I Drove Code 3....and Survived

Hi All,

Happy Summertime.  Whew, it's warm out here in the desert.  Hope you're doing fine wherever you are reading this and staying healthy.

So I have a part time job as an EMT for an ambulance company.  I do the driving and help provide patient care as well.  I love the work, the people I work with and patients too. 

Recently I had an experience that inspired me to do some Ambulance based artwork. Our ambulance met and picked up a patient and aircrew at a local airport.  The patient was airlifted into our area and going to a hospital about 25 miles away from the airport.

 

The patient was in rough shape for sure, (technical term). When we got in the ambo the flight nurse declared - "get us to the hospital as fast as possible, Code 3."  Code 3 is driving quickly, (and safely) to your destination, driving with lights and sirens on.  The destination hospital was also on the other side of a retirement community called Sun City.

Needless to say, the drive was an adventure.  Traffic was pretty heavy and other drivers weren't pulling over like they're supposed to.  They were doing some goofy things on the road that day.  It was like an EMT obstacle course.

After a pretty exciting ride, we made it to the hospital and safely delivered the patient.  It all worked out, and I was inspired to commemorate the event for me and those who experience similar adventures now and then.  I have them available on my on-line store that prints tshirts, mugs, etc. I supply the artwork and they take care of printing and delivery.

I did a design for Mesa, AZ as well, where we have a lot of folks working too.  It's all in fun.  If you're interested you can view and order products at - https://www.zazzle.com/store/ems_designs_by_tom

I'll be doing some other EMS based designs as well...look for those to come out in the near future.

Enjoy the lighthearted designs, but remember, be safe out on the roads when emergency vehicles are present.  They may have someones mom or brother inside, in distress.  Or they may be on the way to help someone who needs it.

Take care of yourself and be good to others.

Peace,

Tom

Tom Kreienbrink
www.zazzle.com/store/ems_designs_by_tom
on-line store
www.behance.net/tk-art
on-line portfolio

VW Van and Camping Themed Paintings

Hi All,

It's been a while.  I hope you all have survived the winter and are doing well with this Covid-19 virus going around.  It's definitely a strange time.  Some difficult things happening, some strange and some good things as well though too, right?  (not trying to be glib about all the people who have died due to complications of the virus - please don't misunderstand).

Things are going well here in Arizona.  It's been an amazing spring, but it's starting to warm up.  Almost time for swimming.  However - even with everything that's going on, I've been working on some art as well.  Today I'd like to highlight a couple of paintings I've completed this past winter.

In this day of electronic media it's been pretty rare that I actually paint a canvas with traditional media and tools.  So this project was a challenge and a treat.  My wife asked me to paint a couple of paintings with a camping theme.  One would be themed around a VW microbus/van and the other a Charlie Brown/Snoopy camping theme.

VW Van - acrylic paint on canvas. 36"x24"

 I wanted to create the paintings with a theme - being outdoors with your VW van.  For the van painting, I found some reference material and decided to zero in on a just a section of it, with a setting in a grass field.  I thought it would give the painting an outdoor feel of freedom and getting away from the rat race.  However - people can interpret it differently as well.


 I painted the works with acrylic paints and bristle brush.  As an illustrator, I used to use the airbrush in just about all of my work.  For this project I made a decision not to use any airbrush and challenge myself to stick to traditional brushes only.  I used thicker applications and wetter washes throughout these paintings.  Acrylics are water based and can have a very tranparent effect when watered down, and conversely may need to be "built up," a bit to be opaque.  These qualities make it fun and a challenge sometimes too.  In the end there's elements of the paintings that I really like and elements that I wish I had done differently.  But that's art, right?  They're complete and I'm putting them out there.

Camping with Best Friend - acrylic paint on canvas. 48"x24"

 The second painting is a Peanuts camping theme, featuring Charlie Brown and Snoopy.  I grew up with the comic strip and animated specials, and love the Peanuts, so this one was a lot of fun.  I also gave myself permission to combine some painterly style with a comic/cartoon style.  I like the way it turned out - it's whimsical and fun...roasting marshmallows by a fire, camping with a best friend: good times.  Again - there's  a VW camper van in the painting. 


