FIVE RINGS

Random Sketches

2012-02-06T17:03:00.000-08:00

My Dad & his cat(from my Japan visit).

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-25T03:12:00.000-08:00

Here is my last piece of the year.

"Let it snow"
9 x 14 1/2 inches

Watercolor on rives paper

Just finished this yesterday(X'mas Eve) for upcoming charity auction event, hosted by Drawing Dreams Foundation.
Event will be held in NYC on January 19th, the proceeds will go towards sending art supplies to hospitalized children.

Holiday Globe

2011-12-24T13:18:00.000-08:00

A holiday star series...

2011-12-01T21:03:00.001-08:00

I was at one of IKEA stores on the other day and found these, star-shaped paper LED illuminations.

I liked the size and the simplicity of the product, got a couple of them and ended up painting over to make these.

Star 1

Star 2

A star is about 15inches wide, battery operated(AA x 2) with LED. I don't know how you like them... but it was fun to do these more quick, flowy and improvisational drawings just like the one I did for a demo at "It's a small world" Exhibit opening.
I will hang one in my room and the other at Very Venice Gallery for this holiday season anyway.

"Kamen Rider VS Super Sentai" show opening pics

2011-11-10T13:55:00.001-08:00

10:00PM, Nov 5th @ JACCC

Paul Felix

Joey Chou

Jeff Ranjo

Sunguts(Vinyl Art Toy Maker)

August Hall

Patrick Awa

This is how the framing turned out to be. I am very happy with the subtle mechanical quality with dark spots splattered against it which looks a bit like a dried blood, totally associated with the machine-gun on the right arm of the figure.

Kamen Rider vs Super Sentai EXHIBITION will be held until Sunday, Nov 13
@ Japanese American Cultural and Community Center.
For those who could not attend the show, here is a link to the online Gallery/Store.

New painting for "Kamen Rider VS Super Sentai" show

2011-11-03T00:07:00.000-07:00

"Vengeance is Mine"

10 1/2 x 16 1/4 inches(18 x 23 5/8 inches w/frame)

Watercolor on rives paper

"Nemesis" with a sword, stomping a skull

Riderman stomping the head of evil Marshal YOROI

And here is a flyer for the event ↓

KAMEN RIDER vs SUPER SENTAI exhibition

Opening is on Sat, November 5th from 7:00pm

@ 2 locations (yes you heard me right)

Q POP
128 Astronaut E S Onizuka St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 687-7767

Japanese American Cultural and Community Center
244 S. San Pedro Street, Suite 505
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 628-2725

Riderman #3

2011-11-01T19:14:00.000-07:00

Riderman #2

2011-10-30T01:41:00.000-07:00

I made some progress. I have changed the angle to the rear view 'cause I got an idea to give him a new riders jacket with "custom paint" of Nemesis(Greek goddess of retribution) stomping on a skull on his back which echoes with his own vengeance here...

Riderman(rough sketch)

2011-10-29T00:36:00.000-07:00

This is one of rough sketches for up-coming "Kamen Rider" tribute show, scheduled in early November.
It is my favorite theme of dozen group shows I have attended this year, my geek side has to say that.
I am too excited so that not quite sure how to handle this...

"Riderman" is a strange rogue in Kamen Rider family.
He is a former scientist at an evil organization "Destron" yet betrayed by Marshal Yoroi, one of the heads in the group. His arm is destroyed and replaced by a special mechanical arm but rest of his body is intact pretty much as normal human so unlike other Kamen Riders he is a failure or half-ass cyborg and all he wants is vengeance to Marshal Yoroi.

New Decks Roll Out!

2011-10-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

I have just gotten 2 new designs for my skateboard deck line!
One is a new print of Clarence and Alabama, originally painted for "Crazy 4 Cult Show" @ Gallery 1988/Melrose this year, and the other is a skateboard version of "Guiter Wolf" which I did for Maverix Studio Art Auction Benefit in 2007.

Three words went through my mind endlessly, repeating themselves like a broken record.

"You're so cool. You're so cool. You're so cool."

"You are so cool/Clarence and Alabama"

Skateboard Deck

digital print on maple wood deck
deck size 7 3/4"

Hand embellished and varnished

This deck is exclusively available at Animal House Vintage Clothing Store in Venice right now.

"Guiter Wolf"
Skateboard Deck
digital print on maple wood deck
deck size 7 3/4"

This deck will be only available at Animal House Vintage Clothing Store and Very Venice Gallery(Gallery edition with gold embellishment).

This one could make a nice couple with my "Red Dead Riding Hood" deck which is also available at both stores!

The Breath of Embers show opening pics

2011-10-09T19:39:00.000-07:00

9:00PM, Oct 8th @Nucleus

The Celebration of Ryūjin
By Mall

Creature Comforts
By Jaime Zollars

Fantasy Feast
By Eric Velhagen

This performer was on fire, literally


Draken Flicka By Patrick Awa

This is how my dragon girl got framed. Liked the pattern on the frame which looks like scratch marks of dragon talons to me(I think its supposed to be barb wire though) .
"Breath of Embers: Art of Dragons" show is now flapping until Oct. 31 @ Gallery Nucleus.

New painting for "Dragon" show

2011-10-06T23:25:00.000-07:00

I have noticed that quite a few people visited my blog from Nucleus to check a piece for The Breath of Embers show at Gallery Nucleus(only 2 days away!), sorry for the be-delayed update.

Here is my dragon. Hope you like her.

"Draken Flicka"

15 1/2 x 8 3/8 inches (about 19 x 11 inches w/frame)

Watercolor on rives paper

Here are some WIP pics...

Just a hint of "Gold" on the iris

It's a Small World Show opening pics #2

2011-09-19T03:45:00.000-07:00

I did a quick demo along with 2 other super talented artists, Israel Sanchez and Brigette Barrager, to paint something 'It's-a-Small-World-like' sketch/drawing within 60 mins as a part of the event to cerebrate.

Doing demo right next to Joey signing on his books like crazy

It was an improvisation drawing and I really didn't plan how to finish it

Shoot, 20 minutes left...

This is how 'Gone in 60 mins' ended up, phew !

This artwork was given away to one of raffle ticket winners at the end of the event.
Thanks very much to those who came out to join, hope you enjoyed the night!
And if you missed it, the show will be held until Oct 3. Here is a link to the online art gallery.

Congratulations on the new book, Joey!

A Night with Joey Chou: It's a Small World Show opening pics #1

2011-09-19T01:32:00.000-07:00

8:30PM, Sep 17th @Nucleus

Show spread to upstairs and some part of the 1st floor

"Aloha! Bienvenue! Welcome!"
By Brittney Lee

"Children are going to their home"
Whoever did this, it's got a gorgeous frame, at least!

"Global Peace, World of Fun"
By Joey Chou

Joey signing on hundreds of books at the event

"It's a Small World Show" tonight !

2011-09-17T14:33:00.000-07:00

Opening Reception / Sep 17, 7:00PM - 10:00PM
Today!

