Josh Keyes’ Sketchbook

posted by dennis

One of my favorite things about artwork is exploring an artists process in creating a piece. Josh Keyes‘ website has an extensive section featuring pages scanned from his sketchbook. It was really interesting to see thumbnail sketches and notes that would eventually evolve into large, detailed paintings. It is really impressive how much thought Josh puts into each piece he creates. I also like how he plans out entire shows so to ensure that the pieces flow together, such as with his Sprout exhibition. Below are a few of my favorites, but be sure to look at his site for dozen more from his sketchbook as well as highly detailed photos of his paintings.

Self Portrait As an Old Man Sketch/ Ideation

Self Portrait As an Old Man Source Photo

Self Portrait As an Old Man Painting

Much more behind the cut.

Erik Otto: The Last Shall Be First

posted by christina

We first discovered Erik Otto while on our honeymoon in San Francisco. I remember a huge installation of multiple framed paintings that included really detailed screen printed elements. I scrawled his name in my notebook. After I got home and looked him up, I saw that he was about to embark on a four month residency at the San Francisco Dump. As part of their recycling efforts, they invite an artist to use discarded materials to create a body of work. Erik’s show was entitled “The Last Shall Be First”.

All of this was made from leftover house paint, spray paint, and found panels. I loved following along on his blog as he made amazing artwork out of what was essentially garbage. More photos of the show can be found at erikotto.com. Up next, he’ll be in a show at Whitewalls this weekend along with one of our other favorites, Armsrock.

The Artwork of SoleOne

posted by dennis

SoleOne is a 20 year old stencil artist based out of the Netherlands. I really like the wit of his simple monotone pieces. But what really impressed me was how good he is technically on his halftone pieces. To think that he had to sit and hand cut 4000 individual squares to make the stencil for the piece makes my hands ache.

More great work from SoleOne behind the cut

Scott Belcastro

posted by christina

Los Angeles artist Scott Belcastro paints nature scenes that are more dynamic than most of its type. Grasses and trees look like they’re exploding out of the ground while animals graze peacefully on the landscape. His skies are beautiful but ominous at the same time.

The last painting, “Snow Castle”, is available as a 12×12″ print for $75. Visit Scott’s shop to purchase one. In addition to displaying his work on scottbelcastro.com, he also blogs about his process.

e.m.papers Printable Goods

posted by christina

e.m.papers features really cute designs in all of their paper goods. Since you can print them out at your leisure, they’re super affordable, too.

The proprietress of e.m.papers is a native Californian, designer and daughter of a letterpress printer. She’s lived in Munich, Germany for the last 10 years. She recently made the big decision to work full time on her business with the hope of turning her passion into her livelihood. We wish her the best of luck!

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