Nathalie Gonzalez: Blog of a Visual Artist Armed with a brush.

Madame Butterfly

2011-12-30T14:08:00.000-08:00

I reworked a poster-like illustration inspired by the early 1900's opera, Madame Butterfly. This one may not follow the storyline as closely as a previous version I had done but I wanted to focus more on both the mysterious and tragic aspects of the opera. I constantly find myself wrestling with what is traditional and new so this was yet another piece where I was able to not only combine different media but also work with an old story that had been retold in so many ways. Love it when it comes full circle like that. Anyway, I'll be jumping right into my next piece so be on the look out for more!

Luchadora

2011-12-19T19:36:00.000-08:00

Luchador masks have intrigued me for a long time. They're shiny, colorful, bold yet hide identity to create a new one-- one that represents strength. I think that's cool. Here is my version of my "Luchadora" mask. It's feminine and powerful; using some inspiration from Wonder Woman's costume without being too patriotic-- if I did, that would defeat the purpose of being feminine, right?? I'll save that for another discussion...

Summeration y Quiero un Mondongo

2011-11-14T20:43:00.001-08:00

This is a sketch I did over the summer of my dad at a BBQ. I later went back in, cut out some of the background and added in a stylized version of fire escapes from worm eye's view. Obviously I was missing my hometown (slash homehood), the Bronx. Summers just aren't the same anywhere else. Sometimes I have a little soundtrack going in my sketchbooks and this particular sketch's song is El Mondongo by Los Corraleros De Majagual. Listen to it here. I know it doesn't make much sense to think of mondongo in the summer, since its hot-- but when you think of home, memories don't have to make sequential or seasonal sense. Time is irrelevant. To me its all about the people, smells, music and of course, color. Now I want me some mondongo! "Mondongo! Yo Quiero el mondongo!" Yep, sounds like I'm totally ready for winter!

...And We're Back!

2011-11-13T17:14:00.000-08:00

Well obviously I've been away from the blog world for some time now-- but that doesn't mean I have been taking any breaks! Working full time and doing my own art thing can be tough but I've been working on 2 big projects for several months now. They are still in the works but will soon be revealed. In the meantime, I thought I'd give you a sneak peak. How crazy is the weather lately, by the way? Sheez! Oh and how is it almost December already? ...Anyway, check back soon!

HOMIES EMPOWERMENT: RACE, MANHOOD AND SCHOOLING

2010-11-27T10:06:00.000-08:00

I recently made a poster for a special event in Oakland, California: "FROM THE BRONX TO THE BAY: Race, Manhood and Schooling"-- hosted by Homies Empowerment at Eastlake, YMCA. The talk will be by UC Berkeley, PhD student, Angel Gonzalez and topics such as homophobia, sexism, violence towards women, colonialism and the meaning of masculinity will be discussed. I wish I could make it but I STRONGLY encourage anyone in the Bay area to attend.

I am, however, super happy to have been able to take some part in the event by creating the poster for it. The occasion called for something, simple, quick, thought-provoking and somewhat "cool" for young people from the streets to relate to. "Old english" letters as well as Graffiti served as inspiration for this piece.

For more information and context, Telemundo filmed a short special on the area, people and issues dealt with daily, as well as the man behind Homies Dinner, César Cruz. It's also filmed in Spanish, so my apologies for not having an alternative for non-Spanish speakers.

CLICK HERE FOR LINK

FRESH WORK -- "Cope with Lost Hope"

2010-08-23T17:09:00.000-07:00

So now that the craziness in my life has somewhat subsided, I've built up enough inspiration and creative energy to make new work. Which means, expect regular updates on the blog, again.

I have so many ideas, I didn't know where to start. So today I went with what I already had started on, not only to get things moving quicker, but also pick something that is relevant and useful now. This is about Obama's time at the White House so far and how some that once saw him as an inspirational figure, don't hype him up as much as they used to. I won't go too in depth with this, but I mean, give the guy some credit, its a tough time to be president of the United States, you know? Nonetheless, its been a rough year for the country and sometimes even Obama is not enough to give the people "Hope." Anyway, everyone has their own opinions and this just illustrates one side of the coin.

