Mediterranean

Just got back from a wonderful week in France where I was at the film festival, in Annecy. It was incredible...I didn't get a chance to see ONE film, but I met and did book signings with so many outstanding artists that I actually felt overwhelmed. I signed books alongside my good friend Matthieu Forichon who had his latest book out, Miss in Paris. A treasure trove of beautiful images that make you long for a romantic adventure in PAris. Matthieu is not only talented, he is incredibly humble, modest and generous. A little disconcerting given his talent. THEN .. I drew alongside Boulet. I was actually in school with him, but had not bumped into him in the past twelve years..what a shock. The guy draws faster than anyone I have ever seen, without any preliminary sketches or structure, and it is ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS great and funny. It's amazing. No wonder he is one of the top graphic novel artist in France right now. I also got the chance to meet Sephy who is a young up and coming artist working for Ankama... with a very funny personality and an incredibly style..both in animation and illustration! Mauro Pietro Gandini and Eloisa Scichilone are the sweetest couple in the world. From Italy, they were in Annecy to sign their activity book.. they PAINTED an art piece in the book they gave me.. literally PAINTED. It is gorgeous. Barbara Canepa was there as well, while I was signing, but she was so busy with the humongous lines of people wanting to get a drawing that I didn't even get a chance to say HI! reno from Tigobo animation was there doing a project with Bill Perkings. I just saw a little of it and it looked fantastic. I wish I had had time to see more of it. The unsung heroes .. Vincent from BD fugue and Michel, Laurianne and Agathe from 9Quai... once again.. not just "nice" but something more for which I can't really find a word.. it was such an amazing experience.. All in all.. I met so many more people like Nicolas Keramidas, Sergio Pablos, Nicolas Bannister, Dik Pose, JP Anohen, Flora Grimaldi, High school friends and college friends.. it was such an amazing experience. I met the crew of CAfe Sale who did my book and visited their offices in Paris and got a sneak peak of some of their upcoming books and projects.. all I can say is..WOW.. keep a close eye on those guys, they are really moving and shaking things! I highly recommend to every artist out there to attend this festival at least once in your life. It gave me a huge kick in the butt in terms of motivation.. seeing the sheer amount of great work that is being produced out there just made me ....happy. VERY very Happy! I know this is a long note, but I just had to give credit to all these people ( and all the other ones I am forgetting... sorry about that) for making this such a great experience> I just got back, and now I have a ton of energy to get back to work. ON that note.. I have some very fun and cool projects I am working on right now, and , after seeing all that art in Annecy, I think I am going to focus more on these projects and less on the daily sketches for the next few months. I won't stop, but will definitely slow them down so that I can truly give my best to these cool projects I am working on. Cheers P.