Top Artist to Watch in 2011

My BFF, Muffin Man, has entered the world of blogging. By training and profession (and all around natural talent) he is a graphic artist, but if you talk to him for a while you will find he is a comedic artist as well. A fine, upstanding chap of Finnish descent. Once elected (thought not officially) as the Finland Commissioner of Chocolate, Muffin Man knows his business. And not just when talking about chocolate. He knows his business; now you can know his business as well...Vulpine.

I don't claim to know what Vulpine means, but it sounds like the name of a dress that Vicky O'Flannagan would wear. Regardless of what it means, it is the name of the blog sporting artistic works, genius and reflection. What began as an assignment for a class has blossomed into an epicenter of Internet entertainment. Do you like music? Vulpine. Do you like graphic art? Vulpine. Do you like fine literature and theater? Vulpine. Do you like my blog? Vulpine.

If you read my recent post about setting resolutions for the new year, you might think that this posting is sort of setting a high standard for my friend by calling him the top artist to watch in 2011 [I just realized the title says 2010, still adjusting, I'll fix that and you will never know, until you read this statement]. You might think that, but then you don't know Muffin Man. He has the ability to live up to my great expectations. Besides, one of these days, when we quit our sissy ways, he and I are moving to Europe to explore the world and hone our artistic genius, collectively and separately. Our first task is to initiate a Scottish-traditional/Punk Rock pub band called "The Knuckle-Rappers." We will be answering the question "what's in a name?"

Back to the art of Vulpine. Whether free-hand drawings or computer program assisted graphic compilations (which still require a great deal of artistic skill, it's not just click and drag), Muffin Man shows a unique style that is identifiable through various styles, mediums and subjects. When you see a painting by Picasso, you know it is Picasso. When you hear a song by the Ramones, you know it is the Ramones. After a few years of getting to see sketches and final products by Muffin Man, I know it is Muffin Man. There was one project he was working on a few years ago that I was able to preview via text message photo. The captured scene was one of religious significance. I was impressed by the emotion captured in the image. Art is a form of communication. This phone-photo communicated the context of the scene as well as the voice/style of Muffin Man's art. That same identifying signature is apparent in an image on the Vulpine blog; an image of the Incredible Hulk. The two drawings couldn't be less alike in context and message, but the artist can be seen in both. I think that is pretty cool.

One of my favorite drawings from Muffin Man was a quick sketch of Groucho Marx with a pistol. Like many others, this drawing was sent to me via the text message. In fact, here it is:

In conclusion, I recommend that you follow the Vulpine blog and check out the graphic art of Muffin Man, as well as follow up with his video links for music and other forms of entertainment. Oh, and one more thing, did you notice that the graphic at the head of this blog was drawn by Muffin Man? Now you know. The drawing was from a panel cartoon that he drew to support a joke I thought up. Once again, I give you Vulpine by Markus