The Connoisseur -

It has been a while since I last checked in, but I have been very busy.  I completed this portrait and am very happy with the results.  Graphite on paper, titled The Connoisseur.

Working on A Doggy Logo for a Local Art Show

This is my logo design:

Recently Completed Painting

The Airplane Ride - Newly Completed Illustration

How Many Times Have You Heard....Think Positive!?

Here is my response to think positive; 

I just completed this little illustration today.  

Please remember all work posted on this blog

 is copyright protected.  

40 Inspiring Workspaces of the Famously Creative

This is worth clicking through, there are some really awesome photos of famous writers, artists, illustrators, and designers–so worth seeing.  It's amazing the different ways they worked, and how they liked their workspace environments.  Some are messy fire hazards, others are austere.  Please take a moment and view them.  It might inspire the artist in you. 

http://www.buzzfeed.com/summeranne/40-inspiring-workspaces-of-the-famously-creative

Beautifully, Expressive Art

https://rmcad.digication.com/IreneMcCray/Welcome/published

Too Funny

So I am sitting in a coffee shop (no commercial plug here) when a young man walks in with a painting in his hands, sits down at a table (no drink purchase) and hangs out for a couple of hours.  I am busy doing research for my graduate studies.  My BF walks in and chats with the guy asking him questions about his art.  The guy at the table next to them hears that the artwork is for sale at the very low price of $100.00 and buys it on the spot.  He also just happens to have $100.00 cash in his pocket.  WHAT!?!?!?  Now don't get me wrong, I am very happy for the artist, but this would never happen for me! 

This is what my scenario would be:  I walk into the coffee establishment (green and white is the color of their cups).  I buy a drink because that's what you should do if you are in a retail establishment.  I would sit for a few minutes, the manager would walk up and ask what I am doing.  I would say that I am just sitting, drinking my coffee.  The manager insists that I leave, that selling art in their establishment is not allowed.  I answer, "I'm not selling it; it's just sitting there resting against the window."  I would then be reprimanded and asked to "take down the art and/or leave."  People are staring, I am turning red with embarrassment..... I leave with my painting and chuck it in the dumpster on the way out of the parking lot. 

This kid, no problems, no "hey bud get that out of here," just so cool, too cool and the art is sold.  My BF ends up being the best shill on the planet for THAT GUY! 

New Work - Watercolor Frustrations

I recently completed a portrait painting.  I attempted to do it entirely in watercolor.  Quickly becoming frustrated with the lack of depth to the painting, I decided to use gouache for the background and then layered washes of watercolor over it.  The woman is, however, entirely painted in watercolor.  It was hard for me to switch up from oil to watercolor.  I wasn't capturing the nuances at first, but I am pleased with the outcome.  I mainly switched from oil to watercolor because I was needing to work indoors with very little ventilation.  I am happy to be back at work with my oil on canvas.  The watercolor/gouache painting below:  Untitled, 16" x 20"-watercolor and gouache on watercolor board. 

Work Accepted in Museum of The Living Artist

Good news!  Out of 1200 entries and only 95 accepted works, my work was one of them!  My painting, titled Night Terrors will be exhibited at the Art Institute, Museum of the Living Artist in Balboa Park–showing for the month of April.