I hope you enjoy them. I enjoyed making them and enjoy them in our house.   I went out and bought 2 more canvases after they were finished...what to do next?  We'll see.

On a serious note.  I hope you're all healthy right now.  This pandemic is affecting everyone.  Be safe and be careful.  Also - keep your body, mind and spirit healthy right now.  We need to do the things we can to stay strong - get plenty of rest, eat good food, exercise, and don't watch too much news.  We'll get thru this.  It'll take some time, but just focus on what you can do right now - today.  Stay present.  Enjoy this day...it's what we have.  Take care and check in on those who are vulnerable or maybe housebound. 

Peace,

Tom

Tom Kreienbrink
443-850-4126 (voice or text)
tom.kbrink@gmail.com
www.behance.net/tk-art (on-line portfolio)

Aaron Rodgers Sketch

Hi All,

You may know...I'm a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan.  And...they're one game away from the Super Bowl.  Yes!!  I'm excited.

So the other day I was doing a little sketching in a nice custom hand-made sketchbook my son Dave gave to me for Fathers day last year.  I did a little sketch of Aaron Rodgers.  I didn't intend to share it, but then I took it into Photoshop and had a little fun with it and...I'll share it anyways. 

Just quick and dirty sketch fun.  I had fun doing them.  I get a little self conscious sharing something that's loose and quick - but that's ok.  I will anyhow. 

The NFC Championship game is today. Go Pack Go!!

Have a great Sunday,

Tom

on line portfolio: www.behance.net/tk-art

LA Design and Custom Decal

Hi All,

Welcome to 2020.  It's a new year, the holidays are over and it's time to get back to biz.  It's winter here in Phoenix, AZ and it's so nice.  We're getting a little frost on the windshield of the car and some cooler temps in the day.  I know it's not winter like some of our northern and higher elevation friends experience, but it's a welcome break from our long hot summer.

I've been pretty busy, but still working on some artwork here and there.  One project I recently completed was requested by a friend of mine.  She's been getting out of her comfort zone, trying to construct a project/gift for her girlfriend: a make up table complete with lighted mirror.  She asked if I could design and illustrate a logo for this desk, to specifically customize this unique project and help with a solution to carry it out.

My friend wanted to show/reflect her partner's talent and love of singing, and customize it with her initials; LA.  LA (Los Angeles), is also where she's from.  The basic idea was there, so I got out the sketch book and pencil and drew up some ideas.  When I got to where my friend, Janessa wanted to go with this, I completed a tight sketch to work off of.

I took the sketch into Photoshop on my computer and using the power of layers, I started plotting points and creating paths.  For the most part, it's assembled with dark layers on bottom, working toward the lighter ones on top.  I created  two designs.  One with a star and one without.

When finished she decided she wanted the mic w/cord on the desk top and the star version as a small decal for the lighted mirror frame.  The next step - search the internet for a company who can print the decals.  We found Stickersstickers.com and had them print for us. They did a great job at a reasonable price.  The next step was to apply the decals.  So I got together with Janessa and we applied them to the prepped desk.  Janessa used a product called Modgepodge to cover and seal the decals to prevent peeling and damage.  (she told me later that the Modgepodge worked great).

When finished - the desk looked wonderful and is a piece to be treasured for many years to come.  I'm happy that I was able to assist in helping this project become an amazing gift.

Well, gotta go.  I hope you all are doing well and that your projects are coming along nicely.

Peace,

Tom

Tom Kreienbrink
on-line portfolio: www.behance.net/tk-art
on-line gift shop: https://www.zazzle.com/store/kbrink_design

Packers Artwork

Hey All,

How are you doing?  Did you have a good summer?  We had a hot one here in Phoenix, AZ.  Thankfully it's cooling down now - yes!  (but summer is always hot here - LOL). 

