Portrait of Emily

I had the privilege of creating this portrait of Emily as a Christmas present for Ryan's wife. Unfortunately, the surprise got leaked but she loved it!

Here's what Ryan had to say "I have been a fan of Mike's work for a long time and after our Christmas shoot with our daughter Emily I felt like I had the perfect picture to be made into a portrait in his amazing style. While I spilled the beans on the Christmas present early, my wife loves the portrait. Mike was able to capture both the physical details of Emily, but also her joyful disposition. We are thrilled to have this keepsake marking Emily's first birthday and second Christmas".

 - Ryan 

Christmas cats in the mail

Way back in the day, long before email and the internet, people wrote letters. By hand. I had a few "pen pals" back in high school / college and used to draw all over the envelopes for people. It was a fun little surprise for them.

Serving people with art can take many forms. Today, I'm mailing out a card with a little Christmas cat drawing. I hope it brings smiles 😸!

What is one simple way you can use your gifts to bring someone a smile this holiday season?

If it's just "something you do" - it might be closer at hand than you think!

Yoga art inspired by @karidane #art #yoga #digitalart #fitness #wellness #health

World Domination Begins... Meow.

Ok, so not to leave my cat loving friends out. Here's a new shirt "World Domination Begins.. Meow." only available on my Teepublic shop - ONLY $14

Tag a cat lover. or Megalomaniac.

http://tee.pub/lic/PyJq4qbRqLQ or MikeBrennanAD on teepublic.com

#cat #catlover #catshirt #worlddomination #catlady #tee #shirt #pet #catsofinstagram #catlove #catstagram #catworld #tee #giftideas #giftsforher #giftsforhim

People often ask me if I can do portraits other than pet portraits (or yoga art)

People often ask me if I can do portraits other than pet portraits (or yoga art). The answer is yes! Here's a portrait I did this past Father's Day. What special occasion or relationship would you capture in a portrait? #art #portrait #artist #digitalpainting #commission #custom #customart #giftideas

My Secrets to Creating Mixed Media Art

Have you ever wished you could peek over an artists shoulder to watch them work? Ever wondered about the process or tools & supplies used? Or wished for a peek into an artist's working studio space? Lean in closer for some secrets!

Well, I recently had the opportunity to participate in a Facebook Live broadcast where I did just that, as well as completed a live demonstration finishing a mixed media pet portrait. 

See how it went from this...

...to this! Watch the video below!

And although it will live on in the archives over at the Vango Art Facebook page, I thought it would be great to share with all of you who frequent my blog.

While you might not have the benefit of watching it live, you can still ask me any questions you might have. Just leave your questions in the comment section below!

Like the final piece? It's called "Van Gogh's Dog" and is a mixed media piece on 11 x 9 paper. It's available for purchase.

The Art of Being an Underdog

I watched the movie joy recently, starring Jennifer Lawrence. In my opinion, it's a must for anyone who has a dream they need to follow. But the thing about this movie that got me thinking, wasn't only the pursuit of a dream but how Joy was surrounded by people who continually spoke doubt and fear rejection and negativity into her life and dream. But (spoiler alert) she becomes the underdog, and lives up to her name.

We all like the underdog story don't we? The character that faces odds that are slim, enduring hardship and struggle, only to emerge victorious. We love that, except when we’re the ones called to play the role of the underdog. No one wants to endure hardship or struggle. No one wants to go through pain, missteps, failure. We just want the good stuff. Fast forward through the valley. But the truth is, there is no victory without all that pain. In fact, it is usually because of the pain that the underdog becomes a hero at all. 

“...I want you to remember something, because a lot of times people get nice things and they start to think differently. We got here from hard work, patience and humility. So I want to tell you, don’t ever think that the world owes you anything, because it doesn’t. The world doesn’t owe you a thing.”

