The Mahogany Door has opened!!

The door has opened! My first published book is available to order today! I'm so excited! I started the project just over 1 year ago, and it's so exciting to see it all done! I have learned so much from this project about the process of creating a book, and how much work goes into it. I can't wait for the next one! Mark Boliek worked so hard to make a nice, quality product. I think he did an awesome job!

There is also a cool Original Soundtrack that goes along with the book! Preview the music and then order your own.

Exclusively on May 1, order your copy of The Mahogany Door in the store and receive a signed copy by the author, the CD, and free shipping!

Order your copy now!

For updates on the book and for special offers, visit Mark's Facebook Page.

Mouse Paintings

I was hired for a small job of painting little mice in someone's kitchen. This woman had them painted on by someone else and for some reason, when the painters came to repaint her walls, they painted right over them! Who would do that!? So she hired me to paint them back on.

The mice were based off of two little mouse salt and pepper shakers that she had. She wanted a girl mouse with a red dress and a boy mouse running to her with some champagne in a tux. Then, as a surprise to her husband, she asked me to paint two little baby mice wearing USC shirts that would represent her grandchildren. So cute! It was a fun little project, and I think they come out good!

Huntington Beach Art Walk

Last Wednesday I had the opportunity to be a part of the Huntington Beach Art Walk! I had a great time meeting all the friendly art-lovers coming through and was thrilled to be able to show my work there. Robin Ott, the librarian there was so accommodating and even provided cookies for everyone! I didn't sell anything, but it was still totally worth the drive! Can't wait to do it again! Here are some pictures from the night.

Camp Gilligan

FINALLY! Something I've been working on that I can post! Lots of the things I'm doing I can't really show anyone yet. And all this work isn't allowing me much time to work on my own stuff...actually it isn't allowing me ANY time. :( But I'm still creating, and still loving it!

Here's a summer day camp logo I did for a camp that is starting up this summer. One is a huge banner and one is a Rackcard for people to take for more information...like a flyer, but with a fancy name and different shape. It was fun to do another project with vector art. I hope to do more. Although I haven't done much painting lately, and I'm starting to miss that too. But not to worry! I'm working on a project right now that will allow me to do a bunch of paintings! Until then...keep creating!

Gluttony

Here's another somewhat recent painting I finished based on Proverbs 23:1-3:

"When you sit to dine with a ruler,
note well what is before you,
and put a knife to your throat
if you are given to gluttony.
Do not crave his delicacies,
for that food is deceptive."

There are a lot of little treasures to discover in this painting so take a little time to explore it. This painting also goes along with the eaten apple I posted awhile ago. It's hanging in the TSU at Cal State Fullerton until April 3rd so go take a look and if you would like a print of it, they are available through my website.

Pondering My Next Move

Yesterday was my big solo Art Show Opening and it went great! Lots of supporters came to see and hang out and I just had a blast! Thank you to all who were able to make it! And if you didn't get a chance to make it out, you can still go see it. It will be on display until April in the Student Union at Cal State Fullerton.

So now that the show is done, I need to figure out my next project. I didn't give much thought as to what I would be doing after the show was done. Oops. But I do have some ideas stirring, and some friends who came to the art show gave me some good inspiration and motivation to revisit some old projects, and embark on some new ones. So I'm excited! First step will be to brainstorm, research, and let the ideas get out on paper and see where it goes from there. I also will be promoting myself. Now that I have some new art in my portfolio, I should send postcards out to publishers and see if anything happens. I've also updated my website with some of my new art and an advertisement for The Mahogany Door! Check it out!

Just for a taste of what to expect soon (or not so soon) I'm probably going to do the rest of the Ant and the Cricket illustrations and make it into a mini book. Nothing huge, just something to have in book form. I'm also thinking about redoing Asani's Pride. I'll be rewriting it and restoryboarding (is that a word?) it to fit the new text. I also might be getting back into the Cafeteria logos I started last year. But we'll see where the wind takes me. Nothing is set in stone yet.


Here are a few pictures from my show:

"The Mahogany Door" Cover

"The Mahogany Door" Interior Illustrations

With some of my family

Prints for sale!

Exploring one of my paintings

Mingling

Yummy, yummy food!

Transitions

Today I felt a transition time start to take place. Sunday is my art show, which I have been preparing for since October. Now all I have left are a few little details and the actual show, and then it's over. And today I realized that I am not sure what I will be working on next. I was so wrapped up in getting things done for the Art Show, that I didn't think about what would come after. So I think tomorrow I will take some time to brainstorm, strategize, and get inspired. This can be a lot of fun because I can dream and get really excited about possibilities, but it can also get a little overwhelming not knowing which route to take, or what the best next step is. I have a few things in mind already and a few projects that are in the works, but we'll see where it all goes.
I thought this little spot painting I did recently fit well with the state of things at the moment. I've finished my apple, and it was delicious. But I will soon be hungry again and I need to start searching for my next meal.