I've been pretty inconsistent about posting, but I've been busy busy.   Got several projects that I'm working on, so I haven't put out any new Packer artwork lately....and I need to get on it.  However, the Pack is 4-1 so far this season and I want to share some of my classic Packers art.

I'm including some pieces that I created a while ago.  Some of these are old and I haven't shared in some time.  Some are created in different mediums or typically a combination of art media.   Enjoy.

Favre - started as a straight pen and ink on bristol board.  I added color to it with Photoshop on computer.  This guy was so fun to watch for a long time.  A great Packer.

Reggie White - the Minister of Defense.  Saw him preach in Hawaii once - quite an experience.  What a great Packer too. This piece is about 24 x 18; gouache (opaque watercolor) on illustration board.

Bill Schroeder - WR and Wisconsin native.  This was a fun and funky little experimental piece that I created with the program, Painter and Macintosh with Wacom tablet back in the late 90s.

Ty Montgomery - WR/RB was traded last year after making a questionable decision on the field in a big game.  He had some pretty good years in GB.  Digital paint and Wacom tablet on Macintosh.

Aaron Kampman - this is an old one too...for a few years he was a quarterback rushing beast at defensive end.  I think after a while knee injuries got the best of him and production dropped off.  In his prime years he was as good as there was.  This was a pencil sketch imported into photoshop/macintosh where I did some digital painting and added effects.

Donald Driver - I and everyone in Wisconsin loved watching this guy play for the Pack.  He was just a fun player to watch and a very talented wide receiver.  A pen and ink illustration with color added in photoshop.

Lombardi - the greatest coach of his generation and arguably all time.  He was an amazing man, mentor and coach up in Green Bay in the late 50s and 60s.  This is a simple pen and ink on bristol board.

There you go, some of my Packers artwork that I've created over the years.  Enjoy the autumn and upcoming winter seasons while you enjoy the NFL season.  I hope the Packers keep on winning and getting better.  Go Pack Go!!

Have some fun, take care of yourself, and do something nice for someone else....lets make this world a little better place to live.

Peace,

Tom

www.behance.net/tk-art

New On-Line Art and Gift store

Hi All,

I just wanted to get this out quickly.  I've been holding off for a while, but I've been putting together an on-line store featuring my artwork and designs.  It's on Zazzle.com.  Check it out.

Here's a link to the store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/kbrink_design

Zazzle is a place on line for people to order custom products like coffee mugs, t-shirts, canvas and other types of prints, stationery, phone covers, etc....they'll customize almost anything you can think of.  You can type your own message on something, or use your own design.  However, designers and artists like myself can start a "store" there and sell products with their own designs on them. 

Ladies long sleeve t-shirt with Windy Lion design.

It's convenient for the artist and customer.  I've finished some artwork and designs for the site and I'm showing a couple here.  Of course I'll be adding new artwork regularly to keep interested customers coming back.  

Coffee mug with original artwork and design by Tom Kreienbrink

If you like what you see or I have your attention, check it out.  I've got a few Halloween ideas coming quickly and of course Christmas is around the corner (sorry - I know it's early).  My point is that they make great gifts for friends, family, or for yourself.  I hope you like it.  Bookmark the page; it's called Coffee Love.  The link again is: https://www.zazzle.com/store/kbrink_design

Have a great day all.  Get out there and do some good.  Help a neighbor...make the world a little better than it was yesterday.  We need you. 

Peace,

Tom Kreienbrink
Tom.kbrink@gmail.com
Web portfolio: www.behance.net/tk-art

Christmas Card Artwork - 2018

Hi All,

Seasons Greetings, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays....hope you're having a wonderful holiday season - whatever holidays you celebrate.   I hope the start of winter is going well (or summer if you're way down south).  Here in Phoenix it's going good...it's a little chilly for us, but I'm enjoying every bit of it.

So every year I do a Kreienbrink Christmas Card and share it on the blog.  This year I've combined themes - birth of Jesus (of course), holly, and green/red, and also our location.  At the bottom, just like a physical card, I share a message for friends and family as well.

