Brian Raszka: art and illustration

sketchbook 012512_2

2012-02-13T10:41:00.001-08:00

From the sketchbook.

New web site up and running!

2010-05-05T12:10:00.000-07:00

I have a new web site design up and running at: brianraszka.com
It is Wordpress based so it includes a blog. I will be using this new site to blog from now on. I will leave all the old blog posts here as well.
So go on over and take a look. Let me know what you think.

Sun - New Illustration

2010-03-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

Thinking of the sun on this cold spring day.

See more of my illustration work at: brianraszka.com

Syzygy

2010-03-15T10:53:00.000-07:00

11"x16.5"
Acrylic on cardboard
Syzygy refers to the lining up of planets.

Exposed - New Art

2010-03-10T16:09:00.000-08:00

New art entitled: Exposed. I have been thinking about using more sustainable materials in my art making. I also want to add texture to my work so cardboard fits both criteria. This piece was inspired by both landscapes and decay. I like the idea of creating art that looks as if it is in transition. After all, everything is in transition at all times. Nothing is stable.
See more on my web site: brianraszka.com
Soon to be on my Etsy site.

Ohio University Today - Magazine Illustrations

2010-03-08T08:06:00.000-08:00

Recently completed project for Ohio University's Today Magazine. Today Magazine is an on-line magazine. The article that these illustrations paired with was about Ohio U's Facebook groups. It was a fun project to illustrate. See the article here.

New Year's Illustration

2010-01-26T11:20:00.000-08:00

Recent illustration for City Pages which is a weekly out of Minneapolis.
Idea was that the year of the Tiger(2010) was replacing/relieving the year of the Oxen(2009)-i.e., pulling the Oxen in a rickshaw while the Oxen enjoys a libation.
Fun project. Hope to work more with the good folks over at City Pages.

Artist-John Yoyogi Fortes. See his show in San Francisco!

2009-12-31T09:46:00.000-08:00

Art fans-if you are in or going to be in San Francisco during the month of January get yourself over to the SFMOMA's Artist Gallery at Fort Mason to see the work of John Yoyogi Fortes.
He's one of my favorite artists and I was fortunate to see some of his work at the Artist Gallery during a recent visit. The good people at the gallery were nice enough to show me some of his work. The gallery rents out work and has a large storage area. They brought out Mr. Fortes' work and unwrapped it for me to look at. I also was able to take a look at Heather Wilcoxon's work. What a treat.

The work shown is:

Lolo's Pipe
Acrylic and collage on canvas
50"h x 40"w
2009

(used with artist's permission)

Check out more of Mr. Fortes' work on his website.

SFMOMA website

Ripped From The Headlines - Baaah, Belch

2009-12-01T11:18:00.000-08:00

Researchers in Australia are working to breed sheep that belch less. Methane from sheep's burps contribute a sizeble portion of Australia's greenhouse gas omissions.
Can't make this stuff up.

Breaking Through Creative Blocks

2009-11-30T15:59:00.000-08:00

I am sure that I am no different than most people that are involved in any creative job in that I occasionally go through a creative block. It is a scary place. Normally ideas come to me easily. In fact, sometimes it is hard to keep up. Sometimes they will come just as I am nodding off to sleep and I have to decide if I should risk falling back to sleep, get up, grab my sketchbook and jot them down.
For me there are two types of creative blocks: one is when I'm working on a project and I just hit a wall and cannot think of any good ideas. That is another thing, most of my blocks are not really times of no ideas at all but just that they are times of less and bad ideas. The other type of creative block is a general block. I'm not working on any specific project but at the same time I'm not having any good ideas just pop into my head.

What to do?
I usually panic if only a little bit. Experience has taught me that, "...this to shall pass" Once I recover, I decide what method I am going to use to get through this tough time:

I will usually leave a project alone for a time. Get away from it, get a fresh perspective. This option is only available if the deadline allows.
Another trick I have learned is to go a look at good work either on-line or in a book. Nothing gets me more motivated to come up with ideas than seeing other good ideas. I'm not talking about stealing ideas here either but just looking at good work. It seems to get the creative juices flowing. I never did like that saying, "creative juices".
If deadline doesn't allow getting away-I will draw. Drawing anything will usually get me back on track. It gets the right side of my brain working again. Try drawing with your non-dominant hand for an extra zap. Try drawing a scene by drawing only the negative spaces or try drawing an object in front of by drawing the side of it you can't see. There are a lot of tricks out there.
For more general creative blocks I'll try all of the above plus I will try drawing someplace other than my studio. I can get too comfortable in the studio and I find this can lead to a block. Definitely getting away from the computer helps.
Do something completely different. Do filing, update your mailing list, do some marketing; there is always something tedious to do. Tedious work will usually jolt me back into art mode.
Sometimes the only thing that will get you through a creative block is to just keep going. Keep creating until you find your not in a block anymore.

