I'm off to Pantura Studios in SOUTH DAKOTA!!!!!!!!

[MindCandyMan]

I wanted to share with you guys something that is AWESOME that just happened to me. I have been checking out different Atelier schools in Minneapolis and New York...etc... Peter Bougie studio...etc... and there was one particular studio that stuck out to me the most. It is called Pantura Studios...it's in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They only take 3 students at a time...and people usually end up studying there for about 3 - 4 years...so it's rare to inquire and for them to have an opening. Well to make a long story short...I contacted them and eventually sent my application with samples of my work and THEY ACCEPTED ME!!!!!!...there is an opening in October of this year...all I need to do is get settled in South Dakota. My wife has graciously said that she will work full time so I can draw and paint for 8 hours EVERYDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! So starting this October I will be drawing and painting for 8 - 10 hours everyday and learning under two extremely skilled and classically trained individuals who studied under Odd Nerdrum! I am so so so excited...They will only have one opening and I am assured the spot so all I have to do is move to the area and stuff.

Here is the link to their website: http://www.panturastudios.com

This might sound cheezy but I seriously wanted to thank Jon Foster (for the loads and loads of help and encouragment you've given to me and being so giving with your time)...Thanks to Mitch (MCOTIE) for giving me the encouragement you did in those early stages when we got together...that had a big impact on me seriously...I also wanted to say thanks to Jason Manley and Andrew Jones for constantly pushing everyone to have a foundation "from life"...that was really key in me getting into this studio...the fact that I valued drawing from life and that my work reflected that was a big part...(I submitted a bunch of life drawings and stuff that you guys have never seen)...There were a lot of questions both Andrew and Jason answered for me even though I am and was just a newbie ...I also wanted to thank my bro for being an awesome artist and keeping me going constantly with encouragement...also everyone who has encouraged me to keep going in my "journey of an artist" thread...if I would have quit I wouldn't be here now (jester, oblio, sic1, iwasink, killing people, gekitsu, dark_crystal, ...everyone......sorry if I forgot any names. I know this may seem cheezy to say all this but, without the help of you guys I, first off, wouldn't know anything about an opportunity like this...and I definitely wouldn't have been able to get in. Thank you all!...I am so excited.

[RONIN]

CONGRATULATIONS!! I checked out the website and all I can say is WOW. That looks to be a once in a lifetime type experience. Good luck and I wish you the best. Hope you stay on the boards to share your work.

[mtw]

Congrats! That's really cool that you got in. Weren't you studying film making or something like that? Have to decided to follow drawing and painting instead?

[foster]

first off, congratulations mcm! you had sent this link to me and i spaced it out. i am sorry that i did not give you more encouragement at the time. but obviously you have figured out what you wanted to do and i think this experience is going to be fantastic. you are primed for this learning chance and i think your teachers are going to be overwhelmed by your desire and ability to learn.

will you still email when away? please keep us updated.

and lastly, you have come so far here on this forum. i have not seen such growth in any student and in such a short period of time! it gives me hope that i can still grow as well. thanks for the inspiration!

jon foster

[Android]

We are very proud of you. what an amazing oppourtunity, that kind of education is exactealy what you need now, you have shown us that you have the heart of an artist. I cant wait to see where it will take you

:chug:

[Bombesei]

That is great news MCM!! I can't wait to see the work you'll be doing there, all that incredible practice. Your focus and decication and vision is something very special and that everyone is benefitting from. This is so perfect. :)


-Nick

[sic1]

Very nice! Congrats dude! This is a very good opportunity, and I think you deserve it. Your wife is a very good woman to work fulltime for you... :)

As with the thought of everyone else, keep us posted... this is sure to skyrocket your ability. :chug:

[Kortez]

Congratulations! You really deserve this, hope you'll keep posting your work on the forums :)

Again, I wish you well being and good luck (hard work :)) in the future

[MindCandyMan]

Ronin - Thanks so much man. I felt like it was a once in a lifetime thing as well so I had to apply...even if I did get rejected. I assumed they would write back and say, "Sorry all the spaces are filled"...but they didn't! I will definitely keep posting on the boards...this place has been a motivating force for me...I definitely want to continue to give back what I can.

mtw - Hey bro...yeah actually I was involved with film as well but exactly what you said has happened. Film is fun but it isn't where my heart is. My heart is in painting and drawing...so I didn't want to be adulterous...I had to solely go after what I loved. So we'll see what happens from here.

foster - Hey bro no worries at all about the email man. I email you so many times with so much stuff hahah. I am so stoked about this. I will definitely keep in contact when I am away...I am going to keep my thread going too...no doubt about that. Thanks for the encouraging words...it means a lot coming from you...the level of your work is something I only hope of attaining. Thanks for the all the inspiration and help man. Hey we definitely have to get together again before I move out west!

