Mini-Masterpieces 2024 Show, 11/8 through 12/20

Feeling that Fall chill in the air? Maybe, it's not only the cooler air but also your need to soothe your soul with art. In any case, it's time for the Mini-Masterpieces Show, 2024, at Rhythmix Cultural Works in Alameda California. Join us for the Opening Reception on November 8, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.

Bill Jeng's display

Alice Dockter's display

Fitz's Display

Artist Jodi busy at work setting up

Sometimes, even the Artists do not have the answers...

But, Artists keep on working through all the haze!

Hope to see you there.

CoWaBunGA!!!

Art Commission: Beanie the Cat, 11/2024

Busy with art commissions this Fall. My college classmate Galen contacted me to see if she could commission me to create an artwork for her daughter. The image is of her daughter's cat "Beanie". Here is the finished artwork and the progress GIF.

"Beanie the Cat", acrylic and color pencil on wood, 11/2024

 

In-progress GIF of the various layers for "Beanie the Cat" commission

Thanks Galen for supporting local artists and not AI art-bots!

CoWaBunGA!!

Halloween 2024

My wife noticed that our Halloween decorations were getting stale. Here are a couple of creatures to freshen up our fright...

"DeAth DoG", cardboard, tape, acrylic paint, 10/2024

 

DeAth DoG is not your best friend... BeWaRe

DeAth DoG in progress

"Sponge Death Square Pants", cardboard, tape, acrylic paint, 10/2024

Sponge DeAth Square Pants in progress

CoWaBunGA!

Art Commission: Old Oakland, 8th & Washington, 10/2024

Back when I was working in downtown Oakland, my favorite destination was the neighborhood of Old Oakland, with the Victorian buildings, cute cafes and restaurants, and Swans Market. So, when my former co-worker Michelle S. asked if I could paint her a scene of 8th Street, I was delighted. Here are the finished painting and the GIF showing the progress:

Old Oakland, 8th & Washington, 20 x 16, acrylic and pencil on paper, 10/2024

Michelle's Commission in progress...

Painting those Victorian details can really open your eyes about how much craftsmanship goes into constructing one of these old buildings. Like people say, "they don't build them like that anymore"

CoWaBunGA

Sketches: "Her Sadness", Tamara de Lempicka, DeYoung Museum, 10/2024

Fantastic show at the DeYoung Museum: Tamara de Lempicka. I was blown away by the luscious colors and art deco styling by Lempicka. The portraits portray a stylized vision of the subject but also capture the subject's personality and quirks. I'll be going back for sure. 

CoWaBunGA!

Cafe Sketches: Mikomi Sushi, Alhambra, 9/2024

Mikomi Sushi was a delightful find for us. We were seeking a Japanese dinner in SoCal and found Mikomi in Alhambra. The interior was dramatic with colorful lighting and great wood slatted paneling. More importantly, the sushi was very good.

Mikomi Sushi, Alhambra, 9/2024

 CowaBunGA

Construction Series: Corner Column-Beam moment connection Sketch

There are so many beautiful connections that the public will never see because they are buried behind the architectural finish. Engineers will just have to draw them for you to appreciate what's behind the wall.

Study for Column-beam moment connection, color pencil on paper

CoWaBunGA!