...I'm moving on the loving arms of Wordpress.

Yes, let the sadness commence, I have officially packed up shop and trucked my bindle over to Wordpress, where I am slowly tweaking my new blog. Yes, it's a bit sloppy and yes, it's one more step for some of you, but it will hopefully be more rewarding than the limits (and advertisements) of Myspace. I'll post major updates here every now and then, but for the most part, make sure to updates your bookmarks to http://www.ncwinters.com/blog or this link right here for my new blog.

kisses,

*voice of doom*
(N.C. Winters)

 ...pardon the sloppy HTML coding.

So here it is. What I've been doing the past few months while I haven't been blogging, Daily Drawing, keeping up with client deadlines, sleeping regulary or eating in a healthy and human-like manner. This is the payoff. This is all part of "Bee-Rotica"- a huge art show this coming first Saturday- September 6th, or tomorrow, for those keeping count. I will be one of the two main featured artists at The Hive. The other is the talented Jason Hernandez. As you may have guessed, the theme of the evening is "erotica" and I believe burlesque-type girls shall be there. Not exactly sure what they will be doing, but if they are pretty and half-naked, I know I will be enjoying the evening.

I am quite proud of this new body of work, and have had many fine compliments on it (which is always a help to my ego). While not necessarily a new direction, I think it is definitely a higher comfort level with the paint than I've had in a long time. Enough about all that. Hope to see you at the show, I will be in attendance for the evening's entirety. I would love to promise more Daily Drawing after this is done, but I can't make any promises.

Take care, I love most of you.

*voice of doom*

Informal

Acrylic on Wood
6-3/4" x 9-3/4"

$400

 

 

 

...and swing by LA the next night for even more!

Big upcoming show weekend!

Friday, July 25th at Subtext Gallery in downtown San Diego, don't miss "Beasts of Burden"- a custom vinyl show with many great artists. KMNDZ, N8 Van Dyke, Doktor A, Frank Kozik, Scribe and many other amazing talents will be in this group show that I am proud to be a part of. There's a sneak preview Thursday, July 24, but the opening reception is Friday, July 25th, from 6-10PM. Yes, this all goes down during the San Diego Comic Con, which is literally a few blocks away. If you are around for the convention, you can't miss the vinyl show! "Beasts of Burden" is co-curated by Cardboard Spaceship, and I will be at their ComicCon booth 4737 earlier on Friday to promote the show and my work. Swing by their booth at 3PM and I'll be there for sketching, signing, or just chatting away.

The following evening, Saturday July 26th, I will be the featured artist for Cannibal Flower. Show is one night only, from 9PM to 1AM, with a paltry $8 admission. The event will be at Infusion Gallery, in downtown LA. I will be showcasing a large variety of work, so if you haven't checked out the work in awhile, you should definitely swing by.

Here's a snippet for your viewing pleasure, hope to see you there!

N.C. (Voice of Doom)

...add them together and then complain to the theater- get a free ticket!

First of all, Iron Man. Loved it. It was well done, acted well, funny, amazing on the effects, good story and for a comic book movie, quite exceptional. Plenty of suspension of disbelief, but again, see aforementioned reference to the fact that it's a movie based on a comic book. Great stuff, and yes I know we're about 6 months late on the viewing, I've been busy.

Have to mention the little shit kid that slipped in just as the movie was starting. We had great seats, and the previews were all dead slient- a good recipe for a good movie experience. No obnoxious kids, no babies, and none of the people who apparently aren't really there to see the movie, but apparently want to just talk the entire freaking time. No, this "family" slipped in at the buzzer and planted right next to us. Instant red flag: the "Mom" is yelling for a place to sit and the kid is yelling because, well he's a little bastard. But hey, he's a kid, that I can forgive. Kids don't have all their "respect for others" and "don't be a spaz" wires tightened down yet. That's what parents are for.

