aufdemaur

Bubblegum

2012-01-28T15:21:00.003-06:00

Bubblegum

Mixed Media

2012

This started as a fun experimental sketch and ended up being its own mini painting. The scanner really doesn't do it justice. The colors and textures in real life are really nice. I started with a few strokes of neon craft paint, began drawing in pen on top of that, then added highlights/shadows with acrylics/charcoal for added depth.

Las Animas at 12x12 Show

2011-11-30T11:16:00.001-06:00

Finally done! I almost didn't get three pieces done in time, but I worked my butt off and got the final one done in a matter of days haha (my poor sleep schedule is still off from it)... They can be seen at Betz Gallery's upcoming Annual 12x12 Show beginning November 12. Tons of artists and works of art, all 12"x12". Always a great show!

Las Animas I of III:

"Vaadin"

Las Animas II of III:

"Holo"

Las Animas III of III:

"Solveig"

Teaser Pics

2011-10-11T22:01:00.004-05:00

Working on a couple pieces for Betz Gallery's upcoming 12x12 Show...

Las Animas Collection

White Linen Night

2011-10-03T22:23:00.009-05:00

Definitely been keeping busy so it's been hard to post. I've got a new job, no longer slinging lattes as I had been before... I'm finally getting to do some design work! Pretty much monthly ads and marketing/promotional print work :D And a little freelance logo design hee hee. So, that's kind of where I've been these last few months... Back in August I sold BOTH paintings I submitted for Betz Gallery's exhibition in the White Linen Night in the Heights! That was pretty exciting.
Mx
Mixed Media
August 2011

Diamond Eyes

Mixed Media

August 2011

You can see more of my work in Betz Gallery in November's 12 by 12 show. More details & pics to come!

Saaay Whaa??

2011-03-30T13:36:00.006-05:00

Yeah yeah I know it's been a while. I'm a terrible updater of blogs, blah blah. Any who, looky what I found today, much to my surprise? Some dear person posted MY work at flippin Lady Gaga Magazine... suhhh-weet! I thought it was pretty cool seeing it up there, cause uh, she's only one of the most "in" things right now?? Soo yeah... all the exposure my little pic could've gotten within the last year? *__* I totally sound like a smug jerk, I know, but come on, that's kinda frickin' sweet...

The Squirrely Girly!! Yayy!!

2011-02-19T23:34:00.012-06:00

Okay, so a while back I mentioned a little project I've been working on...

Well, I'm excited to announce that it is a little shop now up and running! During the last fall/winter, my dear friend Stephanie and I have been getting together for craft sessions and collaborating on some sewing/designing projects (remember that screen printing I told you about?) Our creations were being met with great response, and well, we just enjoy doing it. So, we decided to open up our own little etsy shop... thus, The Squirrely Girly...

(Above is a sampling of some of our creations... Stephanie does the machine sewing and embroidery, and I do the screen printing and whatever handsewing projects there are)

(Above is a sample of fabric I painted... I saved a missmatched pillowcase, deconstructed it, painted, and plan to reuse my "new" fabric for somethinge else!)

Now, I know everyone and their mom/dog/cat/uncle/grandparent has a stinking etsy shop nowadays... but hey, they probably all have facebooks too, and that doesn't stop them from farming it up on farmville or whatever it is you people do on there... So come on dowwwn! Check us out, tell your friends, whatever. We still have LOTS of stuff that we haven't even listed, and believe me... it'll be good ^__^ Plus, I'm thinking there will be some kind of giveaway(s) here, so check it out! And seriously, if you're one of my blog readers, just give me a holla(!) and you know I'll hook you up ;)

Victorinox Advert Mockup

2011-02-19T23:18:00.005-06:00

Long time, no post, I know, I know. I'm a busy beaver, what can I say... Started the original drawing back in October 2009... in my super boring art appreciation class. It's been sitting in my sketchbook since. So I recently got him back out and played around with it on my computer. So here, you have the fancy advertisement mockup version...

Victorinox Advert Mockup

2011
(sorry about all the lame watermarks, I'm just tired of finding my work out there floating around without my approval, therefore watermarks will at least discourage people from claiming my work as their own lol... unless, their name IS Alex Teale, then... Houston, we might have a problem...) Who knew the makers of the original swiss army knife also made clothes? Well, I didn't, but as of October 2009, I did, so I decided to take this dapper gentleman and turn him, and his fancy Victorinox coat, into my own illustrated advert. So there you have it... And then, I have a simple version of just the guy, as seen below.

swiss*army*guy

2011

Dsquared Work in Progress illo.

2011-01-14T20:32:00.003-06:00

Dsquared Work in Progress illo.
2011

I don't know about anyone else, but I loved Dsquared's ss10 collection with its outdoorsy, geek chic collection. Just a weird mishmesh of old and new, cute and kitschy. This piece is still a work in progress, but as I said earlier, I want to just go ahead and start posting things again, so here you go :D I do hope to finish her up (you can see her hand is still in pencil lol). I'm thinking about doing a color version of this with watercolors??

New Drawing AND some Updates!!

2011-01-10T21:47:00.018-06:00

It's been a long time... I've been uber busy, distracted, uninspired, but mostly busy... Personal life has been a little hectic. Creative life, well, a little crazy too. I've been a little unmotivated with my painting for a while now, so I've turned to drawing. Doing illustrations and the like...

This is NOT a recent drawing, I've just been taking forever uploading things! As you can see, she's living in a dilapidated sketchbook, with a few battle scars...
Lola Illustration

2010

[Clicky click thumbnails below for details]

I've been hoping for a scanner, to get better images. (Still waiting)... Another thing I'm waiting on... a graphic tablet... I have really taken to editing/enhancing my illustrations digitally. Sooo many possibilities, soo little mess, hardly annny cleanup haha. But, if I continue to hold off posting my drawings until I get said items, I will NEVER post anything, so my dearies, you will be getting more of my drawings *in the raw* lol... More sketches, more "works in progress" ..."samples" if you like? Because I still have big plans for them, and I will DEFINITELY share the finished works of art when they are done ^__^

Oh yeah... and I mentioned a certain "update"... Ever heard of The Squirrely Girly?? You will...

prada, fendi, baby

2010-11-22T14:03:00.006-06:00

prada, fendi, baby
2010

Just got back from the not-so-sunny San Diego. Went down to La Jolla Cove, enjoyed that (I got some pics posted, if you're interested in seeing the wildlife and scenery...) Here's just a little sketch I did a while back. I added a little more to it in Photoshop today. Just something to share with you guys... Holla at me folks! ^__^

Rainy Saturday

2010-10-26T09:57:00.006-05:00

Finally got some pics of my screenprints lol. Finally made my first one at home.

