Working on some new stuff and having a blast. Started my book on colored pencil techniques this year and the cover is moving right along. The book will be filled with techniques I use as well as a little about the subjects themselves many of which I have worked with, and why I picked them. Finished celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz (www.MikeRuiz.com) he is a great guy and made an amazing subject ( above left) as you can see. Mikephotography work isincredible so check it out his work on his website! Also on the cover in that pose will be David Lei Brandt from Varsity Fan Club (above right) and actor Jason Lasater (Death Tunnel) so keep checking in on updates. Photo taken from an earlier photo shoot of David Lei by celebrity photographer Ben Torres.http://BenTorresPhotography.com)
Then Ive started some fun ones that are way too much fun! One I started recently is one of my granddaughter Gracie called "Dress up" it is coming right along. (pictured left)
Had fun with this one done in colored pencil of model Adam Champ. I asked Adam to do this pose and he said "yes" right away. This piece was done in colored pencil 16x20. It was fun to achieve the lighting and textures which I changed from the original photo.
I sent updates along the way each one was fun to see the reaction from him. I'm doing 9 guys in the same pose in rows of three tacked three rows deep with the flavor of Warhol with my own unique style. Using men from different ages and walks of life this will be a process.
Lights...Camera...Art!, brought to you by the the Belsito-Roche Fine Art Gallery Gallery (http://www.belsitorochegallery.com/) The show Lights...Camera...Art!, opening reception 8 May 2010 from 7-10 pm will be a celebrity based event. The charity is the Wish Upon A star Foundation. This group of artists, all in the film and entertainment business, are Los Angeles based talent. The show will have Live Video Streaming on the internet (http://art.velvetclockwork.tv/) and a few other surprises. (Video streaming done by the production company VelvetClockWork.) We were also featured in Eye Spy LA (http://www.eyespyla.com/www/thebuzz.nsf/6f9a85156cc32566882576a9004e7b72/63bd3b920ad220f6882577150054568b!OpenDocument) we are the buzz now! So stop by and check out the event and art!
Lights...Camera...Art!, brought to life by the dynamic duo Paul Belsito and Steven Roche from the Belsito-Roche Gallery (http://www.belsitorochegallery.com/) The show Lights...Camera...Art!, opening 8 May 2010 will be a celebrity based event. The charity is the Wish Upon A star Foundation. This group of artists, all in the film and entertainment business, are Los Angeles based talent. The show will have Live Video Streaming on the internet and a few other surprises. (Video streaming done by the production company VelvetClockWork.) The cast of players that are just few close friends who will be showing their many art talents:
Keith McDowell is an artist and Hollywood makeup artist. He has worked on films such as Yard Sale (where his art was featured), Addict, The Date, Death Tunnel and Jonathan Moon. He has worked at the Hollywood Bowl Concerts, with Ellis Hall (former lead singer of Tower of Power) celebrating Ray Charles, Monica Mancini—Concord Records 2005 double-Grammy nominated artist and daughter of famed music composer Henry Mancini. He played himself in Showtime’s Family Business where his art was also featured.
He has worked with the talents of: Mardik Martin (Raging Bull), Academy award-winning Terri Nunn of Berlin, Mark Meadows, Janiece Jary, Kristin Novak, Annie Burgstede, Steffany Huckaby, Kevin Farrell, Chrystal Martin, Joan McCrea, Tamysen Hall, Jason Lasater, Jesse Berstein, Ellis Hall, Monika Mancini, Michael Bailey Smith, Sean Thibodeau, Jeremy Brandt, Andre Freeman the producer/songwriter of Wonderland, Gary Wolf and David Lei Brandt of Varsity Fan Club.
He enjoys recreating iconic images of old Hollywood, such as Academy award-winning actress Anne Baxter (All About Eve) accompanied with her renowned architect grandfather, Frank Lloyd Wright (Guggenheim Museum) in his piece, Quiet Conversations taken of the pair on the set of All About Eve, the Taliesin Building Conservancy displayed the piece in 1999. Among these works, Keith captures the glamour and private side to such public figures as Rita Hayworth and Judy Garland.
Keith has collaborated with Anne Baxter’s daughter and great-granddaughter of Frank Lloyd Wright, Melissa Galt on Rodeo Drive’s Walk of Style honoring the legendary designer and Melissa’s godmother, Edith Head. Melissa counts Keith’s work among her favorites in her art collection.
Drawing from current stars as well, Keith rendered Terri Nunn of the hit band Berlin (Take My Breath Away from Top Gun) in his portrait For What It’s Worth inspired by a remake of the song by the same name. This piece is in Terri Nunn’s personal collection. He also has done Terri's makeup for TV and concerts.
