2 NEW EDDIE VEDDER 2011 TOUR 5 COLOR SCREEN PRINTS

I'm so grateful for the tremendous response that was given for my first Eddie Vedder poster for Sydney. It is truly an honor to work with Eddie and his team again on the posters for Eddie's tour stop in San Diego which happened earlier this evening.

I was thrilled to have San Diego assigned to me. Long ago I was a resident of SD for three years during my first games job, but I remembered going to visit Shamu at Sea World a few times as a kid so it felt natural to include the Orca in the image. The first sketch I sent Eddie and his team was Shamu jumping unconfined and free off the waters of San Diego. Eddie gave it a go, but then he also wanted another poster to contrast the first and to make a statement. Something darker that commented on how Shamu is not in his natural setting at Sea World, kind of sad and dejected. So the second poster shows the whale being still in its stage area and I added an Orca shaped cloud jumping like the first poster, as if Shamu is dreaming of being free. It was a wonderful idea to have two posters that can comment on that and I enjoyed the ease of collaborating with Eddie on these thoughts. Big thanks to Eddie and to Chris for this amazing opportunity, and to Frank and Roberta for all their help!

Posters will go on sale this coming Friday, noon PST on my Big Cartel page. Here are the images, and I hope you enjoy!

SEA NO EVIL BENEFIT SHOW

I will be participating for the first time in the "Sea No Evil" show which benefits the efforts of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and to help raise awareness of conserving our precious oceans and the life contained in it. The auction is this Saturday night, June 25 which is being held at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium. Doors open at 6pm.

I am extremely excited to contribute to this show. Those of you who are familiar to my work know that many of my images depict sea creatures telling stories close to my heart. My affection toward the beauty of sea life came early in my life and is something I hope to continue with my children. The horrendous acts aimed toward these peaceful creatures jeopardizes the opportunity for future generations to enjoy them the their ability to thrive.

My piece is called "Bearing" which was created specifically for this show. I chose the word bearing for a few reasons. The image shows Captain Paul Watson's fleet being represented by flying whales "bearing down" on the so called research vessel of the Japanese fleet. Watching Whale Wars, it's all about putting pressure and searching, so finding ones bearings in the vast ocean is another play on the title. Also, the men and women on these ships voluntarily bear a great responsibility as champions for these creatures.

"Bearing"

Flier for show

I had the opportunity earlier this year to have my children go on a whale watching trip during vacation. We were able to observe many Humpback Whales and they enjoyed this experience thoroughly. Through efforts of the Sea Shepherds and benefit shows like this, hopefully we will have many opportunities like this and for many generations to come. Here is a pic of my boys holding on to the rail and checking out these magnificent creatures:

GET TO GIVE ART BENEFIT

The backpack company Ark Collective is hosting an art show tonight which is aimed to raise money for their designated educational charity and spread awareness on how poverty affects our youth's education. 100% of the proceeds from the show will go to the charity. Here is the info:

The concept was a fun one. Some of the backpacks that Ark Collective produces are not fit to go to market, so instead of getting rid of them why not make art on them for a great cause. Each artist was given one of these packs with the opportunity to do anything to them. Here are some progress pics of my pack along with my finished product.

Here we have the pack, piece of wood that I shaped using a table saw and an electric sander, and my boy's puzzle sea horse that they don't use anymore which I gessoed over to paint on. I cut out some of the pack so I could insert the shaped piece of wood.

Used screws to fix the wood panel to the pack

Lay in of the drawing and sea horse before paint

More drilling. I have here three different sizes of wood pegs. I wanted the piece to be somewhat playful and interactive so you can place the sea horse on the drawing at different heights.

Here is the slots that were built in already for the seahorse and pegs, and here is the hole I drilled for the pegs.

Sea horse pegged in and elevated

"Spam"

The guys at Ark did a mini interview on me for the show. Stuff you may already know from past interviews, but there is some fun information on what I will be up to next year which I am really excited about so maybe check it out if you have a chance. Here is the link.

Really a great cause that Ark is doing, so if you are in the area please go check it out! Will be updating again soon with the "Sea No Evil" benefit show later this month as well.

INLE

My next show will be at Gallery1988 which is based on the Black Rabbit of Inle, a character from the novel Watership Down. The show is curated by Greg Simkins and the lineup is insane. There are so many artists involved who I have looked up to even way before I got into showing at galleries. A big thanks to Greg for the invite.

