Support Dogs Illustration

There is a wonderful, non-profit organization in St. Louis called "Support Dogs". They train and place service dogs to help those with disabilities and therapy dogs to help in the community.

Every year at this time they have a Tacky Ball Fund-Raiser to help offset the cost of running their company. For the past 3 years I've had the great honor of being asked to create an illustration to be used to help promote the event. Each year they have a different theme for the party and hold the event at a fun, unique place around St. Louis. This year is their 25th year doing what they do, a silver anniversary, so they decided that a Hollywood theme is in order. Or, as they put it, a Doggiewood theme complete with "Puparrazi" and a "Woofgang Pack" dinner.

Here is the illustration that I came up with.

Bradfield Organics Illustration

Here is a new illustration that I created for a Bradfield Organics Advertorial. The basic idea of the ad was who are the soil microbes that are fighting to help you have a healthy, organic lawn and garden.

Ruff Houzen Benefit

It is an extremely gratifying and euphoric feeling for an artist when the recipient of a piece of your artwork is so appreciative and elated with what you have created. I was fortunate enough to have that experience on March 6 when I attended the "Ruff Houzen" benefit in L.A. with my wife Lynn. As I mentioned in my previous post, I created a painting exclusively for this event of a rescued dog named "Petunia" who was given a second chance by Ashley Paige, celebrity swimsuit designer and founder of the animal rescue organization "Ruff Houzen". Along with Ashley Paige, we were also fortunate enough to meet Ashley's mom, Leah Johnson, American Idol celebrities Carly Smithson and Kimberly Caldwell as well as Dancing with the Stars' Lacie Schwimmer. I've attached a few pics from the event at Studio 944 in Los Angeles, CA.

Bailout

I read yesterday that the Government is going to give more taxpayer money to AIG for a bailout. It is pretty frustrating that they continue to pump our money into the same companies that turn around and buy corporate jets, remodel new offices and and give large bonuses. That was my thought behind this ad campaign I designed for "Recycling Rover", a local animal rescue organization.

Making of Petunia

Here's a time lapse video of me painting "Petunia".  I hope to be able to do more of these. Growing up in a small town where access to art education was almost non-exsistent, I had to find my own ways of honing my craft.  My way started with drawing the characters out of the comics section in the paper, watching cartoons on Saturday mornings (good excuse, huh) or, through books that I would find at the library. Now the internet has opened up a whole new way for kids to learn about and develop their love for art.  Although this video is not a how-to video (of which I can't stand anyway), it is a demonstration of painting.  It has always helped me just to watch an artist work and see how they create their art.  Not telling me "this is how it is supposed to be done" but, "this is how I like to work".  I discovered a great quote by Jackson Pollock one day when in an art store.  He said, "It doesn't matter how the paint is put on, as long as something is said".  Hopefully this video of me painting, or perhaps one in the future will inspire a kid to paint just like Bugs Bunny and Charlie Brown inspired me to become an artist.

"Petunia" - Oil Painting Demonstration from Robbie McCord on Vimeo.

Petunia

Well, this is my first post. Fortunately, it's a good one.

I was asked if I would donate a painting to a celebrity auction that will benefit "Ruff Houzen", an animal rescue organization started by celebrity fashion designer Ashley Paige.  Some of you may recognize her from her show on TLC titled "Bikini or Bust".  But, rather than just donate something I already had, I decided I wanted to create a new painting for the event.  I wanted a subject that was a good example of what "Ruff Houzen" is all about.  After contacting Ashley, she thought of her dog "Petunia".  This is the painting that I came up with.  For those who are interested you can check out more information on "Ruff Houzen" at www.ruffhouzen.org.