News Flashes from Our Members from Vince Rogowski Helps Invisible Interested in Helping out a Good Cause, Hey Everybody, the Walk Is on Saturday, April 12Th

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PITTSBURGH SOCIETY OF ILLUSTRATORS NEWS AND EVENTS

www.pittsburghillustrators.org March, 2008 And Now, A Word News Flashes From Our Members from Vince Rogowski Helps Invisible interested in helping out a good cause, Hey everybody, the walk is on Saturday, April 12th. Children Registration is at the Pittsburgh Zoo at I know two things Everyone thinks Rich Rogowski is all 8am. For the cost of a small donation about Brett Favre: about Rich Rogowski, but nothing He mispronounc- could be further from the truth. Case es his own name in point: These images used for an art and he cried like show benefiting the Invisible Children a baby when he charity. All 10 of the pieces (hand-ren- retired from pro- dered line art over a digitally treated fessional football canvas) sold out the night of the event this year (For with 100% of the money going to those keeping track, this is my second editor’s letter referencing football, a Invisible Children, an organization that game about which I am hilariously helps the displaced children in war uninformed). stricken Uganda. I have to stop typing now because the tears are welling up. The reason I mention Favre (pro- To read more about Invisible Children, nounced \`fäh-vrǝh\) is that I, too, visit www.invisiblechildren.com and must announce my retirement from www.rogodesigns.com to see more a grand and glorious institution – The of Rich’s work. PSInside. Unlike Favre, however, I’m not gonna bawl like a girl scout with a skinned knee. And, unlike Favre, I’m not going to spend my retirement getting fat and counting my millions. you get to walk off your Easter choco- You see, because of my involvement late, nab a “Walk in the Wild” t-shirt and with PSI – participating in and chair- help out some folks who really need it. ing our exhibitions, posting my imag- For more info, call 412-795-3029. es on our website, attending socials and learning from every PSI member I Walk In The Wild Officer Koljonen talk to – I suddenly find that business Remember Reporting for Duty is good. Oh, I’m not rolling in it like Mark Bender’s PSI Member and World-Traveler, Sarah Phil ‘I have a solid gold dinosaur on Laina Koljonen, was recently elected the 5th floor of my mansion’ Wilson. Zoowalk as Hong Kong Graphics Society’s Art But I’m busy enough that I just can’t sketch from Promotion Officer. Established in 1976, squeeze enough hours together to the January put in the care and effort this newslet- PSInside? HKGS is the oldest printmaking asso- ter (and its readers) deserves. Well, here’s ciation in Hong Kong and introduces the finished printmaking to the public through Because of my involvement with this piece. Nice work, as usual. This time exhibitions, talks, workshops and newsletter, I’ve had a chance to meet it’s for a benefit walk through the exchange activities where local and and talk to a lot of members I might Pittsburgh Zoo for Neurofibromatosis. foreign print artists learn and grow by not have otherwise. It’s been a great Mark’s daughter, Maddie, has NF and sharing experiences. opportunity to learn, network and also modeled for the poster. Anyone make friends and I’m really going to continued on page 3 continued on page 2 1 NEWS FLASHES continued

Large scale exhibitions and related activi- is on April 3rd in the Andrew Carnegie ties have included exchange exhibitions Free Library & Music Hall (in Carnegie, with Shanghai, Jiangsu, Heilongjiang PA) from 5:30 - 8:30pm. The show will run and Anhui in China. According to Sarah, from March 30th through April 20th and “There’s not much on my agenda yet, will feature over 30 pieces, most of them but [I just wanted] to let you know that painted in the last 3 years. Light refresh- doors are open for any future collabora- ments will be served and, as an added tion between PSI and HKGS!” So, I don’t bonus, Galina Istomin, Concert Master for know if Sarah is currently in Pittsburgh or jet-setting around Hong Kong, but if you happen to see her, don’t forget to congratulate her. And then start butter- ing her up so we can angle another PSI show in China. The Incredible Shrinking the 4 foot by 8 foot banner was drawn Mazur traditionally (at 1 inch to 1 foot scale) and colored digitally. These banners If you’re thinking about getting into replace banners that were already hang- the art-thief business, Nathan Mazur’s ing above the pool, but Ilene doesn’t new show might be easy pickin’s. Wee feel too guilty about that -- the original Beasties, which opened at Zombo banners were designed by Ilene and art- Gallery this March, features something ist Helen Sysko in 1987 when the Jewish like 50 miniature paintings of cartoon Community Center opened. insects, spiders, worms and other creepy- crawlies. These teeny little works of art New Member, New Show, will be hanging through April 5th at Zombo Gallery (4900 Hatfield Street in New York Lawrenceville). So grab your magnifying the Edgewood Symphony Orchestra, will New member Alexis Covato will be par- glass and head out to catch this show perform a short violin interlude in the ticipating in an upcoming show in New before it disappears. Music Hall at 6:30 pm. And if you want York this April. The Clowns, Jokers and to take a piece of the exhibit home with Pranks Art Show will open at the Claude you, original art, giclee prints, art posters, Gallery (282 Main St., Eastchester NY) on and greeting cards designed by Yelena April 5th, from 7pm-1am. The show fea- will be for sale. 30% of the revenue tures at least 15 artists so there’s plenty from all sales will benefit the campaign to see. If you happen to be in New York to restore, renovate and revitalize the during the show, stop in and support Lex. Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall’s historic landmark facility. If you’d like to help out a friend and a good cause, stop by the reception (less than 10 minutes from Downtown in lovely Carnegie) and wish Yelena well. For more information visit www.yelenadesign.com or www.carnegiecarnegie.com Banner Year for Ilene Ilene Winn-Lederer has spent much of her time as of late designing and illus- trating giant, vinyl banners represent- ing the 12 Tribes of Israel for the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh in Squirrel Hill. On March 16th, the banners had their Grand Opening and were Lamm’s Reflections finally installed and on display above the swimming pool at the community Yelena Lamm would like to invite every- center. Ilene will have photos for us soon, one in PSI to her upcoming art show. but until then she sent in the design The opening reception for Reflections for the tribe of Issachar. Each design for

