"It'salways a risk." But a necessary one: "If you're not failing,you're not pushing hard enough."

…If youdecide the work has merit, there comes a point when you take what you have.Eventually the time for major creativity recedes and you're just trying to getto the finish line -- proofreading, refining, going over details. It can begrueling.

"Atthat point, disgust and ennui sets in," Egan admitted. "But I have ajob to do. I can't walk away. I have a desire to make it better that drivesme."

And thenit's time to do it again, to climb back on the high wire and start fromscratch. Scary? Absolutely. Failure is always scary. But, says Egan, it's wherecreative energy comes from: The awards and acclaim are wonderful, but the joycomes from the freedom she feels in trying the unusual.

Indeed, shesays her recent books have been much more rewarding to write because of theirchallenges.

"Andsince then," she says, "I've had a lot more fun."

Loved the Play

2011-12-06T17:16:00.001-08:00

For the third time, I really enjoyed the play "Wicked, the Untold Story of the Witches of Oz" in New York City. Yes, I know, that makes me a geek. My wife and daughter went with me this time, and they loved it, too.

There's something about the power of the writing, and the music, and the ideas, that just grabs me. I loved the show because I loved the talent, the raw show of excellence and effort and skill. I was crying and laughing. Those performers put their hearts and souls into it, and the audience felt it. Unanimous standing ovation. Marvelous! The effect was to make me want to take my own poor skills to levels like that, and that may be its best effect. I may take my son to it after he returns from his mission in Guatemala. He loves the soundtrack but hasn't seen the show.

Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition 2013 Entry

2011-11-19T17:37:00.001-08:00

Today I posted an entry to the Smithsonian Institution's 2013 Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition. I just finished this painting, titled "Portrait of a Modern Father," today.

Some of the comments I made in the entry:
Title: Portrait of a Modern Father.
Medium: Oil on canvas.
Size: 24"x36".

Description of “Portrait of a Modern Father”:
To steer their families safely through today's many challenges, fathers must step outside of their comfort zones, trusting that as they hold up their candle of experience and inspiration their way will be lighted for a step or two ahead. Recognizing that they do not walk alone increases their light.

Artist's Statement:
Whatever we do in this life is bettered when we do it for others. Our world is bettered when our goal is to bring joy, uplift, and change hearts.

Are there any special circumstances surrounding the creation of your portrait?
As a father, I stepped outside of my comfort zone this year when three of my children left our home within a few months of each other. They were excellent young men and women but had been struggling, drifting as they tried to find their own way. We were all grateful when their divergent paths, some of which were very painful, brought them great growth, joy, and satisfaction. Today we are all wiser and happier, and grateful indeed that we do not walk alone.

I will finish the companion to this piece, which is titled "Portrait of a Modern Mother," before the end of the year and submit it to the Portrait Society of America's 2012 International Portrait Competition.

Softcover Edition and Price Break

2011-11-18T07:25:00.001-08:00

I have created a softcover edition of my book, The Christmas Orange. My preview copy looks even better than I had hoped. The glossy cover and satin pages hold the color beautifully, and the great review I got from James Gurney looks excellent on the back cover.

The price is lower, too. If you buy the unsigned softcover edition from my publisher, the price is only $24.95, shipping extra. If you buy the book from me, I will sign it and ship it for $30.00.

Of course, you can choose to buy the original, hardcover, premiere edition from my web site. This version is signed and includes a signed, 8"x8" print of "While Mary Sleeps" .

Either way, I wish you a happy Thanksgiving and a very merry Christmas season.

Weekend In Arts Heaven

2011-11-13T17:39:00.001-08:00

Thanks to a generous invitation from James Gurney, I spent last Friday and Saturday with him, his gracious wife Jeanette, Jean-Baptiste Monge and Margot, Garin Baker, and Armand Cabrera in touring art sites and openings in the Wilmington area. We visited the Brandywine River Museum, the Frank Schoonover Studio, and the Delaware Art Museum, being joined by Kev Ferrara, Eric Millen and Kristina Mah. And that was after attending Gurney's lecture Thursday night at MICA.

