Below are the 20 most recent journal entries recorded in Philip Owen's LiveJournal:

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Monday, February 8th, 2010
12:29 am	MUSIC... So it's been some time since I posted some good music.Music moves me and keeps the ideas rolling. First up. videos from Maximum The Hormone Now for Gackt High and Mighty Color Blind Guardian And now for what the room mate who shares my studio has been playing Lady Gaga So that's what's been playing,alone with some soundtracks. enjoy and be well all. Current Mood: artistic (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Saturday, February 6th, 2010
4:55 am	Already Febuary! So this month has seen my car break down.the room mate with a new t.v. and me spending just a little to much money when ever I go out. (and I really don't have much to spend in the first place) Tonight I went out with the room mate to meet up with friends and just have a good time.which I did! I really like these people I get to see up here when I go out.I just wish I could get to see them on a more down time setting instead of always being at a club. I want to get to know them better then I do. These people I'm getting to know are important to me.I have known most of them for years,but I never let myself get to close. there good people and I enjoy there company. (ok I'll stop before I get sappy) In the morning my car is being picked up to get repaired. Woo-Hoo! and in a few days I'll be able to get around on my own again. So this means I can really start looking into conventions and making my plans on attending these shows. I have so much work to do and it's so overwhelming to think of right now. a book to get ready a web site to have active and a KEEPERS flash video a friend is looking into putting together. That's a lot on my plate right now and this year is already looking busy for all the things I have not even mentioned yet. I so wish I could have an assistant to help me in the studio.maybe then work would be faster and I would not have to feel the weight of all of this. But I don't and I'm so lucky to have a friend who will be working on the website and another working on doing what I don't know how to do with flash. not to mention a live in proof reader.(thanks Elle) So it's 4:49 in the morning and I need to get some sleep. Current Mood: artistic (Comment on this)
Monday, January 18th, 2010
12:42 am	Already the 17th of January 2010... This month is flying by. I am trying to get so much done and I just feel like I'm standing still. My writing has been going well but it's time to get all the art work caught up to were Vol 2 of Keepers is at on the written level. We took down all the Christmas stuff down today and it's nice to see the house back to it's self. I also got the best nights sleep in a long time last night.(full of strange dreams though) Today I also picked up 'Vagabond 2' because I finished 1 Friday. Takehiko Inoue is a story teller to be studied. His work moves me and has me rethinking just how I ink a page. Now as I sit here with my bottle of BBC Coffeehouse Porter.(this is a great ale) I wonder just what this year is going to bring me. Maybe the ability to leave the day job behind and at last become a full time comic creator for both my own work and for others. Will I at last meet someone and stop feeling and being alone?I can only hope and maybe work at. Well that's it for this short blog. Be Well All. Current Mood: creative (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Friday, January 1st, 2010
4:50 pm	Cancer Horoscope for week of December 31, 2009 from: Rob Brezsny's Free Will Astrology I think everyone should always have an improbable quest playing at the edges of their imagination -- you know, some heroic task that provokes deep thoughts and rouses noble passions even if it also incites smoldering torment. I'm talking about an extravagant dream that's perhaps a bit farfetched but not entirely insane; a goal that constantly rouses you to stretch your possibilities and open your mind further; a wild hope whose pursuit makes you smarter and stronger even if you never fully accomplish it. The coming year would be an excellent time to keep such an adventure at the forefront of your awareness. http://freewillastrology.com/horoscopes/ this is a good way to start my year! and right after the blue moon. Current Mood: artistic (Comment on this)
Wednesday, December 30th, 2009
