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July 28th, 2013 THE RUN IS 1 out of 1 Weeks
Waist high or better, at least once a week. There was Good Surf
that was waist high this week from Wednesday to Saturday!
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Surf art and Surfing...

Somewhere in this mess that is my office and art studio, is a priceless piece of my history that I can't seem to find. It is my 5th grade report card. And I believe, it was the 3rd quarter remark by my then teacher Mrs Hooper, that I would frame (after scanning) if I could just find it again. What she wrote has stayed with me my entire life.

"Ralph spends most of his time in class fooling, especially in art and music, where he does absolutely nothing!"

Those of you who know me, would find this amusing. Those of you who don't, should know, that I spent the better part of my life in both art and music. Though I never accomplished much in either subject,
it was, and still is today, a passion of mine.

And look, I love educators. There's no more a solid, and inspirational occupation out there today. To be able to mold young lives, and help prepare them for the big bad world, is a noble endeavor and I salute you all. I just thought I would share this little "Ralph History TidBit" because, it is after all, the annual Surf Art Column/Blog.

We all have influences in our lives. And it makes no difference what path you choose to walk down. We all have them. In my young life I was heavily influenced by a certain surf artist. Rick Griffin. Most of you know who Rick Griffin is. But for those who don't. Google him. Griffin and his "Murphy" character shaped my mind set at a very
early age. My whole concept of art was shaped by Griffin.



My then close friend Thom Tremblay who was (and still is today) an incredible artist and I would draw Murphy like cartoons all day long. We'd be laughing and drawing at our own drawings. Mrs Hooper would get so mad. She would confiscate our art, and rip them up in front of us. God how I wish I had some of those early drawings.

We even made up names for our cartoons. "Stonewall and Fern"
We would have them surfing and skateboarding everywhere. We got pretty good at drawing these Murphy like cartoons. Later on, after the drudges of High School, military, and college, Thom and I met up again, and we got back into drawing together. He helped me design logos for my bands, and we even did a few old school drawings of each other. Here's my drawing from 1976.



Clearly you can see the Griffin influences in my art.



This was the cover art to my first single in 1978. My band was called The VINNY Band. Thom did the Vinny logo, in the upper right corner and I did the cover art. Again, it reeks of Rick Griffin and Art Crumb. Because those were my art influences.

Of course later, Griffin dropped the Murphy shtick, and got serious.

.

The man was super talented. And he could paint and draw waves like no other (at that time). Rick was killed in a motorcycle accident in 1991. We were all stunned when he died. He was only 47. He would of produced countless pieces of amazing art had he lived.

My good friend Jay Gould, has many original Rick Griffin pieces of art. Including the original art of Pacific Vibrations. I still get chills when I see it in person. Rick Griffin you changed my life. But you really upset Mrs Hooper. (snicker)

I hope you all got a chance to surf this week. I did. I scored some great waves on Wednesday the 24th! Heck I even trunked it! (That's no wetsuit to you non surfers.) It was that warm. The surf was chest high and super clean. I surfed for 3.5 hours with no wetsuit!

Then I got surf on my actual B-day on Friday. I got some great waves. And if that wasn't enough, a big rainbow came out at the end of the day. It was a perfect ending to a day, that started out overcast and dreary, and had me in a gray kind of feeling. But the surf and the rainbow changed all that. I felt blessed.

That's me (below) at the end of the rainbow. Pretty special to have this appear on your birthday. Though I would hardly call myself a "pot of gold. " More like a handful of loose change.



I need to look on the bright side of life more often.



This is one of my college surf art doodles. I did this in 1972.

This annual surf art column has been a favorite among the local surf artists. And there is no shortage of talent in this area. From Alex Deconstant, Stan Chew, and Erik Zak, to Hannah and Sam Vokey. The talent pool is wide and deep. And there's a bunch of new up and coming artists as well. Daniella Tabor and Phil Munson have taken the brush and pen, and have made it their own passion.

