VIVA MARTINEZ-LUNA

My first and only tweet.

2011-10-23T19:33:00.000-07:00

FALL

2011-10-20T20:38:00.000-07:00

Fall is nice. Wind. Cool air. And, in just a few short months I'll be ready for summer.

I'm Back!

2011-10-17T20:45:00.001-07:00

A new career + a new baby = a new life. Okay, so the career is two years old and the baby 10 months but boy, both of them sure do eat up the time. I'm back to drawing and trying to do it daily but I have learned to live with the idea that it ain't gonna happen. So, I fit it in when I can. Life goes on.

If you would like to see what I have been doing the past two years, check out the new website...www.rasarinteriors.com. Otherwise, keep it tuned here and I will try to post new drawings on a regular basis.

Day 46: Xavier Santos

2011-02-15T19:47:00.000-08:00

Okay, I've noticed that people don't comment as often as they used to and that is fine, people are busy. Plus this is a drawing a day not a blog post a day.

With that being said I am not going to post everyday. I've decided to let a few drawings build up and then post.

Plus Xavier is wondering why his papa isn't playing with him every chance he has.

Day 45: Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T19:19:00.001-08:00

Day 44: Valentines Continued...

2011-02-13T20:01:00.000-08:00

Day 43: Valentines Continued...

2011-02-13T19:57:00.000-08:00

Day 42: Drawing a Suite Valentine

2011-02-11T13:17:00.000-08:00

The Valentines are in the mail to those of you who so kindly requested one. I hope you enjoy.

All the drawings were done, randomly put in envelopes and addressed. I don't know who got what.

Day 41: A Heart Shaped Moon

2011-02-10T20:53:00.001-08:00

Thank you, Russell, for a fun art walk.

40 Days, 40 Nights, & 40 Drawings

2011-02-09T19:50:00.000-08:00

Day 39: Escape to Which Mountain?

2011-02-08T18:48:00.000-08:00

Day 38: Oh Rainy Day

2011-02-07T19:43:00.000-08:00

How beautiful the rain was today.

Day 37: Pictures of Me

2011-02-06T20:27:00.000-08:00

My friend Jeb asked me recently in an online note if I was getting anything out of this. Well, I couldn't tell if he was asking about the drawing everyday or giving away free Valentine drawings. I do get a good feeling out the free drawings. The drawing every day for a year, I think I am getting...somewhere.

What this is for me is practice. In anything you do, I believe, you only get better if you practice daily. You want to learn a musical instrument, practice. Do it every day and you will become good at it.

I started out very satisfied with almost every drawing. Now I find they aren't as strong. This is really forcing me to think more about what I am doing. Not only in the technique of what I do but why I do it. What do the images and/or markings I make mean? Should they have a meaning? Should they be easily interpreted? Do people read it to them? Should they? Not sure.

I do find myself slipping into the self portraits...again. Not sure if I like that direction but as I say, get a notion-do it.

I guess all in all if I am still getting notions I'll still be drawing. Hopefully, within a year something will develop.

Day 36: My buddy and me...

2011-02-05T19:57:00.001-08:00

Day 35: How come people don't dress up like cowboys anymore?

2011-02-04T20:21:00.000-08:00

Day 34: Stands Alone

2011-02-03T19:20:00.000-08:00

Day 33: Behind the Scenes

2011-02-02T19:38:00.000-08:00

If you want something done and done well, you have to do it yourself. Why is that? Is it because one person's expectations most likely isn't another person's expectations. I suppose.

Why do I bring this up? Because I'm a control freak. I never used to be this way. What has happened to me. Egad!

Day 32: The Mysterious Spider Cowboy...

2011-02-01T20:06:00.000-08:00

Day 31: ONE MONTH!

2011-01-31T19:15:00.000-08:00

Only eleven more to go. Seems endless...

Day 30: Bienvenidos a...

2011-01-30T20:41:00.001-08:00

FIN.

I have only received one address for a Valentine card. I think I may have been a little unclear. If you would like a Valentine card from me this year send me your address. Or, if you think I have your address just send me a note. I am starting my address book for free art all over so I may have your address but you will not get anything unless you tell me you would like it. Please send me a note to my email address... christopher@martinezluna.com. All are welcome, old friends, new friends, strangers. Heck, my wife may not get anything for Valentine's day if I don't hear from her.

If I don't get very many requests you may get drawings instead of a print.

Day 29: Mine!

2011-01-29T20:50:00.001-08:00

Day 28: Who's carrying the weight now?

2011-01-28T20:08:00.000-08:00

Day 27: La Luna Amor

2011-01-27T19:48:00.001-08:00

For a number of years I would make a "Valentine Suite" of prints but for the last couple of years I was too busy. Well, Valentine's Day is around the corner and I think I am going to start it again. I normally sent them out to patrons and close friends. However, I'm feeling very prolific these days.

I am wiping the slate clean...if you want a Valentine Day card from me make sure I have your address.

For those of you that I most likely have your address anyway...let's just say I lost my address book.

