Pretty On The Outside

The Real Housewives of Orange County. This episode was titled "Cut!" Did they forget to put an "N" in there?

I watched last week's Real Housewives of Orange County while visiting my bff in La Jolla, CA.  Fortunately my TIVO recorded the episode.  Thanks TIVO!  Watching it again tonight while drinking and drawing, a good friend called who I hadn't heard from in a long while.  In my excited and slightly intoxicated state, I somehow hit delete when I meant to save the program.  Oopsy!  I was only about half way through the show so I didn't get a chance to draw anything that happened after about thirty minutes in.  If memory serves, the rest of the show was full of Lynne's daughter whining about wanting a car for her birthday.  There was also the introduction of Lynne to the pack which would have been fun to draw. 

I'm beginning, as usual, with my sweet Vicki.  What caused her to have the above reaction?  Was it when she and her daughter Brianna tried giving blood and Vicki was rejected because she had the acne medicine Acutane in her system?  And trace amounts of craziness. Hmm..... Or was it when Vicki asked Brianna if she loved her more than she loved her pug?  Possibly.  Could it have been during the introduction dinner when Lynne yelled CU_T! because the other gals were talking too much about their kids?  Seems likely.  Perhaps it was during the confessional scene when Vicki denied Jeana's joking assertion that she has multiple lovers in Florida?  Picture that.  Maybe if one of you recognizes that expression you could tell me what's going on as I've forgotten.

Prop 8 Portrait: My reader Otis.

The eighth participant in this Prop 8 portrait series is artist, illustrator, and activist Otis Richardson.  Please click here to see his LavenderPOP greeting cards.

In his own words................

Pretty Links........

If Brody Jenner's new show was called Who Wants To Bone Me, then I'd watch it.  Oh La La Mag

Prince Harry shows some royal skin. La Rag Mag

This photo captures the essence of George Bush.  Planet Hiltron

Celebrity plastic surgery recapped from 2008.  City Rag

This (As Well As That)  Jennsylvania

Jude Law shirtless in Brazil.  Made In Brazil

Happy Birthday to my nephew.

If you're new to my blog, you may want to click here to read up on my nephew and his mannequin.  In case you don't wish to follow on that link, let me give you a quick recap.  My nine year old nephew, who turns 10 today, got a female display mannequin about eight months ago and named her Martinique or Martini as my sister calls her.  Martinique lives in his closet and thanks to the contribution of friends and family members (and especially my friend Amy) she has quite a full and fabulous wardrobe.  My nephew not only works wonders with those donated cloths, but he also makes outfits for her from scratch.  And sometimes, he may put on those outfits.  Why not?  I had a female mannequin at his age and I too would dress her up and occasionally try on some of her outfits.   
Besides dressing Martini, my nephew also has an interest in Project Runway, cart wheeling, shopping, high heels, Anime, and other sorts of glamorous things.  Can I get snap?  Snap snap.
My sister called me last Saturday while making a grocery store run and shared how she found her son that morning.  Seems he was laying on the couch watching Sponge Bob Square Pants while wearing a blue velvet dress (which my friend Amy gave him), his Halloween cape, and a pair of gold high heels.  This wasn't for any special occasion.  It was because he felt like it.  Snap snap.  I later received a photo from that morning.  Enjoy......

Look at that.  He's going to be famous some day.  I, obviously, wouldn't show his face so I placed the Panda head from a planning sketch I did before I painted the mural in his bedroom.  Please click on the link or here as well to see the mural I created for him.

The Real Housewives of Orange County. 120 in the shade. And pretty dull.

Wow is this posting coming late.  Hopefully better that than never?  So last week's episode was rather, well..... dull.  I'll admit I fast forwarded through most of it, especially the Gretchen and Lynne segments.  Yawn and yawn.  The parts which were entertaining took place in Havasu, which looks like my nightmare.  I think Havasu translates to drunken white fools peeing in the river.  Based on that episode I can safely say that I will never go there.  You could almost smell the Coors Lite, Hawaiian Tropics tanning oil, silicone, and urine.   
As always, Vicki with an i was the highlight.  She rocked her signature Egyptian eyeliner, a woven cowboy hat, and a kicky printed smock.  The best part of the show happened when a wooping it up Vicki and her surnburnt friends were boating down the river while woo hooing and raising their beer cans at some other sunburnt people who were drinking and peeing in the water.  From out of nowhere, a wet football was hurled directly into Vicki's head.  I laughed so hard I wanted to jump right into the murky water and pee right along with everyone else.  It reminded me of that Brady Bunch episode when Marsha got hit in the face with a football.  Ah ha ha ha....!!!  I know that's insensitive, but I bet it was someone who works for Bravo that threw it.  Wonder if that person had to throw the football ten times until it finally hit her in the head?
Here's Vicki with an i just after getting smacked with the football.