There's something special about surfing. We all know that.

And we all know that surf photography is also special. But the actual art, of creating surf art, with a brush, pen, or carving tool? That is special and then some. And I think most of you will agree with me. There's nothing like having a original piece of surf art hanging in your home.

And if you are ever the recipient of such a special piece of art, you must know, that is a special gift. And whoever gave it to you must truly love you, and know, that you have a deep appreciation for this genre of art. Especially if the artist was the one who gave it to you.

There's no better a gift, for the surfer that lives in your soul.

Now for Some Of My Weekly Global Observances:

OK, so now we all know that Kate and Prince William had a baby boy last week and this little guy will eventually become KING. That's a pretty heavy thing to live with don't you think? Little George will be King Someday. Royalty? I don't get it. Never have and never will. And I suppose those that are into the whole Royal family scene must be thrilled that little King Georgie will carry the torch into the future.

Long Live King Georgie poo!

With this being the annual surf art column/blog I had to take our boy KSM and put him in the artist mode. Look what I did this week. Why Ole Khaliddy is painting a white bunny rabbit down in his GITMO art studio. He looks almost happy. Though I suppose he is still miserable. Painting bunny rabbits does not seem to bode well with this evil SOB. I wonder if those are paint by the numbers? Hmmm.

So my friends let's take a minute and enjoy the weekly humiliation of the mastermind terrorist who killed 3,000 innocent civilians on September 11th, 2001.



*Note to self. Must pick up a "Learn To paint Bunnies Set" and a case of Rabbit Food at Home Depot.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Erik Cannon July 28th, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Nick "Pev" Pervada July 29th, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY John Adams July 31st, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Johnny "Sav" Savastano August 1st, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Bill Stecchi August 1st, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Katy Kenty August 2nd, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY John Carden August 3rd, 2013!
CONGRATS to Duffy and Jenn McCarthy on the birth of Maci McCarthy July 22nd, 2013!








Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 9 years. **Think about BUYING a HIGH RES Photo from any of the weeks on RPOTW.

Keep in mind the photos you steal from this site are low RES. You can't blow them up. Order HIGH RES photos that are suitable for framing. It's a GREAT Gift Idea. A nice framed photo of your favorite Surfer or Surf Break!
Remember my friends... Surfing Heals All Wounds.
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surf For Fun.

Ralph

Don't forget to go back and read the whole DAILY BLOG on
My CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY. (Click On the Banner below
on this page.) Started on July 26, 2010 ENDED July 26, 2011.
A Wave a day for 365 consecutive days. Just click on the banner ads on this page.
Yesterday- USSC on Hawaii's North Shore 1986.
(Below) There was a time in the mid to late 80's when we used to call ourselves the USSC which stood for "The United States Surf Corps" Our motto was "FIRST TO SURF!" Those were fun times for sure. Of course we have all matured (somewhat) since those days. I did this drawing on a piece of cardboard and we recently found it at Harry's house. I figured with this being the surf art column why not post it. It is after all, surf related. Can you tell who these individuals are? Photo unknown.


Click on the photo above to see the larger version.


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We highly recommend the various businesses and artists listed below. Why? Well simply put, each and every one of them is a Surfer, who lives the Surfing Lifestyle, and their business is a reflection of that lifestyle that we all love.


All PHOTOS BELOW SHOT THIS WEEK *Unless otherwise noted.

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Today- The Incredible Surf Art of Sam Vokey.
 Paintings by Sam Vokey



(Above) This painting along with his others are all oil on linen. He calls this "FAVORITE TURN" and if you have traveled this road you know it only too well. It's all of our favorite turn's. Click on this painting to see more of Sam's art and visit Sam's website. Painting by Sam Vokey
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
Today- The Popular Boardrider Art by Hannah Vokey.
 Paintings by Hannah Vokey



(Above) This is a painting of the late Eddie Aikau from a Dan Merkel photo. Click on this image to see more of Hannah's surf art. Painting by Hannah Vokey
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
Today- The Art of Alex Deconstant.
 Surf Art by Alex Deconstant


(Above) Pioneers of Godfrey's Ledge by Alex Deconstant. Alex is one of my all time favorite artists and I'm proud to say he's a good friend. This local Rye Surfer has a unique style all to his own and it has been a pleasure to both surf with him and to work with him. Art by Alex Deconstant
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

Today- The NEW Artists on the Block...(or at the Wall).
Phil Munson and Daniella Tabor.