Welcome to the other side of the block
What ever you do don't panic for too long-that will just prolong the torture. Sometimes these blocks are telling you that you are working too hard. You could look at it as an opportunity to regroup and maybe the experiments you use to try to get you out of a block actually result in good work, who knows.

What do you do when the block strikes? Let me know.

Crest - Today's Art/Illustration

2009-11-24T08:51:00.000-08:00

I always wanted to have a family crest. Not being of Scottish Gentry, I had to take matters into my own hands.

Today's Art/Illustration - Divided We Fall

2009-11-23T12:23:00.000-08:00

Just sayin'.

Good Day - Illustration

2009-11-21T13:03:00.000-08:00

Experimenting with patterns and textures.

New Illustration - Joie De Vivre

2009-11-20T15:30:00.000-08:00

The Joy of Living

Smokin - Created on my iPhone!

2009-11-14T17:44:00.000-08:00

One of the first images that I created using the iPhone app.; Brushes.
This could be very addicting. It was a bit awkward at first using the application but I got used to the interface after a while. What did become apparent was that it forced me to go back to old ways of making art. There are only 4 layers and the back and forth required to change brush sizes and transparency levels made me simplify things. All to the good, I think.
I say only 4 layers but can you believe we can create art on our phones!
This type of work just may spill over into my paintings.

Mantra

2009-11-14T11:05:00.001-08:00

Thought for the day

Recent Illustration - Pennsylvania Gazette

2009-11-04T11:58:00.000-08:00

Here is an illustration that I recently completed for the Pennsylvania Gazette. The story is about a man leading the charge to keep and attract people to Philadelphia.

Yet Another Bird Illustration

2009-10-30T10:58:00.000-07:00

Yet another bird piece. This time I'm experimenting with a new medium; Gouache. And, a positive message. I don't know about you but I'm getting sick of all the bad news. This is my attack on bad news. Enjoy.
5"x7" Gouache on panel.

Ask Magazine Cover Illustration

2009-10-28T14:25:00.001-07:00

My monster is on the cover of Ask Magazine's October issue!

Happy Halloween - Illustration Promotion

2009-10-28T08:17:00.000-07:00

My illustration promotion for Halloween. Here's hoping you all get lots of candy!

New Collage Art

2009-10-13T10:57:00.000-07:00

Couple new pieces. 8.5"x11" Acrylic and collage on panel.

Sea Life Is Strange - digital collage illustration

2009-09-29T12:29:00.000-07:00

Saw the series Planet Earth by the BBC. Great series. Inspired a lot of character art.

Visiting Team - New collage illustration

2009-09-28T09:49:00.001-07:00

More Visual Mayhem - The Blues - Illustration

2009-09-25T09:45:00.000-07:00

Various pieces; drawing, photos and painted bits put together with Photoshop.

This Just In - New collage illustration

2009-09-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

And, it doesn't look like good news.

Lately I have been working on integrating my drawings, photography and a bit of 3D work. I'm enjoying this work.

It's A Dog's Life

2009-09-23T10:24:00.001-07:00

Collage of my drawings, textures and photos.

Welcome - new collage art

2009-09-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

We've been expecting you, have a seat.

Quit Clowning Around - New work

2009-09-21T12:22:00.000-07:00

Working on some new work. Here is one of the first. Enjoy.

The Art of The Tote Bag

2009-09-03T10:37:00.001-07:00

Here is a recent project that I have been itching to post. My client asked me to wait until they gave out the bags to staff before I began posting it.
I created the art for a tote bag for Texas Christian University. The good folks at TCU wanted to give out a tote bag to staff and wanted to have some cool art on it. They wanted to depict life on the TCU campus so what you see are some landmarks from the TCU campus. The lizard is actually a Horned Frog and is the TCU mascot. Purple is the school color.
I worked closely with my client to determine what icons should be in the art. Many sketches were created.
The art is on both sides of the bag. It was a fun project and I hope to do more of this kind of product illustration in the future.

Recent Commissioned Painting

2009-07-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

40"x16" Acrylic and oil on canvas. This piece was commissioned as an anniversary present. I met the intended recipient to get to know her a little bit before I started this piece. Her profession is in science, specifically geology and environmental science. I began to think of rock formations, tectonics and bringing vibrant colors into the mix. I also, as usual, wanted this piece to have plenty of texture. This is the result.
I've been told this present went over very well.

