pencils, paint and cincinnati love

What's that you say? I've moved on sir!

2011-03-01T15:18:00.003-05:00

Yep! With the help of a friend, I've had my website revamped! It contains my blog and everything rolled into one! I will no longer be posting on this blog - instead, check out my new website - www.rewers.org. From now on, any new artwork, updates or anything will be posted there. Enjoy!!

Black Cat

2011-02-11T14:58:00.003-05:00

Here's today's daily drawing! It's Marvel's Black Cat. Inspired by a vintage pin up girl pose.

Guess what I do.

2011-02-08T17:31:00.004-05:00

I make art. Lots of it. And I love it.

Take a look at this years ad with EverywhereUGo Advertising! Simplicity at it's best.

You can find this outside Dutch's Wine Bar in Hyde Park.

Carlos! What beautiful shoes you have!

2011-02-08T17:00:00.004-05:00

Thanks to my sister Tricia for letting me know about a fabulous deal going on today at Carlosshoes.com! Can I just say that I didn't know Carlos Santana made shoes?!

These puppies will be gracing my feet in a week or so when they come in. Originally priced at $89.00, I got these gems for a whopping $26!

My favorite part? They look like a couch. And I LOVE that.

Hopefully they come in before Valentine's Day - my little toesies will take the cold if it means my feet will be looking fabulous!

Spread the word!

2011-02-08T12:08:00.001-05:00

Funny Girl Indeed.

2011-02-02T16:19:00.002-05:00

Today's daily drawing!! I'm loving this, if I do say so myself :) I just love high contrast drawings and pictures. So for your enjoyment... Barbra Streisand!

Twiggy

2011-01-31T17:06:00.002-05:00

Today's daily drawing is Twiggy! It was a quick, 20 minute piece.

Cheetah Study

2011-01-27T14:32:00.002-05:00

Well, today I decided to take a look at the structure of cheetahs - so here's a mess of cheetahs.

ATTENTION!! UPDATED RULES FOR BEST ARTIST VOTING

2011-01-27T09:10:00.000-05:00

ATTENTION!! Unfortunately for your vote to count for my Best Artist award, you HAVE to go through all 6 categories and vote for at least 1 thing and HIT SAVE. Apologies for those who need to go back and do it, but your vote is EXTREMELY APPRECIATED. Thank you!!

Big Kitty

2011-01-26T17:59:00.003-05:00

Today's drawing was pretty fast - I'm not completely happy with it, but I'd like to go back tomorrow or sometime and draw another cat, more loosely or more detailed, like a close up. But until then, here you go!

Marky Mark's Arms

2011-01-25T17:22:00.003-05:00

Here's today's daily drawing - and yes, I'll go ahead and put it out there. I have a slight obsession with Mark Wahlberg's arms. So I decided to focus on them today for my drawing. Helllllloooooo Marky Mark!

Thank You Hot Toddie

2011-01-25T10:38:00.003-05:00

This past Sunday I was enjoying a nice dinner with my parents at their house when we got into some pretty deep conversations about certain mindsets and outlooks on different situations. Specifically the balance between 2 different people and why it works. For example - my brother is very calm, quiet and chill while his wife is running on all pistons all the time. Todd and I are very much the same as that. He's real laid back and lets things happen, living 1 day at a time, choosing his battles wisely. Me? Well, let's say I don't exactly operate that way. I also have all pistons firing and am constantly moving. In my brain, I have a tendency to think that if it's the way I did something years ago, that's the way it should be done now. Not necessarily true, as I'm finding out.

I was entertaining my parents by telling them the hilarious, quirky way Todd does things. Todd, I love you. LOL but you do things so different, which sometimes makes my brain hurt. However - you amaze me, in a good way :) So enjoy, while I tell tales of your quirky, yet desirable ways.

The analogy I used - because of course the moment I need to give an example, all the weird things you do escaped my brain - was that you could sit down on your chair, but there's a book on said chair. Instead of moving the book because it's in the way or because it'll be uncomfortable to sit on, you just sit on the book. Right on top of it. And it doesn't phase you! And for that reason, you completely baffle my brain.

A perfect example - a couple weeks ago, Todd came over with a bottle of wine. Very sweet, I know. So when Todd poured us a couple glasses of wine, he returns to the living room, with the wine not in wine glasses, as one would suspect, but in coffee mugs. Of course, me being the person I am, immediately got up with the mugs in tow and exclaimed, "Todd! I do have wine glasses you know!"

Todd stopped me before I reached the kitchen and asked me why it mattered what kind of glass it's in. It's all going to the same place. So, I retreated back to the living room and drank my wine out of my coffee mug, inspired.

It didn't hit me until this past weekend that it really is a unique way of looking at life. Todd does so many things that are unusual, but it makes so much sense! Todd is very fortunate to have an outlook on life like he does. He chooses his battles wisely and doesn't let little stuff bother him. He knows it's not worth getting upset over and you know what? He'll probably live to be 110 because he doesn't let the stupid stuff stress him out.

I'm making an honest effort to become more like that. I'm actually pretty easy going for the most part. But there are a little things that get under my skin. Todd, I know when you read this, you'll probably give me that head-tilt and look like, "Yeah right, Robin - you? Easy going?!" The truth is, everything I'm not easy going about is something that Todd does lol. But that's why we are so compatible.

Todd teaches me how to combat those little things and I'm teaching him stuff too. I can't think of anything right now, but I know there's some things. :) We are a good balance and that's why things work so well for us.

So Todd, thank you for teaching me a different outlook on life and setting an example for most people to follow when going through their daily lives. Most of it is just not worth getting upset over, and yes, it took me 2 years with you to realize that. But hey - better late than never.

Daily Drawing: Jane Fonda

2011-01-24T14:46:00.003-05:00

Hello! Happy Monday -today's daily drawing is of a very beautiful Jane Fonda!

Enjoy!

Portrait of Adam

2011-01-24T09:50:00.003-05:00

Adam's aunt asked me to do another portrait of Adam for her, sans his glasses. So here is a portrait of Adam, with his glasses removed. I've included the original picture so you can see.

Bond. James Bond.

2011-01-18T13:47:00.002-05:00

Today's daily drawing. Hello, Mr. Bond.

A Drawing A Day...

2011-01-17T15:10:00.003-05:00

Keeps the carpal tunnel away. At least I hope it does since I can feel signs of it already :) Ugh. Anyway - here's the daily sketch!

Marilyn Monroe cartoon

Also - I'm representin'. Big time. If you want one, let me know.

Vote for me!

2011-01-15T17:27:00.003-05:00

WOW!! I've been nominated again for Best Artist of Cincinnati 2011! What an honor!!!

Voting ends Feb. 20 - so let's get voting and SPREAD THE WORD!!!

Click the link below to go vote and follow the directions!

Let's make it another great year!!! Thanks everyone!

VOTE FOR ROBIN

NYC Ballet drawing

2011-01-14T11:37:00.003-05:00

More doodles.. muscle structure.. high contrast.

Random Doodlings

2011-01-13T14:50:00.008-05:00

I recently found that doodling through the day is the equivalent of taking a nap for me.

Ok, maybe it's not that great, but it certainly does refresh me, rejuvenate my brain and get me focused again. I've come across a great little program called Sketchbook Express. Don't worry, I haven't given up on paper.. but this is just another little outlet when the sketchbook isn't so handy.

Therefore, instead of filing these little doodles away for nobody to see, I figured I'd share with you, and in the event that my computer gets mad at me one day and loses all my work, at least I'll have them here.

OH! New song of the week - Hard Times by John Legend and the Roots - click the image to the right to hear it.

Black Swan doodle

Creepy old woman

Pig Man

Cincinnati, East Side, West Side and more love

2010-12-30T10:27:00.008-05:00

I've been getting some really good feedback about my Cincinnati Love stickers (I've got mine on my car!) So I've ordered stickers to give out for free to get the word spread!

Cincinnati, however, is more of an 'umbrella' if you will. So I've decided to break it down a bit, to more specific areas!

See more below!

Cincinnati Love

2010-12-29T11:04:00.008-05:00

I know those 'I Love Cincinnati' stickers are everywhere, but I wanted to be different and make my own. So I did. What do you think?

I'm going to do a test run with my Xyron machine at home and put one in my back window. If enough people like them, I might just get some professionally made and sell them. Let me know what you think so I can get a better idea!

You can buy some here :)

I mean, 2 years is long time.

2010-12-28T13:03:00.009-05:00

Congratulations to me and Todd! Todd and and I have reached our 2 year anniversary! We had a fun filled day for sure. He made me lunch, which is huge in itself ;) then we did a little shopping in the gateway quarter downtown. After that, we headed to Sungs for a drink or 2 before freezing our tails off at the Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo. I was a little bummed out this time around because they are doing construction on the Cat House, therefore it wasn't open to the public. We did, however, get some souvenir mugs for our hot chocolate. :)

Always a good sight - my man cooking for me :)

It was cold!!!

Todd did a great job with my gift this year - beautiful turquoise earrings and a bracelet to go with it. He also got me some Eye of Ra earrings!

I gave Todd a bracelet that I found at Mr. Grim's Nostalgic Nook down in New Richmond, Ohio, from a little day trip we took this summer. It's a silver ID bracelet, so I had it engraved with our anniversary date, 12-27-08. I also drew him a picture of the Joker, whom he absolutely loves.