(Above) This painting has the local flare to it. It's called "10th Street". If you have ever surfed here you would know. Click on this image to see more of Phil's work. . Painting by Phil Munson
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.


(Above) Daniella Tabor is another new artist on the surf art scene and her paintings have a fresh new look. This one is called "Linky's" and it too is another familiar landmark of us local surfers. To see more of Daniella's work and how to contact her click on this image. Painting by Daniella Tabor
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
Today- I've been creating surf art for almost 50 years...How old does that make me? Nevermind. Check out my latest
and a few from the past as well. Surf Art by RALPH



(Above) This is a wave painting I did for Jay Gould. I had forgotten about this painting until Jay dropped it off to fix the frame. I do remember doing this piece. What I remember the most is that it took me less than 15 minutes to do. Check out some of my new stuff as well. Painting by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
Today- A Look at some interesting art from our Readers.
Surf art by RPOTW readers


(Above) Just another talented artist out there. Click on this amazing piece of art to see more from Robert Hanley,
Painting by Robert Hanley *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.




(Above) Young 8 yr old Mary Kirby painted this. I love it that kids are submitting surf art. I wish my own kids had pursued more of a passion for surf art.
Painting by Mary Kirby *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.


Today- Oh that's right, there was surf this week. Here's two galleries from yesterday July 27, 2013.
Photos by Ed O'Connell and RALPH|



(Above) Kai Nichols looking like he got the best looking wave of the day. Saturday July 27, 2013 at the Wall. Photo by Ed O'Connell
 *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.



(Above) Kai's dad Lenny Nichols looking like he got a good one too.
Saturday July 27, 2013 at the Wall. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

Today- Oh Happy Friday July 26, 2013.
Photos by Ed O'Connell and RALPH|



(Above) Kyle Linseman was out and we must of crossed paths several times
during the week. July 26, 2009. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.




(Above) What's better than going surfing on your birthday? Nothing. Though having
a rainbow arch over me was pretty cool. July 26, 2013. Photo by Cory Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
Today- The first day the swell showed up. July 24, 2013
 Photos by RALPH and Ed O'Connell



(Above) Jon Anderson was out with his two sons and they were owning this reef.
July 24, 2013. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.


(Above) The art of riding the nose is being perfected by Pev. Every time I see him surf on a longboard he gets better. July 24, 2013. . Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
Today- The SEQUENCES from July 24, 2013.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) I have to admit looking at this photo of Max on a longboard it seems unlikely that he would pull this off. But then again, that's what the sequences are all about. The truth shall set you free. July 24th, 2013. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
Today- The SURFING PHOTOG from NY comes to NH
July 24, 2013. Photos by Daniel Fryer



(Above) Michael Kirby out on the "Best Day of his life". July 24, 2013.
 Photo by Daniel Fryer
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.







(Above) Terence Kirby out on the best day of his son's life. July 24, 2013.
Photo by Daniel Fryer. *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.




(Above) And I in my 3rd Mar Div cover (hat) and trunking it, or as Michael called it "suitless" . July 24, 2013 . Photo by Daniel Fryer
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.



AVAILABLE IN THE SHOPS and Online. Click on image
above to see how to order.
Today- The Hampton Beach Comedy Festival July 25, 2013.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) This is my 4th time going to this annual event. I love it. It's great way to see good comics in a very intimate setting. Josh Day is one of the new comics on the block and he's pushing the envelope with all his new material. Funny stuff. If you missed these shows, you're stupid.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

Today- The Weekly World Pics
Photos via The Internet



(Above) OK all you GoPro looney birds. Take that thing off the nose of your board and think outside of the box. Like this guy.
Photo by Via the Internet
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.