The goal was to attend the Howard Pyle opening at the Delaware Art Museum. Great stuff, great times, great conversations. The details of each event are covered in the sites listed below. To me, the best part of the weekend was the time spent watching and listening to these great artists, observing how they interacted and how they went through galleries, and learning a lot from their conversations. I deeply admired their learning, experience, and passion. These folks really feel strongly about the art profession, and drinking in their feelings was a marvelous treat.

I was also touched by the support each of these artists enjoyed from their families, only some of whom were in attendance, but each of whom made it possible for them to move forward with their careers, some at great sacrifice. I add my wonderful wife to this list, and I am grateful.

And special gratitude goes to James Gurney, whose gracious invitation made the whole, unexpected weekend happen. Thanks again, Jim. I was an amateur among experts, but I learned a lot. Thank you.

Links:

Garin Baker

Brandywine River Museum

James Gurney Reviews "Christmas Orange"

2011-11-12T04:46:00.001-08:00

James Gurney, New York Times best-selling author of the Dinotopia book series and recipient of the Hugo, World Fantasy, Chesley, Spectrum, and Colorado Children’s Book awards, has reviewed my book, "The Christmas Orange." Here is what he had to say:

“Terrific. Beautiful. A really sensitive presentation with a deep and meaningful story. The message is universal and powerful, with the orange as both a visual and narrative element that really resounds in the telling. The cover image, with the girl's face in shadow, but still smiling, is very evocative, and perfectly executed. The varied and imaginative use of color throughout is impressive.”

Thank you very much, Jim.

Christmas Orange Holiday Price Drop

2011-11-05T06:59:00.000-07:00

My publishers have announced a holiday price reduction for my book, "A Christmas Orange." If you order a copy from them before November 30 and enter the promo code "BIGTEN" at checkout, you save $10.00. As an added incentive, I have dropped my part of the book price as well. Just go to my bookstore to preview and buy the book.

If you want the signed premiere edition of the book and the included print, you'll have to order it from my web site.

Letter to My Son

2011-11-05T06:38:00.000-07:00

Below is an edited excerpt of a letter to my son Ben (third from right, above), who is serving a mission in Guatemala for the LDS (Mormon) church.

---
Hey, Ben. I'm in Altoona, PA this weekend at an illustration conference called Illuxcon.

Each year I learn something about humility. These folks are good! And many are students, or lifetime hobbyists like me. To meet their standards I'd have to double or triple the quality of my work. Most impressive, most instructive. Most humbling, and, if I'm not careful, very depressing.

Don't get me wrong -- I'm very pleased to be doing work as good as what I'm now doing. I'm also very pleased to see the impact it has on others. At some point, if I keep working, I'll come up to their levels, or better. In the mean time, I'll keep trying.

I am grateful for having such a marvelously supportive wife (far right, above). Sheesh! Ben, if there is one goal you must have in life, it is to marry someone as patient and supportive and sacrificing and loving as your mother. She listens to me moan and watches patiently as I suck my thumb because I can't be this big artist guy yet, but she is unflagging in her love and support. And she occasionally smacks me down, too, which is very good. All in great love. If there is one valuable attainment in life, it is to follow God's guidance to such a woman as that. And living so that she feels good about and has joy in that support.

Example: She completely re-decorated the living room walls, putting my religious artwork all over them, making it into a sort of Lester Yocum gallery. Wow! She arranged things exquisitely, too. What a great lady. I must admit, the entire tenor of our living room has changed. There is a palpable power in that room, a great feeling for good. I am most impressed. I makes me feel good, for sure. Especially about her.

I love you. God bless you. Thank you.

-Dad
---

Illuxcon 4

2011-11-05T06:23:00.000-07:00

I'm at Illuxcon this weekend, enjoying the animated, focused fellowship and learning that happens in this fantasy and science fiction annual event. This is my fourth year; I've attended every year since its establishment.

One of the most impressive things to me at this event, besides the quality of the original paintings and prints, is the eager hunger in the eyes of the participants. They want to learn; they want to grow. They are serious about taking in the advice they get from the lectures and demos, and you can see the enthusiasm in the faces of those who made it into the showcase.

Being here charges my batteries, humbles me, and sets a standard of quality in my work, every year much higher than before. I am grateful to be among such humble, friendly people.

The Christmas Orange: Order the Book Now!

