News Flashes from Our Members

PITTSBURGH SOCIETY OF ILLUSTRATORS NEWS AND EVENTS

www.pittsburghillustrators.org May, 2010

My Spot by Anni Matsick News Flashes From Our Members Ever found your work Opinions Duly Noted cover story about Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s departure from politics being used Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Cartoonist and his possible return to acting. “A few where it Rob Rogers was honored as the shouldn’t days after the image ran that Sunday, I be? Worried received a call about images from The Los posted online Angeles Times that are telling me that easy to lift? Image theft is the topic the Governor of this month’s question, which drew was requesting anecdotes from members whose work the image for his has been “ripped off.” To inform you own collection,” further on this concern we’ve consoli- Taylor recalls, dated some of the current informa- “so I sent him a tion available on how to protect your signed print.” image rights and avoid being taken advantage of, on page 3. A helpful link is provided for an online advisory covering all aspects of protecting your images. Another link tells how not to be scammed by those emails express- ing interest in your work. And, while not intending to raise paranoia, we’ve also included a video that reveals how year’s best cartoonist on April 20 at your copier may be betraying you! The Week magazine’s 7th annual Opinion Awards at The W Hotel in This issue is not all scary stuff, though. Washington, DC. These are the only Members, as usual, are showing awards dedicated solely to recog- results of their assignments for a wide nizing and celebrating excellence variety of markets, exhibiting in shows in opinion journalism. White House and winning awards—more of the Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel was a good news that continues to fill our guest speaker at this year’s award pages! ceremony.

A video of Rob’s lecture to Carnegie Mellon University’s Center for the Arts in Society, “How a Cartoonist’s Brain Works,” delivered on March 6, can be viewed at: dailycartoonist.com He’ll Be Back Editor: Anni Matsick This illustration by Taylor Callery Design/Production: Ron Magnes appeared with the April 18 Los All images within this publication are copyrighted Angeles Times Sunday Calendar’s by the artists and may not be used without their written permission.

continued on page 2 1 NEWS FLASHES continued

On Exhibit Cute & boxes with bingo chips as dots. Three Creepy is were suspended overhead to appear as Jack Puglisi’s “This Way Comes” won an exhibit a cascade onto the pile which sat on a first prize at the annual Upper St. Clair comprised discarded dishwasher panel base. It was League for the Arts Juried Exhibition. of paintings Anni’s sixth year as co-chair for the Earth It was rendered in his stippling style, and other Day event in Lemont. original size 13” x 17”. The inspiration for miscella- this picture was the Neil Gaiman story neous items Anni had a watercolor portrait on dis- Coraline and a painting by Andrew Wyeth by Jessica play at the fundraiser An Afternoon of titled “Jack Be Nimble.” LaVecchia Art and Music on May 2, an exhibition and Nathan of award winning art from recent Art Mazur, through May 28. Monsters, bun- Alliance of Central PA shows combined nies, zombified Fisher-Price style little with a performance by the Nittany Valley people and anthropomorphic food are Symphony. included in this unique showing at the Ron Thurston and oil Painter Ron Zombo Gallery, 4900 Hatfield Street, Donoughe were invited to show their Lawrenceville. paintings as the entertainment at a wine The team-up is a result of the artists’ desires to expose their fans to one another’s work. “While our artistic styles differ, there are some similarities on a more visceral level that I think people who enjoy our work will appreciate,” explains Nathan. He has had two previous exhib- its at Zombo; Wee Beasties and Mini Monsters where he worked exclusively on miniature canvases. Gallery hours are Wednesday - Saturday, 1-7 pm and Sunday 1-5 pm.

