Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Critique.
Elephant
Here is a colorful elephant surrounded by jungle flowers of red and autumn red leaves blowing in the wind. I decided to color this elephant as an animal of royalty for the colors of blue, pink, red, gray, purple, etc. I colored the trunk of the elephant the traditional gray for a touch of realism. Since this is a jungle picture I made the elephant where it seems he is walking down a well worn path.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Dolphins
'Dolphins' the drawing is from an adult coloring book that I colored using colors from light blue, yellows, greens, gray, etc. I tried to lightly smudge some of the colors together trying to give a sense of being underwater. To be honest I think this is actually a picture that was of a huge aquarium for the small pyramid at the bottom. In coloring the blues for the sense of water I made the waves and bubbles darker than the rest of the water. I am also hoping that I colored the bottom for the dirt the right shade of brown. I am hoping for comments and sharing of ideas.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
The House at Pooh Corner
The last book that I received in my Winnie the Pooh collection is entitled 'The House at Pooh Corner' written by A.A. Milne. This is the book when their new friend Tigger bounces into the story. It is also the book where things begin to change, and it seems that they are all growing up in so many ways. Pooh and everyone try to change Tigger, become a little more organized for various projects, learning new things about each other and finding out what learning can do for you and others and just plain helping each other in what they do whether work or play. 'The House at Pooh Corner' can really be anywhere where one needs to figure things out whether you are an adult or child for all you have to do is close your eyes and you are there in your own special Pooh corner.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Boys Kills World (2023)
Boy Kills World is a dystopian thriller staring Bill Skarsgard (Boy), who does not say a single word through the entire 111 minute run time. It is however, one of his best performances to date (in my entirely unprofessional opinion). Instead his inner monologue is narrated by H. Jon Benjamin (Bob’s Burgers) with just the right amount of comedy to lighten the graphic and violent action sequences. Skarsgard’s facial expressions show you that his character is a killing machine, uncertain of himself at time, but solely focused on his mission. Now, lets get into the plot.
By Mariah Cruise2 years ago in Critique
Winnie the Pooh
The other day I wrote a short critique on Winnie the Pooh that mainly gave the idea how this book could help children and their mental health. But the story of Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne is actually the story of friendships in all their various forms from Pooh and Piglet, Pooh and Eeyore, and even Pooh and all the others. The most important friendship is Pooh and Christopher Robin. Pooh and Piglet and their various adventures, Pooh making new friends with Kanga and Roo, Pooh and Rabbit when Pooh would like a snack, Pooh and Eeyore who needs to feel friendship. All of these are shown when hunting for Woozles and Heffalumps, to throwing a party when a flood is over to just sharing a favorite snack or two and as a gang going on expedition. Winnie the Pooh is a children's novel that makes a good read for adults as well as kids even though the illustrations are pencil sketches, they give the story a homey feel.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
The World According To Micki Grant
I always love finding a hidden gem off off Broadway. The New Federal Theater in its new digs (or temporary, not sure) produced "The Life According To Micki Grant". Directed by Nora Cole, (I wasn't given a program), this musical focuses on the life of Minie Perkins, she became Micki by nickname and Grant after her first husband. "He was a good man so I kept his name," she tells us.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).2 years ago in Critique
How To Make Legacy before Democracy Dies
The future of democracy is a complex and often debated topic. While the concept itself may seem under threat, the desire to leave a positive mark on the world remains a powerful human motivator. So, how can you build a legacy that endures, regardless of the political landscape? Here are some ways to make a lasting impact that transcends the uncertainties of today:
By Moharif Yulianto2 years ago in Critique
Blood Magick
Nora Robert's has written the third installment to the O'Dwyer trilogy entitled 'Blood Magick'. The major story in this part of the series is all about Branna, Fin and Meara. Will the three, and the three and three be able to conquer their known enemy from centuries before. Once again Nora Robert's has written a story that will keep you reading to the end showing and telling through vivid descriptions of all the characters and settings and events.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
December
December the last month of the year according to the Gregorian calendar. The month that children look forward to all year long and that visit from St. Nicholas. There is also Chanukah that sometimes falls around Christmas for those of the Jewish faith. The month when keeping secrets is okay for a while. It is also the time of year for decorating the inside and outside of homes and businesses to show Christmas spirit, even though it seems that this starts at times in September. There are colored lights and bells and singing of carols too. To me it was a time of snowball fights, ice skating, building snowmen, and falling backwards in the snow and making snow angels. December a month of fun and memories to cherish.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
November
Moving on to the month of November and the major holiday of Thanksgiving as well as Veteran's Day. The month of just 30 days and hopefully completing harvests and other chores before the snow flies. Watching the birds fly south for warmer weather and hoping for me to see snow or at least heavy frosts to give me the feeling of being cozy while reading a book and enjoying a hot cup of tea or a soothing drink of something else.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
