Barrell of Monkeys

in sketch and watercolor form in tonight's post. I have been working through imaginative concepts and ideas thinking of large scale layouts utilizing thumbnail sketches to find those solutions. I have also been doing more watercolors, and here is a piece from imagination of  "Chimpcabbie". The more studies I do of a particular subject that is on the work table, the more comfortable and effective the work becomes in imaginative or referenced work. This is a prime example of that method of working, including another series of sketches to accompany the "Just Monkeying Around" post from two days ago. Look for more sketches and concepts as the week progresses. Thanks for swinging through.

"ChimpCabbie" Watercolor on board, 2.5" x 4"

"Orion" The Homing Pigeon

has been a guest in the studio today, and what a cool guest to have. The only unfortunate part is that he is somewhat caged until his departure tomorrow. His "Thinking about Flying" box must have made him upset, because he made it known he wanted to fly now, as you can see above. The MCA of Denver has a small coop of homing pigeons that apparently are taken to different locations within 30 miles and are released up to 24 hours later to do that ever impressive task of flying directly home to their rooftop abode. Orion is here at Studio 72 because Harrison Nealey (Stereo Abstract) is bringing him to his son Rocco's school to release him, and to help the kids learn about the important place homing pigeons hold in the animal kingdom. The main painting is a watercolor piece I did from a combination of references, and a rough pencil sketch. In the photos you will see some of the information and the awesome print outs for the kids. I wish I had a day like that in school when I was a kid, what an awesome dad Harrison is. Illustration by Scott Le Favor. Thanks for homing in.

"Orion" Watercolor on Paper 4" x 4"

Just Monkeying Around

with some new concepts in the sketchbook. So much fun working through these in the imagination. Look for  progress and surely changes and variations and mutations and more from the work table soon. Back to work for me and a fond goodnight to you. Thanks for taking a coffee break and stopping in. 

Blown Covers Mothers Day Submissions

was the heartfelt theme for last weeks Blown Covers contest. My submissions are as you see above. I didn't get a chance to submit my color comp of the final ink, which is the first image, but worked it up in my spare-time because I wanted to see what impact the color notes would make. The more conceptual idea I submitted was also included, the MoMa lettering giving itself a hug. One of the rough sketches were included on the blog as well. This theme was special for all artists since we all were given the amazing gift of life from ours, and we get to create and envision wonders everyday because of our wonderful mothers. My submission is what I see my mother wishing for everytime her holiday came around, complete and utter pampering. Special congrats to the winners and thanks to Francoise and Nadja for the weekly challenge! Thanks for dropping in. 

The Winner

87 Celebrations of Motherhood

The making of...IMT Banner

is a step by step process of the creation of a 9ft by 6ft custom banner for the Infinite Monkey Theorem Urban Winery here in Denver. The Monkeyshine name comes from the root- Moonshine. 

Moonshine- The word is believed to derive from early English smugglers who clandestinely (i.e., by the light of the moon) produced and distributed illegal distilled rum in the 1500s. The word was picked up in during the 1920’s Prohibition era when the 18th amendment created an enormous illegal business around Moonshine. Monkeyshine references this counterculture and frames IMT’s keg program in this great underground tradition. 

Moonshine- as in the light of the moon. The deep red of the planters moon; the pale yellow of the harvest moon are expressions of the natural cycles of the seasons that are so key to the cultivation of great fruit and great wine. (source: IMT Design- Vinyl Creative Agency)

The process photos will show the digital mockups, hand painted lettering, and custom over-sized stencils I worked up to complete this banner. Many of you may have seen the process of the wine barrell tops for MonkeyShine, and this is an echo of those works, only on a much larger scale. The first steps were to transfer and cut stencils and hand paint the lettering. You can see these initial stages and then the jump to full color finish. Once the stencils are applied, the lettering is dressed up and the final effects are added. Look for this banner to be hanging at a local watering hole near you, once I know which one I will let you know. This post was meant to come out immediately after yesterday's but Blown Covers submissions ate up more time than expected. Thanks for stopping in. 

Other Infinite Monkey Theorem Projects

IMT Wine Barrells Batch Photos

IMT Barrells 1

BassettBros Frame

This particular piece was painted with the final frame in mind that I had picked, based on the color and patterning that the frame contained. The darker browns and lines were kept in mind during painting and somewhat fused to the final execution of the piece. All frames have a relationship with the piece, and often can make a different feeling in the final work, I feel this frame was fitting for the characters of the dogs and helped to enhance the overall finish to the work. The dark edge also adds a nice containment for both figures and helps to fuse the two shapes together. The glow and back-lighting effect is also further enhanced from this frame. I realize that I don't often post about the works final presentation, other than Plein Air events, so I will focus more on this for paintings. A second post is coming in a few hours, stay tuned. 

Bassethound Bro Rebel & Final

and to keep the post short and sweet, complete and delivered. Incredibly short deadline, two shapely elements, high-key and low-key hide coloring, back-lit by sunlight, constrained sizing (for aerosol) at 30 5/8 x 26 1/2, custom name tags, and of course a likeness to both bassetts. All checked off the list, very proud of this piece, thanks to my good friends for the commission and I hope it is a great gift for years to come. More tomorrow, thanks for sharing the finish with me. 

"Basset Bros" Aerosol on Board, 30.625" x 26.5"

Bassethound Brother Rowdy

is the first portrait worked as this painting progresses. Here are some quick shots of the steps I focused on working pattern transitions, the glow of lighting on light/dark hide. This is the same technique used to work the painted transitions in the War Paint mural figures. Rowdy still has some last touches and I will post the remainder of the progress in a future post. Last note, this piece is challenging in the size, breed choice, and simultaneously rewarding to see the layers take form. Thanks for sharing the progress with me.