Self Promotion Sunday!!!

Hey everyone! Been a while since I got to really post anything. It's not much, but it's definitely more than I have been able to show lately. Super excited to show off some of this. I've been so focused on finishing up stuff for the BronyCon Art Show, and now trying to put together my newest cosplay to show off. But, I do have a few new items to show, and as always, you can check out my Etsy page right here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TrotLOeilArt

First up, just a heads up, I am having a sale here on my Etsy page: Use the coupon HELPINGHAND at the end of your order, to get 15% off of any order over $35. I definitely could use your help as I try to pay off a few doctors bills from my injuries.

Now, check out the new items. First up, I was hard at work this morning, working on an idea I have wanted to do for some time: PONY PRINCESS PURSES! Right now, I have 6, but I am working on at least two more designs, and I will have another, surprise design, hopefully soon! But please, check out these sparkly beauties!

Next, I have had these two pieces done for a while, I just keep forgetting to post them: my Infinity Stones painting, and my Friendship Gauntlet patch!:

Another two pieces, one which I am debating on whether to sell or not, a Black Panther figurine and a Lauren Faust alicorn. The Lauren Faust alicorn I am debating on especially because she will be at the last BronyCon coming up, and I may want to give it to her. We will see.

Self-Promotion Sunday!

Hello everyone! I am FINALLY up and running again, although it's at a slower pace. My hand is still not 100%, but I am out of some of the woods. All tests proved to be clear, so it's really just a matter of trying to stretch and exercise my hand to get it better. In the meantime, let me give you the entire rundown, with a review of upcoming conventions first:

MinCon: July 13th
LockCity ComicCon: July 27th
TerrifiCon: August 9th to the 11th
LI Tropic Con: August 18th
SyCon: September 14th
Mt. Vernon Library Comic Con: September 28th
NaugyCon: TBD


Next up, a couple of figurines have been finished. Most of them ponies, as it's been a while since I have been doing a lot of non-pony work lately. I've got three versions of Fluttershy, new Derpy figurines, a new Princess Luna, even a Spike Green Ranger cross-over! Oh, and a new custom, based off of the incoming images of the Stranger Things Upside Down Applejack that has been leaked over the internet. Plus a Pennywise custom that is creeping the HECK out of me!

I've finished these digital pieces lately, and I am trying to turn them into bags as well as put them up on Redbubble or For Fans By Fans.

Not much else coming up, but I do have some pieces that have taken longer that are slowly getting closer to done that I can't wait to share! Some stuff will have to wait, though, while I finish up some charity pieces over the course of the next week. Hopefully they turn out pretty cool looking! Keep checking in with me!

BLAST OFF! Movie Review Monday!

Welcome readers to a Movie Review Monday! This week we are blasting off as we review the Sir Elton John pic, "Rocketman!" This movie is by no means a "Bohemian Rhapsody" but also, it is VERY Elton John. Seriously, definitely expect a wild ride with this one, ladies. So let's blast off and check it out!


"Rocketman" (Director: Dexter Fletcher)

via GIPHY

Alright, after the experience that "Bohemian Rhapsody" was, pretty much EVERYONE has high expectations for ANY bio type pic that features a musician. And seriously, WHY should Sir Elton be an exception?  I mean, when has this man done anything subtly? I can remember rocking out to "Crocodile Rock" when I was a kid on a CD player (that's compact disc for anyone who doesn't know), as well as trying to learn "Pinball Wizard." I might not have followed the man, but EVERYONE knew who he was. And just like in "Bohemian Rhapsody," that's what we were shown: a man who wanted his cake and was eating it too. That is, until he got sick and realized you shouldn't do what Marie Antoinette said and "Eat Cake" all the time. Even if you DO try and imitate The Queen herself in your acts. 

I was GENUINELY surprised to learn that Taron David Egerton (who plays the man himself) was singing quite a few of the songs. And the two younger versions of Elton should be given awards, because they were FABULOUS, for the little time that they were on the screen. And Taron himself was stepping out of roles that pretty much everyone knows him for, which was a refreshing change of pace. But to be honest, I could have done with a lot of the singing. SOME of it was fine, but I feel like it was trying to merge two movies into one, when it should have tried to be it's own thing.

One thing I sometimes try and compare to is "Ray." BEFORE "Bohemian Rhapsody," there was "Ray" and in all seriousness, THAT movie is what I wish music bio-pics would strive for again. A balance of song with story. And yet, at the same time, why should I expect anything else than what I saw from Sir Elton John? His way of doing things over the top was his platform for his entire career, his undoing, and his return from the ashes. Sir Elton is quite literally a phoenix rising: he was born, rose up to beauty, took a dive until he burst into flames, then rose up again, a whole new man.   

