Bacon and Butter and Sketching!

My wife and I took a trip out to Sacramento and spent some time with one of our best friends Ari Ramirez :D We brunched it up at a place called "Bacon and Butter".

(Left) I ordered Biscuits w/ Gravy topped with Sage (Right) Olivia ordered the Grilled Cheese Bacon Benedict w/ seasonal fruit!!!
 
If you love bacon... butter... breakfast.... brunch.... then this is a spot you gotta try! I thought it was nifty how they give your bill wedged between pages of an old book! When I flipped through the pages I noticed all the short notes and doodles! I couldn't help but scribble down a quick zombie sketch before leaving.... "Mmmm Bacon!"...maybe I subconsciously can't wait for the new season of Walking Dead? Haha. 

  (Doodle can be found on Page 28 of the book "A Gift of Prophecy")

Crane Creek (Sonoma County) Painting 2

(7" x 9" gouache on watercolor board)

After the first painting I hiked a little further in hopes to do one more painting. I found a nice shady area to set up and painted this one in 45 minutes. Trees are just so fun to paint! The layering can be tricky but each time I paint trees I discover new techniques :)

Crane Creek (Sonoma County) Painting 1

(9" x 5" gouache on watercolor board)

Crane Creek (Sonoma County) The Views!

Took a drive up to Sonoma County and into the town of Rhonert Park. It was a wonderful drive through additional small towns and several dilapidated barns! I was hesitant to pull over and snap some photos... but my destination was for Crane Creek Regional Park.

Parked my car, paid the $7 parking fee, loaded my gear and started hiking! Although there were beautiful oaks to paint, I decided to head up a hill to get a glimpse of the views.

Here's a progress shot overlooking beautiful grassy hills, views of the valley and vineyards!

501st CVI - DVD Available for Order

My Star Wars 501st sketchcards will all be featured in a new DVD! 

501st Celebration VI DVD

The DVD will showcase Celebration VI from Orlando FL, celebrating the 501st - 15th Anniversary! Featuring everything from the costumers to Roxy the Rancor to the Big Bash Party.

Here's a link to the Trailer [HERE]

Here's some of my cards that will be available on the Swag Trade Section > Sketch Card Collection > Gerald de Dios

 ©2013 Gerald de Dios

Pt. Reyes Vineyards - Summer Rain!

(Watercolors on 12" x 16" waterboard)

Took a day trip up to Pt Reyes with my wife. It's normally about a 45 minute drive ... unless there's RAIN..... which makes it that much more dangerous when driving through Lucas Valley's curvy roads. Luckily it rained only the first part of the day... which allowed me to park and set up.

During this type of weather I'll have to find some coverage.... in this case my SUV trunk door! As for views, the options are limited by the fog and misty air. I walked around and scoped the area.... off to the distance I spotted a barn.... and a truck loaded with hay!

Usually around this time I have to work fast because of the summer heat.... but working wet on wet with these low temperatures requires some patience to allow the watercolors to dry. I've always had a hard time approaching misty skies and usually over-work the painting.... but I think I captured the atmosphere and how the day felt from Sunday's paintout :) 

TRANSFORMERS Sketchcards now Available!!!

I recently completed a handful of sketchcards that will be randomly inserted into boxes for the New 2013 Transformers Optimum Collector's Set!

It's a mixture of the 1980's cartoon (Generation 1) and the latest Transformers Prime Animated Show (HUB Network).

The sets are now available on store shelves and at Hobby Stores!

To check out the cards I worked on, click on the photo below:

Black Point - Old Dock (Novato, Ca)

(8" x 10" watercolors on 140lb. waterboard)

Black Point Boat Launch - Novato, Ca.

(8" x 10" Watercolors on 140lb. waterboard)

Took a drive down Hwy 37 and set up at the Black Point boat launch. Followed a hidden trail that led to an old dock. While sketching my layout... my tripod cracked and my portable stool broke!!!

Luckily I also packed a beach chair.... and ended up painting on my lap. The winds picked up and my umbrella kept flying away... luckily I always tie down my umbrella just in case this happens :) 

Other than all the mishaps... I  had a great time here!

Black Point Boat Launch - progress shot

Taking a break from the studio and catching some sun.... and by sun I mean painting outdoors!

