Still Doing Design

Although the majority of my work is painting, I still maintain one graphic design client, Long Beach Transit-- a mutually rewarding relationship since 1984. Occasionally I will take on other design assignments. Recently a friend from high school approached me to design a CD package for a collection of songs he wrote and recorded.

Jeffry Leland Johnson is a police commander with the LBPD. He has a beautiful voice and has written an eclectic collection of songs. The title song, "I'm An American" was written in response to the 911 aftermath. The CD includes 13 original songs and provide a wide variety of styles and sounds, ranging from blues to rock, from easy listening to a country flavor.

I had the honor of designing the CD package, tray insert and song booklet. I used a number of photos I took last summer when I was obsessed with American flags. Who knew they would end up decorating Jeff's proud project?

And on Sunday this article appeared in the Long Beach Press Telegram:

http://www.presstelegram.com/columnists/ci_8988163

Jeff is generously donating the proceeds to two non-profits; the Long Beach Bar Foundation, Shortstop Program for at-risk youth, and the Long Beach Police Officers Association, Widows and Orphans Fund. The purchase is tax deductible.

I highly recommend this CD for anyone in the police, fire dept., public service or the military-- or anyone who loves this country!

CDs can be purchased online at:

www.lbpoa.org (online store)

by calling the Long Beach Police Officers Assn. at 562-426-1201

or the LB Bar Foundation at 562-981-7525.

Surf & Sand Wedding

Last Saturday I painted a wedding at the Surf & Sand Resort in Laguna Beach, a beautiful spot to exchange nuptials. The glass wall on the terrace allows you to see the ocean all the way around. The sun was sparkling on the water with seagulls drifting on the breeze overhead. This was indeed, my largest wedding party so far!

http://www.surfandsandresort.com/

KWG's Gogh-Van

As much as I loved my classic 1986 VW "Scooby Doo" Vanagon-- it was time for an upgrade. I found a newer model-- the VW Eurovan which is ideally suited for my business and lifestyle. Not to mention highly visable! I love the color turquoise, and these days the roads are full of white, silver and black vehicles.... but not much color.




I designed window graphics to advertise my custom fine art services. My friend Albert (who also happens to be an incredible blues musician) owns the Sign-A-Rama shop on 7th Street in Long Beach, and he printed my graphics onto special window film.




It is the same stuff buses use. On the outside there is lovely advertisement. From the inside you can see through the window just like regular window tint. They did a great job, don't you think?





First journey out last night, I received a call on my cell phone. "Hi. I'm driving behind this van that says Artist for Hire... Can you tell me about your live event painting?"

I'm not kidding!!





I selected the paintings mostly because they are among my favorites, or in the case of the horse-- ones I thought would generate more orders of the same (pet portraits are easier than people).

As for the rear-view mirror trinkets-- I've streamlined. I'm allowing myself only one.

Gotta maintain a professional image!






Matches nicely, I think.

Butterflies and Poppies Finished

Here is is finished painting. I decided not to post the interim pictures because my flash made such a glare on the wet paint. I'm happy with this one.

The month is over for the current "Master of the Month" which I've been doing all the van Gogh study for. But I will carry on in the VVG tradition...

However I am departing slightly with a series of mixed media pieces inspired by black & white photos I took on one of my trips to France. I have printed the photos on canvas, and now I am painting over certain areas, leaving specific parts of the picture in black & white.

It is a study in contrasts. I will post this new work in my next entry.