The World of Brian Demeter

Aquaman (Super Hero 3 of 7)

2012-01-26T11:53:00.009-05:00

The third hero to reply to the JLA portrait sitting was Aquaman. Since I live close to the Atlantic coast he didn’t have to travel on land too far, so I think that helped. He seemed to enjoy the whimsy of my sea-life paintings in the studio. He even taught me to say: “Hello, nice dorsal fin.” in the ancient language of the Orca. Aquaman was the first guest in a while who actually liked having my three year old son splash water on him. Please check back to see who’s next.

Behind-The-Scenes of the JLA Portraits

2012-01-23T21:31:00.009-05:00

Initial Sketches. Some changes were made later.

Once a single sketch is finalized, I then transfer the image to a clean piece of wood.

Then, I etch the lines with a wood burner.

When all the lines have been burned, I size (Which is adding an acrylic polymer to seal the wood) the entire front surface and finally (black) gesso to the areas to be painted.

(The) Martian Manhunter (Super Hero 2 of 7)

2012-01-17T23:04:00.011-05:00

The second to reply to the JLA portrait sitting was J'onn J'onzz, The Martian Manhunter. I think he was so inclined to participate largely due to my wife agreeing to make him a batch of cookies. I normally have scented candles lit to help make the portrait setting relaxing, but in this case I made sure not to have even a hint of fire. J'onn was pleasant, very Zen. He was even singing an old Martian ditty to me telepathically while I painted him. Please check back to see who’s next.

The Flash (Super Hero 1 of 7)

2012-01-13T03:07:00.003-05:00

My longtime friend and fellow artist offered to split his table with me, on Artist’s Alley, for this year’s Megacon Convention. With this golden opportunity to be behind a table I decided to create seven portraits of DC Comic characters. The characters I chose are based on the original members of the Justice League of America found in issue 28 of The Brave and the Bold, with a few tweaks and my own personal vision of them.

If you’re in the Orlando area the weekend of February 17th, please come and say hi to me at my booth.

The artwork: To make sure I got the portraits right I sent a message to each of the Super Heroes, asking if they wouldn’t mind posing for portraits. Luckily they all could make it work.

The first to reply was The Flash (obviously). The Scarlet Speedster did a wonderful job of posing. Although he had a difficult time sitting still. I had to ignore the VERY subtle blurs as he kept leaving to go save people and instantly coming back.

Please check back to see who’s next

SUPER sneek peek at work for Megacon 2012

2012-01-09T16:54:00.005-05:00

I'll be behind the table this year at Artist Alley for Megacon 2012.

I’m working on seven SUPER new original DC Character original paintings. Here's a sneak peek at one in the wood burning stage.

Fan Art

2011-10-24T19:40:00.001-04:00

Caroline, Age 8.

Live Painting at The (Timucua) White House

2011-09-07T11:48:00.007-04:00

I was asked to be the live artist at The Timucua White House, in Orlando FL. It's home to the family of the music director of Cirque du Soleil (La Nouba), Benoit Glazer
I displayed artwork and painted live while a musical act performed their set to the three story concert hall (what a cool venue). It was a wonderful experience.

"Storm Front" hangs in the audience hall.

My illustration pieces hang in the audience hall.

The calm before the painting.

Here we go. I was vibing off the earthy tribal sounds of the live musical act.

Mingling afterward.

"Entranced" 24" x 24" Mixed on Panel.

Check out a video clip.

Storm Front

2011-08-26T18:31:00.002-04:00

My latest abstract piece, entitled Storm Front. 24" x 24" Mixed on Panel.

Once hurricane season starts here in FL you can't help but hear and feel the buzz from locals (all over the news and lips of passerbys) whenever a storm may or may not hit. Majority of the time the storm veers off in another direction but it's the anticipation that can, dare I say... be kind of exciting. So I painted this piece Plein Air while we all waited for what would happen. Just as I laid down the finishing touches some rain and strong wind gusts started from an outer storm band. So I feel that the calm before the storm plus the the immediate atmospheric change really helped with the energy in this painting.

