join

When the extension cable disconnected from the lightning rod at the top of the clock tower, Doc Brown could only exclaim, “Great Scott!”

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A fellow artist contacted me through my Facebook page and asked why I haven't been participating in the new Monday Artday. I explained that I have been otherwise occupied with my two other blogs and work-related activities, But, yesterday I had a day off from work and managed to knock out this homage to the greatest film ever made. I hope to contribute to Monday Artday on a more regular basis, but if I don't... you can always find me somewhere on the internet.

flight

Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Her attempt to do the same across the Pacific didn’t work out quite as well.

glow

The Mills Brothers began singing in their church choir, branching out to street performances outside their father’s barbershop. A win on a local talent show got them a gig at May’s Opera House in their hometown of Piqua, Ohio. They sang in between showings of Rin Tin Tin. Famed pianist and bandleader Duke Ellington saw the group while on tour in nearby Cincinnati. He was so impressed, he called a representative at Okeh Records and signed the young quartet to a recording contract. They were brought to New York where stardom awaited. 

renaissance

I was a fan of the progressive rock band Renaissance when I was in high school. The band, originally forming from former members of The Yardbirds, evolved into a band combining a rock base with medieval touches and mystical lyrics. They were fronted by the angelic voiced Annie Haslam. Haslam was trained as an opera singer and her soaring vocals became the focus of the Renaissance sound.

sun

I started watching CBS Sunday Morning years ago, when Charles Kuralt was the host. The show, conceived as the television equivalent to the Sunday newspaper magazine, set an easy pace with gentle stories that were the perfect accompaniment to a bagel and a cup of coffee. Kuralt, the veteran newsman, delivered the introduction to each segment in a friendly manner as he stood on the sparse studio stage, graced only by a chair and the subtly smiling sun icon. His calm demeanor was so beloved that, after his retirement in 1994, fans were shocked by scandalous tales of the avuncular Kuralt’s double life as a philandering playboy with two separate, but simultaneous, families.

frida kahlo

After a long absence and an awkward "passing of the baton," the Monday Artday blog has resurfaced like the Phoenix (the mythical bird, not the city in Arizona).  I received an email from the original host and I have accepted the invitation to participate. So, here's the deal: much like the venerable Illustration Friday, Monday Artday will present a topic each Monday and illustrations to fit the theme will be posted throughout the week until the next topic is offered. A weekly winner will be chosen and lavish cash prizes will be awarded. (I may have imagined that last part.)

So, here we go, my first entry for the eagerly anticipated return of Monday Artday...

The first inspirational suggestion is the work of Mexican surrealist Frida Kahlo. Since I haven't picked up a paintbrush in years, I offer a tribute to the late painter in my artistic tool of choice - Photoshop. Hopefully, Monday Artday will continue to grow, thrive and attract a new group of participants, as well as those who previously submitted their fine examples of creativity.

www.joshpincusiscrying.com