RON WEASLEY 

AS PORTRAYED BY

ACTOR RUPERT GRINT

Art was sketched on Wednesday, Dec 30, 2015  © Neil Feigeles  

Hand drawn with Prismacolor color pencils on 24 lb, 8 1/2 x 11 white paper.

RON WEASLEY, AS PORTRAYED BY ACTOR RUPERT GRINT, like many, I was instantly charmed by the comedic abilities of actor Rupert Grint, as he seemed born to play Harry Potters best friend in the film versions of  J. K. Rowling's terrific series of novels. And watching him grow in the series as a actors was one of the highlights of the series for me.   

As for the art, I decided to sketch Ron, I mean Rupert, at a young age, when he was visually how I most see Harry in my imagination. The art was sketched the old fashioned way by hand and drawn with PRISMAcolor color pencils on December 30, 2015. The finished art was illustrated on 8 1/2” x 11”  24b white paper 

I also scanned my sketch in stages, to showcase this was done by hand. Hope you like…Neil

HARRY POTTER

AS PORTRAYED BY

ACTOR DANIEL RADCLIFFE

Art was sketched on Monday, Dec 28, 2015  © Neil Feigeles  

Hand drawn with Prismacolor color pencils on 24 lb, 8 1/2 x 11 white paper.

HARRY POTTER, AS PORTRAYED BY ACTOR DANIEL RADCLIFFE,  in the shockingly great adaptation of  J. K. Rowling's terrific series of novels. I honestly went to see the first film, simply cause with the world wide success of the novels, I knew that there would a decade's worth of movies coming out, and I wanted to see the first, get it out the way, so if it was good, great. And if it was bad, I wouldn't feel like I'm missing out on anything.

Luckily for all of us, the movies turned out to be better then anyone could have imagined. And I like many feel under the charms of a very young but talented new comer, Daniel Radcliffe, who totally took on the role and made it come alive. After seeing the first few films, I sat down and read the first books, and thoroughly enjoyed them. Actually me thinks the film adaptations are closer then even J. K. Rowling couldn't hoped for.

As for the art, I decided to sketch Harry, I mean Daniel, at a very young age, when he was visually how I most see Harry in my imagination. The art was sketched the old fashioned way by hand and drawn with PRISMAcolor color pencils on December 28, 2015. The finished art was illustrated on 8 1/2” x 11”  24b white paper 

I also scanned my sketch in stages, to showcase this was done by hand. Hope you like…Neil

THE WALKING DEAD'S 

MICHONNE

AS PLAYED BY ACTRESS DANAI GURIRA

Art was sketched on Sunday, Dec 27, 2015  © Neil Feigeles  

Hand drawn with Prismacolor color pencils on 24 lb, 8 1/2 x 11 white paper.

The Walking Dead's Michonne, as played by actress Danai Gurira, is my first attempt at capturing a character from AMC's hit zombie The Walking Dead. Personally being introduced to each new character on this terrific series has for me been an eye opener. To be perfectly honest I had never read the comic book, so my only knowledge of it was from what I had read about or seen on the internet. I do remember when it first came out, but wasn't buying comics at the time, and figured  its a zombie comic, I don't think so. I never said I was smart about my decisions. So now I get the extreme pleasure of discovering the stories and the characters as they appear on the series. It'll be interesting to eventually read the comic and see how similar the two versions are.

Back to the art, I'm thinking of doing an entire series of Walking Dead 'sketches' and this attempt at capturing one of my favorite characters has cemented the idea. That said, my next one, probably will be from another favorite of mine. And hopefully of yours.

As originally created in the comic book, by Robert Kirkman, Charles Allard and Cliff Rathburn, this series has not only conquered the world of television the original comic book is still going strong and is usually one of the highest selling titles.