After a couple unsuccessful attempts, I think I've kinda got it down... Now I just have to figure out what to do with the designs lol.

And last, my least favorite part, the cleanup... my finished stretcher out to dry...

Urban Street Bazaar @Bishop Arts District

2010-10-01T14:46:00.007-05:00

For those of you in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area, I highly encourage you to check this out! There will be tonnns of local crafters, artists, designers, and other talented people there. I went last year and a really nice time talking with the different vendors and artists. Tons of really cool one-of-a-kind finds there too, so bring cash! There are also tons of shops and restaurants surrounding the show. It's also going to be THE last one, so don't miss it!

Photo from Make's Urban Street Bazaar Event Photo Gallery

I am hoping to volunteer there tomorrow, in exchange for some class credits ;) I had a blast with the screenprinting class (results soon to come!), so I reeeally want to take the advanced class, so I can recreate my more detailed work. Looking forward to it! I'll let you know how everything goes!

Keep Calm, Carry On

2010-10-01T00:51:00.013-05:00

"Keep Calm, Carry On"

Mixed Media. 2010

For this, I created an ink and watercolor drawing, then went in and added more digitally. I really like how it turned out. Funny thing is, I hated the original drawing and almost threw it out. Instead, I left her sitting in my sketchbook for a good year or more, all the while adding a little more to her from time to time. One day I decided to break out the watercolors, and the rest is history. It kind of reminds me of Danny Roberts' work?

I am reeeally happy with how it turned out. It's a little different, but I'm having lots of fun working with color and playing with different media. Tons of fun... One of my fave details is in the shot above- The Russian graffiti in the background (check out the paint drips!) and Zac Posen's braided spike headband.

And just another closeup, so you can really see the colors and textures. I love the lace collar! Very pleased with it. Reminds me of Prada's A/W08 collection.

Screen Printing, Baaaybeee

2010-09-29T17:12:00.010-05:00

A certain little birdy told me I needed to update my blog, so here I am :) ... I'm super excited because I am about to take a screenprinting class, in about an hour and a half! I've never done it before, but I've always wanted to, so here goes...

I've always been interested in graphic design and printmaking, so I went back to my roots with the above design and created a more street inspired graphic. Kind of reminscent of Volcom's clothing designs. (Watermark obviously will NOT be a part of the final product, [duh...]). A friend of mine told me that getting started can be challenging, so I wanted to start with a more simple/bold design. Any who, I'm excited to take this class, and more excited to take the advanced class, where we'll get to play with dangerous chemicals and such haha...

This will be another design I'm going to try my hand at, based off this drawing. (Which in turn, was based off a beautiful photo by Aneta Kowalczyk).

"One Day..." Illustration

2010-09-14T09:41:00.003-05:00

"One Day This Will All be an Irrelevant, Bad Dream"

Mixed Media

2010

Lara Jade Photography Illustration

2010-08-10T20:37:00.048-05:00

I've been a little behind posting on all my different sites, so some of you may have seen this on flickr, or maybe not. I've been a looong time fan of photographer/model Lara Jade (photo of Jade taken by Jingna Zhang), and am continually drawing inspiration from her.

This piece is my own interpretation of a photo created for an avant garde editorial for Masquerade Magazine.

While this has been met with different reactions, I have to say, it is by far one of my favorite pieces to create. What I loved about the original photo was Jade's ability to capture such energy and raw emotion in a photograph. Plus, the incredible styling.

Headpiece by the fabulous Luke Abby, Rings inspired by Gisele Ganne.

I feel this piece gave me an opportunity to create something different. I was able to experiment with tons of different media and alter my style to create an edgier/editorial illustration.

**For more of Lara Jade's work, you can check out her official site or follow her here on blogger or on flickr.

Whole Lotta Nada...

2010-08-04T21:40:00.003-05:00

Or would that be Prada??? Maybe...

Zero camera, zero scanner, zero time, zero motivation :(

Just haven't been able to get any hardcore, serious painting done; just been super busy, lots of distractions, blah blah blah. I'm still doing A LOT of my sketchbook art and loving it, but I can't photograph any of it because I am sans camera... However, because my sketchbook doodling has been so much fun, I decided to do some more, except in a much larger format. It's still very experimental, but hey, it's fun, cause I've just needed to step away from my usual and just have FUN with art and not turn it into a "duty" as I do sometimes.

Above is a sad little snippet of the piece in progress, taken with my crappy camera phone haha. Poor little lamb would NOT photograph well for me. There's more to it, but I cropped it out just because it photographed soo terribly lol.

Sketch Journaling

2010-07-20T10:40:00.014-05:00

Sooo long story short, I've been doing a ton of writing, another hobby/outlet of mine, and it always finds its way into my drawing, so thus, sketch journaling lol. Again, since I have not had the discipline to do painting, I've been doing small scale drawings, and am posting them here for anyone who wants insight into my mind haha.

Minerva. 7/10
I *love* Deftones. Thus, this drawing was done under the influence of the song "Minerva" (bet you wouldn't have guessed that). Any way, that is that...

And next, a piece containing so many random elements that somehow magically came together in some mystical strange and unfortunate way lol. (Oh vagueness... how people cannot understand you...) Without going into details, the juxtaposition of the writing, the calligraphy, and the drawing it all goes hand in hand. I wasn't terribly fond of the girl's sweet, pensive expression, but then I thought about "what if" it isn't some tranquil line of thought she's persuing? Some of us are a little nuts...

risk, caution. 7/2010

And so, if I haven't lost you yet, and you're still reading, I apologize for my blabbery. Business and personal junk aren't supposed to mix, but right now, I can't find the ability to seperate the two. Please put up with me, I promise you I will eventually have something else for you folks haha.