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

Happy Mother's Day Mom! Remember when I drew on the wall with crayons when I was 2 years old? Thanks for not freaking out... well, not freaking out too much, LOL! We had a wonderful time hanging out in Sausalito on "Your Day!" Enjoy your new painting and new San Francisco Starbucks mug... to add to your collection!

Sneak Peek - Bird's Nest Painting

So last summer my mom sent me weekly photos of her new found neighbors. And looking at the photos closely... there were strands of purple, yellow and beige all over the nest.

But when I visited in person.... and looked closely... I could see a lot of warm colors like reds and oranges! The eggs were bright blue and the nest had such a mixture of straw, branches, hair, etc.

Of all the photos my mom took...this was the one I referenced for the eggs. The photo looks very flat... So I had to really keep pushing the center of the nest downwards to help showcase the eggs. Like most paintings this caused a lot of going back and forth with the layers. But it turns out that the wispy brush stokes really created this movement... this energy... in the painting!

(Below) I also wanted to incorporate those green leaves that are blurred in the photo.... but I didn't  want it to take away from the main focus of the painting... So you'll see splashes of green at the top left and right of the painting.

I really didn't know if this would work? Or if it would ruin a good thing? But in the end... it was a really fun painting to work on!

Crepes Anyone?

Step 1: Once your batter is ready....

 

Just kidding! This is actually a surprise painting I'm prepping for my mom for Mother's Day :)

Story: Last summer my parents found a birds nest in their backyard. Later finding 4 tiny blue eggs inside. My mom was so excited when they hatched... but sad when the last baby bird flew away.

 

 Had some watercolor paint issues but I'll save that for another blog post :) 

In the meantime, Check Back for the final results! Cheers!

TENTACLES! Original Painting - Now Available

If you could not attend the opening night, no worries!

The original painting has been made available online through Ltd Art Gallery.

Just click the image above to see the details.

Cheers!

TENTACLES! Art Show, This Saturday May 4th, 7pm @ Ltd. Art Gallery (Seattle, Wa)

I am so excited and honored to participate in Saturday's Group Art Show! Many thanks to Bonnie Burton who will be guest curator! Additional thanks to James Monosmith, Ltd. Gallery owner!

 My painting is finished, framed and in transit!

Title: "Peering"

Size: 8"x8" Framed
Original Painting Available

for Purchase at Show

If you're in Seattle this Saturday check it out!

TENTACLES: Group Exhibition || Opening Reception: Saturday May 4, 2013, 7pm

More info can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/275928999209252/?ref=22

Ltd. Art Gallery

307 E Pike St 

Seattle, Wa 98122

Progress Shots: TENTACLES! Group Art Show @ Ltd. Art Gallery, Seattle WA, This Saturday, May 4th, 7:00PM

Thought I'd share a few progress shots while creating my submission for the "TENTACLES" Art Show. Just the show title alone, gave me over a dozen ideas! Did I want to create something comic book related? Something Sci-Fi themed?

After multiple thumbnail ideas I decided on something that best fit the show. I spent a good 3 years attending the Art Institute of Seattle. During my stay I purchased a yearly pass to the Seattle Aquarium. I love aquariums in general and could spend hours staring at all the underwater life. As a matter of fact, I made it a habit to go to the Seattle Aquarium to practice sketching all types of fish, octopus, and sea otters. One day I lost track of time....the security guard did his final rounds and told me they've been closed for the past hour! I didn't even realize I was the only one left sitting there?! LOL.

So for the show I decided to created a miniature painting measuring 3.5" x 3.5" and limited my design within a boxy dimension.  As for the subject..... you guessed it......an octopus!  

After inking, I started laying down the first layer of watercolors.

 Next I worked on filling in the octopus tones and textures.

At this point I'm using a mixture of watercolors, inks, 

markers and colored pencils.

 Adding the final touches.

 Not quite done.... Decided to incorporate a 3D effect!

 Here's the final painting before adding a frame.

Thanks for stopping by! 

Next post will feature the framed painting before I send it out :)

TENTACLES! Group Art Show @ Ltd. Art Gallery, Seattle WA, Saturday, May 4th, 7:00PM

I'll be part of a group show @ Ltd. Art Gallery, If you're in Seattle this Saturday check it out!

TENTACLES: Group Exhibition || Opening Reception: Saturday May 4, 2013, 7pm

Hope you can make it! 