Recently, the younger brother of Nick Carter, Aaron Carter requested a portrait that will be on display. Keith has also done a piece with actor Randy Shelly who's father has one of his pieces in his art collection.
Keith also did a piece called Tiny Dancer inspired from the 1971 hit song by Elton John with lyrics by Bernie Taupin. The song was about Maxine Feibelman, a dancer on Elton John's tour who later married Bernie Taupin. Keith had the good fortune to meet Maxine Taupin in 2001. Keith took the photos he worked from at Taupin's home in California. This piece was later shown at Universal Studios City Walk at the Hard Rock Cafe in Universal City, California and Broadner's Pub in Hollywood, California.
His medium with colored pencils along with oils and watercolors include still life, Egyptian and Fantasy themes, the male figure, self-portraiture, and portraits of those who are dear to him. This show is a culmination of a lifelong passion that sees with truer eyes beauty in the ordinary, the extraordinary and that which without his vision would otherwise go unseen.
Linda Dalziel (pronounced : dee ELL) has been immersed in music and the arts all of her life. The voice of Tears for Fears song Woman in chains and back up singer for Terri Nunn of Berlin (Take My Breath Away from the film Top Gun) who I have worked with many times as well.
Linda's musical successes reached the West Coast, which soon brought her to the attention of Maurice White, from Earth, Wind, and Fire, who flew to Chicago to meet her after receiving a demo tape submitted by Gavin Christopher, her songwriting partner at the time. (www.LindaDaziel.com)
Linda is the first signed GRAMMY Foundation artist. She is a stunning person and wonderful friend. Her gifts never end.
New Yorker Ben Torres studied film making, fine art and photography at Art Center College of Design in Pasedena, California with an emphasis on photography of the classic male human anatomy. Although in love with color he feels black and white photography is the true art of photography. He prides himself with his unique black and white style of rough grain and brilliant contrast.
Currently living in the metro Los Angeles area, he has worked with countless actors, musicians, singers and celebrity personalities including Michael Bailey Smith, Anthony Renolds, J. Scott Shonka, Victoria Lature, Vincent Riverside, Jason Lasater, Randy Shelly, Melissa Schmidt, Mark Arnold, Tasha Tacosa, Kristin Novak, Shelley Hunter, Janiece Jary, Sean Thibodeau, Richard Hale, Jeremy Brandt, David Lei Brandt of Varsity Fan Club, Monica Mancini, Chrystal Martin, Andre Freeman , Ellis Hall, Mark Meadows, Melissa Galt and Lori Rubin.
In 2005, he branched into the motion picture industry as a still photographer and assistant to Keith McDowell in makeup and special sfx and prosthetic artistry.
Some of his influences are Ansel Adams, Raymond Voinquel, Guglielmo von Pluschow and Francesco Scavullo.
Deborah Lake is a Los Angeles Based A-List Makeup Artist. She has more than 15 years in the business working for Celebs such as: Prince, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Kevin Garnett, Matt Dillion, Mariah Carey, Monica Calhoun, Anna Maria Horsford, Mary Kate and Ashley Olson, Master P, Erykah Badu, TaMar, Mint Condition, NEXT, Jaguar Wright, 98 Degrees, Joe, Tevin Campbell, Boys 2 Men, Rosie Perez, Tom Arnold, Charlie Sheen, Timothy Dalton, Kevin Sorbo, Roger Guenveur Smith, Jason Behr, Starr Penny, Little Romeo, Larry Graham, Anthony Quinn, Emilio Estevez, Tavis Smiley, David Allen Greer. The Commodores, Meredith Baxter Berney, Juan Amoros, George Clinton, Mike Wallace, Spike Lee and many more. She is also an incredible artist. I have known Deborah and her makeup for many years. (www.DeborahLake.com)
Yavone Evans being an artist's artist, has drawn from her experiences as an actor. She has worked with Linda Gray (Dallas) in When the Cradle Falls, Corpse had a Familiar Face with Elizabeth Montgomery, Ray Alexander: A Taste for Justice with Louis Gossett Jr. and Murder 101 with Pierce Brosnan.
Yavone has also been on the hit TV shows such as Suddenly Susan, Silk Stalkings and Beverly Hills 90210.
As an artist Yavone has a unique talent with oils expressed with beautiful rich colors she uses to set a mood. You will see as much life in her work as she brings to the table in person. She is a real delight.
Michele Hunter came to LA by way of New York City and Texas. Juggling a successful career as an actress, model, director and playwright, Michele’s ‘day job’ was at The Museum of Modern Art in NewYork (MOMA), where she found the inspiration to create what she does today.