The art was sketched the old fashioned way by hand on and drawn with PRISMAcolor color pencils on December 21, 2015. The finished art was illustrated on 8 1/2” x 11”  24b white paper 

I also scanned my sketch in stages, to showcase this was done by hand. Hope you like…Neil

SPIDERMAN

IN PRISMACOLOR

Art was sketched on Tuesday, Dec 23, 2015  © Neil Feigeles  

Hand drawn with Prismacolor color pencils on 24 lb, 8 1/2 x 11 white paper.

Spiderman in Prismacolor, Actually sketched this while viewing The Iron Giant on television. Watching one of my favorite animated films got me sketching one of my favorite comic book characters.

As created by Stan Lee, Steve Ditko and Jack Kirby, depending on who says what, at least one, if not all three of these geniuses of the comics world, with the aid of one of the greats John Romita Sr., helped launch this amazing creation into the stratosphere of heroic figures who have ever graced our comic book pages.

This isn't my first time trying to bring him to life, but its been a while since I've sketched him out in his comic book form as opposed to his theatrical adaptation. The art was sketched the old fashioned way by hand on and drawn with PRISMAcolor color pencils on December 21, 2015. The finished art was illustrated on 8 1/2” x 11”  24b white paper

I also scanned my sketch in stages, to showcase this was done by hand. Hope you like…Neil

DAENERYS TARGARYEN 
Mother of Dragons

Art was sketched on Sunday, Dec 21, 2015  © Neil Feigeles  

Hand drawn with Prismacolor color pencils on 24 lb, 8 1/2 x 11 white paper.

Daenerys Targaryen - Mother Of Dragons  

As portrayed beautifully by actress Emila Clarke, on the ground breaking HBO series Game of Thrones. Which of course was adapted from the  George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series of novels. 

I like many who have watched this brilliant series have been hooked from the second I sat down to watch it. Sadly, I skipped it at first, having never read the books (I hear they're good), I honestly wasn't interested in watching another bad sword and sorcery epic attempt on TV. So I decided to miss it. Not the first time I've done a dumb thing. So a week before the second season's finale aired. I decided to watch all of season one and all of season two (up to the next to last episode of the 2nd season ). Figured if I like it, I'd be able to enjoy the finale like everyone else as it was happening.

Well surprisingly to myself, within the first hour, I was hooked. And for the most part have been ever since. Of course the worst part of seeing all those episodes in one big swoop. The finale occurred, and now I had to wait more then a year for the next installment! Yikes. Guess I could have then read the books, but was informed the books weren't exactly like the series... so I will now wait till the HBO series has run its course (if it ever does…) and then its' film (yes oh yes) and then start my reading material for probably the remainder of my life.

Anyway, what hooked me most about the show was Emilia Clarke, her character, her story, but mostly her face. Simply a marvel to look at. A thousand emotions at the same time. Those eyes. Those lips. And that hair (I know its a wig). Simply a brilliantly conceived character, brought to life by a shockingly good actress, who just happens to be perfectly cast. This was my first attempt to try to capture her essence, I think I did, hope you agree.

The art was sketched the old fashioned way by hand on and drawn with PRISMAcolor color pencils on December 21, 2015. The finished art was illustrated on 8 1/2” x 11”  24b white paper

I also scanned my sketch in stages, to showcase this was done by hand ... hope you like…

“I AM BATMAN”
The Caped Crusader

Art was sketched on Sunday, December 20, 2015  © Neil Feigeles  

Hand drawn using Prismacolor on  24 lb, 8 1/2 x 11 white paper.

At least something half way decent came out of last nights Democratic debate. 
So last night while watching the Democratic debate, as I was enjoying grownups talk about issues that trouble us and how at least two of the three went one step closer to nailing down the job, I started to sketch and happily it came out half way decent. So I decided to share.
So here's my latest attempt at bringing the Batman to life. 

I also scanned my sketch in stages, to showcase this was done by hand using PrismaCOLOR pencils…  could have shown more stages, but didn't seem necessary ... hope you like…

"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