The King - Selected to 3x3 Magazine's 6th Annual

2009-06-11T09:58:00.000-07:00

My illustration, "The King" has been accepted into 3x3 Magazine's sixth annual 3x3 ProShow.

From 3x3 Magazine: To be accepted into the show an entry must receive the majority of the nine judge's votes, 5 out of 9. Only 14% of our nearly 2,000 entries made it into the show.

This year's judges included art directors Alexandre Lagoet, Saatchi & Saatchi, The Netherlands; Raban Ruddigkeit, Friestil, Germany; SooJin Buzelli, Planadvisor, US and Darlene Simidian, former art director ALA and illustrators Roman Klonek and Monica Aichele, Germany; Marco Ventura, Italy; Nate Williams, Argentina and Yuko Shimizu, US.

All winners will be included in the 3x3 Illustration Annual No. 6 due out later this year.

About 3x3 Magazine:
Introducing 3x3, the first magazine devoted entirely to the art of contemporary illustration. Three times a year we take an in-depth look at art and environment of three illustrators. We explore their influences. How they work with clients. How they got their first big break. Each article is written by a fellow illustrator who knows exactly what our audience wants to hear. From the U.S. to Europe, Asia, or wherever, we’ll stay tuned to what’s going on the world of illustration.We’ll feature four or more new talents in every issue, they might be right out of school or are just now beginning to make a name for themselves or illustrators we find that have a truly unique take on the art of illustration. Plus we’ll showcase the recent work of as many as sixteen of the best illustrators in every issue. Selection will be by invitation only. And we’ll even offer signed original artwork or prints for sale. All in all it’ll be eighty pages of the best illustration has to offer, including guest articles by artist reps Vicki Morgan and Gail Gaynin, a feature on a living artist who has made and impact on the industry, an in-depth look at a recent advertising campaign that has successfully used illustration and an ongoing feature where we ask our featured artists the same twenty questions. 3x3 will be published three times each year: Fall/Winter, Spring and Summer.

Our Mission
Our mission is to spotlight the best international artists working today and encourage a new focus on the use of illustration by the advertising and design communities.

BUILDUP - Art of Nature Series

2009-06-04T17:13:00.001-07:00

BUILDUP - 27"X40" Acrylic and oil on canvas. Continuing my series of Art Of Nature. My inspiration here being round forms found in nature: stones, cells, etc.Detail

Reaching - Art of Nature Series

2009-05-28T06:11:00.000-07:00

Diptych. 32"x12.25"(each panel is 16"x12.25") Oil, acrylic, graphite on stretched canvas.
Detail:

Photo of REACH in process

Mimic - Art of Nature series

2009-05-27T09:01:00.000-07:00

24"x24" Acrylic, oil, graphite on panel.
This piece is titled, "Mimic" is a reference to forms in nature that are similar. My inspiration for this was a leaf of an oak tree. Not sure which variety but it was one that I picked up on a walk last fall. It had a great shape like a puzzle piece. I was also thinking of the leaves of the Dusty Miller plant. These shapes are similar to the form of a mammals vertebrae.
I was also experimenting a bit with getting back into oil paints here. The underpainting is done in acrylics and then I use oil on top. I'm using Alkyd oils as they dry faster than regular oils. I can add on top of them after a few hours. I add a little Galkyd to speed up drying time even more.

Detail

Art in Nature - "Lichen"

2009-05-26T13:37:00.000-07:00

LICHEN
24"x24"
Acrylic, Oil, colored pencil and graphite
I am starting a new painting series based on shapes, textures and colors that I observe in nature. My intent with this series is to create abstract paintings that will, if all goes well elicit in the viewer an emotional reaction.
I am getting back to some basics with this work. I want to get away from any representational imagery and focus on the act of painting; building up textures and colors. My process has evolved over the years and I have done this building of colors and textures as a background in all my paintings. In some cases, I have liked how the background came out more than the final painting.
I have many ideas sketched out on how to proceed but I find that each painting finds it's own path once I start it.
I enjoyed making this piece which I've titled "Lichen". The circular pattern and texture reminded me of lichen on rocks. I found out something about lichen; it is pollution intolerant meaning that if it's growing, there is no pollution present. Kind of a, "canary in a coalmine" sort of thing for above ground. I like that.

Making plans, art plans

2009-05-20T16:20:00.001-07:00

The current state of my art desk/area.
I find that I think about making art far more than actually making art.