Android - Thanks so much man...I hope eventually I can give back what you have given to us. You know it's funny...I don't know if you ever knew this...but the first time I was interested in art was when I saw your September 11th, 2002 self portrait...the reason I remember is because my brother showed it to me and said, "Check this out...this is awesome and poweful"...and I was dumbfounded by it...then when he told me you did one of these every day I couldn't believe it! And I literally said to him, "If this Andrew guy can do that I bet you I could too"...so then a couple days later I drew my first crappy crappy self portrait. Been uphill since then. If I have the heart of an artist I learned it from you that's for sure. I am so excited thanks again man.

Bombesei - Thanks so much man. Those are really kind words...I will definitely be posting the work that I will be doing there and I am going to do everything in my power to raise my dedication and vision up to a whole other level!! Thanks man.

sic1 - Thanks so much man. My wife is AWESOME...to an extent that I couldn't even describe on here...she is leaving a job she loves to allow me, a lump of a man, to pursue this love. She is something else....and she's really hot too...seriously! I will definitely keep everybody posted. You have posted a lot to encourage me and I really really appreciate it...thanks so much man.

Kortez - Heheh...not sure if I deserve it but I'm glad I got it!!! Hard work is inevitable there too hehe...thanks for the encouragement you have given here and also in my thread.



To everybody....thanks for rallying behind me...I owe a lot to the people on here...kicking my butt and keeping me in gear. I will be learning so much even beyond technique and all...how to grind my own oil paints...how to crate and ship a painting...how to deal with museum buyers and create contracts...how to do etchings...etc... God just dropped this opportunity in my lap so I am going to work as hard as I can and hopefully be able to give something back. You guys rock! And of course...if any other spots open up...I will know where to direct them to look for budding artists ;)

It will be a fun journey that's for sure.


Yesssssss...I get to leave my stupid office job and do something FUN for a change!!!!!!

:chug:

[egerie]

OMG this place looks like it's from another erra... Congrats !! I envy you :) !

[ceenda]

:beer:

Man, this sounds absolutely awesome!

I wish you all the best, you've really pushed yourself!

[Lost Dragon]

You = my hero. :D

Congrats dude!!! That looks like an awesome opportunity. It's great that your wife can support you like that too.

The work's gonna get hard, though. Really really hard. Just remember, when you're on your 214th canvas, that you've got a whole forum full of people who think you can succeed.

Totally awesome. I love this forum.

[amphex]

Big thumbs up bro =)

So are you being educated for free??
And also, what did you send them? Id like to see your masterpieces =P

[ZippZopp]

thats really fantastic!!! excellent work buddy. looks like it will be one hell of experience and you'll learn real art, like they speak of over at artrenewal.org congrats again and best of luck!

[Erik]

Congratulations!

You are an example for every newb here. You made it there not only through hard work but also through being determined and putting heart and soul in it.

I wish you all the luck (and oviously we want to see stuff!) in South Dakota!

Great great great.

E.

[Fipse]

My warmest felt congratulations MCM!

I just wish you that you keep your obedience, patience and devotion and it will work all out well for you. And more congratulations - even more than for the chance of paticipating in this institute - for your wife that so greatly supports you!

Fipse

[carpal]

this is the coolest thing I have heard all week. crazy cool. I envy your dedication, and the situation you have landed yourself in here. have a damn good time and you have picked a damn good place to go to stay focused on art. (there isn't much else to do!) haha

[mcotie]

That's excellent news! congratulations! Good luck to you.

Mitch

[I.was.ink]

wow! This is amazing news man. I kinda know what you must feel like, I'm working my butt off to so that I can go to Art Center, and its going to be hard, but its going to be soooo worth it. As I'm sure your experience will be too. Will your family also be moving over their? How expensive is this place going to be?

I can't wait to hear from your first day of class:p That sounds like us seeing you off to your first day in kindergarden. :p

I'm so proud of you and happy that this opportunity has come up.

*gives mcm a hug* I wish to meet you someday, draw and chat.

Once again congrats! :dance:

BTW: how does your boss feel about u leaving?

