Holiday Portrait Special

Take advantage of Karman's Portrait Special.

The first 5 clients will get a one of a kind portrait of their loved one, friend or pet for only $150.00. All orders must be placed by November 25, 2011 to ensure delivery by Christmas. Call for Details 618.466.7446

Details and Terms:
Portraits from customer Photo reference.
Photo's must be of good quality and approved by Karman.
11 x 14 canvas or paper (customers choice).
50% deposit required at time of order, remainder due at time of order.
Does not include shipping.
Does not include frame or matting.

New Art / New Art Happens!

Hi everybody, Its that time again, Rodney and I are holding another Art Happens on June 4th. We have both been working on new artwork and the shop has a few more things going on, so we thought it would be nice to invite you all for another Open House. We will be open from 10:am till 3:pm, or until the we run out of art. I will be posting the demonstration times and we both will have new art for sale. So be thinking of art for your Dads and husbands for there man caves this coming up Fathers day! Remember, guys like art too!
Hay, if ya like to draw or create art, bring your sketch pad or your portfolio. Rodney and I are thinking about inviting new artist in to show a piece or two at our next Art Happens and this would be a great day to show and tell. So we hope to see you all there for this June's Art Happens. Make it a great day and may God bless...!

Under The Gun With Laurel & Hardy

I just finished this piece that I had donated to A local Fund Raiser for the American Cancer Society. I had a lot of fun with it but really put myself under the gun trying to meet the deadline. I hope I have learned a lesson from this one, in fact a couple.

First, I was asked if I would donate something a few weeks ago and I knew that I had plenty time to fit it into "at that moment" a very light schedule. Well let me tell you, We have been very blessed over the last couple weeks with an overload of great work for the shop, and with an already full home life, well...you can see where this is going. One thing lead to another and before I knew it, I'm finishing the piece right before the auction...I mean, "RIGHT BEFORE THE AUCTION"...Phew!, nothing like a little pressure...But I'm happy to say, I got it finished and took it to the event with an hour to spare. It had received three bids within 30 seconds. It was great to see peoples reaction to the artwork and know that it is going to help raise money for the American Cancer Society.

I guess the next couple lessons that stands out is that if I'm going to do this kind of stuff, then I need to plan ahead better and manage my time more efficiently. Two things I seem to struggle with at times. I think part of it is because I'm an Artist. Truth is I shouldn't use that for an excuse and just make a better effort to not let that happen anymore. Its to stressful and I'm not any good to anyone around me if I'm all stressed out. In fact my wife likes to point out that I can be a real "Donkey". when I put myself in those situations. And she's usually right!

I'll post an update after I learn what the final bid was...Lets hope that it does well for the cause and let us all pray that we see the day that all of the American Cancer Society's work is not in vain.

God Bless everyone and till next time...Make it a great day.
Karman

My Buddy Rodney

Hey everybody, I'd like to take a moment and share with you my friend Rodney Eaton has started his own blog. Rodney is a very talented artist and friend that specializes in colored pencils. I have been talking with Rod for a little while know about putting up a blog so that he can show his art and maybe invite some commission work. So please take a moment and check out his blog. Rodney's colored pencil work is a blast and I believe you'll love to see his world he is working on...drop him a line to let him know what ya think.

"I'm proud of ya buddy, keep up the great work."

rodneyeatoncolorpencil.blogspot.com

Airbrush Workshop

We are happy to announce that we are starting a Thursday night "Airbrush Skills Building Workshop". This is an opportunity for anyone who would like to try airbrushing for the first time or build on their skills in an easy going atmosphere.
The sessions are self paced and limited to just 6 students, this is to insure a focus on developing your skills in a direction that meets your artistic needs. Because of the small class size, we are asking those interested to pre-register for their seat at the workshop. Registration fee is 40.00 in advanced. The workshop is from 7 till 9pm on Thursday nights. This Thursday is already full, so please contact us early if your interested in joining the fun. Call 618-466-7446 for details or you can email us @ karmanart@sbcglobal.net

The Dirtinator Returns!

The Dirtinator Returns!...About time, I have been looking forward to this day for a couple years now. This truck is owned by Eric Gallay of Gallay Motor Sports , a great racer and awesome friend of mine. We had the honor of creating an outstanding decal for the side of the bed for this Dirt drag truck a couple of years ago. Sad to say, I went a little overboard on the design of the graphic.
The darn thing looked great at 10 feet, but you couldn't read it from the stands, where it matters the most...So, I've been wanting to re-letter it ever since. Well, after 2 years it was time for a new look. The theme for the sides of the truck are based on the airbrushing that I had put on the hood back when we lettered the sides.

The nasty green flames started out to be a ghostly white vapor trail, but after Eric and my wife seen the concept on the practice piece, they both said it needed more. So that's how the wicked flames came about...I gotta say, it was the right choice.

I used Planet Color's candy green and yellow for the wicked sick flames rolling down the bed sides. Everything is airbrushed with my Badger Renegade Velocity airbrush. The smooth action and fine quality of the Renegade airbrush made the 20+ hours of airbrushing real easy on the hands. And after this project, I was ready for a break...

Restoration House Collision Center out of East Alton Illinois, is the body shop that has provided a fantastic base for me to work on and also the clear coat. Great quality work from a shop that specializes in collector car restoration.

I'm looking forward to seeing this truck on the track down at Big Rivers Sand Drags in Bonne Terre, Missouri. The best sand drags in the Midwest...This will be a crowd pleaser for sure.

I'll post updates as soon as the truck is back and race ready...have a great day.

Proud To Be Sponsored By Badger Air-Brush Co.

We are proud to announce that we are now sponsored by Badger Air-Brush Company. It is a real honor to be a part of the company that I have been using their airbrushes for most of my life. Refining my talents on a Badger model 150, I know first hand the quality and durability a good airbrush can have. I now use the new Renegade Velocity, it is one of the finest airbrushes I have worked with. We are using Badger Air-Brushes for all of our classes, workshops and seminars. Along with their new line of Spectra-Tex Airbrush Colors™, we know that our customers and students will see and feel the quality. And, not only does Badger provide an excellent airbrush for a reasonable price, the best part for me is that it is an American made airbrush. It feels good to know that I can support a company that is supporting American jobs. The people that work at Badger Air-Brush are some of the kindest people I have ever talked to...for me, this is a WIN, WIN opportunity for everyone.

Thanks Ken and everyone at Badger Air-Brush for being the most awesome airbrush company in the USA...

Karman