(bulletproof) illustration

2010-07-12T23:37:00.015-05:00

So... the last couple of months I have had no drive whatsoever to finish anything. I get half way through a painting then get super bored with it and let it sit on my easel for a couple months until I feel like messing with it again... sad sad... However, I have been doing a lot of sketching in my War-and-Peace-length leather bound sketchbook... lots of writing/sketching combos. Some just doodles, some complete illustrations. It's so completely freeing, because there are no expectations before me, I can take it anywhere, and it's a small surface, so it doesn't take as long to finish things. Plus, because it's a sketchbook, it gives me freedom to do whatever I feel like, regardless of how it turns out. It's really, really nice. So for the next couple of days/weeks, I'm going to be sharing some illustrations from my book.

(bulletproof)

Had some fun with a Kelly Smith inspired drawing. Pencil and acrylic.

Again, I apologize for the crappy resolution. I have postponed posting these because I have been waiting for a scanner to miraculously appear in my presence, but that has STILL not happened, so, camera photos instead... one day... one day...

Teaser Pics

2010-06-23T13:17:00.004-05:00

Gotta leave for work in ten minutes. Just wanted to post a quick little entry. I always feel bad posting teaser pics etc then never finishing stuff lol. BUT for real this time, I have a definite collection that I am working on, which will be comprised of at least four different pieces. Loving it already. Here are some super duper teaser pics (because not only are they progress pics, but they're taken with a super low-res camera phone!! woo!) Any who, still alive, don't want you to think otherwise lol...

Houston Art Walk

2010-05-21T11:51:00.020-05:00

So, I was hoping to have loads of awesome pictures etc etc, but as it turns out, as soon as I got to Betz Gallery, I was immediately sent to work. I didn't even get to see what else was in the gallery! Sad but funny... Before the art walk even started, a young couple came in shopping for art. So, I got to ring them up. Oh so professional... The gallery was already pretty full, so I was lucky to still have room for my art. I had a little space for my work. To my dismay, the band had to be brought inside due to the rain, and guess where they set up... right in front of my work! So I thought "Great, no one's gonna even walk over there to check it out!" Weeelll....

To my surprise, I actually had a really nice girl talk to me about my work, and a couple minutes later, I had a buyer! So `a outrance now has a new home, no longer giving me attitude from her perch in my room, but now someone else's! haha

So, thank you! The piece just kind of started as an experimental piece, just for fun, but I've had such a nice response from lots of people about it, that I'd like to do a couple more in the same spirit. But for now, I'm still just going to enjoy my leisure time lol.

(only in) Remission

2010-05-19T14:58:00.022-05:00

"(only in) Remission"
2010

Originally I had considered a red heart. Although it worked for my personal meaning behind the piece, and looked beautiful with her red hair, something about it was just not working. Plus, I didn't want it to look too typical or like some kind of religious iconography, so I had a last minute overhaul of the whole concept-- the night before the show!

The idea of a bruised or grayed/decaying sort of heart came to mind. Then I also thought about how coals are black and gray; dingey and dead looking, yet still containing bright burning red embers inside. From the start, I wanted the heart to morph into something organic. The veins and arteries reminded me of roots (which tied into some complex metaphorical statement I wanted to illustrate, that I don't want to go into right now- haha) and so I was thinking of it turning into roots and twigs; like something was growing from it. The thought of rich blacks and grays reminded me of black irises- thus the idea was born.

One of my favorite, overlooked parts of this is the bust (LOL). Using a super-secret technique, I creating this pattern of colors and highlights, coming through the black of the corset. You should click the image above to see it up close.

Below you can see more textural elements I incorporated throughout this piece:

And there you have it- my latest piece.

Post show update (LOL)

2010-05-17T17:26:00.005-05:00

`a outrance- sold at the Houston Art & Culture Art Walk
Finally home from Houston, and I am soo happy to be. These last couple of months have been craaazy between school, work, and preparing for the art walk. At long last, I have TIME OFF (a day!! haha!!) so, I will finally take some time to chill out and finish all my little projects that I put on hold months ago.

I just wanted to say "thanks" to all the people who made it to the art walk, and a special thanks to my dear friends who were a HUGE GINORMOUS help, and to my newest art patron ^__^. Thank you all, and I will make sure to post pics ASAP ^__^ I've got a new painting I want to show off, as well as pictures from the event. I'll be posting soon!

(letdown)

2010-05-03T14:29:00.006-05:00

Hello my pretties... it's been a while... still nothing new to share with you (no time!) Still busy preparing for the Houston Art Walk, trying to get things finished and made, blah blah... A nice person on flickr reminded me of this piece I did a few years ago and I thought, just for kicks, I'd share it with you.

I love Radiohead, and some awesome artist did the above portrait of the band as an illustration for Rolling Stone. Loved it so much, I had to keep it but didn't know what to do with it, so I incorporated it into my own little sketchbook art. Acrylic, ink, decoupage, notes from a friend, stickers, etc... Until next time...

Houston Art Walk

2010-04-26T16:52:00.005-05:00

As of today, I have signed up for the 2nd annual Houston Art and Culture Art Walk!

My work will be on display at Betz Gallery, and I will also be there working the event.

I know a lot of you readers are not in the area, but if you do find yourself in Houston on May 15th, I'd love to see you there! More info on their site ^__^

Bleep blorp computing error! x_x

2010-04-06T22:51:00.011-05:00

Yup, that's the way computers speak to one another... my brain (and my eyeballs) are fried. I've been working on the same stupid painting for about 5hours now... I'm sooo tired of it! haha :P I just need to take a break, go to sleep...

Just wanted to share the progress with you guys. I'm reeeeally excited because I've been having some problems with getting her colors/shading right, and for whatever reason I broke out my prismacolors and went to town... Very happy with the results! Any way, I'm gonna take a break now...

I will leave you with a shot of my messy work area. It's like a squirrel den. Or rat's nest... It can be clean and organized... but not when I'm working. Evvverything gets dragged out and tossed within a 12" radius of me for easy access haha. Those freaking lights too... It is burning up in here with them being on all day! My head hurts... zzzzzzzz

Rant and Rave

2010-04-06T14:23:00.005-05:00

Another old pic, since I have nothing new to post lol...