That's what parents are supposed to be for. Not this group. "Mom" and maybe "Aunt" did no controlling of the kid at all. The kid was cute during the previews- "where's Iron Man?" the kid adorably shouted at the screen while waving his stuffed Iron Man toy around. Aw, that's precious or something. Then Iron Man starts, he should be happy and shut up and just LOVE the movie right? Nope, then he gets bored and starts yelling about Spiderman, whining, rolling around on the ground, climbing on the bars (front row) and in general, being a bored, irritable little monster. This is where the parents or the babysitters, or the kidnappers, or whoever is the "responsible" party with this antichrist is supposed to handle this kid. Tell him to be quiet, take him outside, SOMETHING. There was some mild scolding but more in the vein of "hey, knock that off, I'm like, irritated or something" as opposed to "shut your insolent little trap before I tear off your skin and whip you with it". Short story long, told the theater people outside, more for a "if this happens again, what do we do?" explanation than anything else. They said tell an usher, and gave us two free tickets to boot! Just goes to show what taking the high road will get you. Not as rewarding as say, grabbing the kid, running out and throwing him in the trash can (I still think I could have made it), but with the price of movie tickets, a better solution. And it probably keeps me out of jail.

Sorry about the absence of bloggery and Dailing Drawings. I realize I've been just far too busy to cram in an additional drawing every day, especially as my time has been occupied with...drawing and painting! I've been working on projects for clients that I can't share over the intertubes, so you'll have to wait. I think for now the Drawing a Day scenario will have to take a back seat, as I'm far too busy right now...drawing. I know you'll understand.

Unless you're bastards. Drawings and art coming soon.

*voice of doom*

...I've just been busy, thank you very much.

So other than finally get my act together and get you good people your Drawings you've been so anxiously craving, I spent some time cathing up on my YouTube. And let me tell you. Whoo boy, there is some crap floating around on the interwaves. While the vast majority of it truly is definitive crap, there were a few highlights. I won't list some, as the little respect some of you may actually have for me will go down the drain. Some though, are worth mentioning. Namely, Charlie the Unicorn. Yes, I know, you've seen it and hate it, but that's because you've only seen it once. Or you only saw it sober. Or you weren't having the worst of days and the absolute madness of it didn't make you giggle to tears. Still not buying it? Then you are bastards. I like it, and I laughed. Then I find out a second one has been made. It may have been made years ago, but as I said, I am only just recently getting my YouTubery caught up. Here's the link, beware of imitations. Charlie the Unicorn Charlie the Unicorn 2

Next on my list is anything by Jonathan Coulton. I first became aware of him through his elegant song at the credits for Portal- part of the Orange Box set for XBOX360. If none of what I just said makes any sense, try to crawl out of your cave once and a while and get some video games. It's what the kids play nowadays. Once you've heard GLADoS sing it, you're ready for the rest of his set, my faves are Re: Your Brains and Code Monkey. All gems.

With that, enjoy the intertubes, and some recent art. I know there aren't quite enough Drawings, but I'm throwing in a whole kaboodle (kaboodle?) full of goodies. Daily Drawings, recent artworks and some comics all for your (free) viewing pleasure. Until of course, they start charging for Myspace which they are just about to do. Hurry, email all your friends and put up a bulletin or twelve about it! It's the same conspiracy that will help you get some of Bill Gates' money, and help lower gas prices! Hurry! Feed the machine!

Enough sarcasm for one evening, enjoy the art. Oh, thanks to those who came by Alphacult Saturday night. Sorry about no bulletin, been too slammed. Went well, sold a piece.

*voice of doom*

...the studio floor looks like a million empty speech bubbles.

Which is a good metaphor for not a lot to say. That is, not yet. Still prepping, sanding gessoing and sanding some more. About 16 panels in progress, and then I need to actually paint them up. Focusing for now on the charity show at Distinction. 57 amazing artists, and trying to get my piece done for the Juxtapoz ad. Nothing like some publicity to brighten up your day. Piece is looking sweet, but between the deadline next Friday and leaving for a wedding this weekend, it'll be a matter of squeezing everything in. Oy.

