<DAZ_Biggie> Please submit questions by clicking on the @QuestionBot user on the right hand side of your screen
<DAZ_mattw> Welcome everyone
<DAZ_mattw> we'll get started in just a minute
<DAZ_mattw> if you have a browser window to spare, check out: http://www.themastercrayonartist.biz/
<DAZ_mattw> (don't hurt the floor with your jaw)
<DAZ_mattw> to ask Don a question, send your question to QuestionBot as a private message by clicking "@QuestionBot" on the right hand side.
<DAZ_mattw> and we'll get started in just a minute
<DAZ_Biggie> ok
<DAZ_Biggie> we'll be getting started shortly...
<DAZ_Biggie> Please submit questions by clicking on the @QuestionBot user on the right hand side of your screen
<DAZ_mattw> Everyone, please give a virtual round of welcome applause for Don Marco, the Master Crayon Artist.
<DAZ_mattw> If you haven't seen his website yet, I'd recommend a look: http://www.themastercrayonartist.biz/
<DAZ_mattw> It will shock you, and completely upend whatever you thought was possible in crayon
<DAZ_mattw> there are artists who work in oil, and this work would cause them to cry themselves to sleep at night!
<DAZ_mattw> to ask Don a question, send your question to QuestionBot as a private message by clicking "@QuestionBot" on the right hand side.
<DAZ_mattw> without further ado... let's jump in!
<skyewolf> Seems like a silly question but....Why crayons?
<DAZ_Biggie> he's not showing up as moderator...
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Are we on?
<DAZ_mattw> you are on!
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Ah! It started as an expirement
<DAZ_Biggie> 
<DAZ_Biggie> If you're using IE 7, you may want to click on "clear chat" after images are posted to avoid scrolling weirdness after images are posted
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> While working as an Air Traffic Controller, I was asked to lighten up a blue room that was a known depressant. To releive this, I created pictures to put on the walls with florecent paint.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> I could not find a proper florencent paint that could depect what I was putting on the baord so I thought possibly a blue crayon would work.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> It did what I wanted it to do and that gave me the idea, "Was it possible to do fine art with ordinary crayons"
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> I tried doing some compositions with crayon and immediately realized this was going to take a lot of time and effort
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> If I succeeded, you be the judge
<Bryceheart-- Bryce Evangelist> Hi Don... I'm inspired by how you have taken something that most of us have taken for granted (i.e., crayons) to such artistic heights of excellence. I even wonder why your face isn't on the box. :) So tell me, what have you done with respect to the some of the colors that Crayola has officially retired, such as the 8 in 1993 and 4 in 2003?
<DAZ_mattw> to ask Don a question, send your question to QuestionBot as a private message by clicking "@QuestionBot" on the right hand side.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Some of the colors I was able to get along very well without. But there was one in particular I really miss - and that one is "Raw Umber"
<DAZ_Biggie> If using Internet Explorer 7, be sure to clear the chat after images are posted to avoid scrolling problems in chat...
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> The local newspaper did an article on me and the reporter put the "Raw Umber" thing in the article. There were several "Raw Umber" crayons that were left to me at my mailbox at home.
<DAZ_Biggie> 
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> This was a personal friend of mine. I've done a few portraits of him - he's got a wonderful face.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> He died just over a year ago - and he is sorely missed.
<DAZ_Biggie> 
<anasazi25> I don't actually have a question. But I did want to say that I think your artwork is really superb and I admire your art style very much. It's a real treat to have you here chatting with us today!
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Hello
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> "In the shadow of the Tetons"
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> This is from a birthday card (actually two) that I got one birthday.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Where the horses are - it actually said (in a black box). "Happy Birthday"
<Tese> how are you able to blend the colors of the crayons so well?
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Blending the colors - Body heat - finger heat, and knowing what will work and what won't
<DAZ_Biggie> 
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> When I started this - there were no books or people to ask.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> I've been told - "I've gone places where no one has gone before"
<DAZ_Biggie> Like the start trek of crayola? :-D
<DAZ_Biggie> *star
<bernards> Are there any unique constraints to working with crayons?
