Halloween 2013

 The yard display went up on Monday, October 28^th and while technically it was the smallest display we have done since 2006 it did feature a lot of new pieces.

 New for 2013 were three large Green Demons, two Green Goblins, a dozen papier mache Tombstones and two new Gargoyles.

 The three evenings leading up to Halloween were beautiful but Wednesday night the rain started and by my estimation we received over two inches of rain by Thursday morning.

This is the second year of crappy weather but we pushed through the mess and had a fun Halloween all the same.

 Hope everybody’s favorite day was fun and safe….now get started on 2014!

                                           

Mighty Midland Mantis

One of my submissions for the 2013 Downtown Midland Sculpture Series was selected to be included in this year's event. Next week there is an artist's meeting to discuss details then it's forward go with the construction process. Very much looking forward to creating the Mantis, a nice change of pace from the usual Halloween craziness. Below is the description of the piece that was submitted to the judges.

Mighty Midland Mantis is a large four and a half foot tall praying mantis wood sculpture featuring bright colors and playful pose. The praying mantis is a mystical creature and it is often considered good luck when one is found in the garden, so it’s with that thought that I believe Mighty Midland Mantis would be a fun and positive addition to the 2013 Downtown Midland Larger Than Life Summer Sculpture Series.  The sculpture will be painted with very bright colors (greens, yellows and pinks) and will also feature the word “Midland” as part of the wing design.

Mighty Midland Mantis is constructed from pieces of ½ inch treated plywood, each piece cut from plywood then assembled in a puzzle fashion to create the final sculpture. A combination of hardware (bolts, screws, brackets) will be used in the assembly resulting in a very solid and durable sculpture that will withstand the elements and contact with the public. A base will be supplied with the sculpture.

The wood sculpture will be covered with a good quality exterior primer then painted with high quality exterior latex paint. The final piece will then be delivered for the automotive clear coat. In addition to the treated plywood the Mighty Midland Mantis will use a variety of metal hardware and metal rods to depict the antennas above each eye. 

A three foot circular base will be part of the sculpture.

Note: The mantis shown in these photos is a small miniature made from cardboard, the miniature serves as a guide and the pattern for the final sculpture. 

No Hibernation

In years past I have usually taken a break from Halloween during November, December, January and February.

Not this year.

Our front yard decked out for Halloween.

Now that everything is packed away (and organized rather well thank you) the goal is to start work on the 2013 season immediately.

Our yard with Halloween all packed away.

Next year will be the year that I debut a new theme featuring all new props and a lot of rather innovative ideas.

This winter will be filled with testing and refining new techniques, ideas that have been festering in my mind for years and are now ready to be realized.

No hibernation. Maybe a nap here and there but no hibernation.