Well today was a quick start day for my brand new 'ecosystem' sketchbook. I have yet to test any watercolors on it. But I must admit it fits in my back pocket slightly easier then my previous moleskine.
None the less I got in quite a bit of sketches while skating around. Went and printed off a few Google maps for the trip to the Dominican republic. Along with some sheets about the workshops offered. I'm not entirely sure which ones I will take but have a rough idea.
None the less this said I am still trying to raise up some more funds for the trip so I might be able to stay a little longer and have some extra spending change when there. So if you see any sketches you like please contact me.








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Well as I mentioned in my previous entry. I am trying to go to the 3rd Urban Sketchers Symposium held in Santo Domingo, (Dominican Republic).
So here's the start of it all. In order to get a passport you need:
Proof of US citizenship
Proof of identity (drivers license or photo id)
Recent color photo (get one from Walmart walgreens they are furrowed then the post office)
And a few fees (dependant on if your getting the passport book or card, or both)
Loosing my old birth certificate, I needed to go to the county clerks office to apply for a new one. Then had to go pick up the application for the passport at the post office. All that's left is to fill it out and get my picture taken for the passport.
Raising Money
This all being said I am tryig to raise some money to possibly help extend my stay in santo domingo along with having some extra spending money while there for suveneers and what not.
Well that's all for now, keep checking in for more updates.
Benjamin J.

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Well everyone stuck here at work, for the night. Shift is over but I can't leave. It's been a long hectic day at work. None the less while catching up on some rss feed reading (eWhile reading the many rss feeds I subscribe to, I managed to stumble upon a fun little challenge which seems perfect for the day.

Some days life throws a sucker punch or two. So what do we do? Simply take it, perhaps avoid it? We adapt and overcome. I can not say how many times I have lost something for sketching on my little trips. Some days it could be something as useless as an eraser, other's I may forget a paint brush for watercolors. Then there are those nasty days where you loose your pencil. "Trip to the store anyone?"

Regardless I found this great read by Nina Johansson. She is going to be teaching at the 3rd International Urban Sketching Symposium in July (which I hope to attend). She gives us a little teaser or taste of what some will get to venture into at the symposium.


It's not so much a challenge as it is more of just a great method to open your horizons. Many people are distracted or even scared timid to an empty white canvas or paper in front of them. I have heard this before somewhere. None the less, destroy that plain white paper a little. Give it some scars and character.

Another point brought up was using items you've never used before to create your images. As I mentioned earlier I can't recall how many times I have left or lost some tool behind. One time I resorted to using a napkin as a brush for my water colors.

None the less check out Nina's post. Maybe a fun challenge.
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Well not too bad of a day. Trying to get set up for a trip to the Dominican Republic. Need to work on some funds though to get out.

Also need to find my birth certificate to get my passport none the less started my day with a latte. Tried getting sketch of this dirt bike. Came out alright.

The following came up at he store. ES walking out and spotted this little house across the street I've never seen before. Its amazing what surprises come across.
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Well that's right. I've had to yet again restart a blog. Due to some miscommunications my prior work was deleted. Though it may have been a blessing in disguise.

I have now purchased web hosting for a decent price and have chosen to utilize blogger. Which I highly recommend. I've been playing with my design so forgive me for any changes that occur.

I haven't forgotten to keep up with sketching though. Here are a few sketches from the other day when it rained.

I was attempting to really catch the reflection of the car with all the rain drops.

My favorite spot at the house, too wet to sit on but I think it made for a decent subject.

Back to some news, with the recent collapse of my prior blog, I have quite a few ideas in mind for the format and direction of this blog. Aiming for good things though. Setting goals I key for both the development of the blog, but even more so on my own growth and development.

Well I hope to hear from you all, thanks for dropping by and check back for more.
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First and foremost I would like to take a moment to thank those who have always pushed me to go for my dreams.

I'd like to first off thank both my father and mother, who helped raised me into the gentleman I have become today. Though they may have not bought me a car when I turned 16, but instead bought me the drafting table which I still use today.

To the friends I know as family, who have giving me great support, whether it be by saying "that's awesome, keep it up bro" to even at times showing me where I never want to lend up.

Finally to the fan-base that I have built through networking, blogging, and whatever other method I may have met you or drawn your attention. It is through you all that I continue to push on to achieve a dream.

Benjamin J.
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Photo courtesy of Yesenia Marquez
Welcome to Memoirs of a Benjamin a personal sketch-blog about the life, thoughts, ambitions, endeavors and adventures of a young artist. What set me apart, well I can only try to influence and make an impression on you to impact your opinions.

What I can say about myself well, I am yet another dream, entrepreneur, with a passion fueled by wonder and creativity. Follow me along my path and journey of creative enlightenment. The aim, to simply sustain life  though my art.

So support me and read along if you will.
Thank you for both your time, and acknowledgement,
Benjamin J.
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