<DAZ_Biggie> Please submit questions by clicking on the @QuestionBot user on the right hand side of your screen
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Any constraits? There are - there are certain colors that just don't work
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> The best thing to do is just to stay away from those colors
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> And also, on a warm summer day - crayons get slippery and mushy.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> That's when I take the day off!
<DAZ_Biggie> 
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> "souix Warrior"
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Because his Indian name was "Clear" and I was afraid that didn't make much sense.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> It was taken from a photograph from the Library of Congress.
<skyewolf> do you sketch your ideas out before hand or is it all done at once with nothing but crayon?
<DAZ_Biggie> 
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> I make a very rought outline with a peachish crayon
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Just a placement of features
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> and when that's completed, I just start with the crayons
<Burpee> Crayons can get blunt so quickly, how do maintain a sharp point whilel working with them?
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> You can actually maintain a sharp point by using one and roll the crayon as you use it
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Then go to the sharpener
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> :-)
<DAZ_Biggie> 
<RosettaStone> First off I'd like to say that I've admired your art work for quite awhile, one of my favorites is Katie's garden. Where did you get the inspiration for that piece?
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Katie is a little girl (was) - 3 years old and her mother took a phot of her picking some flowers.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> The photo won her mom a prize for the best kid pic.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> I asked Katie's mom if I can use the photo
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> and changing most things. I put her in a field with flowers.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Katie is probably close to 20 years old by now.
<anasazi25> Do you use "run-of'the'mill" Crayola crayons, or are there specialty supplies that offer a more suitable quality?
<wolfstarcreations> i love that wolf it looks so real
<kulay> How Long does it take to do one of these images
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> They are run of the mill crayons from Walmart, Wal greens, etc.,
<anasazi25> Can I ask you please, how long does it take you to complete one of your images, from start to finish?
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Timewis3e, it is difficulat to say. That average size of a piece is 18x24 - it trakes about a week to do.
<Splurt> how much time does a painting take to finish?
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> My workday isn't as long as it used to be
<Bryceheart-- Bryce Evangelist> What picture is the one you are the most proud of making?
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Someone told me that I was getting pretty old - so I shoudl slow down.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Well there are several of them - If I had to pick one - It's one that is posted on my website "Leather and Wool"
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> 
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> I like it so well that the original hangs above my bed.
<ann0314> I really love the artwork in your gallery...its truely amazing :O) -- As a mother of two younger children interested in art, any advice for parents of children that are starting to develop their artwork in crayon?? Anything that would open their mind to the possiblities that they obviously pocess as shown in your lovely work?
<DAZ_mattw> to ask Don a question, send your question to QuestionBot as a private message by clicking "@QuestionBot" on the right hand side.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> I think probably the best thing a parent could do is - to keep that going.
<DAZ_Biggie> 
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> With Crayons - I say to kids - you may not be able to do it know. But on a snow day - when your 17- get the crayons out and remember me.
<Btara Ktahn> Do you buy a new box of Crayons with each project, or are you supplied directly by Binney & Smith?
<DAZ_mattw> to ask Don a question, send your question to QuestionBot as a private message by clicking "@QuestionBot" on the right hand side.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Many years ago, when B&S , you could by crayon in bulk.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> This may be 25 years ago - I bought enough to last a lifetime.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> I have run out of black and white - so I replenish those more frequently.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> The website seems to be a place where people get together to talk about what's art and not.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Any way, I have a lot of fun doing it.
<DAZ_mattw> Has Crayola seen and/or commented on your work? Have they ever asked you to do any sort of promotional work for them? If so, did you? Or would you, if they asked? It seems like your work proves crayons aren't just for child's play.
<DAZ_mattw> to ask Don a question, send your question to QuestionBot as a private message by clicking "@QuestionBot" on the right hand side.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> I was in contact with Crayola in 1983. They had a certain amount of interest in what I was doing, but it just didn't go anywhere.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> I haven't had any contact since. But I'm sure they gotta know about me.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> But, they aren't talkin'
<DAZ_Biggie> 
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> "The Mountain Man"
<DAZ_Biggie> 
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> ... Manygoats
<DAZ_Biggie> Amazing, Don...
