Pop Art: Paul Frank + Bananas

Back when I was in fourth year high school, we were tasked to do a pop art painting for art class. I chose to do Paul Frank's mascot cause... well, I liked the monkey, looked fun and pop. I really enjoyed painting this and it's one of my favorites. I just wanted to post this because, well... I just wanted to share this with you guys. Christmas is a time of giving and sharing. Hahaha :))

(Poster color on 1 whole illustration board)

Speaking of Christmas, I did a little Christmas shopping with some friends today and was successful at it! Crossed at least half my list. Just a little more. So tired and drained, physically, mentally, and monetarily! Those unfit in all 3 aspects should really just consider staying at home where it is safe. But to those who dare, give it some serious thought before you do anything. Remember, there are risks involved and you could really get yourself hurt. It is a battle out there I tell you. (Christmas) shopping should seriously be considered an extreme sport. It's not as easy as it looks. HAHAHA!!! :))

Hope your Christmas shopping is going just as well or better yet, I hope you're done!
:D

Art Project #1: Painting of Elsa Benítez

In honor of my blog's half-birthday, I decided to paint something for "it" (lol). I have been longing to paint for so long now especially having seen the inspiring works of Danny Roberts. But I never found time/motivation/inspiration to do so. Well today, I finally sat down and painted, and it felt so good to be holding a brush again. I am no Da Vinci, Van Gogh, or Picasso, but I just enjoy painting. Back in my elementary and high school days, Art class was definitely one of my favorite subjects. HERE are some past works.

Today, I was wondering what/who to paint. Being very inspired by Danny Roberts, I thought why not paint a portrait of a model. But who? So many to choose from. I was thinking of all the models I knew, and trying to think of magazine covers/editorials they were in. Then a lightbulb switched on in my head. I decided to Google for a model whose birthday was also today being that it's my blog's half-birthday today. So I Googled and voila! Elsa Benítez from Mexico is the lucky winner. From what I read in her biography, she's not just a model but a SUPERmodel. She started her career after winning a model search competition in 1995 and has since appeared on various fashion magazines. She's been on the pages of Vogue, Cosmopolitan and Elle to name a few. Today, she turns 32.

I looked through her galleries to find a photo I would base my painting on. As you can see below I chose a simple black and white portrait of her. It was the best easy portrait I could do. I'm a little rusty from not painting for so long so... yeah.

Here's my painting:

Medium: Poster Color on Sketch Paper

I didn't follow it exactly as you can see. I just couldn't help it, I really wanted to use my gold paint. And yes, I realize I messed up her right cheek. But I think it works (or not). Did this in 1-2 hrs?. Anyways, I hope my next one will be better. I need more practice.  Hehehe :)

What ya guys think?

:)