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Newest Work July-Sept

 

 

 

 

Day of the Dead

 

 

 

Spicing up the Office

Objects of Interest

Here is a lamp I illustrated using Sharpie Stained markers, a phenomenal product for coloring on linen, cotton, and other wearable materials. They are so vibrant and the markers last a long time. I would recommend this product to anyone wanting to decorate shirts, shoes, backpacks, or hats. I thought a lamp would be fun to have the shade illuminated by the bulb inside, and it definitely turned out just as I hoped!

I used Sharpie Fine Point markers as well as Sharpie Oil Paint markers on the bottom base.

Sharpie Credenza

This is one of the credenzas artist Mike Ramos and I both worked on. We jointly illustrated the skyline on top, and split the drawers in half, my taking the left three, and he the right. We also took one of each end, I illustrated a sun rising on the left, and he illustrated a moon on the right (not photographed). 

Artist Preview: Amanda Chervinko

For those who know me, it may have been a slight shock I attended a small private art school (about 300 students total) instead of my first pick, the University of Iowa. For this, it would come as no surprise I befriended Amanda Chervinko during day 1 of orientation.


A naturally beautiful young woman, Amanda seemed to look just like me: cute clothes, hair styled, and well-applied make up. I gravitated towards her immediately. Unfortunately, it took two and a half years to actually have a class with her, though I quickly learned of her work despite the separation. 


Dark, disturbing, psychologically mind-effing brilliant...none of these words do her paintings justice. Not only does Chervinko paint like a watercolor master, but her concepts contain so much thought and require a bit investigation that the finished piece is simply perfection. For example, these avocados are not just food, but also 

representative of libido. This piece demonstrates the ability to heighten one’s sexuality. They have been illustrated in a "seductive and desirable manner" which mimic the males reproductive organs- the avocados main target. (amandachervinko.com). 

Ahucautl

Watercolor

And yes, I did say watercolor. I lusted over her velvety application of paint, while mine always looked dull and chalky. Her attention to detail required many hours of painting, adding one layer at a time, and often laying down washes of pigment I scoffed at. Hot pinks and lime greens, teal blues and warm purples, all in her underpainting. I literally thought she was nuts the first time I watched her paint. But her pieces always turned out the same, purely beautiful.

Animal Tomb

Watercolor

Needless to say, I will miss Amanda. Not only was she a skilled painter, but she was incredibly smart. Working beside her was that bit of healthy competition I think we both needed to achieve what we have achieved so far. If I remain in contact with only a few students from the Academy, I hope she is at the top of the list. 

Keep Your Eyes Peeled

Watercolor

"Keep your eyes peeled" for this up-and-coming artist, Amanda Chervinko, because it will only be a short matter of time before her work is everywhere. If you're smart, buy now before you can't afford it.

To see a her full portfolio, go to Amandachervinko.com. Now.

Artist Preview: Anthony Christopher

Anthony Christopher, a student with me at the American Academy of Art became my friend in '09, sophomore year. I immediately gravitated towards him for the obvious reason: his work encapsulated everything I wanted to achieve in my own art. It only made sense to keep him close.

By using a .30 Rapidograph pen (about the size of a needle tip), Anthony produces these intricate, painstakingly detailed 10 x 14 drawings on arches hot press watercolor paper. Each piece takes roughly between 20-60 hours to create. Mainly black and white, these high-contrast drawings invite the viewer in to see the hidden images inside the line work. 

At the early age of 14, Anthony entered an Indiana mental institution, an experience where he draws much of his inspiration from. After leaving, he delved into his artistic side and began creating disturbing imagery, sometimes out of his own blood. Since then, his technique has been refined and honed so proficiently. With a blend of chaotic and highly controlled lines, he creates contrast between similar tones. 

After graduation, Anthony plans to continue working on his personal illustrations and currently interns for a creative group in Chicago.

To visit his site go to anthony-christopher.com

  

  

Talk with your hands

Traditional and photoshop

Flavored toothpaste

Watercolor

Attack of the stink bug

Traditional watercolor and photoshop

The Dying Voice

Buying Artwork through Society6

Click here to see all the products.

NAVS

Theme this year is "Animals who can't speak for themselves." Thus, I drew the gorilla and then erased his mouth.

How to Grow a Beard

Watercolor and Ballpoint Pen

8.5 x 11

How Not to Stop Bad Breath

Watercolor on Arches

8 1/2'' x 11''

Sam

Mixed media portrait

Use a Life to Save a Life

Watercolor

16 x 20

Illustration for an article questioning the use of stem cell research. This image is not a reflection of my opinion on the article, just the concept I developed for it.

Stinky Feet

Portraits

Sketches

Sketches

These are the preliminary sketches for my "Derby" painting (drawing from life and testing paint combinations). The final is close to my initial ideas. I enjoyed working from life, however I prefer to use photographs as reference, which probably suits me better as an Illustrator, NOT a Fine Artist. 

Grids

"Ablaze"

"Temperature" (unfinished)