[TacticallyWacked]

Congrats man!! I was so excited and relieved when I got into school for art and animation. It was like the 1st step of a long time dream and it was coming true.

What I really wanted to say is that you must have one loving wife who is willing to work full time so you can paint and draw 8 hours a day. Thats a major sacrifice on her part which will pay off in the future. You have some good things going for you! Much luck. =)

[Smeagol71]

No one is more happy or more sad at this news than me bro. Happy for the opportunity that has been given you, sad at the prospect of my brother and sister-in-law living A LOT more than 15 minutes away from me. But, having said that I wish you all the best and make sure you're ready to go come October. Wow...:p , that's me green with envy. You'll have to give me updates and pass on that knowledge!!!

Good job!!!

:nana

[MindCandyMan]

A lot of people commented on my wife being so awesome...she is definitely one of the most awesome people I have ever met... seriously. I will be working part time to cover expenses and everything but she will be working full time to "support" us. She is viewing this (as I am myself) as part of my "schooling"...since if I went to a University it would be the same way. She has not only offered to work full time...she is just as excited as I am about this opportunity and she has told me she is proud of me. She works really hard doing everything else so that I can pursue this...Everything I lack...she is...that's the truth.


Smeagol - Hey bro...I forwarded that email to you...not sure if you got it. I feel sad about it too...you guys are the only reason I would even consider staying in Trashadelphia. We will talk more this weekend but I will just say in the future I will give you more than updates...you will be in the studio as much as possible if it's up to me...and I will pass on any knowledge gladly.

Tactically Wacked - You are right on about that. My wife is one of the most giving people I know...she truly enjoys it too...she truly loves helping me...I've never met anyone like her in my life. She completes me...well let's just say I am 2% of the person...and she is the 98% remaining hehe...

iwasink - Only my wife and I are moving. My parents like the midwest but can't move hehe. I'm sure somewhere along the line we will be able to get together and draw...definitely. You are working your butt off and you WILL get into Art Center...and you will tear it up...keep going.

mcotie - Thanks so much mitch. Thanks again for all the encouragement and help over the months.

.PZ. - man you aren't kidding...there is nothing out there hehe...I love that though. It will be nice to get away from the crime and trash of Philadelphia and see some stars come out at night. Thanks for the encouragement man. Maybe I should buy a telescope?...hehe

Fipse - My wife is totally awesome...no doubt about that. A truly unbelievable person she is...I can't say enough good about her...honestly. Thanks for wishing me well man...I will keep the faith. I will bring my devotion up to a whole new level...with those teachers keeping me accountable...it will be hard not to.

Erik - Thanks so much for the kind words man. Yeah it was so weird...being such a newbie and being able to do something like this. I feel really blessed. I will definitely post the stuff that I am doing. Thanks so much man.

Zipp - You rock man...Thanks for the encouragement...yeah hopefully I will learn some of that "real art" hehehe. I figure I need to get the most solid foundation possible. So we will see how I do. Thanks for always being encouraging.

amphex - Hey bro...I have been talking to them for a while...but I forgot that on their website it says for free but they do charge. They charge the normal "atelier" fee of like 4,000 a year. There site hasn't been updated in a while I don't think. The stuff I sent them definitely wasn't masterpieces hehe...only a couple things you guys probably haven't seen. But I didn't send them any concept art related stuff or digital pictures...etc... I sent them some figure studies from my class (pastel, etc...), I sent them a master copy of a degas pastel, I sent them a pencil self portrait, and a drawing of a skull cast and stuff like that. I was worried I wouldn't be good enough to win their approval but they are there to teach I guess so if I already knew everything that wouldn't be good either hehe.

Lost Dragon - Thanks so much man. You are absolutely right about that as well...I will get frustrated when I am on my 3,000th canvas...it's awesome to know I have a group of individuals supporting me...that's totally awesome. Thanks for the encouragement bro.

ceenda - Thanks so much man. Hopefully this place will allow me to push myself even further. I appreciate the feedback coming from you...your work is awesome!

egerie - You are absolutely right...it does look like it's from another era. Odd Nerdrum did everything the old school way...so that's where they get it from. They even make their own palettes and stuff...the place is totally awesome...it's so cool.





