"I AM GROOT"

GROOT OF THE GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

© Neil Feigeles, Friday, December 17, 2015 

"I am Groot"  Groot of the Guardians of the Galaxy © Neil Feigeles,  Illustrated with Prismacolor pencils. Here's my first attempt at capturing the essence of this terrific character. First created by the genius of Stan Lee, Jack Kirby & Dick Ayers, and made into an international icon by the film adaptation, Marvel's Guardians of the Universe, and voiced by the actor Vin Diesel. Sketch out in Prismacolor on 24lb 8 1/2"  x 11" paper.  I must say, I feel in love with the character in the film, and have always loved his secular physical look.
Below is a chart of the finished sketch as I created it using Prismacolor pencils. No tracing just drawing from scratch just like the good old days of pencil on paper. 

Man of Steel

© Neil Feigeles, Friday, December 11, 2015 

Man of Steel © Neil Feigeles,  Illustrated with Prismacolor pencils. Here's my latest attempt at capturing the likeness of the actor who has become the face of famed comic book hero, Henry Cavill. Sketch out in Prismacolor on 24lb 8 1/2"  x 11" paper.  I must say, Henry Cavill, truly looks like the famed superhero. And its always fun to draw anyone with such classic  bone structure.
Below is a chart of the finished sketch as I created it using Prismacolor pencils. No tracing just drawing from scratch just like the good old days of pencil on paper. 

MY FIRST LEAD!

It took me long enough, but another item on my things I'd like to experience list just happened to occur to me yesterday. I was the lead in a student film!  Not only was I the lead, but, the film is called THE PAINTER and well I played… the painter. Cool.  

Its been a rather eventful 2015 for me. From getting back on stage, several times, to finally getting my first real speaking role (VIRTUAL REALITY RE UP) and then attending my first screening of something that I'm actually acting in. But my most recent gig, which I filmed on Monday November 23rd, a short, written and directed by Julie Angelo at the New York Film Academy's beautiful new space on Broadway was my first real lead on film. And yes, it was shot on actual film, not digital, and I was the lucky person who she chose to play the lead.  
Below is a posting I just put on Facebook with some new added commentary, about my experience working on the film and playing my first lead and title character in The Painter.
Yesterdays filming of the short 'The Painter' was lots of fun. Basically it was kind of a full circle moment for me. Playing an artist setting up a paint shoot is something which I did as a teenager a lot while learning how to paint.  Especially during my days at SVA, and my early years as an illustrator. And something at the time, I thought I would be doing for the rest of my life, that is until this crazy dream I've been living the last 18 years or so began. Well all these years later, here I was at NYFA, doing something I hadn't really done in years… using live models to paint from (in character), directing my assistant in the movement of the lighting, and telling the actors [playing my models in the film], how to pose for me. 
You see the film was about an artist recreating the great Caravaggio's brilliant David with the Head of Goliath. Growing up Caravaggio was one of my idols. I loved his art, and yes, I attempted to learn from recreating some of his genius, among the many other talents I aspired to one day become. Somewhere in my storage I probably have one or two of them waiting to be showcased in a retrospective, if I'm ever given one.
So its seems this was a role I was born to play. Guess, my acting teachers were right, All experiences in life, get you ready for when you need to perform them on stage or screen. So what I did yesterday, wasn't acting. When I painted, I was really painting, not pretending to be a painter, painting.
The night before the shoot as I rehearsed, imagining what I would be doing during the filming, I visualized what the set was gonna be. Playing with how I would stand holding the brushes, how I would direct the other players in the game. Not knowing exactly what I had to play with. I mean, was my set up, my props as it were, gonna work?  
So I entered the set to see a new easel, Blank canvas, a single paint brush and 4 tubes of acrylic paint [white, black, red and a golden ochre type yellow]. Luckily I brought my own dozen brushes of various sizes and two rags I've used over the last few years when painting in oil. I did suggest we needed a place to put the items on, since all we had to place things was the easel. And a small table magically appeared from another room in the building a few minutes later.
I was given off-white over-alls to wear. Which I proceeded to mess up with the paint, with lots of help from my director, Julie Angelo. Since as I queried, is this the first time I've ever painted, meaning am I a novice in the film or am I an experience painter? As expected this wasn't my first time at the rodeo. So we had fun for a few minutes making my threads, seem authentic. I dirtied my hands with paint, we also took what was a brand new palette and made it seem that I had been painting with it for a while. 
Well as the day began. I was staring at this approximately 26" x 40" blank canvas. I asked Julie, was I allowed to mess up the new canvas or were they saving it for the next shoot? She told me to play, but that the canvas wouldn't be seen. She was gonna frame the camera, so that the actual canvas itself would never be on screen. 
You see, the film was about the setting up, not about the painting process itself, before I started the actual painting. Well as we rehearsed, and filmed sequences and as I killed time, between takes and set ups. I began to play with the paint. At first trying to match the original painting, and then, really trying to match the actors. Even when they were not in their proper  positions. Simply painting in character. Well, as the painting was developing, the crew, and the director every so often would, stare at me, watch me paint and what I was painting, and someone was taking lot of stills (so there might be pictures of the filming I might be able to share, sometime). Anyway, as this was happening, our director starting making noises about using the painting somehow in the shoot.
Well, turns out that the ending of the film will showcase at least some part of the painting. So it seems, my artistic abilities again, helped me achieve another goal of mine. Playing the lead in a film. 
I must say, that approximately half of the painting was done without my glasses on. So  basically as I was painting, my models were out of focus. Also, no I didn't sign the painting during filming. So when its showcased, my signature will not appear on screen. Afterwards, I  put my John Hancock on it, gave the painting to Julie as a gift. The best part of the whole experience, beside the whole experience of being the lead in a film, again, my first. Or getting another chance to say words on camera and continue this current hot streak that I'm on. But, honestly  it was getting the chance to pick up the brush and just freestyle a painting without really worrying how it looked, or even if it looked like the original. 
And as I type this to my right is my easel, standing there, awaiting for me to pick up my brushes… 