continued on page 3 2 NEWS FLASHES continued

A Romantic Time with LeRoy’s kingdom before then, visit his A Word from Vince continued website at www.leroyland.com Sarah Miller miss doing it. We’ve had a few different Sarah Miller is currently working on an Anni & Anne’s Trip to the newsletter editors along the way (Rick animation for author Anne Elizabeth Antolic, Mark Brewer, myself) and each that will premiere at the Romantic Times Big Apple one brought his own unique personality Convention on the 18th of April right After spending most of their money to the PSInside. We’re not sure who’ll get here in Pittsburgh. Sarah will be speak- having taxicab races up and down 5th the job next, but I’m certain whatever ing at the event as part of a panel along Avenue, PSI members Anni Matsick and new direction the next editor takes the with her co-artist on the project and, Anne Trimble attended the Society of newsletter it will be fun, informative of course, the author. Feel free to visit Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the unifying element it was always www.anneelizabeth.net for more infor- Mid Year Conference in New York City intended to be. mation. February 8-10, including the Illustrators Intensive. Their reports can be read on In his President’s letter later in the issue, the Western PA SCBWI illustrators blog at Rick puts out a call for new members to http://pghpicturebook.wordpress.com step up and get involved in the day to day business of PSI. Speaking from expe- or at the direct page links below: rience, if you’re considering joining the http://pghpicturebook.wordpress.com/ long tradition of enthusiastic volunteers, 2008/02/13/anni-matsick-writes-about- I can promise you won’t regret it. And for the-mid-year-conference/ Pete’s sake, can we get some new blood at the socials? C’mon people! I can http://pghpicturebook.wordpress.com/ only listen to John Manders ramble on 2008/02/15/anne-trimble-also-attended- drunkenly about pirates so many times. the-mid-year-conference/ Thanks everybody. -V

so please email me (Kathy Rooney) at Call For Artists [email protected] to let me know you Heads up, are interested in this event. Here are Pittsburgh some further, preliminary details: Society of The event will take place on a 3-day Illustrators weekend, June 20 – 22. SPORTS The Artists/Authors Exhibit will take ARTISTS! Kathy place indoors in the first floor McGwinn Rooney is Hall Gallery passing on some informa- The street in front of Heinz History tion about Center will be blocked off for outdoor an upcoming event that may interest sports related exhibits & events you. Here’s what she sent in: This is a 15,000 people are expected to attend preliminary call for framed artwork The event will also take place through- for a special sports weekend event out the museum and will be highly & exhibit in Pittsburgh at the Heinz advertised History Center in connection with It’s Good To Be The King ONLY PITTSBURGH-RELATED SPORTS Why is this Pittsburgh’s 250th Anniversary. The event is called Federated Investors ARTWORK accepted. Works should woman smil- be framed and the framing hardware ing? No doubt Parade of Champions and you can read more about it on the HHC web should be compliant with HHC museum she’s planning standards to go to the site at: http://www.pghhistory.org/ upcoming ParadeofChampions.asp. What is Work can be for sale or not for sale show by Paul planned as part of this event is an Pre-packaged, unframed prints of sports LeRoy Gehres Artists & Authors Exhibit featuring artwork may also be sold at the HHC (known to some of you as LeRoy “King Pittsburgh Sports artwork and local Museum Shop books about Pittsburgh sports. Authors of Art”). Paid Sick Days, a glamorous A reduced commission rate on artwork will be present for book signings. Sports new installation extravaganza at Panza sales is now being negotiated with HHC Frame & Gallery (115 Sedgwick Street in celebrities will also participate in the More details on artist participation Millvale) runs from May 10-31 with an event. I would like to get a preliminary guidelines, art delivery date, and exhibit opening reception May 10 from 7-10pm. count on how many PSI members space will follow If you’d like to take a stroll through would be interested in participating