“Thank Your Lucky Stars” was the title of LeRoy “King of Art” created embel- Anni Matsick’s entry in the 16th annual tasting benefit for the YMCA. The $85 per lished pointe shoes for Pittsburgh Ballet Recycled Art Show, sponsored by the Art ticket event was held at the Parador Inn Theatre’s 40th Anniversary presentation Alliance of Central PA. This year’s theme Ball Room on Pittsburgh’s North Side. Ron of Swan Lake. The attachments fea- says he was just happy to exhibit with ture photos of Fanny Brice and Barbra famed Plein Air Painter Ron Donoughe, Streisand from Funny Girl, Bjork’s swan but he also sold three watercolors. dress at the Oscars and Leonardo DiCaprio with a swan by the lake. The This digital piece by John Hinderliter shoes were among those chosen by Eric was a promotional postcard but also Shiner, the Milton Fine Curator at the wound up in the 2010 Design, Art & Andy Warhol Museum, to be displayed at Technology exhibition at the Tech Council the 40th Anniversary Celebration Party. in Pittsburgh. John says, “Apparently it They were sold in a silent auction to won some kind of minor award. Don’t benefit Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. Click know what or why since I was outside here for a slide show of all the entries: getting a beer.” www.facebook.com

was Reach for the Stars. “In the game of life, relying on horoscopes is like tossing the dice,” Anni says in defining the message behind her entry constructed from throwaways. Horoscopes were photocopied on brown paper bags and glued onto 6” “dice” made from pizza

continued on page 3 2 ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEWS FLASHES continued CAUTION New Members In celebration of the 100th anniver- Full Member sary of the birth of Bill Monroe, Father What to Do When Your Dan Bridy of Bluegrass Music, the International Artwork is Used Without Bluegrass Music Museum in Owensboro, email Kentucky, is hosting a two-year art exhibi- Your Permission website tion of artwork related to bluegrass music This informative post by Linda Joy and Bill Monroe’s life and music. Shown Kattwinkel, Esq., Intellectual Property Dan is an AIP here is “Hallelujah, I’m Ready” by Anne and Arts Attorney, can be found at: grad with long Trimble. Though the final show lineup of http://tinyurl.com/yepxbt7 experience as a designer/ It includes links for: illustrator in the • 5 Essential Copyright Resources Pittsburgh area, currently illustrating for Artists for publications. In recent years he has • Illustrators Unite to Protest Online done murals for historical museums. Art Theft Affiliate Member • How Do You Protect Your Artwork? Alicia • 10 Tips on Contracts and Clients Adamerovich How to Protect Yourself with a Solid Contract email website The Scoop on Art Scams Don’t be victimized! Protect yourself Alicia will gradu- by knowing how to spot an Internet ate in spring 80 pieces is not set yet, the IBMM Board art scam. Helpful information is given 2011 from Penn was pleased that Fred Carlson entered on this website: www.artscams.com State with a BA ten original works to the body of artwork in Integrated arts, with plans for an being considered for the show, includ- MFA in Illustration or Communication ing his award-winning 2000 CD cover Copy Machines, Arts. She transferred from the “Bill Monroe: American Traveler.” The a Security Risk? Maryland Institute College of Art show opens June 23 and runs through Erase that hard drive before discard- where she developed a love and September 12, 2012. Monroe was born ing! For any of us who use a copying passion for illustration. in 1911 in nearby Rosine, Kentucky, machine, this film raises some con- and the IBMM is a travel destination for cerns: www.youtube.com bluegrass music fans worldwide. Fred’s other portrait pieces in this genre include covers for Flatt & Scruggs, Jim & Jesse, Shadyside Art Festival Join the the Delmore Brothers, Ralph Stanley and The 12th Annual Congregation! Tony Rice among the 350+ music covers Shadyside Art he has done since 1984. Festival on Walnut Street is sched- Spirited Exchange uled for May 22-23 and August 28-29. An interview on “Art and Spirit” with The juried show Ilene Winn-Lederer, hosted by Rabbi Dr. includes 150 exhib- Wayne Dosick on Spirit Talk Live weekly itors from across internet radio program, was archived the nation. Yelena for listening at: www.healthylife.net The Lamm invites all to stop by her booth! show’s website is: www.SpiritTalkLive.com Agency Access Discount 10% off for PSI members Agency Access, a promotional service for photographers and illustrators, pro- Last-Friday-of-the-month gatherings, vides U.S. and international label mailing beginning 8 pm with FREE appetizers! lists and an extensive email database for email campaigns. A database includ- Stop-motion animation ing an email subscription costs at least The Church Brew Works for book lovers: $1200 so 10% off is substantial. Use this 3525 Liberty Ave, Strip District www.youtube.com discount when they’re offering 30% off for maximum savings. Free trial and demo Pittsburgh’s Finest Brew Pub–Since 1996 at: www.agencyaccess.com