Here is my piece "Shady":


It's been a while since I have painted a tree and I've never painted a rabbit before, so I really enjoyed painting this one up. Got some clouds back on the canvas as well. I will be attending the show tomorrow night, and I hear many of the artists involved will be too. Come out an make it if you can! Check out this crazy good list:

Aaron Jasinski, Adam Hathorn, Alex Garcia, Alex Pardee, Amanda Louise Spayd, Amy Sol, Angry Woebots, Annie Owens, Anthony Ausgang, Anthony Filo, Attaboy, Audrey Kawasaki, Augor, Axis, Beast Brothers, Bob Dob, Brandi Milne, Brian Colin, Brian Despain, Buff Monster, Camilla d'Ericco, Carrie Ann Baade, Charles Wish, Chase Tafoya, Chet Zar, Chris "Devious" Gliebe, Chris Ryniak, Christian Rex van Minnen, Colin Christian, D. Ross Scribe, Dabs & Myla, Dan May, Dan Quintana, Daniel Danger, Dave Correia, Dave Flores ATC, Dave Pressler, David Choong Lee, Deph, Dytch 66, Eric Merrill, Eric White, Fred Harper, George Thompson, Graham Curran, Greg "Craola" Simkins, Gris Grimly, Gunnar, Haste, Jason Daquino, Jason Limon, Jason Maloney, JAW Cooper, Jean Labourdette (Turf One), Jeff McMillan, Jeff Soto, Jeffery Page, Jen Lobo, Jenny Mollen-Biggs, Jeral Tidwell, Jeremy Fish, Jeremy Sutton, Jersey Joe Rime, Jesse Smith, Joe Capobianco, Joe Hahn, Joe Ledbetter, Joe Vaux, Johnny KMNDZ Rodriguez, Johnny Vampotna, Jon Beinart, Jordan Buckley, Josh Keyes, Joshua Clay, Kevin Knight, Kevin Dickinson, Kevin Peterson, Kris Lewis, Logan Hicks, Luke Chueh, Lyte, Man One, Mark Bodnar, Martin Whitfooth, Matthew Bone, Maxx 242, McEvoy & Rodriguez, Meggs, Mia Araujo, Michael Page, Michel Gagne´, Mike Mitchell, Mike Stilkey, Misha, Miss Mindy, Molly Crabapple, Naoto Hattori, Nate Van Dyke, Nathan Pearce, Natoe, Neko, Nicholas Charles, Nicnak, Nome Edonna, Peekaboo Monster, Persue'/BunnyKitty, Peter Gronquist, Poor Al, Rabodiga, Rask Opticon, Retna, Revok, Robert Bowen, Roland Tamayo, Ron English, Rory Keating, Sam Flores, Sas Christian, Scott Belcastro, Sergio Hernandez, Shaun Kasl Singer, Shawn Barber, Skinner, Skot Olsen, Sram, Steven Daily, Tara McPherson, Thomas Lynch III, Tim Hendricks, Tomi Monstre, Tony Curanaj, Travie McCoy, Travis Louie, Tyke Witnes, Vic Back, Werk, Yosuke Ueno, Zoso

Oceanic Awareness Collaboration Art For Awareness Auction

I will be having 2 paintings available at this event up for auction. Auction will be held Saturday evening, February 26 at Andi Campognone Projects in Pomona, CA. The auction is designed to raise awareness and motivate change about the pollution gathering in our oceans, and it also benefits children in financial need. Both paintings are 12" X 12" acrylic on wood panel. You can find more information on their website here: Link

Check out the amazing line up of artists contributing to the show.

"It's Bull"

"Not Rite"

NEW MOON 2011 ART SHOW

My first show of 2011 will be tomorrow, February 11 at MyPlasticHeart in New York City. The show is based on how artists will interpret the Chinese Zodiac. What's exciting for me is that this is my first opportunity to show a piece of art in NY, so a big thank you to John Wong from me for the invite.

