San Francisco Music Concourse

(5" x 7" gouache and watercolors in sketchbook)

Spent the afternoon in the Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. Painted in front of the SF Music Concourse. Most of the leaves have already fallen onto the ground and park benches, but there's just a small amount of bright yellow leaves left.... hanging onto those tree branches!

New sketch card preview

Just a quick peak at my latest Jango Fett sketch card...

new sketch card

It's been very tricky getting out there for plein air painting around the winter...especially when fighting a cold. I've heard and read that some artists have been brave enough to try painting under some shelter during the rainy weekends. In the meantime, I've been tied up working on some new star wars sketch cards. Here's a sneak peak.

C-3PO (See Threepio)
(2.5" x 3" watercolors, gouache and micron pens)

Urban Painter Spotted

Wandered the streets of San Francisco (near Union Square) and saw a gentleman sitting down with his easel. From across the street I thought he was painting the urban landscape.... ....but he was actually touching up 6 pre-painted canvases at the same time. That cable car scene in the middle has got to be my favorite...but I like the one in his hands too......talk about inspiration!!!

China Camp shores

Still having that high 70 degree weather in Marin.....took advantage and did some plein air painting along the shores of China Camp in San Rafael, Ca. Wow, I have to admit I'm a bit rusty painting on location but it felt really good to be outdoors again.....in November?
Here's a closer look at another painter painting along the edge of the upper parking lot.

Coffee Break

Here's an oldie sketch that I recently found in one of my (many) sketch books....very similar my food court sketch and my Chinatown sketch. I remember roaming around Filmore St. @ San Francisco, looking for a paper store and needing to take a coffee break on the way.....oh, and to bust out a quick sketch while waiting. Speaking of coffee....time for a coffee break :)

Halloween Paintout in Bodega, CA - Calvary Cemetary

Nice break from the miniature sketch card paintings in the studio..... Took a road trip to the town of Bodega, CA for a Halloween themed paintout. I chose to set up at the entrance to the Calvary Cemetery.

Out of respect we were not allowed to paint exact names from headstones. But this particular grave belonged to a World War II veteran. One would think of this paintout to be creepy, but it was actually quite the opposite.

As with all on location paintings, lighting can play tricks on your eyes. I struggled with this one a bit, but kept reworking it throughout the afternoon.

Thanks!

Anthology 451

If you missed Ape-Con this year, the AWESOME "Anthology 451" is now available online! Featuring uber talented artist John Hoffman and Craig Berry+ more!

For more info: Click HERE

Here's some sneak peaks at the pages....

new sketch card

My blog has gotten a slight face lift with a more recent template by the folks of Blogger. I'll continue to keep this mostly as a blog with my recent adventures in plein air painting, still life and any current illustrative/commercial projects..... with the permission of my art director of course :)

Updates - As for now, I'm gearing up for a new gig as a sketch card artist on a number of projects. If all things go well, this may carry over into next year. But for now, here's a little teaser on a new star wars sketch card I'm working on.

Bounty Hunter: Boba Fett
(2.5" x 3" watercolors, gouache and brush pens)

Spaceman Spiff

(2.5" x 3.5"sketch card)

Here's Calvin(aka: Spaceman Spiff) stranded on an unknown planet (as usual) planning to rescue his best-bud Hobbes from some moldy potato shaped aliens.

Calvin and Hobbes

Superpunch has done it again with another themed art contest, "Calvin and Hobbes". Besides the classic Peanuts comic strip, Calvin and Hobbes is one of my all-time fav's!

There's already tons of great entries posted and majority of them have been made digitally. Hopefully I can bring something different to table, just like my Scribblenauts entry in the past.

Here's a couple progress shots so far.....

Peju Winery, Napa Ca.

Hanging out at any Napa winery on a warm Sunday afternoon is just great! But to hang out and paint at Peju Winery was a real treat. I met up with a handful of North Bay painters and we explored different views of Peju. Probably the most popular structure was this salmon colored tasting room. A handful of us set up with our backs against a wall of bushes and painted the building from all sorts of angles.

I probably could have spent another hour or two on my painting. Although I enjoyed working on the roof and ripples from the water fountain, I really wanted to continue tightening up the walls and grassy area....But being out in the sun for 2-3 hours is really draining. There's always next time!

