Cafe Sketches: Comal, Berkeley - 8/2023

We found Comal through our favorite show, "Check Please, Bay Area," and it was great. The Mexican restaurant is a mix of classic food but in a very modern setting. The main dining room faces a courtyard garden that is stunning:

Comal, Berkeley 

Well, this year is quickly coming to its close - thank goodness for me. I've been dealing with several family health issues and have been too preoccupied to create more artwork. I'm hoping to get a period of peace in order to focus more on my art. 

Anyway, please have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

CoWaBunGA!

Mini-Masterpieces 2023, 11/4/2023 to 12/20/2023

The Holidays are around the corner. Do you need a special gift to lift the spirits of your friend or family member? If you do, then come to the RCW Mini-Masterpieces art show and gift sale where you not only can find that special gift, but also support local artists. 

Bill Jeng's Mini-exhibit at the show

Early artists installing their works...

It's filling up soon!

For more information:https://www.rhythmix.org/events/mini-masterpieces-2023/

Hope to see you there!

CoWaBunGA

 

AEF: Art education in public schools

I was honored to be included in the Alameda Education Foundation for art education in public schools. Much thanks to Pam and Jillian of AEF, and to Natalie for putting together this FaNTasTic video:

https://alamedaeducationfoundation.org/bill-jeng/

CoWaBunGA!

 

Piedmont Art Walk 2023, 10/2023

Piedmont Art Walk is happening this Sunday, 10/1/2023. I will have a few artworks at the show. Here is a preview. 

"Otter take your surfboard"

"Cafe Sketches 2024 calendar", from my sketchbook of local restaurants and cafes.

Month of February 2024, "A16" in Rockridge, Oakland.

Hope to see you there.

CoWaBunGA...

Piedmont Art Walk, 10/2023

If you're near Piedmont, CA, this weekend, stop by to enjoy artwork from local artists at the Piedmont Art Walk 2023. 

20% of all sales from the Show will support art in the schools. The weather is supposed to be nice for a stroll around town.

#piedmontartwalk2023

CoWaBunGA!

 

Sketches: 75th Anniversary Chaucer Fountain, Huntington Library, 9/2023

Walking around the Huntington Library garden, you run into all sorts of interesting objects. I love fountains and when I heard splashing water, this was what I found.

75th Anniversary Chaucer fountain

Monster dolphin/fish with lily pads and lotus blossoms, you can't ask for more.

CoWaBunGA!

Sketches: Murakami exhibit at SF Asian Art Museum, 9/2023

Murakami is a prolific artist, involved in so many facets of the art world. His artwork is on display at the San Francisco Asian Art Museum. I was very inspired by the creature creations.

"Oval" by Murakami

Not sure if I should be worried that Oval is hungry...

CoWaBunGA!
 

Sketches - Nordstrom SF Stairway, 09/2023

Nordstrom in SF is closing, but leaving a beautiful architectural marvel to be enjoyed by visitors to the San Francisco Center mall.

Nordstrom SF stairway

I remember when the Nordstrom opened at the San Francisco Center and the throngs of people there to enjoy the shops and the circular escalator. Down at the bottom, it was awe inspiring to look up and see the skylights in the top dome all the way from the basement. We will miss Nordstrom.

CoWaBUNga 

Blue Dot Cafe show, 8/2023

 

Cafe Sketches: A16 Pizza, Rockridge, 7/2023

With A16 as your name, it's not clear what is your business. I found out that A16 refers to a major highway in Italy, and A16 in Rockridge is an Italian restaurant well known for their pizzas. A16 is beautifully decorated with artwork, lanterns, and flowers, and well lighted with large skylights. 

A16 Pizza, Rockridge

Oh, by the way, the pizza and pasta are delicious too. 

CoWaBunGA
 

Cafe Sketches: Hanshin Pocha Oakland, 5/2023

Do you ever find yourself working late and need a drink, with snacks, before heading home? Well, here's a spot just for you: Hanshin Pocha in Temescal neighborhood of Oakland. Hanshin Pocha features spicy, Korean dishes that go well with soju (or any of favorite drinks) and supposedly cures hangovers too. 

Hanshin Pocha Oakland

One of our favorite dishes was the do-it-yourself rice balls, with cheese. The dish comes with cellophane gloves so you don't get all that cheese all over your hands.

CoWaBunGA!  