It's been a wonderful 2 years and I can't wait to celebrate another New Year with Todd!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-21T15:58:00.005-05:00

There's snow outside, Christmas joy is in the air and I've been a busy little bird.

First, here's this years Christmas card. Which, I have to apologize to a few people - I accidentally put 3 envelopes in the mail without a stamp, and I don't know who they were addressed to! Hold tight, as soon as they come back to me in the mail (fingers crossed) I'll send them out again; this time with stamps!

Second, there's a new restaurant of the month and song of the week!

If you haven't been to The Wine Guy Bistro in Rookwood Commons, you need to check it out. Amazing food, great wine and a trendy atmosphere. Todd and I had the bruschetta, Italian wedding soup and the Margherita pizza - simply delicious!

This week's song was on Glee a few weeks ago, in the episode 'Special Education'. I loved these songs, and purchased them before the episode was even over! Their cover of 'I've Had the Time of My Life' by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes and 'Valerie' by Amy Winehouse was soulful, impressive and inevitably catchy with a hint of toe tappin' in there somewhere! Check the link to watch the performance.

And lastly, I've been busy painting some beautiful heels! All 3 pairs are currently on display in Dutch's Wine Shop in Hyde Park, and also available on my Etsy shop - which is here if you haven't been there before. Check the pictures below!

Audrey Hepburn

Marilyn Monroe

Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra

In other good news, I sold my Beatles paintings, Cary Grant and Grace Kelly within a few weeks of each other last month! Thanks to my supporters :)

Merry Christmas everyone - I hope you have a blessed holiday with your families and loved ones.

Cecil Flies the Mogul

2010-11-22T09:36:00.005-05:00

I was recently commissioned to do the album artwork for a local musician, BJ Schweinlin and his project Cecil Flies the Mogul. He wanted a Shepard Fairey inspired look, which I thought was awesome, since I love Shepard Fairey!

It turned out great - I'm very happy with it, as was BJ! Check it out - let me know what you think!

His music is very cool, electronic genre type of music. I will keep you up to date on when and where you can find his music.

I Pity The Fool!

2010-11-18T09:38:00.003-05:00

Ta-da! Finally done and being taken to Dutch's tonight for hanging :)

24x36 Oil on canvas

Everyone needs a little Girl Talk

2010-11-16T10:04:00.003-05:00

Holy crap. Girl Talk's new album came out yesterday - which he released for free on his website - and wow, does it impress! This album of gritty raw mash ups has been playing in my headphones non stop. He's got quite a few albums, but this one is by far my favorite.

Girl Talk is also coming to The Madison Theater in January - Todd and I are going and I cannot wait! It's sure to be a power house of a show.

For more information on Girl Talk and what he does, visit his website here.

And for the restaurant of the month - go to your neighborhood Skyline and enjoy :) The invention of the canned Skyline chili has been a very dangerous, but pleasant addiction for me and my pantry!

A total Cincinnati tradition, I encourage everyone who hasn't tried it to do so - because it's amazing!

Just in time for Christmas!

2010-11-11T15:17:00.002-05:00

The book is here everyone!

Puppy Pilots is officially ready for order. Buy your copy now for your Christmas presents for the little ones!

www.puppypilots.net - and spread the word!

Where's the motivation? I don't know.

2010-11-07T21:37:00.003-05:00

These days, I'm struggling to stay motivated to get my work done. I've got a painting on the easel right now that needs to be done asap. But what am I doing? Writing about it. Which typically is the last step of my process before I get so fed up with myself for not painting, that I just finally get up and put the paint brush to the canvas.

Mr. T is waiting for me as we speak, but as I look at the work I've done so far, and realize that the amount of work still left to do (which isn't a lot by the way), is still not enough for me to loosen the ever so tight grip that my extremely comfortable chaise lounge chair has on me. ::Sigh::

Not to mention, I still have quite a few other freelance projects that need working on. I don't have the overwhelmed, all-I-can-do-is-sit-here-and-cry kind of feeling about it, however, I still know they need to be done, and I'm still... sitting... and writing about it.

Maybe it was the Puppy Pilots children's book project that sucked it all out of me. As much fun as that project was, I have never worked harder on a project in the small time frame I was given - all of 3 weeks to take 13 pages of illustrations, from concept stages to final full color plus the book cover, front and back. All while continuing my regular life consisting of a full time job, another project of painting a mural at a daycare, moving out of the apartment I was living in and dealing with the death of my very first pet ever, Missi, who I got when I was 7. Those 3 weeks were hell, and a very big THANK YOU to Todd who helped me through the very emotional, very stressed out roller coaster ride I was on.

The book however, should be a success - and I will be receiving my copy of the book shortly in the mail from Duke Morgan, who is the author, and a very talented voiceover and production extraordinaire from Las Vegas. I will update you when the book gets here!

Back to my the-filing-cabinet-fell-over-in-my-head unorganized spew of a blog post.

The sad reality is, that I'm kind of exhausted with freelance work. I can't remember the last time I did any artwork for me. For my portfolio. For Dutch's. People are buying my work, and I couldn't be happier. Except that the work is leaving the shop and nothing is coming back in to replace it. I love doing freelance work. I love painting specific things for people and seeing their faces light up when I hand them the completed piece of work - it makes me happy to be a part of something that is so special to them. Now, having said that, I haven't painted anything for me. I don't have any downtime to do such a thing. And what's worse - I haven't even had the desire to. Because as soon as I get the thought in my head that I want to paint something for me, then I remember that I have freelance work to do and people are waiting for it. Which in turn, extinguishes the desire to do anything for me.

I hope I'm not shooting myself in the foot by putting this in cyber ink, but after Christmas, I think I'm going to take some time off of freelance work. I need to focus on doing what I need to do to progress my career in art. I want to paint more for me; I want to paint because I genuinely want to, and not because I have to do it for someone else. I have a legitimate business now, R.Ewers Designs, LLC, that I need to do something with. Todd and I have all these ideas and things going on in our heads, and I don't have the time, nor the desire to pursue after working all day, and then doing freelance. It sucks, but I've really just become unmotivated.

Todd and I saw the Social Network last night and we both walked out of there with the wheels in our heads moving. I told Todd that within the year, I want to get my business started and make something out of myself before I turn 30. Now, 30 is still 5 years away, but we all know how much of a procrastinator I am and I have to give myself ample time! ;)

So what will my New Year's Resolution be for next year? Focus on myself and my artwork and to not feel pressured into saying 'yes' every time someone asks me to do a project for them. I've got to learn how to say 'no'.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T23:25:00.005-04:00

Happy Halloween!! Todd and I went to our friend Paul's house tonight for a party, and I am happy to that our costumes were awesome!!

Us as Betty and Barney Rubble

Also, I decided it was time to get 2 new cats. They are real gems! I adopted them from The Ohio Valley AlleyCat Rescue.

This is Steve (black cat) and Sabrina (gray cat).

They are awesome cats!

39 ways to say Beautiful

2010-10-17T22:02:00.004-04:00

Here's the latest painting I've done for a friend. This one is going in a little girls room. It's 'Beautiful' in 39 different languages. This was a great project to work on, and very enlightening to learn how to say a word in so many languages. 24 x 30, Acrylics. Enjoy!

Blue Ash Educational Center Mural

2010-10-07T17:13:00.004-04:00

Christie and I finished the second room at the Blue Ash Educational Center! Pictures below.

Puppy Pilots

2010-09-27T13:25:00.006-04:00

I was given a great opportunity about 3 weeks ago. I was given the chance to illustrate a children's book! What an eye opening experience - and exhausting. The reason it was so tiring, was because I had to have 13 pages, (56 illustrations in all) inked in and taken to full color, along with a front and back cover all done is 3 weeks. Holy crap! I was up every morning at 6:30, working till 8am. Going to work from 9-6, and coming home and working from 7-1:30 am. I was so tired, my back hurt, my eyes hurt, and hand hurt, my drawing arm spazzed out, went numb, I lost some hair and I had bags under my eyes. But it was so worth it!!!

The name of the book is Puppy Pilots™. Here's the cover:

It's an adorable story, written by Duke Morgan. Look for it soon! It should be coming out in October I think.

I'm also moving again! I am finally a resident of Ohio again - oh how I missed it here. It's a great little place, with a huge balcony and a great view.

On a sad note, my sweet baby kitty of 18 years passed away last week. I got Missi on my 7th birthday and she has been with me through it all. I know though that she passed away in her sleep, quietly and not in pain. I couldn't ask for anything more for her. It's very awkward to not have her in the house. I hear the floor creak, and think it's her walking around. No one comes running anymore when I open the fridge, or when the can opener is running. I know that she had a great life - because I spoiled her like crazy!!!

This was the day I got her, almost 19 years ago.

She was such a pretty kitten!

And she was a gorgeous cat - this was taken just a month or two ago. Her favorite spot, on my windowsill.

R.I.P. Missi
1992-2010

Mural Work

2010-08-25T00:28:00.002-04:00

Here is the sketch I mentioned earlier. This is a very personal mural piece that's going in the house of a friend. The doves and the angels represent him and his family.

Call me 'Official' and I'll Answer!

2010-08-24T21:58:00.003-04:00

It's official - You're reading the blog of the proud Principle Member and Owner of R.Ewers Designs, LLC. I am a small business owner in the state of Ohio everyone!! Go me! Thanks for everyone's support and I can't wait for you all to see some things I've got under way. Good things are happening ladies and gentlemen! :)

Also, my apologies for being away - I was relaxing on the beach in Destin last week with my family. Read an amazing book - The Last Lecture - and it's definitely got me kick started on kicking procrastination in the butt. I know, I know - we have a love/hate relationship; procrastination and me.

