So far I've been swamped with work, both in class and at home. The picture above is another master copy-"Prometheus Bound" by Charles LeBrun, 16th century(right), and my attempt(left). My teacher uses classical methods to teach us human proportion, so copying the masters themselves aides in that. The figure drawings, cube studies and notes are projects done in-class, and the last image is my latest sketchbook entry. 
That's right, FOG. And lots of it, baby. What better way to top off a week long bliss of sunny, eighty degree weather, in which one can enjoy all the fruits of cargo shorts and sunglasses, than with a weekend of nipple-perking wind that makes it seem as though one should be inside stoking the fire and stirring the stew. So much for sunny views, surfer dudes and groovy attitudes.
Behold, gents and fair maidens, the great intellect that poses boldly before ye, who perhaps holds the fate the world in his firm, yet sensitive grasp. That's right- enrollment at a prestigious academy, the purchase of several textbooks and attendance to the first day of class...what more does one need to solidify one's place among the upper echelon of today? Never mind the sleepless nights, grueling workload and tens of thousands of dollars of debt which are to come. To focus on such things would be buffoonery.
Today, the first day of class for the summer session, went well. I had my modern art history class which went as most "firsts" go, with introductory speeches form the professors, class overviews, and short lectures. The rest of the afternoon consisted of walking, buying books, more walking (with my new books), applying for a part time job, more walking (with my new books and a burrito) and ultimately a train ride back to the 'hood. It took more out of me than I realized, but it was a successful day, nonetheless.
This is a crude drawing of the classroom, along with a portrait of my shoe under the desk as a bonus.
Well, my introductory period is coming to an end as I wrap up my second week in San Fran. As last week yielded no casualties, this week appeared to be headed in the same direction, until Tuesday night when I decided it would be a good idea to sleep with my window cracked, as it had been rather warm that day. And a good idea it was, until I spent the following morning trying to lift the fifteen bricks that had laid themselves in my forehead overnight, along with the pack of razor blades I apparently swallowed sometime after I dozed off. Needless to say, most of this week has been spent dealing with headaches and congestion. The mugshot on my new AAU ID badge above serves as good visual aide for the situation. Though despite the grueling hardships, I finally went through new student orientation Thursday, which consisted of a Graduate school overview, a meeting with my department director, a small tour of the school and of course my new identification card, which privies me to all the sweet action cuttin' loose behind the school's closed doors. So with that, and a trip to the art supply store, I'm all set to start classes next week. This summer session, along with the rest of my Graduate career, is gearing up to be very intense, which makes me both anxious and excited.
Yes, despite all odds, I have survived my first week on the left coast. I'm starting to get more settled and familiar with the town. Today was good in that it was beautiful out, which meant I got to walk around different parts of downtown. I went to Union Square for a while to sketch people. It's kind of tough to draw people when they're constantly moving, which meant I focused more on people sitting, and some old folks with disabilities who moved a little slower. After that, I walked to the building where my school is having their Spring Show, which showcases the best student work from all majors. I saw a little of the show on Friday night, as they had a special reception for Graduate students, but I spent the majority of the time talking with my advisor and department director. So today I focused on the art and I was very impressed. It definitely makes me anxious for school to start. Another good note today is that dad finally made it home to Virginia, safely and in time for the Belmont, I might add. Both he and I had crisis-free trips across the country, which is a testament mostly to the Yukon we drove. Apart from getting great gas mileage ( I got about 18-19 going out and loaded down), it failed to give us one hint of any mechanical problem, with the exception of some carbon knocking upon starting it the morning after I arrived in San Fran. This is due to the copious amounts of ethanol-infused, low grade gasoline one finds throughout the mid-west. But, after a couple bottles of STP gas treatment and octane boost, the problem was no more.
Today Dad flew in from DC to spend the day checking out my place, my school and parts of the town. He got in around 10am, pacific of course, after which Aleta and I gave him a driving tour. Dad finally got a little used to the time change once we drove around some, and saw a few sights. We then headed back to the house to unload bags and give a quick tour of the home, after which Dad and I set out to see downtown and my school while Aleta went to work for a few hours. It took Dad a while to get acclimated to public transportation, including some of the crazies that inhabit the trains from time to time. One of these "eccentrics" proceeded to lecture dad on every detail of Bush's failure as President for at least fifteen minutes. Once we got downtown we started making the rounds to various school buildings, including my Illustration building where I will be spending the majority of my graduate career. After that, we went to see the Federal Building, City Hall, and the Supreme Court. Later that night, Dad, Aleta and I went out to dinner at great restaurant facing the ocean.
Dad will set out tomorrow morning to begin the long trek back across the country towards the good ol' Shenandoah Valley. Below are some pictures of my place on Irving street.
