Cosplay... Is An Art: SALON DEL MANGA XXII 2016 (BARCELONA)

via Teemo vs All

Cosplay... Is An Art: 2016 Worlds Cosplay

via League of Legends

Vonnie Whitworth

Art Appreciation

I came across the beautiful work by Virginia artist, Vonnie Whitworth, while visiting the art blog, Art Odyssey. She is known for her very exquisite watercolor paintings.

Check out her website HERE.

My Teacups via artodyssey1

Still Life with Lace via internationalwatercolors

Sources:

http://www.vonniewhitworthart.com/
https://www.facebook.com/vonnie.whitworth
http://wavy.com/2016/04/14/iahr-vonnie-whitworth/
http://www.internationalwatercolors.com/vonnie%20whitworth%20watercolor%20artists.htm
http://artodyssey1.blogspot.com/2013/12/vonnie-whitworth.html

Giant (1956)

Film Appreciation

"This is Texas, mighty colossus of the southwest..."

Directed by George Stevens and based on Edna Ferber's 1952 novel, Giant starred some of Hollywood huge stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, Dennis Hopper, Sal Mineo, Mercedes McCambridge, and James Dean.

The American epic Western film, which was released on November 24, 1956, won the Academy Award for Best Director.




Sources:

http://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Giant-(1956)#tab=summary
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_(1956_film)

Cosplay... Is An Art: Edmonton Expo 2016

via YMMPodcast

Rocky (1976)

Film Appreciation

If you are my age, you probably get an excited nostalgic feeling after hearing the first few measures of Gonna Fly Now. The theme song is from the American classic film, Rocky.

Directed by John G. Avildsen and both written by and starring Sylvester Stallone, the film is about an Italian-American boxer from Philly who gets to fight Apollo Creed for the world heavyweight championship.

The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Sources:

http://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Rocky#tab=summary
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky

John Rice

Artist Appreciation

I joined my girlfriend to Florida to visit her family, in September. They live in the small town of Live Oak, which is about halfway between Tallahassee and Jacksonville.

After spending the day with the family, we decided to explore downtown--the intersection of Howard Street and Ohio Avenue. Although a small town, the city's center does offer numerous restaurants.

My girlfriend was looking for a gazebo she remembered from a previous visit to Live Oak. We were feverishly in search of this spot to spend a romantic moment or two.

Finally, we found our answer as to the location of the gazebo at an art gallery. Hanging on a display stand, there it was, a painting of the gazebo.

Knowing that I appreciate art, my girlfriend noticed that the doors to the gallery were unlocked. I looked in and around curiously, and we walked in.

A gentleman appeared from the back of the gallery tinkering with a lamp device. Since it was 8:00 in the evening, I apologized and asked if they were closed. The gentleman responded kindly and said he was just there temporarily but we could look around.

We discussed art, and I found out that many of the paintings in the gallery were done by him. Then I asked about the gazebo painting. He indicated that the gazebo use to be at the Veterans Memorial Park, which is a corner block from the gallery. He too, however, didn't know where it was moved.

I noticed my girlfriend was disappointed of the missing gazebo. I decided to purchase the painting as a remembrance of our search of the gazebo.

You can read more about this extraordinary artist, John Rice, HERE and see more of his work HERE.

Park Live

Sources:

https://www.facebook.com/1artistjohnrice/
http://www.suwanneevalleytimes.com/component/content/article/51-news-stories/1503-8-28-14-john-rice-capturing-the-beauty.html
http://suwanneevalleytimes.com/archives/54-a-day-in-the-life-john-rice.html
http://www.greenepublishing.com/nfcc-exhibit-features-art-by-live-oak-artist-john-rice/