3 FEATURE

Second Place $125 2010 PSI Rong Dai Community “Old City” College of Allegheny County Scholarship Awards The Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) Allegheny campus presented its annual student art show open- Vince Dorse comments: “As for the ing from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm April 12 student work, it’s always disorienting at at the Visual Arts Center gallery. Jurors first, and daunting, looking at a roomful were Kathy Rooney, Vince Dorse, and of art and ‘judging’ it by some objective Rhonda Libbey. Rhonda presented the standard. But tossing ideas back and awards at noon on March 12 but only one forth with Kathy and Rhonda, decon- of the winners was present to accept. structing the basics of what makes good illustration, we ended up Third Place $75 choosing some Inga Mooney really impres- “Night at Europe” sive pieces by students who, if they applied themselves, could very well be success- ful illustrators in the near future.”

PSI provides scholarship awards to Pittsburgh and surrounding area art students who demonstrate exceptional Honorable Mention $50 potential and commitment to become Brooke Swindell established illustrators. All possible “Visual Music” applicants are encouraged to apply but priority is given to support those who are not yet established in their fields and who are undertaking programs of study which will advance their artistic development Rhonda Libbey comments: “Overall, and who are pursuing career paths that it was a pretty good show. I think we all can lead them to become established agreed that if these students who we illustrators. awarded could create about nine more First Place $150 images of the same caliber they would Sahara Faulk have a nice little portfolio that they could “Untitled Charcoal” use to shop around for some illustration work. It’s unfortunate that more of the students could not make it to receive their awards, but it’s understandable that some of them are commuters or may have been in a class.”

Kathy Rooney comments: “The students must have known we were coming to give awards because I felt there were many more entries in their annual show this year. I’m happy to see PSI make an impact on these art students.”