Sooo angry!! My stupid Photoshop isn't working, and my iTunes is goooone!! My music!!! noooo!! Completely unnecessary for any of you to know, or care about, but I am angry! And in need of an outlet for my anger... sigh...

Lanvin Lady

2010-03-31T17:33:00.006-05:00

Hello all. I've been busy with school and work, so no time to post. I'm working towards becoming a member at 500x Gallery for next season (starting in August/September). Got my submission turned in, so I should be hearing from them in the next couple of months.

In the meantime, I was playing around with my last illustration, trying to come up with an editorial style illustration. I don't really know what to do with it lol. Click on the image to view up close ^__^

Lanvin Spring 2010 Styling

2010-03-18T21:46:00.021-05:00

As usual, the photos suck, but I'm still pretty happy with how this turned out. While I was in Houston, I just spent my idle time doodling away, and this is one of the products. She's based off an editorial featuring Lanvin's Spring 2010 Beauty. (Lots of smokey eyes, whispy updos, and bleached brows)

I really liked the model- as you can see, she had some really sharp, stunning features, and serious attitude. I'm happy with how this turned out, especially with limited art supplies while I was away lol.

I have a couple ideas for finishing this. I like it as a simple black and white illustration, but I think a few subtle colors might be nice, or just a severe black background-- lots of different directions to take it in. That's usually why I choose to color some of my drawings digitally, because I don't want to be tied down to just ONE result.

Chicago Drawing

2010-03-14T20:02:00.013-05:00

Meant to post this when I got back from Chicago, but never did. Just a little something from my sketchbook I drew on the plane. I used a photo of Kate Moss as reference; I've never drawn her before, and she's got some unusual features, so mehh?? It's a sketchbook drawing I did on a bumpy plane, take it or leave it haha...

It's actually a blue pencil drawing on cream colored paper, but they always just turn out looking yellow. Then, when I try to edit the colors digitally, it makes the actual drawing very grainy.

Excuses, excuses, I know. Seriously, one day I will get a decent scanner instead of having to photograph everything with a shakey camera haha.

Came on a late flight home, and got bored, so I doodled the bottle of YSL perfume Kate was modeling lol... (still lifes, wooo...)

Going Old School

2010-03-12T11:43:00.016-06:00

I am currently working on a painting, several pieces of jewelry, and a quilt. Lots of projects in the works, but none to show off. Soo, I thought I'd share something from the archives that I don't think very many people have seen. It's just something out of an old 2006-08 sketchbook, but I still like it, so I thought I'd share it with you.

She's never really had a title, other than "Untitled" or something like "Golden Moth," because uh, duh, they're gold colored mothy kind of wings.

The colors don't photograph very well, since I used a sort of metallic red/peach ink and gold paint. But, you get the idea. This next pic is a detail shot- I thought it was really cool how it unintentionally had some art nouveau things going on with the back of her hair (see below):

And finally, details from the wing, which I still really like. You can click on the photo to get a good close up and check out all those details.

Any way, patience my pretties, I will have something else to look at soon enough, maybe art, maybe not. I've got a few new sketches, but just haven't had the chance to photograph them. Any way...

geez enough already!

2010-03-03T23:55:00.007-06:00

I'm seriously tired of not having anything to say around here! I've started tons of projects and haven't finished a single one, and if I have, it's nothing worth posting haha! My Chicago trip was a bit of a flop- I had to come home due to a "situation" back home (my car is now totaled haha). I'm going insane STILL trying to finalize a sale that was initiated just before/after Christmas time... Working on a quilting project (It's for someone else, I'm not that nerdy, okay???) and I think there's lots more, but that just scratches the surface haha. Sorry folks. I feel like I haven't been here in forever!

Remember that Colbert Nation art contest I mentioned a while back? Well, I never really had time to work on a cool James Jean inspired portrait, so I just submitted my original illustration (see above). The contest is kind of having a hard time with gaining momentum, so I'm not sure how it's going to go... (If there aren't enough submissions, then there won't be a contest lol) Everything just seems to be on hold right now *sigh...*

Road trip, Holla

2010-02-18T22:33:00.003-06:00

Yup, tomorrow I'm headed for a much needed mini getaway. I've never been to Chicago, but I hear it's a pretty cool city, so I'll give you my input when I get back LOL. Before I go, I just wanted to leave you with a little something.
I did this a while back and have totally forgotten to post it. She's modeled after the lovely Lily Donaldson. The girl has a gorgeous, unique face, and the "unusual" aspects make her really hard to draw. Eegad... I am happy with how this drawing turned out of her (it looks better than some of my others haha). Any who, like it, love it, or hate it, try not to pick her apart too much, because it'll just drive me more nuts if you do haha. Adieu...

Yes, I'm still alive...

2010-02-17T15:56:00.005-06:00

So, posting here has pretty much come to a hault... Not too much going on, just insanely busy with school, and taking on loads of other projects (quilting, jewelry, nerdy stuff haha!) In the mix of creativity, I started another painting as kind of a follow up to Fight or Flight. Here's a little sneak peek to say I posted something lol...

Also, if you're into fashion, you should totally check out my other blog, Parapraxia. It's got lots of stuff on cool designers, classic couture, videos, and spotlights on other fashion related artists and photographers.

i-D Magazine Cover

2010-01-27T16:51:00.003-06:00

Okay, okay, so it's a mock-up, not the real deal... but I thought it would be fun to play around with!Working on getting a new portfolio together to try my hand at illustration... Thought some editorial mock-ups might be a nice touch, to see what could be done...

Illustrations

2010-01-22T22:17:00.011-06:00

I've been a little uninspired with painting lately, so I've gone back to my roots with pencil drawings. This time however, I've taken a different route, and I'm trying to shake things up a bit. I LOVE the work of illustrators Kelly Smith and Bec Winnel. They are both working out of Australia, and their art has been featured in tons of shows, fashion editorials, and magazine covers! I LOVE that they can both succeed in the art world, as well as commercially, in the fashion industry. Very inspiring to me! ^__^

Rose Colored. 2010. Alex Teale

I just felt like drawing and playing with color, so I picked up a cream colored sketch pad and half heartedly started sketching. Then I really got into it, ans started getting all kinds of ideas for a new series. Any way, I don't want to go nuts and change up what I do JUST for other people, JUST to sell art. But, I do want to push myself and try new things, just to see what I can do, or rather, what I like to do. Any way, this was the first one from that endeavor, and I'm kind of pleased with it. I was kind of excited to share it, but of course, the photo quality is terrible lol...