2011-10-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

Holiday Classic: Premiere Edition

The heartwarming story of a chance meeting between a young man, a young woman, and a homeless child a few days before the holiday. The event transforms their hearts, giving them new insight into the real meaning of Christmas.

Written, illustrated, and designed by Lester Yocum.
2011; Hardcover; 10"x8"; 34 pages; signed; premium paper.
Price: $52.00, shipping included.

PREVIEW the first 20 pages of this book.

Described as "beautiful" and "sensitive," this Christmas gift book is fast becoming a holiday classic. Available only in a premiere edition, all copies are signed by the author and include a signed 8"x8" color print of Lester Yocum's popular oil painting, "While Mary Sleeps". SHIPPING INCLUDED!

http://lesteryocum.com/business/christmas-orange.html

Portrait Feedback

2011-10-22T10:12:00.000-07:00

Title: Portrait of a Modern Father.
Subtitle: Candle of the Lord, part 1.

Medium: Oil on canvas, 24x36".

I've just finished my latest painting. At least, I think I have. I like it, but there are some people who don't.

So I'd like you folks to help me out. There's nothing like the wisdom of the crowd, right? Please look at this painting and its closeups below then give me your feedback in the comments section. Tell me what you like or don't like about it, and why. Tell me how I should improve it. If you want to keep your comments private, just email me at les@lesteryocum.com. I may or may not use them, but I will value them, whatever they are.

I'm not going to give you many details about the painting because I don't want to influence your response. I will tell you that I'm going to submit it to a rather large competition next weekend, and your feedback could be very valuable.

Part 2 of this painting is nearing completion. It is a mirror image of part 1 but features two female characters instead of two males. Together the two will form a diptych, or "two paintings as one."

Thank you for your time. I look forward to your feedback.

Portrait Finalist

2011-10-07T15:31:00.000-07:00

I was just notified that my painting "Watchful" has been selected as a finalist in Art Space Herndon's 2011 Expressions Portrait Competition. The show will be Nov 1-27 at 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA, 21070. The painting is on my web site. Cool!

New Book Released: The Christmas Orange

2011-09-28T17:24:00.000-07:00

I have just finished writing, illustrating, designing, and self-publishing my first book, "The Christmas Orange." It is an inspirational story book.

Please check it out and let me know your feelings. I have already gotten some very positive reviews for it. Signed copies are available by contacting me. Thanks very much, and merry Christmas!

Letter to My Son

2011-09-12T03:06:00.000-07:00

I sent this letter to Ben, our son serving as a missionary for the LDS (Mormon) Church in Guatemala, and felt you folks might be interested. He is now in his 6th month.

-Les

My sister and I at Disneyworld.

Your mother and I are back from a great week in Florida. We toured the adult way, visiting family, sleeping in, taking our time, seeing shows while avoiding roller coasters, relaxing during meals and having encouraging conversations with total strangers, and talking together about the many opportunities and blessings in life. We enjoyed an airboat ride and a stunt car show and a horse show and leisurely shopping and nostalgia rides and the weather. We talked a lot about children and parents and the future, and much about God. We had joint prayers and daily gospel study, and I added eight pages to my journal. And we exchanged lots and lots of hugs. Altogether, it was a great time.

Isaac has been told that he is going to get a black shirt in the Marines, a great honor, something he is excited about. He is doing very well and is very eager to ship out for basic training. One friend has returned from basic, and Thomas comes back this Saturday. Isaac is glad to see them and to be able to pick up many tips about the intense training, but it frustrates him that he hasn't shipped out yet.

Your last letter was very heartening. It signaled a possible turnaround within you, which we hope brings you much peace. We also hope it brings you much joy and enthusiasm, and that this change grows. We pray that it leads to answers to all your questions, and that your enthusiasm becomes infectious and irrepressible.

And most of all, we pray that it brings you a powerful, deep, permanent and growing relationship with God through the Holy Ghost. Become a master in that relationship, Ben, a very experienced expert in feeling the subtle and deep and powerful promptings of that spirit. Follow those promptings fearlessly and with much faith. That will permanently change your life and will powerfully affect the lives of others, including your future family.