Meet Joey Chou, the artist of the new "It's a Small World" picture book from Disney Press, who will be signing @ Gllery Nucleus tonight.

I am going to do some quick live demo along with fellow artists around 8:00~8:30PM to cerebrate and the work from the demo is going to be given away as a raffle prize. Should be fun, hope you could join us!

More pics from "It's a Small World" piece...

2011-09-15T23:28:00.000-07:00

"Children are going to their home"

23 x 10 inches (about 30 x 17 inches w/frame)

Watercolor, Acrylic Guash on rives paper

I sort of imagined this walking 'facade' as a symbol of childhood in this piece, and questioned myself that if it still abides in the same place in me or has headed to somewhere I cannot reach at anymore.
It looks like I could still see them (and hope you do too) but it made me wonder why some kids are waving their hands, though.

It's under framing process finally.

(A huge thank you to Allan Jeffries Framing for gorgeous frame in such a rush turn around to make it to!)

The show opening is on this Sat @ Gallery Nucleus.

Artist Joey Chou will be signing his latest "It's a Small World" children's book on the opening night and we will cerebrate it big time!

Show schedule reminder

2011-09-14T20:32:00.000-07:00

If you are around in LA area, there will be 2 show openings this weekend.

"The Old School Video Game Show" @ Gallery 1988

Opening is on Friday, September 16th from 7:00pm

214 Pier AvenueSanta Monica, CA 90405

"It's a Small World" exhibit and artist signing @ Gallery Nucleus

Opening is on Saturday, September 17th from 7:00pm

210 East Main St, Alhambra CA 91801

New painting for "It's a Small World" Show

2011-09-12T22:44:00.000-07:00

We will be cerebrating our talented friend, beloved and ever awesome Joey Chou's latest children book release from Disney Press @ Nucleus with "It's a Small World" exhibit!
And this is my last contribution for the series of group shows during this crazy Summer.

Here are some W.I.P. pics of my piece for the show. It is supposed to be a giant, walking facade of "It's a Small World", crossing the ocean with a bunch of children on its top.

Show opening is this Sat yet I am still trying to finish this...

New painting for "Video Game Art" Show

2011-09-10T02:51:00.000-07:00

After organic "Urban Roots", up next is 180° opposite.
"The Old School Video Game Art" group show @ Gallery 1988.
The theme is pretty much self-describing. Over 90 artists pick old school video games we all grew up with (such as "Flogger", "Donkey Kong" or "Pac Man", the list could go on and on) and capture the nostalgia of them.

Trimmed all sides to leave some rough ridges as always

Do you see what video game this painting is made after?
It's sort of hidden, here is a hint↓

Drop off dead line will be tomorrow and the piece is at the frame store now.
I don't know why it always have to be like this last minutes.
There is one more painting I am supposed to do this weekend.

"An Urban Tree" for Urban Roots Show

2011-09-05T22:47:00.000-07:00

It's done, framed and sent to Michigan already. The show will be starting from Sept. 10th. I cannot attend there in person, but hope the show will go well.

"An Urban Tree"

24 x 12 inches (about 30 x 16 inches w/frame)

Watercolor, Acrylic Guash on rives paper

I placed a long smokestack as a trunk of a tree(it's Detroit) and drain pipes running on walls to be sort of like branches of it.

Mr. Pea and Ms. Cabbage

You never know what you are going to be !!

Mrs. Broccoli(on the roof)

"Urban Roots" Group Exhibition will be held from Sept. 10th to Oct. 5th @Gallery 323 East Gallery

323 E. Fourth St. Royal Oak, MI 48067

Tel: 866-756-6538

Follow-up link to Urban Roots, click here

大きな地図で見る

Aaargh! I am so behind...

2011-08-28T16:59:00.000-07:00

Some progress was made this weekend but it is still sitting on my table.
I thought this is to be at frame store by now...

New Painting for "Urban Roots" Show #1

2011-08-23T18:24:00.000-07:00

I am supposed to work on a few new paintings this month for upcoming group shows in September yet had hardly started any of them and August is almost over now. What the hell happened? Did this month even exist?
Anyway, here comes the first sketches for "Urban Roots" show, Sept 9th @ 323 East Gallery in Michigan.

Show's theme is "Urban Farming", collaborating with a documentary film: "Urban Roots" which captures an urban environmental movement in Detroit after the end of its Motown era.

I didn't know anything about it but the concept of the movement is very inspiring and my forecast of August back then seemed pretty mellow so I was excited to be a small part of the show. I am still except the part that I am so behind the schedule now...

I kind of got an idea to create a "trunk and branches" by using urban/factory walls and drain pipes.

This is quite serious study for my standard :P

Pencil line work on Rives paper(WIP)

I am planning to put some greenish creatures sitting on the rooftops,
hoping that it could look like a big "tree" in a way from distance, when they come all together...
(To be continued)

Animal House in Venice - Venice Art Crawl on Aug 18th

2011-08-21T00:56:00.000-07:00

I am really happy and thrilled to be able to announce that this legendary vintage clothing store "Animal House" in the heart of Venice with famous beach scene is now featuring my new Skateboard Decks and art prints there for the limited time!
I have been a big fan of the store and hopping in to check their cool line-ups since late 90's so it is really strange yet honorable to see my artwork hanged up on their wall.

Legendary vintage clothing store "Animal House", just footsteps from the boardwalk

Shop Owner Ron drilling the brick wall

Ron has just invented a new method for the vertical deck wall mount...

Amongst vintage surf boards my decks and prints seem to gain prestige that they never had

All prints(signed, hand embellished and framed) and decks are for sale for the next few weeks

Really laid back atmosphere here

Local stores and artists in Venice beach are now raising series of event called "Venice Art Crawl" in every 3rd Thursday and I was so lucky to have the opportunity for this month to be featured at Animal House. But if you don't go there for art, you should swing by for their cool vintage and new clothing selections anyway!
It is really a neat store regardless, run by great people.

Big thank you to Ron, Kaitlyn and Spencer for the opportunity and creating such a cool display !!!
It's so unlike from usual gallery setup and I love it.
Hope you enjoy it too if you get a chance to be around the area;)

大きな地図で見る

Very Venice Gallery - Soft Opening on Aug 5th

2011-08-08T00:22:00.000-07:00

There is a new, a bit peculiar gallery on Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice, representing 50+ local artists' work in their interesting setting. I got an opportunity to showcase some of my prints/skateboard decks and one original piece.
They just had "soft opening" on this Friday 5th and scheduled on have grand opening on 24th.
If you are around in the area, please swing by!
Abbot Kinney is sort of fun street to hang out anyway(specially on every first Friday).

Yellow house, right next to Tasting Kitchen on Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Here is my section of wall

"Searching The Door into Summer" original painting and Sasquatch deck

A little trick I came up to mount decks on the wall. Guitar hanger!


Red Dead Riding Hood Deck, hand embellished and varnished

I think the place is called "Very Venice Gallery"(they have been working on it though), right next to "Tasting Kitchen".
1629 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA 90291

There will be quite a few more show info this month and September to come and I will update more, so stay tuned!!