Kreienbrink Christmas Card design - Christmas 2018 - pen and ink and electronic paint

This years card is above.  I started with a pen and ink drawing of all the elements and imported it into the computer.  Once in the computer, I painted in the color portions in Photoshop.  The city is Phoenix, featuring the Star of David/the star in the east, and some other Christmas themes making the border.  It was a fun little project.  I don't mail Christmas cards out - this is my card and I share it on social media and in direct messaging as well (a little bit).  For me it's a nice way to try to brighten the holidays and let people know you care.

I hope you holidays are going well.  May the peace and joy of the season, fill your heart and mind all year long.  Make every day a great day.  Reach out - and make someone's day - for no reason.  Let's have the best year yet.

Peace and Love,

Tom Kreienbrink

PS - below are a few cards from years past.  Have a great day.

Compartment Syndrome Illustration

Hi All,

I hope you're all doing well and getting ready for the holidays.  I've been working on some illustrations lately and thought I'd share one quickly.

As you may know, I was a medical illustrator for about 10 years for the Air Force, supporting clinical teaching and residency programs, while I was on active duty.  I would do work for teaching lectures, print and publications, public information, murals, etc.  Occasionally I still get a little freelance work, doing some anatomical illustrations.

Pen and Ink and digital pen and ink illustration by Thomas Kreienbrink

Recently I did an illustration for the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.  The illustration will be in one of their publications in the near future.  It's a simple, clean illustration depicting two openings created to release pressure from fluid build up from compartment syndrome.  This build up could be caused typically from trauma/injury that doesn't allow for healthy circulation in the affected extremity.  The incisions allow for excess fluids to be released by seeping/flowing out of the openings.

I'm currently working on more medical illustrations as well.  I'll share them with you when finished.
In the mean time, have a great December and enjoy your Christmas, or whatever holidays you celebrate. 

Tom

to see more of my art, go to...
www.behance.net/tk-art

Glenn Frey Portait - Fly Eagle

Hi All,

I hope you're all doing well.  It's been a while since I've posted anything here.  Everything is fine, but I've made some changes and have been pretty busy lately.  So I haven't had the chance to post anything or create any new artwork since the Christmas Card.

I've been working as an EMT in an outreach capacity to assist the homeless community for several months now.  So I've taken a step back from the massage and holistic therapy biz and producing freelance or personal artwork. 

I've got ideas for projects and recently I've been itching to do a little artwork...to make some time to get into the creative mode again.  I haven't been pursuing any freelance work and side biz, but still like to do some projects -- I enjoy creating art and sharing as well. 

In the past few years some of the musical artists that I've enjoyed over the years have passed away.  Folks like Prince, David Bowie, Greg Allman, Tom Petty, George Harrison and others have died.  Another one is gone as well recently - Glenn Frey of the Eagles.  It's been a while, but I decided I'd do a picture of him.

I always thought Glenn Frey was the coolest of the Eagles.  From the time I was a young kid, the Eagles were a band who's music filled the airwaves.  From the country-rock music they made in the early 70's to the more guitar heavy rock of the mid to later 70's and 80's, they were always one of my favorites.  This portrait has an up close larger image of Frey from the mid-70s era and a smaller image from later years, when the band re-united again and went out on tour.  So here's to you Glenn....Fly Eagle, Fly...

"Fly Eagle, Fly" - Electronic Illustration by Tom Kreienbrink

As usual, this portrait started with a pencil sketch on paper.  After working out some of the detail, I imported the sketch into Photoshop and then created the finished illustration with an electronic drawing and painting technique using a Wacom stylus and tablet.  Basically its a freehanded drawing/painting technique, except its completed using the computer instead of traditional media.  It's a little different for sure and can be much more forgiving.  Using the layering features and various brush sizes, opacity percentages, etc...also give it a much different feel from using traditional media.

I hope you enjoy the pic.  This weekend and coming week, get out some of those old Eagles albums (or crank it up on line).  Enjoy some of the great rock and roll that Frey and his bandmates created all those years ago.