Cafe Sketches: Anh Restaurant & Bar, 04/2023

By the waterfront in Richmond CA, Anh Restaurant & Bar serves Vietnamese cuisine in a California fusion style. Anh's is like a little oasis on the waterfront with a great view of the Bay, a beautiful bar, and Asian decorations throughout the dining area.

Anh Restaurant & Bar, 4/2023

Anh's would be a great place to take a break, grab a cocktail, after walking along the Richmond shoreline.  

CoWaBunGA

AEA silent auction donation, 7/2023

For the Port of Oakland Asian Employee Association, I am donating four artworks from my Lion Dance series of artworks. The paintings are color pencil and acrylic on recycled wood board and includes a custom stand.

Lion Dance series

These will be in the AEA Scholarship Dinner and available at the silent auction.

CoWaBUNGa 

Darv's commission, 6/2023

My Art Jam buddy Darv asked if I could create an artwork as a gift to his good friend Johnny. We went over the details of what previous artworks he liked in my portfolio and what images he wanted to include. I really enjoyed the images he selected and prepared the gift below.

"Johnny and Darv", mixed media on wood board, 6/2023

Stand included, signed on the back

Here is a progression GIF for your viewing pleasure...

CoWABunGA!

Café Sketches: MingHin Cuisine, Chicago - 05/2023

What caught my attention when I entered the main dining room of MingHin Cuisine in Chicago (Lakeshore East) was the large ceiling sculpture that ran through the length of the central seating area. It consists of translucent, individually hanging, glassy elements in irregular shapes, looking like jellyfish or maybe pasta.

That caught my attention, but the dim sum quickly settled me into a wonderful brunch with my family and friends. Be dazzled by the art, but comforted by the baos.

CoWaBunGA 

Café Sketches: China Live, SF, another view - 03/2023

Previously, I presented a sketch of China Live in San Francisco depicting the large ceramic jar, where preserved food is kept in Chinese cuisine. That was just a slice of the interesting décor at China Live. On the dining side, the restaurant opens up to bench seating with a view of the open kitchen. 

It's a bustling part of the restaurant and with the open kitchen, you feel part of the action. I'm going to try sitting here next time.

CoWaBunGA 

Cafe Sketches: Duck Duck Goat, Chicago - 04/2023

Clever name, Duck Duck Goat. But, the cuisine here is definitely not child's play; it's a Chinese-fusion restaurant in a stylish setting. I was a bit leery at first, given the attention paid to the decor, but the food was good Chinese fare with a slight modern twist.

I was pleasantly surprised by the delicious Chinese food at Duck Duck Goat.

CoWaBunGA   

Cafe Sketches: Atwood Restaurant, StayPineapple, Chicago - 4/2023

If you're in the Chicago Loop, and happen upon the StayPineapple hotel, dine at the Atwood Restaurant in the lobby. The hotel is a renovated office building and the lobby keeps many of the fine architectural details from the original. 

Atwood Restaurant in Chicago, 04/2023

The interior is bright and airy and the food is delicious. Hang out at the bar and watch the Chicagoans stroll by.

CoWaBunGA  

Zachary's Pizza Poster Contest - it's up (5/27/23)

Zachary's Pizza on Grand Avenue in Oakland sent an email that my poster was on exhibit. Of course, I was very honored and excited to see it on display.

Thank you, Zachary's Pizza. 

CoWaBunGA!!

Cafe Sketches: Left Bank Brasserie, Oakland - 03/2023

There was a buzz about a new French bistro opening up in Jack London Square. Left Bank Brasserie was doing well in San Francisco and wanted to expand their service to Oakland. Hey, any restaurant that wants to bring moules frites (mussel and fries) to Oakland is certainly welcomed here.

Left Bank Brasserie, Jack London Square Oakland, 3/2023

Moules Frites

If you ever crave French bistro fare, stop in at Left Bank Brasserie!

CoWaBunGA

Cafe Sketches: Harris Ranch, Coalinga CA - 03/2023

Traveling between LA and the Bay Area, if you drive on Hwy 5, you will likely run across Harris Ranch Rest stop in Coalinga. Long time ago, it was a simple rest stop where you can get a good steak dinner as a treat for driving the six hour trip. Now, Harris Ranch is a resort with hotel, a runway for private planes, and Tesla charging stations. 

Harris Ranch Restaurant, 03/2023

Whether you're making a quick stop, or a vacation excursion to the Ranch, the steak is pretty darn good.

