Another personal piece using the same "yellow" lady as in the "at war" piece.  I call this one "many faces."   We all wear masks.  Weather we admit it or not, we like to put on a persona depending upon where we are and who we are in front of. Our face never changes, but our behavior does. Hence, the multiple, duplicate faces. 11x14, collage/montage & digital.

Personal work.  11 x 14, collage/montage entitled "at war"

Alternate cover illustrations that I created and presented for the cover of Matthew Perryman Jones album "Swallow The Sea."  You can view the final, selected art by going back in my archives to Monday, August 18th.  Where can you go?  Can you swallow the sea?

YOU GOT GOOD BONES THAT HOLD YOU STRONG

You are not required to be perfect or put on a good show. You don't have to keep it all together all the time.  And if you start to fall apart at the seams, quietly excuse yourself and remember that what you are doing/feeling/thinking right now is really ok.  Even if it looks like other people are living magic while you're in the middle of desert quicksand.

. . . You got good bones that hold you strong, even if everything else is liquid around them.

You are good.  You are mighty . . .

I came across this writing on Penelope Dullaghan's blog the other day and thought it was very powerful and therapeutic and wanted to pass it along.  I am not sure where she got it from and hope that she doesn't mind me passing it along.  Whatever your belief or faith might be . . . I hope you too, find some sort of encouragement from it.

Another pen and ink / mixed media illustration created for the below digipak commission.

Custom pen and ink and mixed media illustrations commissioned for this digipak design. I also enjoy creating hand-rendered type which is also a part of this piece.

Pen and ink / digital illustrations created for Hip Hop / Rap artist.

Final collage illustration created for "Repurposed: The Memoirs of Nehemiah."

This was an alternate illustration that was commissioned and pitched to my client for a book jacket - "Repurposed: The Memoirs of Nehemiah." The collage illustration cover shown above that was posted at 1:32 PM was the selected and final version. I liked them both but sometimes wish they would have gone with the house! You know how that goes!

Collage/montage illustration for book jacket commission.

COLLAGE VS PEN & INK VS WATERCOLOR. 

DOES IT CONFUSE THE ART-BUYER?  YOU DECIDE.

I love collage and mixed media illustration like the one I created here. In fact, I am very comfortable doing it. However, I also have a passion for pen and ink & watercolor and feel at home using those mediums as well. I enjoy all three and hopefully this will not confuse any potential art buyers! From time to time, you will see them all posted here. 

WILLIE KELLY

Willie is a great guy!  I met him a few years ago through my friend John Carter Cash just after he finished recording his album. Willie is based in Ireland and also spends a lot of time here in the States.  Montage and collage media.

MATTHEW PERRYMAN JONES 

Custom illustrations and CD package design created for independent recording artist Matthew Perryman Jones. Matthew is a class act and so stinkin talented!  Go buy his record!  It is incredible!  Montage and collage media.

BRETT DENNEN

Cover illustration commissioned by roots-rock recording artist Brett Dennen for his forthcoming album - "Hope For The Hopeless." Brett is listed as one of Rolling Stone's '10 Artists to Watch in 2008! This record is killer! New album hits stores October 21st. Watercolor and mixed media.

ILLUSTRATION: The act or process of illuminating

It is a passion of mine.  I love to admire it and those who do it well.  Edel Rodriguez, Penelope Dullaghan, my friend Travis Foster, Gary Taxali, David Plunkert, Esther Watson and so many more.  I illustrate.  I design.  I create.  My passion is to make great work that speaks to people.  Welcome to my illustration blog.  Stay tuned!