 

Prop 8 Portrait: My reader Terry.

This would be the seventh entry in this ongoing series of gay people in my life sharing their thoughts on marriage and the passing of Prop 8.  It's still difficult to believe that passed and I do trust that one day we'll look back and wonder why this was even an issue.  That's my hope. 
A short time ago, I did a portrait of my reader Jeff and now I'm adding his partner Terry to the series.

In his words..............

I'm Dreaming of a Wet..... Winehouse?

There was a time, not that long ago, when I was completely fixated on Miss Winehouse and her beehive.  Loved her and her music.  I took great delight in painting, drawing, and photoshopping the songstress and her mane.  Then she married that gross guy whose name escapes me and her momentum seemed to come to a hault.  Yuck.  And sad.  Maybe one day she'll get into together?  Maybe not though.
I did get a chuckle out of seeing topless photos of her frolicking on a St Lucian beach from this past weekend.  I have to say that her boobies looked pretty good, but.... I missed the hive and eyeliner.  Just imagine how better those photos would have been if she was splashing about in the sea with that damn beehive on.  Certainly it would have shielded Amy's ta tas from the prying eyes of the paparazzi.  Bring back the beehive!  Bring back my sweet, moderately drunk, but still producing great Amy Winehouse from about two years ago.  That's my Christmas wish.  That's what I'm dreaming of........ 

Fun New Blog Alert!

My blog buddy Jason O'Malley just launched his second site which is called, The Rural Modernist * diary of a backwoods design junkie.  It's so fresh that it still has that new blog smell.  Click over and take a whiff--- the scent is good!  You most likely know Jason from his hilarious pop culture poking blog Doodlewhore, from his greeting card company, or you certainly have seen his illustration work as it is everywhere. 

In Jason's own words about his new blog:
So here I give you my perspective as The Rural Modernist: an illustrator and greeting card peddler living two hours north of New York City in the Catskills with his boyfriend and dog, listening to The Smiths and Madonna while rearranging the furniture, surfing the net for more crap, scavenging through barns and tag sales, watching bad t.v., and keeping the bears out of the bird feeder.

Great new site Jason, can't wait to read more!

The Real Housewives of Orange County. I've got more dish!

A trustworthy little birdie flew by and dropped off some serious dish about Gretchen, and it's pretty major.  Thanks little birdie!  I will say that I'm no Barbara Walters.  Or Matt Lauer.  I can't verify that any of this is true.  It may just be a creative writing exercise that a loyal reader sent me.  Or it may be the dirty, sordid, twisted truth. 
Interested?

What's PRETTY today?

Sean William Scott in a jock strap and less is definitely PRETTY today. NSFW!  Oh La La Mag

Just in case you forgot that Paris Hilton is an idiot.  La Rag Mag

Merry Christmas!  Matthew McConaughey's bare ass on display.  NSFW!  OMG blog

HBO has a new series about giant penises called Hung.  Merry Christmas again!  Dlisted

Are Britney and Benji Madden a couple?  Do you care?  PITNB

Ryan Kwanten is the Hunk Du Jour?  Yes, yes, yes!!!!!!  HDJ

The Real Housewives of Orange County. Yawn and stretch and try to come to life.

That last part of the title is a lyric from Dolly Parton's 9 to 5.  Her song was on repeat in my head as I watched this week's episode.  Perhaps it was all the hair extensions, pounds of makeup, and augmented breasts?  Or perhaps it was due to the Thera Flu mixed with Sudafed garnished with cough drops and the two glasses of Prosecco I drank while watching and drawing this last Real Housewives of Orange County?  I, unfortunately, picked up a nasty, icky, and yucky cold, sore throat, and cough which just won't leave so---- sorry these are coming so late.  You can let know if this batch of drawings seems better or worse as a result of my heavily medicated state.  Without further ado......

Meet Lynne.  The latest housewife.

I think it's kinda odd that Quinn and Tammy were replaced without even a mention.  I did see Quinn in  the background at the trunk show episode, but still, it seems like something should be said.  So this season we have Burlesque Barbie Gretchen and youth obsessed Lynne as their replacements.  I don't really have an opinion about Lynne just yet, as we are just being introduced.  I do find it amusing that Lynne's 17 year old daughter was giving her mom hangover remedies.  That's stunning parenting.

Next we have my beloved and highly cherished Vicki.  This whole time I've been spelling her name with a y and just now realized it's Vicki with an I.  And a yelp.  Guess through my cold medicine haze I had a moment of clarity.