Between commercial and TV gigs, she was also a spokesperson for ToyBiz, a runway model at the Beauty Expo, starred in two Samuel French award-winning one-act plays and had her own one-act play produced, “Butterfly From Cocoon” at The Harold Clurman Theatre. Combining her passion for theatre and writing, Michele received her BA in English with double minors in Philosophy and Theatre History and Criticism. She has contributed articles and celebrity interviews for LA’s the Place, and currently is a much sought after theatre critic for online magazines, Stage Happenings and Eye Spy LA. She resides in Studio City with a pet rat, Remy. Shelly has the very gifted ability to make brilliant art both physical and with words. The late Arthur Miller (The Crucible) made her promise, when he drew her aside at the 1999 Tony Awards, to never stop writing. You will want to see Ms. Hunter's work for yourself.
Lights...Camera...Art!, brought to life by the dynamic duo Paul Belsito and Steven Roche from the Belsito-Roche Gallery (http://www.belsitorochegallery.com/) The show Lights...Camera...Art!, opening 8 May 2010 will be a celebrity based event. The charity is the Wish Upon A star Foundation. This group of artists, all in the film and entertainment business, are Los Angeles based talent. The show will have Live Video Streaming on the internet and a few other surprises. (Video streaming done by the production company VelvetClockWork.) The cast of players that are just few close friends who will be showing their many art talents:
Keith McDowell is an artist and Hollywood makeup artist. He has worked on films such as Yard Sale (where his art was featured), Addict, The Date, Death Tunnel and Jonathan Moon. He has worked at the Hollywood Bowl Concerts, with Ellis Hall (former lead singer of Tower of Power) celebrating Ray Charles, Monica Mancini—Concord Records 2005 double-Grammy nominated artist and daughter of famed music composer Henry Mancini. He played himself in Showtime’s Family Business where his art was also featured.
He has worked with the talents of: Mardik Martin (Raging Bull), Academy award-winning Terri Nunn of Berlin, Mark Meadows, Janiece Jary, Kristin Novak, Annie Burgstede, Steffany Huckaby, Kevin Farrell, Chrystal Martin, Joan McCrea, Tamysen Hall, Jason Lasater, Jesse Berstein, Ellis Hall, Monika Mancini, Michael Bailey Smith, Sean Thibodeau, Jeremy Brandt, Andre Freeman the producer/songwriter of Wonderland, Gary Wolf and David Lei Brandt of Varsity Fan Club.
He enjoys recreating iconic images of old Hollywood, such as Academy award-winning actress Anne Baxter (All About Eve) accompanied with her renowned architect grandfather, Frank Lloyd Wright (Guggenheim Museum) in his piece, Quiet Conversations taken of the pair on the set of All About Eve, the Taliesin Building Conservancy displayed the piece in 1999. Among these works, Keith captures the glamour and private side to such public figures as Rita Hayworth and Judy Garland.
Keith has collaborated with Anne Baxter’s daughter and great-granddaughter of Frank Lloyd Wright, Melissa Galt on Rodeo Drive’s Walk of Style honoring the legendary designer and Melissa’s godmother, Edith Head. Melissa counts Keith’s work among her favorites in her art collection.
Drawing from current stars as well, Keith rendered Terri Nunn of the hit band Berlin (Take My Breath Away from Top Gun) in his portrait For What It’s Worth inspired by a remake of the song by the same name. This piece is in Terri Nunn’s personal collection. He also has done Terri's makeup for TV and concerts.
Recently, the younger brother of Nick Carter, Aaron Carter requested a portrait that will be on display.
Keith has also done a piece with actor Randy Shelly who's father has one of his pieces in his art collection.
Keith also did a piece called Tiny Dancer inspired from the 1971 hit song by Elton John with lyrics by Bernie Taupin. The song was about Maxine Feibelman, a dancer on Elton John's tour who later married Bernie Taupin. Keith had the good fortune to meet Maxine Taupin in 2001. Keith took the photos he worked from at Taupin's home in California. This piece was later shown at Universal Studios City Walk at the Hard Rock Cafe in Universal City, California and Broadner's Pub in Hollywood, California.
His medium with colored pencils along with oils and watercolors include still life, Egyptian and Fantasy themes, the male figure, self-portraiture, and portraits of those who are dear to him. This show is a culmination of a lifelong passion that sees with truer eyes beauty in the ordinary, the extraordinary and that which without his vision would otherwise go unseen. Linda Dalziel (pronounced : dee ELL) has been immersed in music and the arts all of her life. The voice of Tears for Fears song Woman in chains and back up singer for Terri Nunn of Berlin (Take My Breath Away from the film Top Gun) who I have worked with many times as well.