3 PRESIDENTS LETTER In last month’s newsletter, Vince had sustains every organization. Those that done a really nice job at highlighting do not welcome turnover will eventually those PSI members who helped to install fade to black. PSI has lasted into our sec- one of our exhibits at the Northland ond decade with flying colors because Library in the North Hills. It was a chal- of so many people getting involved over lenging day. Mounting this show was the years. And that same thing must con- supposed to take only an hour or two tinue today. with just a couple people. But once we arrived on site, and learned that we were This year, PSI will be looking for a new misinformed about their hanging system, Program Director, a new Newsletter we knew that we were in for a long day. Editor, a new PR Director, a new A few of our members who only planned President, and a new Vice President. Do to drop off their pieces and then leave, you see the amount of change in store stayed the whole time because they for us this year! I am so excited to think recognized the challenge in front of us. Rick Antolic, PSI President of what the possibilities may be with These are the real leaders of PSI. new people stepping into leadership working side by side with you. Many of roles! No experience? No problem!! That’s Usually, however, things don’t do that our members can make just about any- what has made PSI so much for us - we’re badly for us. And there are a lot of our thing fun! all just learning this stuff as we go along. members who can attest to the general We encourage our members to take a ease of our activities, because there are Like every other volunteer organization, leadership role, and really make it their a lot of members who have volunteered people jump in for awhile and then fam- own. We never ask anyone here to fit a their time over the years to help PSI get ily and career responsibilities compel certain mold. Just jump in and start hav- where we are today. And where we’re them to retreat back to their homes ing fun. standing is a very advantageous spot. and studios in the hopes of jumping One of the main reasons why we’ve had back into volunteering at a later date. So this is my call to all of you, to encour- so much success over the years in get- And while it’s kind of sad to see one of age you to think of where you see your- ting people involved is that, no matter our members give up their volunteer self playing a vital role in the very suc- the task, there is always a huge social efforts with us, it is at the same time cessful second decade of PSI. element in what we do. It’s not all work very exciting to see someone else step when you have such wonderful, sup- up and contribute their unique energy Rick Antolic President, portive, and just plain really cool people and ideas. This is the very process that Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators

REGIONAL LIST ALL NEW! UPDATED This list costs $15 and consists of 341 PEGS creatives from PA and OH. This database CREATIVE ART BUYERS includes Ad Agencies, Book Publishers, 12 IS MAILING LIST SPECIAL. Greeting Cards, Magazine Publishers and Design Studios. OUT! ONLY TO PSI MEMBERS! New Edition NATIONAL LIST Of The The Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators This list costs $125 and consists of 2,418 offers TWO mailing lists for illustra- creatives. This database includes Artist Graphic tors to purchase for your promo- Reps, Associations & Societies, Book Artists Publishers, Magazine Publishers and Guild Pricing & Ethical tional needs at a very low price! The Record Companies. lists may be purchased individually Guidelines Vol 12 Now or used together for only $140! Both Interested? Contact Gina Antognoli Available In Stores Or Mail Scanlon at (412) 364-4672 or Order lists are updated every 6 months [email protected] for your list to ensure the freshest addresses today. Cost includes shipping and one All Graphic Artists Guild members possible.These are creatives who set of printed peel and stick addresses including those who are in PSI will be on white mailing labels. Please make are seeking illustrators and have the getting their books free as a member checks payable to Pittsburgh Society of benefit any day now by mail. Non-Guild BUDGET MONIES TO SPEND. Illustrators. members can order this book directly from the Guild by calling 212.791.3400 (Graphic Artists Guild, 32 Broadway, Suite 1114, New York, NY 10004, www.gag.org.

4 BEHIND THE BRUSH Jake Thomas, constantly waiting until Frank Harris has been holding out on us. the last minute to meet his deadlines, A LOOK AT WHAT Apparently, he knows Salvador Dali and nevertheless turns out decent work on PSI’ERS ARE WORKING Frida Kahlo and got them to sit for this time. Here’s the finished “steroids” piece ON THIS MONTH group portrait of some friends’ daughters he did for Men’s Journal. (Brigitte & Fiona). Done digitally, it will be finished as a giclee print on canvas, Christine Swann sent us another beauti- over-painted with acrylic. ful pastel portrait.