Mixed media, mostly digital for this one

MY SECRET POLITICAL RESISITANCE: ART POLITICS & SOCIAL PRACTICE

2010-04-23T10:16:00.000-07:00

An interesting conference/ conversation is taking place at Cooper Union today about incorporating politics and social practice into art. Guest speakers include Diamela Eltit, Dalida María Benfield and Carla Herrera-Prats. It's at the Great Hall at 6pm, FREE. I'll definitely be checking out! For more on the event, click HERE.

"My Secret Political Resistance is a conference that features a diverse group of cultural producers that work in Latin America. The discussion seeks to layer the contemporary understanding of dialogical and socially-engaged artistic practices. Beginning with a discussion on CADA, a Chilean collective that staged public interventions during the Pinochet dictatorship, My Secret Political Resistance presents multiple considerations on the role of art in imagining a poetics of activism."

--From Cooper.edu

WORK AT ILLUSTRATION FUTURO SHOW

2010-04-21T18:05:00.000-07:00

image from http://illustrationfuturo.blogspot.com/

Hey all-- My "Plegaria del Pueblo" piece will be hung at the Illustration House from April 20th- 30th. Only 65 illustrations were chosen from 200 submissions, so expect quality work. The opening reception will be Thursday, April 22nd from 6-9pm. I'll be there so I hope you can make it! The Illustration House is located on 25th Street between 6th and 7th (closer to 6th). Thanks to the Underground League of Illustrators at F.I.T. for organizing all this and making it happen.

You could find out more about the show, Illustraton Futuro, here.

For over thirty years, Illustration House has been America's foremost gallery devoted to the art and history of illustration. The gallery offers a fascinating look at the intersection of American popular culture and art history of the past. Thousands of oil paintings, drawing and watercolors cover a broad range of styles, genres and subjects — science fiction, romance, history, suspense, fairy tales, pin-ups, humor and fashion, to name a few...

In addition to select exhibitions each year, the gallery holds twice annual auctions of fine illustrative paintings and drawings. These have set the market benchmark for original illustration artwork. Prices brought at our auctions have set the records for a wide variety of artists, from Norman Rockwell, J.C. Leyendecker and N. C. Wyeth to Ludwig Bemelmans, James Thurber and Dr. Seuss. In addition, our gallery space hosts major exhibitions of illustrators. We produce illustrated catalogs for our auctions, and occasional exhibition catalogues. -- http://www.illustration-house.com/

WORK PUBLISHED- LEFT TURN MAGAZINE

2010-04-19T18:35:00.000-07:00

I received my copy of the April/May issue of LEFT TURN magazine in the mail today, which is where you can now find one of my pieces published. It's really exciting for me because not only is my work getting published, but it's getting published in a magazine written by activists, for activists. It really couldn't get better than that right now. Anyway, the article is about obstacles activists and organizers face with the current economy and how to find ways to overcome them. You can purchase the magazine in bookshops all over the country. In New York, you could find it at Bluestockings, Vox Pop and St. Mark's Bookshop. Special thanks to Vasudha Desikan for allowing me to have this opportunity, I hope to work more with Left Turn in the future.

WORK SCREENPRINTED

2010-04-14T16:33:00.000-07:00

I've been learning how to screenprint for a few months now. The process is somewhat tedious but the end result can sometimes make up for it. Right now I'm testing some of my stuff with 2 color screens on t-shirts. For this one, I decided to hand draw a digital piece and use that as my template. I'll post up more updates with different color combinations next week and even more stuff after that... maybe pillowcases with my own patterns? Not sure yet, guess you'll have to wait and see what else I come up with. Don't worry, I'm not looking to be Martha Stewart...not in the near future, anyway.

SERIES OF PIGS PT. 1

2010-03-27T18:56:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a series I am naming, "Real Pigs of America." It's a social commentary (of course) about our "system." Think of it as "the man," the government, capitalism, the upperclass....maybe even the country as a whole, as we are seen as this selfish, "want-it-all" society. Heck, it doesn't even have to be American. I'll let you figure out what it means to you. This is one piece of 3. Stay tuned for more. Linocut, Mixed media.

PLEGARIA DEL PUEBLO

2010-03-03T11:32:00.000-08:00

This is my latest finished piece. I won't bore you with an essay about the message behind this, but long story short, the idea is a group of people coming together in prayer during a desperate time in their lives. Relate it to whatever comes to mind--- that's the point. I enjoyed making this piece with hardly any help from the digital world (i mean, i DID have to scan it to show you...). :)

Sketch...

To Finish...