To sum it up, while this was not a BAD movie, it was very much "Bohemian Rhapsody" meets "The Greatest Showman" with "Mama Mia" in the sense that it's only his songs thrown in. Decent, but I'm not running back to seeing it again. 

Marvel Endgame Questions

OK, so I got to see Endgame for a second time, and as I had already seen it, I let myself get a bit nit-picky. So far, as I was watching this movie for a second time, I had MANY questions raised. Hopefully, they are sin worthy:

First of all, I want to know how much weight Robert Downey Jr. lost for that space scene. I mean, we all know that they gave Chris Hemsworth a fat-suit for Dude Thor, and they scaled back Chris Evans for the original Steve Rodgers before he became Captain, but did they CGI how RDJ looked? I mean, honestly, the dude looked like he starved himself just to get that look. It might not be sin worthy, but I am seriously curious what his diet was.

Next, I will APPLAUD Marvel for not going the DC route and suddenly scrapping half the movie to put in more of the recent female heroine of a movie (Captain Marvel) into more of the movie, like Justice League had to do. Bravo Marvel, remove a sin!

Now, here's something I'm wondering about: Okoyo just seems to disappear. This one bugs me. SOOOO many people made a HUGE fuss about her name not being on the poster and then suddenly, after her holographic report, she is just GONE! Until the end! WHY? She was available, along with half of Wakanda. Why were they not there at the beginning of the battle? Why not be part of the planning process? This one made no sense. *DING!*

via GIPHY

OK, during the time travel, did anyone else notice that War Machine didn't need a special suit? Why is that? Why is he special? Everyone else, even Bruce, had to wear the same suit, but not War Machine. WHY? WHY ARE YOU MAKING ME THINK LIKE THIS?! *Ding!* 

Also, just a random side note, does anyone else think that the Ancient One looks like a Sphixn cat? Seriously, as she was having her conversation with Bruce, that was the ONLY thing I could think about, and that's sin worthy! *Ding*

via GIPHY

I still cried like a baby, if not more so, during the Soul Stone scene. Damn you movie! Too many feels! Remove a sin!

Can we just agree that Quill is an ass? Seriously, he reminds me of an ex-boyfriend that basically took about $4,000 from me. *Ding!*

"Mother knows best" cliche! But remove a sin, because goddamnit, it was necessary and it was so damn emotional!

When did Peggy become the director of SHIELD? This is why the Agent Carter series was necessary, and I wish it had continued. *Ding!*

How does Nebula shooting herself not screw up the timeline already? I mean, I know that one of 2014 her and has jumped forward in time, but wouldn't essentially erase the current Nebula? Goddamnit time travel! *Ding!*

Did anyone else notice that the cheeseburger reference was a reference to the first Iron Man? "Hero comes full circle" cliche, despite the fact that I am crying over that whole scene! *Ding*

And finally, HOW the F*** did Peggy keep Steve a secret? I mean, honestly, you wouldn't want to go out on date with him, and wouldn't people see him and realize "Hey, that's Captain America" and wouldn't that just blow up everything? And if they had kids, wouldn't the kids want to bring Dad to career day or something? Or like when friends would come over, wouldn't they realize it? And how can he even get a job during that time frame if he's supposed to be frozen in ice? Five sins for not thinking that one through, Marvel! *DING!*

Probably more are coming, but this is it for now.

 

Self-Promotion Sunday, Memorial Day Edition

Hello friends! It's been a while since I got to post one of these, mostly because after the cons, I had a lot less stock than I anticipated. However, recently, I had an accident at work, involving my students horsing around and causing a ladder to fall on me. I caught the brunt of it on my hand, and me being a righty, I am now without my dominant hand. Needless to say, I am very mad. I am pretty sure I scarred a lot of those kids with my shouting after the ladder fell on me. To an extent, I feel bad that I did that, and I realize that was mostly the pain taking over, but at the same time, I hope this teaches them a lesson to be more aware and realize their actions can have consequences.

In the meantime, keep an eye on the convention list, as I will always be willing to add a few new cons if they arise:

MinCon: July 13th
LockCity ComicCon: July 27th
TerrifiCon: August 9th to the 11th
LI Tropic Con: August 18th
SyCon: September 14th
Mt. Vernon Library Comic Con: September 28th
NaugyCon: TBD

Also, while I will not be vending at BronyCon (I have come to this conclusion since there is no one willing), I will have a few pieces being shown in the art show. To check those out, please see my blog about BronyCon Art Show. Also, my former partner and I are back on decent terms, so he will be exhibiting a few of my smaller pieces in the Artist Alley, to which I thank him. I will talk more about that as the con gets closer.