Better luck next time...

2010-01-13T20:32:00.004-06:00

So, here I approach you, head bowed low, tail between my legs... wait, no tail... but sulking nonetheless lol... I didn't get in the stupid juried show! Nooooooooo!!!!! I was really hoping to have better news, more pictures, excitement, etc etc, but unfortunately, none of that. Instead, you get a boring, pictureless post, that you have to actually READ! Ewww! Any way, enough self pity. You win some, you lose some. Any way, just thought I'd update you lol

"Amaranth" & Updates

2010-01-09T20:11:00.004-06:00

"Amaranth"

January 2010

So, I finally got her done... Not really sure what I think, but either way, it's done, and I'll move on! I got all my submissions dropped off today for the upcoming juried show at 500x Gallery. Super excited to find out if I'll be getting in!! I will know sometime between now and Tuesday... I will let you know! I submitted this one, "Paper Whites," "Fight or Flight," and "`a outrance" (the chick in my blog title picture). Any way, lots of obstacles and money put into this, so I'm hoping it works out haha. C'est la vie... ;)

Teaser Pics

2009-12-31T22:54:00.003-06:00

Not too much going on right now, just getting stuff ready for the 500x show coming up this month. Submissions are next week, so I'm just getting last minute stuff done. (Framing, touching up, etc) One of the pieces I'm submitting is something I started back in June that I've just put off to the side. I got the figure part done with, but then just got stuck with what direction I wanted to take it in. I've kind of got an idea now, so I'm working toward the finishing touches and polishing it up a bit.

Limited Edition Prints

2009-12-15T16:42:00.007-06:00

Colbert Concepts...

2009-12-15T13:14:00.006-06:00

After posting yesterday I decided to start some sketches to figure out what I might do for the ColbertNation contest. It was just a small little pencil sketch and then today I got bored and messed with it in Photoshop. It's not anything like what I'll be submitting, but I figured I'd post it any way.

Detail from the original:

Color Edit:

Little drawing...

2009-12-05T00:21:00.000-06:00

Getting caught up on a week's worth of recorded shows and felt like I was wasting time watching tv, so I picked up my sketchpad to make myself feel like I was "doing something" lol. I was inspired by one of the most amazing photos from the Paris fashion shows. This chick had craaazy cool hair. I felt like drawing it. I was more concerned with getting the color of her hair right lol. Attempt number one. The pics are terrible because of the horrible glare but it won't get any better any time soon, so c'est la vie... whatever.

Collage

2009-11-30T23:08:00.005-06:00

Got my collage thrown together about an hour or two before class haha. I ended up taping everything up to a crappy crooked foam board lol. I think it turned out alright, considering everything. I really like the colors, but unfortunately, they kind of photographed yellow. Oh well. Here it is... (click on the pics to view closer)

The assignment was to make a collage about "me" which I thought was super boring so instead I opted to take artistic licence and make it about what inspires me as an artist. touche! So I did little drawings based on my favorite muses, people who inspire me with their own artistic visions (photographers, musicians, artists, designers), and a few people who have shaped my thinking along the way.

Above I have Colin Meloy (The Decemberists), muses Meghan Collison, Coco Rocha, and Sasha Pivovarova, as well as a drawing inspired by the photography of Lara Jade, and last, a drawing based off an old photo of my grandmother.

And pictured above is Dr. Stephen T. Colbert, DFA and conservative pundit (HAAA) who continues to impart gifts of irony and satire to closet comedians such as myself- as well as the lovely Lily Donaldson as seen in one of my favorite photos. Plus, she kind of looks like Rachel Deschanel in my drawing, which is cool with me too (another muse).

It's quite hard to photograph, so unfortunately you are getting the crappy version of it : (
It's actually kind of like a widescreen/panoramic view. The idea was kind of like people on a stage. Some are in the background, and others, like ol' rabbit ears, actually are hanging off the edge of the stage. And then there's kind of a support collumn running through the center and far left of the stage. I hope to get some scans eventually. Until then...

Side tracked...

2009-11-25T21:09:00.001-06:00

Is that one word or two? Any way, I have some stupid collage project due for a class. It's supposed to "represent ME" and frankly, I hate collages. So the very act of creating a stupid cut and paste collage in fact does NOT represent me. lol. And honestly, if I had to cut and paste found images, I would just find cool pictures that go together and just create a picture, not be "true" to the subject matter. SO, I figured it would be "really easy" to just draw all my own pictures to put into a collage. Well, easier said than done, it's taking me more time than I had hoped haha. Here's a little bit of what I got done today.

It's inspired by the collage work of Danny Roberts, so I thought I'd give a nod to him by giving my girl his signature blush circles. The finished piece will be made up of people or things that inspire me- whether it's the actual people, the designers, or the photographers who took the pictures I'm recreating.

It's honestly way more trouble than it's worth, but the class is NOT challenging AT ALL so I thought I could use this assignment to challenge myself, to work out of my comfort zone or to think a little creatively. Sure, it's not totally "original" but for me, it's something new. PLEASE DON'T READ INTO THIS TOO MUCH, [esp literally] but for me, collaging is more just a craft than "art"- it has its place in the world, and some people are pretty good at creating some nifty things, but for ME actually doing it, it just feels like a tedious hobby. So, I'm trying to put some sort of meaning or effort into it haha.

Website Updates

2009-11-19T23:36:00.001-06:00

Progress?

2009-11-19T15:53:00.000-06:00

Just a brief shot of what's going on. Not a lot to see, but you can at least see what the idea of it is. And, I actually got a brief spurt of energy and got a lot more done the last two days, but I don't have time to photograph and upload new pics so, here you go haha.

Burberry

2009-11-16T16:08:00.001-06:00

Not my fav drawing ever, but it's something. Some of you may recognize it from Burberry's recent ads, featuring the lovely Lily Donaldson. My drawing looks nothing like Lily, but whatever. I was working with limited resources and time haha. Any way. Progress shots of my painting coming soon.