Day 26: What's the name of that song playing in your head?

2011-01-26T19:49:00.000-08:00

Day 25: El Arbol

2011-01-25T18:59:00.000-08:00

Day 24: At the 45th Parallel

2011-01-24T19:41:00.000-08:00

Where the something, something begins...

PS. Check out a new amigo in the side bar...www.speedshopdesign.blogspot.com

Day 23: Or maybe not.

2011-01-21T20:27:00.001-08:00

I suppose all the erasing filés that get left behind add something, thickens up the drawing a little.

Day 22: Time to clean my scanner bed.

2011-01-21T20:25:00.001-08:00

Day 21: Del Boca Vista

2011-01-21T20:22:00.001-08:00

Matt, how do we get to Del Boca Vista? Do we float down stream or use a schtick to paddle?

Day 20: Shoving Off.

2011-01-20T18:17:00.000-08:00

Lately, it seems I am going, going, going. I'm either driving here, flying there, going to this site meeting, and getting stuck behind trains. Like most people, obnoxious drivers really get under my skin. I got tired of cursing all the time and decided to go with the flow.

I have this theory. I call it, "Poop Kharma". When I got a dog, I was pretty good at picking up his poop. However, on occasion I'd be left without a bag and I would leave it behind. But, I noticed when I did so I would step in poop sometime the within the next week. I NEVER leave his poop behind and I haven't stepped in anything since.

What do these two things have in common? Well, I thought Poop Kharma might apply to Driving Kharma. I started being nice to other drivers. Letting people change lanes in front of me (when they clearly haven't the room). Letting other people go first and so forth. My consideration, I believed, would be given back to me or at least there wouldn't be any rude drivers crossing my lane.

Let me tell you...Poop Kharma does not apply to Driving.

Day 19: A Desert Fall

2011-01-19T19:23:00.001-08:00

Day 18: Snow-where

2011-01-18T20:08:00.000-08:00

Day 17: The Weekend End

2011-01-13T20:42:00.001-08:00

Not much to say with these last few drawings.

My long weekend is over, sad.

Day 16

2011-01-13T20:40:00.001-08:00

Day 15

2011-01-13T20:39:00.001-08:00

Day 14: My Loyalist of Friends

2011-01-13T20:35:00.000-08:00

I don't do enough drawings of my dog, Pugnacious D.O.G. With the new baby, it really is hard to keep him in the loop. He will forever, always be my first boy.

Day 13: The Weekend

2011-01-13T20:33:00.001-08:00

Today is my Friday, yipee.

Day 12: A very long day.

2011-01-12T21:16:00.000-08:00

Today I worked a 13 hour day. I woke at 5:30 and got home from work at 8:00. It was so much fun to come home and draw.

Day 11: For Jeb or The Obligatory Bird Drawing

2011-01-11T20:20:00.000-08:00

Jeb, is the price to high?

Day 10

2011-01-10T19:49:00.000-08:00

09 Enero 2011: Solitude?

2011-01-09T17:40:00.000-08:00

A few of things to think about. First of all, this drawing is larger than my previous eight. Not by much but still bigger. It measures in at 18"w X 15"h. It is my first attempt at taking the things I find successful or that I like and incorporate them in a larger drawing at the end of the week.

The second thing is I spoke with a very old dear friend today, that I don't speak with enough. Always very encouraging he mentioned something that got me thinking...technique. In my opinion, there is no right or wrong method of drawing technique. It is all mark making-take it a step further, whether you do it with a pencil on paper or oil paint on canvas it all the same action, drawing. But, I digress. My point here is I don't ever talk about my technique. Mostly because I don't want you to know. I am a firm believer in mystique. So, to contradict myself a bit I have taken the photo of my drawing with some of the tools that I use to draw with. What I won't tell you is how I use them. Figure it out for yourself. I did.

Lastly, I wanted to share a notion that I have just begun to explore with these drawings, solitude. I have done quite a bit of driving across the northwest states and one thing that always comes to my mind is, what did this land look like without the touch of mankind and modernization. What did the landscape look like when just the First Nations occupied it? How was it viewed when other people started arriving? I find this very intriguing mostly because we will never know. If a tree falls in the woods and no one is around to hear it, does it make a noise?

And, on the 7th day he thought about resting.

2011-01-08T20:57:00.001-08:00

It was very hard to do a drawing today. Not only is it the playoffs but the Seahawks are in the playoffs...still in the playoffs. However, I got it done.

I also wanted to change the way I do my posting. I was drawing one day and waiting until the next day to post it. I've decided to draw and then post as soon as I am done with it. So, with that being said, you get yesterday's drawing today and today's drawing today. Two for one!

Six Days: Mr. Xavier Santos-Mi Corazon

2011-01-07T19:57:00.000-08:00

I think it is harder trying to think of something to write than it is to do the drawings. This is a portrait of my son, Xavier Santos. Cute little bugger. Oh and by the way just so you all know it is Hah-vehr not ex-ā-vē-ir. Anyway onward and upward!

