Proper Trouble

Alma 42:29 is my scripture of the day. In it, a father offers loving and strong counsel to a very good but troubled son. It has been a favorite of mine for a long time and applies in many areas of life:

"And now, my son, I desire that ye should let these things trouble you no more, and only let your sins trouble you, with that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance."

This painting of mine shows a good young man desperately concerned about life-and-death problems. The counsel he received is good and life changing. From 1 Nephi chapter 4.

Animation Samples

I created a new page on my web site showing samples of corporate GIF animations I created in 2003.

Visual Beauty

My wife and I saw Kung Fu Panda 3 last night. I was visually blown away. I've never seen a more artistically stunning effort before. That is quite a statement considering the graphical beauty of the previous two moves in the series.

While most of the film rendered realistically, in appropriate places the artwork is also stylized, even posterized, employing watercolor and cut paper effects in ways that move the work forward powerfully. And the characterizations -- powerful. Kai is in all ways the villain and the lighting, color, angle, score, and focus amplify that effect.

Most films save money and fade backgrounds to black over the final credits. In this movie the immensely long vertically screen that scrolls in background of the final credits inspires awe. The imagination and raw processing power required to produce it must have been massive -- and expensive. Why did they spend all that money and time to create that? To win awards? Perhaps. I think rather the artists could not settle for less. Their goal was to go for the monumental. In my view, they succeeded, memorably. And that throwaway section of the film kept me in my seat.

The result made me think deeply about the production value and goals I have for my artwork. Can I settle for less than this? Can I create monumental works in all I produce, no matter how inexpensive or small? Can I use their example to make greater, more-memorable images and stories that have impact for good? Can I settle for less?

The Kung Fu Panda 3 team raised my bar considerably. I thank them for it.

A New Dark Age

I did the cover art for this first book written by a very ambitious 17-year-old and helped guide him through the creation and publication process. I wish him and his family the best. The art is a combination of photos, 3D modeling, and a lot of Photoshopping.

You can find out more about this author and his book on his Createspace store.

Book Illustrations

While another day for snow to be cleared from parking lots at work, I've been working on an illustrated book I wrote a few years ago. Examples to follow.

At the same time I've also been listening to a childhood favorite of mine, Leonard Bernstein reading "Peter and the Wolf" as he conducts the New York Philharmonic. I remember listening to the vinyl LP on a phonograph player over and over again at our farm in Eatonville, Washington.

You can hear it online for free.

I Stand All Amazed

Today, making use of time off from my day job, I have been working on illustrations for my next book. As I worked, I have been listening to addresses by the newest apostles called by the Lord to help lead His church. The three of them focused on the humbling experience of being called, the basics of their faith, and how the Lord might be able to work through them. This has been helpful for me as I pondered my approach to my own responsibilities. The addresses have been helpful, sobering and inspiring. They have also occasioned more than a little awareness of my need to straighten out my own life. I hope they will help you.

Religion and Life: Why I am Here

I am here because I desire with all my heart to follow my Master, Jesus Christ. I yearn to do all that He asks of me in this great cause. I hunger to be edified by the Holy Spirit and hear the voice of God as He speaks through His ordained servants. I am here to become a better man, to be lifted by the inspiring examples of my brothers and sisters in Christ, and to learn how to more effectively minister to those in need.

In short, I am here because I love my Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf: On Being Genuine
4 April 2015
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/on-being-genuine