Fishies!

2009-11-09T18:14:00.002-06:00

Not a new piece, it's actually one I did a few years ago for a painting class. Thought I'd share it just for the sake of posting something. How I hate not having pictures to look at lol.

The assignment was to do a still life- nothing against anyone who enjoys doing them, but I haaate doing still lifes. So boring! So I decided to do create a "still life" with still objects, yet present them as kinetic forms. I was inpired by these amazing koi fish ornaments I saw some years ago, and decided to use them as my inspiration. Assignment fulfilled, and my sanity preserved. yay me. haha

Quandary

2009-11-03T15:52:00.008-06:00

For various reasons, I haven't posted pics of the completed the red dress painting. One of the reasons being that I'm fical. The painting is finished, and hanging in a gallery, but part of me has always had a strong desire to take it down and redo parts of it (that's typical me haha). Originally, I wanted to go with a sophisticated, yet avant-garde sort of look, leaving the background unfinished, with the newsprint.

(this is basically what it would have looked like WITH the unfinished backround, I've just added a lot more detail and refining to the subject)

And, (b/c I don't have any GOOD pictures) here's how it looks with the finished background. I think either way it looks okay, but either way gives it a completely different feel, so I'm not sure what I'm wanting.

Thoughts, anyone? Please post and let me know what you've got to say ^__^ because I don't know haha. I'm always way too anal and overthink things, so sometimes I need an outside source or point of view to help me figure out what I may not be seeing. Any way, love to hear from you guys.

Progress Shot

2009-10-30T19:57:00.008-05:00

I said I'd post some progress shots of what I'm working on. Not too much, but hey, I always like seeing what other people are working on, so I'll post pics for those who share an interest in seeing the creative process.
Click images to view up close.

The surface is covered with a really heavy gesso, covered with letters and printed pages.
I've also added some embossing paint (to create embellishments), medical gauze and tape, and even iodine.
The pic below sucks but you get the idea--

Since the edges are about 3" wide, I'm using them as an extension of the canvas. Heck, the entire canvas, literally, is an extension of what I'm expressing. One day I was feeling kind of bummed while working on it, so I started writing a little thought on the back of it. I've continued adding to it since. Just whenever I have a thought, I'll jot it down on the back. I could care less if anyone sees it or even reads it. I just think it adds that much more gravity to it. If someone one day, a hundred years from now, reads it, they'll study it and write about it in some analytical art blurb. I'll be like VanGogh, and they'll talk about how crazy that girl was. haha. Maybe not. But, that's how I feel sometimes. I can dream, can't I? :D

Here be monsters!

2009-10-23T23:39:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to post a quick sketch I did in class a while back. It was originally based off some futuristic fashion editorial, and strangely turned into an 18th century court lady going to a costume party lol. Here's just a detail shot where I was playing with colors in photoshop before doing them on the actual drawing.

"It's not like I care..."

2009-10-22T18:46:00.013-05:00

Been listening to Deftones non stop for a month now (hence the title). Oh how they hurt so good...
Here's a quick peek at a sketch I did in class, totally paying attention lol.

And moving on, for the people who actually read posts...

OMG. Long story short, the last couple of months have been tumultuous to say the least. I'm slowly losing someone very near and dear to my heart. Things change, people go away, blah blah. Pretty much neck and neck with the other "suckiest moments in my life" (those being the deaths of two figureheads in my family). ANY WAY so with this painting I'm working on, it's dealing with that. I wanted to build up the surface of the canvas with scraps of letters, journal entries, mementos, etc-- basically memories and thoughts and reminders of this person. Not necessarily so people could read it, but so that I know they're there. I just want to put all my feelings and unspoken words out there for my own sake. Ever read Dorian Grey? Well, basically this painting will be like Dorian Grey's portrait for me- I get to live my life as I will, and the painting in turn can rot behind a curtain and bear these scars for me so I don't have to. I'm pouring my heart out onto this canvas so to speak, plastering it in my own tears and pain, words spoken from the heart. It feels like the symbolic release one has when burning photographs or memories. I hope that makes sense. Guess not. Oh well. Looks like a tombstone right now. My whole point... leave the dead buried. Those old letters I dug out were harder to do than I ever thought they'd be. Plastering them up there for people to see (heck, for me to see) feels like being naked and exposed. When they're painted over, even just a little, it'll be okay. But right now, they're horrible reminders. Who knew...

Fight or Flight

2009-10-20T19:21:00.014-05:00

Fight or Flight. 2009

Finally this one is done! I'm really happy to be finished with it. As with anything, it turned out different than I was shooting for, but I'm hoping it's just me being anal and you guys will see what I was wanting to convey, haha.

This series was designed to be put together side by side (to tell a whole story) or to stand alone to make their own statements.

Part II: "Flight"

Each part holds both a literal and symbolic meaning. In reality "fight or flight" is a survival mechanism, and marks the moment between living or dying, or what 'stance' one will take with a life changing decision. Likewise, in a human sense, we can either fight to hold back a force, or we can act out agressively ("fight"). Or we can run and never look back ("flight")- we can be escapists.

In many cultures, the crow takes on a negative conotation and can thus be forboding or can be seen as a "survivor," scavenging on what he finds. Carrying a razor blade, he, in a sense, holds or presents the choice of life or death; of escapism and/or destruction.

Part I: "Fight"

The woman, facing towards the wind, is left to choose between "fight"-- (the force of "fighting" against the wind) or "flight"-- (being blown away).

I want this piece to show contrasting/contradicting feelings. One person can look at this and see the hope, the positive choices. Someone else could look at it and see defeat, self injury, etc. As with most of my paintings, I don't want to convey just the happy or sad-- I want the viewer to feel the tension. I want them to feel like they're standing on the edge of their choice and deciding what course they will take. Likewise, this piece bears its own personal meanings for myself, in it's literal and representational devices.

Better Pics of the Colab Project

2009-10-14T13:31:00.013-05:00

Special thanks to Donna over at True Until Death for posting these images! I was invited by her artists group to be a part of their collaberation project (check out 1001 journals for info). Here are some of my collaberations with people!
PLEASE click on the images for a closer look!

Lady Ada. 2009. Alex Teale & Andy Kubecka.

