IlluxCon 2010

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.

Daughter of Doris

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.