Abtract Painting En Plein Air by Brian Demeter - Part 1

2011-07-30T00:22:00.004-04:00

Trying a new artistic direction is like entering an artistic cocoon and seeing what emerges when the time is right.

Blocking in the first layer. En Plein Air (In Plain Air (Painting outdoors)) is so amazing. It's like I'm painting with my entire body.

Scratching time.

Added some chunky layers. At this stage the piece felt nearly finished. However, something was missing. It just didn't seem explosive enough.

Abtract Painting En Plein Air by Brian Demeter - Part 2

2011-07-30T00:20:00.000-04:00

"Ocean Calling" 48" x 24" (Diptych. Two 24" x 24" panels). Water-based paints on panel.

Blue August

2011-07-26T22:29:00.002-04:00

An artist friend of mine got my psyched about trying my hand on a piece for a Sketch Day website. I have to admit, this was pretty fun (I normally paint). I call this one "Blue August" (inspired by the new show series on Planet Green).

Art From Buds

2011-07-26T18:30:00.002-04:00

I love it when budding artists send me samples of their work. Check out the awesome stuff by Faith, Age 9.

The Garden On Park Solo Art Show Opening

2011-07-14T17:30:00.003-04:00

Had a wonderful time at the opening. My work will be up until early August at The Garden On Park

Earth, Air, Water (and Fire) Wooden Tie, For Art Opening.

2011-07-14T14:30:00.004-04:00

Just finished creating my next wooden tie (I buy blank wooden ones here) for my solo art opening at The Garden On Park. Acrylic on etched wood.

Hand made, One-Of-A-Kind "April Dawn" Artist Apron

2011-06-27T10:15:00.002-04:00

"April Dawn"

Big thanks to my good friend April Dawn Sedlak for an awesome hand made original artist apron. I had to have her put down the official first bit of paint with a hand-print! :)

Father/Son Abstract Art Blast, Part 1

2011-06-09T13:05:00.000-04:00

As a way to work on art WHILE watching my young son, I thought we'd try some outdoor painting together. We both had a great time!

My Painting.

Delray Tide by Brian Demeter. 24" x 24", Acrylic on panel.

Detail.

Father/Son Abstract Art Blast, Part 2

2011-06-09T13:00:00.000-04:00

Rowan's Painting.

Title: Connected Snakes (asked him what his painting was called and that's really what he said) by Rowan Demeter (age 3 (almost)). 24"x24", Acrylic on panel.

Detail.

80's Cartoon Art Show Opening

2011-05-27T23:29:00.005-04:00

Lindsay, Me, and fellow artist and friend, Michael Bramson.

Rowan wanted to make silly faces.

Optimus Totem

2011-05-27T23:26:00.001-04:00

My piece for the 80's Cartoon Art Show. 12"x36", acrylic on etched wood.

Artwork for Emma

2011-05-24T18:22:00.002-04:00

My illustration was used for Cachaça in the Summer - Single by Emma Wallace. LOVE this world sound! http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/id439792133

My two pieces on display at Visual Fringe Festival

2011-05-23T22:09:00.002-04:00

My two Raygun-Gothic Spaceship pieces. Rocket and Saucer. 12"x11", acrylic on wood.

Raygun Gothic Ships for Visual Fringe Festival

2011-05-14T09:32:00.002-04:00

My two latest paintings. Tried something looser for the 2011 Orlando Visual Fringe Festival
12" x 11", acrylic on wood.

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T09:51:00.001-04:00

This is one of my most recent paintings and was commissioned for: Healthy Start Coalition of Orange County, an organization that fosters healthy moms and babies.

Victor Davila Colors Raygun

2011-05-04T11:19:00.003-04:00

I asked fellow artist Victor Davila to color my Rowan's Space Gun. Look at this GREAT work!