Linda's musical successes reached the West Coast, which soon brought her to the attention of Maurice White, from Earth, Wind, and Fire, who flew to Chicago to meet her after receiving a demo tape submitted by Gavin Christopher, her songwriting partner at the time. (www.LindaDaziel.com)
Linda is the first signed GRAMMY Foundation artist. She is a stunning person and wonderful friend. Her gifts never end.
New Yorker Ben Torres studied film making, fine art and photography at Art Center College of Design in Pasedena, California with an emphasis on photography of the classic male human anatomy. Although in love with color he feels black and white photography is the true art of photography.He prides himself with his unique black and white style of rough grain and brilliant contrast.
Currently living in the metro Los Angeles area, he has worked with countless actors, musicians, singers and celebrity personalities including Michael Bailey Smith, Anthony Renolds, J. Scott Shonka, Victoria Lature, Vincent Riverside, Jason Lasater, Randy Shelly, Melissa Schmidt, Mark Arnold, Tasha Tacosa, Kristin Novak, Shelley Hunter, Janiece Jary, Sean Thibodeau, Richard Hale, Jeremy Brandt, David Lei Brandt of Varsity Fan Club, Monica Mancini, Chrystal Martin, Andre Freeman , Ellis Hall, Mark Meadows, Melissa Galt and Lori Rubin.
In 2005, he branched into the motion picture industry as a still photographer and assistant to Keith McDowell in makeup and special sfx and prosthetic artistry.
Some of his influences are Ansel Adams, Raymond Voinquel, Guglielmo von Pluschow and Francesco Scavullo.
Deborah Lake is a Los Angeles Based A-List Makeup Artist. She has more than 15 years in the business working for Celebs such as: Prince, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Kevin Garnett, Matt Dillion, Mariah Carey, Monica Calhoun, Anna Maria Horsford, Mary Kate and Ashley Olson, Master P, Erykah Badu, TaMar, Mint Condition, NEXT, Jaguar Wright, 98 Degrees, Joe, Tevin Campbell, Boys 2 Men, Rosie Perez, Tom Arnold, Charlie Sheen, Timothy Dalton, Kevin Sorbo, Roger Guenveur Smith, Jason Behr, Starr Penny, Little Romeo, Larry Graham, Anthony Quinn, Emilio Estevez, Tavis Smiley, David Allen Greer. The Commodores, Meredith Baxter Berney, Juan Amoros, George Clinton, Mike Wallace, Spike Lee and many more. She is also an incredible artist. I have known Deborah and her makeup for many years. (www.DeborahLake.com)
Yavone Evans being an artist's artist, has drawn from her experiences as an actor. She has worked with Linda Gray (Dallas) in When the Cradle Falls, Corpse had a Familiar Face with Elizabeth Montgomery, Ray Alexander: A Taste for Justice with Louis Gossett Jr. and Murder 101 with Pierce Brosnan.
Yavone has also been on the hit TV shows such as Suddenly Susan, Silk Stalkings and Beverly Hills 90210.
As an artist Yavone has a unique talent with oils expressed with beautiful rich colors she uses to set a mood. You will see as much life in her work as she brings to the table in person. She is a real delight.
Michele Hunter came to LA by way of New York City and Texas. Juggling a successful career as an actress, model, director and playwright, Michele’s ‘day job’ was at The Museum of Modern Art in NewYork (MOMA), where she found the inspiration to create what she does today.
Between commercial and TV gigs, she was also a spokesperson for ToyBiz, a runway model at the Beauty Expo, starred in two Samuel French award-winning one-act plays and had her own one-act play produced, “Butterfly From Cocoon” at The Harold Clurman Theatre.
Combining her passion for theatre and writing, Michele received her BA in English with double minors in Philosophy and Theatre History and Criticism. She has contributed articles and celebrity interviews for LA’s the Place, and currently is a much sought after theatre critic for online magazines, Stage Happenings and Eye Spy LA. She resides in Studio City with a pet rat, Remy. Shelly has the very gifted ability to make brilliant art both physical and with words. The late Arthur Miller (The Crucible) made her promise, when he drew her aside at the 1999 Tony Awards, to never stop writing. You will want to see Ms. Hunter's work for yourself.
Doesn't stop there had a wonderful photo shoot with an amazing talent and friend David Lei Brandt singer with the group Varsity Fan Club. Ben took the photos which were amazing. Heard his new music and it was a magical journey!
