Here is an amazing blog jam packed with information about Walt Disney and John Lasseter's struggles to advance the art and craft of animation. I wonder what the animation industry would be like if these two men didn't exist. I wonder what 3D would be like without Pixar's effort.

Frankly I think the information here is enough to make a series of short articles or better yet- a nice small book. Take comfort ye struggling yet passionate (and moderately talented) animators:

http://hereitbegins.blogspot.com/

A great list of art blogs on the web can be found on this CGSociety thread:

http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=2&t=620402

In one of the blogs listed had a really great list of must read art books:

http://processjunkie.blogspot.com/2007/09/best-figure-drawing-books-ever.html.

I found this blog that has some really nice advice on keeping an artist's journal:

http://www.busywomen.com.au/visual_journal.html

Meanwhile... only 2 people showed up this weekend! At least they came early so we got to chat a little. One other person came too late plus I have had interest from yet another guy in exhibiting at WaPI. All in all, I feel boosted. Unfortunately next weekend the WaPI board members have a meeting to figure out how to make WaPI bigger so seems like we can't meet till the 19th. For an idea of what to do with the theme, you can check out my portfolio for the SELF MASTERY image.

Also check out this site that talks about cultivating and maintaining creativity:

http://artseducation.suite101.com/article.cfm/cultivation_and_alignment

So only 1 person showed up.

I was there for 3 hours making small sketches in a book, patiently waiting.

Still, I remain adamant so I will be there at the Kenya National Theater from 10AM till noon to meet anyone who has sketches on the theme: SELF MASTERY. In windows of opportunity I will be mastering my own sketching skills.

For almost two years now, visual and verbal artists have been showing up at WaPI and the event has grown from a seed of an idea that we weren't sure would blossom, to a major fixture on Nairobi's social calendar.

The majority of the crowd so far has been attracted by the verbal artists (the MCs and poets), with the Graffiti artists providing a nice backdrop to the action. The Graffiti artists have put in a lot of hard work over many months and have been fairly consistent and competitive.

Because of the efforts they have put in, these groups have been rewarded either monetarily (in the form of competition for the graffiti artists) or by having huge acts show up (Dead Prez, Blak Twang) to serve as inspiration for the MCs.

I want the same thing to happen for the visuals.

It should be possible to have a Derek Lea, Richard Corben or Alan Moore (Google them!) or even have certified software trainers come down for the UK, but we need to have an increased turnout of visual artists.

So...

...In an effort to improve the turnout and quality of the visual aspect of WaPI, I will be meeting anyone interested in participating on Saturday at the Kenya National Theater (KNT) garden from 10 am till noon. Cartoonists, Designers, Sketch artists, 3d artists, Photographers, Illustrators, Painters are all welcome.
I have been informed that it's an open art space so there shouldn't be any problems with the management (of KNT).

What I will be giving is FREE feedback and art direction. This will be done on a first come, first serve basis. What I'd need from you is a sketched or printed out rough idea of what you want to do based on the next WaPI theme: MASTERY OF SELF.

In the event I find myself idling, I will be making a few sketches myself (mostly from the surroundings to pass time and improve my skills).

If you need to confirm showing up or need any clarification call me on 0722 679796. Please forward this message to as many visual artists you know as possible.