It was fun to bust out some spray paint for this experimental drawing, inspired by ancient Roman themes.
American Illustration Interview
It was an honor to participate in an interview with American Illustration, part of their DART series (Design Arts Daily). The interviewer, Peggy Roalf, asked very thoughtful questions about my map drawings, sketchbook images, what my habits are, and who my influences are. You can read the full interview here!
Kurt Cobain
We lost Kurt Cobain on this day, 25 years ago, but his musical legacy will always be in bloom. Local friends, this drawing is part of a group exhibit - The Grand Floral Show - at The Farm Salon, Greig Farm, Red Hook, NY, April 6-28th. The gallery is open Fri-Sun 10-3 pm.
You can order your signed print of this portrait here!
Seed Stories and the Power of Plants
I’m thrilled to have this piece included in an exhibition at the Staten Island Museum, April 13th - February 23, 2020. This drawing was originally commissioned by the Hudson Valley Seed Company, to illustrate a seed packet of Blue Jade Sweet Corn (a plant which originated in Mexico). The exhibit is called Field Notes: Seed Stories and the Power of Plants. You can learn more about this show here.
Muhammed Ali
He floated like a butterfly, and stung like a bee. Known as ’the Greatest’, this legendary boxer was also an civil rights activist, anti-war protester, devout Muslim, and quick-witted poet. His legacy will float on forever.
You order a signed print of this portrait here!
Hawaiian Ink
This drawing (from 2012) was recently licensed to be used as set dressing on the TV show, Magnum PI, which is filmed in Hawaii. I have yet to seen this reboot of the 1980s series, but my favorite set piece from the original version has gotta be Tom Selleck's mustache.
Prints of this piece are available here!
Here's a small study of singer/songwriter, Kasey Musgraves. This drawing of one of my favorite country artists was inspired by her song, Butterflies. No doubt, when I listen to her music, I get butterflies!
Signed prints of this piece are available here!
Willem de Kooning
Here’s a portrait of Willem de Kooning, drawn on a reproduction of his painting, Parc Rosenberg. A Dutch immigrant, he helped lead a movement which would help define American painting on its own terms. Up until the the mid 20th century, there was a perception that European artists contributed all the big breakthroughs in the evolution of painting. Along came a group of NY painters, the abstract expressionists, who were the first to break away from figurative art altogether. Their act of painting went after emotional expression, and emphasized creative spontaneity. As a leader of this group, Mr. de Kooning helped stimulate a dialog about the definition of art, the act of painting, the boundaries of creative expression, and where painting would go next. To be fully appreciated, his paintings must be seen in person. They are spectacular.
You can order your signed print of this piece here.
Amy Winehouse
Heres a portrait of the brilliant singer/songwriter, Amy Winehouse, in which I utilized makeup brushes to create depth. So many iconic singers have tragically died at 27 years of age, including Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison and Brian Jones. Sadly, Amy joined that club in 2011. I drew this tribute on a map of her hometown, London. Signed prints are available here!
Jerry Garcia
As a band, the Grateful Dead seemed to tap their inspiration from the deepest of American wellsprings. With music that was earthy and organic, they gained a following who rewarded this authenticity with complete loyalty. As a singer and (legendary) guitar player, Jerry Garcia channelled their vision to perfection. He will always be the face of the incredible community. Signed prints are available here!
Edie Sedgwick
I recently read an enlightening biography of Andy Warhol (called 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 this portrait of his first superstar muse, Edie Sedgwick. I want to give a big thank you to my local supermarket for supplying my canvas for this drawing! Signed prints are available here!
Yoko Ono
She’s a visual artist, singer/songwriter, activist, and philanthropist all in one person. She steadfastly honors the legacy and vision of her late husband, John Lennon. And when it comes to waging peace, Yoko is numero Ono. Signed Prints of this piece are available here!
Hannibal Lecter
Here's a portrait of the infamous Hannibal Lecter. Known as Hannibal the Cannibal, this fictitious serial killer left an indelible mark on our culture (through novels written by Thomas Harris). He was brilliantly portrayed by Anthony Hopkins in the film, The Silence of the Lambs. His character is a perfect foil to the FBI agent played by Jodie Foster. Considering this movie was released back in 1991, it sensitively addresses many concerns which resonate with today’s #MeToo movement.
Prints of this piece are available here!
Fennec Fox
I recently read a hauntingly beautiful novel by Paul Bowles, The Sheltering Sky. The book’s setting in Northern Africa led me to learn more about life in the Sahara Desert. Through my research, I came across this cute critter, the fennec fox. Also known as a sand fox, these tiny creatures weight no more than 3.5 pounds as adults. I’m guessing 90% of that weight is in their ears.
Sighed prints of this piece are available here!
Mystery Project
I’ve been busy in recent months, working on a top-secret illustration project.
It will be revealed soon, but here’s a sneak peek!
My Etsy Prints
Thanks to my fantastic patrons, I had a super-busy holiday season - mailing out prints throughout the US and Europe. You can purchase signed prints of fun portraits year-round at my Etsy shop. I hope you’ll take a peek!
Drain the Swamp
People often compare this US senator to a turtle, but he’s really just a snake.
It’s time to drain the swamp!
Roswell, New Mexico
I drew this portrait back in the fall of 2017. Last January, Warner Brothers Entertainment approached me about using a print of it as a background-set-piece in the reboot of a TV series, Roswell, premiering on the CW Network tonight! This sci-fi drama (retitled Roswell, New Mexico) involves extraterrestrials hiding amongst the citizens of this storied New Mexico town. If you watch Roswell, this image (along with other alien-themed artwork) can be seen on the walls of the Crashdown Cafe, a recurring location on the show.
You can purchased a signed print of this piece here!
Riverdale Country School
Here’s a piece for my friends at Riverdale Country School, who wished to sing their community into 2019 on a high note!
Hand-drawn Holiday Cards
It’s become my tradition to create hand-drawn holiday cards for my family. Here’re a couple finished drawings.