Hey guys for anyone interested...this will be my curriculum...they sent this to me in an email a while back:





-Bargue Drawings (small scale 19th century academic drawings of sculpture)
-Three accurate copies in pencil.
-Charcoal Copy
-One large scale copy of a master drawing in charcoal.
-Cast Drawings (charcoal on white paper)
*Students will also be assigned other exercises while they are at this
stage which will help them with their cast drawings and build
confidence.
-One simple cast (Eye, Nose, Mouth, etc.)
-One Mask
-One Head
-One large Bust or Figure
-Cast Drawings: Charcoal and White Chalk on Toned Paper
-One simple cast
-Two drawings, choice of casts (one must be large)

-Grisaille Oil Painting (Black ,White, and Raw Umber oil on canvas)
-Two simple casts
-Two, choice of casts (one must be large)
-Color Oil Painting
-Limited Palette (black, white, yellow ochre, raw umber, vermilion)
-Two single objects (apple, pear, etc.)
-Full Palette (choice colors, we will make suggestions)
-One simple still life (uncomplicated grouping of objects)
-Unlimited and unrestricted still life projects from this point on

-Figure and Portraiture
*While students are working on the projects listed above, they will also
be focusing attention on figure drawing and portraiture. As with cast
drawing, students will begin their figure work in pencil, progressing to
charcoal, charcoal and white chalk, limited palette and finally full
palette. Portraiture is begun in charcoal.

-Etching and Silverpoint
*Students will also be introduced to etching and drawing in silverpoint
when their drawing skills reach a suitable level of proficiency.

[Coma]

Wow, great news!
good luck!
And don't stop posting, you really have improved a lot since you first started here.

Congrats!

[tyboogie]

just promise us when you surpass us all that youll stay on the forum and share the wisdom! (im serious)

good luck to you!---ty

[gekitsu]

sorry for being late. :)
man, that is awesome.
seeing your way really makes hope... you came here like "i've got no talent, i've got no practise, i've got no skill but i like art, what can i do?"
and wham, i barely heard the wind of your slipstream flying by me as you outleveled me in everything. basically everything i saw from you was that insane dust cloud that was behind you...

go to dakota and rock them!

greetings

raphael

[Dan Milligan]

good things come to good people,
you're pulling a lot of us along in your wake.

Dan

[Mindflaw]

:nana congrats, thats really GREAT MAN:nana

[coriat]

great news :chug:

[Cashmere]

MindCandyMan, if your target is to become a great artist, you will do it and this is only a step of the your biggest painting!
Those are historical days for you ! ;)

[jester]

Hi Jon,

just away for the weekend I return only to find the best news of the week. :D I'm so proud of you and absolutely happy that I could accompany you on your journey. Don't ever give away your wife, she's a great person. If someone not only loves you but believes in you that much you are a very happy person (I've this experience myself, so I know what I'm talking about!).

Best wishes to you! :chug:

Really, I'm so happy for you!

:blue:

Birgit (aka Jester)

[sparth]

good luck over there mate. people with so much will like yourself cannot fail in this sort of adventure. when you really want it, and put everything on your side for a success, it's plain marvelous.

sparth

[davi]

kick ass buddy good luck with your venturing!

[MindCandyMan]

I am trying to repond to everyone...but if I miss anyone sorry about that!

Coma - Thanks for the encouragement man I really appreciate it. A lot of times I don't feel like I am improving so thanks again.

tyboogie - No worries about that tyboogie...I will definitely share the wisdom on the boards...that's for sure. Hopefully I will be able to give back some of the immense amount that has been given to me. Thanks man.

gekitsu - Thanks so much man...you were there in the early stages helping me out. Thanks for the encouragement man...I don't know about a slipstream hehe...I feel frustrated all the time hehehe.

Dan Milligan - Thanks for the kind words man. I've appreciated all the help you have given me over the course of the past months. If good things come to good people I am in trouble heheh. Thanks for the constant encouragement man...you rock.

Mindflaw - Thanks so much man. I definitely feel this is an occasion for the dancing bananas!

coriat - Thanks so much man...you are another buddy that has been posting and encouraging me from the beginning. I appreciate it bro!

Cashmere - Thanks so much man...With the way you are pumping art out...everyone needs to watch out for you. Your still life got so much better in just two days...I can't wait to see more of your work!

jester - You are absolutely right...my wife is unbelievable...no doubt about that. She is one of the only people in my life that I can honestly say has never doubted me...even when I didn't deserve to be trusted she always has. You have definitely accompanied me on this journey. If I am ever in Germany we have to get together Birgit! Thanks again bro.

sparth - Thanks so much man. This means a lot to me coming from you. Your work is top notch. Thanks for the encouragement man I really appreciate it...if I can achieve your level in my life...I will be happy. Thanks mate!

davi - Thanks bud...gonna be fun and hard at the same time. I have a long way to go to catch up with you...not just on an art related level...but on an imagination level as well. Your work has so much imagination...not sure if that's possible to learn hehe...thanks bro.