Inked

2011-05-01T21:15:00.002-04:00

"Ink is sexy." - Will Eisner

I'm a painter but thought it'd be fun to get inky. I had some fun. This is based on what my 2year old son declared after waking up from a nap the other day: "Where's my space gun, that shoots robots?"

Seminole County’s Earth Day 2011 –“It’s In Your Hands” event

2011-04-26T17:07:00.003-04:00

My artwork on the event's T-shirt!

Fun family day.

The awards photo.

LOOK Owl T-shirt on 10 Most Awesome T-shirts Blog!

2011-04-14T10:05:00.004-04:00

10 Most Awesome T-shirts Blog

The Muppet Art Show

2011-03-29T19:44:00.004-04:00

My Two pieces for the show coming in April. 12"x11". Acrylic on wood.

Kermit

Fozzie

My artwork was chosen to be the T-shirt art for the 2011 Casselberry, FL Earth Day Celebration!

2011-03-03T20:51:00.001-05:00

Sketch

2011-02-24T09:55:00.001-05:00

Working on the sketch for my next painting.

Art from Stillness

2011-02-24T09:49:00.002-05:00

I Asked Marlise Karlin to define "Stillness" the best she could. She said: "Stillness can have as many definitions as meditation.. And what I'm speaking of here (Stillness), is what you experience when you tap into that Energy of pure peace that opens us to a new dimension of consciousness... that's when life changes... the simplest way I know to experience this is in Stillness Sessions.. where it flows so very naturally...

Here's my replay to her: Great answer. It was a bit of a "teacher test" for you too. I've learned that those who typically lack organic answers are usually too blinded by knowledge to see the wisdom. Based on your answer I can personally relate through "inspiration".... Being an artist I find the most sense of "stillness" at the point when the image or idea for the next work flashes in my mind. It's as though I called to the universe and received the answer (and the universe needs me to be a part of it). At that moment everything stops, I'm still, yet my soul is churning at the speed of light. At that point I HAVE to channel it into art. :)

EARLY LOVES: Dewback coloring page

2011-02-14T08:55:00.003-05:00

EARLY LOVES. Thanks to my Dad for scanning in some old photos.

He found this personal gem.

I had to have been around 4 years old when I colored this. Three things I LOVE about this.
#1: [Vintage] Star Wars related.
#2: I'm proud of my younger self for noticing the details. The stroke texture and color selection (esp of the warm yellow for the SAND-Trooper (Because they're dinghy and practically covered in sand) are still details I'd use today.
#3. It's spooky how much this artist's drawing style and composition looks similar to how I might treat this same piece if I was the artist commissioned.

The Quote of a Lifetime

2011-02-08T17:48:00.003-05:00

I'm a big fan of author Yann Martel (Even did a painting based on Life of Pi, one of his novels. See here). One of the reasons I'm such a big fan is that he's able to translate [quite well] what I've found myself also thinking. This following quote answers the question of why I always struggled and felt strangled with "fact" based subjects.

"Great art works because it tells an emotional truth. I suppose great histories could be both factually and emotionally true, but history is very cumbersome. What’s wonderful about art is that it gets at the emotional essence of things and it plays around with the facts. There’s a danger to that; you can manipulate things and you can peddle gross lies. It can be a dangerous tool, but also a very powerful one [which] if well used can deliver more than a history can. A work of art is the beginning of a discussion. It’s part of a dialogue. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to say, ‘Listen, this is what I’m saying; what do you think?" - Yann Martel (Author)

Frecklefoot Creative Calendar Art

2011-01-23T14:52:00.003-05:00

Artwork Entry into the Frecklefoot Creative 2011 Calendar.
Acrylic on etched wood with screw.

Davila and Demeter Art Show at Dandelion Communitea Cafe (Part 1)

2011-01-05T19:01:00.001-05:00

Victor Davila and Me. We created some collabrative pieces for the main room.

I painted the canvas then gave it to Davila. He then came up with the black line art.

Some cool beats filled the main room.

