Category Archives: Scratch Pad

New Artistic Memberships

Posted on February 16, 2026 by Allen Mesch

I am pleased to announce that I have been accepted for membership in two North Texas artistic organizations. I am now a member of the Writers Guild of Texas and the Plano Art Association. The Writers Guild of Texas is … Continue reading →

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There Are Monsters Among Us

Posted on February 8, 2026 by Allen Mesch

“But these weren’t the kind of monsters that had tentacles and rotting skin, the kind a seven-year-old might be able to wrap his mind around–they were monsters with human faces, in crisp uniforms, marching in lockstep, so banal you don’t … Continue reading →

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Coercion or Compassion

Posted on January 31, 2026 by Allen Mesch

The national conflict between ICE agents and protesters inspired me to paint the following painting. The actions of ICE are contrary to our First Amendment right of free speech and lawful assembly. The photographs of ICE agents attacking innocent citizens … Continue reading →

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From Battlefields to Oilfields

Posted on January 23, 2026 by Allen Mesch

Description From the discovery of oil at the Drake well in Titusville in 1859 to Ida Tarbell’s 1909 article about how Northern women “met the experience of war,” there has been a connection between the American oil and gas industry … Continue reading →

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Remembering Martin Luther King, Jr.

Posted on January 17, 2026 by Allen Mesch

I thought that I would gather some quotes by Reverend King to celebrate MLK Day on January 19, 2026. As I collected Dr. King’s words, I was struck by how many are relevant today as they were during his lifetime. … Continue reading →

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Viewing Recommendations

Posted on January 12, 2026 by Allen Mesch

I recommend two new movies that are based on past events, but are as relevant today as they were then. The first is Nuremberg. It describes events during the 1940s trials of the chief Nazi war criminals. Nuremberg is a … Continue reading →

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How Would I Describe the Year Ahead?

Posted on January 7, 2026 by Allen Mesch

My daughter gave me “365 Days of Drawing” by Lorna Scobie. The book contains a year’s worth of activities to express your thoughts and creativity. The activity for January 10th is: “What would be the one word you’d like to … Continue reading →

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Season’s Greetings

Posted on December 14, 2025 by Allen Mesch

I hope this holiday season is full of joy for you and your family and friends. Best wishes for a happy and healthy new year. Allen Mesch

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Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos) – La Catrina

Posted on December 11, 2025 by Allen Mesch

History of La Catrina La Catrina is a universal character associated with Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos), in Mexico and around the world. La Calavera Catrina (“The Dapper [female] Skull”) first appeared around 1910-1912 as a zinc etching … Continue reading →

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Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) – Altars

Posted on November 30, 2025 by Allen Mesch

The Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) is a holiday celebrated on November 1 and 2, though other days, such as October 31 or November 6, may be included depending on the locality. The multi-day holiday involves family and … Continue reading →

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