Mark Klingler Speaking of landed cute dogs, the March this is “Peyton 2008 cover II” from Jen of Science Scanlon, an News alternative Magazine John Hinderliter sent in a few images, pose from the with his car- but I’m a sucker for cute puppy dog pic- ‘Peyton’ photo bon dust/air ture and this Prisma pencil illustration for shoot done as brush illus- a Dad’s dog food snack package is just a spec to sit at tration of about as cute as they get. BE Gallery in Akidolestes Lawrenceville. cifellii, an insect-eating primitive mammal from 124.6 million years ago. This painting within a painting by Nora Thompson is for an advocacy campaign Judith Lauso sent in this watercolor and for the Pennsylvania Art Education ink rendering of motorcycle stuntman Association. Ben Roethlisberger that she completed for a show entry in a local art exhibit. I actually saw this hanging in that show. Nice work, Judy! Rhonda Libbey’s been swamped with Call of Cthulu artwork lately. Safari Hunter is one of 5 oil paintings that will be used for an upcoming card game. She’s also been commissioned to do some black & white, noir-inspired Cthulu illustrations for another publisher later this year. After only 18 attempts at attaching the file, Valerie Orosz eventually sent me this logo for a golf club opening soon in Ligonier. Pat her on the back; it’s her very first digital free- lance job.

continued on page 6 5 BEHIND THE BRUSH continued

Wayno This April, if Sarah Laina sent in you happen Koljonen sent this as-yet- to be sitting in this recent untitled around read- work, Shape painting ing the novel Scores, Plates from a Tonight in II & III. I tried planned the Rivers of playing it on set of 8 Pittsburgh the piano. It forming by Brian sounds ter- a comic Weakland, rible. narrative. I’m just spitballing, but I was take some thinking he could call it Vince’s Last Three time to look Girlfriends. at the cover. It was cre- Sarah Miller has just sent in her very ated by our very own Taylor Callery. first submission to the PSInside. If you I can’t decide whether this painting by want to see more of her stuff, visit her Dave Biber Gina Scanlon is humorous, heartwarm- site: http://whiteserpentstudios.millermu sent in ing or a tribute to Ridley Scott’s Alien. sicstudios.com some of his Whatever the case, beautiful work. latest digital illustrations from an article about computer security. John Blumen has about 90 of these tarot cards to finish before the end of the year. So why is he spending his weekend nights watching sci-fi movies with Phil Wilson and me? Tsk tsk tsk. This was the last known illustration by Vince Dorse before he disappeared. As he was a bachelor, and in nobody’s debt, nobody troubled his head anymore about him.

Back in the 70’s, after Don Henderson landed his first art job at Corporate Marketing Service, he spent all of his dough on a cool little CJ-5A Jeep, the first of 7 Jeeps for Don. Here’s his tribute to those hazy summer nights back in the What can 70’s when gas was something like five you do with cents a gallon. a tiny little paintbrush and a teeny little canvas? Well, Nathan Mazur paints Wee Beasties. This planar- ian flatworm is part of a show he’s doing in April. For more info, check out our Member News section this month.

6 RECAST NEWS

“It was interesting to hear about the dif- Recast Talks ferent techniques and professional expe- by Anni Matsick rience each artist offered.” Photos by Lou Matsick “It was a mini art lesson, for a lay person much appreciated.” “Shows like this really inspire me to “Insight into the thought process of how keep doing art. And it gives me lots each artist works.” of new ideas and techniques to try” “Liked hearing how the concepts were developed.”

“The importance of remembering digital Anni Matsick’s Mom (in red) heckling Kathy Rooney design/illustration’s roots. As an illustra- with, “Hey! When’s Bender gonna talk again?” tor, developing your own style is the crux of your career. History in general Susan Walker on the WPA SCBWI seems to continuously enrich the pres- Illustrators blog recalls her experience: ent in design and illustration as well. The ‘Rooney influence,’ though humble, really “I got home feeling stimulated by made the sports of Pittsburgh.” the speakers, hearing about their work process, techniques and Mark Bender speaking at the Pittsburgh Recast enthusiasm for what they do. . . .I Artist Talks have not participated in anything was one of the appreciative comments art related in such a long time. I received on the survey distributed to wanted to share how stimulating attendees at the second session of it was. . . What an encouragement Recast Talks presented March 9 at the it was to see all these artists doing Heinz History Center. PSI members Anni what they love. Doing it with such Matsick, Mark Bender and Kathy Rooney excellence. I was so glad I took the spoke about their pieces included in the time. Surprised by the impact on Pittsburgh Recast exhibit and their work Mark Bender heckling Anni Matsick with, “Hey! methods that went into creating them. When’s Bender gonna talk again?” my pursuit as an illustrator by a few speakers.” “I’m not an illustrator (stick figures are my forte’!) but I appreciate the talent--- Susan’s remarks can be read in entirety and I enjoy art in all forms.” at: http://pghpicturebook.wordpress.co m/2008/02/13/kim-kerrtwo-pittsburgh- “It was interesting to hear about the dif- events-this-past-sunday/ ferent techniques and professional experience each artist offered.” The first portion of the talks took place February 10 with speakers Ron Thurston, Ilene Winn-Lederer, Gina Scanlon and John Manders. A posting by attendee Anni Matsick giving her presentation at the Pittsburgh Recast Artist Talks