5:32 am	2 days left to 2009 is over and 2010 begins... so much I want to say and yet I'm not sure I want to say anything. I have a paper journal I keep for my thoughts and sketches.It's black leather with plain parchment paper with a leather tie to close it. it's just the best book to write and draw in, and it's just for me. I come here to put my thoughts out into the world for anyone who cares to read and see just what I may have on my mind. Sometimes it's about something as sad as a death in my family. Or how much my cats are more like my kids then they are pets. Then there are the times I don't really say anything but still post.(a youtube video or some artwork and photos) you get the idea. I think soon my posting here will be changing. With a book on the horizon to be published and a website about to at last see construction. I will also have to redefine what this Live Journal is for. Do I connect it to my website or just end it? Maybe... I do the re-post thing over at 'myspace' and maybe that's what this will become.I really don't know yet. But I will be thinking hard over this. This last year has also made me rethink old and new friendships and what there worth. Some old friends are back in my life here online and this has made me happy to no end. It's strange that some artist and writers I looked up to and never new what to say too when I was just starting in comics. I now chat with about the most mundane things. (times have changed) Being single.(yes you knew I had to bring this up) has been rough over the last few years,but I have hopes that maybe this is the year I'll at last meet someone.Then again I said the same thing last year.(oh well,one can hope)I am at least getting out once and a while. This last year has seen me stop staying in so much,get my self out of a lot of debt and get an offer of help from an old friend to see my dreams come true. There was also much sadness and death.(I think too much death) But I do feel watched over. I hope for positive things in my life. yes, I know this was not much of a look back.But for a look back just go through my Live Journals older post. In two days it will be 2010 and the beginning of a new year. I have hopes I will do so much more and really start to realise my goals. Be Safe and well. Cheers to you all. ~Philip Current Mood: chipper (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Sunday, December 20th, 2009
6:24 am	Brush Pen order from JetPens... This morning I received my pen order from 'JetPens' and talk about fast.only five days has passed since my order was put in. (Just to let you all know.I DO NOT WORK FOR OR KNOW ANYONE FROM 'JetPens' also all the photos I took from the 'JetPens' site because I just did not want to take the time to scan the sketching and work I have used with them.It's also 6am in the morning. O.K. onto the pens I have and have tried out. First up is the reason for the order in the first place The Pentel-Pocket Brush Pen for Calligraphy Now don't let the 'calligraphy' part of the name fool you.this Brush pen is just what I was looking for to replace my brush and inkwell that are a real pain to bring out of the house when I want to get out of the studio. In the studio it also is a big help.There is a draw back,But it might be because I have only just started to use it.The ink seems 'thin' and some strokes have to be done twice.but you do get to keep a brush point at all times.and it has 2 refills that come with it. At $12.00 this pen will be going everywhere with me. So onto the second Brush Pen.and this one I really love using and can't stop. The Pilot Pocket Brush Pen-Hard First,the only bad I found is the ink is the same that is in the Pilot Precise V5 pens we have here in America. which is not bad if your use to using those which I still do. the tip is long enough to use with a ruler and if you don't press down hard you can get a nice fine line. This pen covered all the things I wanted the Pentel to cover. sadly,this pen is a disposable.So it looks like I'll have to order a few because of the use I will be putting it into. The cost for the Pilot was $4.50 Now here are the Disposable pens I picked up just to hit the $25 dollar mark for the free shipping. The Zebra Disposable brush sign pen-Fine and here is The Zebra Disposable brush sign pen-Super Fine These are good for what there for as throw away pens. I am happy I tried them out and I will keep them as sketch pens and just all around back ups at my drawing board but nothing really great about them that the Pilot already does.matter of fact it takes these two pens to equal the one Pilot brush Pen. the cost on these were $2.25 each. Now if you think you might want to check these Pens out or see there other products, here is the link. http://www.jetpens.com/product_info.php/products_id/1793 With more and more tools out there for comic and manga artist and these tools of the trade don't seem to be reviewed often by people like me who do the hit and miss purchase or get the advice from another artist on a really great tool. I think I may start adding this to how I will use my blog. ~Philip Current Mood: artistic (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009
