Acrylic on canvas, 5′ x 13′.
This piece was done as a backdrop for photo shoots. It was originally designed for sitting shots, but we used it for a photo booth session for this reception. The beautiful bride and the groom were really happy with it. Most of the shots were close ups. We had to get a full length shot of her gorgeous gown!
Acrylic latex, 24″ x 36″.
I just finished this mural of young John the Baptist. I really enjoyed painting the piece. Many subtle layers help to create a radiant glow throughout. He is part of a grand narrative in the current series, but he is also known as the prophet who prepared for Jesus’ coming.
Acrylic latex on primed plaster. 3′ x 5′.
Our Lady of Sorrows, a variation of the Virgin Mary, kicked off the new mural set I’ve been commissioned to do. It prompts us to keep our eyes on the prize (true beauty), despite the ugly hardships that life can bring. I feel great about the piece!
Acrylic latex on primed plaster. 24″ x 36″.
I finished this mural today at Milokan Botanica. It is the smallest in a series of three that I was commissioned to do 10 days ago. The Sacred Heart of Jesus was chosen by the owners as a background presence in the mural. A reminder of the true source of power in their spirituality. Having finally had a chance to step back and take a breath, I feel satisfied with this piece, as well as all the others. The process has left me with a renewed sense of creativity and an eagerness to paint more!!
Acrylic latex on primed plaster. 48″ x 18″.
The St. Barbara mural was done tonight at the Botanica. It was a fairly small space so I was able to finish it pretty quickly. St. Barbara has been known throughout history as the patron saint of military men and engineers who work with explosives because of the old legends that associated her with lightning. She is also a strong figure in modern spiritualism. I loved using complimentary colors as a continuing thread for this entire project. Its been an incredible process!
Acrylic latex paint on primed plaster. 2′ x 4′.
This mural of St. Peter was completed last night at the Botanica. St. Peter was one of Jesus’ original apostles and the keeper of the keys to the kingdom. I think my patrons chose the top of the doorway for Peter as a metaphore for that. I really love how tactile this piece is! The different textures are the result of different treatments in each area.
Acrylic latex, paint on primed surface. 15′ x 10′.
I completed this piece tonight at Milokan Botanica. St. Michael, or the Archangel Michael is a vital part of the patron’s spiritual narrative. In the 4th century he was first seen as a healing angel. Later he became a general, leading God’s armies against the forces of evil. The idea of him also being a protector of youth was what made his image ideal for this space.
Acrylic latex, paint on primed wall. 3′ x 5′.
This mural of the Black Madonna was completed today at Milokan Botanica. The idea of the Black Madonna was first realized as the dark skin of the goddess Isis. Her dark skin (or blackness) was associated with the life-force of all matter. This iconic Earth mother plays an important role in modern spiritualism.
Acrylic on canvas. 22″ x 30″.
This piece is #2 in the series. I chose Novice Hame because she’s a really controversial figure in the show. On the one hand she and her peers in the senate do everything they can to protect the people of their world, but to the point of tyranny. On the other hand, she is the guardian of the race, trying to ensure that the species is safe guarded from death and disease. She began with the purest of intentions. But her dream was flawed. A fact she was oblivious to until the Dr. pointed it out.
Collage. Construction paper,paint pen, ink. 12″ x 18″.
Sometimes I feel like I just HAVE to make art, just to know I’m alive. This was one of those days. We were back @ UM in that magical place where we churn out all this incredibly powerful work! There was no question of what we were going to do. It was all about pop art, and mythological icons. It was the best crop of ideas yet! It made me feel absolutely ecstatic, enchanted, and electric!!
Acrylic wash on canvas. 20″ X 24″.
This piece was commissioned by a good friend who found the the love of her life. She wanted it done in time for their wedding day, which happens to be this Saturday, the 17th. It took about 5 days to complete. I was ecstatic to do the job! True love is such a rare thing to behold, but once you’ve seen it, it becomes pretty recognizable from that point on. Cheers to you Tracy and Bernie and your happily ever after!!
Acrylic on watercolor paper. 11″ x 17″.
This piece was an exercise in impressionism. Its a tribute of sorts to the artists of the past who continue to influence and inspire my work in that rebelious spirit that made them great. Monet, Van Gogh, Manet, and Renoir all had an idealist aura about their techniques that really resonate with me because they not only painted the world as it was, but also as it should be.
Gold, silver, and white paint pen on paper. 12″ x 18″.
This was a minimal reference, free-hand exercise in drawing for me. To draw a line on the page without having to think about whether it is straight enough, curved enough, or where it was in space was a little odd at first. As it turned out, the more lines I drew on the page, the more giddy I felt. Like a child at play.
Paint pen and ink on paper. 18” X 24”.
The thing I find most fascinating about little canines is their sense of hyper- bravado. They’ve got attitudes. So beware, their just too tough! Twix projects that with perfection.
Our little spaceman turned two today. Happy Birthday Lee, thanks for being the best grandbaby in the world!
Charcoal and chalk on paper. 18″ x 24″.
This piece was done at Vizcaya in the garden groves. The villa is a constant source of inspiration. It always feels like time doesn’t really exist there.
Paint pen and ink on paper. 14″ x 20″.
This is like one of those days where every cloud in the sky is perfectly formed and the sun is smiling down on everything. A day when everything goes incredibly well.
Chalk on paper. 4′ x 9′.
This banner was commissioned by a person planning to celebrate their birthday and Halloween all in one bash. And of course the best component of any party is the dance!
Here is one of the cards I created for our new game. Ocho the game is super fun and uber competitive! I’m really excited about the possibility of a print run!
This is the ” See,” card that I produced for our new card game! Its called Ocho The Game and its totally competitive. A lot of people despise this card when it is played in conjunction with another card in the deck.
Paint pen and ink on paper. 14″ x 20″.
Mia lounges so beautifully. Lost somewhere between doggie dreams and a daze, her eyes emit such a serene vibe. Dogs truly are our best friends. They show us the purest form of unconditional love there is. Sweet.
Acrylic and gouache on canvas, 18″ X 24″ (each).
Ahh. The joy of painting is sometimes inexplicable. The process of creating this series was quite profound. I stood on the brink of my bare canvas, in total submission to the muse. Then I dimmed the lights after each 2 hour interval. Each time, a whole new palette splashed across my subject. Instead of a simple study of light, it became an exploration of sight. By the end of the month I was left with this series. Each piece is a universe, eternal all to itself.
Acrylic, gouache, ink on linoleum, 12″ X 12″ (each).
This piece was conceived on a cold, rainy day in the magic city within a 3 week period. I witnessed the demise of a relatively small, simple and elusive creature. It got me thinking about the state of things and the irony of our inevitability. I hit on the idea of death as a transformation rather than an end, and beauty existing even in the breakdown of the final procession of this journey. The idea of having a chance at spiritual rebirth; like a phoenix from the ashes. I think Joseph Campbell called it “the awakening of awe.”
Acrylic, gouache, and Krylon on canvas. 48″ X 52″.
When this piece was made, I was traveling through life at lightning speeds. Like an electron, spinning too fast for any protons to latch on. I felt that slowing down would somehow leave me rooted to one spot. By the time I did take a breath, I came face to face with a terrible force that shook my entire being to the core. “In the middle of the journey of our life, I came to myself within a dark wood where the straight way was lost. Oh, how hard it is to tell of that wood; savage and harsh and dense, the thought of which renews my fear.” -Dante Alighieri
Amore Colore: Nina's Color Lab. 