Sunday, January 29, 2006
Here are a couple I did the past few days. They look a little rough, but I like them that way.
Posted by Mark at 8:37 AM Categories: Art :: |
Friday, January 27, 2006
Work recently had a create a card contest for the company's appreciation card. I entered and won. Of course, there were only 2 submissions, so I feel a little cheated on the actual value of my design, but I'm happy with it. Click the images to see the card:
The design is based on how our construction documents look. I basically took the title block and cropped it down. I also presented it with the pages stapled together with a black edge. Hopefully I will be getting my prize money soon. Sweet!
Posted by Mark at 11:54 PM Categories: Architecture :: |
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Well, I've been busy working. Not that it is unusual, but I have been doing unusual amounts of it this past week. I am working (still, and for a while) on the TWU Old Main Building. It is a restoration/renovation project in Denton, Texas.
We went and visited the site this past Tuesday. I felt like I had been there before because I have been referring to pictures while drawing details and such. I am not one for "historic" buildings, but it is still architecture, and I am enjoying it thoroughly. All of the exterior brick has to be repointed, and there are section that will have to have brick replaced or reset. The are a few stone lintels that will have to be replaced. The lower level exterior of the original part of the building is clad in stone, and has areas that have to be replaced or reset. The building is a complete mess.
The main problem, safety wise, is the master beam on the entry pediment. The beam coming out of the building to the front corner column has failed, and will have to be replaced. The fun part is taking off all the old galvanized molding/trim, taking out the failed beam, putting in the new beam, and then replacing all the molding/trim. Hope the contractors have fun with that.
It will be an interesting project, even though it is not my type of architecture.
Posted by Mark at 11:57 PM Categories: Architecture :: |
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
I did this one the other night, but just now got to post it. I've decided to stay B&W, but I need to clean out my pens so I can get some better line weights going. Click to enlarge.
If you have any criticism or comments, please leave them.
Posted by Mark at 8:25 PM Categories: Art :: |
Sunday, January 15, 2006
I have been tinkering around with a little comic strip idea. Basically, it will be a few characters making fun of each other, and pretty much anything else.
I haven't decided on a planned layout, or if I'll want to add color. I may redo this cell to make it look more refined. Any criticism is welcome.
Oh, and the characters in this cell are: left- Q-mark, right- Fudgecake
Posted by Mark at 9:56 PM Categories: Art :: |
Saturday, January 14, 2006
I've spent most of last night and all day figuring out why my computer was restarting a quarter of the way through virus scanning. After spending countless hours searching and using Windows online scanners, I finally found the problem. Well, Windows found it, but I had to kill it.
Windows could find it, but was unable to fix it. So, I located the file manually and deleted it, and then I could do an entire virus scan without the auto restart of my computer. It was a java virus that just didn't want to be found.
I also discovered that when I set up my computer, that the temporary internet file storage was defaulted at 4019 MB. IE would crash when I selected to delete the files and offline content, so I had to go and manually do it. There was so much junk it there that it closed down the window a few times. Then, when I emptied the Recycle Bin, it caused the computer to restart. So, I had to delete one folder at a time so I wouldn't cause another restart.
I did discover one thing. Even with hidden files visible, the Temporary Internet Files folder would not display the Content.IE5 folder which is where most all of the offline content goes. There were approximately 15 folder in there each holding anywhere from 150-400 MB of crap. When I reset the amount of offline content allowed, I checked there again, and there were only four folders.
All in all, I think I've spent about 12 hours off and on trying to resolve this crap.
Posted by Mark at 3:17 PM Categories: Life :: |
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Well, I have slightly elaborated on a previous sketch. Since this is a project of my own, I have no deadline and can look at it at every and any angle I desire. So, I decided to take the original idea and improvise with it some.
There is no theory behind this little madness, other than the Fibonacci inspired grid. Like I said, it was an improvisation. As a side note, the paper I used is leftover masking paper painters use to tape off windows and such.