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Look at the wrinkles on that guy!
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Mountain man - it was the first attemp at creating a buckskin texture.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> It's in print... We'll send you one...
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Take a good look at the texture
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Manygoats is a very common Navajo name.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> It's just a portrait that I did. I got the buildings from an old photograph.
<Bryceheart-- Bryce Evangelist> Don... did you always work with crayons, or did you start with something else first?
<Aunita> Hi Don, have you always used crayons, or have you tried colored pencil's, paint etc. and just prefer crayons?
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> I've not only used crayons.
<wolfstarcreations> is all of your artwork done with crayons
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> I've used crayon, oil, pencil.
<DAZ_Biggie> 
<DAZ_Biggie> Please submit questions by clicking on the @QuestionBot user on the right hand side of your screen
<Bryceheart-- Bryce Evangelist> What other artists, historically, have inpsired you the most?
<DAZ_Biggie> 
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Hello?
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> As with crayons, everyone has used them.
<DAZ_Biggie> yes, you're back... :)
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> As for inpiration, everyone I've looked at is an inspiration.
<DAZ_Biggie> 
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> I'm just having fun doing it and having people ask questions.
<debb6425> This has been my first time seeing your work, and I must say...You are Brilliant.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> "The meeting"
<aldorp> How well do your images age, how do you protect your crayon art to it last longer. Would direct sunlight MELT your art?
<DAZ_Biggie> 
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> People who have asked about it, It's a group of navajos asking directions of another group.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> That's a very common question.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> The best way to answer it is - do you have curtains or rugs?
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> After a while, they fade.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> As with any art, they should not be hung in direct sunlight.
<DAZ_Biggie> 
<sturkwurk> Two quck questions: what do you use as a canvas, and has any of your Portraits found their way to the person they're of?
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> They will melt!
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> I've done a lot of portraits on commison and alot of private ones.
<DAZ_mattw> to ask Don a question, send your question to QuestionBot as a private message by clicking "@QuestionBot" on the right hand side.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Famous people (whomever) - have found there way to the art I have done.
<Risika75> What is your best selling print and what was the inspiration behind it?
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Best selling print - Katie's garden. It has the best track record.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> It's got univeral appeal.
<L75> What part of the creation process do you find the most fullfilling aside from completion?
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> The most fufuilling part (other than completion) is the hour before completion.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> An hour or two pbefore completion, it suddenly comes alive!
<bernards> Given your choice of crayons, how important is the type of paper used for your art?
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Extremely!
<DAZ_Biggie> 
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Paper that is.
<DAZ_mattw> I have a giclee I love by Thomas Arvis, who paints still life of wines; I know he photographs first, then paints from photo. Do you work from photos an other still shots mostly? Do you do some freeform just from your inner vision, or with a live subject?
<DAZ_Biggie> 
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Mostly photgraphs.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> And photographs are usually from the very yearly 1900's
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> I meant to say "very early"
<DAZ_Biggie> 
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> "The buccaneer"
<ann0314> OK my 5 year old has been looking at this with me and he had a question...he wanted to know how long it took you to "do pictures so good with Crayon" (He's really enjoying these images..think he's shocked they were all done in crayon :O) Also he wanted to know if you draw the images first and then color them :O)
<DAZ_Biggie> 
<DAZ_mattw> to ask Don a question, send your question to QuestionBot as a private message by clicking "@QuestionBot" on the right hand side.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Five year old ---
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Just an outline sketch depicting the placement of features. Then go to work with the crayons.
<DAZ_Biggie> 
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> It takes about 1 week to complete a sketch.
<Valandar> Has there ever been a subject or concept you were unable to represent properly with crayons?
<Bryceheart-- Bryce Evangelist> Have you tried any sort of artistic expression using a computer yet, and what do you make of this technological revolution in art as a concept?
<JWideman> Native Americans seem to make up a large part of your work. Is there a particular reason?
