First prompt from my virtual return to Steve Brodner’s “Art of Illustration” course – what’s quarantine like for you?

And it ain’t over yet, folks. This weekend I saw a few videos of maskless idiots around the city partying outside, and I’m thinking, did we learn nothing? Like, do what you have to do to survive – and by that, I mean, travel to your essential job, buy groceries, take a walk – but if a plurality of selfish Brooklyn bros can’t go one Summer without a douchey block party, then we’re positively screwed.

Quick painting of my sister’s family dog Taser. A big lovable lunkhead who didn’t know his own strength, and will be forever missed by Theresa, John, and Ariana. First depicted here back in 2011!

Uncle Bobby was never the loudest guy in the room–who could get a word in edgewise with six siblings?–but when he did speak up it was always with wit and warmth and a mischievous smile.  And as nice as it was to have him around as an Uncle, I know for sure he was also an amazing dad and grandfather. Needless to say, we all wish he could have spent many more years chasing after the twins he adored.

A life cut short provides a painful but important lesson: Though none of us is guaranteed a set amount of time on this planet, you can always take ownership of how you’ll be remembered. If you can manage to be as kind and caring as Uncle Bobby, you’ll leave behind people brimming with fond memories, gratitude and love.

Feeling absolutely no inspiration to draw? Force yourself to do a self-portrait! For added difficulty, do it in smeary ink with a camera over your shoulder.

I really enjoyed the recent film “Stan and Ollie” starring Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly  as the title characters, at the end of their careers, embarking on a1950s tour of the United Kingdom. This painting depicts a moment during that time.

And here’s a time-lapse of the digital painting in Procreate: