Super Ultra MegaCon!

MegaCon is a comic book / anime / gaming convention here in Orlando. Since I can't travel much, the other side of the city is about my limit these days. Sad, huh? I read that Joe Bluhm was going to be there, so I used that as an excuse to drive down there and see what's up. Since my friend Pat introduced his work to me, I've been a big fan. You can see Joe's work on his website. I got him to caricature me, and also watched him draw several other people. It's really fun to watch another artist work, especially a master like Joe. It was great meeting him, his girlfriend, and the ultra-mysterious Dan Hay (holding his book). I bought Dan's book, "Blubber Lubber", and Joe's infamous "Rejects" book. I REALLY wanted to get his sketchbook, too, but my wallet was already yelling at me. You can order these as well as several other great art books at Joe's publishing site, Art Squared Publishing.

When did conventions become costume parties? I went to the Chicago ComiCon back in the mid '90s and I really don't remember seeing anybody dressed as their favorite character. I don't really see the point, but whatever. I wanted to see more artists, but I guess we're too far from New York, L.A. or San Francisco for that... One of these days I might make it up to NYC, tho. It'd be sweet to do a figure session at Society of Illustrators or something.

I snapped a candid photo of the Ex-President of the Colonies, and tried one for Tricia Helfer but was intercepted by the Camera Police. Lou Ferrigno looked a little desperate, which was sad and reminded me of the scene from The Wrestler where the old has-beens are sitting at tables waiting for some fan to pay them $10 for an autograph.

You can view all my photos from the convention on my Flickr site.

ZBrush Sketch

Did this the other night. Loving my new power machine...

All Growed Up

As some of you may know, we're looking at making the step towards real wealth. Since the housing market has dropped down to being affordable to us poor people, we're proceeding with a home purchase in Lake Mary, FL. It's a modest 1691 sq ft 3/2.5 with some great features:

- new high-efficiency indoor and outdoor A/C units with heat upgrades
- new windows in all but 4
- plantation shutters to really tell you you're in the South
- a grapefruit tree
- bike path behind the backyard
- hot tub

Now, let the home improvement projects begin! Painting, light fixtures, kitchen, bathrooms....sigh

Another Landscape Sketch

Done from photo ref. Someplace in China, I think. A couple of hours in Photoshop.

Boba!

The other day, Anna was trying to explain the treat we had to her Preschool teachers. Boba, or bubble tea, is something I was introduced to while in Taiwan. When I was strapped for cash, sometimes a large cup of papaya milk boba was all I had for lunch. I've found the uncooked packages of the stuff that I can get quite easily at most Asian supermarkets. The kids giggle as they eat the boba, although I don't think Miles likes it very much.

If you live in the Seattle, California, NYC, or Texas areas you may be able to find Boba tea houses with great drinks. You can usually get it without tea, although a lot of places might give you a weird look. I've become partial to boba in chocolate shakes...