Great news - I've been hired to illustrate a children's book this week! As soon as I believe it's legally ok, I'll post some sketches and jib jab so you can see.

Working on a mural sketch for a friend - that will be done tonight and I'll post the prelim sketch shortly.

Also did a painting of the beach in Destin - almost done with that too!

Busy busy busy! And just to keep me going - check out the song of the week - this definitely get's me pumped to keep moving!

I got my award!

2010-08-02T13:16:00.003-04:00

I'm pleased to show you that I finally received my award from City Beat today!

Now I can hang it next to my spot in Cincy Magazine. My collection is starting to grow!

Thanks again to everyone who voted!

What happens when your plate is full? Become part of the 'Clean Plate Club'!

2010-08-01T12:33:00.007-04:00

Or maybe that just applies to food - that's what my dad always said anyway.

But my plate is definitely full and I'm loving it!!

I've decided I'm moving again; I can't wait to start over in a new place, furnish it and have a bigger kitchen. Yesterday, my Elizabeth Taylor drawing sold at Dutch's Pony Keg- super excited about that. I'm doing a Frank Sinatra piece now to replace that one. I've also decided I'm writing a book. I won't put anything up about it just yet - I've starting writing my first thoughts down, but before I introduce any excerpts to the world, I want something more solid. Surely you understand!

Next weekend, Todd and I are going to Chicago to visit a friend - it'll be our first road trip together, although he'll be sleeping the entire time since I'm picking him up after he gets off work at 5am.

The week after that I'm going to Florida with my family - my first real vacation in 6 years! When I say 'real' I mean - literally laying on the beach with nothing to do - no planner telling me I have to do anything, but just making sure that I get the sand and salt off my skin before dinner. So pumped!

Below is a drawing that I did, a tattoo design for my friend Josh. He's a Cincinnati boy at heart which I think is great! Who dey!

Recently I did the River Sweep - talk about a fun experience! Cleaning up the banks of the Ohio River was so liberating and motivational!

Me and my bags of trash!

My friend Linda and I found this bean sprout thing growing on the completely sodded (and gross I might add) upholstery of what we assumed to be the carpet of a car which was hiding underneath some rocks. I was going to take it home and plant it but by the end of the day, I had forgotten all about it!

I know one of my previous posts talked about the Shepard Fairey party at CAC. What I don't think I mentioned was that the day after, all the event pictures were posted on Cincinnati.com - I just happened to be featured on the front page of Cincinnati.com too! I met Tesse (pictured with me) that night at the party - who turned our to be a super cool chick!

Well, off to finish my drawing of Frankie boy and go apartment hunting later!

Life couldn't be better right now and I'm so excited for all the possibilities in my future.

Hello - I'm back!

2010-07-07T12:43:00.011-04:00

Wow - what a crazy couple months it's been! I've been busy with artwork and freelance, and just life in general, that I've have hardly any time to blog!

To get you up to speed.. here's a few things that I did in the last couple months.

In May, I went to the Shepard Fairey party at the Contemporary Art Center. I didn't have anyone to go with - but I had gotten a free ticket at the very last minute. So I went - mingled, drank wine and talked it up with some other artsey people. Then, I saw Shepard himself. I was as giddy as if I had seen someone like Brad Pitt. So I walked up to him, patiently waited for him to finish his conversation with someone else (in a non creepy way) and made my move. Business card in hand and ready to network! I told him that I got voted Best Artist of Cincinnati of 2010, and he responded with, "Really! I would love to see your work!" We exchanged business cards, I asked for a picture with him like a dork and we went our separate ways. I was so excited.

The party was awesome - it was located in the alley behind the CAC and a few other places. They had a DJ stage, where Shepard Fairey was DJing (his other hobby), they also had a few skate ramps down one side of the alley and my personal favorite, they turned a RUMPKE dumpster into a swimming pool - complete with beach balls.

In case you do not know who Shepard Fairey is or what he is responsible for - see below!

It ended up being a fabulous night in Cincinnati!

Todd and I took a day a few weeks ago and went to the Landing in New Richmond, and afterward took a little drive around the town. We ran into a store called Mr. Grim's Nostalgic Nook. WOW. What a store. Every toy imaginable there!

The owner is a real nice guy, and most of this is from his personal collection. I really recommend taking a trip to this guys store - it's so worth the drive.

Located at 128 Front St., New Richmond, Ohio 45157

On top of that, here's 2 of the portraits I've done recently. I'll have the third up soon!

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Weight Watchers Mini Chicken Tacos

2010-05-20T20:23:00.001-04:00

I'm so excited to share with you a homemade recipe of mine. It's super easy, tasty AND perfect for peeps on weight watchers!

Yes, I did weight watchers. Ans yes, it worked and I feel amazing!! I lost 16 lbs total and my family members did it too - collectively we've lost over 150 lbs! Go us!

So, I'm all about finding things to eat that are still awesome, filling and totally healthy. In the midst of not wanting to go to the grocery store a few nights ago, I rummaged through my freezer, fridge and cupboards and came up with some Mini Chicken Tacos.

To make it a little easier to make yourself, I've included pictures :)

Ingredients:
12 BAKED Tostitos Scoops (1 point)
1 small chicken breast (roughly 3 points)
Salsa (0 points)
OPTIONAL: 1 slice of Fat Free Swiss Cheese, or your cheese of choice (1 point)

Instructions:
First, set 12 scoops on a plate. Now I like cheese, so I take 1 slice of the Fat Free swiss cheese and tear it up, and distribute it among the 12 scoops. See below.

Next, I slice the chicken breast up into small pieces, small enough to fit in the scoops. You may have some left over; that's ok - save them for the next time you make this dish, or your favorite other dish.

Prep your skillet with some Pam and some salt and pepper.

Next, throw your chicken in the skillet, let it cook on medium until it's thoroughly cooked - but still juicy and moist. See below.

At the same time, put your plate of Scoops with the cheese (remember, optional) in the oven on about 350 degrees.

Now, if it all goes to plan, your chicken should be done cooking by the time your cheese in the Scoops is nice and melted, possibly slightly browned edges.

Careful - the plate is hot. Take your oven mitt and take the plate out of the oven after you've turned the stove off where your skillet is.

Take a spoon and put a glob of salsa in each Scoop, the more the better - it's 0 points! See below.

Then, enjoy your Mini Chicken Tacos!

Happy Birthday to me!

2010-05-17T13:37:00.005-04:00

Wow, what a birthday party. This past Wednesday night was my birthday and a successful art show that was held at FB's in downtown Cincinnati. I sold one painting that night, and am in process of selling 2 others that were showcased.

I unveiled the new pieces, titled Unfinished Business: A collection of Lost Legacies. Featured were Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Bob Marley and James Dean.

For your viewing pleasure - here are some photos taken by my friend Wallace Tucker!

Thanks to everyone who came out and not only supported the show, but also partied with me for my birthday! Hopefully this marks this beginning of a great year!!

Europa - A taste of Heaven!

2010-05-17T13:21:00.004-04:00

Todd and I went to this awesome little eatery in Covington the other night called Europa.

Located @ 616 Main St, Covington KY, 41011, right in the heart of Mainstrauss, this place offers an amazing selection of food.

When you first walk in, you're happily greeted by those who work there and a giant freezer case of homemade gelato. I was drooling as soon as I walked in.

We sat in the back, where the tables are for patrons, and took in all the cutesy, Italian-esque decor. Their menu is extensive, and also changed every 2 weeks, featuring different foods from different countries.

I had the salad and sandwich meal, getting the Queen Elizabeth Salad and the French - Rosa de Monte panini.

The salad had green apples, chicken, pears and walnuts with raspberry vinaigrette dressing - it was to die for! And then panini - melted brie cheese with pancetta and green apples on a baguette - I could have eaten another one it was so good.

We both enjoyed a helping of fresh homemade Oreo gelato. There's only one way for me to tell you how amazing this place was - just go there and try it for yourself.

This restaurant has definitely earned its places as Restaurant of the Month!

Mayberry... In Cincinnati!

2010-05-17T12:35:00.003-04:00

Who knew there was a Mayberry in Cincinnati!

Mayberry @ 915 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45202.

This place was super fun to walk into; all black and white themed with local art on the walls. The menu changes often, but the night we were there, they definitely had some interesting things to eat. I honestly have to be in the mood to try new and different things, and unfortunately I was not on this particular day (considering I had to be up at the start line for the Flying Pig Marathon the next morning at 6, I wasn't willing to chance my stomach on stuffed squid).

I had the pork belly and artisan cheese plate - very delicious, although the pork belly had some hefty fat on it. Upon seeing this, I was told by my friend that that is 'the best part.' I respectfully declined. The cheese plate had quite a few options of cheese, bread and preserves. I was very impressed with the cheese plate - very good!

The place is BYOB, and we brought a killer bottle of red wine to enjoy with our food.

Now the chocolate chip cookies really won my heart over! They came warm and gooey, just how I like them. I'm eager to go back and try their other menu... I've got my eye on that Sloppy Joe.

Check them out on Urbanspoon!

Unfinished Business: The Art Show!!

