Remember Should You Pay for the Chance to Show Your Art (posted, like a week ago?) A poster in a forum I frequent made a YouTube video this week that makes a great companion. Peterickson is talking to a company who is a really obvious scam, so it’s a bit different than the types of shows I was talking about — they want thousands of dollars instead of just 20, 30 or 40 — but the video is educational and funny to boot.

Every day I collect 5-10 images. Some just make me think new things, some are pretty, and some I save for reference material down the road. You can see more of what I collect on my Tumblr account, but these are 5 from this week.

What a cozy house with nice shapes. Pretty contrast.

BEARS. All I can think about is the snuffly bear noises they must be making.

I don't like Things in my house, but I think I would like a house like this.

This cat is a PRINCE.

GIFs are magical to begin with. I love GIFs like this, where it seems like the image came from a magical textbook.

It’s here! And it’s one of my favorite paintings, one that I’ll be sad to see leave. But I’m sure you’d be happy to have him. Or maybe your V-Day sweetie would like some fresh art?

Go read about Wing’d and grab it fast if you like it; the sale is only good for today.

I’ve had a very productive week — last painting in this group of three is ready to go tomorrow, and I’ve got a great concept for the next painting waiting in line.

All of this is for my show in May, and I’m working on a theme of fear. It’s broad. Creatures, thoughts, scenarios, impressions; all related to fear. It’s the first time I’ve dedicated time to creating a cohesive and themed body. It’s a new challenge, and gives me something to think about all day, and a way to think about fear in a new way.

This is my brush. There are many like it, but this one is mine. My brush is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I master my life. My brush, without me, is useless. Without my brush, I am useless. I must wield my brush true.

My brush is human, even as I, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother. I will learn its weakness, its strength, its parts, its accessories, its belly and its barrel. I will keep my brush clean and ready, even as I am clean and ready. We will become part of each other. We will…

My brush and I, today, are killing this painting.