ILLUSTRATION FRENZY

2010-02-26T18:26:00.000-08:00

Just when I was about to yank my head off from all the stress this week, FIT canceled classes due to the snow storm...if that's what we call it. So I took advantage of "time", which is a rarity, and caught up on some work that had to get done. Right now I'm working on 2 projects which I will tell you all about once I finish---but as I was working, I realized I hadn't updated my blog and that there are pieces that I worked on recently that haven't seen the light. More to come next week!

Madama Butterfly Opera

Angela Davis

Cesar Chavez

GETTING ANGRY AGAIN-- IN A GOOD WAY.

2010-01-30T22:42:00.000-08:00

Today most of my creative energies have been spent on a private commission I've been working on this week, but for some reason I got into this trance and wouldn't stop making stuff.

While I was waiting for my soup to cool down, I did a quick sketch of my uncle watching TV. His arm is off....oh well, I blame not being able to erase ink and feeling famished.

Then I started catching up on some reading and my Art and China's Revolution by the Asia Society seemed to appeal the most today. I loved that exhibition so much, I wish it were part of the permanent collection so I could visit it a couple of times a year. I know this kind of art is not China's proudest of moments but what appeals to me is the youth during this time. Regardless of how Mao is viewed, the younger generation saw hope in him and had this interest in making serious change in their country through art. There were lots of restrictions, but for those who really believed in this movement, it was deep...and more importantly it was for the masses. And it all shows in the art: gestural drawings, bold and saturated colors. People saw themselves in those posters, not some lame upper class people drinking champagne.

I love the idea of art being a necessity for survival. Not only for artists but for everyone: literate and illiterate alike because it's as important as language, a way of communicating with each other. For me, I constantly have this frustration with this society. I don't want to hear about who's Britney's new baby daddy or exactly how many women "he" cheated on his wife with-- C'mon. I want to know why the Bronx is still the poorest area in the country...why these kids have the highest rate of asthma...know what I mean? This is the part where I get angry and for me, it's a good thing, because just like those kids in China, I'm also fed up. Why can't I also express this anger through art...to inspire, to motivate...or share information, educate?

Of course, every once in a while, I have to sell out...we all do. I mean, we gotta eat, you know? But this is my motivator, what drives me --enough to have some extra will left to make those pieces I don't want to do but will hopefully pay this month's rent. In the meantime, I'm going to keep getting angry and riled up and produce work that speaks to me...and hopefully others, because I'd like to think I'm not the only one out there.

Promise I'm done with my rambling. I've been wanting to keep working with linoleum and move farther away from digital for now. I love the little accidents made in linoleum, where the paint didn't pick up. Anyway, here are some prints I made today-- I might redo some and re-post.

PATTERN FRENZY

2010-01-29T13:36:00.000-08:00

This past month has been quite revealing for me in many ways-- personally and artistically. Aside from having to deal with external influences...I've found this battle with myself and my own expectations. Sometimes, after a while, you kind of forget why your expectations are what they are. I think when that happens it's time to stop a moment and re-evaluate why you chose those expectations. Are they really because that's what you want to do? Or is it because all of a sudden you find yourself having to fit that role and succeed? Maybe the intent was there but it just went in a direction you didn't want it to go? Tons of possibilities and situations. In the end... this is the position I'm finding myself in. In a way it feels like going a step back but I know that it'll be a huge step forward--in the right direction.

That said, in my sketchbook lately, I've been having this urge to make patterns....drawing things over and over again. It sounds boring, but I found myself having fun with it and really getting interested in this other way of making art. I think I like it because it can make a message so clear...because it's so redundant.

Anyway, I'm sure I'll snap out of this slumber of pattern frenzy soon...so don't worry about me TOO much.

QUIMBAYA MAN IS BACK...

2009-12-28T11:35:00.000-08:00

And you're gonna get in trouble-- HEY-YA HEY-YAAA QUIMBAYA'S-BACK! ...

As promised, Quimbaya man is back! Once a drawing of an Indigenous character, it is my latest linoleum print avec Chine- Collé method applied. It's the colored pieces of japanese paper glued to it. There are different ways of doing this but I just glued one side of the colored paper and placed glue-side up on my already inked block...put it through the press and VOILA!

I've been into traditional media...stuff that was basically technology back in the day. Don't get me wrong, I love digital art and what it can do, I use it myself. But it's nice to understand the past and try to incorporate it into today's technology. It's my philosophy for everything, really-- and it applies to my view on art as well. It's nice to know that I could've taken this print and make a green and orange shape and fill it in on photoshop...but it was 10 times more fun to get my hands dirty and get something more "handmade."

