Carefree Artist: May 2026

5/13/26

Know the Peas in your Family Pod -- Degrees of Separation of Genetic Relatives.

Don’t think ancestors separated from you by many degrees could have passed down influential genes? Oh, do I have some true stories for you. But ahead of International Day of Families on May 15th, I’ll skip that (for now) and just post this infographic for anyone interested.

You can download a PDF of the poster here.

5/6/26

Germline Mutations: Illustrating the Cycle of Hereditary Cancer in Families.

Germline Mutations are genetic changes that are present in genes in sperm or eggs (germ cells) at the time of conception. Some germline mutations in tumor suppressor genes can increase the risk for developing hereditary cancer.

Genetic testing looks for changes in genes that have been linked to hereditary cancer. These particular inherited genetic changes are called pathogenic germline mutations.

To learn more about germline mutations and to download the infographic, go to genetionary.org.

About this blog/art journal...

The Carefree Artist is about my artistic endeavors and adventures as a professional freelance creative. Posts might feature a cartoon, or a recently published illustration from a book or magazine assignment, or an original piece of art that I might be selling to try and raise funds for my art supply donation project. All with an emphasis on originality.

Why did I name this journal the Carefree Artist*? Actually, it’s really just a wishful sentiment. A professional life in the arts, mine included, is usually anything but carefree. But oh, how wonderful it would be to really be a carefree artist! Living the simple life in a quiet and inspiring location and creating a ton of art just for art's sake!

The name was also inspired by the Carefree Highway. A road that played an important role in my life... More about this journal's name at the bottom of this page.

Please see my website, MARKiX.net, for more info and more samples of my work.

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A Note from the Artist...

As you look around this blog you can’t help but notice a distinct change in the artwork and the tone of the content over the past few years. There’s a good reason for this -- being a cancer caregiver and then the death of my wife due to hereditary cancer. A cancer that was preventable.

I never wanted this blog to be a place where I unloaded anger and sadness because of cancer and grief. I had other plans, more lighthearted and whimsical. But when you have the love of your life take their last breath in your arms because vital genetic info was not shared, it changes everything.

So, I have chosen to use my humble little corner of the world to speak up about hereditary cancer awareness and the unbearable heartache of the untimely loss of a loved one.


	Art, Desert Beginnings, and Someday


	Delicate Sounds of Nature


	First (and Last) Contact


	Drawing Science


	Award-winning Junior Ranger Book


	La Fiesta, NOT Tijuana


	Depressed Post-Impressionist Not Impressed


	A Bad Head Day


	Meet Dusty Pack

5/31/26

Valuing Artists

5/13/26

Know the Peas in your Family Pod -- Degrees of Separation of Genetic Relatives.

5/6/26

Germline Mutations: Illustrating the Cycle of Hereditary Cancer in Families.

And no, I do not live in Carefree, Arizona. I live in Phoenix. Land values in Carefree are, unfortunately, not particularly friendly for those pursuing freelance artistic endeavors.