I wanted to point everyone to this resource as well...this is where I found out about this studio.


http://www.artrenewal.com/asp/database/atelier_list.asp


This is a list of a whole bunch of really good atelier schools. Definitely check them out there a bunch of really cheap and GOOD options for someone wanting to go this path as well. Check em out! Most are only 4,000 - 4,500 bucks a year which is definitely doable without a loan if you work hard. Check it out. Thanks again everyone you guys rock!

[coriat]

i forgot to tell you the most importantly-ish thing !!!



















haveafrigginlotafun!!
:waves: :chug: :nana :jump1: :clapping1 :clapping2 :partyguy: :thumbsup:

[Nold]

Congratulations ! I'm very happy for you. You really deserve it. Enjoy your time over there.

Michael

[Blackhawk]

MindCandy, congratulations bud, if I wasn't working so damn much I would have seen it and replied to it sooner. I'm looking at getting into an atelier myself pretty soon and it's exciting to see you get into one. Hopefully I can do the same in a few months when I have enough money to support myself.

Rock on bud.

[jester]

Sure, MindCandyMan, if you ever come over to Germany you have to come to the Ruhrgebiet (Ruhr-Area, roughly between Duisburg and Unna). It's not an place "normal" tourists usually go to, but we have a lot to offer. It's a large place (I think similar to LA) and all the cities sort of blend into another - you won't realize you've just passed into another city. And it's similar to NY in respect to that it is one of the biggest melting pots, too.

:D

Jester

[MindCandyMan]

coriat - Thanks man hehe!

Nold - thanks so much man...I know I will have a blast...will be hard work but I will have so much fun I know.

Blackhawk - Definitely let me know if you get into one...and definitely check out that link to all the ateliers that I posted earlier in this thread. Keep me updated man...you will tear up in an atelier that's for sure.

jester - Sounds cool man...hey this is a bizarre question but I saw a ripley's believe it or not today that said there was a German artist named Joerg Jozwiak that created a snowman and put it in a solar powered refrigerator?...do you know anythign about this?

[Blackhawk]

Yeah MCM, I actually have been checking out that link for the last couple of months. I need to get some kind of life drawing portfolio together for when I start contacting these places. I've been distracted the last few months though, but I'm trying to get it together again.

I'm proud of you though man, just looking through your Journey thread has shown the INCREDIBLE amount of growth you've had. Keep at it bud.

[cucaracha]

WoooW!

Now you'll become one of the pros! - Best wishes.

I think Jason should rename you to MindCandyMASTER :)

have fun (unnecessary to say, I think)

:nana :beer: :rock: :nana

cu

[MindCandyMan]

blackhawk - Thanks so much man. I appreciate hearing that from you. All I can do is keep trying and see what happens...we'll see I guess hehe. Thanks again for the encouraging words.

cucaracha - Thanks man hehe...very very far from master heheh...but you are right...one day I will become a pro even if it takes me 20 years...thanks for the encouragement and the dancing banana drunken party...heheh...thanks man.

[jester]

Joerg Jozwiak - I haven't heard anything about this "artist" but that's the current state of the art of art ;) here in Germany.

Yesterday I talked to my life drawing teacher. He just graduated in "Design" and is unemployed, doing some odd jobs like teaching life drawing and selling lottery tickets via telephone. He's doing large size abstract art drawings and hopes (and here's the important part) one day to be recommended by his former professor to a gallery. He explained to me that galleries won't accept you and your art if you just drop in and ask for the possibilty to have an exhibition. That's absolutely crazy. In Germany's art scene you are "nothing" if you can't put a "Studied at Prof. Soandso" in your CV.

The result is, that "academic" art is very much just something that has a) no worth and is b) old fashioned.

He annoyed me quite a lot yesterday when he kept saying that once you feel you know the proportions (it was the 4th lesson, so a bit early, eh) you can get "loose". He insisted that every sheet of paper should show something new (rubbish, I'm there for training and practise!) but whenever I tried something new, he said it wasn't good. But how should I know if I hadn't tried? :mad:

The result was that I was very unsatisfied with my lifedrawings yesterday (I'm going to post them anyway ;) later today) and mucked up my attempts at still life later, being really upset.