Swan monoprint

2009-05-06T10:48:00.001-07:00

Monoprint I did as prep for a painting. I like the line quality that you can get in a monoprint and the unintended bits of texture around the image. I use waterbased blockprinting ink, roll out an area on a sheet of glass, place a sheet of paper down on it and draw on what will be the back. Keep in mind that your image will be backwards. I also experiment by wetting and blotting the paper before printing-it gives the monoprint more of a watercolor effect as the ink bleeds into the wet paper.

My Illustrations Receive Recognition from American Illustration

2009-04-28T07:47:00.000-07:00

3 illustrations that I submitted to American Illustration 28(from left: "Boo!", "The King", and "Off The Grid") have been CHOSEN to appear on TRIBUTE; American Illustration's web gallery at ai-ap.com. The images will be on the site in November. They will be on the site permanently with my illustration that was selected in last year's competition-AI27.

This year’s distinguished jury included Luis Blanco, INTERspectacular; Max Bode, The New Yorker; Ken DeLago, Golf Digest; Kelly Doe, The New York Times; Matthew Lenning, Bon Appetite; Mitch Nash, Blue Q; Justine Strasberg, Nickelodeon; Michael Uman, INTERspectacular.

My images were 3 of only 583 images from a record-breaking 8,100 submitted to receive at least 2 votes and is therefore eligible to appear permanently on AI's website.

Woot!

Children's Book Illustration?

2009-04-24T07:09:00.000-07:00

Potential here for a children's book. The story would be about a boy that likes to scare people by putting on a fake bear head or other animal masks. This could lead to some consequences where the little boy learns a valuable lesson. Plus, I like to create animal illustrations and bear illustrations specifically.

Simple Line Art Illustration of a Man, His Wandering Thoughts and His Plaid Jacket

2009-04-23T11:42:00.000-07:00

Experimenting a bit with my illustration style. Keeping it simple. I think this look could be good for clothing catalog illustration, editorial illustration, conceptual illustration, music industry illustration and portrait illustration. I like the antiqued paper background, black line done with pencil and the white shirt detail. I can see this style being expressive yet simple. Nice plaid jacket too on our model.
I have often liked my initial sketches more than the final illustrations. Here I've blown up a small sketch. I like that initial energy of the small sketch. It lives.
More to come...

New Art

2009-04-20T13:23:00.001-07:00

Done as a gift for a couple that is expecting their first baby.
18"x30" Acrylic and colored pencil on masonite

On The Record Show

2009-04-05T08:04:00.001-07:00

Timeout

The Gangs All Here

Risky Bizness

Forecast

Endgame

Art for APW Gallery's "On The Record Show". May - NYC.
Acrylic on vinyl records. 12".

New Project - Art on records

2009-03-23T08:08:00.000-07:00

Started a new project for an upcoming show - Art on record. Painting on vinyl records. Interesting shape. We'll see what happens here. Luckily the local Salvation Army store had plenty of worthy records for $1 each. My goal is to do 5 for the show.
Acrylic seems to stick pretty well. Gave each record a light sand and applied gesso. TBC.

Is this done yet

2009-03-16T07:12:00.000-07:00

Dramatic change on this painting this weekend. It wasn't working for me so I went back in. It is starting to look like something.

Working on it

2009-03-14T10:47:00.000-07:00

I did this collage from images in my sketchbook as a way to guide me in my new painting.

new painting...con't

2009-03-12T07:50:00.000-07:00

More work done on this painting. It's about to change drastically. Not really happy with this direction.

Start of a new painting

2009-03-08T19:12:00.000-07:00

Started a new painting this weekend. 3'x4'. This one is going to take a while. These are the early stages. Stay tuned.

New Work

2009-01-10T13:22:00.001-08:00

I have created some new portrait-type illustrations. They are up on my web site. Check them out.

New Art Showings!

2008-11-27T14:51:00.000-08:00

FRESH PRODUCE at Anno Domini Gallery in San Jose, CA. Opens Dec. 5. I have 10 pieces in the show. They make great gifts-all work in the show is under $250. Above piece is one of 10 that I have in the show. Contact Anno Domini for purchase.

BLUE SQUARED at Vino Paradiso in Portland, OR. I had 2 pieces in this show. Dec. 3-Jan. 4.

San Francisco Trip

2008-11-17T18:20:00.001-08:00

Just got back from a weekend trip to San Francisco. Love that city. This view is from Fort Point just under the south side of the bridge. I love to walk from Crissy Field to this spot whenever I go to the city.
This is the new California Academy of Arts and Sciences. Even though it's been open for a while now the line to get in was very, very long. Worth the wait. It is an amazing place. Great for kids. It's a natural history museum and an aquarium. I especially liked the green building features.
Restaurants
Eating is a big part of travel for me. Went to a few new places in S.F. this time around. I recommend: Chez Mamman-a small french bistro on Portrero Hill, Laiola-Spanish Tapas on Chestnut Street in the Marina and Paul K on Gough in Hayes Valley.