4:36 am	Fears are dumb... It's December! O.K. now that that has been said.What the heck happened to November? It went by so fast that Thanksgiving just came and went and not much thought really went into it. I got out of the house (and not to just go to work) I hit the WWII Club in Northampton last Friday night and I had a lot of fun.and No I did not do karaoke,I leave that to the people that can do that.Besides I had my sketch book and was drawing and drinking. these are two things that are fun! It's not easy for me to get out.I think I have a real fears of people I have to get over. This is not something I have had.It's only been building over the last few years and it explains why I don't date or have many new friends.I do over come it every once in a while, Like at CT-Con I tried to meet some new people and I did.but I feel like I dropped the ball on that because I seem to have lost touch with them. I also lost my nerve at that con on meeting up with an on-line friend,just because I didn't know what to say. Next year is going to be a big convention year and with a new book planned to be released I have got to get over these dumb fears that strike me now. Where the hell did these come from? I was never like this! I was not going to write this here but I thought it might help confront this and get over it. I have far to many important things to accomplish and this is just stupid to let this control my actions. I was always bold when it came to meeting people.I want to be as I was. And I will be. Tonight I went to Haven,stayed at my table sketched and had some small talk. tried some 'Coffee ale' and it was good! Next week I have to make some calls and start planning on the conventions I'll be attending. There has been a little talk with some people about attending SDCC,But I just can't see it happening.then again never say never,the exposure there would be the best I could ask for. Current Mood: artistic (3 Comments |Comment on this)
Friday, November 13th, 2009
6:12 pm	Pictures from Haven's Halloween party... I woke this morning to find my friend Hope had posted some of the Haven Halloween photo's. "WOO-HOO" I have been waiting to see these since October 27th when they were taken. My room mate and I dressed up as Mab and me as Harry Dresden. So here they are... and for those who are not in the know,This is a sample of the art work (cover) I used to work my costume from. And here's Me... Elle and Myself "Mab and Harry" And now for Hope.The wonderful beautiful woman who if not for.there would be no photos from that night. I know this is not the best blog,but I just wanted to put these up. (I must add though. It's not that much of a costume.those clothes are mine.) Current Mood: artistic (3 Comments |Comment on this)
Tuesday, November 10th, 2009
5:54 pm	Today Was Not So Bad... I slept in and caught up on some long past due emails. and then sat to work at the board...One Problem...NO COFFEE and nothing to eat in the house. So lets hope I can get my coffee and some food and maybe watch the second episode of 'V' tonight.But if I miss it oh well,I know I won't miss 'Sons of Anarchy' That show is the best thing on cable right now. yes I know.Not much of a blog,I just felt like it. Current Mood: amused (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Monday, November 9th, 2009
1:37 pm	Why Am I Like This?... So yesterday evening I went to Barns & Nobel after doing landscaping for my Mom all day. As I walk over to the art magazine section I see this beautiful woman also in the section. I don't think anything of it till she follows me to the other side.then I head to sci-fi and there she is and again in art. Now I start thinking maybe this is not coincidence but then I take a good look at my self and I'm a mess from working with dirt all over me.So this must be in my mind.Then I pick up the books I was looking for and pay.On my way out this woman has sat right in front of me at the window counter outside of the Starbucks.Once outside I look over to my left at the window and she is right there sort of sketching in a sketchbook.I think about going back in and saying hi and introducing myself...but I just don't have that kind of nerve. So I walk to my car and sit for a moment with this feeling that I'm making a big mistake. But I pull my car out and as I drive by the front of Barnes I see she has left. Damn! I don't have to be to smart to realize she was following me and sat in front of me to get my attention. But what do I do? I just keep to myself and leave. Why the hell am I so terrified of woman? It's almost hard to make eye contact. What has happened to me? Why can't I even just start a simple conversation with someone anymore? I'm even starting to get this way at conventions unless it's conversation about art or writing. With friends I'm ok most of the time,but even then I still freeze up and am not to sure what to talk about. There was a time I was NOT like this.How do I get back to being that person? I think I am doomed to be the crazy artist shut in with cats. oh well,not a great blog but it's what was on my mind. Current Mood: frustrated (3 Comments |Comment on this)
Sunday, October 11th, 2009
11:17 pm	Things Did Get Better... First off,Saturday I got the car fixed for $80 dollars and I am happy that that's all it cost. Went to the http://www.ctfaire.com today.I and the room mate had a really good time. there were some photos taken and I'll get them up some time before the end of the month. I at last met my on line friend Raven,who knows a lot of my friends but for some reason we had never been at the same place at the same time. Gregor and Sunshine and Becky also good to see you all again. So the most of my time at the fair was spent just talking and visiting new and old friends. And you know what? It was time well spent. I did get to make the rounds on this Pirate-Day and I picked up a few things. Like this post card size print by K.S.Heller of 'War Kittens" her web site is http://www.fantasydimensions.com I picked up a new dragon ring, thanks Elle. some loose leaf teas and Nag Champa. I do plan on going back next Sunday for a hat they had at Silvermane's which fit me like no other hat ever has. O.K. I'm home and I have a whole lot to do around here. I have to say it,I'm in good spirits tonight and I ate well. Current Mood: cheerful (Comment on this)