A Fifth A Day: Who is that masked man?

2011-01-06T20:21:00.000-08:00

It has only been six days...hey, I am only posting the fifth day! Why am I behind a day. I think I am going to have to fix that.

Anyway, I am pretty proud of myself for staying on task all week. This is one great habit. I even had time to do other things, fixed the flashing on the chimney, go to work, play with the kid, make the dinner, workout, watched, "The Who: At Kilburn: 1977" (kicks ass by the way), and most importantly spend time with the wife.

Speaking of the little guy. He will be going on his first road trip soon and may not be taking his laptop with him. Needs to disconnect for a little while to reinvigorate himself. But, he will be making his father do his drawings. So, if I drop off for a few days don't think I have lapsed.

Day #4: Puget Sounds Like Fun.

2011-01-05T18:59:00.000-08:00

This drawing could have used more work. However, I really like what is going on it. It has led me to an idea. These drawings aren't very big, about 8" X 10". I've decided to make smaller drawings during the week and take what I like about them, if anything, and incorporate them in a larger drawing over the weekend. Sounds like fun.

Day Number Three: A Mind Sweep

2011-01-04T20:05:00.000-08:00

Went to see the Pablo Picasso exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum. What a mad house! Went on Thursday morning but couldn't get in until 2:40. Instead got tickets for first thing Friday morning but it was still crazy. So many people!

It was a nice exhibit for SAM to have. One of their biggest, I'm sure. I've decided I'm not a huge fan of Picasso. His work doesn't stir anything in me. However, I did like his prints. I also found the fact that he didn't do just one thing very refreshing. He printed, painted, sculpted, etc. etc.

The other interesting fact to me was that he was very concerned about his legacy. So much so that he took control of it by keeping what he thought was his better work to himself.

Anyway, glad I saw it up close.

BONUS DRAWING: A Sleeping Xavier Santos.

El Segundo Día

2011-01-03T21:14:00.000-08:00

I really have nothing to say about this drawing other than I'm just mark making right now. The media is graphite. Actually it is an Eberhard Faber, Design, Ebony pencil, jet black and extra smooth. There might be more to that name but I've sharpened it a few times.

These pencils are great for making marks, very soft and very smooth especially on bristol vellum paper. The paper here, though, is Strathmore medium drawing paper. These pencils smudge easily which I love and I am using a brillo pad to scratch and move the graphite around with the help of my fingers.

Day One!

2011-01-02T12:53:00.000-08:00

Definitely going to be interesting to see what I come up with this coming year (for me anyway). I have a lot of media that has gone unused for years. I figure it is time to use it all up.

I have always been fascinated with the lines of airplanes and boats. So, I figure that will show up in a few of these first drawings. Can't wait to see where it takes me.

Hand Printed

2010-12-30T20:12:00.001-08:00

It has been a very busy December but I did not let the art making process go idle. I found the time to make two new block prints. One for our Christmas card and one for the birth announcement of my son.

The Christmas card was pretty simple. It is a two color block print, although, I don't think the print was successful in portraying the idea. The concept is three hands, my hand, my wife's hand and our son's hand one on top of the other. My wife's hand is in white-the negative between my hand and our son's hand. It is too close in dimension to my hand so it gets lost.

Lastly, when you open the card you find Pugnacious's paw prints. You cannot forget about Pugnacious D.O.G. He won't let you.

The second print was also a two color block print-a depiction of my sleeping son. The card was the birth announcement that went out to family. On the inside of this card was his name, "Xavier Santos, Born December First, Two Thousand Ten, at 1:26 a.m., 6 pounds .8 ounces, 18.5 inches."

The New Year fast approaches which means a drawing a day for a year. Or, if my friend Jebadiah gets his wish, the rest of my life. I hope he has enough wall space to hang it all.

Premature Resolution: To Be Reborn

2010-12-07T20:02:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning at 3:00 am and never went back to sleep. On my mind...how long has it been since I put pencil to paper for myself. My interior design work has so consumed ALL my creative outlets. Can I nurse myself back to making art for me again? Am I strong enough to feed my creative energy enough to produce work?

Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy interior design. I have wonderful clients. But drawing is my first child.

So...here it is: The 100 drawings in a 100 days worked pretty well for me to make a daily habit of drawing. Now, it is time to aim higher. ONE DRAWING EACH DAY FOR A YEAR. Holy smokes, I said it. Let's see if I do it.

Beginning January 1st, I will produce one drawing each day. Here's to hopin'.

Giving Birth to Rejuvenation

2010-08-13T09:34:00.000-07:00

I was able to spend a nice relaxing weekend on the small island of Guemes last weekend. Even though it rained all day on Saturday, it was so nice to stop everything and relax.

Went to Edison, saw some friends, some art and went to the Bread Farm. If you ever find yourself near Edison go to the Bread Farm. You can't miss it. You can't miss anything in Edison. And, get yourself a package of graham crackers. These are the best graham crackers you will ever, I mean ever, have.