Unlike Lynne, I do have lots of feelings and opinions about Vicki with an I.

Love B Scott is living my fantasy.

Please excuse me for this posting as I have a wicked cold and my PM medicine hasn't worn off.  That didn't stop me from popping a Sudafed this morning and a handful of cough drops.  Needless to say, I'm a little cloudy right now which can be a fun way to surf the blogs.  I stumbled across a video on Love B Scott's site featuring the insanely hot actor and Playgirl centerfold Marcus Patrick.  I thought I was dreaming as I watched that video or perhaps was having a deja vu?  I think I've had that same fantasy featuring him..........

I

Image from Darian Aaron

Gods of Football, hallowed be thy name.

I opened my email this morning to discover photos from The 2009 Gods of Football Calender had been sent to me.  Color me flattered!  This very important document showcases nude Australian professional rugby players.  And really, does it get any better than that?  Short of a winning lottery ticket, I can't think of anything else.  Please visit Gods Of Football for more photos, lists of cities and stores where you can purchase this treasured collectible, and for further ordering info.  It can also be ordered directly on this link to Amazon.com. 

Here's a teaser photo....

Follow the link below to see the full, uninterrupted image along with a couple other stunning shots.

Thanks Robert!

What's PRETTY today?

Good or bad, I'll see just about anything Hugh Jackman stars in.  I can not wait for his upcoming spin-off Wolverine!  There's a trailer following the link.  Oh La La Mag

Robert Downey Jr is showing some serious abs in Guy Richie's new Sherlock Holmes film.  La Rag Mag

Santas showing some skin.  Kenneth In The 212

PETA has a list of "ins" and "outs".  Which category does Prop 8 fall in?  Here's a hint.... I'll be having bacon for breakfast.  Good As You

Actor Scott Caan accidentally flashed his meat and potatoes while changing out of his wetsuit.  Fortunately a photog caught the action. NSFW!  OMG blog

Bush dodges a shoe.  Twice!  Doodlewhore

Bill Williams is the Hunk Du Jour?  Yes.  Yes he is.  HDJ

Prop 8 Portrait: photographer Frank Louis.

This would be Prop 8 portrait number six.  I'm endlessly fascinated how connected we all are through the internet.  Does that make me sound old?  I first encountered the beautiful work of New York based photographer Frank Louis when pictures he'd taken of the uber hunky Jack Mackenroth from Project Runway season four were splashed around the internet.  Those would be some very, very, very important undressed pictures.  I followed a link back to its source and discovered Frank's site--- and stayed for a long time.  I'm just going to get this out of the way and say that on his site, there are some nude portraits.  And they are fantastic.  So now you can decide if you'd wish to follow the link to Frank Louis's photography site.  Hope you do.  I was struck by the intimacy and sensuality of his portraits.  There's an instant connection in his portraits and even a playful nature.  The models look like they are at ease.  Beautiful people in beautiful photographs--- they should be having fun. 
After finding his site, I was so inspired by Frank's photos of Jack that I did a drawing based on one of them.  At the time, I was doing my usual TIVO drawings of Project Runway.  At the end of one of those PR postings, I included that drawings along with a link to Frank's site.  You'll see that drawing at the end of this link.  Frank noticed hits coming in from my site, sent me a very nice message, and an email friendship was born.  Frank let Jack know about my drawings and Jack then emailed me.  I sent him that drawing and would like to think that Jack has it displayed in a prized area of his home.  Remember how I said I was fascinated by how connected we are?
Beyond gorgeous portraits on Frank's site, you'll see headshots, fashion photos, travel shots, and many are available for purchase.  I asked Frank if he'd like to be included in this series and he kindly agreed to participate.  I'd like to mention that home page of his site has an End Prop H8te portrait.   

Please follow the link to read Frank's thoughts on gay marriage and the passing of Prop 8.

Some Pretty Link-y Love

Sorry, I'm having an irregular flow this week.  My blogging schedule is off at the moment.  As I get it right, please follow these links to some pop culture goodies which caught my attention.  Hopefully these will catch yours too.

Thank you Steph and Alek for always providing such arousing eye candy!  Oh La La Mag

Britney's normalcy campaign continues.  You buying it?  La Rag Mag

Jennifer Aniston's GQ cover makes me feel bad for her.  Dlisted

In a NY FART.  :)  CityRag

Ad watching with a discerning eye.  Kenneth In The 212

Portrait #33 in this ongoing series is one of my favorites.  Winston Torr

The Real Housewives of Orange County. I've got some dish!