Photos by Rhonda Libbey

4 INTERVIEW

After completing a photo realis- What do art directors like In Touch with... tic airbrush project an art direc- about your work? A: tor called me a genius. Thank Q: you, but the illustration looked like a Maybe that it does not look like RONRON photo and had 0% style. I knew at some stock. point I would have to start developing my A: THURSTONTHURSTON personal artist vision. Who or what has been the What’s the one aspect of biggest influence on your This man of few words wields an Q: work? illustration that most inspires eloquent brush. Freshness, vitality Q: or motivates you? I have taken a dozen work- and a contemporary viewpoint are shops, two from the late Patricia conveyed in Ron’s vivid paintings. A We kid about digital art as going over to the “dark side”, A: Deadman of Corpus Christi, subtle sense of humor adds color to A: but I do think Photoshop is the Texas. She was big on the idea of find- his comments, as well! greatest art toy ever invented. Illusion ing the abstract in nature. The planets or not, the spirit align and magic happens. She wasn’t all of original art still hocus-pocus though; there have to be remains. The thrill some strong value contrasts and home- of a live perfor- work. I liked her very much. mance excites us. What would you do with ten Show me some million dollars? brush strokes and Q: surface texture. I I remember viewing a gallery think I will all ways that represented Peter Max. love illustration. A: These were his original oils on Imagine drawing canvas, not the hand painted prints he and getting paid now sells on tour. At the time they were for it. As Frank out of my price range but still reachable. Webb says, “It The paintings were very good. This was beats working.” 20 years ago and I still think about them. What What do you enjoy was the reading? Q: most Q: constructive I like Facebook. I wish there criticism that you was more artwork and fun pho- ever received? A: tography but less chatter. What one thing would you How would you describe My grade school art teacher like to learn to do? your personality and said, “If it looks good, leave it Q: Q: lifestyle? A: alone.” A life-size drawing of the Golden Gate Bridge. All of my friends except two are What advice would you offer A: artists. My whole world is about to those who admire your Share an interesting work A: gallery hopping, plein air paint- Q: work and want to learn related anecdote about ing, entering national exhibitions, and from you? Q: a tight deadline, dream other art related events. Sorry if while you Another quote here, a jazz assignment, or favorite art are talking I am not really listening but musician said, “It’s about the director. thinking about how I would illustrate you. A: precision of the motion not the After having a good year PPG Was there a significant correctness of the parts.” Can this also Industries I decided to do an turning point or detour in be applied to art? A: abstract non-objective painting Q: your career? Does the artwork that you on their annual report cover. Good for them and price was no object. Acting I don’t know how or where do for yourself differ from the corporate, as they do, a layout of the watercolor came about. The Q: artwork that you do for your abstract was requested first. How do A: “difficult medium” seemed the clients? If so, how? you do a layout of an abstract painting? right path to broaden my abilities since I Sometimes I am trusted to do I knew a marker indication would not don’t feel I can compete with the talented an illustration however I want cut it because I was competing with six illustrators around me. A: to do it in my style. After a job other cover concepts including photogra- From what illustration description I once asked, “How tight do phy and digital special effects. I pasted assignment did you learn the you want this?” The art director actually together a montage of watercolor scraps Q: most about yourself? answered, “The sloppier the better.” of paper. My proposal was chosen and continued on page 6 5 QUESTION OTM

