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Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Obama-thoner


Back on November 2nd when I ran the New York Marathon, the whole city was in an election frenzy. Even with a twenty-six mile race ahead, people couldn't keep their minds away from the election race only days away. Stocking up at my local running store on Gu and other necessities I saw the funniest thing. The store was selling shirts for the marathon with you-know-who's face on it. Obamathoner it said.

The day of the race I couldn't believe people traded in their synthetic, non-chafing jerseys to show their support. I mean, good for them, but I could have just saved it for post-marathon celebration time.

It's nearly a year later, now, and that really has nothing to do with my illustration, but it just came to mind as I was posting this new image. It's part of a portrait series I'm starting. This is just the drawing. I still have to add color, which will just be simple. More to come!

Friday, July 17, 2009

Italy & Greece




This is rounding out to be one of the most exciting summers of my life. I've finished Graduate School, living in New York City, surrounded by great friends, and traveling my little butt off.

About a week ago I returned from a trip to Italy and Greece. I had an absolutely amazing time. One of my really good friends is a high school Latin teacher and planned the trip for her students. I was lucky enough to be invited to be one of the chaperones for the trip because of my Art History background, travel savvy, and iron fist with children. (Or at least two of those three.) The trip started in Rome and ended in Athens. In the middle we visited Pompei, Mycenae, Olympia, Epidavros, and Delphi. So much to see in only 10 days!

The trip was a whirlwind tour, but was so much fun. I met so many people and had so much fun with the kids. Some of the highlights were the Acropolis, Pompei, and the Sistine Chapel. My only regret was that we didn't get to check out the Caravaggio exhibit while in Rome. I mean, seriously, how can you NOT look at Caravaggio while in Rome?? (We also missed the School of Athens :( )

Since I was in charge of protecting and herding 29 kids, needless to say, I didn't have much free time. I was able to get a few drawings done while there. Here we have the Parthenon, a statue of Antinious, and one of the many bus rides we endured. I did get a drawing of Pompei, but it has been mailed to my mother (I'm such a good son) before I got to scan it... I hope it makes it!

San Francisco is the next trip planned for this summer. Stay turned for more posts!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

New York Pride Run 2009

If you were in New York City three weeks ago you probably had a hard time missing all the rainbow flags. Three weeks ago was Gay Pride in New York. Every year the week is full of events and parties and then concluded with the Pride Run on Saturday and then the Pride Parade on Sunday.

My running club, Front Runners New York, actually hosts the Gay and Lesbian Pride Run every year. This year I was lucky enough to be asked to create all the advertising for the event. It was quite an honor and quite the task. A few logos/identities were created (and rejected) and then a few advertisements. In the end I ended up having my artwork appear in two magazine, two newspapers, and a few website banners. It's the most exposure I think I've had yet.

The most exciting part was the t-shirt design. Thousands of my t-shirt were created and it was so amazing to see, race day, everyone wearing the shirts. The most amazing thing about the shirts is that people will be wearing them for years to come. I can't wait to go running in the park and see one.
I'm so happy to have been able to contribute to be able to contribute to a group like the Front Runners on their 30th Anniversary of the club and on the 40th Anniversary of Stonewall.

On a sidenote, I ran the Pride Run again this year and finished 16th overall with a time of 28:04 (Sadly a minute slower than last year). I was the first FRNYer to cross the line, though, and came home with a nice little trophy and a gym membership (which is great cause I'm having more injury problems...).
Photos by DAVID LIN & TED PASZEK