Brian Demeter Blog

Check out my interview with host Emma

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Demeter) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 05:24:00 +0000

Holiday Painting Gone... Not Quite Right.

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Demeter) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:34:00 +0000

Here's an example of a painting gone horribly astray! I like to keep my work and life-view as positive as I can (and believe me it's work) but sometimes you gotta show the dark side of the force. So lets try and parlay this into something that at least can vent my anguish and maybe help others see how even the best intentions can't mask what you're really feeling.

Struggling for inspiration this year for my annual holiday card I was delighted to FINALLY discover a cool concept, one inspired by my 17 month old son. He loves the band called Owl City, especially their song Fireflies. In the car he'd keep saying "Owl City... Owl City." Sooo cute. So one day it hit me... OWL CITY... literally. Could make for a cool image right? A winter city for owls! Hey, I'll even add the initials of the children of my close friends and family. Awesome, to the drawing board.

I came up with a sketch that I liked and transferred it to some wood. Now to the painting. I got all the way finished and when I looked at this piece I ABSOLUTELY HATED IT. Oh, man... NOTHING like I wanted it to be.

Sure, to me the holiday buzz (artistically anyway) this year is about as quiet as a single nat in my ear but I don't want this to SHOW in my holiday card image! This piece ended up looking like a doomed prison for birds of prey, not a winter wonderland for lovely owls. Even the etched initials of the children appear as the scratched in graffiti of some elusive beast.

All three forward facing eyes look like they are saying: "Help, me I'm trapped." Stephen King may like this piece. Hmmmmmm.

Oh well, what can you do? You win some and you lose some. That's the name of any game.

Bah Humbug.

:)

-Brian

Grodd Wins Vinyl Fever Contest!

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Demeter) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:29:00 +0000

My Gorilla Grodd wins Vinyl Fever contest at Coliseum of Comics (Seminole Towne Center). Thanks to all who voted and to the fellow artists who participated. What FUN!

Gorilla Grodd Mighty Mugg (Create Your Own Vinyl Character Contest) Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Demeter) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:00:00 +0000

I had a blast today at Coliseum of Comics Seminole Towne Center 1 Year Anniversary Celebration. I participated in their Vinyl Fever (2-hr timed) create your own character contest.

Brought all my goodies: Acrylic paints, brushes, water... the works.

The Mugg started out white. I had to paint the entire thing black first. Was hurrying. While the black dried I made his necklace (see on final) Once it was all black I stated building up the mid-tones of the "skin" areas of the ape. Didn't have time to draw anything. Just went for the ride.

About and hour and twenty minutes in.

Gorilla Grodd Mighty Mugg (Create Your Own Vinyl Character Contest) Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Demeter) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:45:00 +0000

All done. Finished around 1:55 p.m. (Ended at 2pm)

The finishing touch was the warrior necklace, adorned with the Superman, The Flash, and Batman logos crossed out in red. I had the logos pre-printed on canvas but assembled necklace on site with twine. Red "X's" are acrylic.

Gorilla Grodd displayed with other entries.

Where the Wild Things Are costumes

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Demeter) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 03:31:00 +0000

Lindsay made Rowan's costume from scratch.

Lindsay and I got our hats made from Etsy:

Behind the Scenes: Duty (Part 1)

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Demeter) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 02:53:00 +0000

It all started way back when…

Yes, that’s a “Spidey” belt (you know you want one) and my “Take what my mom had” white flower cape.

Victor, nice “spit super curl”!

Behind the Scenes: Duty (Part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Demeter) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 01:04:00 +0000

The collaboration of Victor Davila and myself. Homage to Superman. Entitled: Duty

Victor's sketch.

The painting begins.

In progress. Nearly finished.

My final painting.

Ties to People

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Demeter) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:14:00 +0000

Many people have asked about my unique one-of-a-kind painted wooden ties. So with this in mind I thought I’d showcase some of the ties I’ve made and the interesting people who wear them.

Lets kick this off with the actual creator of the tangible wooden tie (Jeff Risk). I do not cut the wood and/or assemble the ties. I buy blank ones from him and add my artwork later.

There are 9 featured people, so you may have to click on “Older Posts” to see all.

Ties to People: Jeff Risk

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Demeter) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:04:00 +0000

(Jeff Risk / President/CEO of Woodknot Ties) Jeff grew up in the mountain region of North Carolina, and is the son of a general contractor. For generations, his family members have been woodworkers. In 1992, Jeff broke his back in a terrible construction accident and spent much of the next year bed ridden as he recovered, with plenty of time to think and dream. During this time, he conceived his idea and with the help of his father's carpentry crew, made prototypes. An overwhelming response during a market-testing phase, which included interviews on CNN and Good Morning America, prompted Jeff to pursue a patent, which he was awarded in 1995. Since then, he has sold his unique wooden “neckware” around the world.

Ties to People: Victor Davila

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Demeter) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:57:00 +0000

(Victor Davila / Illustrator, Designer, Cartoonist). Victor’s artistic world is basically filled with cartoons, comic books, design books and magazines, messy pencils and inks, and tons of crumpled paper. As a result, he’s usually not a tie-wearing kind of guy. However, he’s has recently had a change of heart on the matter. Victor is also the fearless leader of GIANT Illustrators

Ties to People: Derek Demeter

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Demeter) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:53:00 +0000

(Derek Demeter / Director of Seminole Community College Planetarium) Ever since Derek could remember, he’s been looking to the stars. This constant fascination with Astronomy gave him the lift-off he needed to soar him upward, and onward through many stellar journeys… landing him at the Seminole Community College Planetarium in Sanford Florida. This outlet offers live interactive digital video presentations that are unlike any planetarium show you'll ever experience. The planetarium has something for curious stargazers of all ages.