Crazy 4 Cult Show Opening pics

2011-07-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

@7:30pm, long line to get in already !

Here is my piece framed↓

Patrick Awa "You Are So Cool, You Are So Cool, Your Are So Cool"

But I really admire the art hanged above and below mine...

Leontine Greenberg "Hello, Mr. Skeksis"

Allison Sommers "In The Garden Of Audrey"

Here are also ones that I am amazed with...

Cristina N. Paulos "Memory Of The Woman With The Blue Key"

Jason Liwag "Every Dog Has It's Day"

Jeremy Asher Lynch "Talking To The Trees Of The Cobweb Strange"

Are you able to name film titles that each art was inspired from? Some are straight forward(like mine), while others get creatively subtle.
It is fun to guess around as you check them at the gallery. Show is going to be held until July 30th.

--------------------------------------------------------
Here are answers for the images above :)

Patrick Awa "You Are So Cool, You Are So Cool, You Are So Cool"
inspired by "True Romance"

Leontine Greenberg "Hello, Mr. Skeksis"
inspired by "Dark Cristal"

Allison Sommers "In The Garden Of Audrey"
inspired by "Little Shop Of Horrors"

Christina N. Paulos "Memory Of The Woman With The Blue Key"
inspired by "Mulholland Drive"

Jason Liwag "Every Dog Has It's Day"
inspired by "Reservoir Dogs"

Jeremy Asher Lynch "Talking To The Trees Of The Cobweb Strange"
inspired by "Buffalo 66"

Oh yeah↓

Alex Pardee "Human Centipede"

Crazy 4 Cult Show Opening tonight

2011-07-08T17:16:00.000-07:00

@ Gallery 1988, annual "Crazy 4 Cult" show starts from tonight, July 8th!
If you happen to be around the area, there will be 100 cool pieces to check out, inspired from cult movies from all era. It is going to be one of the largest show that 1988 presents every year.

7020 Melrose Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90038

Located at the SouthEast corner of Melrose and La Brea

大きな地図で見る

Crazy 4 Cult Show @ 1988

2011-07-02T02:36:00.000-07:00

Shoot, it's been already another month flying away since my last post, how could it be possible?

I have just finished this little watercolor illustration for up-coming "Crazy 4 Cult Show" @ Gallery 1988/Melrose, while being crazy trying to catch up some deadlines at work, especially after my recent update of i Calender had blown all of my existing schedule(Aaargh!).
It's a group show where every artist are supposed to pick their favorite "cult" movies and contribute unique art inspired by the films.

"You are so cool, You are so cool, You are so cool"

13.5 X 10 inches (15 X 11.5 inches /w frame)

Watercolor, Acrylic Guash

It's a fun theme, I just wish I could have handled this better. I have been trying to seek something different in my painting style at these opportunities of group shows @ Gallery 1988, but not quite succeeding yet... Maybe time to try different medium?

I had to finish this yesterday in order to frame it and have just dropped off @ gallery this afternoon.
(Big thanks to Allan Jeffries Framing for awesome framing work as always)

Can you name the film this Illustration was inspired by ?

Izozzi to roll out new iPhone 4 cases for Artists Help Japan!!

2011-06-01T12:34:00.000-07:00

Artists Help Japan and iPhone case design house Izozzi have just released the one and only original iPhone cases. Check them out!
(All proceeds will be donated to Artists Help Japan fund)

Artists Help Japan by
Dice Tsutsumi

Anonymous Hug by
Patrick Awa

I have drawn embellished letters(↓) that could be read as "Artists Help Japan" and embedded on the bottom of the image to customize design for this product from the original "Anonymous Hug" painting.

A big thank you to Dice for giving me this opportunity!
The iPhone case above with his painting looks awesome.

Portland-terra's Black Marker @Compound Gallery#2

2011-06-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

According to Katsu-san, owner of Compound Gallery, Terada-san didn't apply pre-drawing in any fashion on these marker series. He just sit in front of the white B1-size panels(completely blank) to imaginary draft the vision in his brain.
When its caked solid(well, for him at least), he simply picked up a black marker and scratched out all the way from zero-to-finish with no correction.

Portland-terra's Black Marker @Compound Gallery#1

2011-05-26T00:39:00.000-07:00

Compound Gallery

Portland

2011-05-24T12:16:00.000-07:00

Sorry for being super lazy blogger of late, I have been pretty busy to catchup a series of deadlines.

Meanwhile, I swung by Portland only for a day(technically less than 20 hours) to visit Terada-san's "Black Marker" show at Compound gallery just on the day before the closing on May 1st.

Never been to Portland before, but even this hectic stay has turned me into a big fan of the city!

(....to be continued to the next post)

Thank you!

2011-05-23T18:28:00.000-07:00

Thank you !!!

I would like to thank you all who have ordered the limited prints of "Anonymous Hug" through 1XRUN for being patient for several weeks to finally get yours in hands.
I believe most of you(except some who placed orders from foreign countries) have received your prints by now with certificate of authenticity.

Thank you very much again for your support!
There might be a new, related item coming up, so please check in my humble blog once in a while for some updates.

First idea sketch for "Anonymous Hug" back in March 14th, 2011

Some updates/follow-ups for possible ways to help...

2011-04-22T17:45:00.000-07:00

ART FOR JAPAN @ Gallery Nucleus this Sat!

Gallery Nucleus in LA is doing their part this coming Saturday with "ART FOR JAPAN" supporting Artists Help Japan/Give2Asia's effort! Nucleus has invited artists to design exclusive buttons. For each $10 that you donate, you can select the button of your choice to wear in support. They are also presenting an online art auction featuring works generously donated by artists around the globe.

Join us for a fundraiser event this Saturday, April 23.

ART for Charity: Cherry Blossom Festivals carried over(on-going)

A group of Japanese artists who work in creative industry in the Bay Area such as Pixar, DreamWorks, Lucas Film and Namco set their booth at Cerry Blossom Festival in San Francisco on 4/16 & 4/17, selling some rare products such as signed books and original t-shirts.

They still have some cool items, please check their on-line gallery here. Hope you can find something that interests you!

The entire proceeds will go to Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund.

Artists Help Japan Toronto :Rasing $20,000!

On April 17th 2011, Alvin Lee, Chris Butcher of Beguiling, Udon Entertainment, Imaginism Studios and Revival bar held a great art party/auction where there were DJs, music, famous artists, live sketching and an auction to help raise $20,000 for the Tsunami victims of Japan (through Canadian Red Cross).

Congratulations to Bobby Chiu, Kei Acedera, Peter Chang and Imaginium Studios for the great success!

Wish I could attend in person, but am grateful for a chance to be a small part of it by donating a piece.

"Anonymous Hug" Print status update

2011-04-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank you all who placed the order of this "Anonymous Hug" limited edition charity print run @1xRUN to support the Earthquake/Tsunami relief for Japan.
The all proceeds have been donated to Artists Help Japan/Give2Asia fund already!