Monday, October 5th, 2009
11:23 am	Not A Happy Blog... So it's all getting to me. Where to start? How about the car,something is wrong with my idle to the point where I have to have one foot on the gas and the other on the break.I am hoping that I can fix this myself but it's just one thing in a list of things that now needs to be worked on,On my car.(please no one say a damn thing about getting a new car,it's not possible) then there is the the stack of bills that are all shut off notices that I pay to keep the electric,gas and cable going. oh,can't forget the rent,Insurance for the car and the credit card bill that has gone into collections from over a year ago,and are now taking me to court on October 15 because I missed 3 payments. But I have been making payments since, to catch up so now I'm a wreck because I don't know what the heck is going to happen in court to me. It's not like I'm not paying it or don't want to. Then there is all my time spent working at the restaurant to make a living and when I'm not there I'm at my Mom's helping her because she needs me to help take care of the house and yard since Billy died. I have been single for almost all my 30's and at 42 it's been years since my last date. The only really good thing to happen to me this year was an old friend who is now a publisher throwing me a bone and offering to publish my comic KEEPERS as a graphic novel.I am now worried because of not having enough time to finish vol 1,I may end up blowing this chance.I worry he's going to get sick of waiting for it.(I have vol 1 written,it's the artwork that needs to be finished. and vol 2 is already half written) But it's time that I need...free time with no stress over a court date,bills and worry about the car.especially no worries about the car. Now onto things like art supplies which are starting to run low, a scanner that takes comic pages (11x17) and a light table.(I have needed one for years) and while I'm at it how about more then 4 to 5 hours of sleep a night and not to come home from work so drained and beat that I can't even think straight. The Good...I think Warren,my publisher will be patient with me on getting this book to him. I have a room mate who is doing her best to cover her half of the bills.The five cats I love so much and don't think I would get through a day with out there affection. My Mom,who is really the only family I have (my sisters take no notice of me) and my friends on line who really like my work and can't wait for me to put it out there for them. I just need to get all this crap under control so I can become the person I was meant to be. I am sick of being alone.But there is nothing I can do about that. I am sort of sorry about this blog being the way that it is right now.But I have no other way to vent and try to make sense of all this crap so I can get a handle on it and get my life and my creative endeavors back on track. O.K. going back to my coffee and trying to figure out how to go about changing things for the better. This is after all,My favorite month of the year. Current Mood: tired (3 Comments |Comment on this)
Sunday, September 20th, 2009
7:44 pm	Working and other Stuff... Been some time since my last up-date... The artwork has been slow in coming out because of that spending to much time at the day job thing. and it really has cut into my sleeping also. I still have no social life but I get by. Right now I'm finishing up some of my website artwork so I can at last have it put up and get that site functioning and working for me. 'Here is just a clip of what I'm inking" (hmmm,as I look at this blown up,I see a few things that need to be changed) On to other things,I have been getting really into "Blind Guardian" maybe because it's been really good back ground music while I'm doing the studio thing. There music does work well as background for Keepers. O.K. time to get some more coffee and take a shower and get the grime off... Current Mood: awake (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Friday, August 21st, 2009
5:32 am	At Home Working... and up Late. So here I am at home. The room mate is off to Blizzcon (see video add) And I'm stuck here. Which really is not all that bad except for the heat. So it's just me and the cats and lots of artwork and writing.Now I just hope for a break in the heat and life will be good. And thinking of Blizzcon,I just found out that 'Felicia Day' is attending it. Damn,Kim is so lucky,she's going to have the chance to meet her. What? You don't know who Felicia Day is!?! She was in "Dr. Horrible's sing along Blog" and is the creator of "The Guild" and just for a little more,Here's a video with Felicia singing “Do You Wanna Date My Avatar” and backed by the GUILD. Well it's off to sleep a little,I have a lot of work ahead of me in the morning. next post...lot's of artwork!!! Current Mood: artistic (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Thursday, August 6th, 2009