An interested group of about thirty gathered in the multi-purpose room for the event, including a batch of Mark About 30 people gathered to hear PSI Illustrators speak. Bender’s AIP students, members of the community at large and Anni Matsick’s Thanks to the Heinz History Center and mom. Anni’s mom wasn’t the only one Heinz Endowments for their support. impressed, a conclusion securely based Thanks also to the seven members men- on more survey feedback such as: tioned and to Mark Bender for coordinat- “There is so much more that goes into ing the series. Perhaps PSI will consider creating a work of art that people don’t the one-word request found on another know about. These artists from the illus- survey sheet: “More.” trators’ society clearly show all that goes Kathy Rooney discussing her work at the Pittsburgh Submitted to PSInside by Anni Matsick into the art, and how incredibly profes- Recast Artist Talks. sional they approach and finish their art.” Questions, etc. [email protected] HELPFUL HINTS

This month, out of the blue, a couple Vince’s Printing Tip Judy Emerick’s Framing Tip of altruistic members sent in some tips Every printer I’ve worked with lately “I have the and info they thought the group could seemed annoyed to have to talk to me. I name of a benefit from. I tend to agree. In fact, it don’t know. Maybe I’m just annoying. But framer (he might not be a bad idea for a continu- to test that theory, I decided to get my makes frames ing feature. People helping people. I latest piece printed by Alexander Patho for me) who like that. Photography (www.pathophoto.com). does a beauti- It’s a photography/printing business run ful job and his Jen Scanlon’s Colored by Rhonda Libbey’s friend Alex Patho prices are very Pencil Tip and his father out of their home studio. fair. I thought “Tip for those who use colored pencils: You’ve probably seen Alex at some of everyone in I just started spraying my work, some- our social events – tall guy, glasses, long PSI would thing I was always afraid to do, fearing wavy hair, exotic Hungarian accent. Every like to know my work would turn yellow or that it once in a while, just for fun, I pretend he’s about him. His would change the colors. I had to do it to a vampire. name is Todd prevent the wax bloom from rising. After Armstrong of my drawing is done, I ‘buff’ it completely Anyway, I had Alex and his dad print Picture Perfect with a soft dry cloth, brush off any dust and mount my illustration and I couldn’t Frames, with a makeup brush, then spray it with be happier. They helped me tweak the 6408 State Krylon Workable Fixatif (#1306). It is colors, did a few proofs until it looks just route 800 SE, archival and acid-free and supposedly right and the mounting job was smooth Urichsville, and flawless. Best of all, Alex is very allows easy rework (I have not had to “Also, if in a hurry, use his mat Ohio (790- rework anything yet). After I spray it, I friendly and if he found me annoying at cutting, foam and mat supply 922-5931). He put on another coat, that’s all. It makes all, he didn’t let on. And what’s more, Alex service.” even includes the colors maybe just a little richer, but offers a 15% discount to all PSI members! glass, foam board and matting if you like. it looks the same to me; it also does not Anyone looking to experiment with a His mats are great. He does not overcut. distort light tones. The finish is a nice uni- new printer might want to give Alex a So far I am very happy with the qual- form satiny gloss…..not high gloss and shot. He’s got a nice, professional set-up ity of the frames. They are sturdy and you can’t see where you sprayed it (does in his home studio, a printer as big as a well made. He is fast and I would highly not drip or lap if you apply lightly in two battleship and, if you arrive around din- recommend him to anyone in PSI who coats). Im very happy I found this stuff, it nertime, his house smells delicious! needs a frame. has put an end to having to hold on to my drawings to make sure I caught all Todd’s price for an 18”x 24” oak frame the bloom that would appear.” is $10.92, his price for a 28” x 38” cherry frame is $13.20, his price for a 40”x60” cherry frame is $20.00. If you ask he will send anyone interested a price sheet. I have never met Todd. He bought the business from a guy I met years ago at an arts festival.. After that guy gave the business up Todd bought it and has supplied me with frames. He will frame for anyone, but does not have a real store front or even a place on his website advertising his frames. Tell him you are a member of PSI and got his name from me. I hope “Benny is the first drawing I sprayed, and it looks this helps everyone.” exactly the same as it has been sitting….no bloom or anything.”

“If you knew how little I was paid for this job, you’d wonder why I was smiling.”

