this is a giant sign btw...
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Mark's sign, almost done
I decided to do my thing to mark's logo... A little shading and POP!
this is a giant sign btw...
this is a giant sign btw...
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Mark's sign, progress
I have been hard at work on Mark's sign. First, I had to find some sort of decent material to paint on... So I went to home depot and bought probably their most expensive (and heaviest) plywood. It says cabinet grade on it, but I was mostly just looking for the smoothest option. Its like 7 or 8 ply thick... heavy duty!
My next big problem was where I was going to paint it. A 4' x 8' sheet of anything isn't going to fit up my stairs to the 3rd floor, so I was going to paint it out back or in the basement. But then, OH YEAH! I forgot that our house was being painted, so out back wouldn't work... and going in and out of the house at all isn't that good either b/c they are addressing the lead paint issue. SO I was really stuck until my friend Chris offered the basement of his coffeehouse downtown to me! Awesome Chris! Front Street Coffeehouse, if you are local.
So yesterday I spent the whole day prepping and sanding and priming and blocking out the shape of the sign. I will be trimming it down a little before I deliver it next week to give it some rounded edges etc. You can see where it will be cut in the picture below. All the primer grey will be gone, and the edges of the sign beveled, sealed and painted.
So here ya go mark! Slightly different than the concept art, but I think this will be easier to read and wont be so crowded. I still have a little touching up to do on this part, but it is mostly done. First thing tomorrow I will do that, then work on the bus image and finally the phone number and address. Click images for bigger pics.
Standing back a little:
...and a close up:
Monday, August 8, 2011
Mark's sign
Mark owns and runs Salem Import Service in Salem, VA. This is an "all makes" auto shop, but they specialize in air-cooled VWs. I met him through the Full Moon Bus Club website and have agreed to make him a new sign for out by the street.
Today I came up with a rough idea for his sign. If it is approved, I will be painting it this week and delivering it in person to Salem ,VA probably next Tuesday or Wednesday. It's going to be a big one! Roughly 4' x 8'... and enough to either fill my bus up or convince me to leave my massive roof rack on for my 3-week mural painting tour.
Mark has been restoring his incredible 23 window deluxe bus and I thought it would be appropriate to use a representation of his now restored bus as the main image. In one of his various internet banner logos, he has a red and white splitty bus that I modeled this after. I also have plans to cut down the top of the sign so its nicely rounded... same deal with the bottom corners. In terms of color choice, I referenced the Virginia Tech logo since Mark is an avid supporter and fan. But at this point, it's just an idea and we will see what he thinks.
And Mark- this is more of a general layout than anything else. I have a particular style I paint in (I am sure you are familiar with it) and as a result, the finished text and image will reflect my personal aesthetics. Unfortunately, I dont have Ken Mitchell font on my photoshop, lol. It will be close to whatever is approved, but not exactly the same.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Finally... a bay dash for you baywindow bus drivers!
This is my dash :) Will be in screen print format (and possibly on a t-shirt) by tomorrow!
12 days to go!
Thanks to my new bus working its kinks out, I was stranded in CT all last week pulling a gas tank and fighting tenacious VW gremlins. Now that I am back (and victorious), I realized that I am leaving on my trip in 12 days! There are many things I need to do before I take off. :D
I have to finish up designing some shirts, and print said shirts. I have to finish designing Snoopy's mural... and Doc Ric's mural edits. I have a pop-top canvas mural for Jamie to design. And finally a giant new sign for Salem Import Service, to be painted beforehand and delivered.
I wanted to work on the t-shirt designs first since some of them have been waiting a while. First up is the design for Reggie's RSVP campout. RSVP is an acronym for Reggie's Stimulus Vacation Package. Like Reggie said, times are hard...we need a free campout! Bonus about the campout is that directly across the river there is an old time fiddler's convention going on! I will be sure to be in Lenoir, NC for this one!
Also on my t-shirt list is one for Sergio from CT. I met him at the Lebanon VW Show. A little before the awards were given out, a bunch of watercooled cars pulled up. One of these guys was Sergio who works for VW. He was driving his MK II Jetta and asked if I could design a t-shirt for him of his car. As I have been asked repeatedly for watercooled options, I decided to go for it. He let me borrow his phone to take some pictures of his car and send them to myself... modern technology! Here is what I came up with... certainly the first of many watercooled vw designs to come!