Two of my solo pieces in one of the rear rooms.

Davila and Demeter Art Show at Dandelion Communitea Cafe (Part 2)

2011-01-05T19:00:00.000-05:00

Some great solo stuff by Davila

3D piece of mine.

Marine Resources Council

2010-12-20T15:28:00.003-05:00

I made Page 10 of the Marine Resources Council's latest newsletter!
Click HERE to download PDF.

Marvelous Mayhem, Superheros and Villains Art Opening at TASTE

2010-12-03T21:00:00.001-05:00

Had a BLAST being part of this show!

20 Minute Sketch Meditation (Catwoman)

2010-12-02T14:08:00.001-05:00

Had lunch with good friend and artist, Michael Bramson. We did a 20 minute sketch meditation. I picked from the hat the theme: "Comic Book Villain".

Custom Superman Mighty Mugg!

2010-11-07T01:40:00.006-04:00

Had a blast creating this custom Might Mugg at a local comic shop's Anniversary event.

The piece is inspired by the work of Darwyn Cooke.

Begun work on new pieces for collabrative show (with fellow artist Victor Davila) in January '11

2010-11-04T18:25:00.004-04:00

Some nice clean 11.5 x 12 Poplar panels.

Victor sketched the image, e-mailed it, and now I'm transferring it to the wood, via Artograph projector.

It's penciled in on the board. Now I start to wood burn.

Words To Works Show at The Orlando Museum of Art

2010-10-07T19:00:00.004-04:00

With my wife and son next to one (of three) of my pieces (The Jungle Book shown above) displayed at the the 1st Thursday Show.

Hard at work on a new painting

2010-05-02T02:05:00.004-04:00

Hard at work wood-burning a new piece.

This one is larger in size than most of my work.

Super City

2010-03-24T01:18:00.004-04:00

I tried my hand at a design based SUPER CITY mural for my friend's son's new super hero themed bedroom. I made sure to break down the skyline into a silhouetted design where I could make the most out of the use of painters tape (and thank goodness for it). I had fun working on this.

Megacon Orlando 2010

2010-03-14T12:55:00.000-04:00

Gotta love Spidey!

The Crew

Good times!

Maddy Macguffin Character Sketch

2010-01-26T01:14:00.003-05:00

Broke out some ink for a character sketch: Maddy Macguffin (from Josh Geoghagan's awesome online serial novel The Hopeless Romantic).

Ties to People: Jay Hunt

2010-01-09T16:51:00.006-05:00

Jay Hunt (Sr. Relationship Manager with Massey Services). Jay is a twenty-one year resident of Orlando but grew up in Philadelphia area.

His passions range from being an amateur bird watcher, whether it is in his backyard, neighborhood, a swamp area, or the beach (identifying birds through either sight and sound) to tracking the International Space Station, where he can often be found in his driveway watching with a wishful eye as it suddenly appears in the evening sky and soars across overhead into the

No matter what Jay is doing he maintains his steadfast goal of staying focused on the ideal that life should be an adventure.

Check out my interview with host Emma

2009-12-10T00:24:00.003-05:00

Holiday Painting Gone... Not Quite Right.

2009-12-07T00:34:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-11-25T14:29:00.002-05:00

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

2009-11-14T12:00:00.000-05:00

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

2009-11-14T11:45:00.000-05:00

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

2009-10-24T23:31:00.004-04:00

Lindsay made Rowan's costume from scratch.

Lindsay and I got our hats made from Etsy:

Behind the Scenes: Duty (Part 1)

2009-09-10T22:53:00.011-04:00

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)

2009-09-10T21:04:00.007-04:00

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

2009-07-31T14:14:00.008-04:00

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

2009-07-31T14:04:00.002-04:00

(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

2009-07-31T13:57:00.004-04:00

(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

2009-07-31T13:53:00.004-04:00

(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

2009-07-31T13:50:00.003-04:00

(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

2009-07-31T13:45:00.003-04:00

(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

2009-07-31T13:40:00.002-04:00

(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

2009-07-30T15:55:00.005-04:00

(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

2009-07-30T15:35:00.006-04:00

(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

2009-07-30T15:29:00.006-04:00

(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!