Have a great day,

Tom

A little Design Job - Biz Card

Hi All,

Recently I took on a job to re-design a business card for a friend.  She has a busy tailor and bridal shop and needed to re-order cards and make some changes.  So I happily took on the job.  The downside is that she didn't have all the original files, but we did manage to pull together some of the elements.  So it was almost starting from scratch (sometimes that's better anyhow).

I was able to get a photo of her original and trusty sewing machine (I want to say it's name is Rex?), and we pulled together logos and a map.  Some Photoshop touch-up work was required to ensure all of the images were good enough quality for print.

I started with the info I had and created a new layout - the way I would do it.  We had a few rounds of minor tweaking and we also had to add the new line of bridal fashions that she now carries.  My friend Janine does have some strong preferences on a couple items, of how she wants them to be presented on a business card.  So we finalized the design and here's how it turned out.

The New Business Card design for Janine's Alterations/Kizmett Clothing in Phoenix, AZ.

 

It was a fun little job and the new design carries some elements of the old card for consistency in branding, but also has the necessary changes and info.

If you're in Phoenix and you need high quality alteration work, bridal fashions, or custom clothing - Janine's is the place to go.  Check it out.

Take care everyone.  Stay cool this summer - if you're in Phoenix, that's especially important.  Drink plenty of water look out for one another.

Peace,

Tom

Tom Kreienbrink
Graphic Design and Illustration

Portfolio: www.behance.net/tk-art
HTS Website: www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

Air Force Artwork

Hi All,

Good afternoon everyone.  I hope you're all doing well.  It's a nice day here in Phoenix, Arizona...getting warmer as we're on the road toward Summer.

Recently I've had a few reminders of the career I had in the Air Force.  Some of the recent reminders - Getting my GI Bill going for school in the Fall, nice people thanking me for my service (when they catch a glimpse of my Mil ID), and I found out one of my former troops had to be airlifted out of a deployment and have surgery (don't know the details, but glad he's doing well).  So I thought I'd share a little of my career and artwork from my Air Force days.

After attending graphic design school here in Phoenix, I enlisted in the Air Force about a year later.  I was very fortunate that with my training and experience, I was able to get into the Visual Information (graphic arts), career field.  And...I landed a choice assignment to Altus AFB, OK (LOL).  It was fun and a little bit of a culture shock - being in the Air Force and small town Oklahoma...but we had some good times out there.  I also got a lot of great experience and learned a lot from some great people.

Pen and Ink illustration.  A C-5 aircraft from Altus AFB, OK.  I drew this for practice and 

to be used on local products.

Along the way my family and I spent time stationed in Fort Worth, Texas; Omaha, Nebraska; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Washington, DC (and I spent a little time in some other places here and there).

T-Shirt design for the Offutt Runway Run. 

It was a good career and I was happy and honored to serve, and I thank my fellow American citizens for the opportunity.  One of the highlights of my career was my last assignment.  I spent the last 3 years as First Sergeant for the 11th Civil Engineer Squadron, Bolling AFB in Washington, DC.  It was one of the most challenging and also rewarding positions I've had the pleasure to serve in.

Pen and ink artwork for 11th CES going away artwork.  A print could have a farewell message in the center and be framed as a nice farewell.  Even though I wasn't in multimedia, I still liked to do a little artwork when I had time.

T-Shirt artwork for 11th CES.  Proud to be an honorary Prime Beef troop.  They're a good bunch - hard working folks ready to do whatever is needed.

It's been 9 years now since I've retired from the Air Force and I spent some time with FEMA in DC, and now have a second career as massage and holistic therapist here in Phoenix.  Every now and then it's nice to remember the old days.  I really enjoyed being an Airman in the US Air Force and am grateful for all of the great folks I've crossed paths with along the way.  

Self Portrait...me, a little younger (little being a relative term, Ha!)

