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Saturday, October 11, 2014

"Automatic" Drawing - and a GIVEAWAY

Try this Timed Drawing, an technique inspired by an exercise called "automatic drawing" in Dean Nimmer's new book "Creating Abstract Art".


This book is from the author of Art From Intuition, which is on my recommended reading list.  Creating Abstract Art offers a broad view of abstract art, not just painting and drawing, with LOADS of thought provoking images.  It includes perspectives from a wide range of contemporary artists and a healthy dose of art history.  The 40 exercises vary from specific instructions (a few at the beginning) to broad suggestions, from which you can make up your own exercises.  In this video I made up a timed drawing exercise from Nimmer's "Automatic Drawing"; I include a couple of techniques that I use often in my 9"x12" Drawings/Paintings on Cheap Paper.  See a few of my previous posts about those here, here, and here.



I am giving away TWO copies of Creating Abstract Art.  To qualify for the random drawing, simply comment on this post and identify yourself with a unique name (not just "Mary", e.g.).  Check the blog on Wednesday, October 15 to see who the winner is.  The winner is responsible for getting in touch with me with a mailing address.

Meanwhile, try this timed drawing exercise.  It's fun, easy, and it gives your Inner Critic a break.  My "100 Drawings on Cheap Paper" online class is full in January, but another one is starting next September, and is open for registration.

Here is the piece as it progresses:
After five minutes of drawing with the various tools

This is after rolling on white paint and then lifting.

A couple of steps later

This is the piece I used to lift paint.
 Materials used in this demo:
Cheap Drawing Paper
Caran d'Ache Neocolor II
Graphite
Blick Matte Acrylics (white)
A few other things that you probably have on hand.
Find all of these on my Favorite Materials Page.

107 comments:

  1. Thanks for the inspiration, tutorials and giveaways. Would love to win the book. Sounds like it is full of information and insights. Thanks so much Jane.

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  2. Thank you for your videos. Being a visual person it is great to see the ideas in action!
    CASM

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  3. Your videos are fabulous. Would love to win the book.

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  4. Since this book is also in my "to buy later" list, I would love to win it!! I am seriously thinking about going abstract and probably need the information and background offered.
    Good luck to all who enter!
    Rhonda Carpenter

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  5. Always enjoy your videos and how you share your talents. Would really enjoy the book too! Robin Craig...aka...gotham girl

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  6. Love to watch you make art. I would love to win the book. Thanks for the chance...Susan Lew

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  7. Always inspired to create by what I find here! - Adrienne Mason

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  8. Your videos are great, I would love to win this book.Linda Mac

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  9. I'd LOVE to share this book with my students!
    I teach collage, mixed media, and abstract painting!!!!
    Thanks...Sue a.k.a. "The Fearless Leader" (One of my art students named me this!)

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  10. This book looks awesome. Thoroughly enjoy all your videos. Many thanks for the chance to win. Best wishes.

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  11. This book looks awesome. And I loved your take on the lesson. So fearless and bold! Artemisia

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  12. I have o much to learn about abstract art and this book looks like a perfect way to delve into techniques! Thank you for your videos-always so helpful-and for the generous giveaways!

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  13. I would love to have this book-- I need all the help I can get in this area! Thanks, Jane

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  14. Oh-- I forgot to give a unique name in the previous comment -- Sue W from British Columbia

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  15. Love your blog and your videos. This book is on my Christmas wish list. Maybe Santa will come by early! Jon-jon (my uncles nickname for me)

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  16. I really appreciate your kindness in sharing your video's, I've learned so much by watching them. Thank you! Gail aka "Painterwantabe"

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  17. I love this Jane! Thank you for sharing. I'm ready to run down to my studio to play! {too bad I need to go grocery shopping as I'm hosting a dinner party}

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  18. So glad to see/hear you endorsing this book -- I've been eyeing it for some time now. I love everything you do, and even though I'm not drawing or painting at the moment, you always inspire me to get back to it soon.

