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Banana slide
Banana Slide. Digital artwork by Mike F Leonen. ©2007 mike f leonen Click to view larger image.
“Daddy, what are you doing?” my 3-year old asked.
It was three nights ago. My wife just announced that the bananas on top of the kitchen table were ripe enough to be baked into a banana cake.
So I did the best thing. I took one banana, locked my camera in the tripod and set up my lights.
“I’m taking a picture of the banana,” I told my 3-year old.
“Why?” he asked.
I told him I was going to create art.
My 3-year old gave me the look.
So I explained digital artwork to him. I explained how two media—photography and watercolor—could be combined to create art using a computer and a Wacom tablet.
My 3-year old continued to give me the look.
So I did the best thing. I told him to go get me a diaper.
“A diaper?” he asked.
“Yes,” I said. “I'm taking a picture of a diaper, too. That would be my next art.”
My 3-year old buried his face in his hands, sighed then said, “You’re giving me a headache.”
I’m selling my digital artworks. If you are interested, let me know at mikeleonen [at] hotmail [dot] com. You can use them anyway you want—wall décor, scrapbook material, greeting card, blog image. You can purchase them as prints (I use fine art watercolor paper up to 13 x 19 inches) or as jpg images.
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hehe your three-year-old is a cutie pie!
Too cute picture ... it must be amazing to see art in the ordinary the way you do!
Posted by: chelle | January 24, 2007 at 07:22 AM
That is awesome!!How much are you selling them for?
Posted by: K.T. | January 24, 2007 at 01:06 PM
can't wait to see what artwork you come up with using the diaper! Love the banana slide!
Posted by: Michelle | January 24, 2007 at 01:41 PM
That is one thing that makes my heart ache a little with Parker. He is experiencing a delay with his speech. I want so much for him to tell me what he is thinking, feeling or... that I am simply giving him a headache.
You've got an amazing little guy there. Give him a hug from us, okay?
Posted by: Tammy and Parker | January 24, 2007 at 02:32 PM
Too cute...thanks for stopping by today.
Posted by: jen | January 24, 2007 at 02:48 PM
Great banana slide! Quite a talent.
Posted by: | January 24, 2007 at 02:49 PM
That banana slide is great! How funny is your little one!!!! BTW - the multi media thing, makes my head hurt too...
Posted by: Heidi | January 24, 2007 at 03:46 PM
LOL! I love that 3yo LOOK! You do such beautiful creative artwork.
Posted by: Christine | January 24, 2007 at 04:27 PM
Very cool! I'm experimenting with digital photography too.
Posted by: Mari | January 24, 2007 at 04:29 PM
Your little one always says the cutest things! I love your artwork, it's amazing. I might have to think about purchasing some =)
Are you a writer? I should search more on your site when I have some time to find out. You seem like you'd be a wonderful writer. I hope you don't mind if I add you to my blogroll as soon as I get my template tweaked the way I want it. =)
Posted by: Larae | January 24, 2007 at 06:41 PM
Mike, the mixed media banana watercolor print is great! You are talented! Love the expressive way your little boy responded! Very cute! :)
Posted by: pamela | January 24, 2007 at 07:53 PM
You are extremely talented. I LOVE this banana one. It's so original!
Posted by: Melany aka Supermom | January 25, 2007 at 02:08 AM
The banana slide is fantastic! I love the two medias together. Both my kids have given me the look. The other day my 2 year old told me to "Calm down mom. Your getting too worked up". Hmmm....out of the mouths of babes.
Posted by: ChupieandJsmama | January 25, 2007 at 04:18 AM
Terrific picture! I would love to bounce on down a banana slide! As for the Labrynth game...it is awesome! I highly recommend it! The game board is designed with some pieces that are fixed and some that can slide around and moved. By moving and sliding the ones that you have in your hand, you can make paths to get to treasures. Because it is skill and luck, kids and adults can play pretty evenly. Have a great day!
Posted by: Jane | January 25, 2007 at 05:27 AM
I absolutely LOVE the banana slide and will definitely look into purchasing some of your work if we ever get around to finishing the playroom in the basement.
Your little guy sounds like a hoot!
Posted by: Julie | January 25, 2007 at 05:34 AM
Visiting from your reply to "Ramblings of a Northern Southerner"...
Love your art! :) And your son sounds pretty cute....
So nice to visit the site of a Stay-at-home-dad...
God bless!
Posted by: Tammy | January 25, 2007 at 07:17 AM
What a creative way to look at a banana. Beautifully done.
Posted by: Carey | January 25, 2007 at 07:33 AM
so cool! i'm so curious about your process. i just got a wacom tablet and haven't really begun using it.
did you paint the painted part with the tablet? or with real paints, then scan the artwork in and put it with the banana?
Posted by: kate | January 25, 2007 at 08:42 AM
i'm glad you're selling your artwork - you should - you really are very good!
my girls sometimes circle their fingers around their ears and look at each other with these eyes that say, "Mom is cra-azy!" i just tell them, "great! i'm doing my job then! children are supposed to think their parents are crazy!!!"
Posted by: Ame | January 25, 2007 at 11:23 AM
Love the story...love the art.
Posted by: melody | January 25, 2007 at 12:17 PM
Too funny. Very creative!
Posted by: Lori | January 25, 2007 at 01:46 PM
This is awesome! Seriously, I love it!
Posted by: Adventures In Babywearing | January 25, 2007 at 03:23 PM
i love to hear about the funny little things your son says to you....they make me laugh!
Posted by: amy | January 25, 2007 at 08:36 PM
If he has a headache you could take a pic of that childrens aspirin too! LOL!
Posted by: Mimi | January 26, 2007 at 11:39 AM
phew, nevermind your 3 yr old getting a headache, I'VE got a headache trying to understand all that technical art talk hahaha
Great pic, btw!
Posted by: Tina | January 27, 2007 at 02:53 PM