2010-04-30T13:38:00.002-04:00

May 12 everyone.. come to FB's in downtown Cincinnati. Not only is it my birthday (WOO!) but I'm having another art show to debut the new series. Unfinished Business: A collection of Lost Legacies will be on display for your viewing pleasure.

Check out the flyer I did for the event.. and more importantly.. BE THERE!

Thanks everyone!

Unfinished Business

2010-04-17T18:31:00.004-04:00

Man did I have an epiphany today!! I was painting James Dean earlier, and this title came to my mind and it was like an explosion in my brain!

Let me explain...

I'm starting a new series of paintings. They are of course, my usual subjects; Audrey Hepburn.. people of that era. These paintings have certain look to them - they are unfinished on purpose. Raw brush strokes complete this look. And then it hit me.. a double meaning! Yes, the painting is 'unfinished' but I also paint many people who are dead - and most that have died way too young. So the people that I paint, have unfinished business here on this earth.

For example, James Dean died when he was 24. Died young and left a world of possibilities behind him.

Audrey Hepburn, died when she was 64. Although she had a longer life than James Dean, 64 is still young, and she left her duties with UNICEF behind. Now I'm not saying that when she died, the obligations to UNICEF ended all together, but I can say that almost no one other than Audrey cared for those children as much as she did. And fought for them with the selflessness and determination that she had, for that matter.

Those are just a few examples - there will be more to come.

So here are the first 2 paintings of the Unfinished Business series.

James Dean and Audrey Hepburn.

Cincy Magazine Spot

2010-04-10T22:07:00.001-04:00

I'VE WON!!!

2010-03-30T22:15:00.002-04:00

It's official everyone!! I've been voted Best Local Artist of Cincinnati 2010!!!

I just want to thank all the little people.... just kidding!!!

No seriously, THANK YOU to all those who did vote for me - I really couldn't have achieved such a high honor if it wasn't for all your help!

Here's the link if you want to see it for yourself.

I don't think there's much else I can say right now, that isn't going to sound like something out of a clichéd acceptance speech lol. So I'll keep it short and sweet, just like me. HA!

Thanks again - love all your faces!!!!

Cherry Bomb

2010-03-21T12:22:00.004-04:00

If there's one thing I love, it's music. And while we're on that topic, I just happen to love old school 70's/80's rock music - especially if it's coming from some kick ass rocker chicks. Cue in - the Runaways.

You might not have heard of them, but you do know at least one of the band members - Joan Jett.

This all girl rock band kicks some serious butt while singing this weeks' Song of the Week, Cherry Bomb.

Their story is truly awesome and suggest that you bone up on your Runaways knowledge at www.therunaways.com.

They're also making their story into a movie, due out soon. Kristen Stewart, aka Bella from the Twilight Saga, portrays Joan Jett, while Dakota Fanning portrays Cherie Currie. A word to the wise though - these are not your innocent actresses that you know. They engage in a multitude of mature acts that are not for young eyes!

But like all good bands that have made a mark on the history of music, they did it their way and rocked out hardcore.

Check the trailer for the movie out at the Runaways website!

I know it's been a while...

2010-03-19T09:45:00.007-04:00

But here are pictures of my living room... FINALLY. I got it all cleaned up and ready.. so enjoy!

Also, check out CincyChic.com for my spotlight interview! Interviewed and written by Linda Palacios. Thanks Linda!!!

The 'artsy' word above my door was an idea I had when I was shopping at Urban Outfitters. I kept watching these letters until they went on sale, but unfortunately, I never knew what I wanted to spell. So I asked my mom to describe me in 1 word; 5 letters. 'Artsy' was what she came back with! I found the letters and wasn't too pleased with the preexisting design on each letter. I found an old Rolling Stone magazine and traced the letters on random pages, cut them out and rubber cemented them on. And there you have it! Brand new letters - made inexpensively.

Oh the couch. Yes it's a futon... and I hope to have an actual real live couch soon. There's a retro furniture store downtown I plan on visiting soon to pick up a stylish new couch. Until then, I decided to cover up the drab neutral color with a blanket that has coordinating colors to my pillows (which I also got at Urban Outfitters.. love it there!)

My table, which was featured on CincyChic.com has made a huge improvement to my apartment. You can check out the previous post on it below. I love my books. I think I need to make a trip to Ikea to get a new bookshelf.. this one is starting to bow!

My art studio, which also has already been featured on my blog, is always a hard area for me to keep clean. But then again, who really cares? It's where art is made! Also, check out the most recent painting.. Dave Matthews for Gilpin's.. still drying!

My awesome leopard print chaise lounge chair and my sweet 'White Star Line' promotional poster for Titanic I got at the Titanic exhibit at the Museum Center a few years ago.

I love this little lamp! I got this at Ikea, of course. I liked them so much that I got one for each of my girlfriends for Christmas this past year! They come in a bunch of colors too.

I hope I can help you get inspired to get creative with your own home and make it your personal, inspirational, comfy place!

New Song of the Week!

2010-03-09T10:25:00.004-05:00

This week's song of the week goes to 500 Miles to Memphis - Let it Rain.

This local band is awesome! I've had the privilege of seeing them play a few times, and I'm friends with the bass player, Jeff Snyder. This band has rocked the socks off this city and is headed for the big time. I strongly suggest checking their albums out! They just released a new album, "We've Built Up To Nothing."

They make some great rock-a-billy beats! Check them out! www.500mtm.com

Curtains!

2010-03-09T09:56:00.005-05:00

I finally got my curtains up! Observe....

I got into a little bit of a fight with the power screwdriver putting the brackets up, but in the end, I won. I got the fabric at Ikea, and had my good friend Christie make them for me! They turned out lovely. And what's nice is that they also keep some of the cold air out, since I have those big drafty windows (which I refuse to put tacky plastic or saran wrap on).

Apparently the lady at Ikea, who measured out my fabric, didn't really now how to, because I have TONS of fabric left over! But not to worry - I always find a use for extra fabric. So for starters, I had Christie make a little curtain, so I could cover up the little cubby in my bathroom with all my cleaners, extra toilet paper and what not.

So while Christie was making the curtains, and measured it all out for the 6 panels I would need plus my little curtain, she calls me and says, "You have a lot of extra fabric." So I say, "Ok no worries, I'm sure we can make a few pillows out of it or something." To which she replies, "No seriously. Do you want a car cover? Maybe a few shower curtains?" HAHAHA. I love it.

R.I.P. Adam Peak

2010-03-01T21:26:00.007-05:00

This week, a very good friend of mine was killed in Afghanistan. Lance Cpl. Adam D. Peak was 25.. just a year older than me. We met a few years back and always had fun together. I remember the day he told me he enlisted into the Marines. I couldn't believe it - I was secretly praying that he would change his mind and back out. But the Marines took a boy and turned him into a fine, upstanding man. Todd and I attended his funeral today; those bagpipes get me everytime. Unfortunately, I didn't get to go to the cemetery. But I plan on visiting him. That way I get to spend some more time with him. It's kinda funny; he gave me an ankh ring and pair of ankh earrings for my birthday one year - an ankh means eternal life to the Egyptians.. hmm.. everything does happen for a reason. Now every time I wear them I'll have Adam living on, hanging out with me.

To commemorate his memory, I drew a portrait of him as a gift to his family. They absolutely loved it, and put it up on display during his visitation. For your viewing pleasure..

Adam's remains returning home:

And a few pictures of us acting goofy at Cheeseburger in Paradise just last year:

I heard a great quote today from one of his Marine Corps brothers..

"Heaven needed a party, and they picked the right guy."

Miss you buddy - I'll see ya again one day.

Mainstay Art Show

2010-02-19T14:29:00.005-05:00

We had a successful show at Mainstay Rock Bar Wednesday! It was a long day - but so worth it! Here are some pictures from the show:

DABBLED: A Casual Art and Rock Affair

2010-02-09T21:57:00.002-05:00

DIY Before and After!

2010-02-09T20:14:00.004-05:00

I've had this green table for almost 4 years. I loved it - it was cheap and perfect for my balcony. Well, now, since I don't have a balcony and this table is used inside now, I decided it was time for a makeover. I painted this with regular house paint and sprayed it with a protective clear varnish.

Before:After:

Hope you get inspired to do some fun around the house projects of your own!

Also, new song of the week! Somebody's Baby by Pat Benetar is an insanely powerful song. I suggest you watch this video to see what I'm talking about (and I'm getting chills just talking about it).

Happiness Is A Warm Gun

2010-02-03T15:13:00.005-05:00

Wow. I can't believe I forgot to post this! This is the Beatles Collection - all finished! They are currently hanging at Gilpin's Bagel and Deli downtown on 7th Street. I'm so happy with them!
They are all 11 x 14 oil paintings.

Also, another thing I can't believe is that I've never posted my 4 original paintings on here. These 4 are the very first ones I did almost 2 years ago; the paintings that started it all!

They've hung at Dutch's Pony Keg, Keystone Bar and Grill and currently, my living room for touch ups :)

These are all 24 x 36, oil paintings.

Grace Kelly

Cary Grant

Audrey Hepburn

Marilyn Monroe

Ode to Mt. Dew

2010-01-28T11:07:00.005-05:00

One day, while having a complete brain fart.. I decided that I needed a Mt. Dew to wake me up and get the juices flowing again, if you will. And out came the 'Ode to Mt. Dew'.

These are available as cards for your Dew-headed friends :)

Enjoy!