New Illustration Completed

2008-11-13T11:34:00.000-08:00

Just finished up this illustration project. It was for a magazine in Canada. Article was about a new energy distribution system. Instead of a main power plant that distributes power to all the homes and businesses in a city, they are working on a system where power and hot water are delivered to a sub-station then distributed to homes and businesses in a small area.

Here are my sketches leading up to the final art. Final art is executed in ink then scanned and layered and colored in Photoshop. I used to work, years ago, in traditional media which was fun but with Photoshop changes and moving things around are so much easier.
I start out with word associations then quickly move on to imagery. I work quickly. Usually the ideas come quickly so I have to catch them.

Here are the sketches that I sent to my client. As you can see, I leave them somewhat rough but put in some tone to give them some oomph. The client choose "E".
I likened the energy distribution system to the human body's circulatory system but instead of one heart I created a body with many hearts or sub-hearts like the system from the story.

Here is the final illustration. It went through a few different versions. I had different versions with variations in the background texture and overall colors. A fun project. Can't wait to see it in print.

Sketchy

2008-11-12T11:51:00.001-08:00

Page from my sketchbook.
I usually don't post pages from my sketchbook because my sketchbook tends to be just a dumping ground for ideas and not a pretty thing. I go back to my sketchbooks for ideas for finished art pieces. But, this may provide a view into my process...a jumbled mess :)
I'm currently thinking a lot about monsters. Hmmm.

Making art

2008-11-07T10:20:00.000-08:00

Preparing for the FRESH PRODUCE show at Anno Domini Gallery in December. Here are a few process shots. Sneek peak.
Things get a little messy.

Utter chaos. Seems to be the way I work.
This is how my pieces start. I make supports out of panels with framing glued to the back so that the piece appears to float on the wall.

Haloween Illustration by Brian Raszka Illustration

2008-10-16T10:37:00.000-07:00

Created this illustration for All Hallows Eve. Enjoy.
For the animated version, visit my site: brianraszka.com

Brian Raszka creates illustrations for editorial, advertising and design.
Brian Raszka Illustration

The Electric Cars Are Coming!

2008-09-24T14:05:00.001-07:00

I just found Aptera while doing some web research on electric cars after reading about Chrysler's announcement about their electric cars.
Also see Zap! cars.
The Electric Cars Are Coming! Slowly but surely. Even though the basic technology has been around since what, 1832-35.

Yoga Journal Interviewed Me

2008-09-16T12:16:00.001-07:00

I was interviewed for this Yoga Journal article a while ago.
It's appearing on their site now.
It's about how to implement changes in your life.
I gave them my 2 cents on how my wife and I have changed our lives based on our concerns for the environment. Here are some of the changes mentioned in the article and some more that we've made over the years: cycling to work and most of our errands, going vegetarian, growing our own vegetables, composting, changing all regular light bulbs to fluorescent bulbs, taking shorter showers-even turning the water off while you soap up, trying to buy food with less packaging, buying items, when needed, with a long life expectancy, giving away unused items on freecycle and buying less in general and other small changes.
Give it a read.

Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles

2008-08-01T16:02:00.000-07:00

These 2 illustrations made it into SILA West 46! Yee Haw!
"Birds Know" and "Gotcha" are in the unpublished/personal section of the SILA 46 web site.

Recent Accolades

2008-07-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

This illustration, "Soft Touch", that I created for Benefits Selling Magazine was selected into the prestigious American Illustration 27 showcase. Woop!
From A.I., "...it was one of only 294 images from 7,500 submitted to receive at least 2 votes and is therefore eligible to appear permanently on our web site..."
Art Director; Joe Schlue. Thanks Joe!

Xtracycle

2008-07-01T07:23:00.000-07:00

The Xtracycle is done. I repurposed my old, well used mountain bike by installing an Xtracycle Freeradical on the back. Now it's a heavy hauling, off-road touring, winter commuting monster bike. Xtracycle calls it a, "SUB"; Sport Utility Bike.
Rides better than I thought it would. The Schwable Marathon XR tires really soak up the bumps. Took a lot of spacers to get the handlebars up in a comfortable position.
The extra stem will hold a section of handlebar to mount lights and possibly another water bottle cage. Very useful mod as it acts like a big spacer.
This will be my winter commuter as well. With the addition of studded tires for icy conditions.