God bless you in the things you do. You are doing a hard work. God bless you to succeed, to feel good about your efforts, and to have joy.

We love you, Ben. I love you.

-Dad

Double Eagle

2011-09-01T18:30:00.000-07:00

My wife is now the proud mother of two Eagle Scouts. Ben (on the left) is now serving a mission for the LDS Church in Guatemala, while Isaac (on the right) is waiting to be called into boot camp for the U.S. Marines. And Mom, long involved in Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts and now a Boy Scout Unit Commissioner, is very proud of them both. Dad is, too!

Rejected 60 Times

2011-08-18T17:26:00.000-07:00

You may have seen this story, but in case you didn't, it is really inspirational to artists of any type, or any other endeavor you care about: The author of "The Help" says her book was rejected 60 times before it was finally accepted for publication.

Yahoo Shine's blog post: Kathryn Stockett's "The Help"

Art Studio Joys

2011-08-13T17:06:00.000-07:00

For the first time ever, I got to experience what the joys of being in an art studio, or art commune, or whatever, might be. Instead of being a teacher or lecturer or a student, as I have many times, or laboring alone in my room, for a day I was an equal, a partner in a relaxed, casual art setting. It was wonderful.

To start the ball rolling, I approached a young lady I have known since she was in kindergarten with an oil painting illustration job. She has some painting experience and a knack for it. I told her that I would help her get started on the project and guarantee that she would meet the client's needs. My client was happy with the arrangement and agreed to give her a reduced fee for the work. The young lady came to my home studio today and we spent a very relaxed, happy four hours, she blocking in the colors on my easel while I worked on a Christmas book I wrote and am illustrating on the computer. Family members came in every so often to add comments.

I had a great time. The lady and I joked, told stories, caught up on news about friends, listened to some Weird Al Yankovic songs, and ended the day watching Youtube videos by the jazz band Jive Aces. We each made some great progress on our projects, and with all the jazz tunes we played, by the end of the day I was dancing on the ceiling. Still running the tunes through my head.

I was really impressed with this lady's skills; she says she's not a people painter, but her work belies that. She admitted that she was nervous and intimidated at first but she jumped right in anyway. I give her great credit for chutzpah.

As usual, I won't be able to work in my studio again until next weekend, but I gave her permission to continue the project even if I'm not there. She's an ice dancer and just got her EMT certification. Whatever she puts her mind to, she can do. I wish her very well.

If that's what the collegial atmosphere in an art studio is like, I'm all for it.

Jive Aces on Youtube.
Weird Al Yankovic on Youtube.

Battle: Los Angeles

2011-08-05T05:01:00.000-07:00

While I'm recommending things, check out "Battle: Los Angeles". I saw it three times and have the soundtrack. My youngest son just joined the Marines, and this movie really grabbed me. It shows the ultimate use of the military: To protect the weak even in the face of overwhelming odds. A squad goes into a war zone to extract some trapped civilians and gives everything to save them. Shock and awe, this time from our perspective. Intense, powerful.

Unbroken

2011-08-05T04:45:00.000-07:00

Those interested in stories of survival, determination, overcoming impossible odds, and redemption should check out Laura Hillenbrand's book Unbroken. It is a powerful story, very well told, and very moving. If you enjoyed Corrie Ten Boom's "The Hiding Place", this book will move you. My wife and I raced through it, she through the book, I the audio version. When she was busy I read portions to her, which was a treat because I got to see how some of the Japanese names were spelled and she got to hear how they were pronounced. Very good stuff.

Joseph Smith Movie

2011-08-05T03:34:00.000-07:00

Last night I took my wife and a person interested in our church to see the movie "The Joseph Smith Movie - Volume 1" (http://josephsmithmovie.com/) during its East Coast pre-release run. Got to meet Dustin Harding, the man who played Joseph. Wonderfully done. Powerful impressions. I learned a lot about the man. I loved the inclusion of so much of Emma's perspective and influence during these very formative events.

Dustin's testimony before and after the movie was a powerful spiritual experience. Our guest cried. I also very much enjoyed learning historical details of Joseph's life in the question and answer session afterward. Go to the web site to check out local screenings.

New Painting: Christ Heals the Daughter of Jairus

2011-07-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

I just finished an oil painting depicting a major event in the life of Christ.