I decided to choose the sheep for my piece. It's a fun departure from my aquatic theme, but I still managed to get it in there somehow. I do plan on branching out to other types of animals, so this is a great springboard for that. My piece is called "Portrait Of A Happy Thought". The line-up is awesome. You can see all the work with this preview link for those interested: Link Here is my piece:

RUEL PASCUAL SOLO SHOW

I am very excited to post that my artist bud Ruel Pascual is having his first solo show at Van Eaton Galleries Saturday, February 19. Opening reception is from 6:30-9:30. Ruel has been putting in the work for this show and it's going to be amazing. This is not one to miss, so please check it out if you can. Here is the postcard info:

2 CHRISTMAS DRAWINGS

Just wanted to share a couple of drawings. First drawing is for a white elephant gift exchange. Limit was $20, but the wood didn't even come close to that. But I hope the drawing makes up for it. Next is a drawing for some friends and I hope they like it. Hope you all get what you want this Holiday Season! Happy Holidays!

KILLER PLANE

A couple of ideas for a painting. Sketched out on paper then sketched some more on the Wacom.

BAD DADS ART SHOW

I will be in a group show called Bad Dads, which tributes the films of Wes Anderson. The show opens tonight at LoPo gallery in SF and opens at 8pm. My piece is inspired by the film The Life Aquatic:

"Opened Up"

Flier for show

THE MINI SHOW

What seems forever ago, I met this really great person named Mini Lai at Pasadena City College. What we had in common was we were both building our portfolio up to gain entry into that famous college up on the hill from PCC. As we got in, our terms got busy, which ended up separating a bit and we lost touch. Years after Art Center, I sadly found out she had passed on. Art Center is having a show called "The Mini Show" which features art from Illustration alumni to help benefit future Illustration students of the school in Mini's name. All of the art at this one night only event is at an affordable level, priced at $300 or less. If you are in the area, please come down to the school, and possibly score a great piece at a great price for a great cause. The show is Saturday night October 23, at Art Center's South Campus. Event and sales start at 8pm till 11pm. Link for more information:

MINI SHOW

I am honored to be included and hopefully contribute in her name. Here are my contributions, all priced at $300 and bellow:

"Fun Fish Study" 8 X 12 Ink and Color Pencil on Wood

"Fun Fish" 5 X 8 Acrylic on Wood

Group shot with framed print of "Fleet" which I am also contributing

"WITH EASE" ART SHOW

I have a 2 person show with Ben Strawn tomorrow night Gallery1988LA, September 30. Opening reception will be from 7-10. At drop off I got to see what Mr. Strawn had going on and wow, was I impressed! I'm going to have to obtain a piece of his someday. He paints on layers of glass which give a really nice dimensional feel, and all situated in these awesome custom made and painted shadow boxes. Plus his technique is great and his subject matter is really fun.

I did 7 paintings accompanied by 7 studies. Would have loved to do a bit more, but I'm still trying to figure out this whole full time dad of twins and full time painter thing. I did get a step closer with this experience for sure. If you are in the area, please come by and say hi! Here is the piece that was used for the postcard:


There are 35 balloons which was my age when the boys where born. Changed my life. It's been a challenge, but so much fun!

EDWIN USHIRO SHOW

Just wanted to share that my buddy Edwin Ushiro is having a show at Roq La Rue gallery in Seattle. Edwin is a good friend who I knew from Art Center and we became better friends while working together in the gaming industry. Since then he has made quite a name for himself in the gallery scene and I'm so proud of his accomplishments.

The show starts tonight, Sept 10. Here is a link where you can see his amazing work for the show:

Ushiro Pieces

One of my favorites being a cat owner and cat lover:

Please check it out!

Information on my two person show at Gallery1988 coming soon!

NEW STUFF

Just sharing a couple of pieces I recently finished. One of which was the largest piece I have ever done at 48 X 32, and the first in which I wrapped the painting around the sides. This first piece was for some friends in the bay area. The piece is similar to the Beastie Boys painting I did last year, but the inspiration and story is very different. Along with the painting is a small glimpse of the studio:


It was a fun challenge at that size, and I'm going to have to try something even larger next time. Next up is a painting I did for fellow artist bud James, who was the print master for my recently released prints. James did a fantastic job and was an awesome guy to work with. Thanks man! So as you all know, I like to mix and match things, and this twist was a fun one to do:



Time to get busy for a 2 person show in September. More info to follow.

PRINTS

It has been a while since my last post. I've been so busy with my growing boys and have been trying to get some paintings done in between. I just put up three prints on my Big Cartel page. They are of "Fleet", "Bound", and "Port" which are signed and limited to 25 for each image. Many of my paintings are special to me, but these particular images are a bit more, and I'm happy to offer them to those interested. I will be sharing a bit more coming up!