Anyway, this is a oil-based ink linoleum print, using Chine-Collé on Colombian Bark paper.

BIRD WINE

2009-11-08T10:47:00.000-08:00

Started as images for a critter wine label, I took inspiration from some of the world's ugliest birds and made them aesthetically pleasing in some way. I changed colors around, simplified or highlighted some of their grotesque textures and overall had fun with it. Wasn't too crazy about the wine label idea or the typography for this, I'll include it if you're interested. I like the way they are without the lettering. Mixed Media.

THE BEES ARE DISAPPEARING MI GENTE!

2009-09-22T15:52:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes-- you read correctly. The honeybees are disappearing at an alarming rate. They are responsible for 85% of pollination and one third of fruit supply. It is unclear why they are disappearing. Some have pointed fingers at invasive species, other animals killing them, global warming, parasites, pesticides and habitat destruction (basically us). Some ways in which people are trying to help solve the problem is by improving nutritional resources and commercial beekeeping as well as planting plants that attract honeybees.

Imagine a world without honey in your tea...honey glazed anything...!

Anyway, this was for our "Illustrator's Workshop" class. I'm still working it out because the "missing piece" to this image is a puzzle outline to be layed on top (the idea is that this whole thing is a puzzle and we are starting to miss pieces). It's a work in progress but I'm pretty happy with what I've got so far.

DOCUMENTARY ART

2009-09-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a Documentary Art class this semester which so far has been fun. Our professor takes us to a new location every week and we well... document the scene. We were told that we should focus on people and make an interpretation on the surroundings or living conditions they are in. In a sense its making a statement about that particular environment. I thought that was pretty interesting and hopefully every week I continue to keep that in mind. This sketch was done at 23rd street and 5th avenue. I think the hot dog vendors with the colorful umbrellas are fun to draw and add to the already earthy and sometimes dull color palette of NYC.

LATEST FINISHED PROJECT: A GIFT

2009-08-29T06:58:00.000-07:00

Still trying to save some bucks and make things extra special I once again have made my own gift. This was for my 4th year anniversary with my bf (+ homemade chocolate, chocolate chip cupcakes with ganache frosting). I could sit here and explain to you the meaning of this thing but then it wouldn't be as special anymore. So I'll just let you have the fun of trying to figure it out and enjoy looking at it.

It's acrylic paint on wood, it was a relatively smooth sailing project for me. I sketched out the faces and played around with shapes and what would go in the middle. Worked on a couple of color comps. Then scanned my final drawing on tracing paper, printed and mounted it onto the board. I bought some good smaller brushes, which made all the difference for smaller projects like these, when I want to use thick and thin lines.

SKETCHBOOK UPDATE 08/09

2009-08-28T23:02:00.000-07:00

A brief update on my new sketchbook entries in the last week or 2. Some random and others not so random...

CUIDE SU MADRE! TAKE CARE OF YOUR MOTHER!

2009-08-25T19:32:00.000-07:00

This was for a poster assignment at the end of the Spring semester. I liked this one so I decided I'd post it up for your viewing. Inspired by the KOGI indians, still going strong in Sierra Nevada, Colombia. They are extremely concerned with the earth and "Little Brother", their way of referring to "us"...the people outside of their culture, the since colonized bunch that has moved on in some way from this simple and unselfish way of life. The urban and the suburban. The KOGI has recently let us into their world so they could spread the message of taking care for our Mother Earth:

"You, Younger Brother, will soon destroy the balance of life on earth if you do not change your ways."

They see the damage we have caused and see the end if we do not do something about it. Kogi Mama, leader, stated: “Up to now we have ignored the Younger Brother. We have not deigned even to give him a slap. But now we can no longer look after the world alone. The Younger Brother is doing too much damage. He must see, and understand, and assume responsibility. Now we will have to work together. Otherwise, the world will die.”

They are really fascinating people who I think we all could learn from. If you're interested, youtube.com has some videos from a BBC documentary. CLICK HERE FOR LINK.

I'll post up some sketches I've done recently mañana.