I am also working on a baywindow dash shirt for those fans of the '68- '79 VW bus... like me! But you will have to be little more patient for that ;)
I have to finish up designing some shirts, and print said shirts. I have to finish designing Snoopy's mural... and Doc Ric's mural edits. I have a pop-top canvas mural for Jamie to design. And finally a giant new sign for Salem Import Service, to be painted beforehand and delivered.
I wanted to work on the t-shirt designs first since some of them have been waiting a while. First up is the design for Reggie's RSVP campout. RSVP is an acronym for Reggie's Stimulus Vacation Package. Like Reggie said, times are hard...we need a free campout! Bonus about the campout is that directly across the river there is an old time fiddler's convention going on! I will be sure to be in Lenoir, NC for this one!
Also on my t-shirt list is one for Sergio from CT. I met him at the Lebanon VW Show. A little before the awards were given out, a bunch of watercooled cars pulled up. One of these guys was Sergio who works for VW. He was driving his MK II Jetta and asked if I could design a t-shirt for him of his car. As I have been asked repeatedly for watercooled options, I decided to go for it. He let me borrow his phone to take some pictures of his car and send them to myself... modern technology! Here is what I came up with... certainly the first of many watercooled vw designs to come!
I am also working on a baywindow dash shirt for those fans of the '68- '79 VW bus... like me! But you will have to be little more patient for that ;)
Friday, July 22, 2011
Another large, month long post.
I have been lax in my blogging again this past month. But again, for good reason!
The first reason is that I got a new bus. Sure thing! Traded my 64 beetle for a 78 bus. Pulled the motor, transmission and pretty much everything else that moves. Replaced lots of stuff too. ...but that deserves its own post when I have some time.
Right now, I am working on too many things at once.
In less than a month, I am heading down to TN, SC, NC and VA to do some bus painting of various sorts. I was trying to wait until all my concepts were done before posting them, but in an effort appease my customers with some sort of progress, here is a couple of pics for DOCRIC in TN.
Ric wanted his red bus to be decorated with a rose mural... possibly with a "steal your face" on the front. So that is what I did! Ric, all colors are obviously easily changed at this point. Also, the fade around the nose logo would likely be done with cans or airbrush, though I could achieve the marker effect with a brush, if you like it the way it is.
Above the side example, there are several different thoughts on a transition to the current paint job. Also, all red will be the current paint showing through and I have sorted out a way to sand without sanding the whole thing. ;) We will talk more about that later though!
Also, Justin Steelersbus has asked me to come up with a concept for Mattyo's RiverBus campout. Here is what I came up with today. Let me know what you think Justin/ Matt. I already have this in SVG and PNG file format if you like it the way it is.
Also also, I have been working on a t-shirt for Reggie's RSVP campout and that is nearly done too... but I haven't finished the computer editing at this point... so hang in there! I haven't forgotten!
Finally (i think) I have been hitting up a lot of the vw shows in the area. This weekend is my first all car show and I will be selling vw shirts and parts. This is the CT Area T-Bird Society's "Time Machines" show held this sunday at the Guilford Fairground in Guilford, ct. Jessica and I will be heading down 1st thing tomorrow to avoid the heat. Excessive heat is bad for old untested new-to-me vw buses. (103 today!!!!)
The first reason is that I got a new bus. Sure thing! Traded my 64 beetle for a 78 bus. Pulled the motor, transmission and pretty much everything else that moves. Replaced lots of stuff too. ...but that deserves its own post when I have some time.
Right now, I am working on too many things at once.
In less than a month, I am heading down to TN, SC, NC and VA to do some bus painting of various sorts. I was trying to wait until all my concepts were done before posting them, but in an effort appease my customers with some sort of progress, here is a couple of pics for DOCRIC in TN.
Ric wanted his red bus to be decorated with a rose mural... possibly with a "steal your face" on the front. So that is what I did! Ric, all colors are obviously easily changed at this point. Also, the fade around the nose logo would likely be done with cans or airbrush, though I could achieve the marker effect with a brush, if you like it the way it is.