Riley Street - 20 minute portrait

(5" x 7" prisma colored pencils on canson paper)

This was done during the last 20 minute session for the evening. Not a lot of strong lighting contrast from the angle I was sitting... but I really enjoyed drawing his profile. Sketching on this canson paper felt great! I was trying to track down a sketch book filled with this paper but seems to be Sold Out or discontinued.... do let me know if you know a place! So for now I look forward to trying out some other earth-toned paper.

Big thanks to fellow artists Lenny Lee and Cameron Chun for the heads up on this life drawing session. It's conveniently close to home and a really great group of artists.

Riley Street - 20 minute poses

(4" x 6" prisma pencils on canson paper)

The nice thing about having a life drawing class at an art store.... you can purchase supplies on the spot! I was inspired by artist Cameron Chun and tried my hand at some dark gray canson paper with black prisma colored pencils and white for highlights. We had a great model that evening with cut muscle definition!

Riley Street 5-10 minute poses

It has truly been ages since I've attended any life drawing sessions. The previous week was.... rusty.... that's a good way to describe it. Here's from my second week warm ups.

5 minute pose

10 minute pose

Quixote Winery

(5" x 7" gouache on watercolor board)

Quixote Winery - Napa, Ca

This way.... to Quixote Winery (pronounced kee-hoh-tee)

It's a private winery, but the kind folks at Quixote granted access to paint their wonderful landscape and building. The weather has been great all week but on the day I decide to paint, it hits 100 degrees!! Although I found a cozy spot under a tree I think it was only 10 degrees cooler.

Struggled with this one a bit - pushing and pulling the plants was tricky. Obviously I wanted the garlic shaped dome to be the main focus because it really catches your eye... especially with that intense glare from the sun. I could have easily gotten carried away with the whispy bushes but I didn't want the foreground to take away from the golden dome :)

Wow, that turned into a self critique? Hahaha. I'll be sure to scan in the finished painting and add to the next post, Thanks!

No Sketching Allowed

Had a blast of inspiration while visiting the deYoung Museum Exhibit "Birth of Impressionism". Started off with free pastries and coffee hosted by La Boulange Bakery. Now time for some sketching ....wait......there's a sign that says....."no sketching allowed" !!!

I've encountered this rule at last year's King Tut Exhibit. A security guard stopped me as I just started. It was at the end of the exhibit that I find out I should have been allowed to sketch. Has anyone heard of this rule at other museums?

Well, it's still worth the visit to see these paintings up close. Masterful lighting and brush techniques.

Inverness, Ca

(4" x 5" gouache on watercolor board)

Driving down Sir Francis Drake Blvd, one can really miss this view. It's located just behind the General Store! Be sure to make a pit-stop and order a dozen BBQ'd oysters.....really good!

Half Moon Bay

(4" x 6" gouache on watercolor board)

This painting is flying across the Pacific Ocean and to its' new home
in Hawaii. Many thanks to Agatha and Corey for the commish!

Tiburon - Opening Day on the Bay

This passed weekend was the "Opening Day of the Bay" and I decided to sneak outside for an afternoon paintout in the town of Tiburon. Not only did it have a great view of downtown San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge, but a close up to a parade of boats! Sunday marked the official opening to the San Francisco boating season. The event was hosted by (PICY) the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association and featured over 120 historic workboats, fireboats, towboats, and sailboats.

Spring Plein Air - Sacramento Art Walk

(7" x 10" gouache on watercolor board)

April 10th - Opening Reception during Sacramento's 2nd Saturday Art Walk.

4pm to 6pm - Preview Wine and Cheese Party!

Patris Studio Gallery at S12
1200 S. Street
Sacramento, Ca.

Gallery Dates: April 10 - May 31

Sacramento Plein Air in the Park

Had a chance to submit one painting for the Sacramento Spring Plein Air Show at Patris Stuido Gallery in Sacramento, Ca. The theme is....."Celebrating the Joy of Outdoor Painting!"

I'll be sure to scan and post tomorrow.

Big ROCKS - Nicasio, Ca

(9" x 12" gouache on watercolor board)

If you ever drive down Lucas Valley, it's a wonderful windy drive with trees that remind me of the chase scene from Return of the Jedi. After making a right onto Nicasio Valley, you'll come up to the small town of Nicasio.