INTERVIEW continued it because I don’t speak Korean and they Was your artwork were not selling the image or using it to they shot the layout as finished art. That sell anything.” is not supposed to happen. The art direc- ever stolen and tor laughed and reassured that I would Johann Wessels: “I have in the past be paid in full. I was disappointed but used without your done illustrative work which was sup- look at it this way: I got paid for a paint- posed to have paid royalties from sales. ing that I never painted. permission? In two cases the person involved did a runner and never paid me anything. One What action was taken to resolve the Samples of Ron’s work can be viewed of these still sells my work online and it issue and how could it have been in his gallery on PWS’s website at: can be seen if you search my name. I www.pittsburghwatercolorsociety.com prevented? often wonder how people like that live with themselves.” John Hinderliter: “I’ve had my artwork stolen twice. Once by the Post Gazette Fred Carlson: “The only time my art- when they used a promotional drawing work was used without my permission I did of a giraffe in the paper (got paid was when I worked for Pitt Studios in the for it after bringing it to their attention) late 1970s. We published a cool promo- and once when I saw an illustration I’d tional magazine featuring our many artists done of downtown Pittsburgh on t-shirts on staff and a drawing I did of a pinned being sold in a store a block from my and pressed shirt was used by a dry downtown studio. I had those killed and cleaning company! It’s easy to note copy- removed from the store when they didn’t right infringement when the work is used want to cut me in to the profits. Neither in the same region where you work...and time required an attorney, just the threat Pitt just sent a cease and desist letter to of one.” the business. This was an easy one. Phil Wilson: “I’ve had images ‘stolen’ Since PSI was formed in late 1996, In today’s digital reproduction world, rip- a few times over the years, but the most offs can be more common, but I believe we have only had four Presidents blatant occurred a couple of years ago. ethical standards (in this country at least) (John Manders Jan 1998-Dec 2000, While walking through a corridor at South have improved to the point where people Fred Carlson Dec 2000-Dec 2004, Hills Village Mall I came to a kiosk adver- really are loath to use things without Rick Antolic Dec 2004-Dec 2008, tising apartments and condos. I noticed a permissions. The artists are also more and Mark Brewer Dec 2008-present) Disney-like castle on their poster, with the informed as to their rights and describe ...and only three treasurers (Fred headline, “Let us find your castle!” and boundaries and borders of usage very Carlson 1998-2000, Debbie thought, “That’s kinda cool.” The closer clearly upfront in client agreements. Giancola 2000-2004, and Gina I got, the more familiar it looked, until it I have had requests for re-usages of dawned on me: “That’s my image!!” I Scanlon 2004-present). pieces from very, very obscure academic grabbed a brochure with their contact departments for some of my scientific There is a way you can file as an info and went home, where I pulled out a pieces they see in other contexts, and individual rights holder in the ASIP copy of the children’s book with my origi- even if they don’t have much money, and nal image in it and phoned the company. coalition and register for future col- the niches are fairly low volume in terms A man said they had a graphics guy on lection of worldwide reprograph- of numbers of people seeing the work, I staff who handled all their promo material. am impressed with the way people want ics (xerox technology) rights fees When I asked about the image of the fan- clearances to use work these days.” that are collected from around the tasy castle he replied, “Oh he got it from world. You are eligible to collect a clip-art computer disk.” I said, “I don’t Ilene Winn-Lederer: “Yes, I’ve had these rights fees if you generate think so” and explained why I was calling. images used without permission-notably any published illustration works. Up He quietly replied, “Let me get back to an illustration done in 1997 for an inter- until present, there has not been an you in a few minutes.” national magazine cover. Fortunately, agency set up to collect reprograph- it had been under copyright; neverthe- I was surprised when he called back as less, it took over a year of back and forth ics fees and disburse them to mem- promised and sheepishly said his graph- nasty letters and the services of a very bers here in the US, but that situation ics guy confessed to having ‘ripped it expensive intellectual properties attorney is being rectified by the formation of off’ from the children’s book that I had to achieve resolution. Most of the money the ASIP coalition of which PSI is a illustrated, noting that the book was pub- went to the lawyer but, hey, the jerks had member. Many of our members have lished in California so he thought he was their hands slapped and that was good already filed the easy form with ASIP, safe because ‘no one would ever know’ enough for me. I tell this story whenever but many in PSI are still unaware (not realizing that I, the illustrator, lived appropriate--always copyright your work; of this effort. Please contact Ilene less than ten minutes away!!). I told him it may not prevent theft, but gives you a he could either pay for continued usage Winn-Lederer (our rep with the ASIP voice in court.” or remove the posters from all his kiosks coalition) at [email protected] and other venues. By the next day they to be directed to where you can were gone. I nipped this one in the bud, download the ASIP form, fill it out, but I’m sure it will happen again!” Thanks to Kurt Pfaff for this and send on to ASIP’s executive month’s question. Got a good David Biber: “My Bow Wow Meow illus- director, Terry Brown, in New York. question? Please submit to: Do it today! tration was taken from my gallery on the PSI site and re-used by a Korean website [email protected] for cat lovers. I never did anything about

6 INFLUENCES

Members reveal sources When painting “Eve”, I learned from I’ve always admired Jim Caldwells’s Tamara. The idea came independently; California landscapes. Inspired by the of inspiration... I wanted to paint a modern Eve as I see “Eve” is a new painting I did for my her, with far more in her hands than just show scheduled for November at Panza a single apple. When it all came together Gallery. Tamara de Lempicka is my latest and Olga (beautiful model, talented artist, dear friend) posed for the shots, I tried to fol- low some of Lempicka’s properties: close crop, contrasts, bold colors. I agree with colors and Impressonistic qualities in his Lempicka oil paintings, plus a hankering to create that a memento of the place where I grew up, cityscape I decided to try my first landscape. This makes a perfect backdrop for portraits. Mine is Pittsburgh, by the way. Stylistically, I have to admit, I have stolen the hair. This is the first time I’ve artistic crash. Born into wealth in Poland, stylized it this way. It can be attributed pastel shows the hills near the house in lost everything and fled to Paris after the to Lempicka’s portraits, or Russian California where my parents lived for 47 Russian Revolution, a refugee mother Orthodox or Byzantine icons, Botticelli’s years. —Anne Trimble who turned to art to make a living and Venus – there is always more than one succeeded. Bold, powerful and elegant. influence. —Yelena Lamm