2010 'Best of Cincinnati'

2010-01-27T13:19:00.002-05:00

GREAT NEWS! I've been nominated for the 'Best of Cincinnati 2010' Local Visual Artist!

I have no idea who nominated me, but thank you to who ever did!

So here's the deal... In order for me to have a shot at winning this, I need you to go here
(Vote for me!) and vote.

Fill in the appropriate fields, and scroll down to "Out and About" and under the drop down menu, you'll find my name.

Make sure you vote for some other things on there.... there are about 200-some categories to vote on. FYI, you can only vote 1 time from each computer.

The cut off date for the contest is February 21st. So make sure you get your vote in!

And please... Spread the word! Tell everyone you know! Email it out!

You all are such a huge factor in my dream of making my passion for art my only career one day!

I Can't Hardly Stand It

2010-01-26T09:39:00.003-05:00

Hmm.. that's funny.. that title explains a few things in my life at the moment.. :)

Anyway - new song of the week! It's 'I Can't Hardly Stand It' by the Cramps.

This is from the biography page on www.thecramps.com:

In the spring of 1976, The CRAMPS began to fester in a NYC apartment. Without fresh air or natural light, the group developed its uniquely mutant strain of rock’n’roll aided only by the sickly blue rays of late night TV. While the jackhammer rhythms of punk were proliferating in NYC, The CRAMPS dove into the deepest recesses of the rock’n’roll psyche for the most primal of all rhythmic impulses — rockabilly — the sound of southern culture falling apart in a blaze of shudders and hiccups. As late night sci-fi reruns colored the room, The CRAMPS also picked and chose amongst the psychotic debris of previous rock eras - instrumental rock, surf, psychedelia, and sixties punk. And then they added the junkiest element of all — themselves.

— J. H. Sasfy, Professor of Rockology
from the liner notes of The Cramps 1979 release Gravest Hits

It would be almost impossible to have never heard of The CRAMPS. Their career has been the stuff of legend. Dangerously bizarre but most of all cool, The CRAMPS represent everything that is truly reprehensible about rock’n’roll. Founding members Lux Interior (the psycho-sexual Elvis/Werewolf hybrid from hell) and guitar-slinging soul-mate Poison Ivy (the ultimate bad girl vixen) are the architects of a wicked sound that distills a cross of swamp water, moonshine and nitro down to a dangerous and unstable musical substance. Their cultural impact has spawned a legion of devil cults and dance-floor catfights, and created in its wake a cavalcade of cave-stomping imitators. As punk rock pioneers in the late seventies, they cut their teeth on the stages of CBGB and Max’s Kansas City and recorded their first record at Sam Phillips legendary Sun Studios, funded mainly by Ivy’s income as a dominatrix in NYC. They coined the now popular term “psychobilly” on their 1976 gig posters. Their hair-raising live performances are still a total, no-holds-barred rock’n’roll assault. After a quarter century of mayhem, they’re too far gone to even consider any other course.

It's definitely a different type of music, but also a type that had a huge impact in the music world. I'd suggest checking them out - even if you don't like this type of music - give them a chance!

On another note, I'm working on some new pieces.. a Dave Matthews piece for Gilpin's Bagel and Deli downtown. Currently, my Marilyn sketch is hanging there, and my Beatles Collection will be there after Wednesday this week. I did have the Rat Pack sketch there, but my sneaky boyfriend bought it! Now that's a supportive boyfriend!

I'm also working on an Ava Gardner piece, as a WWII nose art pin up painting. I'm really excited to get going on this one.

I'll keep you updated!

Rapture

2010-01-08T12:14:00.005-05:00

Yesterday we were sent home from work at 3:30 because of all the snow we got - it literally didn't stop snowing ALL DAY. So I took advantage of the time I was given and I started - and FINISHED - a painting yesterday!

I brought Debbie Harry back from the good ol' days and spruced the Blondie front woman up!

Here is a side by side...

The colors are a little skewed.. but her eye is green and the background is actually pink - close to the pink writing on the 'side by side' photo.

We did it!

2010-01-06T16:05:00.006-05:00

Todd and I have reached a huge milestone in our lives! Our 1 year anniversary was this past January. Todd and I have grown so much since we met; both wild and crazy, and now I find it hard to believe that I ever lived without him.

We met at Sully's, a bar downtown that has since been closed. I won't give you the all the details, but I was dancing on the bar and he was serving shots! Almost 3 years later, we are happily together, loving life!

Todd has played such an important roll in all aspects of my life. He has helped tremendously with my artwork, given me new outlooks on life and the situations that I encounter.

We spent our anniversary going to the Art Museum, then to the Festival of Lights, which it snowed for the first time this winter and it was so perfect! To finish the night off, we had dinner at the Montgomery Inn Boathouse. SO amazing.

Festival of Lights, Cincinnati Zoo

Montgomery Inn Boathouse

And to top it off, he bought the most beautiful diamond earrings!!!

I love you Hot Toddie... you are the best thing that ever happened to me!

Grapevine Fires

2010-01-05T13:21:00.003-05:00

There's a new Song of the Week and Restaurant of the Month! Grapevine Fires, by Death Cab for Cutie is awesome. I've been listening to it non stop.

The new restaurant is Pelican's Reef on Beechmont in Anderson Township, Cincinnati OH. They have been there for a long time, and they the best clam chowder in the city! They have cheap drinks too. I highly recommend you check it out. They also have a piece of artwork hanging by a friend of mine, Tyler Hildebrand.

Tyler is an amazing artist. We went to high school together for a year, and I never knew he was artist! A few years went by and all the sudden he showed up in the Cincinnati Art scene. Check out his work at Hilde's Gallery. He also has a storefront gallery in Bellevue, KY.

Well, now that the holidays are over, I have been able to get back to painting. I've finished John Lennon and will be finishing Ringo Starr tonight. I have a meeting with the owner of Gilpin's Deli and Bagel Shop this week to discuss me possibly showing my work in there. So I'm trying to get some of this stuff done so it'll dry in enough time! I'll post pictures later when I'm finished with them.

It dawned on me that I've shared pictures of everywhere else in the new apartment except the living room. It's kind of messy, so when I'll clean it, I'll post it so you can see! But I was able to organize my 'studio' part of my living room.. so here it is!

Projects around the house

2009-12-30T17:09:00.004-05:00

I definitely had some fun this holiday with homemade gifts. I made white chocolate covered spoons with crushed peppermint on top. The snowflakes you see in there are edible - they are from where I work. They are vanilla and blueberry flavored. My family and friends loved these for gifts! It's perfect for melting in your hot cocoa.

I also made seasonal greeting cards as gifts too. I drew birds of the season, non Holiday specific so that they could be used year round basically. I put 2 of each design in a pack and wrapped it with ribbon.

This night stand used to be my grandmas. It was kelly green - as you can see in the 'before' photo. So I got a hold of some Design*Sponge inspiration and went hog wild with it! Love the look of this way better!

This bulletin board used to have yellow and blue stars and moons painted all over it, with a blue trim. Back in the day when I lived at home and stars and moons were the theme of my room, it was cool! But it was time for a change. So I painted it black and made those parenthesis signs with green paint. Simple. You can still see some of the stars and moons through the paint, but I think that adds character to it.

With the holiday season, I needed a way to hang my Christmas cards up. Nothing that a few thumbtacks and a piece of satin ribbon can't fix! I just tacked it up and used little clothespins to hang the cards. Since it's now after Christmas, I've taken the cards down and put up photos of my friends and Todd and me. One day I'll move it though - whenever I get curtains :)

An Alternate Life

2009-12-29T13:14:00.007-05:00

Do you ever think about what you would do if you had a 'do-over'? A second chance or just a different point of view for a while?

I do.

Trust me, I would never NOT want to be an artist - I love it. But I often think about what other things I could have done, have I been given a 'do-over'.

For example, I would love to be a writer. Or an Egyptologist. I think I would find great joy doing those things. I get to carry out my would-be dream of being a writer through this blog, which, hey - It's better than nothing!

Take some time and slow down to think about what you would do with your life if you were given another chance. Hell, then maybe you can act on it too!

But onto reality... :)

Lots of artwork to post! The thing about doing portraits for Christmas presents, is that I can't put them up until after Christmas, just in case someone stumbles across this blog and sees a portrait of themselves. So here are a few I've done.. ENJOY!

This is Jasper, my newest nephew.

A friend of mines mother.

My good friend Stephanies' boyfriend and his family.

And a very loyal customer; Jaimee's parents float. This, like last year's was turned into their Christmas cards.

I still have 2 more to finish up and post on here. So stay tuned!

Faster Kill Pussycat

2009-12-23T14:12:00.004-05:00

Merry Christmas all! I'm sure all of you have heard about the untimely death of Hollywood's Sweetheart, Brittany Murphy. As I was reading an article about her, I came across a video of her, singing in a Paul Oakenfold song. I had no idea she was a singer and wow - can she sing. So this week's Song of the Week, is Faster Kill Pussycat by Paul Oakenfold, featuring Brittany Murphy.

RIP Brittany Murphy
Hollywood's Sweetheart and Ray of Sunshine
1977-2009

We'll miss you.

Restaurant of the Month

2009-12-10T15:36:00.005-05:00

I've decided to start another new little section on my blog called Restaurant of the Month. In an effort to help local businesses and friends alike, I figured it's the least I can do.