Now I'm on a new path and chapter in my life.  It's a good one too.  It's good to enjoy the journey and enjoy the moment.  I hope you're enjoying the moment as well.  Remember - we make a difference in peoples lives in every day.  Whether we're doing community service work, serving in the military, or just being kind to someone while in line at the store - the ripples go out.  Like I used to tell the troops...Keep doing great things!

Peace and Love,

Tom

Portfolio: www.behance.net/tk-art
HTS Website: www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

Have a Heart

Hi All,

Hope your leap day went well yesterday.  Things are moving right along here....always plenty to do.

My son and business partner, Andy, are continuing to lay the groundwork and prepare for the opening of our new business venture - KBrink Design.  There's a lot to do.  We're putting several artwork and design products together, experimenting some, and figuring out exactly what we're doing...ha!  It's coming along nicely.

Andy has the guiding vision for this venture.  He's putting designs together that I think are exciting, unique, and very cool.  (I may be a little partial...however - I wouldn't put out garbage either).  I'm doing some illustration and design as well.  I'm also helping him get up to speed on using Photoshop and Illustrator - major tools of the trade now days.

On some of our projects we're collaborating.  It's fun - we both bring different things to the table.  One in particular recently, he needed me to produce a heart illustration, for a design he's putting together.  An actual human heart picture.  So - I did what I do....I drew a human heart.

Heart illustration - drawn in Photoshop.

It's a fun little organ.  Ha!  It's no DaVinci or anything, but it will serve it's purpose nicely.  I can't show the finished design yet...sorry.  We'll be printing and selling t-shirts, stickers, prints on paper, buttons and maybe other items.  Coming soon.....

I hope you're all having a great day.  Enjoy this moment, be a positive part of your community, and help a neighbor or someone in need.  Join me...it will spread.

More to come soon, from KBrink Design.

Peace,

Tom

On-line portfolio: www.behance.net/tk-art

KBrink Design

Hi All,

I hope you all are having a good Holiday Season.  I had an excellent Christmas and looking forward to a good New Year.  It's even been a little like winter here (northern tier folks - don't laugh too hard).  Anyhow - I'd like to announce a new design start up that I'm involved with....KBrink Design.

KBrink Design Logo

KBrink Design is the brainchild of my son Andy.  Andy is an artist and designer with experience working in screen printing and some work with punk rock band logo and flier design.  We've talked about collaborating on a business for a while, but the timing was never quite right.  However, this time the timing seems good.

Here's the idea that he had for the business.  We would focus on the markets/areas where his interest lies.  Punk and Rock n Roll Bands, Horror Movies, and related topics.  We'll be putting together products for sale at Horror Cons, Comic Cons, and on-line.  TShirts, buttons, stickers, artwork prints, original artwork, etc.  We'll also be providing original designs, artwork and products for clients.

I bring most of the experience to the project.  The knowledge of the industry, artwork production techniques, and thing of that nature.  We're already working on products and designs and will be open for business at an event soon.  Updates to come soon.

Have a great day and Happy New Year.

Peace,

Tom

Painted Nativity Scene Project

Hi All,

I hope things are going well for everyone.  Recently, my family and I were going thru "the big photo box," after my Dad passed away; reminiscing and looking at pictures.  While looking at old pics I came across a few photos of a project I helped put together around the year 2000.  It was a fun job and an old school project as well.

While in the Air Force I was stationed near Honolulu, Hawaii.  Every year during the holidays the city hosts displays in downtown and a parade.  This particular year, some folks from the church we attended, put a nativity scene together and asked if I would help out by doing some artwork for the display.

Painting nativity scene panels on large sheets of plywood with acrylic paint

The project was a lot of fun.  Very much a cartoon style display, but the as you can tell, the characters weren't exaggerated either.  Almost like coloring book style artwork.  As you can see by the top photo - outline first, then fill in with color, then finishing with airbrushed highlights and shadows.

Working on details.

At the time I still had my hand in doing airbrushed artwork on a regular basis.  Years prior to this, most of the illustrating I did was created using traditional media; including airbrush.

Bethlehem to my left, camel and wise man on my right.