See dad, it did pay to go to art school. 
Neil

BIG NEWS:

Come this November 13 -15, I'll be performing in a nifty historical drama… 

The Devils as Adam…

Showcased is the poster for the show.

Directed by Craig Hutchison, whom I had the pleasure of working with before last July in Arsenic & Old Lace. 

BECOMING A COSTUMED PERFORMER, MAYBE, I SHOULD THINK ABOUT IT…

Say hello to my new alias: Murray the Moose!
So that was fun! Spent a great day on the set of Blue Angel, Starring Staney Tucci, the film is currently shooting in New York City.
A few weeks before, I had gotten the call to work on a new project, and a few weeks later here I was, filming on the grounds of Fordham University, up in the Bronx, NY. 
I must say it was an amazingly beautiful campus, and a great place to pretend we were in the middle of freezing cold winter day in Vermont. Uncomfortably it was a beautiful warm fall day, and well, lets just say, it was quite hot and a bit sweaty for those of us in front of the camera. But thats the way it works in this business we call show.
As showcased in the montage, here I am dressed as the mascot of the University, Murray the Moose! I always love getting the chance to do something different and especially something fun as this. First time, professionally have I ever been asked to wear anything like this. Mind you it wasn't something that I was expecting or asked for, the rest of the day, I was in 'normal' winter dress, sweater, jacket, hat, gloves and I basically I played a professor/parent on a parents weekend event. We were in the background as Staney Tucci went about his business. 
Anyway, on this day, I was the lucky one chosen out of the assorted options… and well, for once I guess I fit the part. I jumped at the chance to get into that suit. It was actually very comfortable, and I was relishing the opportunity to, as they say, stand out in the crowd. Honestly I loved it, and well, I'm rethinking my career… well, lets just say, I'd think about it if I got the right offer.
Right before we began shooting, I got the chance to briefly speak to our director, and we discussed what he was looking for in my performance. How far did he want me to go? Simply, not too far, just happily give out some fliers and don't scare anyone away. And have fun with it!
Well I did. Best part was between takes, lets just say, I hope they were filming me…the out takes will be worth the cost of the DVD. I was in a zone.
Thats its for now… Neil

Projects I’ve worked on:
Over the years, I’ve gotten the chance to work on a number of projects. Be it on film, Television, or Stage. 

