Carefree Artist

10/11/16

10/3/16

Ever wonder what goes on inside the chrysalis of a monarch butterfly? It's a really amazing transformation -- especially the first part of it. Some spot art of mine from the October 2016 issue of ASK Magazine for kids 6 -9 yrs.

9/5/16

Gila Ben Goes to School

Gila Ben's A to Z Arizona Coloring Book being given out to students at Creighton Elementary School in Phoenix

Gila Ben, the Friendliest Gila Monster in the Grand Canyon State, is making his way to schools all around Arizona. Gila Ben's A to Z Arizona Coloring Book, being handed out to students by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, is a creation of mine. The superintendent's office was gracious enough to ask permission for the nonexclusive reproduction rights, and I was gracious enough to oblige. And, since our Arizona schools (kind of like artists) are perpetually underfunded, I was glad to provide the art and the rights gratis.

Sorry, I don't have any information about distribution of the coloring books. However, you can always contact the Superintendent's office about the needs of your school and for details about the Arizona Department of Education's version of the coloring book. For more info about Gila Ben and some free coloring pages of official Arizona state symbols for educational use go to www.GilaBen.com.

Learn how I (and Gila Ben) got started.

9/3/16

Rock and Roll Dinosaurs

Rock and Roll Dinosaurs

8/28/16

Artist of the Month: Mark A. Hicks | Wandering Educators

https://www.wanderingeducators.com/artisans/artisan-month/artist-month-mark-a-hicks.html

Artist of the Month: Mark A. Hicks | Wandering Educators

You may have seen our Artist of the Month, Mark Hicks, before on Wandering Educators - we love his work, and have shared much of his art... Read the whole interview here

8/15/16

The Storm

8/7/16

Plaguey of the Grand Canyon (and other National Parks and National Forests)

Meet Plaguey the Squirrel (tm). Learn why you should never pet or feed Plaguey. Download Plaguey's coloring page here. (This is for the lady on the Grand Canyon Rim Trail that choose to ignore the posted warning signs and just had to pet Plaguey.)

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

10/11/16

Trick or Treat Time

10/3/16

A Little Entomology

9/5/16

Gila Ben Goes to School

9/3/16

Rock and Roll Dinosaurs

8/28/16

Artist of the Month: Mark A. Hicks | Wandering Educators

8/15/16

The Storm

8/7/16

Plaguey of the Grand Canyon (and other National Parks and National Forests)

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.