Central Texas Wildfires

Support wildfire victims with laughter and money: Stand up comedy benefit Fridaynight

As the wildfires continue to rage in Bastrop, Austin's stand up comedy scene is coming together to help out.

Tonight at midnight, nine of the city's most staggeringly talented comics will take over The New Movement to make you laugh and raise some cash.

Here is a preview of the show, presented as a curated list of tweets in lieu of time-consuming video:

@Jake_Flores:

Jake Flores will grace the stage at Fun Fun Fun Fest, and recently opened for Tig Notaro at the Alamo Ritz.

@macbdazzler:

Mac Blake is a core member of Mascot Wedding Productions and took part in Out of Bounds Fest last week as both a stand up and a member of Stag Comedy.

@KerriLendo:

Kerri Lendo has toured with the likes of Maria Bamford, won the Funniest Filmmaker in Austin contest, and just shared the stage with Greg Proops during Out Of Bounds Fest.

@MikeMacRaeMike:

Mike MacRae has been on Letterman, Comedy Central, and was in the cast of TBS's Frank TV. He headlined Cap City two weeks ago, appears regularly on "The Bob and Tom Show," and splits his time between Austin and L.A.

@MichaelCPriest:

Michael Priest is a Funniest Person in Austin Finalist, and a staple of Cap City's PUNCH! showcase. He hosts the monthly #hashtag show at the New Movement Theater.

@raminnazer:

Ramin Nazer represented Austin this summer in Montreal's Just For Laughs Fest. He's a Funniest Person in Austin runner-up, a regular at Cap City and the Velveeta Room, and runs the Live at Cold Towne showcase every Friday night.

@ChrisCubas:

Chris Cubas, this year's FPIA runner-up, has traveled the country as part of the Altercation Punk Comedy Tour.

@codyhustak:

Cody Hustak is an FPIA finalist that can be seen at the Art Outside festival in August and Fun Fun Fun Fest in November. He has opened for comics like Doug Benson and Doug Stanhope.

@SethCockfield:

Seth Cockfield recently celebrated 10 years in stand up comedy by headling at the Velveeta Room. He was featured in Out Of Bounds, and plans on taking his talents to New York in the semi-near future.

The Wildfire Relief Benefit begins at midnight tonight at the New Movement Theater, 1819 Rosewood Ave., and admission is only $5- further donations are more than welcome. All proceeds go to the Central Texas Fire Relief Emergency Fund, run by the Austin Community Foundation.

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Outside the Lines

Buda artist releases intuitive drawing book with fun prompts

Photo courtesy of Ronald Gross

Artist Ronald Gross creates an intuitive drawing with crayon, which he considers a "joyful" medium.

Buda-based artist and writer Ronald Gross released a book in November called Unlock Your Creativity: A Guide to Intuitive Drawing, which will walk aspiring expressers through drawing without worry. On December 6, he'll be on hand to help in an intuitive drawing demo at Buda Public Library's Holiday Open House.

The book is a hands-on guide that teaches readers how to lean into their own desires and intuitions when drawing, whether they feel like an artist or not. In this way, intuitive drawing should feel relaxing, meditative, and ultimately, beneficial for mental health. If you find coloring books relaxing and meditative, intuitive drawing may have the same effect on you.

"Intuitive drawing is the practice of creating art without a specific plan or outcome in mind," says Gross. "It’s about letting your hand move freely, guided by emotion, curiosity, or subconscious impulses; not about making something perfect."

An intuitive drawing by author and artist Ronald Gross. Intuitive drawing is simple, joyful, and according to Gross can calm the mind much like meditation. Photo courtesy of Ronald Gross

This book presents exercises to access a mindful state: freeform doodling, blind contouring drawing, drawing from the imagination, and drawing from emotions. For artists feeling stuck, Gross also includes plenty of exercises for overcoming creative blocks and even discusses ways intuitive drawing can be applied to other creative projects and areas of life.

In the December workshop, Gross will give a quick demonstration on how to create an intuitive drawing using nothing but lines, shapes, and simple marks. Then participants can try it out with a variety of crayons, because crayons are "tactile" and can quickly transport people into a "playful, unselfconscious space," according to Gross.

"The workshop is all about creating a supportive, judgment-free space to explore intuitive drawing," he says. "Attendees will leave with tools to keep practicing on their own and, hopefully, a renewed sense of creativity and playfulness."

An intuitive drawing from author and artist Ronald Gross. In college Gross was taught how to take a doodle and elevate it into fine art.Photo courtesy of Ronald Gross

Gross's own journey into intuitive drawing started at a young age, when he would doodle and sketch throughout the school day. Years later at the Academy of Art University, a professor encouraged him to lean into this more intuitive and abstract style of art. Since then, Gross has been exploring intuitive drawing's ability to access a meditative state, as well as tap into the subconscious mind.

"When you draw intuitively, you’re fully present in the moment," Gross says. "Your mind quiets, and you become attuned to the flow of your thoughts, feelings, and physical movements. It’s akin to meditation, only instead of sitting still, you’re actively channeling your inner experience onto the page."

An intuitive drawing by author and artist Ronald Gross. Gross's intuitive drawings each evoke a different feeling through his simple use of color and linework. Photo courtesy of Ronald Gross

Gross adds that over time, doing some of the exercises included in the book may even help boost confidence, since intuitive drawing can help people learn to trust their instincts.

"Intuitive drawing can unlock creativity, reduce stress, and help people reconnect with their inner selves," he adds. "It offers a space to process emotions, spark ideas, and break free from perfectionism or overthinking."

visual art drawing books