On a recent visit to my local recycling center, I came across a mysterious book, Esoteric Astrology, which was published in 1913. It was filled with strange diagrams, as well as astrological charts of notable people. Drawn on his birth-chart, this portrait portrays a guy who'd would grow up to have the ultimate Napoleon complex.
Riverdale Country School
For four years running, I've been creating a new years image for the prestigious Riverdale Country School, in the Bronx, NY. For 2020, this progressive institution wanted to portray a strong environmental theme. The idea of this community planting a wide array of trees out in the world won the day. In the spirit of Greta Thunberg's campaign to address climate change, this is a wonderful theme for 2020! A special thanks to Lila Locksley for this fun assignment. Below are sketches I submitted for this project.
College Grade Inflation
This illustration for Princeton accompanies a story about the trend of grade inflation in higher education. GPAs have shifted upwards at Princeton as well, but the ceiling varies from department to department. As an example, your chances of getting a higher grades are much better if you're an English or Slavic Language major, as opposed to an Earth Science or Chemistry major.
Special thanks to art director, Marainne Nelson, for another fascinating assignment! Below are sketches submitted for this project:
Charlie
I haven't created a pet portrait in ages, but this cute fella is Charlie, drawn for a client in NYC.
If you’re interested in having a portrait created of your favorite four-legged friend, please write me!
Kanye West
The gifted hiphop artist Kanye West has found Christ. This portrait was drawn on a reproduction of Bernardino Gardino’s Ascension of the Lord.
This piece is part of my exhibit which will be up at the Starr Library in Rhinebeck, NY, February 1-29th. 15% of all proceeds go towards supporting this library. If you live locally (in the Mid-Hudson Valley), please check it out!
This Raven flies high in Baltimore. Here is my little tribute to NFL quarterback, Lamar Jackson. He is arguably the most dynamic and electrifying player on the field (and quite-likely the league MVP).
Signed prints of this piece are available here (in my Etsy shop).
Andy Warhol
I recently read an enlightening biography of Andy Warhol (Pop, by Tony Scherman and David Dalton). One unique aspect of his vision was that he saw little difference between art galleries and supermarkets. In other words, he saw art in even the most mundane aspects of American culture. With that in mind, I attempted drawing this little tribute to his genius.
Signed prints of this piece are available here (in my Etsy shop).
Rosa Parks
Hand-drawn Holiday Cards
Fred Rogers
He transformed a tiny Pittsburgh neighborhood into a universal place of kindness, empathy, and acceptance. Mister Rogers is an American gem.
Signed prints of this piece are available here (in my Etsy shop)!
Rather Bader Ginsberg
Straight outta Brooklyn, it’s the Notorious RBG. This quiet supreme court justice makes all her noise with a brilliant legal mind. She is a true role model for both woman and for introverts.
Signed prints of this piece are available here!
Smokey the Bear
Here's a portrait of Smokey the Bear, drawn on a Yosemite Park. In light of all the devastating fires in California, I was compelled to draw the conscience of American Forests. He reminds us that only WE can prevent forest fires.
Prints of this piece are available here!
Jack Kerouac
Born in Lowell Massachusetts, he was destined to go on the road. Jack Kerouac emerged from this New England town to become a poetic voice for the beat generation.
Prints of this piece are available here!
Ihan Omar
From Somali refugee to fighter for human rights, she’s Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar.
Please visit my website to view more cool stuff.
Please check out my Etsy shop to purchase cool prints.
Homage to Chinatown
I drew this homage to a 1974 film (directed by Roman Polanski, and starring Jack Nicholson, which still haunts me to this day. Chinatown.
Prints of this piece are available here!
Malcolm X
Here's a portrait of iconic civil rights leader, Malcolm X, drawn on an old map of the streets of Harlem. One book that has always stayed with me is The Autobiography of Malcolm X. Learning about his struggle (and transformation) has great value. If you haven't done so, please give this book a try.
Signed prints of this piece are available here!
Samuel Beckett
Here’s a portrait of renowned playwright, poet and writer, Samuel Beckett, born in Dublin, Ireland. This piece was drawn directly on a 1966 road map which my parents used to navigate this beautiful country. This is piece is inspired by a series called World Tour - in which I used pages from an old atlas as canvases - painting images relating to the place on each map.
Signed prints of this piece are available here!
Nick Cave
Here's a portrait of legendary Australian musician, Nick Cave. This dark poet composes some of the most melancholy music on this mortal coil, yet, the results are sublimely beautiful. This is inspired by a series called World Tour - in which I use pages from an old atlas as canvases - painting images relating to the place on each map.
Signed prints of this piece are available here!
The Philippine Tarsier
The Philippine Tarsier is yet another endangered species on our fragile planet. These tiny primates (no taller than six inches) are under threat due to deforestation. Paradoxically, they are also protected by indigenous tribes of these islands. They believe tarsiers are the pets of forest spirits, and harming them would bring bad luck.
Please check out my Etsy shop to purchase signed prints of my work!
Greta Thunberg
Greta Thunberg sees the big picture. This 16 year old environmental activist understands that wishful capitalist fairytales will not heal our ailing planet. The collective cooperation, ingenuity, and sacrifice of our nations is essential to addressing this existential crisis.
You can purchase a signed print of this piece here (in my Etsy shop). 20% of proceeds from each sale will be donated to 350.org, a group which is working to end the age of fossil fuels and build a world of community-led renewable energy for all