Christ Heals the Daughter of Jairus
Oil on canvas, 24x36".

In Mark 5:22-43 and in other Gospels, Jairus pleads with Christ to heal his 12-year-old daughter, his only child, who was near death. Christ did so, taking her by the hand and saying, "Maid, arise."

This painting focuses on the moment after the healing, when the mother and father joyfully embrace their daughter, newly come back to life. The girl is very glad to be with her family again, but her gaze stays fixed on the one who performed the miracle: Jesus Christ. Light slants over Christ's shoulder, highlighting him, the girl, and their still-joined hands.

You can find this painting on my web site and order prints on my web store, http://lesteryocum.imagekind.com .

Please forward this announcement to anyone else who might be interested, and forward inquiries about purchasing this painting to me.

Updates to "This Pig Flies" Series

2011-07-05T18:48:00.000-07:00

I've added 12 new pictures to the "This Pig Flies" series of illustrations. These cartoon fantasies show pigs in different modes of flight, including hot air balloons, space ships, ski jumps, and various winged creatures.

You can buy copies of this artwork at my online store or in the products section of my website.

Here are some samples:

New Paintings Added

2011-01-07T06:43:00.000-08:00

I’ve added new paintings to my website: A portrait of the baby Jesus titled “The Call”, a new portrait called “Watchful”, and a portrait of the Holy Family called “Treasure Them Up”. Also check out recent additions including “Orcs In My Forest”, “Cumbered Much”, and others.
Find them all on my newly-renovated website: http://lesteryocum.com.

Web Presence Upgraded

2011-01-07T06:05:00.000-08:00

For the new year, I’ve rebuilt my website, http://lesteryocum.com. It’s user friendly, with many features to bring you the art you want. I’ve incorporated a search engine, a full featured gallery, slide shows, blog feeds, and links to my online store. You can now rate and comment on my work. Please visit and tell me what you think.

I also redesigned my blog, http://lesteryocum.blogspot.com/. The pages are simpler to navigate and have the same appearance as my website.

Another Year at the Maryland Yocum House

2010-12-24T17:44:00.000-08:00

A year of accomplishments and firsts.

Les (now 602 years old) joined the tech firm that for years he had been freelancing into but continues producing paintings in his spare time at home. He had several small gallery shows and taught classes in logo design and oil painting. He mingled with top-flight artists at Illuxcon and renovated his online

gallery. He now works with older gentlemen in the local church after 5 years of teaching religion to high school students every morning before school (kudos to those awesome students!).

Tam (now 29, again) continues to keep us all sane and on track while also continuing to inspire and motivate teachers of 1-12 year old children in several local churches. She has now passed 10 years of service at Doc-Side Veterinary Center in Baltimore and is highly respected there as well. She gets better looking all the time and still has her high school figure, unlike her husband, whose high school figure disappeared centuries ago. She also continues to enjoy her horse Runwish as well as our pack of smaller critters at home. She shepherded Isaac into finishing his Eagle Scout requirements and remains our muchly-loved earthly root and core and center.

Lindsay (a beautiful 23) also continues her work at Doc-Side (year 9) and is highly valued there. She is responsible for the rats and guinea pigs taking up much space in her room while also taking horse lessons and maintaining her love of drawing and playing the computer. She is also still into fantasy characters, art, and games.

Ben (19 and the tallest person in the house, so far) finished his sophomore year at Brigham Young University, continuing his run of stellar grades. He is home now, working and getting ready for his mission to Guatemala City North. He leaves for the Provo, Utah language training center on February 23, 2011 for two years of no girls, no TV, no movies, no partying, learning Spanish, all to tell folks about Jesus Christ. A marvelous young man.

Isaac (17 and trying hard to become the tallest person in the house) got his first vehicle, a 1997 Ford Ranger, from a family friend. It looks and runs great and is the ideal first vehicle for a young man. He is a senior in high school now and searching with Mom for the ideal automotive or avionics school to start at next year. He is also continuing his paper routes (four of them!) and working at a self-service automotive repair shop. He worked hard to plan, organize, and execute everything needed to clean a badly overrun cemetery, which was his Eagle project. Thanks to his willingness, Tammy is very much looking forward to putting another "I’m proud of my Eagle Scouts" (emphasis on the final “s”) bumper sticker on her car.