This months' restaurant of the month is Vitor's Bistro on Harrison Avenue, in Cincinnati, Ohio. The chef's name is Vitor and he's so very pleasant to be around. Always coming out of the kitchen to check on his customers, he makes sure that everything is top notch. His food is nothing less. I've eaten there a few times, and every time I've been exceptionally satisfied. His lasagna is my favorite dish - he mixes in sausage, pork, beef and deep fries the pasta. Just recently I experienced his famous French Toast and I have to say it was absolutely delectable. The breakfast eggrolls are also fantastic.

His restaurant is a quaint little place, with a few rooms and an outdoor terrace. It's got an Italian cafe feel to it and you immediately feel welcome when you walk in. The staff is pleasant and the general crowd of people that come there are very amiable.

I highly recommend dining there for either breakfast or dinner soon. I know with the holiday season, Vitor has some specials running. Check out his website for more details. And stop in for some good fulfilling food!

www.vitorsbistro.net
Also check them out on Facebook and become a fan!

Vitor's Bistro
3232 Harrison Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45211

1-866-455-1020

Hours:

Wed - Sun:
8:30 am - 2:30 pm
5:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Enjoy!

The Last Supper.. Yes, God has a sense of humor :)

2009-12-01T11:07:00.004-05:00

Oh my goodness.... it's done!!! This was a commission piece for a friend of mine, Dave, who in this picture portrays 'Jesus' lol! His 'disciples' are 11 of his closest and best friends. This is done on 11 x 17 cardstock and took me over 20 hours to do. Their faces are about as big as my thumbnails, so you can imagine... hard to get much detail! But I did my best, and I'm happy to share it with you!

Also, there's a new song of the week.. we're changing it up completely.. from the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, we're going to Ester Dean's Drop it Low. It's got a good beat and makes me want to dance! Check it out and enjoy!

Keep Calm.. a piece of advice from a zombie

2009-11-20T13:21:00.005-05:00

Here's just a little something I drew... I got bored one day and decided to draw a zombie :)

I can't take credit for the original zombie concept, that's someone else's. But, it's good practice for some of my own original zombie drawings in the future! Personally I like the saying behind it too. A think we could all remember that most days.

Also, I think I want to start putting my favorite song of the week on here... I may try it out for a while. Look for it on the side panel. I love music so much, that I would love to share with you some oldies, some new stuff, some classics.. honestly... whatever song I have on repeat in my iTunes that week! Enjoy!!

Little Kevin

2009-11-18T09:23:00.004-05:00

Hi all... I forgot to post the finished product from a portrait! Here's little Kevin; the subject of one of my earlier posts..

Here he is!

A helping hand (and some new art too)

2009-11-09T12:56:00.004-05:00

Hello all! It's been a while.. but I'm back.

In the midst of all my freelance work I'm doing, I like to break off and do something different. Yesterday, I was frustrated with a portrait. So instead of hauling the entire thing to my parents house to work on, I brought something else to work on. And in a total of 1.5 hours, this is what I completed:

This is Mary Kay Ash herself. She is, obviously the founder of Mary Kay cosmetics. Unfortunately, she passed on Thanksgiving day in 2001.

It's amazing what I can accomplish sometimes when I'm not doing the work I'm supposed to be doing!

Here is another drawing that I completed a while ago. This is Rich Franklin, the UFC fighter. Todd trains with him every now and then and we often see him when we go out for sushi. He's a great guy - very down to earth. This drawing is for Todd!

Rich is drawn on an 11 x 17 piece of bristol board and Mary Kay is drawn on an 9 x 12 piece of bristol board.

Also, look for me in the December/January issue of Cincy Magazine as their featured local artist. My drawing of John Wayne will be in there! To get a free subscription, go to www.cincymagazine.com or look for it on newstands.

Hope for a Cure

2009-10-16T21:32:00.004-04:00

I designed this today at work: I was pretty proud of it so I thought I'd share it with you! Enjoy!

Holding a Heart in your Hands

2009-10-13T13:49:00.006-04:00

All my life I've known how to draw. I've been blessed by God with this talent. As I got older, I realized how valuable my talent was, but I must admit I unwillingly took it for granted. I've never known anything different; never known what's it's like to not be able to draw. I've been continuing my freelance business for quite a few years now, and I've done so many portraits for people. I knew they meant a lot to the people I was drawing them for, but I just let it roll off my back; cross another project off my list as I got it done.

It wasn't until today, years after I've been drawing portraits for people and many years since I discovered my talent that I've been truly touched by one of my new customers. Her name is Cassie. I met her about 6 months ago at one of my art shows, and she expressed her interest in getting a portrait drawn for her husband. Well, it was one of those things that fell through the cracks for a few months, and it recently resurfaced. She gave me the picture to draw, and with it, included a letter. I have permission from her to include it in my blog today, because I felt I had to share it with you. It brought me close to tears, and as I was reading it, I then realized how much my drawings mean to people. It isn't just something I cross off a list, it's something that makes a difference in their life and I'm so happy to contribute to that.

Here is a picture of sweet Kevin. I'm so humbled by the opportunity to do this project - I cannot wait to start it.

Of course, I'll post it on here when I'm done. Thank you Cassie for allowing me to be a part of something so meaningful in you and your husband's life.

The new apartment

2009-10-11T19:21:00.006-04:00

Like I mentioned before, I've moved again! I still have quite a few projects that I need to accomplish. (Thanks Design Sponge for the inspiration!) But I'll show you what I've done so far!

I was inspired by Amy (who writes for Pikaland) who wrote a entry for Decor8 by her use of the Expedit shelving units from IKEA. So I went hog wild and bought 2 of them! Here is how I used them:

My dresser - with the drawers for my socks and 'unmentionables' lol.

My counter space in my kitchen. My kitchen has NO counter space and is literally the hallway that connects my living room to my bedroom. I also went from 25 kitchen cabinets in my old place to 7 cabinets in this new place, so I have put my dishes and cups in here as well. In the drawers, I put my tupperware, dish towels, and other kitchen utensils.

Here's my bedroom..not finished yet - my brand new bedspread is currently bagged up and awaiting a trip to the laundromat because unfortunately it got infested with fleas! So this is my old one, but my new one matches the brown and pink pillow shams that you see now.. And I still need to get curtains and put more stuff on the walls.

Here's my kitchen.. NO counter space as I said.

That's all for now! I'll post more as I get it done!

My DIY Project

2009-10-11T18:50:00.004-04:00

I have a shelving unit my bathroom that goes over the toilet. It's pretty handy, but the shelves have rungs and alas, many things fall right through them. So, I've been trying to find something out in the stores that I could use to put on the shelves as a solid surface. I've found nothing.. so while cleaning my apartment, I found a big piece of cardboard. I almost trashed it, and then I realized that I had some fabric lying around.. and then lightbulb blinked on! I measured the shelves, cut them out, covered them with some cheap blue satin I had. Here's the process and the before and after in pictures..

The Supplies

Easy...

The Before

After

Beautiful solid shelves!

Struggling

2009-10-05T11:39:00.004-04:00

Life has been hard this last month. I always say, "We all have the same 24 hours in a day, it's all in how you use it." Mainly because I'm always so busy that I never take the whole 'I don't have time' excuse. Well, it looks like the preacher has learned her lesson. I've hit my yearly quota for breakdowns and meltdowns in the last month alone. I just want to go ahead and say thanks to my wonderful, amazing, sexy support system, Todd. Yes baby, I know I'm a handful - lucky you, you get me for a long while! My parents have also been awesome in helping me sort my heavy load out. I've made a few decisions in my life in the last day, there are going to be major changes.

I haven't picked up a paintbrush in 2 months. Let me repeat myself. 2 MONTHS. That's just absolutely ridiculous. This week, I'm busting out and starting, and finishing my freelance projects, and then back to my easel. I've got to finish the Beatles and work on some new endeavors. I've been in touch with Jeff Ruby's office, so wish me luck - maybe something will come from this!

I put a streak of purple in my hair... see??

Ok, so not that noticeable, but I notice it! Something different! Anyway, I'll be putting more work up as I get it done - oh and pictures of my new apartment.. yes; I moved... AGAIN. I'm so done with moving. This time, I'm not painting the walls in there. I hate repainting them when I have to move out. My word, that's annoying.

Somebody's Baby

2009-09-17T10:57:00.003-04:00

As you know, I'm a huge fan of Pat Benatar. When I was at her concert this year, she sang this song called Somebody's Baby. Wow. She gave a little history about how the song came to fruition.

I've included the link so you can watch the video - and listen to the lyrics. For the video, they went out onto the streets of some city.. and I wish I knew which one; and filmed real life people; homeless people, struggling people, sick people and compiled them into this video. Before she started singing this song at the concert, she says how this song is supposed to make you look at each other in a different light. I wish I knew how much I loved this song before she performed it so I could have recorded her talking about it. When I find the history on it, I'll post it. But, go ahead and watch the video.

This one actually gets me all choked up because ever since I was a kid, I've had such a hard time seeing homeless people on the streets, and how cold some people are to them. I used to never be able to go downtown as a child because of them. Now I just try and deal with it when I'm there.

Vine-L Friday Art Show

2009-08-29T21:16:00.005-04:00

I was blessed this past weekend with the opportunity to show my work at an event in Over the Rhine called Vine-L Friday. It was so cool; something different from Final Fridays at the Pendleton. I had a bunch of people come down and support me. Thank you to those of you who made it out! I shared an awesome, historic room with a great artist named Nick Perrino.