8:37 pm	Disposable Cameras suck... So here is the continuation of the last Blog...I picked up a One Shot Kodak Disposable Camera for the CT-Con,and to do some Reference shots for some artwork I'm working on. I also just wanted to have a few pics of my new long coat. But first I would like to show a piece of Jennifer Weber's take on Severina 8-01-09 ( Read more ) Current Mood: busy (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Monday, August 3rd, 2009
6:24 am	ConnectiCon 2009...my one day at the con. I have not been to a CT-CON since 2007 and I had a table in Artist Colony back then. This year I did try to get a table but through unforeseen problems that did not happen. So I decided that I really needed to get out at least for Saturday and hit the con and maybe be a little social.(after all, conventions are one of the few times I can be social) So Saturday morning August 1st,I over sleep and end up at the convention at 11am and there were no lines! But the place was full of people.sometimes it's good to be late. The con takes place on two floors of the convention center.The first floor where registration is and the Dealers room is Console Gaming,Food Court and all other Gaming takes place.The Dealers room was big,about 900 tables! almost all goodies from Japan,I was a little blown away,Sadly no art supplies from Japan was carried.(I guess it's back to buying on-line for that)Manga art books were a little over priced,but I expect that. On the second floor is Artist Colony the Main Events room and most of the Panel and Workshop rooms. So after a quick fist time through the Dealers room (there were many times in there) I set out up to Artist Colony,there were some 90 tables with some people sharing them.I ended up in here till 1pm because of so many people to meet and talk to and artwork to look at and a few asking why I didn't have a table myself.Anyway I had one artist 'Jennifer Weber' do her own rendition of my character Severina.This is something that was started some time ago with artist I know drawing there take on my work.(maybe someday I'll collect it all into one book)there were a few other artist I wanted to get work from but they were all a little busy with commissions. When I was making my way to the back of the room I met 'Bena Salerno' who's water colors were great! I asked if she would like to add color over my work.Bena was the only artist working in that medium.I in my opinion suck at coloring,I showed her my sketch book that I keep on me for ideas and such and she really liked my work,and that she would be happy to do it. The cost is not even on my mind right now because it's the thought of working with another artist.I really hope this works out,because I want the covers to KEEPERS to have a feel and look. 1pm I just make it to room 21 where 'Amira' is dancing.I have never seen her dance live so was happy to at last seen her bellydance tribute to Princess Leia.And Yes,She is THAT GOOD! I had to go meet up back at Artist Colony right before Amira started her workshop.(which is a good thing because I don't really dance) On the sad side I never got to meet up with Amira during the convention for a photo shoot that she told me a few weeks ago she would like to do because my timing sucks and I got all caught up and sidetracked with some friends I ran into. There was a some down time at the con.I think I spent about an hour or so sitting at Seattle's Best Cafe on the floor between the first and second just people watching taking in all the cosplayers.(there must have been I think 7 out of 10 people in cosplay) Now that I'm thinking of it,Bena asked me if I was dressed as anyone? or was I just wearing a kick ass coat.All I could say was "it's all me". There were times I was a little sad not to be part of artist colony,and I'm not very forward to people I don't know.So I tend to sit with my coffee and watch the can happen. I at last got to see a few episodes of 'Claymore' with Devon and Damian who is one of the DJ's at Haven. The thing that floored me was the MC's at the Masquerade.It was The Joker,Harley Quinn and Two Face. these cosplayers pulled it off.The Two Face was good,But Joker and Harley were right out of the Batman animated show! I don't think I ever saw someone pull off the look of that Joker and the voice of Mark Hamill and Harley together with some more adult themes pulled it off. 10pm,people started heading back to the Marriott for the dance and hotel parties or heading back into the overnight gaming. It was a good day and night,I wanted to stay but I'm not a party crasher and I really didn't know anyone well enough to stay and hang with. So I headed home (it's good to only be 20 minutes from this con)got home hung out with the room mate,Had some tea and caught Bleach on Adult Swim. Not a bad way to end the night. Next year I'll do the whole three days.But I'm on the fence weather I should have a table or not,most likely I'll have one. But I will be there. Current Mood: artistic (Comment on this)