DAD PORTRAIT STUDY

2009-07-27T15:05:00.000-07:00

I'm calling this a study for now because unlike many of the stuff I do, I didn't sketch any ideas out on separate pieces of paper, I didn't work out a color comp nor did I entirely know what to expect when doing this altogether. I just wanted to paint. I wanted to paint something interesting and I wanted to do it my way without any rules or restrictions. I didn't really record my process for this one. Maybe because it went by pretty smoothly and quickly. I did have some hesitations with the background but in the end I decided to leave it as is. One thing I am currently thinking about is his left shoulder. I purposely didn't paint it because I liked the shape he was creating on the canvas. I might make a dark outline of what is "missing" but then again...I may not. I'm just glad I got this out of my system and am in the swing of creating new stuff.

I have tons of pending projects right now and my frustration right now is, "Where do I start?" Pray for me.

FACES & PLACES

2009-07-26T17:57:00.000-07:00

Goodness! It's been a while since I posted...And it's not because I haven't been working on some art-- laziness gets the best of us sometimes, I guess. I've been filling up my sketchbook like nobody's business. 80% because I've had the inclination to draw and 20% because I want to finish this sketchbook and buy a new one I've been thinking about too much. More on that in a later post. Right now I'm wrapping up a study/portrait and will talk more about it tomorrow.

In the meantime, I thought I'd post up some recent sketches of faces and places and keep the habit of posting. The first 2 are from the same date and the others well...aren't. I love drawing people...I don't know what it is but it never gets old. No matter how many times I've drawn people I still manage to mess up. It's very rare that I get someone's likeness down the first time. I guess that's the pressure one has when drawing someone specifically. That's why you'll find me reaching for a pen rather than a pencil. Once that mark is down, it's down there permanently--no turning back. So if you make a "mistake" you don't erase it, you work with it. If it's that wrong, I'll try again and sometimes it'll even be easier the 2nd time around. The pen gets rid of "technicalities," those little details that one can easily be absorbed in when using a pencil. With a pen, I focus on more important things. Like mood, thickness of line, etc., etc. Architecture is a little different for me. For the most part I found it boring but lately I've been trying to change it up and find something about it that interests me. Sometimes it's color and sometimes it's shapes and their shadows. These sketches represent those interests. Enjoy.

PORTRAIT--LINOCUT

2009-06-28T15:37:00.000-07:00

Low on budget, for my brother's birthday I decided to make him a birthday card. I've been wanting to work with linocut this summer and took the opportunity to make a portrait of my brother. So I drew the portrait in my sketchbook, traced it and transferred it onto my linocut and carved away. The size is 3 by 5, I think.

After my first print, I decided to carve in some lines into the black shadow for the finish. I used the back of a spoon as a press--I realized I didn't have an extra roller aside from the one with ink. Gotta do some more supply shopping. Anyway, I'm looking forward to working in this medium some more. I have a thinner surface coming up next, slightly bigger, as well as some different colored inks. Maybe eventually I'll be working on wood--ooo la la.

SUMMER CAMP

2009-06-24T18:52:00.000-07:00

Summer Camp. Well--not for me, for the kids. It's what's been up with me the last 3 weeks. I'm one of the counselors for the 17 kids ages 3-4 in my classroom. It has its ups and downs but most of the time it's pretty comical. I bring my sketchbook with me wherever I go, but I normally wouldn't take it out while I work until one day, the kids were given blank white canvas sketchbooks---yes! Sketchbooks at the age of 4! Sure, they were a lot smaller than the ones we usually carry around but they got to decorate the front and work in it everyday.

Every morning I'm in charge of the "writing center"--really art center because 4 year olds can't write more than their first names. Anyway, I was sitting there one morning watching them draw and color pretty amazing stuff in their little books (I can already see the future artists stick out). So I thought it was the perfect time to take my sketchbook out and draw these kids that NEVER sit still unless they're drawing or being read to. I used whatever was handy that day: one day crayons, another washable markers, and today, cray pas. The kids enjoyed getting drawn (contrary to people on the train). I even had one girl ask me to draw her again: "But this time, don't draw me so serious..." Another kid drew me--I felt so special! :) Although sometimes they can be a pain in the behind, I do enjoy the happiness they find in simple things. I especially love their art-- it amazes me everyday.

TRAIN SKETCHES

2009-06-22T14:52:00.000-07:00

I always get paranoid when I sketch on the train-- there are always people that I'd like to draw and I feel the need to whip out the sketchbook and sketch away... I wonder what they think when they see someone drawing them because getting drawn is different from getting a picture taken. Do they feel self-conscious? Annoyed? Proud? Weirded-Out? Do they feel like I have invaded their privacy? It's difficult for me to be in their shoes because I am on the inside, I know what is happening...