Above the side example, there are several different thoughts on a transition to the current paint job. Also, all red will be the current paint showing through and I have sorted out a way to sand without sanding the whole thing. ;) We will talk more about that later though!
Also, Justin Steelersbus has asked me to come up with a concept for Mattyo's RiverBus campout. Here is what I came up with today. Let me know what you think Justin/ Matt. I already have this in SVG and PNG file format if you like it the way it is.
Also also, I have been working on a t-shirt for Reggie's RSVP campout and that is nearly done too... but I haven't finished the computer editing at this point... so hang in there! I haven't forgotten!
Finally (i think) I have been hitting up a lot of the vw shows in the area. This weekend is my first all car show and I will be selling vw shirts and parts. This is the CT Area T-Bird Society's "Time Machines" show held this sunday at the Guilford Fairground in Guilford, ct. Jessica and I will be heading down 1st thing tomorrow to avoid the heat. Excessive heat is bad for old untested new-to-me vw buses. (103 today!!!!)
Thursday, June 23, 2011
A busy month of art, all at once!
I admit, I haven't been very diligent this past month in regards to this blog. My apologies to anyone that has been checking in. However, my lack of posting is not because I have been slacking off. Pretty much the opposite actually!
Jack and Sandy's living room mural-
My first project was a mural at my in-law's house. They have an Asian theme that extends throughout their home. One aspect of this theme is a decorative border that runs from their dining room through the kitchen and ends somewhat abruptly at the transition into the living room. Well, I did my best to fix that! ... and to great approval I might add. =D
Here is a video of the back of my head while I painted:
And some pictures:
The inspirational wallpaper-
A blank wall-
Dark blue outlines-
Finished project!-
My family in a drawing
My second big project this past month was a 50th anniversary gift for my grandparents. My mom essentially asked me to illustrate our entire family tree from my grandparents down and nearly 30 portraits later, I did. It took me just shy of a week of non-stop delirious drawing to pull it off. I was able to ship it out to Utah overnight and it made it safely there within hours of the party. I even got to witness a rare-for-me Thuriday since I couldn't be bothered to sleep that last night. Note: I am still editing this picture to try and evenly brighten it up. I will post up a revised image shortly.
Manchester Murals for Peace-
My third major project was in attending the "Murals for Peace" mural slam held in Manchester, CT. At the CCSU mural slam I attended earlier this year, my good friend Jeremy Jordan mentioned that he was planning another slam in Manchester. Eventually we got permission from the town and backing from the Manchester Arts council (Specifically Christine O'Brien) and it actually happened! It was held at the Manchester Parade, an abandoned shopping plaza that is slated for demolition later this summer. Many residents are anxious to see it torn down because it is an eyesore. It was decided that in the meantime, it would make a great free outdoor gallery!
And aside from the somewhat disappointing protest jargon some lady painted all over half the building. It went off pretty well. The Deputy Mayor and his daughter, Fire Chief and a ladder truck full of firemen, town planner on his motorcycle, several members of the Manchester PD, many local businesses (notably Highland Park Market who kindly donated pizza and ice cream!) and about half the town of Manchester all showed up to show their support. We also had coverage from (cut and paste, sorry):
The Hartford Courant:
http://www.courant.com/community/manchester/hc-manchester-parkade-murals-0618-20110617,0,6363670.story
http://www.courant.com/community/manchester/hc-manchester-peace-mural-folo-0621-20110620,0,4063988.story
...and manchester.patch.com:
http://manchester.patch.com/articles/broad-street-parkade-preparing-to-welcome-murals-for-peace
http://manchester.patch.com/articles/murals-for-peace-transform-broad-street-parkade-into-a-work-of-art#video-6644412
According to Christine and the town council, we are allowed to paint there up until it gets torn down. This means I have time to do something very large! Stay tuned...!
