May 23 - June 5th

The Parlor at Cherry Hill Market – 721 Cherry Street, Grand Rapids, MI

Featuring Flickr photographers Katie Gregory, Nate Umstead, Rudy Malmquist, Jon Clay and me.

published, originally uploaded by yodraws.

My photography in the spring & summer 2009 issue of Solace, a destination guide to West Michigan.

I’m digging this illustrator right now. His use of color & crayons make me smile. Today I bought 2 new moleskine sketchbooks to fill with a concept that I have brewing in my head. I’ll follow the dress/fashion themes shown here, here, or here. I’d like to explore creating actual dresses based on these paintings and maybe do a little photography. And, guess who will be my very willing model? India, of course.

greened, originally uploaded by yodraws.

On the way to Saugatuck State Park, where this photo was taken, I daydreamed about the next series of art I’m hoping to begin. Over the weekend, someone suggested I try incorporating my photography with my painting. I’ve been thinking that same thing for the past year or so. How do I combine my two passions while keeping each fresh? How do I make photo illustration not seem forced? Stay tuned….

public painting, originally uploaded by yodraws.

As always, it was amazing to paint at this year’s UICA Live Coverage. About 60 excellent artists from Grand Rapids, Michigan and beyond created works for auction. I, despite a zero art budget, came home with a few goodies to hang on my walls. I also came home, with Live Coverage buzz, energized to create more work.

not over ’til the fat lady sings, originally uploaded by yodraws.

I feel an aria coming on…

Come see me paint at UICA this year.

Starting a new project always leads to pulling out every art book around the house. Old American Illustration annuals, Communication Arts magazines, Picasso and Kahlo picture books are recruited to help spark inspiration. I think every artist relies on old masters to help with the task of problem solving a new piece of work. Here is a short list of the old and not so old art masters that are helping me out today: 

Kiersten Essenpreis

Jean-Michel Basquiat

M.C. Escher

Diane Bigda

Terrance Cummings 

An illustrator friend of mine sent me this link further solidify my love for Maira Kalman. Thank you, Elizabeth.

fold, originally uploaded by yodraws.

Mike and I enjoy a fold now and then. An origami fold, that is. Mike folded this box and lid with an old holiday card we designed a few year ago for his office, Square One Design. Here are good instructions for folding a similar box.