Yesterday's Tomorrow - Ascend

This coming Saturday is the opening of what should be a really terrific group show at Nucleus about retro future — Yesterday's Tomorrow. The artist list is trim and full of goodness. Event details: http://www.gallerynucleus.com/gallery/exhibition/314

Here's my painting for the show, followed by a digital comp for what was going to be a second piece, but life told me I was out of time to do another painting.

Ascend - 10" x 20" - Cel-vinyl Acrylic

BTW, trying to paint a perfect circle with a brush is difficult... I did my best.

Here's the color comp:

Photoshop

Adventure Time

Had a busy, but terrific weekend with Marshall Vandruff's superb workshop, checking out the awesome Paranorman panel and attending the super-packed Adventure Time group show at Gallery Nucleus.

Here's the painting I did for the show... my first time using Turner brand gouache (instead of the usual WN) and I'm already a believer. It handles perfectly, comes in more (even vibrant) colors, is easier on brushes and for the amount, about 1/4 the cost of Winsor Newton.

For this one I had a few different ideas (some of which were funny) but opted to stay away from a mash-up and do just an original-ish idea and monster of my own. I was also excited to try to play with some diamonds and trying to achieve lighting effects that are simple digitally, but take a bit of planning in real paint.

Eyes Filled With Diamonds - 11" x 14" gouache.

Octopus' Garden

For the Beatles tribute show at Nucleus.

All Together Now: A Tribute to The Beatles
July 7, 2012 - July 29, 2012
Opening Reception / Jul 7, 7:00PM - 11:00PM

The Garden - 14" x 11" cel vinyl acrylic on panel

Magnificent Tail

I used gouache for this one and have to say, I hit a point where I was absolutely enjoying the painting process. I dig the way it handles so much that I'm thinking to work in gouache over cel vinyl acrylic whenever possible.

Magnificent Tail - 8" x 12" gouache on illo board

It's A Small World - Rainforest

I'm truly honored to be part of the upcoming It's A Small World tribute show which opens this Saturday at Nucleus. The artist line-up is stellar to say the least and the amazing Joey Chou is celebrating the launch of his beautiful new book, which everyone should own.

This show is particularly exciting for me because of my love for Mary Blair's work, which I've been lucky enough to see in person recently at the Walt Disney Family Museum in SF, and a big show devoted to her prints at the Disneyland gallery in Anaheim. Her ability with color, design and visual rhythm, combined with a wonderful naive quality has endeared her work to generations.

"Rainforest" - 8.5" x 14" - gouache on illustration board

I chose to pay homage to one of the great vignettes in the ride that caught my attention during my latest visit.

Also to note. I did a couple experiments before starting this piece and opted to do it in gouache. Appropriate, considering Blair's work. Unlike my previous experience with gouache, I thoroughly enjoyed working with it and plan to do more in the future.

Edward Scissorhands 20th

"Obstacles" - 12" x 12" cel vinyl acrylic on Claybord panel

Sebastien Mesnard is not only a talented artist, but is a swell person too. I was thrilled when he invited me to participate in the Edward Scissorhands 20th Anniversary group show at Nucleus gallery. The movie came out during my teens and like the character of Edward, it was an awkward time where I felt I didn't fit in. I'm sure everyone has gone through that at some point, but the story really spoke to me and for that reason, still has a special place in my heart.

The icing on the cake is that Sebastien has lined up an incredible group of artists for this thing, which you can see for yourself on the official blog HERE.

Since this is my first showing with Nucleus, I thought it'd be good to appear at the opening this coming Saturday (April 16th). The Adventure Time show will be opening at Nucleus then too, so it's gonna be a great night! See you there!