Then there's the part when you get caught. I've once been told to stop drawing--they seemed offended...or I'll get dirty looks. I guess in fear of this happening again I always go for the ones sleeping or really into their books and crossword puzzles. Sometimes I luck out and get a really interesting face or two. I'm not sure what to call this whole thing... you know, the unwritten rules on the train and in New York in general-- Don't get caught in the act of staring at someone. Which is pretty much what someone drawing is doing...Don't make eye contact...If you get caught, "WHATCHU LOOKIN AT?" And, especially in the Bronx, I've seen many fights start over "the stare"--which is almost as bad as stepping on the latest kicks. So I say "Hey, hey, make Art, not War." Then the other obstacle: timing. On the train, you gotta be quick, because you never know when they'll get up and leave or wake up and change position completely. I like this part better than getting caught which is probably why I still do it anyway.

SUMMER SKETCHES PT. 1

2009-05-24T21:18:00.000-07:00

Summer break is finally here! It really couldn't come at a better time-- remind me next time not to take 21 credits in a semester... Anyway, every now and then, when I realize that I've been watching TV too long (I don't get to watch TV during the semester) I'll pick up my pencil and sketch. After a crazy semester, I can't help but want a short break from things I've been doing all semester but finally, I've felt the urge to draw--which is a good sign.

Above, we got mom watching some TV novelas with me. Below, a study of my bro.

The cut outs are from a class but drawn recently--within the last couple of weeks. It's a direction I want to go in right now-- we'll see where it ends up.

Another sketch. Inspiration from the Tayrona, indigenous culture in Colombia. I'll work more on this one so keep an eye out.

Happy Memorial Day everyone!

AIRPLANE SKETCHES & THEN SOME

2009-04-27T07:56:00.001-07:00

During Spring Break, I went to San Francisco with my club, the Latin American Student Organization @ FIT. We had an amazing time and I'm looking forward to next year's trip. Here are some sketches from the plane ride over:

In one of our classes, we had to create an image using an easy cut block. I haven't used these things in years so this was my practice. It's my name in Maya:

Train feet!
Quick sketch I did to procrastinate doing science homework:
Well, that's it for now...gotta run to class--I'm already late! More stuff to come! Stay tuned...

AZZZUUUUUUUCARRRRRR! (SUGAR, for those who want the dull English translation)

2009-03-03T18:51:00.000-08:00

Ironically enough, after the APW piece I've been feeling...inspired-- to make art fun again. All these classes, especially the ones that are required to graduate by the New York State's standards (AHEM, AHEM, science), have been sucking the life out of me! Not good. I wonder sometimes if I'll make it alive after this semester. Enough of my whining. New project, celebrity portraits. I'm trying to think back....nope, I haven't done this kind of stuff since I started art school. But it IS something I'm excited about and it's making me enjoy the process of making art.

I kind of don't want to say who it is but I know some just really have no clue even if it hit them in the face. Celia Cruz. As far as Salsa goes, she's Queen. Interestingly enough, I have another queen in the making so stay tuned. I wanted to draw her because she is such an extraordinary life force, even if she is physically no longer with us. I had her greatest hits on loop in my playlist and there was never a dull moment throughout this process. Annd...I've probably watched her performance of "'Quimbara' live in Africa" on youtube about 50 times within the last 2 days...
Anyway, here are studies, thumbnails, sketches and finally a color sketch. I'll update soon with the finish.

_______________________
EDIT: At first I thought of this as a digital piece but after working on it I thought the old fashioned way worked best.

APW-- EZLN

2009-03-01T14:12:00.000-08:00

My idea was to make an image portraying the Zapatistas in a less militaristic way, as their general message is just that. They're just people who want peace and equality. Enough with my soon-to-be- ranting... So for the APW gallery I am entering in I decided to make a short series of Zapatista images in this peacful setting. All work was to be on a scale of 12x12. APW WEBSITE I went with a Zapatista woman extending her hand out to "the viewer" to help them up. I think I was so concerned with people getting the literal point of view that I forced my colors. Went with the blue with clouds, that way people know its the sky and I the dress was orange because it went well with the blue. But honestly, I wasn't feeling it. This is my rough color sketch, right on top of my first sketch.
I did another sketch, the show of the palm made it look more peaceful and more of the feeling of entering the viewer's space, I thought. The body was looking a little too manly so changed that as well, but I liked the idea of the hands looking strong and not delicate.
Once I started painting on my panel, I really wasn't into the colors and thought purple was the route to go.
That didn't work out so I thought maybe if I added some detail to the dress that it would make it look better. It didn't.
I went back to orange thinking it didnt look that bad. I liked the idea of the sun's rays touching the palm but it all wasnt going in the direction I wanted it to. I really wanted to simplify it--and it wasn't easy.

