resplendent chaos

Golden Idols of Manhood: Coral Buddha

The Mission District coffee joint was abuzz with fashionable hipsters striving to see and be seen by all the other fashionable hipsters crowding the ultra hip hotspot. Frenetic energy and loud conversation filled the place and everyone was hopped up on coffee and sugar. Suddenly, my friend gasped and told me to turn around and look at the gorgeous guy who just walked in. He moved fluidly and calmly through the rambunctious crowd and as he walked by, I noticed an elaborate coral tattoo inked across his smooth golden chest. He took a seat at a back table after ordering tea from the awestruck barista and pulled not a laptop, not a cell phone or even an iPad from his bag, but an actual book and calmly began reading. His powerful, yet tranquil energy took hold over the entire room and everyone seemed to settle down and relax in his presence. He was, without a doubt, the elusive Coral Buddha. Medium: graphite and acrylic in sketchbook.

Don't Smile At The Fire Lion If You Know What's Good For You

Rain-sodden tempestuous clouds jetted over the city shrouding buildings, trees, and sidewalks in a fine mist muting all vibrancy into soft shades of grey.  Wet concrete puddles reflected images of hulking dark buildings looming above as black raincoat wearing pedestrians deftly maneuvered around them. The drab gloom coated everyone in a murky gauze except for one woman: The Fire Lion. Standing over 6 feet tall, and dressed in fiery hues of red and orange, she stood out like a flaming beacon as she waited to cross the street. Her wild mane of copper hair illuminated her growling face with an inferno of flaming heat and she even cast a warm glow upon the pavement below her.  I was curious to see what she'd do if I smiled at her. I learned that Fire Lions do not respond well to gesture of cheer, in fact, it only causes their faces to twist further into drooping folds of grumpiness. I found her reaction very amusing and my smile burst forth into a giggle.  Fire Lions are fun to tease, but it's advisable to keep your distance. Medium: acrylic, ink, gold metallic paper in sketchbook.

The No. 5 Pod Pixie and Rupert The Fashion Walrus

I'm grateful to have the kind of friends who don't mind me using them as models no matter how bizarrely I choose to portray them.  Chrissa (above), a talented artist and tiny trickster from the Tribe of 5 is one of the funniest, kindest, and eccentric people I know. An angel fairy from the Realm of the Pods, she's a blast to hang out with and is one of my main Muses.  Bob (below), is a stylish creative chameleon who enjoys adopting different personas and completely reinventing his look every few years. A masterful costume and character creator, his latest incarnation is a chap called Rupert Paige.  To become Rupert, Bob grew an impressive Wilford Brimley-esque walrus 'stache, donned a German fedora, began puffing on a Calabash pipe, and styled his hair into carefully combed swirls. Both sketches appear in my Sketchbook Project book. Medium: graphite, acrylic, pen, glitter, and digital enhancement for better web viewing.