5.28.2009

Illustration Friday: We both have contributions!

This week's topic was "Cracked" and we both had illustrations that went along with the theme. Here's the link to the Illustration Friday site, and our links are together on the left side: http://illustrationfriday.com/entrysubmit_p.php

To see the pieces individually, click on the following buttons:
Link

5.24.2009

A bit more work on my current painting...


So I haven't used my oil paints in a long time. It's a true shame because some of them are completely ruined and old, while others I, and even Carlos, couldn't open because the lids were sealed shut on them, that's how old they are. Nonetheless I got them out and just started painting. Not sure I like the results so far, but they just felt really good. I had forgotten how much more I like working with oils than I do with acrylics. Time to go to the art store and buy some new paints, and...oh yeah...I forgot to mention that I was out of turpentine. I resorted to getting as much oil paint off my brush and my hands with...extra virgin olive oil. Don't think it worked to well, luckily, I always buy cheap brushes.

Heavenly Skull made the Etsy's Dark Side Team Item of the Day!


Yes that's right! And it came as a big surprise because I haven't been at all busy with Heavenly Skull in a very long time. Looks like I need to start up again! This is great incentive and inspiration to move forward.

5.22.2009

Artist I remember admiring when I was still in highschool...



I randomly went on artwanted.com during my lunch break to just browse through what people are doing and lo and behold, I ran across a piece by Patrick Pierson. I recognized the artist's work because I had often gone to Downtown Disney when I was in high school and of course, went to the gallery every single time. My favorite pieces were always these very beautiful yet strange portraits of fish people in extravagant, very renaissance fashion and poses. They were amazing to me and the colors were so vibrant you felt as if you were in the fish peoples' spaces! Well here's one of a newer series he's doing based on fairy tales. I can't wait to see more!

5.21.2009

Illustration Friday Topic: Contagious


Didn't get to quite finish it...but I'm happy with it. I leave it up to YOUR interpretation!

5.20.2009

Scrap Stuff Photoshop Tutorials


Don't be fooled by the cutesy look of most of these tutorials. Even Carlos, who likes to create monsters and zombies half the time, will find very informative and solid Photoshop recipes and tutorials in this blog. Shawna is the creator of this blog and she makes it very easy to follow along with each tutorial. You can take each recipe and apply it to your own artwork. She creates these dimensional clean illustrations that are difficult to do in Photoshop if you do not have a recipe. Also some photo manipulation tools, like how to create a puzzle from an image, or how to make an image look like it's on old paper. There are a lot of different recipes to use. She also has a word document available for purchase with ALL of her tutorials, for $10. Not a bad thing to have. Check out her blog: http://scrap-stuff-photoshop-tutorials.blogspot.com/

5.19.2009

The Little Chimp Society


LCSV4 The Illustration News Portal

What a great site for illustrators and people interested in illustration! There are interviews, great tips for illustrators from emerging to established, a huge links section for your perusal, etc. etc. etc. It did not take me long to sign up for both the newsletter and to be a member of the site. Being a member allows you to both comment on articles, as well as submit news. This should help us stay current with other illustrators and illustration dates, shows, events and other sites. Let us know if you joined, too!

Art Blogging...

So part of art blogging would be to post lots of blogs having to do with art, correct? Well, I haven't been doing enough of that. Shame on me! So I will be more consistent with that. I really want people to follow our blog because it is a great source of inspiration. So that said, here are some really great artists!


5.15.2009

Our view in Vegas-Pacquiao Hatton Trip




I somehow forgot to post these before, oh yeah I was sick and tired after that trip, but VERY excited! Here you go, enjoy vicariously...

Naomi

I actually started painting yesterday!


For anyone out there who follows me on facebook, you could probably tell that I was frustrated. I felt like I was in a destructive art mood, but then as soon as I put the kids to bed and had a 30 minute window (with breaks in between telling them to get back to bed) I busted out a half broken easel, dusted it off, and decided that I would use it until it completely collapsed. I put on some music I bought myself Saturday for my birthday present to myself, Camera Obscura, My Maudlin Career, and started painting over a horrid painting I had started probably more than a year ago. It always feels liberating to destroy something you've done before. I also had a drawing I did during the day when I was frustrated, so I started just to paint, based on the drawing (I'll post the drawing later). This was the result. I'm not finished, not by far, but it felt really good to just paint again, and not worry about the consequences or about making money by the action. I'll post more progress as I go along.

Naomi

5.08.2009

Art Tour: The Getty Villa


So the art tour has been on hold for a while, but it's back for the summer! The first confirmed stop is May 23 at the Getty Villa. I've always wanted to go there since I was a kid seeing the commercials on TV, but never got a chance. I've been to the Getty Center a few times, but I keep hearing that the Getty Villa is more beautiful and breathtaking. I can't wait. I really would like to see if they have a book that I helped with the design of at the book store there, too.

Some pending dates...
-Tomorrow, May 9 at the Ventura Pier. We are definitely going for my birthday, but I don't want to be too focused on anything, just a good birthday and family trip. But, if I get inspired, I may get some art out

-May 15 at the Camarillo Boys and Girls club They are having the FIRST LEGO League Expo. Our daughter designed the shirts of one of the teams!

-Sometime in May, Circus Vargas has come to town. The Circus is always a great Visual inspiration.

-Late June, Carlos' family reunion at Leo Carrillo State Park and Beach in Malibu. Lots of sketching to be done there.

That's it for now, but there will be more!

Naomi

5.04.2009

Soul and Romance: First Piece of my Series Inspired by the Music of The Killers

As most of you know, my very favorite band is The Killers. I started on a series completely inspired by their music. This is the first installment. Each piece is not necessarily inspired by a specific song, but more the feel of certain sounds. I will be adding more as I complete them. Sorry for the watermark btw, but I have to protect my work. I'm just starting to be a little more cautious.

Thanks!
Naomi