Meanwhile, It has been a few weeks and I am aware that some of you might have started wondering when exactly your print can be delivered.
All prints are already made in very good quality by 1xRUN, I am now trying my best on signing and adding a bit of "Gold embellish" by hand on every single one of them to express my appreciation. So please allow me to have a little bit of time, I will send all prints back to 1xRUN soon as I finish this process then your print should be ready for each dispatch before long.
I am sorry for the inconvenience and hope you understand the situation. It's moving forward!

Touching up with gold ink by hand for each one of them...

"Shape of The Heart"

2011-04-15T00:15:00.000-07:00

I have finished and just sent this piece, titled "Shape of The Heart", to Toronto for up-coming charity auction "Artists help JAPAN:TORONTO 2011". Big thanks to Bobby Chiu and Peter Chan for this opportunity.

"Shape of The Heart"

15 x 10 inches, (about 23 x 18 inches w/frame)
Watercolor and gold ink on rives paper

It's hard to capture the effect of gold link on the scanned image but it nicely shimmers without going too shiny.

This piece is a bit smaller than "Anonymous Hug" which I did for "ONE/ひとつ" auction on April 2nd(thanks very much all again for participating), but sharing the same theme and elements so this is sort of a little sister painting.

If you are interested in yet not able to attend there in person(me neither unfortunately), you can participate by bidding on line here!

New painting W.I.P. -coloring#2

2011-04-14T19:38:00.000-07:00

Gold ink on the back ground

I am using gold ink on the back ground. I did this a few years ago on my "Drumthunder Girl" and really liked the effect, wanted to try out again on "Anonymous Hug" but was not able to since I had to think of print run with that piece.

New painting W.I.P. -coloring#1

2011-04-14T11:38:00.000-07:00

New painting W.I.P.-pencil

2011-04-11T19:35:00.000-07:00

I am working on another piece now. This is going to be sort of a sister piece of "Anonymous Hug" but a little bit smaller since I am trying to make it to "Artists Help Japan: Tronto" Auction to be held this weekend. I still have to paint and frame it then send it there before the event(my fingers are crossed when not holding brushes).

"terra's BLACK MARKER" starts TODAY...

2011-04-07T02:27:00.000-07:00

Terada-san's solo show titled "terra's BLACK MARKER" will be held at Compound Gallery in Portland from April 7th to May 1st. If you are around, you should totally go!

Many of his hand drawn originals including 6 new, giant "B1" size(about 28.66 x 40.55 inches) art drawn with just a black marker will be shown. He is so beyond great yet never seem to get satisfied or stop challenging himself to the next giant step. Every time he releases new work, there is always something you'd never seen before. He has been my idol artist of All-time since I ever started working in the entertainment design industry.

Aaargh, I want to go so bad...

"ONE/ひとつ"-Great success!

2011-04-05T17:56:00.000-07:00

"One/ひとつ"
(Maverix Studios Art Auction Benefit for Japan Relief) was a HUGE success.

All of 50 pieces were sold !
Thank you all who participated(both in person and remotely) in the show!

Super Frog Gallery in New People Bldg

Sho Murase, I got outbid on this.

Mighty Dice Tsutsumi

Soosa Kim

Yoriko Ito's very strong piece. It got brought into the live auction.

Hmm...nice frame at least.

Dice bidding on Joey Chou's lovely piece.

"The Auctioneers", Mike & Derek introducing Robert Valley's piece into the auction arena.

Bidders checking others reactions.

Hundreds of people came!

All together as ONE , we raised $30,605 on the single night. Considering we only had a few weeks to prepare, it is an amazing success!!

I personally would also like to thank Sei Nakashima, Todd Uyeminami, Joy Chou, Robert Valley, Eric Orchard, Cam De Leon who tried to squeeze out their precious time to make art donations upon the request for the cause in such a short time:)

And of course, to amazing Maverix gangs who has been holding many fundraisers so far, yet this is personally really special to be a small part of it.

"ONE/ひとつ" Show this weekend!!

2011-03-31T15:35:00.000-07:00

Let me remind all of you again for this great charity art auction event in San Fransisco, April 2nd.
Check out the 50+ amazing pieces here!

Maverix Art Auction Benefit for Japan Relief

@Superfrog Gallery

Together we can become "ONE" to make a difference

April 2 · 7:00pm - 10:00pm

1746 Post St,
San Francisco, CA 94115

"Anonymous Hug" Button @Nucleus On-Line store

2011-03-30T19:49:00.000-07:00

Gallery Nucleus is about to set a new charity called "ART FOR JAPAN Button" where multiple artists put their art onto "button"(1.5 inches in diameter) budges and sell at their on-line store here. There will be more designs to be added. A charity event/exhibition to be held on April 23rd.
All proceeds will go to Give2Asia / Artists Help Japan.

Buying a button for $10 might sound a bit expensive, but if you are ever considering making $10 straight donation at somewhere to help Japan anyway, it's not too bad to get a little bonus here for your compassion !

ONE, ひとつ

2011-03-25T11:19:00.000-07:00

Here is the official announcement of another charity art auction that Dice and Maverix are going to hold on April 2. Check out this GREAT artist line-up below, phew!
My original watercolor painting of "Anonymous Hug" will be auctioned there as well.

Maverix Art Auction Benefit for Japan Relief

@Superfrog Gallery

Together we can become "ONE" to make a difference

April 2 · 7:00pm - 10:00pm

1746 Post St,
San Francisco, CA 94115

Gallery Doors open at noon
...Party + bidding war starts 7 pm
Silent Auction Bidding ends at 930 pm

Join us for the upcoming silent auction party, for the rare chance to
bring home original art from celebrated artists in the animation & film industry
(Pixar, LucasFilms, Dreamworks, Nickelodeon to name a few )
including:

Dice Tsusumi, Robert Valley,
Ronnie Del Carmen, Enrico Casarosa,
Scott Morse, Bill Presing,Steve Purcell,
Lou Romano,Cam De Leon, Tooru Terada,
Daniel Simon, John Wayshak,Dan Mchale,
Patrick Awa, Joey Chou, Ed Bell,
Todd Ueminami, Marcos Mateu,
Mari Inukai ,Yoriko Ito, Jackie Huang,
Soosa Kim, Jamie Baker, Alina Chou, Oren Haskins,
Sei Nakashima, Julia Lundman, Le Tang, Mark Sperber,
Ted Mathot ,Tom Rubalcava, Derek Thompson,
Sho Murase, Sergio Paez, Vaughn Ross, Nate Stanton...
... also critically acclaimed fine artists such as Miya Ando, Kent Williams....and many more !

