Now on-line… Born Yesterday Act III!

On October 26, 2014 we performed the 3rd act of Born Yesterday. Here's a link to watch it online.  So now along with Act II, you can watch the third act of the show.

Here's the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkdDZN7WX8o&feature=youtu.be

WHO EVER SAID YOU CAN'T GO HOME AGAIN…Well they were wrong… cause I am!

Here's a heads up, on October 26th, 2014 at 3pm I'll be performing in Born Yesterday, this time, Act III. Here's the promo for it…
As noted before: The 2nd Act is now available to watch on YouTube. Here's the link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dywVR1w-Lms

Myself and Elizabeth Hodes

WHILE I WASN'T BORN YESTERDAY, I DID GET THE CHANCE TO PERFORM IN IT — WELL AT LEAST, IN ACT II OF IT!

As showcased in the photo's presented here in this post, on Sunday, September 28, 2014 @ 3pm, I had the chance to get back up in front of an audition and give it my all. A little rusty but. but yes, I am still in love with those few minutes when I disappear and whomever I am portraying takes over. 

Heads-up: the performance is now available to watch on YouTube.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dywVR1w-Lms

Elizabeth Hodes and me

(Left to right: Walter Tyszka, Joanne Joseph, Larry Gutman, 
Elizabeth Hodes, Joe Pacifico, and Neil Feigeles.) 

(Left to right: Elizabeth Hodes, Joe Pacifico, and Neil Feigelesl. 

DOING BACKGROUND WORK, WHILE NOT THE DREAM JOB FOR AN ACTOR, SOMETIMES CAN BE A DREAM COME TRUE.
I don't usually discuss working as an extra, doing background, being the moving furniture, or just the blur that gives atmosphere to a scene in the project. 
But most recently I've gotten the chance to be background, an extra, and probably most likely the blur in a few frames of Steven Spielberg's latest motion picture. St. James Place, which happens to star a relatively unknown actor called Tom Hanks.
And all I can say is, is wow. Talk about a great experience. I mean if you have to do background work, what better way to spend the hours, watching, learning, and performing as requested, by one of the greatest directors who has ever lived, and my personal favorite.
Having gotten the chance to work on a number of projects headed by names such as Mel Brooks, Woody Allen and Martin Scorsese, sometimes one might think that I would be jaded by now, I mean, its only Steven Spielberg! But seeing the greats do what they do best, is the best reason to work on anything in my book. Of course its also the project, be it programs like Sex and the City, Monk, Law & Order, original, CI, & SVU, films like Birdman, Spiderman 2, The Amazing Spiderman 2, Elf, The Stepford Wives (remake), The Producers (Musical) and Mona Lisa Smiles just to name a few, all have had moments that were worth just working background. Seeing talent be it infront of, or behind the camera has always made this crazy dream of mine, even at its lowest ebb, worth all the aggravation of waking up at 2am for a 5am call time.
Getting the chance to see Steven Spielberg work, surrounded by his posse of Oscar winning brethren, watching how everything runs perfectly smooth and with a purpose. Even the way that the PA's treat the lowly non-unions… a total class act. Seeing in person how this astonishingly gifted film maker works, showcases how and why he keeps producing if not the best and most entertaining films in the world at least on a par with them. 

Growing up and discovering his work, even before he was a household name, there was always something very special about him. From his Night Gallery episode with Joan Crawford, to Duel with Dennis Weaver, to Jaws, to Close Encounters, to ET, to Shindler's List, to Empire of The Sun, to A.I. and the other 20 or so films he's directed. I've admired and enjoyed them all… mostly with at least a few tears involved. The man knows his craft.  And witnessing him up close has always been one of my dreams.