Oh, also, did a little drawing...

Setin'em Down & Knockin'em Up

2010-08-08T17:12:00.000-07:00

My workdays are so hard that I have to take a coffee break before my job even begins. Most mornings you can find me in a Starbucks drinking my coffee, reading, playing Brick on my Blackberry, or drawing random people who were unlucky enough to sit near me. Here are a few of those poor souls...

Not Shooting Blanks

2010-07-06T20:22:00.000-07:00

It seems like everytime I post I apologize for not posting. Well, life is busy. It doesn't mean I have been letting the art sit idle. I sketch (not as much as I should). I make new work (I could make more). But I have been the creative and busy interior designer and loving every minute of it.

I did find the time to make a new print for the Arthritis Foundation auction. I did three different versions. Which is your favorite? Let me know why it is your favorite and if you're lucky, I'll send it to you.

Moseying Along

2010-04-10T14:08:00.000-07:00

I am a day late in my post but better late than never, que no? Some progress has been made on the lone cowboy. Not as much as I would have liked but it is moseying along. I wish I had the energy to do more during the week but it has been a busy one.

As I mentioned before the new career includes some drawing as well. I wish I could post those here but since they are done while under the employ of someone else, I figure it best to not post without permission. I have also been commissioned to do a couple of portraits. Again, I have not asked for permission of the patron so I am opting not to show those either.

However, Krystal and I have been helping a friend with the interior design of his new house. Along with some suggestions with what to do with some of the interior detailing, we gave him our advice when he purchased a custom made sofa. Part of that was to do a drawing of the sofa that he ordered so he could better visualize his major purchase. He made quite a few changes to the sofa such as the leg detail, the amount of cushions, and adding the tufting and welting to the seats. Here is that drawing.

Drawing is getting done in one form or another and that is keeping me very pleased.

Draw!

2010-04-02T14:48:00.000-07:00

It isn't much but at least it is a start. I had a very busy week and didn't get to the drawing board as much as I wanted to but I at least started the drawing. Now, hopefully, it will continue and you can check back at the progress of the drawing and see what you think. This drawing is about 36" x 36" and in graphite.

My subject matter here is the little plastic toy cowboy. I'm sure everyone remembers the little plastic green army men as well as the cowboys and Indians. Well, I am reproducing one on a large scale and if it turns out well I may continue on with the Indian. And, if I am still happy with what I am doing then I plan on drawing a Mexican. You remember playing with plastic toy Mexicans, don't you? No? Neither do I. Why not? Oh, because Mexicans were never a part of American kid culture or a part of the educational curriculum. We never had any chapter on Mexican history when I went to high school. I think the only Mexicans in American history that were mentioned were during the battle at the Alamo. We all know how that turned out.

When I was a child, like most little boys, I was enthralled with cowboys and Indians. I remember watching old spaghetti westerns with my dad and if there was a Mexican character or the Mexican army rode in, my father would always say, "here come the good guys!"

I also had a thought that these drawings might lead into some portraits of those old Hispanic actors that have been long forgotten. Who knows? Maybe I'll make my own little plastic toy Mexican figures.

On A Roll!

2010-03-26T10:51:00.000-07:00

Friday number two! That's two Fridays in a row. Not necessarily on a roll, yet. But the paper on the easel is.

My major accomplishment for the week was to clean off that mess I like to refer to as inspiration and put some clean, blank paper on it. I wish it were as simple as it sounds but I have never had this particular set up before. Usually I will tape a single sheet of paper to the easel. Here I had to make two brackets which was basically bending flat iron around a closet rod, drill a couple of holes into them, and attach them to the top of the easel. Then run said closet rod through. Works pretty well.

The next step is starting the drawing...

My hands weren't quiet that idle this week. I really was in the mood to bend metal. I had acquired a nice little piece of live edge wood and decided to make a little spot table. I did a few quick little sketches, ran them past the head designer in the house (my lovely wife), and then put it into production. Here is the final result.

I had planned on leaving that front edge unfinished but after seeing the pictures, I think I have changed my mind. I'll have to check with the head designer.

First time this year...

2010-03-19T10:03:00.000-07:00

How sad is that. March is nearly over and this is the first post of 2010. Yikes! I promise to be better...well, take it for what it is worth.

I for the most part work from home. Fridays are a play day so I am planning on making it my post day. Every Friday there should be a new post.

I am also starting something I have wanted to do since I began the blog. That is, to show progress on a drawing as it happens, weekly. This plan, like the 100 drawings in 100 days plan, is to get me to draw. I have basically two careers and drawing is a part of both. One being an interior designer doesn't involve a lot of drawing but it happens occasionally and I enjoy it. Being an artist, you would think, should compromise of drawing all the time. However, there is a business side to it that takes up more time than you would think. Anyway, drawing is what I am here to do so...

Here is my easel. It is only one of my drawing surfaces. As you can see I don't use it much. This past week was spent cleaning the studio and more importantly cleaning off my easel. Mission accomplished. Let's see how far I get by next week. See you then.