SuperFrog , Maverix and ArtistsHelpJapan are donating 100% of all proceeds to Artists Help Japan Fund with Mercy Corps.

http://artistshelpjapan.blogspot.com/
http://www.mercycorps.org/fundraising/artistshelpjapan

There will be appetizers and drinks , live DJ sets by
DJ Dedan(www.brothersandsisters.podomatic.com)
and DJ Cecil(http://www.djcecil.com/)

ひとつ（"HITOTSU") means "ONE" which is the first number of all but also means "United" in Japanese. Our action might be a little "one" to start with, but we can get together and become "ONE" to make a difference.

http://www.newpeopleworld.com/visit/

"Anonymous Hug" @ 1xRUN for sale

2011-03-23T18:34:00.000-07:00

I have just finished a new painting for 1xRUN, Limited Edition Time-Release Art Prints, where kindly releasing prints of this painting as a charity. 100% of its proceeds from the sale will go to Artists Help Japan/Give2Asia fund.
This piece will be featured only this week from Mar 23, 2011 - Mar 29, 2011, and there won't be any re-prints after the period.

To place your order, please visit their official website here, as well as their blog where you can find more details!

"Anonymous Hug"

(Originally watercolor painted on rives paper)

17” x 12.5” giclée, printed on 330gsm paper with archival ink

a maximum edition size of 75.

Each print is signed, gold embellished(by myself), numbered, and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from 1xRUN.

I would like to thank Jesse Cory, Rob and Ryan Brogan and other staff at 1xRUN for their generous help and effort putting things up so quickly. You guys are pretty awesome!

--------------------------------------------------------
3/26/2011 Update

Thank you all who purchased the prints @1xRun, I am really surprised and grateful to be informed that all 75 limited prints are sold out in a few days!
Wow, I was worried that I would end up with a plenty of leftovers at the end of the run. All proceeds will certainly go to the fund "Artists Help Japan/Give2Asia", thank you for your support!

Art Blocks for Ghana auction @ebay closing today!!!

2011-03-20T14:28:00.000-07:00

This great opportunity to get some amazing original pieces from acknowledged artists, such as Dice Tsutsumi, Ronnie Del Carmen, Robert Kondo, Shelly Wan, Olivier Tossan, Bill Carman and so many other more, is going to be ended very soon(I guess less than a couple hours to go...), and I have to say there are many items seem to be still pretty reasonable in my opinion, some of them are almost like a steal so do not miss it!

Here is my contribution "Innocent when you dream".
Bid here, but please hurry!!

Q pop Gallery fundraiser in Little Tokyo, LA

2011-03-18T01:57:00.000-07:00

There seem to be many grass-root fundraiser events to be held now and I am trying to contribute as many as I can. Here is another fundraiser/art auction @Q pop Shop/Gallery in Little Tokyo to help Japan. And it's today!

Q pop Art fundraiser/auction

March 18, 2011 7pm to 10pm

128 Astronaut E S Onizuka St.

Los Angeles, CA 90012

213-687-7767

I didn't notice this a little, yet pretty hip store/gallery space on Onizuka St. The owner Chris Mitchel is really cool guy, I am so grateful to be introduced to there and excited for the chance to donate a little piece there for this great cause.

It was so last minutes though, I only could make a tiny piece, but thought(and hoped) it is still better than nothing...

I didn't have time to frame, so I picked up a wooden picture frame I had and paint over it to associate with the drawing. The drawing itself is about 4 x 6 inches(postcard size), Watercolor on rives paper. (Acrylic on the frame)

I just dropped this with a copy of my "Acoustic Brush"(limited/signed) art book too.

I am also working on a larger piece right now through this week. I will post some sneak peaks sometime next week!

大きな地図で見る

Some other possible ways to help...

2011-03-15T22:04:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen "Artblocks for Ghana", currently on-going charity online auction @ ebay here, it's never-miss-event since there are great chances to obtain some masterpieces from acknowledged industry artists for the price like a steal, and the proceeds will go to help children in Ghana which is a great cause that all contributors including myself joined for:)

In addition to this, the founders of The Picture Book Project Foundation who brought this event, Rachel Tiep-Daniels, Margaret Wuller and Russell Zack and their team will also be donating part of its proceeds to raise awareness and support *Dice Tsutsumi's "Artists Help Japan" (*see the previous post)fund.

Meaning, if you happen to win some nice art from the auction, you will be helping more people across 2 nations.
The auction will be ended on 20th so don't miss it!

I am also trying to arrange some possible other way to raise a bit of charity myself too. Hopefully I can update you all very soon, so stay tuned.

Hope all of your family and relatives, loved ones are well...

Other Organizations you can contribute to directly are:

"Doctors Without Borders"
MSF Response to Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami

"The CTN Sends some love"

Emergency Fundraiser by The Creative Talent Network

Artists Help Japan – Earthquake & Tsunami 2011

2011-03-13T01:08:00.000-08:00

The strongest M9.0 quake ever recorded in Japan struck off the north-east coast of the main land of Japan on March 11. The area was then flooded and destroyed by over 30 feet high, massive Tsunami following. Death toll will likely keep rising, now it could be tens of thousands.
You can easily find more info, photos and videos online, but it wasn't easy to get a hold of my family in Chiba, near by Tokyo when the phone system was down in many areas. It was terrifying until finally my sister e-mailed me from there to confirm that they were alright.
I went to work after that, but to confess I felt pretty stupid all day myself for not being able to do anything but working on cartoon characters at work on the other side of the ocean. Despite that I usually, or at least try to, carry certain degree of dignity and responsibility on my work as a professional, this was simply so devastating as I think of millions suffering right now.

Dice Tsutsumi, an art director at Pixar Animation Studios and a good friend of many of us, has quickly made his move to set up a fund called Artists Help Japan working with Give2Asia who he worked with for Totoro Forest Project to help preserve Sayama Forest back in 2008, asking for your help.
Give2Asia, as a part of Asian Foundation, has a local team based in Tokyo to assess the current situation and to obtain more information on the needs of survivors.

I think we believe the power of artists in this community who have been already trying to lend their helping hands before and make a difference to this kind of adverse circumstances by joining together from industries in animation, film, illustration, graphic design, fine art, comic book and any art-related world you could serve at.

There are many ways to be a small part of help and it could be as little as $10 to make a difference.
I know that's the common way of saying, but in fact, if you could imagine 1000 people donate $10 each, it will be $10,000 and that's something they can totally use for practically helping survivors' immediate needs such as water, food and maybe another blanket for the area known for cold, long winter.

So nothing can be too little and your generous thoughts will be greatly appreciated !

>>>>DONATE NOW!

***Give2Asia is a US 501 (c) (3) public charity, to which contributions are tax deductible (Federal Employer Identification #94-3373670).

For those who have already helped through other venues, I truly appreciate your kind gesture as well!

Cindy Lauper sings for passengers at airport

2011-03-10T02:16:00.000-08:00

Cindy Lauper showed up and sang for stranded and frustrated passengers through PA system at airport in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Her flight was delayed, so she entertained fellow travelers with an impromptu version of her classic "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun".
I think it is very cool gesture.

Art Blocks for Ghana: LA event update2

2011-03-03T11:35:00.000-08:00

To everyone who is interested in checking and potentially bidding on the charity auction of "Artblocks for Ghana", you do not have to physically be at the gallery.

