Better ____ Best

Part of a small series of 4 6" x 8" paintings I'm working on, focusing on female characters and the phrases "Better Went Best," "Better Meant Best," "Better Said Best," and "Better Knew Best." To come: mopey portrait of myself.

I'm really digging the color scheme in this one, as it's bright like the rest of my work, but more strange colors I wouldn't normally use. I also wanted to experiment with just drawing onto a board and creating the painting from there, as opposed to using transfers to paint sketches I've already created.

Along with that, I wanted to showcase my knowledge of anatomy with exaggerated features. I wanted to show my understanding of light and value with only paint, and I feel really strongly about this piece and my use of text as an element. More to come from this line (including a portrait of Alex Carlson).

Cat Ghosts: Upcoming

More sketches for a series (or several) that I'm working on. My cats are going to be red, and there will be chocolate chip cookies for the mushroom tops. Also: koi fish ghosts in the background, with lots of bamboo reeds. The finished piece will be 12" x 24" on 2" cradled gesso board.

I can't get enough of Ampersand boards! There are lots to look at on the Blick site, including a lot of odd sizes we don't carry at my store that I'd like to order... mmm, 18" x 36"...

New sketch: Girl and Bird

A new sketch for a series of character paintings for an upcoming show or two.

I'm truly digging character portraits, and I'm beginning to feel that's where I really shine. I'm thinking these characters need backgrounds - a world to live in, which is something I'm still working on. I'm open to suggestions!

Where do you think Bird Girl and Bird would live?

New art for sale + Phoenix cover!

Hey there, sorry for the lack of updates. There was moving + weddings to be had, both of which were very enjoyable (especially the wedding).

I have a ton more original artwork up for sale on my etsy. Go check it out!

Along with that, I have a big cover piece out for the Boston Phoenix right now, which can be found in the inside section. Pick one up, and maybe I'll sign it for you.


Aside from that, I've been working on new concepts for new paintings (such as the character above) for a possible upcoming show or two. I'm going on a ghost/character/conceptual/cookie theme. Fewer clowns in this series, but with the same amount of excellence.

I'd also done a little drawing for the bride and groom (my friends Haley and Corey Norman) for the reception, but I didn't get a picture of it - maybe it will resurface on this page one day.

Thanks for looking!

Update!

Hey there, kidlings. I've been very busy lately! I moved into my new apartment in Jamaica Plain (with lots of help from the Jared) and am now officially set up for living. So expect new work from me! I'm currently working on a painting with cat ghosts and cookies and whatnot. Also, to further exemplify my nerd-dom, I officially have two monitors running side by side, a 15" and a 23" to do my work on. Ooh yeah.

Also! I have a new Pheonix sub-cover (the big story cover on the inside) coming out this Wednesday, so if you're anywhere in the northeastern area, pick up a copy!

Aside from that, I'm revamping my entire portfolio and getting myself in check. Professional time = now.

Bikes Not Bombs Anniversary Party

Recently I finished an invitation design for Bikes Not Bombs, a local nonprofit dealing in the sales/repair of bikes, as well as teaching classes and developing youth programs for kids. They're a fantastic group, and working with them was wonderful. I'm so happy to have been a part of something so important for their company. This was also a nice exercise for drawing hands, too.

This is their 25th birthday/anniversary as a nonprofit, and tickets are available through Bikes Not Bombs, tickets starting at $50.



Working on redoing my entire physical portfolio as well as taking more steps to get my website up. Also moving into the new house this upcoming week. Working towards figuring out a lot of things right now.

OILHEAD!

Hey, check out my awesome flier, and then check out my friend Britteny's awesome band OILHEAD at Harper's Ferry next week! They put on a SICK show, and I'm really happy to be helping such a chill band full of talented musicians. Posters available! Email OILHEAD at oilheadband@gmail.com for inquiries about merchandise.

You can check out Oilhead at http://www.myspace.com/oilhead



Look out soon for pictures of the new mural I'm making at Blick on the front windows: SPACE. AND ROBOTS. AND AWESOME. YES. PLANETOID is playing at our Blick Madness Sale! Coming soon to the only Blick near you!