Challenge no. 15

June 24 - July 5, 12, 2013

UPDATE: Since the submission deadline lands on a holiday week, it's now extended to Friday, July 12.

Make 2-4 spot illustrations using the lyrics of a favorite song.

These can be super simple, i.e. sketches, experimental, color, black and white, super finished, etc. Is for fun.


Some examples for inspiration:











All submissions due by midnight, July 5.
Be sure to include/embed whatever song you used with your post.

"Turquoise Sunrise"

Turquoise Sunrise

by Marti Major

6.125" x 6.125"

Acrylic and Glass Beads on Bristol Paper

This is a tributary companion piece to a glorious work titled "Silver Rain" that my sister and I saw 3 years ago at the Yavapai County Fair in Prescott, AZ. Unfortunately we didn't take a picture, but the sketch below is the best that I can remember:

(Envision loads of thick black/blue/purple/gray/yellow paint with black glass beads for the horse's eyes.)

Not purchasing the piece is one of the few regrets of my life, so here is my tribute to a masterwork, as painted with my right hand (I'm left handed).

Challenge no. 14

June 10-21, 2013

This challenge is one to keep for the portfolio:

Create a piece of art worthy of the The Museum of Bad Art (MOBA) permanent collection. 

Caption explaining your masterpiece's background required. 
(A particularly moving piece below from the MOBA site:)

 RONAN THE PUG

Erin Rothgeb
18" x 24", acrylic on canvas board
Purchased by M. Frank at a Boston thrift store
MOBA #333

The artist's affection for her dog far outstrips her artistic skill. Paint is slapped on the canvas with random brushstrokes, creating matted, impossible fur. Done in such a hurry that the canine anatomy was not even considered, the artist still captures Ronan's playful sweetness. Or perhaps the pup has just lapped up all the spilled eggnog at a holiday party and is ready to attempt a clear tenor rendition of "Danny Boy."

From: Museum of Bad Art: Masterworks by Michael Frank and Louise Reilly Sacco, Ten Speed Press. 

A little about the museum:

"The Museum Of Bad Art (MOBA) is a community-based, private institution dedicated to the collection, preservation, exhibition and celebration of bad art in all its forms and in all its glory...

As the only museum dedicated to bringing the worst of art to the widest of audiences we felt morally compelled to explore new, more creative ways of bringing this priceless collection of quality bad art to a global audience. Another Boston-area cultural institution, Dedham Community Theatre, generously allowed MOBA the use of their basement. Our first permanent gallery is now conveniently located just outside the men’s room in a 1927 movie theatre. The ambience created such a convivial atmosphere, that when we went looking for a second location, the only place that was up to our quality standards was another theatre basement. The Somerville Theater in Davis Square, Somerville MA is now our second gallery."

All submissions due by Friday at midnight, June 21.

Sampson Sets Sail: Smuggler's Cave

"Sampson knew it was a smugglers cave because they are very secretive and although the cave was full of jars labeled 'Nancy's Prize Yellow Pickles,' the smugglers, who were none too bright, had left only 2 little gherkins per bottle to disguise all of the gold nuggets lumped at the bottom of every jar. Still being hungry, and knowing they might notice if he sampled their pickles, he rummaged in the corner and found a rattly, dusty tin labeled 'Belgian Ginger Snaps' which surely wouldn't be missed. Prying the sticky lid off bit by bit, he..."


(Rough excerpt from a book I'm working on.)