For example, showcased her is Bridge of Spies (check out my earlier post that details my experience working oaths film) So I created a  ‘board’ which will showcase some of those projects, via their poster art, an image from the project, or a scene from it, possibly with yours truly in it…

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/293648838181966390/

Presidential Candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton

© Neil Feigeles, Sunday, August 16, 2015,  23.5" x 24.9" Digital art 

Presidential Candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton © Neil Feigeles,  Here's my first attempt at capturing the essence of possibly our next President, Hillary Clinton. I've personally always admired her,  and hopefully my art gives her the gravitas that I think she deserves. Win or lose, this great American has solidified her place in the history books. Personally I hope, her story has an even more historic chapter to write. And yes, she's got my vote.  

Below is a chart of the finished sketch,  The art was hand illustrated by me. Drawn in Corel Painter, using a Wacom tablet. No tracing,  just drawing from scratch just like the good old days of pencil on paper, but with the benefit of modern technology. 

BIG NEWS:  JUST BEEN CAST IN A NEW SHOW!

Casey — 30 years later!  

About a month back I auditioned for Beverly Bonner of Basket Case fame. You see, she's written a wonderful comedy and I'm now performing in it. You heard that correct. I'm back in a new show. 

In September, I'll start playing 2 roles in the production, Dusty the Drunk & the Basket Box, but before that I'll be filling in for another actor on 2 other roles, this coming Monday August 17, and playing… well you have to see it. Lets just say, you'll be seeing a different side of me. Hmmm…

Of note: When I was in my twenties, sometime in the early '80s I went to see the movie Basket Case [for the first time], at one of its Midnight screenings downtown Manhattan. And it wasn't the only time I saw it… so I am very stoked to actually get my chance to play in the same Universe as the one and only Beverly Bonner, or should I write Casey!

Comedy, Horror, Sexy Twisted Characters?   That’s Casey---30 Year Later!  The play that will have you running for your Prozac!  After shocking you with our naughty Ladies of the Evening and Casey’s no holds barred dialogue, we’ll scare the crap out of you with our very own wicked serial killer living in Casey’s lower East Side bar lurking in a mysterious Basket-Box, then when we have finished shocking you senseless, we’ll finish you off by killing you with laughter!  WHAT A WAY TO GO!!!

CASEY----30 YEARS LATER!!,  written by, directed and starring Beverly Bonner, is based upon her “Casey” character in Frank Henenlotter’s cult horror film classic, “Basket Case.”  Released in 1982, this horror film tells the story of a young man who carries his deformed conjoined twin brother in a large basket while seeking vengeance on the doctors who separated them against their will.  Written and directed by Frank Henenlotter, “Basket Case” became a cult hit and spawned two sequels.

BROADWAY COMEDY CLUB 318 West 53rd (Between 8th and 9th) New York, New York 10019

Monday, August 17, 2015 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT

Please mention my name when you order or reserve the tickets… thanks

For more information and to order tickets, please go to.

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/casey-30-years-later-tickets-16327202101

ARSENIC & OLD LACE 

So much fun, getting the chance to perform in anything, but especially with a large ensemble. But reliving a favorite show from my youth and getting the chance to play in its genius, in its peculiar world, is truly a good reason to continue on this journey. 

Well here's one memory I'll keep, Here's the script for the show, with the autographs of everyone who appeared on it and behind it. 

Sadly no video to share… hopefully next time.

Here's the Program for the show, listing my fellow cast members and our wonderful director and producers. Below you will find the Programs cover…

BIG NEWS:  I'M BACK ON THE STAGE: YES!

Well here it is, the official postcard for the show.

I'll be performing the role of Mr. Gibbs, in the classic stage comedy: Arsenic & Old Lace.

As the images showcase: 

Dates: July 9 at 7PM. July 10 & 11 at 8PM, and July 12 at 3PM

Location:  Theatre at John De Sotelle Studio
300 West 43rd Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

Tickets: $20.00

For more information, please check out: http://arsenicandoldlacenyc.com

I DO HAVE A VOICE! Finally, my first real speaking role in a movie. If you wait long enough and try hard enough, eventually everything is possible. 