New and improved Top Notch creative art buyers list! Anne Trimble reports, “After Art Center my Dad’s death last winter, we finally got the house cleaned out, Only to PSI members! “Supporting Pittsburgh my mom moved to a retirement Artists Since 1971” community, put the house up for The latest database is sale. Finally coming up for air...” available for only 10 cents PSI members receive a 20% per peel-and-stick label! discount on all non-sale in-store supplies plus custom framing Custom searches allow you to 411 S Craig Street, Oakland • purchase specific company types, job titles, specialties and locations. 412.683.4444 • Steve Hnat–Owner It’s quick, easy and affordable. www.tnartsupply.com Contact Gina Antognoli Scanlon at: [email protected] to discuss Artist & Craftsman Supply your promotional needs. PSI LAPEL PIN $6.00 for the first Savings on Supplies! pin and $4.00 for Bring in your PSI Membership Card to Business Meeting each additional pin. receive a 10% discount off non-sale items. Checks should be made out to Jim Upcoming Business Meeting Mellett, or contact 5603 Hobart Street, Squirrel Hill May 18—7:30 pm Jim at a meeting (412) 421-3002 www.artistcraftsman.com at John Blumen’s home and pay cash.

7 BEHIND THE BRUSH

See what members are Smart Cars to its fleet and a Pittsburgh Here is Kathy Rooney’s latest draw- based company will make the electric ing for the Story of the Allegheny working on this month... chargers. Three national companies Observatory movie directed by Dan will collaborate on the new venture. The Handley. This scene depicts young John Shown are two accent illustrations by illustration was used for presentation Brashear as he gets his first look through Rachel Arnold Sanger for Carnegie purposes. a telescope thanks to Squire Wampler. Mellon University’s Computer Science magazine, The Link. One article was about super-computing, and the other documented some of the challenges of organizing open-source software development.

These three illustrations were done by George Schill for Pitt magazine.

Anne Trimble just received an order for greeting cards from a woman who collects cards with images of “the lion and the lamb” (and has over 700 images). This art is from a Christmas card Anne did several years ago.

This piece by Mark Brewer will appear in the 2010 MLB All Star game program accompanying an article on the new pitching talent in the minor leagues. It highlights a new pitch called a “Chainsaw Breaking Ball.” Christine Swann is working on “Contemplation”, pastel, 22” x 28”.

Ron Thurston did this display indication of when The Geek Squad will be adding

continued on page 9 8 BEHIND THE BRUSH continued

Here are two images from a series of Fred Carlson did this portrait of Brandon spots on cloud computing and wireless Gillett for Philips Exeter Summer 2010 vulnerabilities, done by David Biber for PEA Alumni Bulletin. an electronic publication. Gillett is a hot new young author and former Exeter student. For the same issue Fred created this montage portrait of Philips Exeter Academy Head of Trustees Tom Hutton. This sketch was OK’d with rather than milk cartons... champagne seems such a very decadent and rather no changes-- horrid juxtaposition to the plight of a we’ll see the missing person,” Johann comments. “The finished art in other is a piece which fits in with a series June PSInside! of works I am working on which explores the telling of a story and how we re-tell stories and often change the order of the narrative without changing the inherent content. In this piece I use parts of art- works I have made and rearrange them in a new way.”

“Waiting,” a visual poem by Ilene Winn- Lederer, is lined in ballpoint pen with final art in digital color.

Here’s the latest by Craig Mrusek for the “Last Call” cocktail column he writes and illustrates for Bachelor Pad magazine. This cover for Dirt Rag magazine was The featured drink for their May issue is done by John Hinderliter, in oil on paper. a classic cocktail called the “Air Mail”.

Here are two digital works completed recently by Johann Wessels. “One looks at what it might be like to have missing persons images on champagne corks