As the Atomic Ball Clock Falls In Time

2009-12-31T11:11:00.000-08:00

With the final hours of 2009 tick-tocking away, I want to say a few things. First of all, thank you to all of you who click on my blog to see what I am up to. Hopefully, I can be of some interest in 2010. Also, I want to say how amazingly blessed Krystal and I feel. This year had it's ups and downs but we are truly grateful to be where we are, to know the people we know and to have the opportunities we have.

For Christmas I made Krystal this "Atomic Ball Clock". It is my version of the Nelson Ball Clock. We have a very mid-century modern house and Krystal has always wanted this clock to grace our walls. I took Mr. Nelson's clock and put a Pacific Northwest touch on it. Thank you to Steve at Casella Lighting and Dylan at She-Metal with helping me get the parts.

Here is the original clock sold by Design Within Reach and their description of how the clock came to be...very interesting.

"George Nelson often collaborated with other designers, and in the case of the Ball Clock (1948), Nelson was at a dinner party with Isamu Noguchi, Irving Harper and Bucky Fuller. As the story goes, they were all sketching and "we'd had a little bit too much to drink," said Nelson. In the morning, they saw a drawing of the Ball Clock on a roll of drafting paper. "I don¹t know to this day who cooked it up," said Nelson. "I know it wasn't me. It might have been Irving, but he didn't think so. [We] both guessed that Isamu had probably done it because [he] has a genius for doing two stupid things and making something extraordinary out of the combination. It could have been an additive thing, but we never knew.""

Happy Belated Christmas!

2009-12-29T10:01:00.001-08:00

Wow! It has been nearly two months since I posted last. That is way too long. However, I have been quite busy. Doing what you ask? Well, switching careers. I have the opportunity to go from helping interior designers in a showroom surrounding to being an interior designer. Doug Rasar, one of Seattle's leading interior designers, has given me the wonder chance to work beside and learn from him. Needless to say I am very excited and appreciative for this prospect. It is a very exciting time in my life but also very busy as I wind down one job for another one.

Now you would think working two jobs at once would leave very little time for artwork. This is true. However, I have managed to create a few things. In the next few weeks I am hoping to post a couple of those things that I have managed to produce.

For now I will leave you with this years Christmas card.

2009-11-03T09:04:00.000-08:00

Con Mucho Amor.

Found Object: Side A

2009-10-18T17:53:00.000-07:00

Here are the Side A drawings. They were done last week but it took a few days to get around to post them.

I am trying to nail down some subject matter for a larger series of work. The 100 drawing series helped with material and these last twenty one helped with layout and proportions. All that is holding me up is the subject matter.

I really would like to post the progress of the work so you can see how things develop and not just the end product.

Stay tuned.

Found Object: Side B

2009-10-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

Well, it always seems that B sides are rare but supposedly not as good as the A Side otherwise it would be the A Side. In this case, Side B won and Molly won the drawing to get a drawing or something cool from me. Congrats Molly!

These are 10 drawings I did of Side B. They don't actually exist anymore because they were just assembled, photographed and then rearranged to make the next drawing.

And come back because later this week I will have ten drawings of Side A. Don't want Side A to feel left out! But in the meantime, send me a note and tell me which one of these ten you like best.

Back to the Drawing Board: Found Objects

2009-10-09T10:04:00.000-07:00

I purpose a little experiment. I found this lovely and fragile little object while walking Pugnacious D.O.G. the other day. I want to use it in a drawing but can't decide which side of it I like better. So, I need your help in deciding. Which side do you like better, Side A or Side B. Let me know. Anyone who submits will be entered in a drawing to get something special from me.

Is that incentive enough?

Side A

Side B

Jinx Art Show

2009-09-23T17:42:00.000-07:00

Alright, it has been awhile since my confes...I mean post. The show at Jinx Art Space has gone up and is near time to come down. The opening weekend was very hectic. I was late to my own opening because I got a flat tire on the drive in and my, not-nearly-as-flat, stomach was running on empty. So, after changing a tire and filling up my stomach at Casa Que Pasa, I made it to the reception and found out I missed seeing some people. My apologies to those that came out but I did not get to see. And my gratefulness to those that did come out. It was nice to see my family and friends that I don't get to see very often, especially, my most favorite aunt, Aunt Midge. Who drove down all the way from Canada with her family. I don't thank her enough for all her support.

I also forgot my camera. Luckily my wonderful wife didn't forget hers and remembered to snap a couple of shots of the work. There are five drawings that were part of the 100 drawings in 100 days and three new pieces. All of my Grandmother, Elida Luna.

CLEAR AS KRYSTAL

2009-09-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

"My life's in jeopardy. Murdered in cold blood is what I'm gonna be. I ain't been home since Friday night and now MY WIFE is comin' after me."

My wonderfully beautiful and lovely wife now has her own blog, Clear As Krystal. Be sure to click on over and check it out. I'm sure she will inspire you as much as she inspires me. Thanks, Sugar!