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  19. Jane, you are one of my favorite "go to gals" for learning techniques and plain old inspiration-I have your scribbles video. Would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks for all you share.

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  20. I love to see your work. It is always so inspiring and nourishing. Please, put my name in your hat so I can win your book ! Love, Guylaine Morin

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  21. The book sounds great! I love your techniques. Sign me up Catherine Ednie

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  22. It's always a joy watching you work. I am TOTALLY aware that you remain mindful of what you are doing. I have Dean's first book and would really love to get my hands on his second.

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  23. Thank you for the video....and I would like to own this book ...thank for a chance....Nicole Nadeau

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  24. I would love to have this book! I always enjoy your book recommendations.

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  25. Thank you for this - I shall definitely be trying this!
    Gill W

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  26. As always you have inspired me. Thank you. Piper Deggan

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  27. Love this technique! Definitely want to try it! Thanks Jane.

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  28. Love all your work jane am signed up for your january class thanks for a chance to win --reddoglady

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  29. would love to win and love your site. I visit two to three times each week. wonderful inspiration
    leslie from abbey road designs

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  30. Man, that book has been on my list of "books to get" the first time you wrote about it. I am sure coveting it being in my hot little hands. Dayna Collins

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  31. I added a comment but it disappeared! Once again, you are always inspiring me and I want to jump right in and try what you are doing with paint and paper. Thank you for the opportunity to win the book and for your generosity. Liz from Portland

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  32. well this leslie from St. Paul, MN enjoys all your posts and appreciates your generosity, spirit, and art-making! And my comment keeps disappearing too!
    Leslie Gerstman

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  33. fascinating! thanks so much for your videos!

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  34. Thanks Jane! I'm gonna try myself some right away!

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  35. What a co-incidence! I was looking at the preview of the book online and was thinking of buying it! I'll wait until after Wednesday now. Although I'm in New Zealand, I have an address in the USA or I would pay postage if selected.

    I've been following your your blog and been subscribed to your You Tube channel for some time now and get so much from watching you videos, I just wish I could attend a workshop in person!

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  36. This book sounds like something I need! Thank you for the opportunity to win it. Your work...and, most of all, your attitude...is so inspiring!

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  37. I would love to win this book. If you recommend it Jane, I am sure its wonderful..
    artvark

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  38. Thank for another great video :)
    from meganwouldlovetodrawwithnoboundries.....

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  39. Still loving your work. Thanks for sharing your creativity and the opportunity to win the book. Artfully Abstract Anne :):):)

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  40. I was looking at this book in Barnes & Noble and didn't buy it and regretted it. I was going through the pages with lots of Ooo and ahhh. I drove me hubby crazy. I should have bought it.

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  41. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and the opportunity to win this book. I love to create abstract art but I'm in a bit of a slump right now. I would love to win this book to help get over this slump.

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  42. Thankyou for your generosity, your painting videos and now the chance to win this book! I would love to win! Aubrey from australia

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  43. I love your work and blog. Would love to win this book.

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  44. What a generous giveaways! Love abstract work...getting my kids inspired! Love your videos!

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  45. What a great project! Loved your video and creation. Would love to win this book - amazing giveaway!

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  46. Thanks for another great video and a chance for the book, always get excited when I see you are posting something new! annagram

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  47. This sounds like a great book, filled with inspiration. I'd love to win it. Thanks for the video and opportunity. Sona

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  48. This book would be very helpful and inspirational. Abstract has always fascinated me. Heather S for WA state.
    heatheranne99 at gmail dot com

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  49. Very interesting! I have a difficult time doing abstract and keeping loose. This kind of exercise seems like a remedy for both. Thanks for the demo and for the book recommendation.

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  50. I find your videos so inspirational and fascinating to watch being a complete novice and listener,however hard I try not to, to the inner critic!
    Catherine aka Urban Rustic

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  51. That looks like a book I need to read. Thanks for all you share Jane!