— Joy Mangano (Jennifer Lawrence) from the movie "Joy"

And can we talk about those voices that surround the underdog when he/she starts talking about a dream they have? It's like some people speak to them out of pity. "Poor guy, he doesn't even realize how unrealistic he is. I wonder if he knows the odds of succeeding?" "I hate to be the one, but somebody's got to remind her of reality. Dreams don't pay the bills. You've got to be responsible. Practical. Why put yourself and those you love through such unnecessary pain?"

“For me personally, there was no path. A mom and a woman way back then, to sit at a coffee table and say, ‘Yeah, I’m an inventor?’ It was like, ‘Okay. She needs to go to therapy.’”

— Joy Mangano, Vogue, December 2015

They mean well, usually. Maybe they are victims of their own delayed or derailed dreams. Maybe that's how someone spoke to them, so they in turn continue to spew the same sentiments to those around them. Maybe they feel threatened, because change for you, means change for them. 

And those are the external voices. The internal ones can be just as cruel if not more so. Because they play dirty. They know how and when to hit you. 

Maybe that's another reason we love the underdog so much. Because we see how close to the edge of failure and disaster they walk. And when someone endures in that face of all those odds against them, it's inspiring.

So who is your favorite underdog? What's their story? Leave me a comment. I'd love to know who inspires you!

There's no need to fear--
Underdog is here!

Creating Art Out of Fear: My Featured Art on AMC's Talking Dead

Nick Clark / Frank Dillane  - Interested in purchasing an art print? Visit my shop.

Back in September of 2015, I had the thought of creating some fan art for the new Fear The Walking Dead show on AMC. I had previously created some Walking Dead Fan Art, so I had a few ideas. 

I created the illustration digitally using a combination of an iPad app called Sketchclub and Adobe Photoshop on my Macbook Pro.  The show was relatively new, and it seemed to have a slow start, as far as a fan base. So my illustration sat in the background as I continued to create more art.

Months later, I saw Chris Hardwick announce that the show was looking for fan art to feature on the show. I copied down the email, ready to shoot off an inquiry, but then I heard that voice. No, not the voice of Chris Hardwick, or even a Walker, but the voice that rises up and says "Really? What makes your art so special that you think they would choose it? Or worse, what Frank Dillane sees it and hates it? Stop your dreaming. Protect yourself and don't even bother. You know what the odds are?..." and on and on it went, until I told it to shut up. Fearing the Walking Dead is one thing. Fearing failure? You won't know unless you try.

So I took a shot and emailed them. They sent back a legal form to fill out and I return it with my art. And then I waited. And waited. The first part of season 2 of Fear The Walking Dead came & went along with it's corresponding Talking Dead. Nothing.

"Oh well", I thought. "I guess they have a lot of submissions". And, honestly, I kind of forgot about it. I just kept moving forward with other projects.

Then the midseason premiere aired and the entire episode was all about Nick Clark. Following Fear The Walking Dead, I started watching Talking Dead as usual, but....

then this happened... 

Now understand, I created this art from a place of authenticity. I'm a fan. I was not creating this art in an attempt to get my art on TV. Did I take steps to send it out there? Yes, absolutely. It's the formula I have been working every day - create and release. Each day, I forget about yesterday and create more art TODAY. I don't put all my eggs in one basket. That's where I think a lot of artists get stuck. They spend so much time, effort and energy on one piece, that either finishing it becomes paralyzing, or the thought of sending it out into the world just seems unbearable, because the fear of what people might think or say. But I'm of the opinion that people need to see your art. When you don't share it, you can miss out on the opportunity for your art to impact another person, even if it's just a fellow fan of a TV show.

Send your art out into the world and see where it lands. You'll never know unless you take action. 

What has been preventing you from taking action today? Leave the FEAR to the Walking Dead!

What's in my Sketch Bag, Part 1

I thought I'd take a few minutes to share a few tools in my sketch bag. When I'm not sketching digitally on my iPad, Here's a few tools I like to keep handy for sketching while I'm out and about. I've provided amazon affiliate links below for easy purchasing as well if you're in the market or want to try some new supplies.