ART SHOW OPENING

2009-09-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

Just want to remind everyone that I have a show opening this Friday the 4th of September in Bellingham, Washington. It is a group show with some very talented people that I am glad to be showing with and even happier to be friends with. If you don't have any plans or if you have plans, skip them!, and come out to see an art show and stay for some free live music from Language Arts and The Daffodils.

The art show begins at 6:00 and the music at 10:00 at the JINX ART SPACE at 306 Flora Street in downtown Bellingham.

New Show in Bellingham

2009-08-18T09:35:00.000-07:00

I have an upcoming show in Bellingham, Washington at the Jinx Art Space on 306 Flora Street just up the block from the Whatcom Museum of Art. I'm very excited to be exhibiting some new work so close to my home town.

Entitled "The Portrait Show", it will consists of work from 5 different artists. And, later in the evening, I believe beginning around 10:00, there will be live music from the Daffodils and Language Arts.

Please come out on Friday, September 4th. The gallery opens at 4:00. The Friday night art walk commences at 6:00. I hope to see you there!

On a different but related topic, last night I went to Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School. I haven't drawn from a live model in some time so this was a great opportunity to get my arm moving and make some marks. And, after few gin and tonics, my joints were lubricated. So, to wet your whistle for the Portrait Show in Bellingham here are just a few of the results from last night.

Muy Triste

2009-08-14T11:17:00.000-07:00

My very good friend, Laurel sadly had to say good-bye to her precious cat, Hutch. Hutch was a very loyal friend and will be missed by a lot of people. My heart goes out to you, Laurel.

Art Lesson #101: Yo Quiero Fun but Serious Artwork

2009-07-30T09:31:00.000-07:00

A couple of quick ideas. I recently heard on the radio that the Taco Bell Chihuahua recently pasted away, so sad. Here are a couple of adds that Taco Bell may have passed up on.

I'll leave you with this short story...I was walking in downtown Seattle last night when a woman passed me on the street. She had a dog in her cleavage! My curiosity got the best of me so I stopped the lady to ask what kind of dog it was. She replied a Chi-Chihuahua!

DAY 100: The Reward Is In The Doing Of It.

2009-07-29T08:55:00.000-07:00

It is done. 100 drawings, 100 days. But don't worry. It isn't over yet. I may take a day or two off from the drawing and posting but I'll be back shortly. I've created great momentum drawing from what use to be a sketchy habit. But, I think I've illustrated to myself that if I pencil in the time to do it, it gets done. And, that is my reward.

Thank you to all those friends who helped in the beginning by requesting their own free drawing and a thank you to everyone who checks out the blog. I appreciate your interest in what I am doing.

Here is drawing 100. It again, like yesterdays, is a bit bigger but when I scanned it I ended up liking the little portion more than the whole. So, I think I leave it at that.

Do keep checking back. I am working on putting the 100 drawings into a book. It will a nice little present to see the progression from day 1 to day 100.

Day 99: Elida Luna

2009-07-28T08:58:00.000-07:00

Only one more day left to reach 100 days of consecutive drawing. Amazing.

Last nights drawing was slightly larger than the previous 98 and it did not fit on my scanner bed. So, I scanned it anyway and then I quickly photographed it so you can see the full drawing.

I have completed numerous drawings of my family over the years and in particular of my grandmother. In behind the moon is one of those drawings that is now in the collection of a very good patron, Dallene Bracken. It is of my grandmother when she was in Traverse City, Michigan picking cherries. My grandparents and my parents were migrant workers. These are the people that pick your produce for very little pay. I am very grateful for the strength of my family. For my mother and my grandparents, who were able to provide for me more than I could have ever imagined.

Day 96, 97 and 98: Elida Luna

2009-07-27T09:47:00.000-07:00

Aye Dios Mio! Only two more days left! I do not believe it. I was talking to a good friend about the drawings and I don't know what is more shocking that a hundred drawings will have been completed or a 100 days just flew by. I am excited to see what happens Wednesday night, most likely drinking, maybe some drawing, definitely some drinking.

I went home this weekend to visit my grandmother. It was a very nice visit.

Day 95: Las Lunas

2009-07-24T09:50:00.001-07:00

My grandparents again.

Day 94: Las Lunas

2009-07-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

And, this would be my grandmother and grandfather.

E.L + C.L.

Day 93: Elida Luna

2009-07-22T09:30:00.001-07:00

My grandmother again as a very young woman.

Just a quick thought as I near the end of my 100 drawings, practice. I made the conscious realization that drawing is like anything else; to get better at it or even to maintain your skill level you have to practice. Seems pretty common sense but for some reason, for a long time, I didn't do it enough. It should be a daily event like breakfast.

Day 92: Elida Luna

2009-07-21T09:22:00.000-07:00

This is my grandmother. Con mucho amor.

Day 89, 90 & 91: Not Quite Finished.