    /Hanna in Sweden

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  52. Thanks for sharing! I would love to win this book and start playing!

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  53. Thank you for the inspiration to grab some of my papers and warm up with them. I think there will be some great discoveries! And thank you for your generous giveaway!

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  54. I am enjoying your videos and comments here very much.

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  55. Thought I'd comment before watching your video...now that's a test of restraint! Haha....Throw my hat in the ring for a free copy of Dean Rimmer's book about creating abstract art! Not sure how many artists go by the name of Rett....so I'll know that I'm a winner if I come back on Wednesday to see "Retta519" as one of the lucky winners! Thanks for having a giveaway, and thanks for sharing your talent with the world.

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  56. Love love love to win one of the books! Fabulous techniques. I find abstraction quite challenging so the book would help a whole lot!

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  57. Interesting way to loosen up. Must give this a try.
    Claudia Fuller

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  58. It looks like a very interesting book! Thanks for giving away 2 of them!
    Marjolijn from the Netherlands

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  59. Thanks for the book name and video, it look like play, so I need to try it out. I like your advice to have a stash of already painted papers on hand. I need to do this too. Maybe papers and fabric too? Like it will be more fun.

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  60. the book looks like a lot of fun! i enjoyed taking your class at art unravelled in phoenix and i am excited to continue my journey in abstract art! :)
    nicole in CA

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  61. Jane, it's always great to watch your process in action. Thanks for sharing!

    Carol in MN

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  62. Lizzienotborden here and I would love to win that book. Love your tuts.

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  63. Bought the other book by him on your recommendation and have found it stimulating so would love to win this one! Catherine from rainy UK

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  64. Thanks for a chance to win! Debordoodles.

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  65. Have just booked in for September-its to be my 50th birthday present (from my husband) and am looking forward to it very much. Thanks for the chance to win the book also. Jacqui, Surfers Bude UK

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  66. Would love this book! Carol Cramer design-I do wedding flowers and play at art!

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  67. This book looks great..I would love win to it. Artvark

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  68. Jane -- Love to WIN this book. Go Dean!

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  69. This book looks interesting. And thanks for the reminder to use this exercise to loosen up!

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  70. Jane, you always inspire me to just paint, draw, scribble, lift! Love it! I've ordered the cheap drawing paper and it's here! I'd love the book...if it's meant to be for me.

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  71. I would love to win a this book! Thanks, Jane! My name is Christy, aka "Chirping in LA"

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  72. This book looks really interesting. I'd love a chance to win.
    Beth Mastin

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  73. The book looks great! Please enter me in the drawing. Liz Walker

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  74. Thanks for sharing this book with us! I loved your demo as well. I'm excited to try this technique for myself. I find it such a challenge to work loose and free as well as thoughtful!!

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  75. Thank you for the chance to win this book. It looks like a great introduction to abstract art.

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  76. 'Take it from where it is to somewhere else - do the next step' I will remember that!

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  77. Dear Jane

    I am so looking forward to the "100 drawings on cheap paper"-class with you! :) I am always looking for new inspirational books, so I hope to win! :)

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  78. Your Groovy Grandpa says:
    Your video shows you having fun. And isn't that what making art if all about? I certainly think so.
    Yes, I'd like to win a copy of the new book. I have the first one and refer to it all the time.

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  79. I love the flow between right hand and left hand along with thoughtful awareness. I think I will try more of that in my 100 series. I had typed an inspirational unique name inspired by our current Plains Indian exhibition but since it got lost in the airwaves I will try again with "starting over" but it was Wee chaxk pee he huh nee = Morning Star, in the Lakota Life books, the Morning Star signifies new beginnings and Wa sh ka ta wa cheen = I want to play. I suppose both fit: starting over is a new beginning and the theme is I want to play. Thanks Jane

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  80. This technique looks like a lot of fun. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book!

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  81. Thanks, Jane, for the inspiring ideas. Your blog is very helpful as I'm new to abstract work and acrylic painting. Would love to have the book!

