Reality Not Included

Some friends and former students of mine have a really great project that just needs a little more cash to get off the ground. It is a collective of short comic stories in graphic novel anthology format. They will be using it to pitch their talents at the upcoming CTN Animation Expo. Check out their "Reality Not Included" comic anthology Kickstarter funding pitch here. This is a very talented group of creative people. I have had the chance to get to know many of them in my classes at BYU and I can attest that they are going places. Any support you can give is appreciated and you'll get some pretty cool swag for your cash.

Life Needs Salsa

Newbold's Salsa- 2012

The tomatoes, onions and peppers in our garden were loaded and ripe this week, so last night we set up the salsa assembly line.  With a little help from our cute niece and her husband (Thanks Erika and Dave!), we threw together a batch. Since we have had people ask for the recipe in the past, I thought I would post it.

Life Needs Salsa

(aka Layton's Salsa)

18 cups of peeled chopped tomatoes

7 1/2 cups of diced green peppers

2 1/4 cups diced Anaheim or Jalapeno peppers ( I used 2 1/4 cups Anaheim + 2 jalapenos- seeded. Adjust the heat to your taste)

7 1/2 cups chopped onions

1 cup +2 T white vinegar

4 1/2 T non-iodized salt

7-8 large cloves of minced garlic (more if desired- we used 10)

1 1/2 T ground black pepper

3/4 t garlic powder

In a large pot, simmer for 1 hour 45 minutes, stirring frequently. We use the pot of our pressure canner which is the largest pot we own, but a 10-12 quart large stock pot would work great.

After simmering add:

3/4 cup dried onion flakes

4-5 cans of tomato paste (we used four and it was thick enough)

Simmer another 10 minutes then add:

3/4 bunch of chopped Cilantro

simmer another 5 minutes then place in pint jars and process in a water bath canner for 50 minutes. To process, place jars in canner and fill with water until jars are covered. Bring to boil and then reduce heat to maintain a moderate boil, then begin the 50 minute time.

Makes 14-15 pints. We got 15 pints last night but since the canners (we have 2 so we can process two batches at once) only hold 7 pints, one jar went in the fridge to enjoy right away.

Canning is really easier than you think but follow directions that come with your jars and lids especially if you have never done it before. I love having the homemade salsa all year. To me, there is no commercial salsa that is any better!

Home of the Brave Gets Hooked

If you make good art for long enough, it is inevitable that someone either outright steals your artwork, or that you get requests to use your artwork in ways that were were unwanted or unexpected. For example, I have had people actually ask if they could tattoo one of my pieces on their body, to which I politely declined permission (I suspect people have done it anyway). So it was refreshing when a year or two ago, I was contacted by Julia Kappler of Towson, Maryland about possibly using one of my pieces. Julia's art form involves using 1/8" to 1/4" wide wool fabric strips to create hooked rugs. She  wanted to use a piece that I painted for a Boys' Life magazine cover story as the the basis for a rug design.

"Rocket's Red Glare" acrylic by Greg Newbold for Boys' Life

Julia assured me that it would not be sold and was just for the challenge and experience. Normally I would not consent, but I was flattered by the offer and curious as to how something like that might turn out, so I gave her permission. I then promptly forgot all about it. Well, a couple of weeks ago, I got an email from Julia along with a photo of her rendition in yarn of my painting. Here is an excerpt from that email describing the project:

"Greetings from Maryland.  I am sure you had given up on hearing from me again, but my rug, inspired by your artwork for “Home of the Brave”, indeed did get finished and is now hanging at the Maryland State Fair which opened yesterday and runs through Labor Day.
A fellow “hooker” sent me these pictures of some of my entries and, since two of them show “our” rug, I wanted to send them to you.  I am thrilled that so many people (including judges) like it.  It took a blue ribbon in its class and then Best “original” (meaning you have to draw it as opposed to using a commercial pattern) award in rug hooking, given by my chapter of rug hooking enthusiasts (ATHA)
... As I anticipated, it was the most difficult rug I have done so far.  It was all hooked with 3/16” and 4/16” strips of wool fabric.  As you can see, the finished project is not as I originally envisioned, but that often happens when you get into the actual process.  Of course I was unable to duplicate your glorious colors, but wool is not paint!  I hope you are not too disappointed.
...Again, thank you for giving your permission for me to use your design.  Just goes to show you never know where your art will end up!
Best, Julia Kappler"

Thanks and congratulation in the victory Julia! I am not disappointed and it is fun to see.  I am sure you spent many more hours on your creation than I did mine. At least this time I DO know where my art ended up!

Change in the Weather

Well, if it seems like it has been a while since I posted anything, you would be correct. It is not for lack of interest or work. Believe me, I have been plenty busy, just not with the kinds of things one wants to be engaged in. A couple of months back, my wife and I got the news nobody wants and we have been waging a battle with cancer ever since. Amy gives her perspective on what we have been going through on her blog here. Needless to say, there has been a radical shift in perspective as I focus on the things that are most important right now which does not necessarily including regular posts on my blog. After countless doctor visits, tests and a couple of surgeries, things are settling into a routine that seems more manageable so I expect that blog posts will get back to normal in the near future. Amy is doing well and we are hopeful for a complete recovery. We feel blessed and are grateful for excellent medical care, the love and prayers of good family and friends and most of all for the blessings and mercy of a gracious Father in heaven. We feel the prayers of all those who have sent them heavenward in our behalf and I look forward to more regular blogging moving forward. This piece was painted in Photoshop for the upcoming December 2012 issue of The Friend magazine