Unfortunately, I didn't come across any photos of the completed project.  When painted, the panels were constructed into a little stable with nativity scene.  It all came together quite nicely and was a beautiful display.  It was a fun project to help out with.  I hope you enjoyed it.

Have a great day.

Peace,

Tom

On-line portfolio: www.behance.net/tk-art

On Facebook:  www.facebook.com/pages/Tom-Kreienbrink-Art-and-Design

My Grandfather - an Amazing Craftsman

Hi All,

I hope you're having a great day.  I've got a busy weekend going, but I wanted to take a little time and share about one of my grandfathers, Arnold Vahl.  As not only a grandparent, but also an artist, he was a huge influence in my life and my work.

I was blessed to know all four grandparents who were all amazing and talented people, but today I'm going to highlight my Grandpa Vahl.  Last week, while at my parents place in Texas, I came across a very old photo of Arnold Vahl; my grandfather.  He's seated at a work table in a print shop where he worked.

My Grandfather: Arnold Vahl (seated).

 As a young man my grandfather served a four year apprenticeship to learn the art and trade of being a lithographer.  He learned to create the master artwork for printing; they etched the artwork into the surface of very heavy stones.  Labels were then printed off of these stones.  The precision work on these stones is exceptional and the detail; nothing short of amazing.

Lithography Stone; artwork etched by Arnold Vahl. Size: 10" x 8"x 2.5"deep.

Not long after my grandfather became a skilled craftsman in lithography, printing technology advanced and lithography stones were no longer used.  So my grandfather became a printer.  He ran huge printing presses.  I remember once when I was a young boy, visiting the shop where he worked.  He showed us around...everything seemed so huge and magical - as printed products came out of these big printing presses on large sheets.  If I remember correctly he worked on an 8 color press.  I remember they did a lot of labels for Oscar Meyer back then at the shop where he worked.

Lithography Stone; etched by Arnold Vahl

Arnold Vahl was a very talented man.  He learned a trade and when it became obsolete, learned a new one.  He was an artist and skilled in many ways.  He was also a painter.  He painted oil paintings, signs...I remember him producing many creative projects.  He was meticulous and precise.  He never did sloppy work.  Perhaps something that became habit when he was etching the precise artwork on to the surface of the lithography stones.

Tools of the master: scribes for etching, pens, pencils, brushes, watercolor pads, a steel triangle.

My Grandpa Vahl was musically talented also.  He was a very good violin player.  I believe I remember hearing about him playing in the orchestra pit for the silent movies.  I just remember enjoying his playing at parties when I was a kid.

My grand dad has passed on several years ago now, but I'll always have fond memories of him.  As a kid, he would bring me piles of scrap paper from the print shop to draw on.  I never ran out of paper and he always encouraged me in my drawing and artwork.  He was also the guy that showed up at the house with Grandma and had some kind of treat that he would judiciously dole out (Hershey's Kisses or MnMs).  He enjoyed listening to the Brewers game on the radio, on a summer day while enjoying a cold Pabst Blue Ribbon and he loved playing dice games.

As a kid we sometimes butted heads; we were so different and so alike in so many ways.  I've learned so much from him and as an artist myself, I treasure the photo, the stone and tools I now have of his, but most of all I treasure what I've learned from him.  I wouldn't be the artist or the man I am today, without so much of the experience that he passed on to me.  Thanks Grandpa.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Peace,

Tom

On Line Portfolio:  www.Behance.net/tk-art
On Facebook:  www.facebook.com/pages/Tom-Kreienbrink-Art-and-Design

Medical Illustrations - from the archives

Hi All,

I hope all of you are doing well.  Things have been going well here in Arizona.  It's warming up - pretty soon it'll be summer.  Also - I want to say Hello to my new friends in Russia, who have been reading the blog.  The blog has been getting several views there and I hope you're enjoying it.

I'm very grateful to have two careers going right now.  I'm an holistic therapy practitioner and an artist/illustrator.  I've been focusing on the holistic therapy biz the last couple of years, but recently it's been nice to find illustration work coming my way again.  I'm really enjoying it.  I've just finished eight illustrations for a book and am in the process of producing three medical illustrations for an e-book.  More to come on those as they progress in the publication process.