Sorry for ranting but I felt that this had some place here since the Pantura Studios offer something completely different.

Jester

PS: I'm going to check out Joerg Jozwiak, at least it sounds like a funny and crazy idea. :)

[R_M]

MCM, Wanted to congratulate you before, but been to busy, so here it is.

I am glad for you. from your posts I get the impression, that it is just the place you need to be, so RUN MCM RUN!
You have got a chance of a life time, don't spoil it. learn as much as you can, and come back to show us how it is done!

[MindCandyMan]

jester - sorry dude that totally stinks...man...well maybe just try to get what you can from it and ignore the teacher...sorry dude. :(

R_M - Thanks so much man. I will do everything in my power not to spoil this opportunity. Keep reminding me throughout the process! Thanks man.

[MindCandyMan]

Just wanted to thank everyone again for all their support...means a lot to me. Thanks so much guys! I go out to visit and go apartment searching and stuff on the 26th of July...my job is becoming unbearable heheh (now that I see the light at the end of the tunnel).

[otis]

Congrats! Good luck and no matter what happens, make sure you are always having fun doing it. Don't let anyone discourage you from doing what you love to do.

Sean:chug:

[MindCandyMan]

Thanks otis. Those are wise words...that's what I am looking forward to the most! Drawing and painting for 8 - 10 hours a day...woohoo!

[Hexal]

Congrats Mind.

Thats so great that you get this oppertunity(sp) to go to the place. I cant wait to see your progress.

:chug:

[fuyu]

Hi,I'm a (new) newbie here.oh first sorry for my bad english,it's not my native language(Thai).

A couple days ago I was looking at your thread and saw your incredible improvement,and I was just thinking to myself, "whoa..this guy sure has a lot of potential,he shouldn't be working in office...."

And then....come this good news!

I just want to say thank you for your threads (and other people's too) because they push and push and push me inside...to never give up art!

====Congratulation!!====
:chug: :chug: :chug: :beer:

[Cinsev]

hey, you forgot to thank the acadamy........

but seriously that is GREAT NEWS! allow me to add my congrats to the already large list.......i wish you all the luck i can personally spare! i love hearing that another artist has moved onto another stage in thier growth.

[Deth Jester]

Congrats on your acceptance MCM.... I wish you the best of luck there... and kiss your wife everyday and tell her you love her for supporting you in this rare oppurtunity..

good luck..

[MindCandyMan]

Hexal - Thanks so much man. I guess this is where I get to see what i am made of ya know. It's gonna be fun either way though hehe.

fuyu - Thank you so much for saying all those things. That is exactly why I wanted to start that thread full of my crappy art...I was hoping it could help inspire people. Yeah I am rotting in my office right now...I hate it hehehe...I'm just looking forward to getting out of here. For english not being your native language...you are very eloquent. And I know for sure that you speak English way better than I speak Thai...thanks for the encouragement man!

Cinsev - I want to thank everyone at the academy and especially my wife....heheh. Thanks so much for your encouragement man...this is a great opportunity that fell in my lap and it's awesome to know that other people are behind me. Thanks so much for voicing your encouragement I really appreciate it man.

Deth Jester - Thanks so much man. You are right on about kissing my wife everyday...she is an amazing person...more than I could even explain on here. Thanks for your encouragement and support man it means a lot.

[winjer]

Youve motivated me to get off my ass and into the art students league for some serious life drawing . Thanx :)

[MindCandyMan]

hehehe...I'm glad to hear that winjer! You're welcome!

[Octave13]

Wow... I haven't been here in a while, haven't drawn much in a while and I come back here, see the INSANE amount of progress you've made and I go and get all motivated again. Congrats, man... this kind of opportunity couldn't have come along to a more deserving person. :chug:

[MindCandyMan]

Thanks octave I really appreciate it man. I'm pretty sure I don't deserve it but I'm really glad to be able to do it!