Lady Ada/ Part II. Alex Teale

BUNNIES! Alex Teale & Donna Kubecka

Inspired by Elise over at Argyle Whale! LOVE her! x0

Another Lovely

2009-10-10T20:14:00.013-05:00

Hello! Just wanted to post a drawing I did a while back, in July or so. Click the picture for a closer look!

"Another Lovely"

Ink. 2009

It's 5am & work called in sick!

2009-10-08T05:50:00.008-05:00

The power went out at work, so I don't have to go in for a while now!!! Any way, here's something I started on a while back. These are test shots (I'm trying to figure out what I want to do with her) but now that I see these I think I'm going to stick with the 3-d effect instead of glueing her down. What do you think?

Pink Dress, Yellow Clutch

2009-10-06T14:20:00.007-05:00

Just finished this today. It started out as a quick sketch, but it was kind of fun, so I thought I'd experiment with some bright colors. I might cut the figure out and put her on a different background (I have no idea, maybe I won't)-- any way, that's what I did today. More stuff on the way!

I Need YOUR Help!

2009-10-01T14:21:00.016-05:00

I am planning on using some of my earlier sketches for cameo pendants. I just wanted to get an idea of what YOU would like to see turned into a work of wearable art. The works shown below are only examples of images shown (obviously resolution/color will be better) Vote for as many as you want!
Please vote using the poll to the right in the blog menu! Thank you, and I look forward to seeing what you guys think!

1 2

3 4

5 6

7 8

Welcom back ME!

2009-09-24T22:34:00.007-05:00

Ha ha. So I've been away for a while...

I've been busy with school and work. I've done a lot of sketching in the mean time, just haven't had the time to post anything. Luckily I've had the last two days in a row off and have been strangely inspired to get some stuff done. So, here she is-- (pardon the crappy photo quality)

The final piece actually consists of two canvases, so this is the first half. I'm not really going to do anything else to her, but I will do a little more with the background once the second half is ready to go (that way they tie in with eachother) Any way, I'm excited to get started on part II!

AND I've almost finished another little something I've been working on (yay!) so I'll be posting that one in days to come!

All New Illustrations Portfolio!

2009-09-15T20:36:00.003-05:00

I've been working on this for a while now, so finally I'm done. I've moved my illustrations from my official site, and moved them to their own seperate "illustration" site. To avoid confusion, the sites are still connected/affiliated with one another, my web address is still "alexteale.com", I've just created a new gallery for my illustrations, that way my fine art and portraiture are together, and my more contemporary/commercial illustrations are in their own portfolio.

Procrastination

2009-09-05T12:19:00.003-05:00

I'm supposed to be doing homework right now. Oops. So, I fittingly chose to upload a glimpse of something I was working on in class instead of listening to a lecture ha ha. She's not finished, and the photo quality is terrible, but I like her, and I want to do more with it.

My 2.5 Seconds of Fame!

2009-09-01T14:04:00.005-05:00

Ha ha. That's all I can say about that. My mom sent me a link to the Betz Gallery page where you can watch a brief news piece on the gallery. My piece Charlotte y Raton made a brief appearence... in the background ha ha. My mom was really excited, like moms are, and was like "Your painting was on TV!!" Check out the clip (it automatically plays when you get there)... you'll see it in the background lol. Sorry I can't just upload the video here.

Watercolor Sketch

2009-08-26T14:53:00.006-05:00

Finally something to post here, yay! I've long been inspired by photographer Aneta Kowalczyk . Her work is truly beautiful! So I couldn't help but create a little 'homage' to a particular series she came out with a few years ago. Here it is.

Homage to Aneta. 8/09

Something Different...

2009-08-06T12:42:00.006-05:00

Inspired by Danny Roberts, as well as looking to try something new, I've started adding color to my recent sketches, as well as working with different mediums. Here's a sample. Not great, but it's something to look at lol.

Sasha. 2009

Looks better up close!

Bound. 2009

Based off an amazing photograph I found. Added a few details of my own. I smell an allegorical painting coming on...! Also better up close.

And, here is a sketch I did on the flight home last month. I played with it in Photoshop just for kicks, so here's the altered version.

Roses. 2009

New Sketches

2009-08-04T18:27:00.007-05:00

I haven't posted in a while... I've got a lot more to show, but this is all I've got photographed at the moment. Plus, I've gotta give you details, 'cause I'm pretty excited about how the details turned out! enjoy...

Masque. 2009

Untitled. 2009

Chicas

2009-07-03T00:29:00.007-05:00

I've been playing with 'liquid' acrylics, which are basically a thinner, watery sort of acrylic paint that can be used like watercolors. They also provide some really vibrant colors, and can also be mixed with regular acrylics for a less transparent look.

Untitled. 7/2009

None the Wiser. 6/2009

Sketch

2009-07-02T14:03:00.006-05:00

Don't really feel like taking on any big projects just yet, so I've been doing a lot of smaller mixed media illustrations. This is 1 of 4 in a set based on a Prada ad.

Meghan Collison. Ink & Acrylic. 6/2009

Oldish/Newish Art

2009-06-27T22:51:00.007-05:00

I haven't posted anything here in a long time... so I'd like to at least leave you here with the only pic I've got of the following painting. It's not a new piece, but it's so undocumented, that I don't even have it on my website yet! eep! So I thought I could at least post the 'in progress' shot I've got of it. (It's finished, I just don't have photos of it finished, and it's in Houston, so I can't get better pics) oh well... Click on the pic for a better view.

"La fille dans le jardin" ("The girl in the garden") 2009
If anyone out there wants more info, contact Betz Gallery!

whew!

2009-06-14T23:39:00.006-05:00

After several hours, literally, staring at my computer, barely blinking, I finished coloring the Chuck/Geoffrey illustration I posted yesterday. So happy to be done... not sure if I like it or not, but I at least like being done with it. Or semi done??? We'll see what I'm thinking tomorrow lol...

Honestly, I'll probably go back and replace the dismal white background with something else...

[EDIT: 6/15/09]

Here's the version I said I'd probably come out with. Made a few changes, not sure which I prefer. (Click on them to view large- they look better that way!)

What's new...

2009-06-13T22:39:00.023-05:00

Here's a pic of the progress of some things I've been working on. Unfortunately, I wasn't really able to capture the details in this photo.