As far as I understand, it is to be held as "online" auction @ebay, on March 12.
Catalog is not set up yet, but you should be able to find more info at this link@ebay as the date approaches.
I also encourage you all to check their official blog ahead of time where all submitted artblocks are listed(and still being added with new panels) !

Added gold inking. Hope it finds new home after the event.

Art Blocks for Ghana: LA event update

2011-02-25T16:28:00.000-08:00

I just did a little, watercolor drawing on the back side of the cover page of my very last "Acoustic Brush" art book for the up-coming gallery event for "Art Blocks for Ghana" @Gallery Nucleus.
There seems to be "silent auction" as a part of the event on additional paintings, books and goodies besides the on-line auction to be held after the event for the actual panels(I will be donating this my last copy of "Acoustic Brush" book to the auction.)

↑ Kids and monsters illustrated from the panel I did for the event.

Gallery Nucleus is also carrying my last few copies(won't come with this special drawing for the auction, but still signed at the regular price of $24.95) @the store and that's all there is to it!
I may do larger volumes for the next book, but this version is pretty much gone.
Thank you very much to those who have purchased a copy of the book!

It has been announced that "Art Blocks for Ghana" gallery show/charity events will be held in NYC and LA, where to see all original artworks contributed from industry artists all around the world for this great cause. Tickets are available at these links(click on the each location below).

Also Charley Parker's "Lines and Colors" blog has a nice article about the event(Thank to Rachel for letting us know).

NYC EVENT-FEB 26th, 2011
@New Art Center
580 8th Avenue
5th Floor
New York, NY 10018

LOS ANGELES EVENT-MARCH 12th, 2011
(Display: March 9th – March 14th )
@Gallery Nucleus
210 East Main Street
Alhambra, CA 91801

John Hughes tribute at G1988 update

2011-02-14T13:42:00.000-08:00

John Hughes tribute @ G1988

Feb. 11th 2011

Artist Kelly Vivanco's Ferris and Cameron. I thought these are pretty cool.

"Flubber".
The frame has turned out very nice at least...

John Hughes tribute on Friday at G1988

2011-02-10T11:22:00.000-08:00

"THE ROAD TO SHERMER" a tribute to John Hughes

@ Gallery 1988 Venice
214 Pier Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Opening Reception will be held tomorrow, Friday February 11, 7-10PM

Here is my finished piece ↓

Title:

"Flubber"

Medium:

Watercolor on Rives paper

Dimension:

About 11 x 22 inches(15 x26 w/frame)

I thought many artists would pick "Ferris Bueller's Day off" for the theme/inspiration so I tried to pick the least popular flick on the list that John Hughes related to. "Flubber" is a remake of The Absent-Minded Professor (1961), released in 1997 which was the year I moved to Santa Monica from Tokyo to start working on a CG feature project for the first time in my career. Some CG sups I came across on the project were previously working on the visual effects of "Flubber" @ILM, while CG was still fairly new media in the industry.

Anyway, please swing by the gallery if you are around the area. Show will be held 'til March 4 !

Happy be-delayed new year :p

2011-02-07T03:02:00.000-08:00

Happy be-delayed new year to everyone and sorry for no post in Jan...
Wishing you all the best in 2011.

BTW, I am trying to finish a new painting for an up-coming "John Hughes Tribute" show @Gallery 1988 in Venice(their new location) for the first time.
I am thrilled to be a small part of multiple group shows over there throughout this year.

Here is a sneak peak of the painting W.I.P.

For this show, 50 artists are making unique pieces to honor an American filmmaker, John Hughes (Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The Breakfast Club).
My pick of the film/inspiration is "Flubber" which, I know, is not the best film he ever made or wrote, yet I had a personal attachment to it bringing a lot of memories of late 90's when I had just started working in the industry.

The show starts on February 11 through March 4, 2011.
Hopefully I can finish the piece by the show opening.

Happy Holidays

2010-12-23T16:53:00.000-08:00

Wishing Happy Holidays and a Great New Year to everyone.

Thanks for visiting my blog through out 2010!

My Portrait By George Cwirko-Godycki

2010-12-17T18:59:00.000-08:00

George Cwirko-Godycki, Ben Jelter, Nate Sisler, and Konstantin Pogorelov has recently published an art book titled "SKETCHBOOK X4" and just had book signing event at Gallery Nucleus on Dec 4th.

Although I stormed into the gallery in the last minutes when they were about to wrap up, George was kind enough to stay there a bit longer so we grabbed pencils and held a mini "staring-at" contest at the gallery. We did our drawings on the back cover of each art book(I brought mine) and exchanged them.
My apologies for his friends who had to wait for George to be released.

Here is my portrait by George. Really, really cool piece, isn't it? His every line stroke is so confident, yet any of them doesn't seem to be forcibly placed, it feels like they all appear and form by themselves so naturally as if they're meant to be.

George and his friends' "SKETCHBOOK X4" is totally unreal, filled with amazing sketches compiling 400 pages from 4 artists. I never had any sketch book so massive like this that I can indulge between all such expressive, visionary lines since Terada-san's RAKUGAKING.

"SKETCHBOOK X4" is available at Gallery Nucleus(both in store and online).

Acoustic Brush @ Nucleus Gallery

2010-12-09T16:20:00.000-08:00

Copies of my first art book, CTN limited edition of "Acoustic Brush" are nearly running out of stock now(I made it sound like it has been really popular, but it is simply because I made very limited number of copies, he-he). Thanks very much for you who already got one of them!

If you did not get to meet me at CTN yet still considering to own one, I have a good news for you.
Gallery Nucleus will be exclusively carrying a few copies(signed with my quick sketch) at their store, I am honored to be able to announce this.

There will be only a few books available and it won't be re-printed anytime soon, so if you would like to secure yours, please hurry!

--------------------------------------------------------
1/11/2011 Update

You can now check some sample pages of my "Acoustic Brush"(signed/limited) on Nucleus website.
This lot is going to be very limited and I am not planning to do reprint again anytime soon at least in this form so if you are interested in to save a copy, please hurry!

Thank you all for visiting my table @CTN!

2010-12-08T18:02:00.000-08:00

I would like to thank all of you who stopped by and got my humble art book at CTN Animation Expo this year. As the first time exhibitor I have a mixed feeling to the event, but it was very nice occasion to meet with and talk to all of you directly.
Your comments, suggestions or/and critics are greatly appreciated:)

Artist Alley

My Table

My Skateboard Decks

Metal Beak(supposedly)

Jamie

My First Art Book at CTN

2010-11-11T13:25:00.000-08:00

CTN Animation Expo is just around the corner and I am juggling(or more like fumbling) things hell out now, since this is the first time to attend this kind of event as one of artist exhibitors for me.

I was not sure if I could make it to or not, but yesterday I got a couple of boxes delivered, filled with my humble art books titled as "ACOUSTIC BRUSH/The Unplugged Art Collection" in the very last minutes... *phew*

The book comes in
7"x 7" (36 pgs) full-color collection of my "unplugged" watercolor paintings created in the period between 2005 to 2010, made with Blurb publishing service.