2009-07-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

I thought I had exhausted the photographs and ideas for this series of drawings. I suppose I was half right. However, I did manage to complete another half used sketch book. Yea, for me!

Tonight I hope to embark on something else for the last nine drawings. Can you believe it? Nine more drawings until 100. Here are this weekends additions.

Alone?

Lost a Piece and Found of Mind

Circling Overhead

Day 88: Termino

2009-07-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

I think I have come to the end of this series...

Day 87: No Mas Trabajo

2009-07-16T09:08:00.000-07:00

This was totally unintentional, a happy accident. I guess it could be the universe trying to tell me something.

Day 86: Dos Dibujos, Dos Elefantes Mas.

2009-07-15T09:06:00.000-07:00

A treat for you and me. I completed two drawings last night. The first one is my regular drawing for the evening. The second one is for a patron who really wanted the first Dos Elefantes drawing that went to my friend Jason. Since it wasn't available I created a new one. Enjoy!

Day 85: It is always sunnier on the other side.

2009-07-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

Day 82, 83 & 84: Plus a Bonus Print!

2009-07-13T09:09:00.001-07:00

#82: Insert Bird Here

#83: Pioneer Square

#84: Insert Human Here

BONUS PRINT!

This print was commissioned by my good friend Kyle for his very lovely girlfriend, Cynthia. These are her pooches Topsy and Toby. Happy Birthday Cynthia!

Day 81: Feeling Double

2009-07-10T09:57:00.000-07:00

Feeling much better in regards to where this drawing ended up. My solution to yesterday's doldrums were to cut into, combine and use multiple photographs. Although, still fighting the urge to scrawl, scribble and write. In actuality I wish I had more letter stickers. I really enjoyed the look of the pre-printed and static lettering against the textured charcoal.

Day 80: Cansado

2009-07-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

I have been very sleepy all week. And, as I post this drawing I am very unenthusiastic about it. It seems tired, stuck in a rut. These drawings have to go some where and all the good ones are being sold. I now only have twenty more left to do. I figure I better do something to keep them fresh. Any ideas?

Day 79: El Libro de los Dibujos O Dónde Está el Puerco?

2009-07-08T09:09:00.000-07:00

This is a dedicated to my lawyer. Matt, if I give you drawings do they count as a retainer?

I have done something that I believe is the first time ever! I have completely filled a sketch book. I have this compulsion to buy sketch books and never fill any of them. I even have some that I have never opened. Sad, I know. However, doing a drawing every day seems to be the cure for that. If I can curb my addiction to buying any sketch books and use the ones I have, my guess it would take at least five years before I had to buy another one, at least!

Day 78: Tree vs. Smokestack

2009-07-07T09:04:00.000-07:00

I feel like this drawing is missing something but couldn't bring myself to actually do anything more. My first inclination was to scrawl something along the bottom. But, no that was the wrong place and would ruin the flow and negative space that is happening there.

My second reaction was to write in the grey space toward the top of the photograph. This is a perfect place that would catch your eye and then draw it downward. However, in both instances I came to the conclusion I didn't have anything to write. I could just scribble but that, pardon the pun, doesn't say anything.

Now as I recount the process of creating the drawing, it has occurred to me what I should have done. And, I will most likely try with today's drawing.

Tune in tomorrow to see what happens to the daring artist Luna C as he battles pencil and paper in a duel to the end. And now a word from our sponsor...

What did the tree say to the smokestack? "You haven't moved from that spot all night except to ask for a light!"

Day 74, 75, 76 & 77: El Fin de la Semana, Grande!

2009-07-06T09:50:00.000-07:00

Thursday...Crow vs. Rooster.

Friday...Attack of the Branches

Saturday...Birdhouse or Sanctuary

Sunday...4 to 1

Fin.

Day 73: Una Reunión

2009-07-02T09:21:00.000-07:00

So ends the work week today for most people. I'm sorry for those of you it doesn't. It is a long holiday weekend and I am actually not going anywhere. So, I may continue to post daily through the weekend or I may post four drawings on Monday. I haven't decided. I suppose it depends on how inebriated I remain throughout the weekend.

Plans are to do a little landscaping. Stone is on my mind. I am very into natural stone these days. I just love the look. I am into combining natural formations with machined or crafted wood and metal. There is something very interesting when these two things come together.

Day 72: La Calle Martinez-Luna

2009-07-01T10:15:00.000-07:00

Day 71: El Desierto

2009-06-30T14:13:00.000-07:00

I have now embarked on the last 30 drawings of the 100. Yipee!

It has come to my attention that people are interested in the drawings for purchase. (Okay, I got one offer.) However, I thought I should let people know that yes indeed the drawings are available. Clarification, most of the drawings are available expect for, of course, the first thirty which went to particular people. And, available for cheap. Pricing is between $25- $50. If you are interested send me an email at christopher@martinezluna.com and we can negotiate.

Thank you to all of you who have been following the drawings. Here is to hoping that they don't stop after a 100, wink, wink.