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> As for art on the computer - No.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> There is a good reason! I've spent 27 years in Hawaii
<DAZ_Biggie> 
<DAZ_Biggie> 
<DAZ_KrylonKitty> How do you get that quality of detail in your work?
<DAZ_Biggie> 
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> After I left Hawii, I was living on the west coast. When I was in Hawaii, I did polynians and orientals.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> On the west coast, that didn't go well. But native americans did.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Quality of work -- Very carefully!
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> You just have to work at it - It just doesn't come overnight!
<rickei> any tips for blending? at some point the wax has go to get pretty thick, how do you handle that?
<DAZ_Biggie> 
<DAZ_Biggie> 
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> When the wax gets thick - you just have to know what your doing. You work carefully. It just comes with time while working with the medium.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Three secrets:
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> 1.) Practice
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> 2.) Practice
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> 3.) Practive
<janetcat> This is brilliant work. I confess this is my first time. Are these done on black paper to start? I used to use chalk and loved it but can't convert it to the digital 3d now.
<DAZ_Biggie> 
<anasazi25> Do you have a special area set aside in your home where you do all your work and do you prefer to work under natural lights? Also, what type of paper do you use for your images?
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Never used black paper.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> But thanks for the complement.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> I work at a studio away from my house. The studio is 4000 sq ft.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> A couple of bathrooms, kitchen, bedrooms, etc.
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> As far as light goes, I have a great big window on the North side.
<Valandar> I asked before but it got drowned out by other questions... Hs there ever been anything you found yourself unable to represent in crayon?
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> As for anything that I have been unable to represent - nothing that I can think of.
<DAZ_mattw> ok
<DAZ_mattw> It's giveaway time
<DAZ_mattw> this is really awesome, and I am hugely jealous
<DAZ_mattw> Don has generously offered 5 prints to give away to our chat participants
<DAZ_mattw> Jarrod will be in touch to get a mailing address, but, our winners are...
<DAZ_mattw> janetcat
<DAZ_mattw> kulay
<DAZ_mattw> wolfstarcreations
<DAZ_mattw> bernards
<DAZ_mattw> BlackSpartan
<DAZ_mattw> congrats!
<DAZ_Biggie> 
<janetcat> thank you! thank you!
<DAZ_Biggie> Well, Don, thank you for taking the time to be with us here.
<DAZ_Biggie> Your work is amazing and we are truly honored to have you with us today.
<DAZ_mattw> yeah, it was a real treat to have you
<DAZ_mattw> I'm looking forward to talking about the featured chat I did with you after your originals are selling at Sotheby's for millions :)
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> I want to say, "Thanks alot"
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> It warms the heart of an old man.
<DAZ_Biggie> Also, today's chat is the last until after the new year...
<DAZ_mattw> With a name like "The Master Crayon Artist", it's really awesome to see that you live up to the expectation it creates and surpass it by a mile
<DAZ_Biggie> moderation will be turned off shortly. Don, Thank you so much!
<Alisa Uh-Lisa> Thank you so much! Your work is amazing. Congrats to the winners! Happy holidays to all
<shadowfire87> Have fun, y'all
<anasazi25> {*applause*} thank you Mr. Marco,,,very interesting and amazing work...and congrats to the winners!!
<JWideman> Raw umbra was my favorite as a kid. I boggled at its removal.
<Risika75> Thanks :)
<Faerie Fanatic> Thank you Don !
<ghost_13> Don, your work is truly unique an incredible, it's been a pleasure to be here with you
<Cdlzt> Thanks Don
<DAZ_Biggie> so thank you all for coming, and we'll see you in January of 2007!
<Faerie Fanatic> Congrats to the winners!
<bernards> Thank you for an absolutely wonderful talk and thank you for the print!
<debb6425> Thank you so very much for speaking with us all here today Don. Your work is breath taking! Congrats to the winners!
<DAZ_mattw> moderation is off. thanks for coming, everyone
<Btara Ktahn> Love your work, Don. Especially that Clint Eastwood one of Outlaw Josie Wales (I think)
<ladydawg> Thank you Mr. Marco for your time, even if the questionbot seemed tonot like any of my questions for you.
