What's Happening?
I wanted to let everyone know that I will be having a 2 day signing at the brand new WonderGround Gallery in Downtown Disney at the Walt Disney World® Resort! This Friday, June 26th and Saturday, June 27th I'll be at WonderGround in the Marketplace Co-Op from 5pm - 8pm each day, signing prints and merchandise (along with doodling, chatting about Disney, taking pictures and giving out hugs).
I can't wait! Hope to see you there! Thanks everyone :)
I'm having a hard time processing what next weekend will entail. My first full gallery solo with Gallery 1988 and the very next day I'll be back signing at WonderGround Gallery in Downtown Disney.
Seriously?
How did this happen - to me? I've got a serious dose of imposter syndrome so I'm just waiting for someone to tap me on the back and say, 'We made a mistake - please leave.'
But before that happens, I'll show off my latest Stitch painting for WonderGround Gallery, "Stitch in Space" (can't help but yell it everytime I say it):
I always loved that scene in "Lilo and Stitch" when they're outside the grocery store. What if Stitch got in that Space Adventure ride and it really took off? I kept the background loose like a children's drawing to help emphasize that this is taking place in Stitch's imagination while rendering the ship and Stitch fully. I really had a blast with this one (pardon the pun).
This piece is 18" x 18" acrylic on cradled maple panel
For WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney® District at the Disneyland® Resort in Anaheim, CA. Part of the artist showcase March 1st with the super talented Jasmine Becket-Griffith, Noah, Gregg Visintainer and me! I'll be there signing from 11am till 1pm - so if you can't make it to my solo opening the night before at Gallery 1988 c'mon down to Disneyland and say hello!
Hi everyone!
I just got back from my whirlwind trip to California and had a wonderful time meeting up with galleries and artists (my head is still spinning - or that could be the red eye we took back to NJ). The topper was walking to WonderGround Gallery thinking I would be saying goodbye to my 15ft Oswald banner, only to see my Stitch with his 3 ft tongue sticking out greeting everyone who passed by Downtown Disney.
It once again brought tears to my eyes thinking of how many people will look up at that tongue every day :D
The next morning was the signing and I got to meet so many kind people. Sitting at home, quietly painting every day I lose sight of all the people that my work will touch in the future. On Saturday I got a great big dose of happy that I'm going to stow away to remind me that I'm putting smiles on people's faces.
I also had the great pleasure of meeting the other artists I was signing alongside like Jeff Granito, Jeremiah Ketner, Daniel Samakow and Noah.
Speaking of Noah - that's him and I to the right after I found out he purchased my "Oh, Mr. Rabbit" painting for his daughter. Such a thrill when an amazing artist loves my work!
I love being able to talk shop with other people and hear how they created a piece while standing next to the actual piece. Watching them sketch...well, I guess I'm a big art fan just like anybody else! I was also super excited that Rich Kuoch aka PodgyPanda was attending the show and finally got to meet him in person as well. If you're not familiar with these artists I urge you to take a look at the wonderful art they create - you won't be disappointed!
Even though the original of "Oh, Mr. Rabbit" sold they created these amazing matted prints of him (with a beautiful gold insert). 
They also have deluxe matted prints of Stitch (with a great rattan texture double matte) and Mickey and Minnie too!
You can also purchase post cards, acrylic magnets and a stretched canvas print of Stitch.
As of Sunday evening, the original paintings of Stitch ("Alelo") and Mickey and Minnie ("S.W.A.K") were still available. You can either call 714-300-7004 – that is WonderGround's sister shop Vault 28 - and place an order over the phone or call Disney Merchandise Guest Services number at 877-560-6477 or e-mail them at merchandiseguestservices@disney.go.com for these paintings, prints and other merchandise.
Once again, I feel so honored to have been a part of this amazing show and to have the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people. I'll leave you with a photo from my ride on the Disneyland Railroad.
I got the go ahead to show off my latest paintings for the new Pop Fusion Exhibit at WonderGround Gallery. So here they are!
First up, is "S.W.A.K" (acrylic on cradled wood panel, 18" x 12" x 2") I know, it's not what you're used to seeing from me, but I do have soft, squishy side and when I think of Mickey and Minnie I can't help but show it a bit.
Next is "Oh, Mr. Rabbit" (acrylic on 16" round maple panel):
I had a blast working this one. "Alice in Wonderland" is not only one of my top Disney films, but one of my favorite Disney rides. In fact, the idea for this piece came to me while standing in line for the ride. I thought it would be wonderful to see the White Rabbit in his pink home, relaxed and cozy in his favorite rocking chair.
And last but not least is "Alelo" (acrylic on cradled maple panel, 18" x 14" x 1.5"):
While researching some Hawaiian phrases for my last Stitch piece I saw that alelo meant tongue. Instantly an image of Stitch with his tongue sticking out came to mind. I sketched him up on a post-it note and sent it along to WonderGround as a little joke. They couldn't stop laughing and well, here's what I get for making jokes!
People have been inquiring if they can purchase prints or merchandise without going to the gallery and the answer is: Yes! You can call 714-300-7004 – that is WonderGround's sister shop Vault 28 - and place an order over the phone.
Once again, I'm humbled by all this and get a knot in my throat when I think about it. And no - I'm not crying again, I just have something in my eye.
Come visit me on July 13th at Downtown Disney where I'll be signing and doodling for everyone that stops by.
Thanks everyone!
What are you doing July 13th? Going to be near the Downtown Disney® District at Disneyland in CA? Well then you have to stop by and say hello!
I have the honor to be showing 3 new paintings for their latest Pop Fusion Exhibit at WonderGround Gallery. Although I'm not able to show off what I did just yet, I am able to say that I will be signing outside the gallery from 10am till 12 noon alongside Jeff Granito, Jeremiah Ketner, Noah and Daniel Samakow.
Can't wait to see you there!