350 is the magic number

2008-06-27T12:27:00.000-07:00

Check out this animated spot by 350.org. I got this via No Imact Man's blog.
Spread the video, er word.

The latest

2008-06-01T14:36:00.000-07:00

Straight off the easel, "One Size Fits All". 29.5"x21.5". Mixed-media on paper.

Folly

2008-05-28T08:16:00.000-07:00

Recently completed art, "Folly". Mixed media on various substrates.
The right bottom section is a cabinet door that swings out. See it in action.
I started this piece about a year ago and never finished it. I sat in my studio waiting, biding it's time. It apparently didn't want to be finished until now. I find that to be true with some pieces. If I try to force the completion of a piece, it rarely is successful. I've learned over the years that if I come to a block on a particular piece, I should leave it and come back.

Monotype

2008-04-08T09:57:00.001-07:00

This weekend I started experimenting with monotypes. I enjoyed the monotype process in art school so it is fun to get back into it.
Here I am using water-based inks and hand rolling to apply pressure to the paper. I'll be experimenting further to see what effects I can achieve. Next step is to get a press.
I did 3 stages of printing on this one but it's still a monotype as it is a one-of-a-kind.

We Can Solve It

2008-04-01T12:41:00.000-07:00

Found this over at No Impact Man's blog.
Al Gore's new environmental campaign, "We Can Solve It".
Watch their tv ad below.

my Etsy Store

2008-03-29T15:33:00.000-07:00

I've just set up my Etsy store. I have a bunch of abstract, acrylic paintings on there so far and will be adding much more over time. If you have a mind to buy some art, Etsy is a great place to shop.

Art Featured

2008-03-25T12:53:00.001-07:00

My art is currently being featured on the on-line literary magazine Thieves Jargon.

the bicycle

2008-03-20T13:05:00.001-07:00

I love bikes. Here is the current incarnation of my commuter rig.
New Nitto Randonneur bars, rear rack, stem Acorn handlebar bag and Rivendell Silver bar-end shifters. Rides like a dream.
I've been doing most of my riding on this bike. Even recreational/exercise rides. It has big 37c tires which smoooooth out the bumps. Dare I say it...I may not ride the racing-type road bike again. Yikes. Or, even schlep the mountain bike on top of the car to the trail. We'll see. I am committed to using the car as minimally as possible.
I probably end up driving my car no more than 3-4 times a month now. I'm trying to cut that out-if possible.
I gas up the car about once a month or once every other month. Some experts predict the gas prices going up to possibly $4/gal by the end of spring. Bikes will become more popular as a means of transportation.
There are more bikes coming out that address more practical needs: fenders, racks, wider tires, etc. Check out the above mentioned Rivendell, A.N.T. bikes, Surly, Velo-Orange, Jitensha Studio and many other sources of, "real-world bikes".

New illustrations posted to my main site

2008-02-03T17:52:00.001-08:00

I just posted a bunch of new illustrations to my main web site: brianraszka.com
I also posted a nifty new animation on the home page.
I really like how my work is evolving. My work on fine art pieces is making it's way over into my illustration work.

2008-01-30T09:24:00.000-08:00

New illustration. Ah, the aroma.

New art

2008-01-22T12:03:00.000-08:00

New art for 2008 posted to my main web site: brianraszka.com
I've begun experimenting with some different media: oils, alkyds and encaustic.
I've also organized the fine art section into years. It better shows how I have evolved as an artist.

Holiday Illustration Promotion

2007-12-13T10:18:00.000-08:00

Here is my 2007 holiday illustration promotion.
Happy holidays to all.

My illustration work gets a nod. Well, two nods.

2007-11-15T16:16:00.000-08:00

Two of my illustrations (above) have been accepted into Illustration West 45 by the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles.
All the accepted entries will be up on their site in Spring '08.
SILA.

Me on Boonika

2007-11-08T16:16:00.001-08:00

Hey, look, my rabbit is the weabbit of the week on boonika.com.
boonika.com

New Art

2007-10-30T08:47:00.001-07:00

I've been painting away preparing for a couple shows. I'm posting daily to my flickr page.
Check it out.

Making frames

2007-09-13T07:45:00.001-07:00

This is how I make my supports for my paintings. I use masonite. I like it because it doesn't give as much as canvas and doesn't have the texture of canvas which means I can apply my own texture.
The magic ingredients are glue and pressure.
This one is 12"x12".
Making a bunch of these as I have a couple shows coming up. Paint, paint, paint.

New painting, "Solar"

2007-09-03T15:08:00.000-07:00

This is a commissioned piece. The client is giving this as a wedding present.
18"x24" Acrylic on masonite.