Now, onto the pieces I was able to finish before the accident. First up, new figurines are coming! Let me show them off, and they should be up on Etsy before the end of the day:

First up, new birdies! I have a Fawkes, the Phoenix from 'Harry Potter,' and a new Articuno (because everyone has been asking for one!) Both of them have lovely hair that can be combed and working feet that can snap onto your finger, which I think is the best part.

Next up, another set of Rapidash ponies, this time with color change mane and tail, to really make it look like fire.

Also, two alicorn ponies! A large zilla Fluttershy alicorn, again with hair to comb, and a Big Mac alicorn, which will be with my former partner at his table at BronyCon, along with a Celestia, Twilight Sparkle, Cadence, and as of now, a Rainbow Dash, although I am hoping to replace RD with a Princess Luna.

Lastly, I am working on a few Deadpool designs. First up are a few PinkiePools, one which holds balloons, and one which has a unicorn toy! I think they are quite cute.

Also, I have been getting slowly back into traditional artwork, mainly through paint pouring. I have been having fun with it! Here are two pieces that I did with paint pouring, one which I made look like a cherry tree, and another that I added details to make it look like a phoenix.

I also have a design that I based off of the Infinity Stones, which is very much a 3D piece (to be posted later).


Lastly, make sure you check out my new Pikachu inspired design on Redbubble:

Pika Coffee

BronyCon 2019 Art Show Pieces

Hello Readers! This post will often be updated to include other art show pieces that I decide to put in for the 2019 BronyCon Art Show. In doing only one post, this makes it easy for everyone to see the pieces, rather than have them scattered throughout this blog. Anyone interested in these pieces, make sure you check out to see if they are up in the BronyCon Art Show. The profits I make from this will be helping me pay off some doctor's bills from my accident. Also, I do have to thank Samoht Lion Creations for helping me bring my designs to paper while my right hand (my dominant hand) is in recovery mode. Remember, a commission of about 15% of each sale goes to cancer research! How is that not doing something kind and helpful for the last BronyCon?

First up, two variants of my "Spike, the Brave and Glorious" design. As you can see, one has the original playbill type feel that the original poster design had. The second has a more textured background, as well as a white outline around the silhouette. Both are nice, small pieces that are about 9 inches by 11 inches. And obviously, Cathy Wesluck, the voice of Spike, will be at BronyCon, so what would be better than snatching up one of these designs and getting it signed? Both should be starting at around $45 (honestly I forget where I put the starting point at) for bidding.

Next up, one of the first designs that really got me thrust into the pony art world: my "Luna and the Moon," which inspired "Celestia and the Sun." My "Luna and the Moon" dates WAY back to one of my very first traditional pieces which WAS actually up for sale as "Sisters in Solace" in BronyCon's first art show. That led to this simpler design of my original of "Luna and the Moon" which is also featured on For Fans By Fans. After that, once we got Daybreaker, I had to make a "Celestia and the Sun" (also featured on FFBF), and it has also gained its own notoriety. Here, we have both pieces, to be sold separately. Both are a little over 8 inches squared, and both can either stand on their own or hang on a wall. And, as an added incentive, the "Celestia and the Sun" is one of only TWO of these designs EVER MADE! And probably ever will be. Plus, Nicole Oliver, THE voice of Princess Celestia, will be there. How could you NOT want this signed by her? Starting bid for each is $45.

Last up for paper art, we have my "Opposites Attract" minimalist girls, with Daybreaker and Nightmare Moon to start off, followed by the NEWEST addition, Princess Cadence against Queen Chrysallis. Both of these pieces are SUPER sparkly, and are striking against their dark backgrounds. Right now, Daybreaker vs. Nightmare Moon is up on FFBF as "Opposites" while Cadence and Chrysie are awaiting approval. Both are about 9 inches by 12 inches, and both can either stand on their own or hang on a wall. And again, Britt, who is THE VOICE of Princess Cadence, will be at BronyCon. Who wouldn't want this piece signed??? Starting bid for each will be $50.

Now, onto some more traditional type art. This is a lovely paint pour design, with a 3D G1 seapony pendant that is in the corner. There's lots of sparkle going on in this 6 inch by 6 inch canvas that can easily hang on a hook. No need for a frame with this piece! Super sparkly, and some of the colors are color changing, this definitely gives you the feel of the ocean!

