A is for Abbozzo

Picked up a 1946 edition of “Encyclopedia of the Arts” at a local thrift store, the book has 1064 pages of art terms and definitions which makes for some great late night reading. On the first page a word caught my attention, the word “abbozzo”,  a cool word that you can start using in everyday conversation if you really want to impress your friends and family.

Abbozzo (It.) Sketch or preliminary draft of a work of art.

Here is my latest abozzo, a rendering of a demonic style of gargoyle which I created late one night while sitting on our front porch sketching by candlelight. The plan is to build two of these for use as column toppers. You can check out the progress of the build here.

Creepy Crayola

Stumbled across this Crayola “Monster Mix-Ups  Creativity Kit” for ages 4 and older and since I fit the criteria I knew I had to have it. 

When my kids where younger they had a “Create-A-Critter” kit which was lots of fun.

Basically these are an assortment of plastic plates for the head, torso and feet that you can mix and match into hundreds of different combinations resulting in some wacky characters.

Each plate has a raised design and when you place a piece of paper over the plate and rub with a crayon the design is transferred to the paper.

A simple concept but lots of fun for this person that is well over four years old.

Mystery Sculpture

This colorful guy keeps me company in my garage work space although I'm not quite sure of his genetic makeup. The mystery sculpture was made by my youngest son in his 8th grade art class. I do know he's carved from foam. I do know that he has one eye and two horn-like things. I think he has a mouth. The only think I'm really sure about is that I like him a lot even though his unblinking stare is a tad bit unsettling.

2012 STOLLOWEEN PUMPKINS

Stockpile

Some people stockpile food, water and weapons for the coming zombie apocalypse..for me it looks like papier mache pumpkins are my choice.

New pumpkins now available in my etsy shop.

Lord Of The Flies

Completed 50 or so "ginormous" flies this weekend for some "infested" pumpkins...these are fast and easy little adornments that would work great on a variety of Halloween props such as tombstones, zombies, pumpkins, etc. Promise to post a tutorial sometime this week on the construction process...simple and sweet.

All Is Right In The World

Can't say I've been this geeked to see a movie since the last Lord Of The Rings, if you need me on June 8th I will be at Midland NCG Cinemas....I'll be the guy wearing the cool 3D glasses :)