I am planning to sell this first lot @my table (#T-20) for the exact price it costed to make(no profit at all), and therefore only limited numbers are available. Hoping someone might be willing to purchase the book.

See you at CTN(if I can make it through) !
--------------------------------------------------------
11/14/2010
Many industry artists around the world , including my friends,
Sho Murase, Jamie Baker, Sergio Paez will be presenting their art at CTN.

I got my table pretty close to Jame Baker and Sergio's Storyboard Art!
Hope you could swing by to say hello to us!
(If you haven't got your ticket yet, you are free to type in my discount code "TOPAAWX10" for online purchase @ CTN Registration until 15th)

Here is a table map(click to enlarge)↓

Innocent When You Dream:Art Blocks for Ghana

2010-11-06T02:50:00.000-07:00

13. BG panel painting WIP...

14. Then coated with varnish.
Yes, it is completed finally!!

Here is how it looks like from top view...

Each deadly monster can get out and go wild...

Put them back in the nest 'cause they are innocent when they dream!

Some progress for the new piece #2

2010-10-20T10:17:00.000-07:00

Thank you very much for sharing your interests for this piece! I have been encouraged a lot by your comments since I started this.

12. Every piece has been painted already!

Here is a close up of the new set of 2, Mom Sasquatch and a cub sleeping in her giant hands...

I had changed the design of the last, little piece from "another monster" to "human sister and young brother" throwing their arms around each other.

It turned out like this.

This is how all pieces can be happily sleeping together in the nest, yay!
Kind of like puppies cuddle close together.

I have already started painting BG panel now. More updates will be posted soon!

Some progress for the new piece...

2010-10-14T18:57:00.000-07:00

After the background balsa frame and the wood panel glued tight together under a bunch of artbooks for 24 hours(phase 9), here is where I am at now.

10. Surface covered with Gesso.

11. Painted in all brown again, then started painting details...

The reason one piece still appears to be white is because I found that particular housing is still loose and repeatedly reapplied gesso layers in order to thicken the inner wall of it.

Two monsters are sleeping so far!

Processing for a new piece

2010-10-11T12:03:00.000-07:00

This new piece is (if I could ever make it to) for "Art Blocks for Ghana" Charity Art Auction.

All artists are provided with either 8x8 or 10x10 wood panel(s) to work on with the shared theme as "Home"(so that art "blocks" will form a big imaginary house when gathered, which I think is a great concept). However, I usually paint with watercolor on rives paper, doesn't seem to work for this. I decided to try something a bit different for this time.

1. This is a cut-out, paper printout of the shapes from the image above.

2. Cutting out Balsa boards (1/4" thickness) along the shapes. I could not find any board came with more than 6" width, so the frame(large shape to be a background) had to be made by combining 2 panels.

3. Pieces are cut out. I was hoping to cut shapes only once out of background panel to use both, but hell no! It turned out to be no way to maintain accurate silhouettes to save both when edges are jagged unless you have Iron Man's laser torch or some.
So I ended up cutting each inner piece individually again to fit in the holes. Paper guide(phase 1) helped quite a bit though.

4. These 2 big guys are supposed to get divided into smaller shapes...

5. Here is a sad result that I mentioned earlier on phase 3.
Despite my best attempt and pray, inner shape got loose and smaller than the outer shape(and I needed to sand edges off too), of course. But I want them to be a bit tighter to each so that you can snap them into holes.

6. I guess I have to curve another one which looks just like the previous piece, but slightly larger to fit tight.
Gah! Is that how jigsaw puzzle makers do????? Lot of things surprise me when I do things non-digitally *sniff*

7. All pieces somehow nesting into the bed. The wood grain shows how each piece individually originated.

8. Background has to get glued on the 10x10 wood panel provided.
So eat glue!

9. Then press it. Eat a bunch of artbooks!!!

To be continued...

Sketches for a new piece

2010-10-08T19:06:00.000-07:00

Miscellaneous idea sketches for a new piece I am(ahem, will be) working on at the moment.

Bat Rider Sketch

2010-10-04T22:56:00.000-07:00

This is one of idea sketches I was trying to come up with to submit for Charles Santoso's contest on the Sketchoholic site, but I got real busy last week so I was hardly developing any piece by the dead line. Grrr.... Maybe some other time!
(Winner won Charles' original drawing, I am jealous)

"Legend of The Guardians" opens today!!!

2010-09-24T16:51:00.000-07:00

It's very different from traditional American standard in aesthetics of animated film making.
You actually(and surprisingly) get to see a lot of "Zack Snyder" moments in it, yet still works as a family/adventure film(it's PG rated).
I truly admire every single crew who brought it this far. Hope you enjoy the movie !!

I also came across with so many campaign ads in Century City. Looks like whole place has been occupied with a flock of owls!

Elevators to the tree of Ga'hoole?

Oh man, so puffy here...

ガフールの伝説 ("Legend of The Guardians" Japanese release)

2010-08-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

I am currently visiting Japan at where I happened to notice a movie poster of upcoming「ガフールの伝説」("Legend of The Guardians") in Japanese, saying it will be released on Oct 1st !
Also another exciting news for me is to find out that an actor 市原隼人 (Hayato Ichihara) is going to perform as a Japanese voice over talent for the main character「ソーレン」("Solen") for Japanese dub version(usually this kind of film is going to be released in both original version w/Japanese subtitles and Japanese dub version locally).

"Hayato Ichihara" is a gifted, rising star who also played a main character on "Baton" for 150th anniversary of Yokohama event which I did character concept design in 2009.

It is purely coincidence but I found it interesting since he has only played 2 animated characters so far in his career that I had chances to design both. And unlike the case that sometimes great actors are not necessary great voice over talents, he has got a powerful voice with elaborate performance in this field as well(I am fan!).

I did not know that "Guardians" were supposed to be released in Japan, so I am pretty excited since my parents could go see the film there. They never seem to understand what I do in the industry no matter how many times I tried to explain...;p

TIKITZ

2010-07-21T18:06:00.000-07:00

Sprite Animation Studio and Toynami to launch the first line of TIKITZ toys!
TIKITZ toys are going to make their debut at Comi-Con this year with their limited first edition.
They are going to set a really cute presentation at Toynami booth so if you are planning to visit Comi-Con, don't miss the opportunity!

Ckeck out more info and preview of a cute promotional animation at TIKITZ webpage, more images can be found at their facebook too!

Copyright Sprite Animation Studios.

Happy B-day to the giant of light(be-delayed)

2010-07-17T01:10:00.000-07:00

Ultraman made his debut* on the first episode of the original TV series, Ultraman, on July 17, 1966.
(*Although Tuburaya production officially set July 10 as "Ultraman Day", the day of which they broadcasted "pre-show" introducing their new hero prior to the actual series)

Which makes him to be turning 45 years old in 2011 to cerebrate his anniversary since he has landed on Earth(His actual age is described as 20,000 Earth years old in official statistics). No wonder why he is pretty laid-back now and let other youngsters take care of the world:)

If you are interested in the original designer of Ultraman, Toru Narita, there is a related article I posted before.