Our family friend Sasha (now 23) returned in July from her mission to Brazil and jumped right into employment and college. She is studying art, photography, film, and anything else she can get her hands onto and is looking to expand her Portuguese language skills. She is trying hard to not become too Yocumified while also adding joy and opportunities to our household. In her busy social life she labors to control her steady tide of handsome male suitors.

Yes, it's been a great year. We are very blessed. Thank you much for your love and patience. May you prosper much in the holidays and in the coming year.

- Les, Tammy, Lindsay, Ben, Isaac, Sasha, Princess, Oreo, Runwish, Hershey, Carmel, Remy, and Mo.

Mission Call

2010-11-20T03:00:00.000-08:00

Last night my son Ben has received his call to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon). He will serve in the Guatemala City Guatemala mission, leaving February 23 2011 for three weeks in the Provo Utah Mission Training Center. He will then spend an additional two months in Guatemala at their local training center learning Spanish.

Ben, 19, put aside his studies at Brigham Young University for the two years of service. He is excited to go, although he says that Spanish was the one language he hoped he would not have to learn. High school Spanish classes were a struggle for him, even though he did well. If I could learn Chinese for my mission, he'll ace Spanish. He'll be awesome!

We had quite a time with friends and family last night, taking the envelope out of the mailbox so that Mom wouldn't know it had come (she saw right through us!) and "accidentally" misplacing it. When everyone had gathered around the dinner table we opened the letter from the Prophet. Mom and Sasha were the most excited; Ben tried to be matter-of-fact about it. Yeah, right!

Here is more information about what it is to be an LDS missionary. Here is more information about Guatemala.

IlluxCon 2010

2010-11-13T18:58:00.000-08:00

I have just finished enjoying IlluxCon 2010 in Altoona, Pennsylvania (http://www.illuxcon.com/). This was its third year and my third time to attend. An amazing array of high-power artists in the fantasy world. I was impressed by their talent, genuine humility, and interest in others. Definitely raised my perspective once again of what I can do with my art.

I started out by attending the marvelous exhibit at DC's Smithsonian exhibit, "Telling Stories: Norman Rockwell from the Collections of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg" (http://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/archive/2010/rockwell/). Artwork to catch your breath, make you guffaw, and even bring a tear or two. What power he had to influence lives. Whether it was the real world or not, it was the world we wanted to have, and the world many of us would love to return to.

Then to Altoona, where I got to jog the hills and learn much. The demos were most impressive but I spent too much money--prints, books, the hat, the tee shirt. Belt-tightening time at the Yocum house for a while, now. But it was worth it.

Most impressive: The book, "The Legend of Steel Bashaw" by Petar Meseldzija (http://www.fleskpublications.com/publications/petar-meseldzija/). Wow. Petar signed it at the IlluxCon showcase. The artwork is breathtaking. Once again, an impetus to upgrade my work several notches. Excellent!

Next: Illustration Master Class (http://illustrationmasterclass.com/) Many of the artists at IlluxCon also teach at IMC. A tough but marvelous time. Looking forward to it.

While Mary Sleeps

2010-06-05T10:31:00.000-07:00

An expanded version of the original. Oil on canvas, 2009.

"For a few moments, Mary -- mother of Jesus, daughter of God -- rest. I will lay aside my preparations for the day and comfort the infant son of God. For a while longer in the beauty of the early day we will enjoy our time together, the Babe of Bethlehem and me. For a while, Mary, sleep."

New Painting: Orcs in My Forest!

2010-03-27T08:12:00.000-07:00

Quelthias reacts as he and his dwarf companion, Brudrunis, discover orc footprints near the river that borders the sacred elven wood. From a story by Lindsay Yocum. Oil on canvas, 30x40".

Morning Note to My Wife, 18 Feb 2010

2010-02-18T03:17:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Mom:

Thank you so much for doing so much good for so many people. Thank you for bearing with all of us in our weaknesses. Your patience and endurance has helped us reflect on and see our own shortcomings and weak points and given us the desire to do better.