In 1987, while living in Los Angeles, I was honored to get an interview at Amblin with Ed Verreaux, the famed Production Designer and storyboard artist on many a great motion picture. I was there to showcase my illustrations. During the interview I was privileged to get a tour of the offices. Lets just say, seeing E.T.s' mother ship is one memory I will never forget. Getting a glimpse of the Production Designs for Empire of the Sun was to me like witnessing The Sistine Chapel. At one point, Mr. Verreaux said "That if Steven shows up we'd have to end the interview early."  When I asked "Steven who?" He said "Steven Spielberg!" My response was well, totally me, "You mean you call him Steven?"
He smiled at me and said "Yes!" I was a lot younger then… Sadly, the interview wasn't interrupted. And I didn't get the chance to meet the man himself. But a few days later, Ed Verreaux let me know that he had showed Steven Spielberg my art and he especially liked my E.T. painting. 
I must admit that during the four days I spent working on St. James Place, The thought of somehow reminding him of that time, almost 30 years ago, when he was shown my illustrations, and actually supposedly liked them... crossed my mind practically everytime I was in earshot of his voice. Each time he walked within 10 feet of where I was placed, I wanted to whip out the original art and go… remember me. Alas, the rendezvous never happened. I'll just have to keep that to myself, and to the people who discover my little blog.

Neil

I know, who would have thunk it, I got cast in the William Holden role!

I know its's been a while, here, but actually have good excuses… I've been busy on several fronts. 
Most recently learning lines has taken priority over drawing and writing. Tomorrow (actually today, as I write this), Sunday., September 28th, 2014 @ 3pm, I'll be performing the role of Paul Verrall in Act ll of Garson Kanin's stage and film comedy classic Born Yesterday! 

Long story short, we are performing a benefit, and this is the second of three shows. The first Act was performed last month with a different actor in the role. Luckily for me they needed someone and I got the call…yes! 
Been a while since I got the chance to strut my stuff, in a performance in front of an audience… I can not wait.
Of note: Next month, we'll be performing Act 3 of the show, the info is showcased on the poster below. Thanks.

Both promotional items was designed by yours truly.

Heads-Up… yes, yet another new place to see my art online

I recently I set up another new site:
http://neil-feigeles.artistwebsites.com to help promote my art, and perhaps earn a few cents in the process…

So, if you like some, or all, of the illustrations I've showcased here or on other sites on the web, here's a new place where you can see and actually purchase canvas prints, framed prints, metal prints, greeting cards, and even iPhone cases.
http://neil-feigeles.artistwebsites.com

Note: If there are any illustrations that you know of and don't see there, that you are interested in, please let me know. 

Neil 

UPDATE
Received this cool item today to help remember the exhibition that my art was showcased at last Summer.

See.Me 
Exhibition Space   
LIC, Queens NY
The Story of the Creative
July 29 - Sept 10, 2013
Exhibition opened on 
July 25, 2013 at 
The Angel Orensanz Foundation 
in New York City.

Hugh jackman is The Wolverine

© Neil Feigeles, Sunday, April 13, 2014,  27" x 25" Digital art 

Hugh Jackman is The Wolverine © Neil Feigeles,  Illustrated in photoshop. Here's my first attempt at capturing the man whose become the face of famed comic book character, The Wolverine. As The X-Men's most popular character, trying to find an actor that would bring his specific heroics, probably seemed like a difficult choice. But from the moment Hugh Jackman appeared on screen he has owned the character of Logan as his own. Seemingly resolving any questions if he was right to play him. Personally I couldn't be happier. 

Below is a chart of the finished sketch as I created it using my bamboo pen. No tracing,  just drawing from scratch just like the good old days of pencil on paper, but with the benefit of modern technology. 

Lupita Nyong'o: A Beauty Simply Out of This World 

© Neil Feigeles, Tuesday, March 4, 2014,  25" x 24" Digital art 

Lupita Nyong'o: A Beauty Simply Out of This World © Neil Feigeles,  Illustrated in photoshop. Every so often a performer arrives that truly shakes up the status quo in regards to what beauty is. And as a person who prides himself in capturing likenesses, Lupita Nyong'o's seemingly perfect face was something I had to try to capture. 
To showcase her in space might seem odd, but the buzz on the internet is that Lupita, might be offered one of the leads in the next Star Wars film. And seeing that Lupita's beauty at least in my humble opinion is simply out of this world. Having her showcased amongst the stars seemed appropriate and different then what others might do. And honestly, I'm pretty happy with how the stars came out...

Below is a chart of the finished sketch as I created it using my bamboo pen. No tracing,  just drawing from scratch just like the good old days of pencil on paper, but with the benefit of modern technology. 