8 FEATURE

screwed off all day and he still paid me. language” in my characters. He would Who Was Your Guy was a huge influence and helped say, “where’s the weight in this draw- me get my first accounts with Archie ing? It’s flat!” To this day I purposely use Biggest Influence? comics and DC. really thick beefy lines in my art just so I I was sitting around with John Blumen know that Gill wouldn’t call it “flat” look- last week, chewin’ the fat about art and Gill Fox (I called him “Coach”) was ing. Jerry Marcus told me, “anybody can illustration, and I asked him, “Hey John, another huge influence in my life. I use to draw”. “Your drawing is nothing without who was your biggest influence?” meet Gill for lunch each week. He always a solid idea. You need to work on your ordered the same thing, pasta fazool. On ideas.” Many of these guys attended my “Why, you are, Vince,” he said. “Your artis- Saturdays at noon we would meet up tic talents have always been an inspira- 21st birthday party. It was the best birth- with other cartoonists like Bob Weber, day party! And yes, they were critiquing tion to me throughout my long career. Stan Drake, Bill Yates, John C. Murphy, In fact, you’ve helped me become so my work as I was enjoying my first Roy Doty, Jerry Dumas, Mort Walker and official beer. successful that I now own two houses.” many others in Westport, CT. Each week Then he started to weep openly. we would gather for lunch and you never I’m proud to have been raised and But the whole conversation, as embar- knew who would come which was very influenced by the “old school cartoon- rassing as it was, got me wondering exciting for me as a kid. Incidentally there ists.” I’m still working on my drawings about all the other PSI members, their was another place we would gather on and my ideas are coming along. Often influences and inspiration. I thought it Thursday’s called Nick’s Pizza Restaurant. I’m not very happy with the art I make might be entertaining and educational The owners would let the cartoonists and even embarrassed about some of it to ask our talented illustrators, “Who was draw on the walls. I always wanted to being printed in the publications. I feel your biggest influence?” draw on the wall but because I wasn’t like everyone can see my mistakes and a “real” cartoonist yet, I didn’t. I heard battles along the way. Perhaps this is the Zach Beresh Hey Vince, My 2 biggest they sold that restaurant and the wall last lesson they passed on to me. I must influences are 1. Charles Russell - trips went with the owners. Anyway, I became jump out of the nest and trust my own out west growing up camping in Arizona, known as “the kid” who was going to instincts, opinions and critiques of my New Mexico, Texas, really influenced my make these guys proud one day. Each of own art without them dribbling apple painting and desire for adventure. His them taking their turn giving me point- crumb cake on it. I’m still in touch with a cowboy paintings are so vivid and full ers on what to do and what not to do. few of these artists who had an incred- of energy - makes you feel like you’re in ible influence on me and I even give a the frame. 2. My big brother art teacher helping hand on a nationally syndicated Matt Beresh - always challenged me and comic strip or two when someone’s in a didn’t mind if I copied whatever he was pinch. Unfortunately many of my influ- drawing when I was really young. ences have passed on. They’re not here to celebrate my accomplishments which Mark Brewer Hi Vince. I don’t have after all, would not be if it weren’t for one single “biggest” influence because them truly taking “the kid” under their I had many HUGE influences all at one wing. I wish I could have just one more time when I was a kid growing up in day where they could dribble apple Connecticut. Guy and Brad Gilchrist crumb cake all over my art. No matter gave me a job working in their studio A clipping from the Shore Line Times newspaper in what the critiques were, I would finish in Monroe, CT when I was seventeen. Madison, CT. 1990 my grilled cheese sandwich on my own. Besides Guy giving me drawing lessons Occasionally one of them would bring each day, I ruled lines on the Muppet in a clipping of my work that appeared comic strip they were doing for Jim in one of the local newspapers from Henson at the time. I filled in blacks, cut that week and pass it around the lunch paper, drew backgrounds ONLY and table for every artist there to review. made pizza, beer and smoke runs while They would each take turns critiquing Guy, Brad and other artists that came my work while I sat and wondered how through the door would throw in their in the hell I was going to eat my grilled two cents about what I could do to cheese sandwich with my stomach in improve everything from inking with a knots. By the time the clipping got back brush to my relationships with women. to me it had everything from red pen I remember Guy asking me if I would lines to apple crumb cake on it. Bob work through the night with him so he Weber would finish my grilled cheese could plow through a deadline. I helped sandwich. It was pressure, but a gentle him and understood quickly that this pressure I felt then as I still feel today. I was part of the job. On the flipside, there can still hear Gill, with pasta fazool on were times during the week where we his lip, telling me not to forget “body A spot illo for Strategic Finance magazine. 2008. continued on page 10 9 FEATURE continued

