Autumnal Equinox

I have had the idea of illustrating the four seasons for a while now. Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice can be seen in the archives of this blog, and now I have completed Autumnal Equinox. Here it is in process...

I began this painting at the Ridgestock festival and examined my environment around me to get inspiration for the tree in the foreground and the landscape farm scene.

The tree in the foreground is a black locust, btw. They have sharp thornes.

Yes, he is indeed some sort of squirrel cat creature, a spirit as tall as the tree, riding a pimped out fancy old bike. Spreadin the golden glow in the leaves, gently beckoning them to fall. Yup, this was a fun one alright.

Video of me in ACTION! Woot! Thanks for lookin.

July in Pictures

Quick Post Awesome Find

Stephen Mackeys website...seems like I could find much inspiration in the structure of this website. It is so clean and fun to click through. Someday I shall have such cleanliness with my paintings, drawings, music and photos compiled in one digital treasure chest. Way to go awesome guy

Trapped! On the Other Side

This painting is a bit twisted, I admit. You see, the little quail has passed on from his earthly existence. His experience of death did involve seeing a bright light and walking towards its heavenly glow. He climbed the stairs to enter an enclosed glass case glorifying a small wood. The keys on the trees begin to turn and their leaves fell gently. His eyes scanned around a room filled with niches filled with terariums, all adorning creatures passed on, now to find that the afterlife is some kind of display case for a higher being.

Cracked egg and spilling guts is all symbolic of the release of the life cycle. Something more mysterious now awaits.

Star Oracle Tryptic and Process

A long time waiting, this tryptic is finally up at the Fix Gallery in Nevada City.


Sit below the oracle and ask any number of questions. You are sure to swirl your eyes around in circles for a while as you contemplate through stars scales and gold.





Artist, and shrine.







I began the set back in October, and intended to extend the work throughout my experience at Willow Springs for my artist in residency.

Here, we see Brian Bach, helping me display the work. He looks slightly Jesus-like in this photo.

5/8 of the way through...

Beginning linework on purple dragon. Stage two (after sketching directly to canvas)

Which color do I chose? Seems to change a few times before I get it right, but fortunately not too many times.


Coating in gold, (or really, metal leaf) Reflective light is so nice.

Well, it was a long and fun process, and so rewarding to see complete. Stop at the Fix in Nevada City CA for a preview, it will be up at that location for 6 weeks.

Now on to the next....

Beautiful weather

And I've been stuck on this computer all week! But, one must sacrifice, after all working freelance is indeed work, and work I enjoy. This is a photo of my digital workspace, a lovely spot I am grateful for.

Huge Tryptic awaiting return in April.

Hey y'all. Here is a process photo sneak peek of one painting that will be part of a show at The Fix in April. I have been working on this acrylic tryptic since October when I started my artist in residency at Willow Springs. It's a big'in and I will announce very soon the show opening reception, most likely occuring 3/4 through April. I am gathering musicians for a small party for the opening...one big happy family.

Japan is wonderful

Today I would like to direct you to an awesome cartoonists blog, who has posted lush vectorized backgrounds for the show Samurai Jack. He features a showcase of the show's artists and their sparklingly beautiful and yet simple illustrations. I am feeling so sad for Japan, and honor their amazing influences in the art world.



Click here to see the Showcase

Versions

I completed the original Benjamin Bunny one month ago, and exhibited it at the Briar Patch in Grass Valley. Several days later I left to visit family in Colorado, and my mom bought the painting from me through my etsy shop. When I came back home, I received a call inquiring about the painting on display, and in the moment I said it was still for sale. Knowing of course, that I could try to reproduce one just like it for my mum. Well, here is the first Benjamin....



And here, the second.



I glanced at the original a few times, and tried to recall the colors I used. I learned a few valuable lessons about documenting my colors (for future reference, and bizarre unpredictable situations) and how my freehand drawings compare to each other.

I suppose I could have replicated it perfectly, but it would have taken forever, and I really like the variations of the two paintings anyhow.

Which one do you like best?

First night of internet in warm room...

Drawing class starts in 2 days...a studio dedicated to instructional and demonstration projects is being set up as I speak. Willow Springs is feeling more and more like an art warehouse similar to many I have envied in the city. Only at a peaceful country pace what with all the sculptures, paintin', construction, seed planting, cabin hoppin, food cookin, and music playin goodness you can handle.

For your enjoyment...a self portrait done to promote my class


And for your further enjoyment,
This too cool picture of sonic youth looking really dreamy...

in random honor of fellow South African music blogger and friend Nate.

Cafe Drawings

I set up a drawing table at the Ridgestop Cafe on Sunday afternoon.
My lovely kitten cat Avery, was the subject.

15"x 20" drawing done in black and white charcoal, india ink and gouache on Mi-Tientes pastel paper.

Peek in...

I am in the process of making this monster...

Acrylic tryptic paintings

Exhibition at the Briar Patch

This month, if you pass by the Briar Patch, (biggest grocery co-op in Grass Valley, CA)
do stop in the gallery/cafe to see original watercolors exhibited.

Show goes from February 5th - March 4th

Moom Alchemist framed up at the BP


Weeeee!!

Updates: Drawing Class, and you guessed it, RAINBOWS!

I am so excited to start teaching at Willow Springs! It is a beautiful place to facilitate a drawing class and I am extra amped to have new knowledge and inspiration to start this project.



I have been working away in my studio, every day and in to the night. Here's a glimpse at a resting point, featuring Avery, rainbows and melted candles.



Awesome friends up on the ridge stop in to say hello and we get crazy with creative stuff, like adding line work to otherwise boring clothing..



Can't ask for much more awesomeness right now...but I will keep it comin' just the same

Animal Shrines, good times

Saturday is not a day off, turns out...
But every work day is a fun day when it comes to painting! Eh, well, not always...but it beats wakin' up at 7:00 am and driving 15 miles to work.

These little guys are up for sale at my SHOP

Whooo gonna take me home?






Foxy lover of your dreams...






Cosmic cheetah circling light patterns on your wall, WHAT WHAT?!






Too much awesomeness, right? These are blingin in a bright room, especially when rainbows catchers are present.