(photo credit: Christine O'Brien)
Rolling primer-
Drawing the hands-
Jessica helped me fill the cranes with color and patterns-
My trusty beetle helped carry all my painting equipment in style!-
My cranes overflowed onto the adjacent doorway-
Finished and signed. This is a detail of the mural. I will get a full image once I finish taking all my pics off the other camera-
Litchfield Bug-in 23
The last project that I will mention now is my first VW show spent in the swap area. I don't have any pictures of it, so you will have to use your imagination, but I sold about a dozen of my vw related t-shirts that I printed on Friday. (...After I shipped out my "family drawing" and before I drove my 50 year old vw bug 150 miles south to CT.) This was enough money to cover our expenses over the weekend and then some! I walked away with some new trim for the bug, a short shift kit (installed and loving it!) and a desire to vend at more shows. My dad mentioned the New World festival in Vermont. Currently I am waiting to hear back from them.
Jack and Sandy's living room mural-
My first project was a mural at my in-law's house. They have an Asian theme that extends throughout their home. One aspect of this theme is a decorative border that runs from their dining room through the kitchen and ends somewhat abruptly at the transition into the living room. Well, I did my best to fix that! ... and to great approval I might add. =D
Here is a video of the back of my head while I painted:
And some pictures:
The inspirational wallpaper-
A blank wall-
Dark blue outlines-
Finished project!-
My family in a drawing
My second big project this past month was a 50th anniversary gift for my grandparents. My mom essentially asked me to illustrate our entire family tree from my grandparents down and nearly 30 portraits later, I did. It took me just shy of a week of non-stop delirious drawing to pull it off. I was able to ship it out to Utah overnight and it made it safely there within hours of the party. I even got to witness a rare-for-me Thuriday since I couldn't be bothered to sleep that last night. Note: I am still editing this picture to try and evenly brighten it up. I will post up a revised image shortly.
Manchester Murals for Peace-
My third major project was in attending the "Murals for Peace" mural slam held in Manchester, CT. At the CCSU mural slam I attended earlier this year, my good friend Jeremy Jordan mentioned that he was planning another slam in Manchester. Eventually we got permission from the town and backing from the Manchester Arts council (Specifically Christine O'Brien) and it actually happened! It was held at the Manchester Parade, an abandoned shopping plaza that is slated for demolition later this summer. Many residents are anxious to see it torn down because it is an eyesore. It was decided that in the meantime, it would make a great free outdoor gallery!
And aside from the somewhat disappointing protest jargon some lady painted all over half the building. It went off pretty well. The Deputy Mayor and his daughter, Fire Chief and a ladder truck full of firemen, town planner on his motorcycle, several members of the Manchester PD, many local businesses (notably Highland Park Market who kindly donated pizza and ice cream!) and about half the town of Manchester all showed up to show their support. We also had coverage from (cut and paste, sorry):
The Hartford Courant:
http://www.courant.com/community/manchester/hc-manchester-parkade-murals-0618-20110617,0,6363670.story
http://www.courant.com/community/manchester/hc-manchester-peace-mural-folo-0621-20110620,0,4063988.story
...and manchester.patch.com:
http://manchester.patch.com/articles/broad-street-parkade-preparing-to-welcome-murals-for-peace
http://manchester.patch.com/articles/murals-for-peace-transform-broad-street-parkade-into-a-work-of-art#video-6644412
According to Christine and the town council, we are allowed to paint there up until it gets torn down. This means I have time to do something very large! Stay tuned...!
(photo credit: Christine O'Brien)
Rolling primer-
Drawing the hands-
Jessica helped me fill the cranes with color and patterns-
My trusty beetle helped carry all my painting equipment in style!-
My cranes overflowed onto the adjacent doorway-
Finished and signed. This is a detail of the mural. I will get a full image once I finish taking all my pics off the other camera-
Litchfield Bug-in 23
The last project that I will mention now is my first VW show spent in the swap area. I don't have any pictures of it, so you will have to use your imagination, but I sold about a dozen of my vw related t-shirts that I printed on Friday. (...After I shipped out my "family drawing" and before I drove my 50 year old vw bug 150 miles south to CT.) This was enough money to cover our expenses over the weekend and then some! I walked away with some new trim for the bug, a short shift kit (installed and loving it!) and a desire to vend at more shows. My dad mentioned the New World festival in Vermont. Currently I am waiting to hear back from them.
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