We welcome all Surf Related pics from our Readers. Just make sure they are at least 900 pixels wide. If you have any OLD photos of local New England surfers and or of local New England surfing, we would love to see them and share them with our readers.

We can scan them for you. And we get them back to you undamaged. Trust me. We can do this...people love the older stuff. So if you have any, please send 'em along. If you have prints/slides we can scan them for you.

And we don't care if you shoot pics with with your cellphones. I mean it. Most of the images you see on the news and on the Internet were shot with them Smart Ass Phones. Shoot and ask questions later.



(Above ) Dave Cropper writes: "The past few years we have done surf lessons with folks having various disabilities and have had tremendous success. Caroline is a 13 yr old girl who doesn't have the use of her legs. She contacted us through our mutual friend Tim Brown and asked if we could take her surfing with her friend Gabby. The sun was out, the waves were pumping and the girls ripped it up.
From left to right. Kyle, Caroline, Crop, and Gabby.
Special thanks to Ed O'Connell for taking the photos.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
 *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.


(Above ) This is Todd Conover from last week. This my friends was shot in New England. Photo courtesy of Todd Conover
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.


(Above) Sunrise in Beverly. Last week. Photo by Steve Avola
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.



(Above) One more of Caroline and Gabby... July 24, 2013.
Photo Ed O'Connell *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
boat


(Above) All Rise: 10th Street District Court of Surf Justice is now in session, the
Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. CASE 224 BLATANT DROP IN OF THE WEEK-
Click the photo to see the outcome of this Surf crime and the verdict.
Photo by RALPH

* Click on the photo above to see the OUTCOME.
Click banner below to follow the entire CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY Year Long Blog. From start to finish. In chronological order as it happened. And trust me, a lot happened. Some of it almost too hard
to believe. But it's all there. Every single day.


CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON on each clip to view videos



BARRELING WAVE SURF ART PAINTING by Colour Free Style
This clip is pretty neat to watch. Especially if you are a surf artist or thinking about
dabbling in surf art.



 

Painting a surfboard design in Hawaii with artist, Colleen Malia Wilcox. See beautiful Oahu scenery, surf the waves, enjoy ocean views. Colleen's artwork: Copyright 2010 Colleen Wilcox. Music by Afrika Freedom
CLICK CRACKIE BELOW TO SEE CRACKIE VIDS

CLICK ON THE CRACKIE IMAGE TO SEE ALL THE CRACKIE VIDEOS. Crackie's still on an unpaid administrative leave. However if you need a Crackie Fix just click on his face and go to his YouTube page and watch all his absurd videos. And if you have a question for Crackie, no matter how stupid, or absurd, please send it here...crackie@adlantic.com

You can also check Crackie out on Facebook. You should Friend Him...though there are no guarantees that he'll be nice to you.
 


COMING NEXT WEEK.????

Recorded in 1978. Click on VINNY CD art to see a larger
version and how to order this CD and others for sale at
GAF Music. www.gafmusic.com
A Division of Adlantic


COMING NEXT WEEK????

Recorded in 1983. Click on VINNY CD art to see a larger
version and how to order this CD and others for sale at
GAF Music. www.gafmusic.com
A Division of Adlantic
 


(Above) Put the cursor over the images above to see happens when you DROP in
on someone. You become Invisible. Simply put the mouse over the photo to see the
original photo and then marvel at the results of what happens when the criminal
becomes invisible.*Put the cursor over the photo to see the Real image.
Photo by RALPH
 
Today July 28, 2013 " Put your hands up in the air, and wave em like you just don't care!"



(Above) Well this is one of the most bizarre photos I have ever taken. Photo by RALPH.


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