I owe you two Daily Drawings. I'm including a recent painting to show you what I've been up to. Not everything is about drawing every day. Now that I'm at home for the next two months, the drawings may even slow down for all the painting that's getting done. Here's what some of that looks like. More soon.

*voice of doom*

...get ready to salivate.

Spending the last few days cutting, sanding and prepping all new panels for a whole new batch of work. I realized the other day there's almost no new work left in the studio- everything is out at various group shows! Zoinks! Need to wrap up some projects for sure, but really need to get some new stuff done. I'll be part of a tight group show coming up in two weeks at Alphacult. I'll be showing alongside Josh Taylor (who's headlining), Downtimer, Blinky, Matt Linares, Thom Glick, and Keller. All great artists, and the space is sweet to boot. Shop is in Long Beach and I'll be there as usual to sign kneecaps and give out sage life advice for free. Get me a drink and I might even talk your ear off the entire evening. Actually, there's a pretty good chance I'll do that anyway. As usual, more details later, stay tuned! Also on the radar, I'll be featured at Cannibal Flower in July. Still not quite sure where, but when I know, you'll know! I'm backed up on Daily Drawings, I know, here's a bunch!

*voice of doom*

Dugguh-dah-dun, dugguh-dah-dun, dugguh-dah-dun, dugguh-dah-dun.

Yes. Today was the last day at the contract gig for two whole months. Using that time to catch up on all my freelance clients, miscellaneous outstanding projects and to create a whole new body of work. Seems like it couldn't have come at a better time, either. Just this evening, talked to two gallery owners who want my work in their shows. One in Chicago, one in Colorado. We'll see what happens, but it's great to know I'll have time to get the stuff done! Chugga chugga, woo woo! If you are in LA tomorrow evening, make sure to swing by both the Hive Gallery and Infusion Gallery. Infusion is the site for this month's Cannibal Flower show, the Hive is having a show closing night. I'll have a piece in both galleries, each just literally a few doors down from the other. Downtown LA, see you there. I owe you two Daily Drawings. Enjoy.

*voice of doom*

...then a marathon of painting!

Not that I'm anxious or anything. Just booked another group show. This one's at Alphacult. It's last minute, but I'll have details soon.

*voice of doom*

...so nice to enjoy some time off and be with my beautiful wife.

Ginger and I had a great long weekend/anniversary. While our goal was to take a trip to Italy for this anniversary, it was again postponed to another year due to time, money and the economy. Had a great time in Venice though. The show went well, thanks to Matt, Michelle and Marcos for each purchasing a piece of artwork. I hope to have pics up soon of the pieces. Met some great people, bought a few pieces of art from one of our new favorite artist: Chrystal Chan. Met with many other great artists. It's so cool to meet other people doing similar things with their artwork, yet so different at the same time. It's frustrating how young they are but in a good way, and I wish nothing but the best of success to them. They have motivated me to go after a few more galleries however, and I will be pushing for more exposure in a few new places in the near future.

It was great to just relax this weekend and spend some time just enjoying life instead of running around like a crazy person. The goal is to learn from the experience and incorporate the calmness every now and then into the stressful workload. June will be spent finishing up backed up projects and painting a whole new set of work. I can't wait. A few Daily Drawings from the weekend.

*voice of doom*

...all wrapped up in one delicious four day weekend.

The good times start tomorrow night at the Grind Gallery in Venice/Los Angeles at 7PM. Group show, I'll be there and so will eight brand new pieces of art of mine. Come see the goodness! Then off to our exotic hotel for a few nights of relaxation, and weather permitting, hanging out at the beach. If the weather sucks, no problem, there's a sushi restaurant, pool, spa and fantastic room all waiting for us to relax and watch movies.

My wonderful wife Ginger has been amazing over the past two years of our marriage. I look forward to many many more, hopefully (but not realistically) with less art stress. I love you, baby! For the record, we've been together for eight years, but only two of them are marriage. I always feel like I have to qualify that, so people realize we're hardcore.