It then hit me that maybe it didn't matter if people couldn't get it right away or maybe I was being too hard on myself. So I went with my gut and used the colors I really wanted to use and ironically enough, the former background actually helped with the new background. I wanted to play around with the sun lines but I had a deadline. As for the other pieces, once classes started, my inspiration was long gone working on other projects. That's not to say that once I get a break from school projects that I won't be working on more pieces like these. :)

BYE BYE BREAK

2009-01-25T17:09:00.000-08:00

RECENTLY TOUCHED UP PIECES PT. 3: "QUETZAL EN LOS POROS"

2009-01-23T19:52:00.000-08:00

As promised, I have "finished" my first oil painting since 3 or 4 years! This one was originally for an oil painting class--everyone had to do a portrait of someone. We were strongly encouraged to stay true and devoted to our photo references. I'll walk you through...
The sketch. I pretty much knew where I wanted to go with it from the start. If every project were this way...*sigh*
I simplified my sketch and transferred it onto my board and started to block in colors.

Adding in some more colors to my palette. I wanted to make it a limited palette but I was working with restrictions from the professor to stay true to references--also was told to get rid of the "abstract background" (indigenous pattern, but that's a wholllllleee other story...) as it was competing with the subject. I didn't mind that one so much.
Professor also had a problem with the orange she said it was too much and to use a dark--not to happy about that one but I did what I had to do.
This is what I handed in at the end. Sadly couldn't finish it. What kept my spirits up was that I had the break to finish it and make the changes I wanted to make. Don't mind my headphones at the bottom... :/
Worked on it for over a day and voila! I added my orange, worked on the fingers, incorporated some oranges in the "hair" and face and a little sparkle in the Quetzal's eye. I'm satisfied with the way it turned out. It did take a while to finish and sometimes wished I could take some more liberties with it-- but it was good to do something different from the way I usually work. I like the concept a lot and I might revisit it and take another stab at it in a different style. Pray for me to have time to do so!

NEW OLD STUFF

2009-01-22T18:59:00.000-08:00

Right now I'm repainting a project assigned last semester. My break cannot end until I feel I am satisfied/finished with it. I will post it up once I finish it this weekend-- if not tomorrow. Anyway, speaking of stuff I did last semester, the one you see above was done within an hour or two for a school newspaper (W27) article. Something about which red lipstick to choose for the winter...the editor apparently asked for a lady with red lipstick which kind of didn't make sense as the newspaper is printed in black/white only...hmm. Although I had a bunch of projects to finish and finals to study for, I happily worked on this as a favor for my friend Charlitos, president of the Illustration Club. :) It was good to procrastinate and not have to worry about end of semester stress for a good hour or two.
Anyway, it's back to work for me!

YEY OBAMA!

2009-01-21T15:53:00.000-08:00

So I feel terrible that I haven't been updating my blog as often as I originally intended. I've let myself down. :( BUT! I am working on a couple of paintings so it will be a while until you see them...I figured I can stay dedicated to my blog by updating little sketches I do in my book here and there-- I was a couch potato all day yesterday watching the inauguration so my little sketch here was inspiration from that (not the whole being a couch potato thing but...). Hasta mañana!

QUIMBAYA MASKS PT. 2

2008-12-30T16:38:00.001-08:00

As promised, the Quimbaya masks are back! Don't they clean-up well?! :P I've been playing around with color here and there but there haven't been any breakthroughs...yet. I'm thinking about making these into little promos for my blog and contact info...and in the near future hopefully, a website! Perhaps...stickers? What do you guys think?

SUPER VALLENATO MAN-- 1ST DEBUT-- TO MEET YOUR VALLENATO NEEDS!