2009-07-06T18:44:00.006-04:00

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

2009-06-29T11:47:00.003-04:00

Rowan helps me paint his birthday invitation artwork.

Visit with artist, Aaron Jasinski

2009-06-19T16:48:00.003-04:00

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"

2009-06-02T10:47:00.000-04:00

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

My Padawan Learner

2009-06-01T12:09:00.004-04:00

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

1st Grade Class Visit

2009-05-29T12:00:00.000-04:00

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

Kate cat

2009-05-11T12:38:00.007-04:00

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!

Through the Universe

2009-04-23T23:39:00.008-04:00

When talking with a friend of mine, John Springer, I told him that I think I (or rather “The Universe”) may have created my walking Rabbit image (2004), as a portrait of him (before I even met him!) Freaky huh?
If you haven’t met John (He knows everyone), he’s this whimsical fellow who brings many of us back into the heart of nature. You can’t miss him as he tramps ahead of his walk-abouts, because of his tall top hat, which happens to have a plush rabbit inside. The title of this piece is (ready): Spring’s Gift.
Check out this great quote from Shannon Svensson, who knows John:
“I’ll bet you a dollar that rabbit has a John in his hat.
It’s a portrait of our merry leader if you turned him inside out, starting with his hat.”

For more info on John Springer, Click Here.

Thanks Mark!

2009-04-23T23:17:00.006-04:00

A great comment from a really cool and talented guy:

Mark Baretelli

His Website

Ginny Rorby Book Signing

2009-02-07T12:00:00.001-05:00

This Saturday my wife son and I attended the book signing of author Ginny Rorby (Hurt Go Happy). My wife and I fell in love with her latest book about a deaf girl and a sign language using chimpanzee.

I was so happy to get to meet Ginny in person. We’ve corresponded through e-mails for a bit and she is a wonderful and humble as can be. She was clearly grateful and loving to the large group who came to see her.

I made (and wore) one of my wooden neckties and ended up gifting it to her. It had a chimpanzee waving the sign language (ever famous at rock concerts) “I love you” sign, with floating hearts.

I was honored that she decided to wear it during her reading.

For more info on Ginny Rorby and her book you can visit: http://www.ginnyrorby.com/

Making The Very Hungry Bear Game (Part 1): Preparing The Board

2009-01-05T13:05:00.005-05:00

As a special gift this Christmas my wife and I decided to make a cornhole (or bean bag toss) game. Instead of buying individual gifts for everyone we bought some prizes, wrapped them, distributed them to the winners… and altogether they made up a fun family event.

I created the game based around a very hungry bear and his food; the bean bags, shown in Part 4: Berries, Honey, Flowers, Fish.

THE BOARD: After the board was built and the back primered and painted it was time to transfer (with pencil) the small sketch to the larger game board (using an Artograph projector).

Making The Very Hungry Bear Game (Part 2): Etching

2009-01-04T17:20:00.000-05:00

Once the image was penciled in, it was time to etch the outline into the wood using an electric wood-burner. I did this outside (on a very bright day apparently!)

Wood-burned etching complete!

Making The Very Hungry Bear Game (Part 3): Painting

2009-01-03T17:39:00.000-05:00

Making The Very Hungry Bear Game (Part 4): Final

2009-01-02T17:46:00.000-05:00

After the painting of the board is complete, allowed to dry and varnished the game board is all finished.

Did anyone see my son Rowan? I hope that Very Hungry Bear didn't get him.

Lets PLAY!

Commissioning More Artwork!

2009-01-01T00:00:00.002-05:00

My New Year resolution this year is to commission more artwork!