CoWaBunGA

Zachary's Pizza 2023 Poster Contest - UPDATE 5/9/23

UPDATE: I won! My "The Last Slice" will be exhibited at the Grand Avenue Zachary's Pizza! I want to thank my Family for being supportive of my art endeavors, for inspiring me to continue even when I didn't think I could, and Zachary's Pizza for this delicious honor.

We love Zachary's Pizza! What's special about Zachary's is that they display local art celebrating their Chicago-style pizza. Before the Pandemic, Natalie and I won the poster contest with our Game of Thrones themed entry. This year, I had to go it alone with this entry.

"The Last Slice" - entry for the 2023 Zachary's Pizza poster contest

Here are some progress images.

Study for Bella Ramsey

Study for giraffe

Wish me luck...

CoWaBunGA

Cafe Sketches: NBC Seafood Restaurant, MPK - 03/2023

In the City of Monterey Park, we frequent a southern Cantonese-style dim sum restaurant NBC Seafood Restaurant, or we like to call it NBC dim sum. The variety and creativity of the dim sum dishes are fantastic. The interior design reminds diners of the fanciful Hong Kong dim sum houses.

NBC Dim Sum, MPK, 03/2023

Besides dim sum, there is plenty of space if you decide to host your wedding or large party here. We held my Dad's 80th birthday party here and it was grand.

CoWaBunGA 

Cafe Sketches: North Beach Pizza, Berkeley - 02/2023

One of our favorite pizza joints in the East Bay is North Beach Pizza in Berkeley. Converted from an old IHOP restaurant, we have been dining here for many years since our kids were little. When we get our North Beach Special now, the waitress often asks us how our kids are doing in college. 

It's not fancy, just plain delicious pizza.

CoWaBunGA

DeYoung Museum, SF 04/2023

The DeYoung Museum in San Francisco is a great location for sketching and hanging out on a beautiful spring day.

Figure for the shrine of Oshun, Nigeria, 19th Century

Getting the details right

Tekoteko, Maori New Zealand, 19th Century

Also, DeYoung is exhibiting Kehinde Wiley's "Archeology of Silence" show. It's a fantastic show with large portrait paintings and bronze sculptures. Kehinde Wiley's sculptural skills surprised me.

CowaBunGA

Fog City Java, April through May 2023

John at Fog City Java, Pacifica California, was very kind to invite me for another exhibit at this charming cafe in Pacifica. This is my 10th year exhibiting here and I love it. Fog City Java is my go-to-spot for sipping a mocha after a surf session at Linda Mar, and my first stop on my regular moto runs through the San Mateo mountains. 

For this show, I am exhibiting recent lion dance paintings and construction watercolors.

Fog City Java, Pacifica CA

"Aimee happy and angry lion" acrylic on canvas

"Vince in mid-cat stance" acrylic on canvas

Stop by if you happen to be in Pacifica, CA.

CoWaBunGA!

Cafe Sketches: China Live, San Francisco - 03/2023

To celebrate my sister-in-law's birthday, we all went out to China Live in San Francisco. China Live is a modern Chinese bistro on the edge between North Beach and Chinatown. You're not quite sure if the cuisine will be too modern fusion and not enough Chinese, but you know after the first bite. This is good Chinese food! 

China Live, San Francisco - 03/2023

CoWaBunGA

More from Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena, 3/2023

These little ladies caught my attention with their enthusiastic performance.

"Three Angel Musicians" Pisan School, ca. 1350 

My pen ran out of ink but, luckily, I had a spare pencil.

Getting the details right at Norton Simon Museum

 CoWaBunGA!

Cafe Sketches: Southie, Berkeley - 1/2023

Southie is constructing a restaurant in the Oakland International Airport but I had never tried their cuisine. Originally, we were told it will be an upscale sandwich shop. So, I dined at the Southie in Berkeley California and it was so much more than sandwiches.

Southie is a tapas bar with a South American influenced cuisine. We had chicken tostadas and mussels in a chili, wine sauce. It was delicious.

Chicken tostadas and mussels in chili-wine sauce.

I can't wait until Southie opens at the Oakland International Airport (by Gate 30).

CoWaBunGA!

 

Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena CA - 03/2023

While in LA recently, I toured the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena CA. This is a small museum, a bit hidden off the main streets of Pasadena, but with a great collection. I was surprised by their beautiful garden and large collection of Southeast Asian religious sculptures. Here are my highlights:

The garden at the Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena CA

  

Tara, Indian ca. 19th Century

"Horseman" by Mario Marini, 1947

Look up the Norton Simon if you're in Pasadena, it's a small treat.

CoWaBUNga