These lovely paint pour designs, each with glitter blind bag ponies and crystals on them, are a lovely representation for each of the individual princesses: Sun, Moon and Love. There's lots of sparkle going on in this 6 inch by 6 inch canvas that can easily hang on a hook. No need for a frame with this piece! Super sparkly, and some of the colors are color changing, each of these pieces will evoke different feelings!

Also, a LOVELY Hearth's Warming Eve Calendar! Now, I WILL be submitting a slightly more elaborate version to the charity auction, but if you want an epic design FOR SURE, then make sure you check out this design! This design features a cool graphic of 3 generations of Pinkies (going all the way back to the G1 Surprise) decorating a tree, and each drawer features an ornament of either a winter-themed pony from all the generations, as well as our Mane 6!

Lastly, a new piece I have had in my mind for some time, and am FINALLY able to show off: a lovely little goodbye piece, showing Megan from Generation 1, standing in front of the entrance to the Dream Castle, holding up two plush ponies in the style of Smarty Pants, but meant to look like Lauren Faust's OC, and Bonnie Zacherly's OC, with a smattering of other ponies all over the ground. This is a take off of the goodbye scene from "Toy Story 3" where Bonnie says goodbye to Andy, with all the toys all around her. With this being the last season, and the end coming close, this seemed a very poignant that we might be moving on, but My Little Pony will ALWAYS be here. This piece will be a 20 inch by 24 inch canvas, so it will be a lovely piece for any collector. Maybe even get Bonnie and Lauren to sign it!

Con Review Tuesday (URCC and HVCC)

Hello everyone! Welcome to a Con Review Tuesday! This is where I chat about some of the more recent cons that I have been to, and mention some of the cons I have coming up, in order to help promote more local conventions. This week, I've got two cons to review, so get ready for a long one! Might not be so bad since I am home sick today.

First, though, here's the list of conventions I shall be attending and selling at over the coming months. Make sure you check some of them out! Click on the name to see the links!

MinCon: July 13th
LockCity ComicCon: July 27th
TerrifiCon: August 9th to the 11th
LI Tropic Con: August 18th
SyCon: September 14th
Mt. Vernon Library Comic Con: September 28th
NaugyCon: TBD


So, let's start with the past two cons, starting with Undiscovered Realm Comic Con:

So, Undiscovered Realm has been a smaller convention that is local to White Plains, NY, and it's run by a local comic book shop called Undiscovered Realm. I have done business there with the owner in the past, so the guy who runs this con is a good guy. This is the second time I have done this convention, after they took a break last year from doing the convention in order to revamp it. Since it's local, I am always for doing this sort of convention, and the last time I went, I saw that I had a unique product for many of the little kids who come to the convention, especially little girls (though by no means did my products turn away teens or adults). I also got a chance to sit next to some awesome people who do some epic stuff with pipe cleaners--Action Fuzz! Make sure you check them out!

This con also let me debut my return to some traditional art in the form of paint pours: I made a few Thanos gauntlet canvases and a larger canvas of what is meant to look like the Infinity Stones clashing together. It got a lot of comments, pretty much all good, nothing negative. The plus is I ran into a bunch of people who remembered me from previous conventions, and they liked a lot of my newer stuff as well. Despite being a bit chilly, though, due to the open door near where my booth was, the convention itself was epic and I had a great time! If you happen to be local to this area, it might be a good idea to check this convention out.

Now, onto Hudson Valley Comic Con:

This con I have done many times, pretty much almost since it began. Every time I do it, it's just a grand old time. This year was no exception. They always have some great guests as well, so it's always a good time. I ended up next to someone who I had met at a UR con two years back who does some epic paintings: Sean Carlson Art. Think I might ask this guy for a small Goose design. He did have an EPIC Captain Marvel design that if I had room, I would TOTALLY have purchased. Maybe I'll do something with Goose and my cat, Mina. 

Anyway, I was back in Artist Alley for this con, and while I was further back than I have been in past years, it wasn't horrible. Once again, I had people come up to me and say they remember me, including people who saw me at URCC (always good to have repeat customers!) And I had a lot of interest in people asking me about customs and commissions. Once again, I made back table and then some, which is all a seller in my position can ask for. Plus, I got to try a new layout for displaying some of my smaller prints. Maybe I will rework it for my larger pieces next time. But for now, I am glad to be done for a while, as I am exhausted and feeling so very sick.

Make sure you check out the Etsy page to find some of my newer pieces. I will be putting up some paintings soon as well, as I do some minor returns to traditional pieces.