I love you. I pray that, even in this busy day, you find peace and joy. There are many whom you deal with each day that are grateful they get to know you.

I love you.

-Les

To My Wife on Valentines Day

2010-02-14T10:06:00.000-08:00

To my gorgeous wife
whose breathtaking thoughtfulness
and endless labors for all of us
are the foundation of our family
here and in eternity
I thank you
I love you
I appreciate you
God bless you

Will you be my valentine
now and forever?

- Your husband

Norman Rockell Behind the Camera

2009-11-29T17:12:00.000-08:00

I just got a copy of "Norman Rockwell, Behind the Camera", reviewed in James Gurney's blog here. Folks, this is a must-have book. Great reference, great inspiration, great learning tool. As a practicing illustrator, it will be something I return to again and again. As an appreciator of Rockwell's adept views of American idealism, this book is like coming home to a warm fire on a cold day. Recommended.

Rose Datoc Dall's "Flight"

2009-11-24T16:25:00.000-08:00

Great congratulations to Rose Datoc Dall, whose excellent painting, "Flight", made the cover of the December 2009 Ensign of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It also won one of a handful of purchase awards during the church's Eighth International Art Competition. Her work can be seen on the magazine cover or on the Museum's review presentation as well as on her blog. Not only is she a superb colorist, her works are prisms of light and storytelling, uplifting and positive. Congratulations again!

Daughter of Doris

2009-11-14T19:17:00.001-08:00

During my free time at Illuxcon, inspired by an amazing joint sculpture demo by Jordu Schell and Tom Kuebler, I decided to update my reference for Doris. This maquette is made from Sculpey and is 8 inches high.

This will form the basis of a new painting of Doris, one I concepted at James Gurney's Creature Design Workshop but never finished to my satisfaction. Jim's class continues to bear fruit. And needless to say, Illuxcon is awesome.

Pigs Fly Variations

2009-10-16T05:51:00.000-07:00

I've posted two variations to my "Pigs Fly" series of illustations. The cool thing is that you can customize your print! Contact me to order prints with your own images and words on the wings and to change the title.

Prints Now Available

2009-09-25T08:43:00.000-07:00

I am grateful for the responses I have had from my two most recent gallery shows and classwork. I have uploaded several images to my new web store at Imagekind.com. You can order original works, prints in many sizes and framing options, greeting cards, canvas prints, and tee shirts.

You can find the complete list of print and tee shirt options on my Web site at lesteryocum.com/products. Check it out and let me know anything else you might want to see.

Thanks!

-Les

More Paintings Added

2009-08-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

I've just placed five paintings online:

Silver and Gold Have I None
From Acts chapter 3, this painting depicts Peter and John kneeling to help a man to his feet whom they had just healed. He had been lame from birth.

Amelia Earhart 2066
From the 2008 class of the Illustration Master Class. The assignment was to create a book cover for a novel about a future Amelia Earhart.

This Pig Flies!
A take on the phrase, "We make pigs fly". This pig, with the proper propulsion, can really fly!

Belle
A portrait of my wife's favorite, beloved dog.

Doris
A painting done from a maquette, or small, reference sculpture, at James Gurney's Creature Design Workshop.

James Gurney's Creature Class

2009-07-29T17:24:00.000-07:00

I've been having a marvelous time at James Gurney's "Creating Realistic Fantasy" workshop at the Woodstock School of Art (WSA -- details are on his blog). The author of the Dinotopia series of books, I've been an admirer of James since seeing his work on display at the Smithsonian years ago. He is a humble man of great and broad talent and accomplishment, awesomely supported by his wife Jeanette.

Our focus has been on creating a realistic version of the mythological creature Pan. We've sketched a lot, art directed a live model, and spent time drawing from a live goat. Excellent references. Today we made maquettes, or small models of our critiqued sketches, which we will light and use as reference for our final work. I will paint mine in oils; others are doing sculptures.

Kudos to James, his wife, and the team at WSA. Two more days to go!

Susan Boyle - Wow!

2009-04-14T16:27:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how impressed I am with this YouTube video of Susan Boyle, dated 11 Apr 2009. I _love_ her attitude. The audience's reaction is _very_ instructive. Very cool.