Tuesday, July 28th, 2009
2:48 am	ALL THIS TALK ABOUT TARDIS CHANGES... So I looked around and here it is...We are going back to the roots of the TARDIS if you will. Here's from the Hartnell years. So for more... ( Read more ) Current Mood: artistic (4 Comments |Comment on this)
Tuesday, July 14th, 2009
11:06 pm	Missing Pennsic... In 1989 I went to my first Pennsic.I was there for just a week and a half and it was the best time I ever had camping. for next six years I went every year for the full two weeks.Then it became a go a year take off a year of kind of thing. A good portion of my friends attend each year and I miss it and them. This is in no way like a ren-fair,It's so much more. Pennsic has been moved from the first two weeks of August to now it starts in July. this year on the 24th. I have not been back to Pennsic since 2002,and it looks like once again I'll not be attending. With the book, CT-con starting the 31st and even more shows in the fall. I have to be careful not to overextend myself. So much artwork and writing to be done and very little free time.Sadly I did my best writing at Pennsic.But then again I do get just as much done sitting in a coffee house. It was just easier to get into the right mindset at Pennsic. This is what I miss. Have Fun All that are going and please drink an ale for me. Current Mood: melancholy (Comment on this)
Saturday, July 11th, 2009
2:54 pm	A Birth Day Blog... It's that time of year...I'm getting older. I'm right now in the works to set up some fall conventions to attend and I may have a table at CT-CON which is July 31-Aug 2. and even if I don't have a table I will be there to have a little fun and with some luck make a few new friends and see a few old ones.(like all the on-line people I never see) About Pennsic? I will not be going,sorry. with the work I have to do with Keepers there is no way I can pull it off. (not that I would not want to try) but it's also a money issue. So unless things change for me in the next few weeks,I will not be attending. I want to say Thank You to all the people emailing me and wishing me a Happy Birthday. It means a lot. I sometimes feel very alone,until I turn on the computer.(I so have to start getting out) For those not on facebook your missing out. I have started showing clips of artwork that I'm working on or about to post. like this one... my facebook is http://www.facebook.com/PhilipOwen.Keepers I will only be posting sketches and pieces in the works there because of the quickness people respond and it's a lot easier to upload for some reason. Today...My birthday. I really have no plans except that I'm working tonight,and I'll think of doing something tomorrow to celebrate it. (why did I not take today off?) I know I have said this before,But I really do feel like I have started over again because so much is starting to fall into place with my dreams. Be Well and Happy Everyone. Current Mood: artistic (6 Comments |Comment on this)
Sunday, June 28th, 2009
10:58 pm	Rest in peace Bill...and other news.... I try not to put to much out there on how I feel or hurt inside. I try to post important things about my pets artwork or what has been really getting to me.But still it's not everything. Four months ago something great happened...My old friend Warren of 'Wilder Publications' picked me up to be my publisher,under Fantastic Book Impressions. This means I have a publisher for KEEPERS! as a collected volume.which there will be many. The bad...Three days later my Mom's boyfriend "Bill" of eight years went into the hospital for his hart,He went into a coma for a few days and then came out of it.but there were other problems. and many many surgeries later and four months in the hospital he passed away this past Thursday the 25th. He was 52 and a good man,he was the closest thing I had to a step-dad and he made my Mom happy. I'm sitting now thinking of all that kept me from getting so much work done over the last four months and now is the time to more or less play catch up on Keepers. I will miss Bill and I worry about my Mom and how she now feels alone even with me and my sisters here for her. Tomorrow we will be laying him to rest. I now have to get back to a real work schedule and spend all my time doing what I do best.but it won't be easy with how much my Mom needs me now more then ever.I just hope she understands that I have the day job and studio work to do,which takes up much if not all my free time. Getting a publisher was the best thing that could ever happen to me,and everything feels at last to be in my reach. I so wanted to break this news with artwork and some sample pages and a look at the website and all that is planned for conventions this fall. That will all have to wait a few more days till the shock has worn off a little. Be Well All,and let those you love know that you love and care for them and that they matter to you. Current Mood: drained (9 Comments |Comment on this)