I make artwork. I sell artwork, why not BUY artwork? It’s a great cycle of inspiration for the buyer and artist. Once an artist gets a commission the creative juices start to flow and then… LOVE is created all around! Once the buyer commissions artwork, the anticipation of seeing the final piece(s) rivals a child on Christmas morning. What a great feeling to approach one of your favorite artists and have them create a personalized original just for you!

Like jewelers, artists sell “feelings” and sentiment. With many different artists, working in many different styles and sizes, this makes it easy for any budget. You can literally find an artist to suit your needs. If you’ve never commissioned an artist… give it a shot. If you’re a collector perhaps it’s time to add to your collection.

As a Christmas gift to my wife and son, I commissioned Marisa Haedike ( http://www.creativethursday.com/ ) to create one of her wonderful works. We'll keep the actual artwork private... but lets just say it's very "Cool" and has a lot of bears! Wink Wink.

Mr. Kingfisher!

2008-12-25T12:33:00.000-05:00

FINALLY! On Christmas day as we were headed out to visit family, Mr. Kingfisher (although at a closer look (based on the colored band) it may be Miss Kingfisher) let me snag his/her photo.

Making of the Loggerheads

2008-11-26T16:21:00.009-05:00

The beginning stages of the creation of the Loggerheads. I molded the heads with Super Sculpy and used wooden dowels and discs for the base. For more info Click Here

Spectrum 15 Annual is out!

2008-11-25T10:31:00.005-05:00

See my piece entitled "Foreshadow" (page 252) in the latest Sci-Fi / Fantasy illustration annual. You can purchase Spectrum 15 at your local booksellers or Here

Crealde' Art School Demos

2008-09-30T22:21:00.009-04:00

Here are some demos that I worked on live for my Creative Critters class (Drawing/Painting, ages 8-12) at Crealde' Art School. The students had fun coming up with their own individual creations.

Maitland Art Center "Art-In-Action" Fresh Art Stand

2008-09-07T21:47:00.003-04:00

On Sunday, September 7th I was part of the Art-In-Action, Fresh Art Stand at The Maitland Art Center. The event was wonderful and was held in the same area as the Farmer's Market. I worked on a live demo of a fanciful barn owl. The festival had live music and artists received the royal treatment from staff and art buyers!

Thank You to Ballyhoo!

2008-08-20T21:31:00.006-04:00

Thanks to Carlyn Beccia for the wonderful support!

Art at Mt. Dora Sushi

2008-06-29T23:24:00.006-04:00

I've come to really enjoy the quaint town of Mt. Dora, Florida. I have three Asian inspired art pieces for sale at the local Sushi bar, called Mt. Dora Sushi.

Check out this great place: Website 124 E.3rd Ave. Mount Dora, Florida 352.508.4387

Drawing Day

2008-06-04T15:25:00.006-04:00

June 7th is Drawing Day. Here is my drawing of an animal rescue craft.

"Foreshadow" to appear in Spectrum 15

2008-05-13T11:52:00.005-04:00

My Batman and Robin themed painting entitled "Foreshadow" has been accepted into the Spectrum 15 Annual, due in bookstores later this year.

Spectrum 15, The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art: To promote the fantastic arts and provide an annual showcase for contemporary artists.

Thanks to Kids Haus

2008-05-09T20:10:00.004-04:00

A special thanks to Kids Haus for a nice write up.

Mortimer

2008-05-08T13:52:00.023-04:00

This is the first painting in my Brush Ups series. Artists are always in a constant state of growth, so each month I plan to create at least one new piece of artwork that is a complete expression of my inner visual voice.

5 x 5 in. Acrylic on 3/8 in. thick Gessobord.
(Click Here to purchase original)

Maitland Art Center - 6th annual Children’s Art Festival

2008-05-08T12:27:00.012-04:00

On Saturday April 26th I was honored to be part of this wonderful festival for children. I taught kids and their parents to draw a line drawing of a monkey using simple shapes.

Welcome

2008-05-08T12:11:00.001-04:00

Welcome to my blog. Enjoy the World of Brian Demeter.