Over the last few months I've been really pushing my acting career. Going on multiple auditions. Most recently I appeared in a small project, as noted here on my blog, in Bell Express, as Mr. Button. While I was in it, and yes said some words. I actually didn't have a so-called speaking role. I was more a featured background. Close but no cigar.  
So getting cast as Bob in a film Virtual Reality Re Up, has been quite an exciting and eye-opening and life affirming experience.
Any worries, about my performance, my remembering of lines and who I was as this character was gone once I appeared on set. All my discussions with our director, James Wang were as I always hoped they would be. And happily when we were shooting I didn't do anything to blow my cover that this is all just an act and everyone will realize that I'm an artist pretending to be an actor, simply trying to live out my child hood dreams and fantasies.
In the film I play a music agent in a Virtual Reality game. And for me one of the highlights was being introduced to one of the actors in the film as the agent, and actually being asked by the actor "Why did I decide to take the star of the film as a client?" It took me a moment to realize what had occurred. And then explained to him, that "No, I wasn't his 'real' agent, I was playing his agent in the film." Then he looked at me and laughed and said "Bob?" Guess there was a reason I was cast in the role, I looked the part. Score. 
Since I made my decision to attempt my hand at acting, approximately 16 years ago, I've had a lot of reasons to give up this crazy dream. As I watch some of my peers get to their next level and I continue the struggle as the rest of your life tries to get you to give up… I mean how long can you try before maybe its time to give up? As my first acting coach told me, when I asked her at the end of our first year in Meisner, If I should actually attempt this, do I have it in me, or am I wasting my time… I watch American Idol, I see reality right in front of me… am I simply fooling myself?  Her response was an eye-opner:
"If I told you you sucked, would you stop?" I asked "Do I suck?" Her response struck home: "If you listen to what others have to say, maybe you shouldn't try." I of course asked her, "OK, but am I wasting my time, is this just a whim and a dream or do I have anything in me thats worth continuing my dreams"  And then she said "Neil, I gave you my answer"
In other words don't listen to others, listen to your heart. Of course again, a lot of people are deluding themselves, remember I watch American Idol and X-factor and…
That said, I walked out of the workshop that day, pondering her words… and still of course wondering if I was deluding myself… but still hoping that yes, I had it in me.
After that workshop, I began sending out my headshot and applying to gigs I thought I had a chance to at least be considered for. And within two months, after only my second audition I was offered my first acting role, in The 13th Street Rep's annual production of Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol. And I guess the rest is history.
So, finally after a lot of stage work, and lots of background work in film and television,  I am now finally getting to say actual words and to really feel like I've earned my membership into SAG-AFTRA. 

Neil

BELL EXPRESS

My latest bit of news, as some of you know, I've been auditioning a lot lately… happily some of those 'trials by fire' have begun to turn in my favor. Here's me on the set of BELL EXPRESS, a small independent feature I just acted in. The film, which is directed by Shange Zhang, is a fantasy about life, what one would do to be given more time. In the film, I play Mr. Button, basically I make a deal with the devil…again? Or should I call Lucifer, Mr. Bell? I truly had a blast for two days, getting to be this fun character. As our director kept reminding me before every take… "You are Mr. Button, you are not Neil, remember, Mr. Button." Surprisingly, with all the noise that's all around you behind the scenes, its great advice to get one's self ready for action.
Here are a couple of additional behind the scene shots. Showcased here is the ring which I wore during the shoot, actually the ring was given to me by my mom recently. It was my fathers pinky ring, and when our director, mentioned to me that my character was going to be wearing a ring, I told him, that I already had one which he might like. And once he saw my fathers ring… Shange had this huge grin on his face. In fact, the ring was used in the film and is supposedly featured thru-out, even when I'm not in it! In fact the ring worked more on the film then I did… Of note, as I wrote the ring is a pinky ring, well for a few days after the shoot my 'ring' finger, was swollen big time. What I do for my craft. 
Also showcased here is my lovely co-star, Rachel Cora Wood, my wife during the shoot. And lastly another shot of me on the bench having a Forrest Gump moment.

  

Of note, I also was recently cast in a production of Arsenic and Old Lace, which will be performing in July.

As more information is given on the release of the film and about performances of the play, I will update, sooner then later.

As for the play, the show has a Facebook page, here is the link. I presume they will be updating information, so if you are interested in being kept up to date, the link for that is: https://www.facebook.com/arsenicandoldlacenyc

It is also being 'Hatchfunded' (which is new to me) and here's link to that:

http://www.hatchfund.org/project/arsenic_and_old_lace

Neil

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.