Dia de los Muertos

Dia de los Muertos, 6.385x10.25", graphite/digital

I was invited to participate in the Autumn Society of Philadelphia'a first invitational show, the theme of which was the holiday Dia de los Muertos. It's odd that these shows are getting a little regimented, but hopefully this new venue and the artists involved will make for a good show. What little I know of the holiday has been gleamed from Ray Bradbury's Halloween Tree and a Venture Bros. episode, so it was interesting to read about the holiday to get some ideas for the piece. One of the coolest things about it was how people believe that the ghosts would be attracted by marigolds- the "flor de muerto." So, the image of a ghost boy spectrally floating about this flower came to mind immediately.

I had limited time to get the piece done so I focused more on the drawing than the painting, but I was able to try some things I've been thinking about recently- like, oddly enough, ghosts! Enjoy.

Golf, for the New York Times

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to work for the New York Times; a publication I've dreamed of working with for a long time. I was a bit nervous because the piece was running as the cover of a special section for the PGA Tour, but the art directors there were very positive, supportive, and great to work with.

The original piece, 9.5x24", pencil & digital

The piece was to inaugurate a new elite golf course in Jersey City called Liberty National. Built by major golf professionals, it's situated in such a place on the river that is has a perfect view of the Statue of Liberty. The AD wanted the statue to the main focus of the piece, and as we went on with sketch revisions the piece got more airy and atmospheric (which is totally awesome).

Sketches

Sketching While Away

I've had a fair share of traveling this season, but thankfully last week was spent relaxing in New Jersey with family. While waiting to post some new work, I thought I would post some sketches I did while away. I've been trying to work with ink lately, so most of these sketches are my very early experiments with what is, for me, a new medium. In any case, enjoy.

8-Bit & Beyond, Tonight

Just a head's up, the image below will be on display with lots of great video game inspired works at Brave New Worlds in Philadelphia. This opens today, Friday the 7th, and is up until the end of the month. So far we've gotten a lot of great coverage, so here's hoping the turn out is just as great.

NC's Shadow

Hi guys. This was a little spur of the moment study I did while sketching out my submission to the Autumn Society's 8-Bit and Beyond show. The theme is, of course, video games and I immediately jumped at the chance to do something from my favorite game of all time, Shadow of the Colossus. It's a beautiful, mysterious, and atmospheric adventure and this seemed like a pretty obvious parody. If another artist has done the same thing, I'd love to know- I had a sinking feeling I wasn't the first to put these two things together. Otherwise hope you like it, and enjoy some purple shadows. Thanks!

New Personal Work

It Flew at Sunset, 14.5 x 19.5", pencil/ink/digital

The Wreck, 4.25 x 7.5", Ink on Rives BFK

These are two recent pieces completed for my show in Philadelphia. The ink piece is one that I'm especially interested in, because it's a medium I'm just starting to wrestle with. I've long admired people who use it to create magnificent images; artists like Jeff Smith, Paul Pope, etc. The other piece is more cathartic than anything else- the last finished illustration I created and it's birds, figurative work, clouds, and swirls. Everything I love drawing.

Opening @Chapterhouse Friday!

Friday July 10th, 6-9PM
@Chapterhouse, 620 South 9th St.

I've been posting a lot of information about my upcoming show with SM Vidaurri, and I'm proud to say that the opening is fast approaching. There will be a small reception at Chapterhouse on Friday July 10th, from 6-9pm. I'm looking forward to relaxing with a nice cup of coffee on a beautiful Philadelphia evening. Come on out to enjoy some great art.

And to post something new(er), the below is a sketch for another piece that will be available at Chapterhouse.