Current Show

2007-08-27T07:47:00.000-07:00

Showcard from my current outing. If you are in Reno, get on over to Never Ender and see some art. There is another show, "Bye, bye summer" group show happening at the same time in the back gallery. Never Ender also has cool clothing and gifts. Start that x-mas shopping early.

New Shows!

2007-08-15T12:35:00.000-07:00

I've got a few new shows coming up:

NEW SHOW. "MAKING MARKS", Solo show at Never Ender Gallery in Reno, NV. Show opens Aug. 18th and runs 'til Sept. 22nd. Opening reception Aug. 18th, 7pm.
I'll have some work in this show that hasn't been seen outside of my studio. Very reasonable prices on a lot of small works. It's never too early to start that Christmas shopping. ;-)

Also, two shows coming up in late fall and winter. More info. to come on these.

Current Show - Cordially Invited 2

2007-07-12T06:53:00.001-07:00

Cordially Invited 2, originally uploaded by Brian Raszka.

A show that I am participating in is currently on display at Never Ender. If you are in Reno stop in a take a peak. Never Ender also has lots of cool clothing for the gals and the guys.
I invited Lisa Congdon to be in the show with me. Check out her work, it's rad.

Gotcha!

2007-07-10T06:40:00.001-07:00

Gotcha!, originally uploaded by Brian Raszka.

Another in my new series of illustrations.
Ink drawing, hand created textures assembled and colored in Photoshop.

Squaresville

2007-07-02T08:25:00.001-07:00

Squares Ville, originally uploaded by Brian Raszka.

Another in my continuing series of illustrations.
Squaresville. Where everything is angular.
One for the portfolio. This is a new style and I am excited about where it will go as I add images. As I said it is a new style but has many elements that I have been using for years: ink drawing, textures both hand and mechanically created, use of hand-created type all put together and colored digitally.
I enjoy working in the digital realm because I can rearrange, resize, recolor at will. I don't use Photoshop's fancy tricks because I want to keep to as close to a hand-done look as possible. Having said that, you have to know Photoshop pretty well to keep to a hand-done look.

Birds Know

2007-06-27T07:44:00.001-07:00

Birds Know, originally uploaded by Brian Raszka.

Another new one...I'm on a roll.
What do birds know? I dunno know, I'm not a bird. But wear a hat just in case. I like birds as a symbol: freedom, nature, wildness. Fun to draw.
Ink drawings scanned and digitally colored.

Hurt Your Eyes

2007-06-26T07:53:00.001-07:00

Hurt Your Eyes, originally uploaded by Brian Raszka.

New illustration work.

Chimera

2007-06-25T12:40:00.001-07:00

Chimera, originally uploaded by Brian Raszka.

This make me giggle; before, during and after I made it.
Cross pollinizating, evolution, our planet is getting mighty crowded, we're living close to the animals, side-by-side, pushing them out, who'll win, where are we going, hang on kids, it's going to be a bumpy ride.
Acrylic on wood.
6.75"x9.5"

I'm an artistaday

2007-06-17T10:33:00.001-07:00

Artistaday
A site where artists get some love. Check it out. Rate the artists.
And, they are running a contest to design their logo. If you've got some ideas, give it a shot.

Just a thought on buying Art

2007-06-12T13:05:00.000-07:00

I understand many people are intimidated by the thought of buying art. Intimidated to go into a gallery to even look at art. Art shouldn't be intimidating. There is so much art out there to look at. Prices are great too. Most people think that to get an original piece of art will cost a fortune. Not so. Sure there are well established artists and their work sells for thousands but there are so many artists just beginning their careers and their work is very reasonable. How reasonable? About the same cost for a hi-end poster or art reproduction. Maybe less.
There is a lot of art on the web. Check out flickr and type in the type of art you are looking for in the search pane. Tons of artists on Myspace as well and countless other on-line galleries. Most galleries are on-line as well.
If you find an artist you like, shoot them an email to see if they have anything for sale(if they don't already list their work on their own site).
Go to local galleries, go to galleries when you are on vacation, go to art fairs, whatever.
As to what type of art to buy, well that's up to you and your tastes. Forget about art as investment and just buy what you like. Maybe you start a collection of art of one type of animal that you like. Or, art that is all the same color. Or, same general style. Or, landscapes. Whatever floats your boat.
My personal collection (still budding) is quite eclectic. I just get what I like at the time. I'm an artist but I don't necessarily want to look at my own work all the time. I want to be inspired by the work of others.
So, go forth, look at all the art you can and buy what you like.

Bunny book

2007-06-05T07:09:00.001-07:00

Bunny book, originally uploaded by Brian Raszka.