The room we were in was the bottom floor of newly renovated lofts on the corner of 13th and Vine. They are called the Lackman Lofts. Apparently, the space we were in was an original speakeasy back in the day. All the tiles and bricks were original - it would have been a beautiful art studio!

Here's a few pictures from the show!

Just Imagine....

2009-08-29T19:45:00.006-04:00

Woo! It's done.. :) This painting is for a friend of mine - he's gonna be soo happy to finally have it. This is John Lennon's cover of his Imagine album. So for your viewing pleasure...

I also wanted to add a few other photos from that previous painting I had to get done for the local movie...

The director of the movie loved it by the way.. and I was all worried that it just didn't look like them enough... turns out, they weren't really supposed to look like them! Copyright laws or something I guess :) Anyway, off to finish some more paintings!

Painting for the local movie

2009-08-20T15:31:00.005-04:00

Well, ladies and gentlemen.. here it is. The painting I completed for the local movie being filmed in the Cincinnati area. It's 3 x 4 foot large and I used acrylic paints instead of oils. I do not think it is my absolute best work, but c'est la vie. We can't be perfect everyday. :) So think what you will, and now onto other things!

For more info on the movie, check out:

www.hittingthenuts.com

Goin old school!

2009-08-17T16:27:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to share with you my awesome new shoes!!!!

SHA-BAM!!!

I wore these to the Blondie/Pat Benatar concert.. it rocked. And so did my shoes. :)

Ohhhh the Economy. tear

2009-08-14T18:44:00.005-04:00

So, another lovely day in corporate America. The entire work force at my day job, including myself, got a 10% paycut today. That totally sucks. The suckiest thing of all is that I probably won't be able to afford my rent payment anymore - sooo it looks like I may be moving.

Awesome.

Just peachy.

It's a good thing I've been stepping up my Mary Kay business. Soon I'll be a director and I won't have to worry about making sure there's enough money in my bank account for food.

Onto other brighter things.

I've been working on a few new pieces and it's definitely been super hard for me to finish some paintings I've started. For those out there who are waiting for things from me.. please be patient! Things will soon be done! For example, I am SO close to having this painting done for a friend of mine.

It's getting there! It's the John Lennon Imagine cover.

Although, something has taken priority over this project. I have been asked to paint a portrait for a movie that's being filmed locally. Annnnnnd it's due this coming Tuesday, the 18th. So I've got a pretty good start on it and I'm feeling good about it. It's 3 x 4 foot big!! As soon as I get it done, I'll post it.

If you would like to learn a little about the movie that is being filmed here, here is the website:

www.HittingTheNuts.com

It's sure to be a great movie!!

And I can't remember if I have mentioned anything on here yet about this, but regardless, here it is:

My artwork, namely the 24x36's of Audrey, Marilyn, Cary and Grace, and last but not least the little Lucy are hanging down at Keystone Bar and Grill in the back room. It's an awesome place for them since people eat in there and they are getting constant exposure.

And for a short time at the end of this month, they will be going to the VINE-L Friday Gallery Walk. I don't know much about this event, but I do know it's for a good cause and you should definitely come down and check it out!

August 28th, 6-10pm
The gallery walk is on Vine Street between Central Pkwy and 13th in the gateway quarter.

If you're interested and want more information, email me at robin@rewers.org and I can get information for you.

That's all for now... onto painting before the Bengal's preseason game!!!

A few fun things from Hotlanta

2009-07-15T15:59:00.004-04:00

So while in Atlanta for my business trip, we stayed at the Georgian Terrace hotel. It was so beautiful; here's a blurb from their website:

"To be great, a city must have a great hotel, a grand hotel. When Atlanta was coming into its own in the early 20th century that hotel was The Georgian Terrace Hotel. With its floor-to-ceiling windows, crystal chandeliers and white marble columns, The Georgian Terrace had an elegance Atlanta hadn’t known before. When the hotel opened its doors in glamorous Midtown nearly a century ago, it opened them to some very notable guests, including President Calvin Coolidge, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Tallulah Bankhead. In 1939, The Georgian Terrace hosted the premiere gala of Gone with The Wind. Every decade brought more notoriety to the hotel. In the 1970s, concert promoter Alex Cooley turned our Grand Ballroom into the famed Electric Ballroom, hosting concerts by musicians such as Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Fleetwood Mac, and Patti Smith.

As Atlanta modernized its skyline many of its older buildings disappeared, but not The Georgian Terrace Hotel. As did the nearby Fox Theatre, this beautiful historic hotel had dedicated fans, and in 1986, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places."

Right across the street was the Atlanta Fox Theatre, and I just about freaked out when I saw a movie advertisement scroll across the marquee:

I would have LOVED to see Breakfast at Tiffany's in an actual movie house!! But unfortunately, I won't be in Atlanta on the 23rd.. maybe another time..

And then while I was relaxing before dinner one night, I got bored and took a picture of myself, reading Enchantment:The Life of Audrey Hepburn in my room.

Just getting a little artsey :)

Whew! It's been a while!

2009-07-14T10:24:00.003-04:00

So I haven't written in a while!! Busy busy busy... So, I've been working on a few new pieces of art, but the one thing I'm so excited to share with you - is my newest addition to my skin :) I think you may know.. my eighth tattoo!! It's a Robin bird with some swirls. The dogwood flowers are for the dogwood tree that was in my front yard growing up. Every picture that was taken, for first communions to high school dances to weddings, was in front of that tree. It reminds me of my childhood in the neighborhood that I grew up in and I thought it was perfect! It's not quite done yet - I'm going to have more blue color in the background, like how it is behind the fish. But I decided that 2.5 hours of pain was enough for one day!!

I love it! Let me know what you guys think! I'll be writing more frequently as I get more art done!

2 down, 2 to go!

2009-06-23T22:22:00.008-04:00

Here is George Harrison, my 2nd Beatles painting completed!

I had to make a thank you card for an AWESOME, kind post office worker in New Jersey who forwarded and paid for the express shipping on my 311 concert tickets this year - in the card, I included a check for the money he spent on shipping and a picture of Erin and I in VIP! I'm going to send him a gift card I think too. Anybody have any suggestions for gift cards of places in New Jersey?

And here's what I think my new logo is for the back of my greeting cards! I like it! It's so fitting for name like mine ;)

Purple Haze...

2009-06-03T09:15:00.004-04:00

Ok, go me is all I have to say... I started AND finished this painting in one night... in 3 hours.

I think it's 16 X 20... but I might be wrong.... anyway, enjoy!

Remember.... us artists ALWAYS love feedback of some sorts :)

All you need is love

2009-05-31T20:58:00.008-04:00

Another painting done! Paul McCartney is finished! This is an 11 x 14 oil painting. The other Beatles will be done the same way. I thought it'd be cool to do black backgrounds on these guys. Let me know what you think!

I also wanted to include this card I made for Todd. He was injured while training the other week and I decided to make this for him.

God Bless America

2009-05-27T10:12:00.006-04:00

I know it's a few days late, but I decided to FINALLY finish this drawing of Wonder Woman, in light of Memorial Day.

God Bless America!

Finally, Miss Bettie.. full body!

2009-05-25T01:18:00.007-04:00

So.. I love the fact that I'm off tomorrow.. I got to stay up late and draw all night. I started, and finished, in less than 3 hours, Miss Bettie Page.

I thought I'd share this too: The other day, I got bored with my, of course, white walls in my apartment. I took some 12 x 12 scrapbook paper and some double sticky tape and spruced my laundry room doors up... observe:

I used tones of pink, blue, orange and green. One for each panel, but out of the 5 sheets on each panel, I decided to mix things up and have one sheet of tonal patterned paper; each randomly placed. Click the picture to enlarge and see detail!

Anyway, I hope this inspires some of my readers to get creative with some cheap art supplies and spruce up their own white walls!

Hello Lover!

2009-05-21T15:42:00.006-04:00

O.M.G. I almost cried when I saw these... tears of utter joy and anger that I couldn't afford them!!!

The master whom I love.......

I am back in my familiar city of Cincinnati after 4 days in New York! I loved it up there! I can totally see myself living there at some point of my life. Hopefully as a successful artist :)

I was in New York for a work trip with my day job, and we worked hard during the days, but when the nighttime came, we made sure we would take advantage of what the city had to offer. Of course, our first night there, we had sushi and edamame. We had tons of yummy food at some really good restaurants. The nightlife was fun… here are some things we did and some pictures!

Our hotel room....

And here's the chair I totally wanted to steal....

Our first day there, we were walking to the subway or somewhere and we saw Kristen Daivs! She was hailing a cab and for those of you who don't know.. I'm a huge Sex in the City fan! I am not the kind of person who is going to act like an ape and go crazy when seeing a celebrity.. they get enough people like that on a daily basis. So I quietly snapped a picture of her with my phone as she walked away from us.

I'm guessing that's her hunky hubby with her... overall I think this is an absolute adorable picture of them!
Here Kristen is from the front... I included this for your viewing :)

We stopped at the Plaza Hotel.. where part of Bride Wars was filmed! It was sooooo gorgeous!

Inside...
We saw Little Ashes, a film about Salvador Dali and his early life and how he struggles to find who is really is and his sexuality. Verrrrry interesting... and who plays Salvador?? The beautiful Robert Pattison from Twilight!