Today I'd like to share some of my medical illustration work from the past.   For 10 years of my Air Force career, I worked in teaching hospitals as a medical illustrator.  Part of that involved having the ability to render anatomical illustrations to support teaching programs.

Computer painted illustration - part of a jaw transplant series (remove part of the illiac crest/hip bone to use in the jaw).

A lot of the work I did was to illustrate slides and later, electronic presentations that were used to teach.  Originally I used traditional media - colored pencil, pen and ink, pencil, and I learned to use an airbrush to produce artwork.  These pieces of art were then photographed with 35mm slide film for use in teaching presentations.

18x24 inch mixed media artwork - for display in Neurology Clinic and used as a reference.

Not long after starting work as medical illustrator, I started integrating a computer system into the workflow process.  I had a Macintosh computer with the proper software, digitizing tablet, and 35mm film recorder.

Computer painted illustration for electronic presentation - supporting the Dental Residency program

I produced a number of different types of products for the two hospitals I worked at.  I painted some murals, designed fliers for use in clinics, and made posters to display public information....I did whatever they needed, as the mission dictated - and it was a lot of fun.

Computer painted illustration - cross section of the forehead

Today, as I'm working on these illustrations depicting procedures to stimulate healing in a fractured talus (bone in the foot/ankle), I did some reminiscing about the old job, the work, and some of the amazing people I worked with.  It was really an enjoyable job and an incredible learning experience.

Have a great day - spread a little kindness around (even to people who you don't know).

Peace,

Tom

On Line Portfolio:  www.Behance.net/tk-art
On Facebook:  www.facebook.com/pages/Tom-Kreienbrink-Art-and-Design

US Postal Service Design Work

Hi All,

I hope things are going well for all of you.  Things are pretty good here.  Everyone's doing alright and the holistic biz is going pretty well.  I've also got a few artwork projects in progress - I can't share them right now, but will soon.  Of course - while most people in North America are suffering in very cold weather - this is the absolute best time of the year here in Arizona - and I'm enjoying it so much.

Today I want to bring out a project I did for my cousin several years ago.  My cousin Kaye is the postmaster for a small town post office in northern Wisconsin.  At the time, she was coming up to a date when the actual date would match the postal zip code for her area.  What I found out is that's a big deal and stamp collectors like to collect postmarks and custom stamps from occasions like that.

When approaching the date she asked if I'd help her come up with a few items to mark this occasion and the town's centennial as well, for the collector community.  People in the local community would also like to mark this date as well.  It was kind of an interesting little job, because I learned a little bit about stamp and postage collecting. 

So I agreed to design a custom rubber stamp for the postmark for that day, and also design a collector envelope.  She had a piece of artwork already that she was going to get custom postage stamp made for the special occasion.  So in the end the local and the serious stamp collectors could have a combination of custom envelope, stamp, and postmark to commemorate a rare occasion.

Artwork for the postmark rubber stamp for May 30th, 2011, for the Cascade, WI post office

 First - I created a pen and ink illustration of the Cascade falls for the postmark, and I helped her create a design for the rubber stamp postmark.  All of this was part of the Centennial celebration for the town of Cascade, WI.

The other piece is the the envelope.  It's a collage that depicts some "then and now" landmarks in the town.  It also features the falls and the old mill in the background.

Collectors Envelope for Cascade's special zip code match up day.

It was a fun job and fun connecting with my cousin Kaye.  She's oldest cousin of us Kreienbrinks and I don't get to see her very often, so it was kind of fun collaborating with her.

Have a great weekend everyone.  Enjoy each day and make each and every day a work of art...be creative in your work, play, and living.  All you up north...keep shovelling that snow...Spring's coming soon.

Peace,

Tom 

www.Behance.net/tk-art - web portfolio
www.facebook.com/pages/Tom-Kreienbrink-Art-and-Design - follow on Facebook