Posted by Mark at 9:23 PM Categories: Architecture :: |
Monday, January 09, 2006
Well, after having the past two weeks off, I'm back at work. I am currently working on several projects, but most importantly is the Old Main Building at TWU in Denton.
Photo care of TWU.edu
It was originally constructed in 1903, and the east and west wings were added in 1916. It is in need of structural work, site work, and weatherization. Basically, a total restoration is needed for this building.
Posted by Mark at 8:12 PM Categories: Architecture :: |
Sunday, January 08, 2006
I recently found this sketch while reorganizing parts of the house.
I'm not sure when I did this sketch, but I'm guessing it was around 2003 or so. I can see architectural potential in this simple design. It could be used as an arrangement of buildings, or possibly a serpentine type building with spaces arranged in the pattern above. I'll need to expand on this basic concept some more because I really like this design.
Posted by Mark at 9:53 AM Categories: Architecture :: |
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Lynda and I went to Obscurities/Trilogy Tattoo last night. Lynda got Evan and Kuper's baby footprints and birth dates on her calf. I originally went to have my left forearm branded, but forgot the pieces that were used on my right forearm to use on the left one. So I decided to get myself a tattoo.
I had been looking online recently, and at the various artist's portfolios at the studio, when I decided I wanted to put a Day of the Dead type skull inside the circular branding on my right forearm. I really like the way it turned out, and I think I will continue that motif to cover that arm. I have a few ideas already.
The artist was Mike Tidwell, and I plan on having him do the whole sleeve, but he doesn't know that yet.
It's nothing real exciting, but I like the way the outline of the skull was left on the bandage. Maybe I'm just funny that way.
Posted by Mark at 2:22 PM Categories: Art :: |
Thursday, January 05, 2006
I have been going through stuff around the house lately to get rid of stuff that is basically junk or trash. In doing so, I have come across things that I have drawn that still look good to me, or have potential. They just need to be touched up or taken to the next level.
I drew this around 1991, give or take a year. I think it would make an excellent tattoo, but only after being redone, and a few icon changes.
Posted by Mark at 3:44 PM Categories: Art :: |
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
About a year and a half ago I was in a band named Rustic Dog. I left the band because I had too much going on in my life, and something had to go. I was their drummer, and I also sang a couple of songs. For the past six months, they have been looking for a new bass player.
I recently (as in today) revamped their website. It pretty much looks like this blog, except for the color scheme. I am also using Thingamablog to run it, as well as Haloscan.
I still play my drums on occasion, and they are set up in my garage. I bought some drum silencers so the neighbors wouldn't need to complain - I live in a duplex. I'll post some music that is mine, and maybe some Rustic Dog stuff if they'll let me.
Posted by Mark
at 7:58 PM
Edited on: Tuesday, January 03, 2006 7:58 PM
Categories:
Music
:: |
I have been working on little "projects" around the house the past week and a half. One I completed yesterday was this table.
I put a new and larger top on this drawing table I got through a freecycle. The table is still in workable condition, but I really need to design a whole new one.
We went to the local Ikea store today, and got a few little things for around the house. Hopefully, this spring we can get new bedroom furniture.
Posted by Mark at 2:48 PM Categories: Art :: |
Monday, January 02, 2006
Been busy the last two days cleaning out the garage. There is still plenty of junk I need to get rid of, or at least put in more permanent containers.
I bought a metal storage rack to put my tools and related items on. I need to invest in a large tool chest to put it all in, or go get the one from my dad that used to be my grandpa's. I also installed a garage door opener. It gets old having to unlock the garage door to get in and out with the cars, so this made life a little easier. I actually had one in before that we got from her parents. It worked long enough for me to put it up and set the up/down tolerances. When I went to test the safety reverse, the motor crapped out. At least it located the new one for me, so that meant less work for the new install.
Posted by Mark at 7:27 PM Categories: Life :: |
Sunday, January 01, 2006
This photo cracks me up. Evan decided he wanted a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle sword while we were at the store yesterday. It came with a mask. Evan and Lynda went down for a nap when I went to the store today. When I got back I peeked in on them, and I noticed he still had on the mask. Too funny!
Happy New Year!