I started this a while back but just finished the left side.
Acrylic on book cover.

Witness

2007-06-04T08:21:00.001-07:00

Witness, originally uploaded by Brian Raszka.

Another new one.
8.5"x11.25" Acrylic and colored pencil on wood plaque.

These Hands

2007-06-03T10:58:00.001-07:00

These Hands, originally uploaded by Brian Raszka.

This burst forth from my subconscious and demanded to be seen.
6.75"x10.5"x1.5" Acrylic on wood

How to decorate a Munny

2007-06-02T14:53:00.000-07:00

Subhead: Or, at least how I did it.
I've been wanting to get my own blank Munny for a while now. I got one from Kidrobot and got the paints out.

Here's your basic blank Munny in parts. Oh, what to do...

Start painting...add texture...I like to paint undercoats of color and add texture so that in the end result you will see color coming through the texture...I use Golden's molding paste to build up texture...hope it sticks...

Add more under-color...looks bad for Munny but don't worry it's only paint...

...add yet more color...

...done with the underpainting...now lets put on a topcoat...this shows the texture previously applied...

...close-up to see texture...

...a few details, put Munny back together and, voila! 'tis done.

Blah Blah Gallery.com Featured Artist for June

2007-06-01T14:23:00.001-07:00

Blah Blah Gallery.com Featured Artist for June, originally uploaded by Brian Raszka.

Richard over at Blah Blah Gallery was kind of enough to ask me to be the "Special Guest Artist" for June on the BBG site. Thanks Richard it's great to be on a site with such great art and artists.

Book2_ties

2007-05-29T16:22:00.001-07:00

Book2_ties, originally uploaded by Brian Raszka.

A 3D piece made from a book, sticks, paint, twine, glue and shellac.
Working on sculpture is a recent interest for me. I haven't done much in the 3D realm since college days. It is a very different way to work than painting.
12.5"x13"

Manifest

2007-05-25T11:30:00.001-07:00

Manifest, originally uploaded by Brian Raszka.

In keeping with my recent explorations of the "Western" theme.
Mixed media on panel
24"x48"

Edwin's Story

2007-05-24T12:22:00.001-07:00

Edwin's Story, originally uploaded by Brian Raszka.

Acrylic, pencil and collage
11"x15"
More adventures of Edwin to come. Stay tuned.

Ballyhoo

2007-05-23T07:25:00.001-07:00

Ballyhoo, originally uploaded by Brian Raszka.

3 pieces that I sent to the "Ballyhoo" show at Bear and Bird Gallery in Lauderhill, Fl. The show is running from May 5 - June 8.
Lionel the Lion-Faced Man was a real performer. Octoboy, not so much. The first piece is an oldie that the good folks at Bear and Bird liked so that was sent.
2 pieces on right are around 6"x9" and are framed in vintage frames. The piece on left is about 9"x13" and is mounted to a panel with floating frame.
Contact Bear and Bird to purchase.

the Shatner

2007-05-22T12:52:00.001-07:00

the Shatner, originally uploaded by Brian Raszka.

This is my piece in the "Shatner Show" at Uppercase Gallery in Calgary, Canada.
Lots of great artists involved in this project. Check it out.

Heads

2007-05-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

I did 16 of these as a variation project. I wanted to see how many different versions I could do with one subject. I could have kept going. Maybe I'll pick it up again in the future and do more.

See my flicker page or my web site (go to my fine art section>people, places, animals-7th icon from left) to see all 16. Oh, and they are for sale as is most of the art on my site.

Bot

2007-05-20T08:38:00.000-07:00

Buffing up my art collection. I just received my recent purchase; Gasbot by Gammaraybots. So cool. It has been put in a place of honor on the mantle.

The Making of Serpentina

2007-05-19T18:18:00.000-07:00

This is a step-by-step of how I created my piece for the, "2nd Annual 3 Feet High Skatedeck Show" I call it, "Serpentina" named for a real side-show performer.
Go here to find more information about the show.
Let's get started...

Got my deck and I sanded the finish off of the art side so paint will stick.

I start by painting background color; little yellow and a little white. Starting to build up some texture...

...a little more bkgd. color - blue, a little more texture. I like texture...

...I place my rough sketch over the deck for positioning(sketchbook lower left)...

...here is a close-up of the face in the sketch...

...painting the body area...

...I have the areas of the body blocked in and have started to paint the under layers...

...working on the hair...

...working some more on body and hair. Building up mass and details...

...working on details. Highlights and lowlights...

...full view...

...working on the lettering. Luckily the holes in the board lined up with her eyes...

...Fini.