Ties to People: Ric Kraszewski

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Demeter) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:50:00 +0000

(Ric Kraszewski / VP of Sales, Whale Tails Tortilla Chips) Ric loves to be an entrepreneur. First he started a successful “green oriented” construction company in Southern California from 1975 – 1990. Ric then designed and marketed a unique product for the hospitality and special event industry that is still in use today. Ric (A life long surfer) and his wife, Terry, founded Whale Tails Tortilla Chip in 2006. Ric puts his passion for ocean conservation, his family and his commitment to the future into everything he does. He loves being part of an eco-entrepreneurship on a mission to raise awareness of ocean conservation efforts through the sale of their naturally gluten free, GMO free, trans fat free, certified organic, kosher tortilla chip. The chip received national recognition on the FOOD Network and CBS when selected as Snack of the Day on Rachael Ray.

Ties to People: Joe Mantisano

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Demeter) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:45:00 +0000

(Joe Mantisano / CEO (Chief Executive Officer, as well as, Chief Entertainment Officer!) of the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens) After many years in business, Joe left the tie-wearing world of the House of Seagram and Anhueser-Busch/SeaWorld to venture into the world of non-profits. Today, at speaking engagements and meetings throughout the country, the only tie you will see Joe wear is the wonderful wooden tie by Brian Demeter. Joe's vision as CEO has increased Zoo's attendance to record breaking numbers, has updated the Zoo and its many exhibits, added new features such as ZOOm Air Adventures and the Wharton-Smith Splash Ground, and increased the visitor experience for children-of-all-ages that come to the Zoo each year.

Ties to People: Maegan Reid

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Demeter) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:40:00 +0000

(Maegan Reid / Artist) Once Maegan found clay, she instantly fell in love with the medium. She has taken several different classes to develop her skills. While participating in several shows she won ‘First Place’ and ‘Best of Show’ a few times and she was also voted ‘Senior Superlative Most Talented’ in her High School. Her dream has always been to work in the art field; she’s presently working on a Fine Arts degree and would like to go into Art Restoration/Conservation.

Ties to People: Ginny Rorby

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Demeter) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:55:00 +0000

(Ginny Rorby / Author) Ginny is a retired Pan Am flight attendant turned novelist and full-time volunteer. A poor student in high school, and a college drop-out, she finally recognized the importance of an education and returned to college at the ripe old age of 33. Attending classes during the week and flying trips to London on weekends, she finally graduated from the University of Miami--eight grueling years later--with a dual major in Biology and English. PenguinPutnam, Inc. published Ginny’s first young adult novel, Dolphin Sky, in March of 1996. Tor Books released her new novel, Hurt Go Happy, in August 2006.

Ties to People: Chris Sedlak

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Demeter) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:35:00 +0000

(Chris Sedlak / Developer & Founder of Little Fish Big Ocean, Inc.) After working with a local publishing company to develop a software solution to manage their business, founder Chris Sedlak decided that the same business principals would apply to many other businesses desperately needing some sort of organization. And, Little Fish Big Ocean Inc. was created (2008) with the goal of providing efficiency to small and medium-sized businesses allowing them to "swim" with the big companies who have million-dollar software programs.

Ties to People: Blair Sligar

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Demeter) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:29:00 +0000

(Blair Sligar / Woodworker, Artist) Blair’s interest in animals, silhouettes of animals, and all things in general, along with his love of wood, fires his passion for woodworking, large drawings and prints, and clay. His company, "hog.eat.hog” builds custom furniture and creates sculptural installations from local, salvaged, and reclaimed materials and wood species. He also builds children's toys, houses for bats (the birds wish they could get in too). Currently, he is studying for a BFA in sculpture/drawing at the University of Central Florida, and works from his studio in downtown Orlando.

Whale Tails Tortilla Chips!

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Demeter) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:44:00 +0000

Had these chips at my son's birthday party. Great chips. A very "tasteful" company from CA. Awesome! Check'em out!

Rowan at the board

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Demeter) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:47:00 +0000

Rowan helps me paint his birthday invitation artwork.

Visit with artist, Aaron Jasinski

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Demeter) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 20:48:00 +0000

Aaron was gracious enough to allow me to visit his studio in WA. It was awesome to see his workspace and meet him and his wonderful family!

Check out his wonderful work on his website

"Monta"

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Demeter) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:47:00 +0000

My Frankenstein Monster original trading card for A Patchwork of Flesh. Acrylic on gessoed illustration board. 2.5”x3.5”.

My Padawan Learner

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Demeter) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:09:00 +0000

Yes, the apprenticeship begins. My son Rowan helps me paint a commission for a hula monkey! :)

1st Grade Class Visit

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Demeter) — Fri, 29 May 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Had fun being part of Arty-facts in Miss Golden’s 1st Grade Class at bay Meadows Elementary School.

Kate cat

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Demeter) — Mon, 11 May 2009 16:38:00 +0000

I love to see work from budding young artists. This one is from Kate Revels (Grade 2), a wonderfully done interpretation of my Black Leopard piece. Awesome job Kate!