So I got my balls chewed off because I didn't flag one of my deviations with a "Mature Content" flag: [link]

Its late - so I guess I'm more irritated than I should be.....

I'm frequently asked the question: "Do I do commissioned artwork...?"

The short answer is "yes" I do take on commissions
The long answer is "yes, but due to my general workload, I need to be fairly selective when taking on new projects"

Don't stress about asking. Just PM or email me and I can give you an answer.

Easy .....!

To you all --

Just a quick note to wish you and all your fellow countrymen all my best for your BIG day tomorrow!

President Obama's got a tough job ahead because not only is America looking to him for leadership, but almost all people on the planet are also turning to the hope he represents - eagerly seeking solutions and help.

In all fairness, he didn't ask for the responsibilities of the world, but unfortunately he's ended up with them. May he be blessed by his God with boundless energy, patience, common sense and strength.

I wish you all a happy day and from here forward, rich rewards to you all.

Its not every day I wake up to find about a thousand messages in my DA mailbox.

Obviously, its impossible to me to write to each and every one of the good people who have taken the time to contact me but over the next few days, I will try and get back to most of you...

For the unexpected DD on my Indiana Jones Paint Tutorial I would like to express my warmest thanks to:

Der-shing Helmer (aka `alexds1 - [link] and [link]) for taking the time to suggest this piece as a DD

and to Annette (aka znow-white - [link]) for the DD feature

Peace

There are few people in the world who are icons in their own lifetime. There are fewer still who are regarded by many as the conscience of our global civilization and for me, its safe to say that Nelson Mandela is just such a person..

Yesterday he celebrated his 90th Birthday and there was something warmly poignant about seeing him again albeit from thousands of miles away because, his presence still shines through - even through the surface of a Plasma TV system.

What was sad though, was seeing how time stands still for no man - even for him...

Madiba has aged and although in his advancing years he has never really moved that easily, his hair is now snow white. The last time I saw him in person was in the dining room of the South African Presidential Residence where a few of us were attending his annual NMCF luncheon. I knew that he was there even though I had my back to the doorway when he entered - such is his presence - and although he shuffled along in his characteristic gait, his smile as it always is on these occasions, was wide and welcoming.

I can honesty say that I have never had the privilege of meeting anyone who embodies the best of all that is human - the way he does. His kindness, strength, nobility and forgiveness are things that should inspire us all to greater things...

Happy Birthday Tata! Halala Madiba Halala.

It is not for the safety of silence
That this man has opened his arms to lead.
The strength of his words hangs in the air
As the strength in his eyes remains on the sky;
And the years of impatient waiting draw on
While this man burns to clear the smoke in the air.
There is fire here,
Which no prison
Can kill in this man;
And I watch it in Mandela.

by: John Matshikiza