Day 68, 69 & 70: Los de Abajos O Perro de Rey

2009-06-29T16:16:00.000-07:00

In our house there is only one of us that controls the remote and he guards it well. Too bad all he wants to watch is Animal Planet. I guess that makes us the underdogs.

I am enjoying taping old random photographs to my drawings as a starting point. Sometimes while in the middle of a drawing ideas keep coming and I never know when to stop. I over work them they get muddy and I don't achieve what I first set out to accomplish. In both of the following drawings I felt they needed more but actually didn't know what to do or where to go with them. So, I abandoned them. As I look at them now, I am glad I did. They would have been over worked. I really need to consciously realize when to stop.

Day 67: Luna Llena

2009-06-26T09:31:00.000-07:00

So ends another week. Now, I may stick to not posting this weekend and just post three drawings on Monday. Or, it may rain and I'll be stuck inside. Although, I do have a commission piece to work on and some portraits to do for an upcoming show in September. Yes a show! I'll keep you advised on that as I find out more information.

Anyways, have a great weekend!

Day 66: Los Árboles Otra Vez

2009-06-25T09:05:00.000-07:00

I really like birch trees. Might have to plant one.

Day 65: El Río Bravo

2009-06-24T09:38:00.000-07:00

I finally found the time to clean my studio this last weekend. It had become overgrown with books, paper, drawing materials and chain saws. I swept through the saw dust and found the table top which means I can dirty it up again. This has led to yesterday's and today's drawing with my good friend charcoal. Charcoal and I have known each other for a long time now, since high school. We love to get drunk and get sloppy. Or, in other words NASSTY. Enjoy.

What's up with that bird?! Go away bird!

Day 64: Árbol

2009-06-23T10:16:00.000-07:00

Una dedicación a mi bueno amigo, Ian.

Day 61, 62 & 63: El Fin de la Semana

2009-06-22T09:23:00.000-07:00

I have given into not posting on the weekends. I find it too hard between working in the yard, walking & playing with my dog, hanging with the wife and our social calender plus trying to just plain relax and draw to take time and sit in front of a computer. Life is just to short. And, that is why weekdays exist. So here are the last three days of drawing.

My wife has asked me to submit suggestions for a graphic on her blog that she is trying to create, Krystal Clear. Both, so far, have been summarily rejected. My wife is the most difficult client I have ever had.

Saturday was spent helping my friend Kyle celebrate his 32 birthday. After being yelled at for not providing him with more free art especially on his birthday, I decided to do some more drinking and drawing and created this loving portrait of Kyle and his significant other, Cynthia. Not sure who I should give it to, Cynthia or Kyle. I guess which ever one reads this first and sends me an email will get it. Of course that is assuming Kyle even remembers the weekend.

Lastly, I have a new best friend, Emmett. We hung out all Sunday afternoon. We played music, read books, rolled on the floor, bounced, played crinkle cube, ate lunch, basically just had a wonderful time together. I even did a portrait of Emmett and he was so mischievous as to keep kicking my arm as I drew him and making funny faces. He is such a funny guy!

So, three different days, three very different drawings. It was a very different (and by different I mean wonderful) weekend.

Day 60: Todos Juntos, Ahora!

2009-06-19T11:02:00.000-07:00

I had this idea to use some collage of Mexican newspapers in my 100 drawings but what I brought back didn't really spark anything. Here is my first attempt.

Well, this is number 60. Only 40 left to go. I am feeling like I really want to focus in on one idea but not quite sure what that is yet. Also, need to get going on some portraits. I need to repair a piece for a friend. I would like to do a series of block prints of Pugnacious maybe reignite interest in the Paw Prints of Seattle website. But first I really need to organize the studio. It's a shambles.
Oops, and there are a bunch people out there waiting for drawings I promised a month ago. Sorry! They are coming soon.

Day 59: Santos de Partido

2009-06-18T16:16:00.000-07:00

Had no idea where this was going but it went...

Day 56-58: Mas Lugares

2009-06-17T10:37:00.000-07:00

This is the second post to catch up over the extended holiday weekend that I experienced. The first two drawings are the last in the series of rainy landscapes. I received a few compliments on these drawings and I have to say that I really like them as well.

I am currently having a love affair with graphite. We dated once but went our separate ways after I was tempted away by the seductress charcoal. I'm afraid to say that I cannot be loyal to my drawing implements.

Last nights drawing is the third one posted below. Needless to say, my new lover and I did not agree on what we were making. Style, mood and concept all play a role in dictating what material should be used. My graphite mistress did not compliment my mid-century feel I was going for. I must remember to consider materials when trying to create a certain mood.

Could this be the end of my love affair? Tune in tomorrow to find out.

Day 53-55: Otros Lugares

2009-06-16T16:29:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lag in posts. I needed to spend some time away soaking up another culture, sample strange new foods and see places I could never imagine. I decided to take off at the drop of a hat to the very exotic beaches of Boise, Idaho. However, the drawing never ceases. Here are some interpretations of the foreign landscape.