[endregan]

You know you are so talented. You have worked so hard and i have seen your progress. Congratulations it seems like the opportunity of a lifetime and I am so happy for you. Be sure to keep in touch every now in then we will all miss you :D

[MindCandyMan]

Hey guys I'm back from south dakota. The studio is awesome!!!!!! I really like the area too...here are some pictures from the area and the studio.

http://www.mindcandyman.com/southdakota/studio 2.jpg

That's the building that the studio is in. That taller one rising above Zandbroz...it goes back really far and there is a lot more room than it looks like once you get inside.

http://www.mindcandyman.com/southdakota/studio 4.jpg

This is the entrance

http://www.mindcandyman.com/southdakota/studio 6.jpg

http://www.mindcandyman.com/southdakota/studio 7.jpg

Check out what the other students are doing...I can't wait till I can do that!!

http://www.mindcandyman.com/southdakota/studio 10.jpg

Inside Hans' studio...He makes his own palettes...uses and abuses them and then makes a new one...so cool

http://www.mindcandyman.com/southdakota/studio 12.jpg

Hans is varnishing a small painting.

http://www.mindcandyman.com/southdakota/studio 17.jpg

So many books and resources available...man I CAN'T WAIT TILL I GET THERE


It looks like I should be in South Dakota by the 1st of September...so theoretically I could be started by then...man I can't wait. Now all I gotta do is move out of philly hehe. That's my wife there on the couch.

Here's another pic of my wife on their couch....even their couch has statuesque carvings all over it...so cool

http://www.mindcandyman.com/southdakota/studio 16.jpg

No drooling boys.

Well that's that...I can't wait to get started.

[Bombesei]

Nice MCM, that's so exciting! Is that the first time you've been there in person? Good luck with the move. How'd your wife like it?


-Nick

[MindCandyMan]

Yeah that was my first time in person...it was awesome the way everything worked out too...my wife had a job interview the first day we got there...and we are almost 100 % sure she will get the job...we found an awesome apartment .35 miles from studio...I will be walking to it everyday...and we also were able to meet a bunch of people that will be able to help us move in and all...so that was really cool.

My wife loved it out there...we both fell in love with sioux falls as soon as we were there for a little while...some of the people are a little quirky and hickish...but for the most part we are sick of philadelphia and sioux falls is awesome...my wife loves it and I am so glad for that.

[R_M]

I envy you but still :chug:

[I.was.ink]

That looks so freakin cool mcm. I am so glad for you.

You know, we are both going to be going to school at the same time, and we are both going to grow together. Much, like we did here on conceptart. That makes me so happy.

Don't forget to tell us all about your first day! :D

[jester]

MindCandyMan, this is gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous! I'm so happy for you and envy you at the same time. Sure you and I.was.ink will have a great time and will learn tremendously fascinating stuff! I hope that I can accompany you both - and maybe even catch a few techniques and tricks of what you will be learning ;)

:blue:

Jester

[killing.people]

two months later ..
hmm, a beautiful wife that works full time so you can paint and draw all day like this ...
i .. fucking hate you .. :p

in all honesty, i want to pass congradulations and that i had nothing to do with your success, but thank you for thanking me. i hope this place has enough for you to consume, god slow down! it took me all my life to get as good as i am, and you are already passing me up!

oh what a happy moment i am having.

its like seeing a fat kid eat a hotdog.

-killing

[MindCandyMan]

R_M - Thanks so much bud :chug:

Iwasink - Yeah that is so cool...you are right we both are taking similar paths at the same time...that definitely is really cool. And we signed up on conceptart around the same time as well. We need to stay in contact with each other so we can share our professional connections and share the knowledge we both learn.

jester - You will definitely be going along with us!! We will be sharing all of our knowledge with everyone and definitely with you!

killing - hahaha...dude I am at work and I am supressing so much laughter.......fat kid eating a hot dog hahahhaah. You aren't kidding my wife is so unbelievable...more than I can even express. I will say though that early on you helped me on many things...perspective, etc... and gave me encouragement in those tough tough early stages when I needed it the most. I'm far from passing you up that's for sure. Thanks man...you rock.

[Big-Dave]

Just wanted to congratulate you on getting accepted. After the amount of work you've put into your art you're more than deserving of you place. Hope you'll keep us posted on the work you do. Anyway, good luck with the schooling, I'm sure you'll do great.

[Cashmere]

MindCandyMan, your dreams come true :nod:

[strych9ine]

I have nothing but respect and praise for you. man. I've been following your progress since you started your epic thread... congratulations on this HUGE achievement.

[pandawhipped]

mcm this is great news! It'll be so awesome when you're able to focus on this ALL day, EVERY stinkin' day, and not have a job. I know you will, but we'll all be making sure you are taking full advantage of this opportunity. You're a lucky dude. Keep up the awesome work! I seriously can't wait to see the kind of work you'll be producing in 3 years time.