David Coulson My influences are American Impressionists who lived and every military disaster of the Victorian many and varied, from cartoonists like artistically recorded history during the age. I was lucky to have illustrated the R. Crumb, Virgil Partch, Sempe, and Leo years spanning from approximately cover for The Pyrates, his hilarious send- Baxendale, to children’s book illustra- 1880 through 1950. To name a few... up of Hollywood pirate movies. Many tors like Richard Scary, Tibor Gergely, beginning with Pittsburgh born, Mary of the incidental characters in Henry & Margaret Bloy Graham, and Syd Hoff, to Cassatt known for her many wonderful the Buccaneer Bunnies were inspired by hand-letterers like Stephen X. McMahon, pastel and aqua-tint renderings. Next, is GMF’s stuff. Ross F. George, and E.C. Mathews, to painter John Twachtman. The watercolor- painters like Otto Dix, Alice Neal, George ist Childe Hassam known as the painter Sarah Miller My biggest influence in my Gross, and Max Beckmann. of light and air, also produced many art is Flavia Zortea. I had the pleasure of patriotic renderings. In addition, William learning from her at the Art Institute of There are tons of others and the cool Merritt Chase was a favored teacher and Pittsburgh before she retired. The way thing is I’m always finding new ones: illustrator/painter. Each of these artists that she approached the human figure since this head painting class (Dave’s have left behind some extraordinary and the way that she captured its form been taking a head painting class at work which should have been brought and flow influenced my art a lot and real- his alma mater, Art Center College of more into the lime-light historically, as ly helped me grow as an artist, with her Design) I’ve been looking at lots of clas- was the work of European Impressionists unique perspective on foreshortening sical paintings in the chiaroscuro style, of the same period. and line variation. I wouldn’t be the artist and found a great portrait painter I’d I am today without her guidance. never heard of, Giovanni Battista Moroni, Ilene Winn-Lederer Favorite Influences: who has a painting in the Norton Simon That’s always a tough one; there are Valerie Orosz There are several artistic Museum here that knocks me out! so many to choose from! But here are influences in my life. The first is Norman a few: Professional: Ben Shahn, Wanda Rockwell. When I was in high school, I Don Henderson As far as greatest Gág, Sheilah Beckett, Leonard Baskin, used to sit and copy parts of his paint- influences go, I would have to say first Albrecht Dürer, Francisco Goya, Milton ings with graphite on paper. The second and foremost, Joe Fitzpatrick. Here Glaser, Alan Cober, David Hockney, Violet is Andrew Wyeth, (his father, N.C., as well), is a little web site I built about him Oakley, Artemisia Gentileschi. Personal: and now my new favorite is Maxfield www.geocities.com/mchenderson57/ My mom, always. And my husband Jeff Parrish. I love the detail in the work these fitz.html and sons Josh and Ira for their love and artist have done – all illustrators. Also, my mother. she was one of my encouragement. Christine Schendorf, Jen Scanlon Artistically I would say the creative influences, she made a lot of my seventh grade teacher and Morris biggest influence or really motivator is sacrifices for my art from the time I was a de la Cerda, high school art teacher and listening to good music while working child till I graduated from art school. She Arthur Anderson, an instructor at the Art on my work. That and the money. and her cousin Becky were both creative Institute of Chicago who once ripped people and saw something in me when I up(in front of the whole class) what I Wayno People are sick of hearing it from was a child and encouraged me towards proclaimed to be a good drawing and me, but my biggest artistic influence being an artist. I remember her driving admonished me not to consider each is the late great Virgil Franklin Partch me over to the Saturday morning classes drawing so precious; thousands more (who often signed his work with the at the Carnegie on some really nasty would follow, each better than the one abbreviation “ViP”). There’s a pretty cool days so I could go to art school, she was before. Though I loathed him at the time, mini-bio of him here: www.bpib.com/ committed to my art. I have to admit now that he was right illustrat/partch.htm and a Wikipedia (sigh!). Keep on truckin’... Best, Ilene entry here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ John Hinderliter My biggest artistic Virgil_Partch influence was Pat Budway, my illustration John Manders Biggest influence: has to instructor at Ivy. be my dad. He’s a military historian who specializes in the French & Indian War Sarah Laina Koljonen My biggest influ- and War of Independence. He’s illustrated ence is probably Zen Buddhism. I am gazillions of soldiers in uniform from that not a Buddhist, but let’s say that I had time, which requires a huge amount of an experience with it about a year and hard-to-find research. He taught me to a half ago from my meditation practice. draw. For better or worse, it has changed the way I see things around me, (personal Another big influence was not an illus- and artistic= same to me) and hence trator, but a writer: George MacDonald changed my artistic practice quite a bit Fraser, who passed away last month. He too. I’m having a lot more fun now. had a gift for creating characters so vivid that you could smell them. Most famous Judith Lauso For what it’s worth... was Harry Flashman, the British coward, A sample of Partch’s work; a series of hangover draw- Here’s my contribution about those who bully, cad and army officer who managed ings, presumably for cocktail napkins. have most inspired me artistically. The to be on hand for (and often caused) continued on page 11 10 FEATURE continued