WE WILL MISS YOU NORM SCHUREMAN

I was extremely saddened to learn that someone who made such a huge impact in my art life and countless others, passed away this Saturday evening due to a completely senseless act. I was fortunate to have taken Norm Schureman's Viscom class at Art Center, which helped me become the artist I am today. It was a great privilege to have known him and learn from one of the best.

I started art late. I'm guessing late for most people with aspirations to become an artist. Especially from what I saw when I was trying to get into Art Center. I was a terrible sketcher, and even having a sketchbook intimidated me. I was always embarrassed to show my sketchbook to others and was surrounded by other artists who knew they wanted to become artists since they were kids. Most had sketchbooks in which every page could be framed and shown in a gallery. Norm's Viscom 6 class was dedicated to the sketch and sketchbook with a simple black ink technical pen. I absolutely needed this stuff.

With line, he showed us how to focus on what was important, and indicate what was not. It was great going to museums to sketch dinosaur bones, trips to botanical gardens to study foliage and environments, and even break down and combine various animal species that we would sketch. He made the class fun but still intimidating, which actually helped me be less intimated on some level. I mean, you really need to get your nerves in check when he asks two students at a time to draw on the chalk board in front of the whole class. It wasn't always easy, but with his patience and teaching style, I was able to get the confidence and the tools needed from him to help me try and succeed.

His kindness, expertise, and fun loving attitude for his craft will be something past students were fortunate to experience, but something that future students will dearly miss. You will be missed Norm.

LAST NIGHT

My friend and artist bud Ruel Pascual invited me to an artist preview night for a show he is in at La Luz De Jesus Gallery here in Los Angeles. The opening reception for Everything But The Kitsch 'N Sink is tonight, March 5, from 8-10 PM. There are well over 100 artists involved and over 300 pieces at this show. Here are some pics from last night.


My pics do not do Ruel's pieces justice, and if you have the chance, you should see them in person. I'm really enjoying his use of a limited pallet. His pieces are driven by his personal experiences which I can appreciate, yet sometimes feel I could put myself within the piece, and even relate to something that could be completely different to what my have been on his mind. They open up my imagination and I find myself immersed within them.

Last night was a great time! Since having the boys, it's been tough for me to get out to shows and mingle with other artists. So it was really nice to see some familiar faces and make some new friends.

ARRESTED MOTION INTERVIEW

The kind folks at Arrested Motion did a mini interview with me on the upcoming Whispers group show at Gallery1988SF. The interview also touched a little bit on my past, as well as my though process. Check it out if you have a chance. Link to the interview:

Arrested Motion

WHISPERS GROUP SHOW

I will be involved in a 4 person show at Gallery1988SF on Friday, February 5. Opening reception is from 7 to 10 pm. Its great to be in a show with the amazing talents of Tin, Kendra Binney, and May Ann Licudine. Here is the postcard image:

I believe this is going to be the final show in Gallery1988's current space before they move to another location. I will always have a place in my heart for 1173 Sutter Street, the site of my first and only. Wow, it's crazy looking back at those pieces.

So, I've been messing around with some white backgrounds on my pieces, which is new for me. Nothing overly deep behind it. I've always liked the aesthetic, there is purity about it, and I feel it could sort of represent a rebirth for me and my art. I hope to take it to new heights if I am so lucky to have more opportunities. I enjoy how it allows the subject to stand more on it's own, and I really enjoy painting clouds, and the white lets them have some more attention within the confines of the canvas. The white really allows me to play with negative shapes of the subject and clouds. Here are a couple of peaks of what I have coming for the show:

Propelled

Venting

He-Man Show

Happy New Year! The first show I will be involved in this new year is the "Under the Influence: He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" show at Gallery1988 Los Angeles, this Friday evening, January 8.

This show should be a lot of fun. I hear that the gallery is transforming into a mini Castle Grayskull, so along the same theme, I've created my own version and tribute to the castle itself, called "Gray Skies":


I had a good time with this piece, and kept it more towards the backgrounds. I tried to go a little looser with it, and while painting, thought back to some ideas of painting as a concept artist. 2010 seems like a good year to do some exploring with some technique and ideas so we'll see how it goes.

Gearing up for a February show at Gallery1988 San Fransisco and will be trying a couple of different things there as well. Now, it will be just small things here and there, so no worries. I'm not going to start painting pretty ladies, or skulls everywhere. Actually, the He-Man piece was partly fun in that this was my first skull ever! Probably my last.