The Hildebrandt brothers were a huge influence on me growing up and I still enjoy seeing Greg’s work, (Robin Hood most recently.) When my wife pointed out to me that Greg Hildebrandt would be making an appearance at the Sahara West library in Las Vegas October 13th, I marked it on my calendar and was not disappointed. Greg discussed his adaptation of the comic strip Terry and the Pirates, his influences growing up as well as a wealth of other engrossing topics. His wife Jean (who also happens to be his Representative) was equally fascinating to talk to and learn from. Greg remains passionate and speaks with an enthusiasm as vivid as his illustrations.

This year at Comic Con I was able to meet…

Daryl Cagle:

Peter Deseve:

and Kevin Eastman:

I learned plenty from other professionals “in the industry” including C. B. Cebulski, Ron Perazza, Joe Quesada, Dave Dorman, some Art Directors at Petrol Advertising studio and DK Publishing as well. The mood this year among working professionals at “The Con” seemed low-key to me. The recession combined with the death of the printed news has proven to be fatal to many—the remainder are endeavoring to find new avenues of revenue and as a result, the lines for any kind of opportunity are long and seldom bear fruit. Joe Quesada reminded everyone attending a “breaking into the industry” panel that getting a shot (even an opportunity—let alone a job) in the Comics Industry is something “like breaking out of prison—once someone finds a way, that avenue is immediately shut down.” Crowds at these professional panels and portfolio reviews were resolute but realistic. The mantra over and over was that talent wasn’t enough, but hard work and lots of luck are also crucial. So most hard working, talented artists seemed to be at Comic Con looking for a little luck. The discussion in panel lines kept coming back to the friendly exchange of contingency plans aimed at making it through the depressed times without resorting to giving up completely.

These frank and solemn discussions were in direct contrast to the fan driven mania that dominates everything else. (This year there were 126,000 people in attendance.) The energy and enthusiasm for pop culture (especially celebrities and movies) was palpable. Fans in clever costumes were out in force. Social networking via tweeting and blogging on smartphones was everywhere—it was a fascinating study of geek technology evolving in plain sight.

In the end, evidence of the demand for what Comic Con offers was abundant—The hope of many now is for a little bit of luck as well!

Checking out the Maxfield Parrish at the Pied Piper Bar

While vacationing in San Francisco, I was determined to find an elusive Maxfield Parrish painting on display “in a bar.” After some research, I found the Palace hotel had a little place called the Pied Piper bar. Lo and behold—named after the original painting!

“The Pied Piper has hung above the bar of the Palace Hotel since 1909 except for its brief stay (1989–1991) at the De Young Museum in San Francisco during the historic $150 million restoration of the hotel. The mural was reinstalled in the room adjacent to where it had hung for nearly eighty-three years. The old Pied Piper Room was renamed “Maxfield’s” and turned into a restaurant. The Pied Piper, in its new location at the Palace with its new cleaning and improved lighting, again shines resplendentfor all who come in pilgrimage to see this venerable San Francisco landmark.

We wonder if, indeed, bartenders still heed Mr. Parrish’s admonishment, written in a letter to Helen Hess: “When customers can no longer tell how many children they can count on the [Pied Piper] mural, send them home to their families. A guest drawing a glass is apt to note a child in the painting that resembles a little one at home and then and there cancel their wish for an additional glass.”

Maxfield Parrish: The Masterworks By Alma Gilbert-Smith

WOW, what a painting! If you are ever in the financial district in San Francisco, drop in and have a pint, you won’t regret it.

A little trivia: Parrish is depicted in the painting as the Pied Piper himself (his two sons are depicted as well.)

Joel Nakamura

Joel Nakamura came to Las Vegas for a Neoteny seminar on the 10th of March. He was here two years ago when I met him for the first time.

During his most recent visit, I painted his portrait and he was kind enough to sign it.

Neoteny is defined as “the retention of juvenile features in the adult animal.”

Josh "SHAG" Agle

I went to First Friday on assignment on the 7th of October. While I was there I met Josh Agle. “better known as “SHAG!”

Josh is a commercial artist with an impressive list of clients. One of my favorite projects he designed was some work he did for Disneyland, be sure to check it out—especially at the Disneyland gallery in Anaheim the next time you happen to be at “the Happiest Place on Earth.”

Kinuko Y. Craft

Dan Piraro of Bizarro!

I was also able to attend seminars featuring Matt Groening, Ray Harryhausen, Alfonso Cuaron, Guillermo del Toro, Anthony Zuiker, Rosario Dawson and Lewis Black! Despite the large, unusual crowds, it was a memorable experience.