More info can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/275928999209252/?ref=22

Ltd. Art Gallery

307 E Pike St 

Seattle, Wa 98122

 

 

Transformers - Sneak Peek

Thanks for all your patience! I finally have the green light to start sharing the cards I worked on for the New TRANSFORMERS set.

The official set will be available to purchase at the end of May 2013 (I'll provide details when the release date gets closer).

So here's a progress shot.... what my desk tends to look like when working on multiple cards.

More to come, Stay Tuned!

Thanks :)

Old Lakeville Road # 3 - Petaluma, CA.

(9" x 12" gouache on watercolor board)

The sheep were long gone by the time I finished up this painting,

but sure was nice they kept us company throughout the afternoon.

Setting up off HWY-37 (Sonoma County)

 

Olivia and I drove along Lakeville Highway and turned into Old Lakeville Road # 3. That's right.... there are three roads to choose from but # 3 is the longest road...with great landscape views of barns and farm animals. We immediately pulled over and admired the ponies! But just behind us we noticed a large group of sheep beginning to come up and over the grassy hillside. So I started setting up along the fence and comfortably between two eucalyptus trees.

Warm-Up Wolf Sketch

Warm-up sketch before working on next wave of commissions :)

Nightcrawler in New X-Men: Day's of Future Past (NOT)

Earlier this week we got the good news that Halle Barry will return as STORM in the new "X-Men: Day's of Future Past".... however, Allan Cumming will not return as NIGHTCRAWLER.

I was a little bummed since James McAvoy mentioned in a recent interview that everyone will make a return for the 2014 film.

So I decided to express my bummed....bum..... and whip up an illustration of little ol' Nightcrawler sitting by his lonesome self. He's too sad to tell anyone he won't be back.... so he just made a sign.... but it's not enough to hold back his tears.... well, one huge TEAR :(

Heads or Tails?

Tails it shall be......

Check back later tonight for the final illustration :)

Happy Birthday Anthony Daniels aka C-3PO

Mr. Daniels turns 67 today! 

I wanted to pay tribute to the man who plays C-3PO in the Star Wars Trilogies.... So I decided to create a vector based illustration with Mr. Daniels wearing the famous golden droid costume.  I honestly had sooo much fun working on this... I lost track of time and stopped counting my layers, LOL! Enjoy and thanks for checking it out :)

Cathedral Sketch

 (St. Dominic's Cathedral, San Francisco)

What better way...but to spend a sunny day... roaming the streets of San Francisco!!! I happened to be in the Japantown area and stumbled across St. Dominic's Cathedral.

See those arched supports? Those are usually found on Gothic Style Cathedrals.... in Europe! So to come across this view was a treat.

I only had a small watercolor pad but wanted to try something new..... well, new for me.

I thought it'd be fun to set up at the corner of the parking lot and do a quick watercolor sketch.... then snap a photo.... super imposing my sketch over the existing church. The angle and size was pretty darn close.... it's always fun to experiment on the fly!

Illustration Friday: Edge

 

"HOLD ON!"

(3" x 6" Post-it-Notes on Desk)

While I wait for illustration approvals.... I thought it'd be fun to participate in Illustration Friday!

I'm a huge action/adventure fan when it comes to movies and who could forget the countless dramatic cliffhanger scenes where the hero saves the day! So when I heard this week's topic "EDGE".... my eyes were immediately drawn to the edge of my desk..... reminding me of the edge of a building or cliff.

After sketching out a couple thumbnail ideas... I thought to myself... what type of Danger should I present to our main characters??? Trash Can? Lame!

Well, it's been SUPER COLD this winter and my space heater usually helps keep my limbs from freezing! So what if our characters fell to their death? Ultimate Death by Space Heater!!! 

Enjoy! Thanks & Have a great weekend

More than Meets the Eye!

Here's one of the many projects that's been tying up my time.... but in a Good Way! Been working on illustrations for the Official TRANSFORMERS sketchcard set.

It was a blast to work on something that I grew up watching as a kid.... Wait, before I get ahead of myself..... gotta wait until I get the green light to share. So check back in early 2013..... unless, the Mayans are right (knocking on wood)!

St. Vincent's Church - San Rafael, Ca - Winter 2012

(12" x 16" Watercolors on Watercolor Board)

Now that the season is officially Winter.... it's very difficult to find a dry location to do any Plein Air Painting. Lucky for me... the rain decided to take a break Sunday and I was able to drive over to St. Vincent's Church in San Rafael, Ca. I should really compile all my paintings from this location... it's become one of my favorites to paint and explore. This time around I spotted a school bus parked in front of some run-downed buildings. Even though the facility looks shut down... they seem to be used for storage. I don't usually do urban style paintings but it sure was a FUN subject to paint!!!