<BlackSpartan> Thanks for coming, Don
<Bryceheart-- Bryce Evangelist> Thanks for sharing your art and insights with us. It is all very inspiring!
<phuoclam24> your work is awesome Don! thanks for opening our eyes to what the medium can do!
<Btara Ktahn> *E*
* Btara Ktahn wonders how many people are going to rummage through their old crayon boxes now looking for Raw Umber to mail to him...
<DAZ_mattw> heh
<Valandar> *E*
* Valandar laughs at BK's comment
<debb6425> lol
<debb6425> I have to say....I am in awe
<JWideman> It was a pretty unique color, too.
<maars_girl> I sure will never look at crayons the same again, thank you for the insite....
<Poplowicki> Thanks Don
<BlackSpartan> *E* * BlackSpartan digs through shorty's crayons for the green
<Bryceheart-- Bryce Evangelist> *E* * Bryceheart-- Bryce Evangelist now I got to try it.... can't resist. :)
<wyrdwing> is still in disbelief about the crayons XD amazing
<debb6425> Don? Is there a site that I can go look at more of your art?
<ann0314> I was wondering the same thing :O)
<maars_girl> Post your results for all to see, Jonathan.....Cant' hardly wait........
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Yup, the site is www.themastercrayonartist.biz
<debb6425> Thank you very much!
<ann0314> THANKS!! :O)
<JWideman> Try not to trip over your jaw on your way there, deb :D
<Btara Ktahn> wow.. hour and a half before it crashed me out... color me impressed (no pun intended, mr crayon man) :o)
<debb6425> I will try
<ann0314> WOW Dawns Early Light is just beautiufl :O)
<debb6425> I was late because my microsoft update messed up my computer....I was praying to make it here
<Btara Ktahn> well, you're here now... ask him a question!
<TheMasterCrayonArtist> Love the "Raw Umber" Comment
<Arien> *E* * Arien waves and leaves
<JWideman> I thought some of those pieces were with pastels. Didn't wax could blend that well.
<JWideman> ^think
<Btara Ktahn> I always had better luck with pastels, too.
<ann0314> and Little Wound....amazing how detailed they are.
<debb6425> Makes me wish I didn't move on to colored pencils now...
<Btara Ktahn> I just can't use oil pastels to save my soul.
<BlackSpartan> *E* * BlackSpartan found the Raw Umber, and not the Green
<debb6425> lol
<Btara Ktahn> hi!
<debb6425> OK, I have to leave an create a restore point....Thank you Don! I found this very inspiring.
<JWideman> i'm with you, BK. I never make anything with them but a mess. Give me chalk pastels any day.
<ann0314> OK if I order a print how long do ya think it would take to get it :O) Thinking on getting one for my hubby as he is Native American and loves Western themed artwork :O)
<Btara Ktahn> :o)
<Btara Ktahn> show him you really love him by buying one of the Originals. Don would like it, too ;o)
<JWideman> just keep it out of the sun :P
<Btara Ktahn> hehehe
<Btara Ktahn> and... he's back!
<ann0314> I think Im gonna by that Dawn's Early Light one hehe
<ann0314> Hey I would buy an original but I would need to sell my 5 year old first *giggle*
<JWideman> Didn't get a chance to ask: What made raw umber so useful to you, Don?
<Btara Ktahn> ... but wouldn't the picture be worth it?!
<Btara Ktahn> he timed out and i'm not sure if he's gotten back in here yet
<DAZ_mattw> I think he's gone
<ann0314> personally I had to giggle he saw the images come up in the chat (the 5 year old) and came running over to see and then made me read him the chat *smile*
<ann0314> buy*
<ann0314> HAHAHA maybe but dont think my little one would appreciate that
<ann0314> actually I shouldnt buy a print cuz we're broke...on the other hand it would be a nice suprise for hubby so I think I am gonna crack LOL
<Btara Ktahn> do it! ya know ya wanna!
<Btara Ktahn> welcome back :o)
<kulay> Who are the winners of the print?
<kulay> I mean the prints?
<kulay> *E* * kulay pictures a print being divided to several people
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