Jake Thomas My biggest influence both Jean Schulz has been a great supporter Examples of comic strips by other artistic and personal would have to be of our work at the ToonSeum. So really, prominent cartoonists, such as George John Ritter. He still to this day helps me not only did Schulz influence my work, Herriman (Krazy Kat), Milton Caniff beyond the brush. but the Schulz Museum also influenced (Terry and the Pirates) and Elzie C. Segar our work with the ToonSeum. (Thimble Theatre Starring Popeye), show Phil Wilson Yo Vince! It won’t come as a how these prominent cartoonists influ- surprise to anyone who knows me that You can be inspired too, visit our Inside enced Schulz as a young artist and con- my all-time biggest career influence and Peanuts exhibit going on right now. trast their elaborately illustrated style to ‘art idol’ is Walt Disney. Along with Walt, www.toonseum.com Schulz’ less ornate style. his original team of animators and background artists were also a huge influ- You’re A Good Man, As a complement to the exhibit, visitors ence on my working style. I developed Charlie Schulz! can meet Snoopy on one weekend only, my sense of cartoon character design Anyone who Saturday, April 12, at 1:30 and 2:30 pm through studying the work of Disney ever picked and Sunday, April 13, at 1:30, 2:30 and 3: animators such as Fred Moore, Milt Kahl, up the Sunday 30 pm. Other fun Peanuts-inspired events Marc Davis, Ollie Johnston, and Frank funnies will include: Thomas, as well as magazine cartoonists be pleased The Music of Peanuts - Enjoy live Jack Davis and Mort Drucker. I model my to know that cartoon painting style after the work of performances of your favorite Peanuts Charlie Brown, tunes by jazz saxophonist Lee Robinson. Disney background artists such as Eyvind Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang Earle and Claude Coates. My ‘realistic’ Sunday, March 9, 2:00 - 3:30 pm and are coming to the Pittsburgh Children’s Saturday, March 29, 2:00 - 3:30 pm illustration style has been greatly influ- Museum. Insinde Peanuts: The Life and enced by Norman Rockwell, James Bama, Art of Charles M. Schulz is on display in “Drawing on the Walls” - See how and Maxfield Parrish. In more recent the ToonSeum from March 8th through sparks of creativity can emerge out years, I admire the dinosaur illustration of April 27th. ToonSeum founder and PSI of potential mishaps through the live artists such as John Gurche, John Sibbick, member, Joe Wos, sent in this press cartoon illustrations of Joe Wos, resi- and James Gurney all of whom have left release: dent cartoonist of the Charles M. Schulz an indelible mark on my own approach Museum. Friday, March 21, 2:00and 3:00 to this subject. So there you have it in a Celebrate the creation of Peanuts, one pm and Saturday, April 26, 3:00 pm nutshell,...although I’m sure that there of the most popular and influential are many more illustrators that I owe a comic strips of all time, and its creator Peanuts Trivia Contest - How well do debt to regarding my own working style Charles M. Schulz. Through his art and you know your Peanuts characters? that I can’t think of at the moment! storytelling, Schulz brightened the world Parent and child pairs can be contestants for 50 years by transforming images of on our trivia game show to win prizes Joe Wos My biggest influence. As if this everyday life into art that explored the and fame! Sunday, March 30 at 1:00, 2: wasn’t going to be an obvious plug. emotional territory of friendship, disap- 00and 3:00 pm When I was four years old my parents pointment, faith and tolerance. caught me drawing on the walls. To their Breakfast With Snoopy! Join us for credit, they taped paper up and said, go The exhibi- breakfast with Snoopy April 13th, 2008 ahead. The drawing was Snoopy. And like tion fol- from 10am - 12 Noon. Meet Snoopy and so many cartoonists, Charles M. Schulz lows Schulz have breakfast provided by Gypsy Cafe. was the biggest influence on my want- from his There will be free books, raffle prizes ing to follow in his pen lines. Minnesota from the Charles M, Schulz Museum, roots to Peanuts Trivia, Entertainment by DJ-Raw I never created a comic strip, but his his life in Z and Joe Wos of Once Upon A Toon. work influenced my storytelling and per- California Fee: $12 per person, Children 2 and formance. The simple yet elegant linear and tracks under FREE style of his work influenced the simplicity the develop- For reservations, please call 412- of my own line. That simplicity lent itself ment of icon- well to on stage performance. The rapid 322-5058 ext.240. Proceeds benefit ic Peanuts ToonSeum, Pittsburgh’s Museum of bold strokes retain a great visibility and characters, such as Snoopy, Charlie an accessibility to children. Its important Cartoon Art. The ToonSeum is located Brown and Lucy. More than 40 Peanuts within the Children’s Museum of that children see my work and say to comic strips, Schulz quotes and photo- themselves, “wow, I could do that too!” Pittsburgh 10 Children’s Way, Allegheny graphs, and selected Peanuts collectibles Square, Pittsburgh PA 15212 So Schulz inspired me and now in some illuminate the story of Peanuts and its small way I inspire children to draw too. inspired creator. Schulz once proclaimed, Phone: 412-325-1060 Though I never met “Sparky” I have had a “It seems beyond the comprehension Email: [email protected] great opportunity to feel a real connec- of people that someone can be born to Web: www.toonseum.org tion to him through my work with the draw comic strips, but I think I was.” Charles M. Schulz Museum.