Freestone Barn

(Freestone, CA)

Found a great old white barn to paint. The look of the abandoned barn melting into the ground really caught my attention! Here's my watercolor painting on a 12" x 16" watercolor block.

Wonderful small town with a popular bakery across the street! Parking lot is small but plenty of additional parking along the side of the roads. I met a handful of friendly visitors :D One local resident advised me to come back but try painting at other times of the day. I just may do that! The kids were great!!! They asked their mom if they paint with me? Hahaha.There's definitely more to explore along this small Sonoma County town.... I can't wait to take another drive here....maybe when the weather gets warmer.

Freestone, CA - setup

Here's a snap shot from my  September drive to Freestone, CA .... Drove around town for an hour to find a place to set-up. Usually on a hot day like this (97 degree) I try to find some shade. No luck... so I packed up my materials and set-up in the blazing sun. When doing this, gotta remember to pack enough water to drink! You can get dehydrated quite quickly. I'll upload a photo of my finished painting in the next post :D

Plein Air Painting - Miwok Trail, Mill Valley CA

I hiked about an hour up & down the Miwok Trail before finding a good spot to set-up and paint.

(16" x 12" watercolors on waterboard)

It was a nice, clear, warm day... with a slight breeze towards the late afternoon. I was greeted by other hikers, joggers, mountain bikers... and even a horse stopped by to see what I was doing! LOL. If you've never been to this part of Mill Valley, Ca... there are numerous trails to choose from but this particular one is shared for horse back riding.

Setting up was a little tricky.... with horse land-mines... if you catch my drift... So I made sure to stay off to the side of the trail. Too bad I chose an inclined composition! But I really liked the depth of field I got from the large boulder sticking out the hills and large trees hiding the sky.

By the evening... the wind really picked up!!!  I had to hold my Guerrilla Pochade Box steady so my waterboard wouldn't fall....Too Late! It flew forward and onto a brush filled with green! Lucky for me.... it fell onto the area I was painting the trees.... "Happy Mistake".

So that was my recent plein air adventrure....A great spot to visit and I look forward to visiting again :D

The Circle is Now Complete! Star Wars Celebration!

 
That's Right..... The Circle is now Complete!

Here are the 8 completed cards I worked on for the Star Wars 501st Legion :D

So how can you get your hands on one of my cards?

First, you've already purchased tickets to attend Star Wars Celebration VI on August 23 - 26 (Orlando, FL)

Second, you've already purchased tickets to attend the 501st Bash "Party at the Palace", Friday - August 24th. SOLD OUT!

Last Chance, if you didn't get tickets for the 501st Bash Tickets..... some cards might be handed out during the 501st costuming panels.....

.....So follow the 501st Legion closely on Twitter and Facebook for hints on where to get the cards!

Row #1: Sandtrooper, Scout Trooper

Row #2: StormTrooper #1, Storm Trooper #2

Row #3: ARF Trooper, Snow Trooper

Row #4: Shock Trooper, Darth Sidious

Tiger-Uppercut!

Tiger, Tiger, Tiger-Uppercut!

Quick tribute to one of my favorite characters in the old school video game, "Street Fighter II".

Name: Sagat
Origin: Thailand
Style: Muay Thai

This marker sketch was powered by Philz Coffee!

Cup-O-Bane

I give to you BANE.... on a coffee cup!

Had a chance to watch opening night....midnight showing of "The Dark Knight Rises". Had to caffeine up if I was gonna stay up for this 2 hour and 44 minute film!

So was it worth it? YES! The perfect bookend to a trilogy. Don't worry no spoilers... but I will say I will surely watch it again.... and again :D

This marker sketch was powered by Blue Bottle Coffee!

Gretta the Boxer

Four years ago, Olivia & I attended a dog & cat photo shoot for work out in Contra Costa. We were fortunate to make a new friend.... her name was Gretta.

I just got word that Gretta passed away due to Cancer :(

Above was a 1-hour recorded digital speed painting I did of Gretta. The original video recording is no longer available because the Graffiti application went down.

Gretta will be deeply missed as the friendliest Boxer in the world!