2008-12-29T13:30:00.000-08:00

Earlier in the summer, a few of my comrades made a group on facebook requesting submissions on a topic--just for fun. I thought it was a marvelous idea however, I just couldn't get around to it. One time the theme was SUPERHEROS. I can't remember if he/she were to be rotund but I DO remember that I immediately thought about this guy and quickly made a thumbnail on the closest receipt I could find so I wouldn't forget.

Today, I decided it was time to further develop SUPER VALLENATO MAN and here he is in his sketch form:

Valllenato is one of the most popular music genres in Colombia. In fact, it was created there--thus the name: "born in the valley" specifically, Valledupar (Valley of Dupar). This is vallenato in its traditional and most pure form: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycrmCSZ3v28 and this is vallenato as it is heard today (you'll also see how big it is in Colombia): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwSxGfzsruA Vallenato is mostly played with an accordian, caja (kind of like a little bongo) and a guacharaca (which gives songs the raspy sound in the back). Stay tuned for more from the adventures of SUPER VALLENATO MAN!

QUIMBAYA MASKS PT. 1

2008-12-28T21:21:00.000-08:00

Finally, just recently, I have been making additions to my sketchbook. I have trouble making stuff up and drawing exactly what I envision on paper-- most of my sketches are directly from life. Don't think I haven't drawn things without reference and from my imagination...I have-- just nothing that I would label "decent." Point is, I have been trying to figure out ways I could make my reference and imagination worlds meet and be satisfied with it and -- eventually-- use less reference and more imagination. Kind of like what Nicorette does for smoking addicts...

Here are some of my recent attempts with Quimbaya-inspired masks (P.S. my scanner is lousy):

More to come!

GUEVARA & ROMERO IN THE SAME POST?! ALSO, REVIEW ON MOVIE

2008-12-18T13:15:00.000-08:00

After watching the new CHE movie yesterday, I recommend it to anyone interested in the subject. It wasn't your typical "hollywood" movie where they add sex and naked women to maintain interest. So that's definitely a plus. The second half dragged on a little but I guess we naturally want things to run smoothly-- in this case, it was more of a reminder of how life, even as a movie, does not always end happily ever after...in a sense. I'll spare you all of my cliche: "but his legacy will long live..!" I've never seen Benicio Del Toro in action but he was great in this one. Both Che and Fidel had their voices on point. Here is the link to the trailer for anyone who is interested:
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2878866201/

Also, below the CHE movie poster, is another of my revolutionary portraits. Oscar Romero from El Salvador. He was shot and killed in the 80's while conducting a mass, he was a strong advocate for peace, equality and justice. There would be great tension if they were ever found in the same room together. They both want the same kind of results but the process of getting there is different in opinion. One is for violently gaining freedom and the other peacefully obtaining it. Ideally we all want to obtain freedom, or anything for that matter, peacefully...but sometimes people feel (and from experience they have reason) that we need to fight violently to gain freedom. I think today we are passed the "violent age" and CAN bring about change peacefully.

VIVA LA REVOLUTION!

2008-12-17T07:51:00.000-08:00

My brother and I are getting ready to go see a "week-only-screening" of another CHE movie. I say that because when isn't there a movie on El Che?! Nonetheless, if there was anyone to watch this movie with, which won't come out till next year, it would be my other Latino Revolutionary friend, my brother. Its 4 hours long with a 30 minute intermission. So I'm really excited and I will get back to you on my review of this movie. Anyway, I recently did digital pieces on a few "Contemporary Revolutionaries" including this guy above. Guess who.

RECENTLY TOUCHED UP PIECE PT. 2

2008-12-15T10:37:00.000-08:00

We Are Not A Minority. This originally was a painting I did for a color concept class in acrylic. A year or two later I decided to clean it up and make them into vector shapes. I think the flag works a lot better, too.

Raices, Acrylic. This was a piece on the theme of "Love"-- In this case, it's love for Colombian culture and "roots". I'm satisfied overall with it but it's not really in the style I've since developed. Maybe I'll revisit this concept and start a new one. Stay tuned.

Recently Touched Up Pieces PT. 1

2008-10-26T14:34:00.000-07:00

"El Pueblo Manda y El Gobierno Obedece", Acrylic. This is one of my first pieces done in acrylic. 2007. I was given a lot of freedom when given this assignment for a poster. Inspired by the Zapatistas in Mexico.

LIFE DRAWINGS PT 1

2008-08-23T11:23:00.000-07:00