Getting back...

So far I like this plain, simple, clean version with a hint of color. The colors look harsh on some monitors. But the green is more of a muted olive and the blue is more of a muted grey blue. I've printed them on heavy stock archival watercolor paper. I love the way it adds another dimension to the illustration.

Where do I go with this series? I'm stumped.

P1030029, originally uploaded by casa azul.

Nature & Painting

Where: Visited the park, then headed home and painted in the backyard
Temperature: 75 degrees & Sunny, pleasant
Listening to: Ok Go - "This too shall pass"
Mood: Explorative

Note to self: Open your eyes, take more mental pictures and explore your surroundings.

Easily distracted...

I admit it. I'm easily distracted. With a constant stream of ideas popping in my head, why wouldn't I be. I got kinda bored with the whole house idea. My mind began to wonder and I realized that dia de los muertos was just a month away! I've always loved dia de los muertos. A day of rememberance & celebration of those gone but not forgotten. All the colorful decor and the beautiful altars. With this in mind, I decided to sketch some calacas to adorn my grandfathers altar. Can't wait to finish these.

House Series: Clinton & Maroa

House Series: Normal & Wishon

House Series: College & Alhambra

College & Alhambra, originally uploaded by casa azul.

House Series: Clinton & Palm

So I've decided that I'd create a series of work based on the homes in my lovely neighborhood. Right now it's all about the sketches and inking which is a slow process. Next up: color. As to what application I'll use (colored pencil, watercolor or via Illustrator), I have yet to decide. Hope to have them up on Etsy by July! [crossing fingers]. Wish me luck!

House Series: Clinton & Maroa

I love my neighborhood. It's old and diverse in its architectural style. No one house is alike. Plus, they have such roomy backyards that the newer developments lack. In order to stick with the one picture a day routine (or try to), I will walk around my neighborhood for inspiration: finding homes that I love or find unique. Sorry the rendering isn't realistic but rather cartoonish or elementary. I need a bit of practice, just a bit rusty. 

sketching

Hello Strathmore 400 series drawing pad. Oh how I have missed you. I'm still in love with the way you feel. No greater comfort than you, a .005 archival black fine point pen & pencils and some awesome tunes for inspiration. Your rough-smooth texture and your hint of vanilla color keep me coming back. Why have I neglected you so long?


Been awhile since I actually sat down and took the time to sketch. Let's hope I make it a habit. I vow to sketch for at least 30 minutes a night. Cross my heart.

Procrastinating

One day I thought to myself, "Hey, you! Why don't you put your skills to work and start a shop on Etsy." At first, I read everything I could about starting a shop, a name and what the concept may be. So far, after a year, I've come up with a couple of sketches, a banner and a name "CasaAzul" (which translates to Blue House). I've had it as a user name since high school when I found my love for art and Frida Kahlo. Next month (hopefully, crossing fingers), I may actually have these prints up for sale. Yes, I've been procrastinating for a year or so. I need to find time to sketch/draw.

Name: CasaAzul
Concept: Illustrations of animals and childhood stories.

A few illustrations (finished in photoshop)...