[R_M]

Originally posted by iffy
Sorry, but I don't see the big deal about this Pantura Studios.

Iffy sometimes you do try to hard...

[bRyaN]

Sorry to come in late but i give thee a hearty congratualtions...wow, that is gonna be awesome....

I wish the best for you bro...

i checked out the site, and you seem to be in for the time of your life, besides getting married and all...

congrats..

[gasmask]

congradulations

[Layil]

hey there MCM,
i know youve already been at your new art school for almost a year, but ive just now started readng your threads and i have to say if anyone deserves it its you. ive read through your progress from beginning to end and i have to say your the biggest inspiration ive come across in ages. Ive been studying art my whole life, but i dont think ive ever had a fraction of the passion you show for it, and i know if i had, id be alot better than i am now. I plan to let you be a good influence! Youve reminded me that the basics are the most important thing of all, and theres so much information that ive either forgetten or never learned, and i need to get back on the ball! drawing and painting are like muscles, you need to excercise them constantly or they wither away, and with three years out of school, im definately atrophied. So, heres to you, and your incredible journey. ill keep watching your progess and try to keep up!

:chug:

also, to the rest of you out there, i am so impressed by your response to MCM's journey from rookie to fullfleged artist. never once has anyone said anything demeaning or discouraging to him, or ragged on him for not being as good, as some people would do. its a rare find that, and im glad to be included amongst this awsome group of people. Ill be attending the workshop in amsterdam in two weeks, and i look forward to seeing you all there!

cheers,
L ;)

[MindCandyMan]

Thank you everyone...you all are awesome and extremely supportive I really appreciate it...Layil got me thinking that I should give at least an update to let you guys know how things are going...here some sample images that show what I am doing...been attending the studio for about six 1/2 months and I have learned a ton even in this short time.


Some of the Bargue Drawings

http://www.mindcandyman.com/jons_uploads/bargue drawing 1 final.jpg

http://www.mindcandyman.com/jons_uploads/bargue drawing 2 final.jpg

http://www.mindcandyman.com/jons_uploads/bargue drawing 3 final.jpg


Figure drawings:

http://www.mindcandyman.com/jons_uploads/figure drawing 4.jpg

http://www.mindcandyman.com/jons_uploads/figure drawing 5.jpg

http://www.mindcandyman.com/jons_uploads/figure drawing 8.jpg

http://www.mindcandyman.com/jons_uploads/figure drawing 9.jpg

http://www.mindcandyman.com/jons_uploads/figure drawing 10.jpg

http://www.mindcandyman.com/jons_uploads/figure drawing 13.jpg


cast studies

http://www.mindcandyman.com/jons_uploads/mouthcastdrawing_step7.jpg


Work in progress portrait

http://www.mindcandyman.com/jons_uploads/ericportrait_step3.jpg


other sketches

http://www.mindcandyman.com/jons_uploads/bound sketchbook 176.jpg

http://www.mindcandyman.com/jons_uploads/bound sketchbook 174.jpg


Masters copy of my teacher Sanna Tomac (http://www.panturastudios.com)

http://www.mindcandyman.com/jons_uploads/sannamastercopy.jpg


A painting I have tried on my own (albeit too early hehe...unguided as you can tell hehe)

http://www.mindcandyman.com/jons_uploads/lemon study.jpg



Thanks for all your support guys you are awesome!...Thankyou for all the kind words...I'm pretty sure I don't deserve to be studying at a place like this...there are people more worthy of it than I...I'm sure of it...but I will take advantage of it while I have the ability that's for sure...thanks!

[endregan]

Seems just like yesterday :).

Man you sure have grown so much. Dont say you dont deserve this, I would say you deserve this more than anyone with your passionate and positive attitude towards art.

Keep it going :)

[Bombesei]

Hey Jon, these are truly awesome. So great. You're great. Ateliers rock!!

PS. I showed the Pantura site to Collins and he wants a site now too, hehe.


Nick

[Ant4d]

awesome stuff my mate. just keep on going!

[MindCandyMan]

endregan - Thanks man...you're so supportive ;)

Bombesei - Thanks man...Collins is awesome! That's cool you get to study under him! Tell him to definitely get a site of his own where we can all go to view his work and the atelier!
ant4d - Thanks bro :chug:...p.s. your drawings kick some serious butt...man alive...they are awesome