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  82. This looks like just the inspiration I need. Can't wait to check it out!

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  83. Hi Jane -- loved the video; I made a drawing this morning that I will continue on in this fashion. Thanks for the inspiration.........

    Williston Wendyll

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  84. Love the sound of this book. I think it's just what I need - and for my husband, too, who is just getting into abstract art. Thank you for the opportunity, and for all of you fantastically helpful demos. I love them!

    Kelly Luna

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  85. I have "Art from Intuition" which I love. It would be great to add "Creating Abstract Art" to my library. Thanks for the great giveaway and the inspirational video (one of many).

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  86. I love your work and tried some of your tutorials. This book looks great for further experiments.
    Loes from the Netherlands

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  88. Jane I so love your art work you do with such freedom. I would love to win this book from Dean Nimmer. artvark

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  89. This was a great video. I love the freedom and spontaneity with which you create. Thanks for giving us an opportunity to win this book.

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  90. "Automatic Drawing" is an interesting concept. Would love to win a copy of this book! Love your tutorials...thanks for sharing! Robin Rae

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  91. I am so thrilled to be starting a class with you on wednesday.

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  92. Hi Jane -- You and Dean Nimmer are great inspirations. It was great seeing you and taking a workshop with you in Phoenix this summer. I'm looking forward to taking an online class with you next March! -- Jane Cobb

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  93. My daughter is very interested in art and would love this!
    Carolsue A.
    Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

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  94. Vickie Turner, now a Bluenoser on Digby Neck - my studio is halfway through renovations and I am itching to get started. The influences out here are incredible: salt marsh and its denizens, ocean and its mesmerizing movement, tides and their unbelievable dance, the locals with their charm and warmth (pictures to come as soon as I find my camera). I can't wait to see what impact this has on my work! I'm feeling very hesitant, though, not having pushed paint around for over 6 months. Drawing like this would be great warm-ups. I'll ferret out some stuff to work with. Need to play. Thanks for the gentle nudges.

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  95. Love this idea! My toddler loves trying out these exercises with me, and I'm sure she will love this one, too!

    Rae-Loe from Omaha

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  96. Oooh, I WANT this. Thank you for giving me the chance to win it. I love the idea of your class- 100 Drawings on Cheap Paper. I went to art school a long time ago and our drawing teacher was having us draw people, which is intimidating and sometimes difficult to do well. He was getting frustrated with how tentative we were and afraid to mess up, and finally he just grabbed a roll of cheap brown paper towels and handed everyone a few sheets and told us to just do it, already. I still have my figure drawings on those paper towels, somewhere. They are some of my favorite drawings I've ever done.

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  97. Thank you Jane!
    Would love to have Dean's new book .. my IC needs a break ; )

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  98. Jane, Thank you for all you share with us out here in the blog-o-sphere. Thanks too for the opportunity to win this book.
    Print-cess Sheryll

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  99. I love your art, Jane Davies. But even more, I love your words. I am a mostly retired veterinarian trying to become an artist. The internet is such an amazing course of inspiration, ideas, and information. But your wisdom is of such particular value to me in my mighty struggles with my tyrants: perfectionism and precision. Valuable qualities in a surgeon, but not in an artist. At least, not the kind of artist I am interested in becoming. Thanks for all the wonderful videos and blogposts.

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  100. I would love to win this abstract art book by Dean Nimmer. artvark

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  101. Looks like a great book -especially for those of us new to abstract painting. Thank you for the giveaway and your amazing videos!

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  102. Jane, as usual, this is inspirational. I'd love to win a copy of the book.
    Jan from Huntington Beach

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  103. I am always inspired by your teaching. I just ordered the book on abstract art and i will read it cover to cover and use the exercises. Thank you Jane!

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I have had some spam comments lately, advertising of stupid stuff. So I am moderating comments until I can figure out a better way to prevent spam. THANKS!