A great little fountain pen that is a no mess solution and has a great feel in drawing is the Lamy Safari pen (Extra Fine Nib). It's a great option if you're looking to get something affordable yet a step up. Be sure to get the Lamy refill converter as well, so you can use the ink you desire (waterproof and your color of choice) or you'll be limited to the available non-waterproof cartridges. 

LAMY Safari Fountain Pen Charcoal Ex-Fine (L17EF)

Lamy Refill Converter (Z24)

Speaking of ink, I have found the Pilot Bamboo Charcoal Black a nice smooth black ink option. It's rich yet over done. You might want to experiment with a few brands of inks, but if you intend to use with watercolor paints, you will want waterproof ink. 

Pilot Iroshizuku Bottled Fountain Pen Ink, Take-Sumi, Bamboo Charcoal, Black (69224)

The TWSBI fountain pen was my first. I was attracted to it because of the ease of use yet versatility. It does require more maintenance than the Lamy, but also has a well (that you can see how much ink is left if you get the clear barrel model) as opposed to a cartridge. It's a bit tricker to use but another great option if a full on fountain pen is intimidating.

TWSBI Diamond 580 Fountain Pen nib EF or F

There are certain moments that you will want to blend ink, so using a water-soluble ink will be your ticket. You can fill one of the pens above with such an ink, or if you'd like a different option check out the Tombow. It had two sides and is a BRUSH pen as opposed the extra fine nibs on the fountain pens. One side is like a brush, the other is like a fine tip marker.

Tombow Dual Brush Pen Art Markers, Black N15, 6-Pack

I live for color, so I always have my Windsor and Newton Watercolor travel kit handy. There are a ew different sizes, depending on how many pans of color you want available. I suggest starting with the one I've listed as it's a little more budget friendly as well as more compact for travel. When the pans of color run down, they are easily replaced. You can even swap out colors if the stock colors aren't your colors of choice. This set is a staple of my travel bag. I never go anywhere without it.

Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Color Compact Set

And if you intend to use watercolors, you'll need a handy option for brushes that travel well. You don't want to be fiddling with brushes and water cans while on the go, so these water brushes are a necessity. This set has 4 size options which is also nice. You just unscrew the cap and fill with tap water at home, or refill on the go. Simple.

Water Brush Pen, Self-moistening, Portable, (Assorted Tips, Set of 4)

And Lastly, there's a myriad of options for your sketchbook, and a lot of it is personal preference. I do suggest however that if you are planning to use watercolors or wet media, get a sketchbook with watercolor paper. I've used the Moleskine Watercolor sketchbook. It's taken some getting used to the size, but it captures my watercolor nicely. I've also used other Moleskine (as well as other brands) that weren't watercolor paper but with varying degrees of success. It might come down to how wet the paint is.

Moleskine Art Plus Watercolor Album, Large, Black, Hard Cover (5 x 8.25)  

The point is to get out there and start sketching! Try different supplies as your budget allows. Go with friends, and swap supplies. Now get out there and sketch!

Painting from the Soul

If you've been following me for any length of time, you probably know that I do Pet Portraits, Pop Culture Art, maybe even Graphic Design, but you might not be aware of another aspect of my life that is very important to me: my faith. A few months ago, I had the opportunity to do a live painting during my church's Sunday services. I did 4 paintings actually. One practice and three more, one for each service.

There's something that makes me come alive when I can get lost in music (centered around God) and paint what flows out of me. It's a response. It's part of my faith. 

You may or may not consider yourself a person of faith, but perhaps you have had the sensation of being so utterly passionate while doing something that you loose track of all time. It's a place where you're not critiquing or second guessing, But a place of creation, where you unleash something from deep inside. It's not about head choices, but heart ones. 

As I write this I'm putting the finishing touches on a recreation of this painting "Worship (Sensate)". I recorded a bit of the process of my painting in time lapse and posted below.

If you have any questions about this painting, my process or supplies used, just leave a comment. Also I am accepting commission on a few more recreations of this painting, so if you would like one, email me and let's talk about how we can get one in your home or church today!

One of the original paintings I did live during the worship service. It's acrylic on wood.