David Lei has opened for Rhianna, Jesse McCartney, Jordan Sparks, Pussy Cat Dolls, Fall Out Boy, Katy Perry and was in the 2009 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. So Proud! Love you David's mom Jackie Notter!! (www.varsityfanclub.com/)
Spending some crazy time with long-time friends from high school Lori Hunt Briggs who never ceases to amaze me. Love our Friday night chats. After 30 years it only got better. There is also the amazing Lisa Craigmiles Mortlock and her husband who I can't wait to see again but for now I'll take the phone calls. (No one will ever believe I skipped school for a week) Special thoughts for the ones no longer with us.
The reason it hurts so much to separate is because our souls are connected. ~Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook
I did a piece called "Tiny Dancer" from the 1971 song by Elton John with lyrics by Bernie Taupin. The song was about Maxine Feibelman, a dancer on John's tour who later married Taupin.
This was incredible fun for me to do. I called Maxine, and asked her if I could draw her for a show I was doing. I took the photographs I wanted to work from to create the feeling of the lyrics in "Tiny Dancer in my hand". The song has always been one of my favorite songs, but getting to bring it to life for me is something I won’t forget.
Maxine has great skin, which was a treat to draw and as the lyrics go pretty eyed...pirate's smile. Maxine is one of the most beautiful people I know full of life and down to earth!
Elton John's World website found the piece online and requested an interview on the work and on doing it. The piece was later shown at Universal Studio's City Walk at the Hard Rock Cafe in Studio City and Broadner's Pub. Prints can be purchased through my site of this work.
What a pleasant surprise to go online to my email and FB page and see notes from the past. Paula Garfield Raridon sent me an email, for all you out there who have listened to the story that I tell of her walking to school and being attached by a squirrel jumping from a tree and biting her, this is Paula. It was so great to hear from her! Paula shared a sketch I did of Leslie Uggums from way back for her. (pictured Right)
Flashback! So I wanted to share the pencil sketch with you so you can take the trip back in time with me. Buckle up!
Then the next day I got a note from another childhood friend Michelle Hammel Wags. (pictured left) It was fun to find out what is going on with her and catching up on The Glory Days.
Funny how, when looking back, that three decades passing has altered much like my work and our lives. It was nice to go back and visit it!
Thanks so much Paula for sharing that with me for the site!
Still working away on Mike Ruiz. Doing lots of production stuff for the films ahead and TV show. Looking forward to all the new things 2010 has and will bring for all of us!
The photo to the left is a new sculpture I did, while on the phone over the Holidays, in clay of the God Horus patterened after the one's Anne Baxter (All About Eve) held in The Ten Commandments.The eyes are Baltic Amber. I will be looking for a manufacturer for it soon. Anne's daughter Melissa Galt (www.MelissaGalt.com) is also going to be in my book as a drawing along with her famed architect grandfather Frank LLloyd Wright and Oscar award-winning godmother Edith Head.
Excited my friend Juan will do a digital photo for a drawing in the book. Can't wait to start it. He is the great nephew of Federico García Lorca my favorite poet. García Lorca was born on June 5, 1898, in Fuente Vaqueros, a small town a few miles from Granada in Spain. I've drawn Juan before but this will be fun for the book.
Ben's working on the website so changes will be happening all over the site. Check out the changes!! My new favorite TV series is Life without People on History Channel.
The other photo is of a guy in the UK who graciously agreed to be in the book as well so it's well on it's way (colored pencil 20x30)
Hope you are all having a great start to the New Year! Mine is just busy.
Talents are in the eye of the beholder. So is beauty. Whether the canvas is an art board or a human being, I love rendering personal beauty and image.
I’ve been told my portraits capture essence, and that I don’t apply makeup I render a face. I strive to capture that as well as the hidden biographical nuances by looking intuitively. Working to produce a lasting personal revelation yet still keeping the photo realistic quality in the image. Sometimes it’s like opening Pandora’s box.
Check out my work at www.AriesArtist.com
Working on some new stuff and having a blast. Started my book on colored pencil techniques this year and the cover is moving right along. The book will be filled with techniques I use as well as a little about the subjects themselves many of which I have worked with, and why I picked them.
en from an earlier photo shoot of David Lei by celebrity photographer Ben Torres. http://BenTorresPhotography.com)
. This one I love because I got to do some of the photography for the piece to draw from made it more fun but Ben has nothing to worry about he still is the house photographer. He's been busy working on the stores all over so check out the new stuff and changes (http://www.imagekind.com/MemberProfile.aspx?MID=c32dcfaf-1480-42e2-92e2-6a0eb445e57c) lots of lower prices and 30% off for the next 4 days!!