Landmarks like Druid's Hall, St. Mary's Church and the General store are visitor favorites....but I was more fascinated with the lush green grass and scattered big rocks along the hills behind the church.

Art Auction - Animation Department

Painting donation to an Animation/Art Auction benefiting the AIDS/Breast Cancer emergency fund. Thanks to story artist, Le Tang who kindly invited me to participate. Early on, I thought about donating a couple miniature paintings, but later decided to concentrate on a slightly larger piece.
Title: "The smaller things in life"
Medium: Gouache on watercolor paper
Painting size: 4" x 6"
Frame size: 11" x 13"

Art Auction - Progress

Here's a quick progress shot of a painting I'm planning to donate at the end of this week. The bird is an American Robin and can be seen in parks such as the Presidio. It's turning out darker than I anticipated so I'll have to touch up the head and feathers before I submit.

Apple a Day: update

Sorry for the lack of posting in the past week, I've taken on a few projects that has taken up most of my time. But I'll be sure to keep ya posted as soon as they are completed. Above is a quick update of my "apple a day" project. Sketches range from 45 minutes to as quick as 10 minutes. To take a closer look, click here or click the apple button ---->
Thanks!

Joy Cove, Benicia Ca

Oh what a treat, a handful of us painters were granted access to Joy Cove which is owned by Phil Joy's Moving Company. For any painter, this place was like being a kid at a candy store. There's boats, cranes, houses on stilts......and so many more knick-knacks to paint. Well, this particular painting was sort of based on memory.

(2"x4" gouache on watercolor paper)

Currently displayed at Java Point Cafe

Alcatraz Island

Fog is such a big part of the Bay Area, but if you're lucky enough to visit on a clear day...Alcatraz Island aka "The Rock" is fantastic! Here's a view from Marina Blvd. I'm trying out a slightly wider format than usual.....I'm liking it :)

(2"x4" gouache on watercolor paper)

Currently displayed at Java Point Cafe

Java Point Cafe, Benicia Ca

The kind folks at Java Point Cafe has allowed me to hang a handful of my paintings. If you're looking for some good breakfast, sandwiches, coffee, local art....and awesome customer service, then definitely stop by. Above is a sketch I drew 2 years ago while having lunch with some friends.....try drawing at that angle if you dare.

(photos taken by Amanda S. of yelp)

Java Point Cafe
366 1st St
Benicia, CA 94510

Last chance - Miniature Painting Raffle, Napa Ca

Here's my framed miniature painting donation. Today is the last day to purchase a raffle ticket at the Napa Valley Museum. Later this evening, all winners will be announced. Good luck! I've got my eye on a couple paintings....I sure wouldn't mind taking home (details below).
An exhibit of original art work (paintings and sculptures) no larger than 8" x 8". Participating artists from all over California. The theme is "Take a Chance on Miniatures!" Basically....stop by the museum and purchase a raffle ticket $5/each (or 5 raffle tix for $20). Just fill out your contact info on the ticket stub and drop in the box below the painting you'd like to take home! ----------->

The winners will be contacted at the end of the exhibit (Jan. 10, 2010).

Napa Valley Museum
55 Presidents Circle
Yountville, CA 94599
Click Here for Directions

Peace Pagoda

Afternoon paint out in the heart of Japan Town (corner of Buchanan and Post St) San Francisco, Ca.

(2" x 3.5" gouache on watercolor paper)

New Years resolution

No new gym membership or drastic change in diet, but I've decided to try something new this year, "an apple a day". I've made a separate blog dedicated to this personal project and it's only three days in, but be sure to stop by and check out the progress each day....even on the weekends :)

I've created a shortcut button on the right side ------->

Artist trading card swap

Just a few months ago I joined an artist trading card group that have occasional swaps between other artist. It was brought to my attention from the talented illustrator, Brian Gubicza. This is my first swap and the theme was "Imaginary Landscapes".....look familiar?

(2.5" x 3.5" gouache on watercolor paper)

Angel Island, Sausalito Ca

Miniature painting during a lunch break along the water front main street of Sausalito, Ca. Here's a view of Angel Island. Accessible by Ferry great place to hike, bike or just to have a picnic.

(2" x 3" gouache on watercolor paper)