Photo Shoot: Peter and the Lame Man

2009-03-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

Last night we had another photo shoot, this one creating reference material for an illustration for Acts 3, the story of Peter and the man lame from birth. My wife provided marvelous help as two men and one boy from our church sat under the lights. The results were excellent; it was also one of the most spiritual shoots I've had. Now for the post production work -- Photoshop and oils. I'll post photos of my progress later.

This makes eight paintings I now have in some degree of development, a record for me. It also includes five studies of Abraham Lincoln. Now all I need to do is find the time -- or use my time more wisely -- to finish them.

Yay!

Sand Art Video -- Wonderful!

2009-03-07T09:32:00.000-08:00

My brother sent me this link to a sand art video on YouTube by Ilana Yahav. It is titled "You've Got a Friend." Very well done:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIOsIbqpR5s

New Online Painting: John the Beloved

2009-02-11T18:15:00.000-08:00

I've just placed online a photo of my latest painting, John the Beloved.

The painting is 17X24", oil on Masonite, and depicts John, Jesus' beloved disciple, on his way to do the work of the Lord, looking toward the light.

He holds a pot, symbolizing his capacity to accept and carry the Holy Spirit and his ability to pour it out on others. The rope symbolizes his life. One end trails off the bottom of the picture, showing that his life would not end until Christ's work was done.

I hope to enter this shortly in the annual Portrait Society of America International Portrait Competition. Results posted later. Wish me luck!

Studio Incamminati Followup

2009-02-07T14:24:00.000-08:00

The class at Studio Incamminati in Philadephia was very good. It was a challenging re-appraisal of the basic tenets of color theory and modeling, based on the philosophies of Nelson Shanks, the founder and artistic director, and Henry Hensche. The studio fills two floors of a building in downtown Philly, and the walls are covered with gorgeously lit and colored and modeled interpretations of still lifes and the human figure. You could also tour the faculty offices, including Nelson Shanks space, with a huge figure painting. Marvelous.

The focus of the class was to introduce students to the techniques and methods used in later programs. Very quick, very intense. Very patient teachers; a great deal of humbling was required on my part.

Hensche's philosophies on color were transformative, even at my very basic level of exposure. I've painted for years, using the standard color pallets of the Renaissance, updated by modern media. At SI they laid out 21 colors – absolutely luscious looking oils – around the rim of an 18x24” palette. No black, of course, but a lot of titanium white. Instead of flesh tones from alizarin crimson, yellow ochre, and white, for instance, we used cadmium green and cadmium orange. Wow. Beautiful.

I appreciated the chance to be there. I've never seen a more devoted faculty. I learned a lot – dipped my toe in, actually, but a door was opened. Very cool.

Web Site Renovation Completed

2009-02-07T14:15:00.000-08:00

I finished updating my Web site, glad to have it with a modern look and modern technology. It includes an RSS link to this blog and extensive use of CSS, as well as updates to my resume' and background pages.

More importantly, it includes recent works and gallery shows, with references to the Illustration Master class and Studio Incamminati. Very good; glad to have it done. I believe it to be a major improvement.

lesteryocum.com Lives!

2009-01-19T17:58:00.000-08:00

My Web site is back online again. I took down the Coppermine site I'd had up earlier because it didn't meet basic criteria, especially easy linking to images. I have much updating to do to it, but the basics are there again. More good stuff to come.

Prep for Studio Incamminati

2009-01-12T18:44:00.001-08:00

I just ordered the materials I need for the Advanced Painting for New and Returning Students program at Studio Incamminati in Philadelphia, PA. I gave up traditional oil paints years ago in favor of water miscable oils. This class strongly encourages using traditional tools, so I refreshed my stock. I've been told, most recently at the Illustration Master Class (a fantastic class, by the way), that I'm doing well in my paintings but I'm being limited by water-based tools. Now we'll see. I strongly value the health benefits of water based, but if oil based are that much better, I'll switch.

New Art Accepted

2009-01-12T18:34:00.000-08:00

I've gotten another painting accepted by a gallery. This painting, called "While Mary Sleeps" (oil on Masonite, 13x13"), will hang in the Museum of Church History and Art gallery in Salt Lake City, Utah as part of their Eighth International Art Competition. The showing will be from March through September 2009.