As it is no surprise, aside from painting, I do a lot of ink sketches- whether just doodling gestural figures or creating finished, stand-alone drawings. Not long ago, I was inspired by illustrator Danny Roberts. One of his featured projects is the "Character Sketchbook," explained in his blog:
"I started the book as a sort of science project, to show people that practice pays off...I drew all the drawings with a pen so that i wouldn't get tempted to erase. Also, to cut down on variables, I decided to pick [only a handfull of] people draw..."

The more I draw, I see my weaknesses, and, rather than just saying, "well, I just can't draw that," I thought maybe I should do the same as Danny Roberts. My objective will be different than his, in that I want to target specific areas to improve in. (example of things I don't like to do: teeth, people in glasses. Profiles are kind of iffy. I haven't drawn very many male figures,etc) Those are just a few things that I personally want to improve on. With that said, here are a few things I've done to get my own "progress portfolio" started. And, to make my journey easier, I killed two metaphorical birds with one metaphorical stone! [can't have PETA on me!] )They are three guys, wearing glasses. BOOYAAAAH!!

#1: Jemaine, from Flight of the Conchords

(4/2009)

#2: Stephen Colbert

(6/2009)

And, just for kicks, a less realistic, chibi/anime style of

#3: Chuck and Geoffrey

(6/2009)

More Sketches Part II.

2009-06-06T20:30:00.022-05:00

Coco Rocha. 2009

Coco Rocha (detail) 2009

Raquel Zimmerman (fur). 2009

Drawing for future work. 2009

Milla & detail 2009.

(Not yet titled) & detail 2009.

Circus Girl 2009.

Cavalli Backstage 2009.

Punk Geisha 2008.

Das Madchen un der Schmetterling. 2008.

More Sketches

2009-06-06T12:24:00.022-05:00

I really had no idea that my black and white sketches would get a response like they have. So, here are some more. (I'm just going to post the older stuff first).

Feathered. 2008

Untitled. 2007

Czarina. 2007

Hat in Pink. 2007

Gold Bow. 2007

Gold Moth. 2007

It's DONE!!!

2009-05-29T15:06:00.011-05:00

Finally, at long last, I finished the piece I posted earlier. Here it is, the completed version of "Paper Whites"

I'm so happy to be done! And it didn't turn out as bad as I thought it would. My model had this awkward, alien kind of face, so hopefully it shows in my painting. (as opposed to it just looking like I drew her wrong. Or... painted an actual alien... lol) It's listed in my Etsy shop for sale...

The best part is, when I finished it, it was straight to the idea board, then I was already prepping, not one, but TWO canvases!

I'm a Featured Artist!!!

2009-05-20T15:58:00.010-05:00

Yay! I am now a "featured artist" on the Betz Gallery Website. Holla!! So cool... Any way, they're based in Houston, great little gallery turned into an amazing two-story artsy fartsy gallery! Here's a link to my page there:
http://www.betzgallery.com/ALEX_TEALE.html

Their first Saturdays are awesome- it's generally the
start of a new show, and opening nights are great. Here
are pics from some past events, featuring some of my
work.

Enjoy live music and champagne in the outdoor courtyard under the stars, and great art by talented sculptors, painters, and photographers inside!

These guys were great. Played classy jazz for the event, then later on, after heckling from a younger crowd of twenty-somethings-who-will-not-be-named, they played some Super Mario Bros. music and hammed it up with "Big Pimpin'." Don't ask me how they got away with it...
And, if you're lucky enough to roll with me, you get to be part of the staff for an event. Again, these are just snippets of the night's entertainment.

Threadless Tee Submission!!

2009-05-10T20:35:00.007-05:00

I just joined up with Threadless! They're a web based community of artists and graphic designers creating awesome t shirts. I submitted a design of my own, which will first have to be reviewed by the admin group, then, we'll see! Here's an idea of what it would look like:

I'll post more as soon as I find out if they like my idea...

Ink Illustrations

2009-04-04T21:40:00.005-05:00

I've finally uploaded some of my ink illustrations. These are from '08, but I've got more on the way.

Eva (Green With Envy)

2008

Eva (Green With Envy) Detail
2008

Eva, Diamonds
2008

Liya

2008

Karen Elson for Max Azria

2008

Essence (Detail)2008

Natalia 2008

Untitled 2008

Keira 2008

aufdemaur

Bubblegum

Las Animas at 12x12 Show

Teaser Pics

White Linen Night

Saaay Whaa??

The Squirrely Girly!! Yayy!!

Victorinox Advert Mockup

Dsquared Work in Progress illo.

New Drawing AND some Updates!!

prada, fendi, baby

Rainy Saturday

Urban Street Bazaar @Bishop Arts District

Keep Calm, Carry On

Screen Printing, Baaaybeee

"One Day..." Illustration

Lara Jade Photography Illustration

Whole Lotta Nada...

Sketch Journaling

(bulletproof) illustration

Teaser Pics

Houston Art Walk

(only in) Remission

Post show update (LOL)

(letdown)

Houston Art Walk

Bleep blorp computing error! x_x

Rant and Rave

Lanvin Lady

Lanvin Spring 2010 Styling

Chicago Drawing

Going Old School

geez enough already!

Road trip, Holla

Yes, I'm still alive...

i-D Magazine Cover

Illustrations

Better luck next time...

"Amaranth" & Updates

Teaser Pics

Limited Edition Prints

Colbert Concepts...

Little drawing...

Collage

Side tracked...

Website Updates

Progress?

Burberry

Fishies!

Quandary

Progress Shot

Here be monsters!

"It's not like I care..."

Fight or Flight

Better Pics of the Colab Project

Another Lovely

It's 5am & work called in sick!

Pink Dress, Yellow Clutch

I Need *YOUR* Help!

Welcom back ME!

All New Illustrations Portfolio!

Procrastination

My 2.5 Seconds of Fame!

Watercolor Sketch

Something Different...

New Sketches

Chicas

Sketch

Oldish/Newish Art

whew!

What's new...

More Sketches Part II.

More Sketches

It's DONE!!!

I'm a Featured Artist!!!

Threadless Tee Submission!!

Ink Illustrations

I Need YOUR Help!