Our last night there, we saw the New York City Ballet. Omg. SO beautiful!!! They were showing the production of Romeo and Juliet. That was the first time I ever saw Romeo and Juliet.. other than the movie with Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes lol. It was so amazing and it made me realize how much I miss dancing like that. Here's the American Ballet Theatre stage.

And here are the leading roles.. Romeo and Juliet.

This picture is of the lobby in the American Ballet Theatre.. where the scene from Center Stage was filmed when Maureen told her mother she didn't love dancing anymore and quit!

Goodbye New York!!!!

Cincinnati... in pencil!

2009-05-13T13:18:00.006-04:00

I've finished another portrait! A friend of mine at work commissioned me to do this for her husband.. I won't lie.. it was A LOT of work!!! Wow, the detail I had to draw was insane!

Click on the image to see it larger with detail.

I'm glad this one is off my plate, I feel a very big sense of accomplishment with this piece.

My birthday was Tuesday, and I celebrated it with my hunny, Todd. He took me to Montgomery Inn and we had slabs of ribs, saratoga chips and Graeter's Black Raspberry Chip ice cream. Amazing! And on top of that, he gave me a diamond tennis bracelet and a diamond sweetheart ring, for my right hand :) They're beautiful and I can't believe I got so lucky finding a man like him. He's wonderful.

Todd's parents actually gave me a few gifts and in return, I made them a homemade thank you card. When I conjured it up, I just thought it would be a one time thing.. but I really like the way it turned out and I think I'm going to do a line of them for my greeting card obsession.

Here it is:

The inside says ' thank you!'

I just love the simplicity of the whole thing. I have a few more at home I'll have to get up on here.

I've got new ideas for my paintings... I can't wait to get started! I'm doing a
Rock n Roll series.. the Beatles, Jim Morrison, Bob Marley, Debbie Harry. I'm going to try and get started this Thursday.

You're invited...

2009-04-24T10:23:00.005-04:00

I did these invites for a friend of mine quite a while ago, but I found them on my computer and thought I would share! Enjoy!

Click on the image to see a larger view of it!

AND! Final Friday is tonight... come down and see me,,, room 808 on the 8th floor! 6-10 pm @ the Pendleton Art Center - 1310 Pendleton Street!

See you there!

Playing catch up!

2009-04-23T16:25:00.005-04:00

Wow! I have a few things to fill you in on!

First... my sweet kitty of 17 years had cancer. She had a tumor on her leg for a while, and I thought it was nothing. So, it started bleeding, and then I though... "Hmmm... maaaaybe I should take her to the vet!" So I did, and alas, it was cancer. Sarcoma, to be exact. But I decided to put her into surgery to have it removed, and she's all better! She's back to her normal self! Except her shaven leg and 10 stitches :) Those come out next week..

For your viewing pleasure.. lol

And my baby Missi fast asleep....

Next, I enrolled in hip hop dance classes... I think I start Monday... I'm so excited!

And I also signed my 2nd team member in Mary Kay! One more away from Red Jacket! I'm sooooo excited I can hardly stand it. Her name is Melanie and we went to high school together - we also danced on the Dance Team together. She's going to be sooo great! I'm so excited for her!

So I decided it's time to redesign the website. I'm ready for a new look and I've been researching other websites and brainstorming ideas to incorporate into my website. I want kind of a sketchy, hand drawn look and feel to it... soo, as I was sitting in the doctors office lobby today, I drew up some words that'll be used for my links and such.. here's a preview:
So that's what I have so far... I'll keep you posted!!

Sprucing up the asylum-esque white walls

2009-04-13T15:31:00.006-04:00

Happy Easter everyone! So I'm a day late, I know.. but oh well. Anyway, I was able to enjoy my Good Friday in the comfort of my own home. It rained, yes, but there's nothing more enjoyable than staying home on a rainy day with the windows open, laying in the arms of your baby, relaxing and listening to the rain. It was so nice.

After Todd left, I was determined to do my taxes. So what did I do? I painted a wall instead. Typical Robin behavior.

So, here's why my taxes are not done yet:

It turned out really good. And I got my inspiration from here.. in case you're interested in sprucing up your own white walls!

Still working on other freelance.. so stay posted.. it'll be up here eventually.

We Salute You!

2009-04-08T14:54:00.006-04:00

Here is the latest commission piece I've done. It's a friend of mine's Grandpa when he was in the military. It was a gift to his Grandma and she, and the rest of the family, loved it!

Bettie Page

2009-03-24T12:57:00.004-04:00

Well another one is done.. the beautiful Bettie Page.

In progress:
Finished:

It started out as a 12x 18 but as I was drawing her back, it just looked out of proportion and just too small so I cut it in half! Todd said that was a bad move on my part, but oh well.. I'm drawing the same picture again but better!

Finally, an African American princess...

2009-03-20T16:14:00.004-04:00

So Disney has stolen my idea... they finally have drawn up an African American princess. Ok, so maybe they really didn't steal my idea.. but I did think of that years ago and I have the rough sketches to prove it. All 'who had the idea first' banter aside, it's about time they drew her up. Her name is Princess Tiana and of course, the movie hasn't even come out yet and there's already controversy. Her prince, is not, I repeat, not, black. Nor is considered white either - he's 'tan'.

Ok, so I can see both sides of this. While there are so many interracial couples out there today, and it's more accepted than it ever has been, why is this a big deal? But then again, coming from the other side, why couldn't Disney just made him black? Either way, it doesn't keep me up at night, but at the same time, why didn't they just make him the same ethnicity? I don't really get it - but - I'm just glad they finally made a black princess. It's about stinkin' time.. I mean, they have almost every other prominent ethnicity already.

Here's a picture of the happy couple:

And if you want the whole article - which I recommend reading, here's the link to that:

Disney's first African American Princess

Enjoy!

The Lucy

2009-03-11T09:47:00.006-04:00

Good morning everyone! Ok wow.. lots of good things going on!

First off... I finally added my very first team member for Mary Kay! I'm sooo excited! She's an absolute joy to have.. and let me say that it was soo worth the wait. She's a gem and she's going to do amazing in this business. Her name is Jackie, and I used to coach her when I coached the Dance Team at McNick. So last night at success meeting, she got pinned and I got promoted!! And everyone in my unit knew I always struggled with recruiting, and last night, when I got recognized for it, they cheered and clapped for me SO loud.. I was soo happy!!!!!

Secondly, I got all my hair chopped off again! It's not even an inch long in the back.. but it looks sweet. It's all spiky and the front is longer and hot pink!

And last but not least.. new artwork!!!

The Lucy

My best friends mom is going to love this.. she's a HUGE Lucy fan! Let me know what you think!

Well that's all for now..

REMEMBER...

TOOTLES!!!!

Flyer for the art show!

2009-03-01T23:53:00.003-05:00

So here is the flyer for the art show at Fat Shannon's!

Spread it around if you want!!!

I give you...

2009-02-27T01:47:00.004-05:00

The Marilyn

Also.. the wrap...

Oh.. it's 2:00 am. Going to bed.

You might as well call me butter 'cause I'm on a roll!

2009-02-25T22:54:00.008-05:00

Oh I love getting things accomplished. I'm finally getting so much artwork done! I've got 2 paintings done in 2 days! Ok ok they're on the smaller side, but still - I did them, and finished them completely.. there's a novel idea.

Ok, so I really love the Audrey one.. and the Marilyn isn't my favorite, but I did it really fast and well.. I don't know.. you tell me what you think!! I want comments on these 2 paintings y'all!

I give you... drum roll please.....

The Audrey

11x14 Oil on Canvas

Marilyn Monroe

11x14 Oil on Canvas

I made the Audrey a wrap around painting.. here's that:
I'm so happy with my Audrey.. I haven't decided whether I'm going to put anything in the background; maybe a solid color like pink to compliment the lips, or just leaving it white. If you have any suggestions, let me know.

Final Friday is fast approaching!

2009-02-23T10:04:00.007-05:00

Well, I’ve been super busy with my artwork. I’ve got 3 more new pieces. Here they are:

I struggled all day yesterday with James Dean and Frank Sinatra. There’s just something not right with them. And I can’t figure it out!! I need to soon – Final Friday is this Friday and I really need them to be done before that. Especially James, since I haven’t even started on him yet and considering I paint with oil colors, it needs ample time to dry.

I was at the Pendleton yesterday helping move my artwork. We’ve moved studios – we were on the 3rd floor.. now we’re on the 8th. Let’s just pray that the elevator doesn’t break – that’s a LOT of steps!

My point is, that I was able to choose a new location in the studio for my artwork. I chose the big black cloth tri-fold boards in the middle of the room. Basically my paintings will be the first thing you see when you walk in. Since my paintings are black and white with just the pops of color, they look awesome on that black background. I’m so excited for Final Friday.

I’m also putting up my sketches that I’ve been working on.. if I can fit them there. I had to take a bunch of my paintings home. There just wasn’t any room for them and to be honest – they were really just ‘filler’ until I got enough black and white classic Hollywood stars paintings. Which I’ve got enough for now hopefully. I did leave my one favorite abstract painting there – it’s hanging in the hall now. It’s the one titled ‘Sadness’. Here it is:

Anyway, wish me luck on James and Frank. I’m going to need it!

Simply Audrey

2009-02-18T14:30:00.005-05:00

So I've been busting my butt getting all sorts of work done for my art show in March.. here's one of the pieces I've done.. there's plenty more to come!

Stay tuned for more drawings!