Here's the next few days' worth of Daily Drawings (plus one from yesterday) as we will be out of town and not caring about email. Yes, I know it's sacriledge that the drawings have been done in advance, but I draw quickly.

*voice of doom*

...ever so slowly.

So I'm getting back into the swing of things after the mad dash to the end of prep for the Grind show, you know: this coming Friday, May 23 from 7 to 11PM at the Grind Gallery in the Santa Monica/Venice area. Finally got back into the gym, and realized how much THAT area has suffrered. Did some decent workout-ness, watched a few meatheads and prancing girls. Okay, for the record, all you muscle-heads out there- there is absolutely no need to drop whatever weights you were lifting from their highest point on your last rep. Usually this douchebag maneuver is done with a huge last gaspy grunt to let the whole gym know just how hard it was for you. The rep counts as a full lift/pull up and then a full lift/pull DOWN. Dropping it to make the loudest noise you can so everyone instinctively pays attention to you is not only juvenile, it most likely indicates that you have a very small penis. I didn't make these rules up, it's just science look it up on this website I found here. Don't be a jackhole and we can all enjoy the gym together. I can bring my headphones to tune out most noises, save for the thunderous boom of your ego.

*voice of doom*

...only been gone for about a week and a half.

Sorry for the absence. Been in a bit of last minute prep hell for the past well, okay week and a half. Many would argue that I've been working at the buzzer, last minute for the past ten years. They wouldn't be wrong, but they would be jerks. Grind Gallery group showcase of new talent opens this Friday, May 23 from 7-11PM. Not a lot of notice, I know I know. If you're in the West Hollywood/Santa Monica/West LA area (never sure what to call it, I'm sure Kat will set me straight) this Friday, don't miss it. Almost all new works, save for a few stragglers that have only been showed in a short runs. Not sure how many they're going to end up letting me put up, but I submitted eight pieces. Should be a decent turnout, and many more shows booked for the rest of the year. Trying to take all of June and July off to take care of all the backed up projects and really get a lot of painting done for the feature wall at The Hive, this coming September. Should be great. More soon, and here's a few backed up Daily Drawings, comics and a preview of one of the new pieces for the show. Also, I send out an email blast before every show. If you haven't been getting them and would like to, drop me an email at ncwinters@hotmail.com. I'll put you on my list, and will only sell your name to the highest bidding porn spammers. Just kidding, your email stays private with me. You won't even see it when you get the blast, unlike the way your grandmother sends email where you have every person she knows right there in your inbox.

Happy May.

*voice of doom*

...yes, I'm talking about Bionic Commando: Rearmed coming out as an Xbox Live download.

If you've never played the original Nintendo Bionic Commando, you missed a good one. Back in the earlier days of good Nintendo games, you remember: when they spent time and dedication on a game, instead of spewing out some half-assed piece of garbage. These were intense, had great stories, were long, intricate and beautiful. Real pieces of craftsmanship and love. Bionic Commando was such a gem.

The guys at Grin and Capcom are re-releasing a super, tricked out version for download on Xbox Live. I've been following the progress from their website, and what I've seen looks amazing. This isn't a re-envisioning of the game's storyline, (though they are doing that as well, and it also looks great) this is a recreation of the original 2D platform shooter into a NEW 2D PLATFORM SHOOTER. I've been wanting the game companies to do this for a while now. The trend is now full 3D vector wireframe graphics in a fully explorable three dimensional world, which has its perks to be sure. I just don't think it has to fully replace every old two dimension scrolling classic. It's about time game companies are rewarding classic gamers with new versions of their favorite games they grew up with. Check out the bionic commando website and be sure to check the music section. Simon Viklund's amazing sonic delivery of the classic tracks pumped up into new millenium overdrive cannot be missed.
I'm so psyched to get to play this again.

*voice of doom*

...come and ride it, choo choo.

Marathon working. Getting behind on projects. Getting projects done. Moving. Working. Not painting enough. Wrapping up long delayed obligations. Not fast enough. Gotta keep moving...

*voice of doom*