I've been doodling and making commentary on The Real Housewives of Orange County since its second season.  I'd pour myself a giant glass of wine, hit pause on my TIVO during one of the housewives' confessional moments, and then do a ten to fifteen minute drawing.  Immediately I began hearing from people who worked on the show as well as others who knew those women.  That was season two.  Then last year during season three, the flood gates of gossip came pouring in as I heard lots and lots and lots about those gals.  And funny enough most of the actual Housewives left comments on this site.  It's like the field of dreams--- If you build it, they will come.  And comment.
So now that the fourth season is underway, I've received a ton of gossip about these gals from very credible sources.  I'll say, that I'm simply passing along info that was given to me by a source who shall remain nameless.  I'm spreading the wealth here.  If you don't wish to read the dish, then don't click on through.  If you do.... well..... pour yourself a stiff drink and read on.  Remember, I'm just the messanger here.  I can't be certain what I'm passing along is 100% fact or not.

The Real Housewives of Orange County. This is just a warm up.

If you are at all familiar with this blog, then you certainly know I have a freakish fascination with The Real Housewives of Orange County.  If you're new to my site, or if you'd simply like a brush up--- then please click on this link to see posting after posting of Cabernet soaked doodles and commentary.  As previously mentioned, I was out of town for the first two episodes of this season.  I will definitely be doing drawings of those shows as well as for all the upcoming ones.  Fortunately, I returned home to some free lance work so I'm still on a bit of a delay with my recaps.  Will be all caught up soon though. 

My drunken doodling of The OC gals may not technically be considered strenuous exercise, but I'm treating it as such.  Meaning--- I need a little warm up before jumping right into that peroxided, frozen-faced, cat-fighting, giant upper lipped cat-fight.  So, I decided to start off gently and easily with a sketch of my favorite OC lovely, Vicky Gunvalson.

I hit pause on my TIVO just in time to catch multi-tasking Vicky right after she'd taken a swig of wine, was snapping at her husband Don, and had a mouth full of cubed cheese squares.  That's a busy gal. 
I didn't mean to go so Picasso-esque on her.... but that's what I saw on my TV and this is what my hand drew.

You decide.

This can be filed under things I meant to post while I was away.  A couple of days before I left for New York, I was graced with a top hat wearing photo of Martinique or Martini was my sister calls her.  As with anytime I receive some Martini mail, my initial smile turns to amazement over the outfits he creates and finishes with great pride.  Remember, he's only nine and instead of having to hide his passion for glamorizing his mannequin, it's put right out there in plain site.  Martinique is standing out and proud in their living room in that festive holiday ensemble.  I'd ask my sister how it is that Martinique has a top hat, but knowing them it probably went something like this:

My sister to her son:  I'm going to the store.  Anything you need?

My nephew:  I need some school paper, a ruler, a #2 pencil, and some glitter.  Oh, and Martinique needs a black top hat.

My sister:  Done.

My first thought after opening that Martinique photo was that my nephew has his finger on the fashion pulse.  Something I already knew, but that picture reaffirmed it. Madonna has been rocking the white top hat on her current tour..... Martinique is rocking the black top hat in their living room..... so.... I have to ask you all to decide who is wearing it best?  I personally think Martinique looks healthier and more life like than Madge, but that's just me.  I wish I had a photo of my nephew in that hat to add to the lineup as he'd certainly put both of them to shame.  :)

I have another Martinique image coming later this week.  Stay tuned...... 

Goodbye New York. I'll miss you.

Hello again. When my bf and I headed off to New York two weeks ago, I really had planned on doing some postings here and there.  Well....... that clearly that didn't happen.  Oopsy!  Instead I happily let the blog world pass me by and I chose to focus on my friends and fun instead.  The right choice.  Thanks to all of you who left such nice comments, birthday wishes, and sent emails--- you make doing this site worthwhile.

New York was as amazing as ever and the trip flew right on by.  Above was the view from our 15th floor hotel window in Soho.  I'd stand there looking out over the apartments, hotels, stores, and bustling streets feeling like what I imagine Mariah Carrey feels like when she's up in her penthouse--- inspired, tall, classy, pretty, and just a little crazy. 

   

I'd seen photos of the above Banksy mural, but didn't know where exactly it had been painted in the city.  Turns out, it was right around the corner from our hotel.  While heading east on Grand Street, I just happened to look back and see it.  I did a... "Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God...." as I grabbed my bf's arm and pointed to the mural.  He looked at it, looked at me, and said, "Oh, OK."  He clearly wasn't as excited as I was.  I'm a big Banksy fan so I may have even peed a little when I first saw it.  Every day I'd walk by it and smile.