Lily and Herman Munster

© Neil Feigeles, Tuesday, March 4, 2014,  25" x 22.75" Digital art 

Lily and Herman Munster © Neil Feigeles, March 4, 2014, Illustrated in photoshop. This weeks sketch is of one of my favorite television couples ever. Growing up, the 1960's brought us many an enjoyable sit-com. But none, except possibly The Adams Family, successfully used the horror genre as The Munsters did. Its possibly why both, enjoyed as much commercial and pop-cultural success. As for me it was possibly the coolest show on television. Every character perfectly created to live in the shows TV world. And yes, I wanted Eddie Munster to be my friend! Fred Gwynne and Yvonne De Carlo both helped bring to life two of of the most amazingly enjoyable monsters to ever grace our television sets. 

Below is a chart of the finished sketch as I created it using my bamboo pen. No tracing,  just drawing from scratch just like the good old days of pencil on paper, but with the benefit of modern technology. 

Spiderman's Web

© Neil Feigeles, February 17, 2014,  26" x 29" Digital art 

Spiderman's Web © Neil Feigeles, February 17, 2014, Illustrated in photoshop. Here's my latest attempt at bringing Marvel Comics most famous character, The Amazing Spider-Man to life. And luckily for us, the current cinematic take on old web head, is being performed by gifted young actor, Andrew Garfield, who seems born to play Peter Parker. Lastly, a personal thank you to the costume designer,  you did it, you got the costume right… well at least the mask! 

Below is a chart of the finished sketch as I created it using my bamboo pen. No tracing,  just drawing from scratch just like the good old days of pencil on paper, but with the benefit of modern technology. 

Darth Maul: Fallen Sith Lord

© Neil Feigeles, February 10, 2014,  26" x 29" Digital art 

Darth Maul: Fallen Sith Lord © Neil Feigeles, February 10, 2014, sketched in photoshop. Darth Maul, is one of George Lucas' most cool creations in his galaxy of characters. It was a blast playing with the markings on his face.

Below is a chart of the finished sketch as I created it using my bamboo pen. No tracing,  just drawing from scratch just like the good old days of pencil on paper, but with the benefit of modern technology. 

Yoda: Jedi Master'

© Neil Feigeles, February 4, 2014,  23" x 23" Digital art 

Yoda: Jedi Master © Neil Feigeles, February 4, 2014, sketched in photoshop. For a puppet, Yoda, is one of George Lucas' most human of creations in his galaxy of characters. Personally it was love at first sight. I hope I've given the little fellow the dignity he deserves.

Below is a chart of the finished sketch as I created it using my bamboo pen. No tracing,  just drawing from scratch just like the good old days of pencil on paper, but with the benefit of modern technology. 

Elsa Lanchester is 'The Bride of Frankenstein'

© Neil Feigeles, January 26, 2014,  23" x 23" Digital art 

Elsa Lancester is 'The Bride of Frankenstein' © Neil Feigeles, January, 26, 2014, sketched in photoshop. Elsa Lanchester created one, if not the greatest female character ever showcased on film. Literally bringing The Bride to life, in an awe-inspiring performance. Trying to capture her likeness was something I've wanted to attempt for a long time. Pretty happy with the results. 

Below is the black and white unfinished version. You tell me if I should have left good enough alone, or if I was right to add a little color to the mix. Note, the color showcased in the finished art was done on a separate layer. [For those interested, and for accuracy purposes] I actually duplicated the file, figured, better safe then sorry. I added the color in the new version, preserving the original. 

Below is a chart of the finished sketch as I created it using my bamboo pen. No tracing,  just drawing from scratch just like the good old days of pencil on paper, but with the benefit of modern technology. 

Nicholas Hoult is 'R'
Nicholas Hoult is 'R'  25" x 30" Digital art  © Neil Feigeles  January 19, 2014

From the 2013 zombie romantic comedy Warm Bodies here's a portrait of the great character 'R' as he was perfectly portrayed by actor Nicholas Hoult.

The Wolf Man: Lon Chaney Jr.  
 The Wolf Man: Long Chaney Jr.  24"x28.5" Digital art  © Neil Feigeles  January 12, 2014

What began as a quick black & white sketch of the actor Lon Chaney Jr., soon morphed into the classic American Horror film character, The Wolf Man. The film, first released in 1941 still holds up as the true interpretation of the legendary creation. Hopefully my first attempt at the actors take on the character does his extraordinary creation justice.