Cool iPhone App from Charles Santoso

2010-07-07T16:23:00.000-07:00

Charles Santoso is an amazing concept artist/illustrator, currently working at Animal Logic in Sydney.
I was lucky to be able to know him through "Legend of The Guardians" production.

He recently released a cool art book for iPhone, compiles 34 great artworks he has personally created.
Please check the link if you are interested in, it's worth hell more than $2.99!

He also kindly sent me "Animal Logic" sketchbook, featuring his beautiful art on its cover. I really like his pencil work in his style.

Death Valley Sketches

2010-06-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

Sketch at "Sand Dunes" and "Dante's View" in Death Valley National Park. So hot and so dry out there.

SOUR 「日々の音色」 (Hibi no neiro)

2010-05-13T17:57:00.000-07:00

This video has just won the Webby People's Voice Award for Online Film/Best Editing.
I think this is simply brilliant.

GANDAMA

2010-05-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

Whoa?
Is this going to be another Gundam Statue 1:1 Scale in Daiba-City?
GANDAMA is created by Italian artist Francesco de Molfetta in a series of sculptures titled "New Idols".

Cuter Than Stranger Show

2010-05-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

World acclaimed artists , Lou Romano, Soosa Kim and Dice Tsutsumi are gathering a show(click a link here) to exhale their visionary excess talent. Starting on May 21 at Gallery 1988 in San Fransisco.
It is going to be amazing for sure!

「９番目の奇妙な人形」/ "9" Japan release

2010-04-28T08:43:00.000-07:00

"9" is going to be released in Japan on May 8th(yay!!)

This is a limited, "9 version bear" from BE@RBRICK(Medicom Toy), which accompanies with pre-sales ticket.
Hope they like the film and make more toys over there!!

Imagi on sale

2010-04-15T10:04:00.000-07:00

I have heard that there was an auction held for almost every single asset, such as a bunch of workstations and office furniture from Imagi LA office, including some of presentation boards we used with artworks and storyboards still pinned up*, holy cow :-o

Images below are what I found on an on-line public auction site.
*(these items were apparently removed from the auction later due to licensing claims)

Hey, Ninja Turtles chairs!

You can check the entire item list waiting for the hummer price here and there, thanks to Kawamura-san for the info.

(NOTE: Auction has been closed)

Revisit of Gentle Sasquatch

2010-04-14T01:06:00.000-07:00

Last night when I was somehow able to drag myself to home after long working day, delirious and fagged like an old underwear, found a slim envelope in my mail box.
It turned out to be a letter from Spectrum, saying that my piece which I did for a local show in Culver City (many thanks to Eric Calderon who organized the show)last Summer was selected for the annual, Spectrum 17 !

I did not expect this at all(I was turned down last year with "Totoro Forest" piece so this was my 2nd try, but I didn't even know the list was already announced), it was a very nice surprise as well as an honor to see my name on the list with many other great artists I admire such as Kent Williams, Kei Acedera, Shelly Wan and Eric Orchard(Silver award winner in Comic category this year, Congratulations Eric!!!).

I just hope it was not some sort of false announcement...

“Gentle Sasquatch and Little Fireball” 2009

12 x 31 inches, Watercolor on Rives paper

The Winter Sasquatch MUKURO discovers a fireball spirit that has fallen from the moon.

He has never beheld a creature so enchanting. She very much wants to go home. Neither realize that her burning life force gradually melts his great arm and brings the spring with each step forward.

I have recently(just by coincidence) repainted the frame a bit to add slight blue tone to match with the painting in it(yap, it is still hanging on my wall) I will post the photo of it soon!

"Legend of The Guardians" trailer

2010-03-05T23:44:00.000-08:00

Hey what goes around comes around, right? Some birds make it through, while others crumbled to the ground...
The first official trailer of "Legend of The Guardians" is finally out there!

"Legend of The Guardians" is an upcoming CG feature based on the series of children's fantasy books Guardians of Ga'Hoole by Kathryn Lasky(These books are pretty amazing, BTW).
Production is taking place in Australia at Animal Logic("Happy Feet"), and the film is directed by Zack Snyder("300", "Watchmen"), scheduled to be released on September 24, 2010.

Gatchamural

2010-03-01T19:42:00.000-08:00

This poster graphic titled "Gatchamural" was created for marketing and promotional purposes back in Spring of 2009, used at a several occasions including Comi-con last year(you can check my older post here). Despite of the rush delivery it turned out to be one of a few images which seemed to make most of crew happy enough so I was relieved.

Here is the full mural again, (I hope this image is kinda o.k. exception to post here since it is already exposed to the general public) with a bit better resolution with more close-ups since I made the previous post pretty low-res. It was originally so gigantic(approximately 17400 x 6300 pixels) to handle that I had to work on each element separately after the rough sketch was approved, still took me about 4 full weeks from start to finish(while we were also working on actual preproduction workload).

Goodbye, Gatchaman

2010-02-09T03:57:00.000-08:00

Imagi, HK based animation studio brought "TMNT(2007)" and "Astro Boy(2009)", has closed down their LA studio on Jan 23rd, as well as pretty much entire HK production on the last week to let over 300 employees go("Hollywood Reporter").

I was on a development for their 3rd film "Gatchaman"(known as "G-Force"(Battle of the Planets) in the States) from November 2008 through out pretty much the whole year of 2009 in their preproduction team in LA, but now it is all over...
I feel sad since I know a lot of people put their serious effort and contributions in it, but a part of me is also a bit relieved that there is finally some conclusion to the epic struggle behind the movie. I really, really liked the original Japanese 70's TV show(I grew up with it, it's in my blood) and wanted to make something uniquely challenging to this tough genre, but on the other hand this project had been unreasonably difficult and consuming in many ways. I guess it was one of these great properties never meant to be made...

The top image is my "fan art"(yes, I can do fan art now!), Joe in the classic "bird suit" as G2.
(This personal art does NOT represent any of the production art from the project, BTW)

Sunset above Chiba

2010-01-06T18:00:00.000-08:00

15mins(because I could not stand there any longer, it was so cold), postcard size sketch from a hill near by my parents house in Chiba.
There used to be more greens/hills and farms in my childhood, now it is pretty much flatten down to be a suburban housing site.
(4"x6" Watercolor)

Happy New Year and sudden raffle!

2009-12-31T22:45:00.000-08:00

Wishing prosperous new year to everyone.
BTW, if you hit exact "20000" counter(on the right section, scroll down a bit), please take a screen shot as a proof and send it to me, I will give you some small reward as a souvenir(has not been decided "what" yet though) to celebrate!

It will be for most likely someone visiting today!

Happy Holidays

2009-12-24T15:45:00.000-08:00

I wish happy holidays to everyone.
Let's hope next year is going to be better!

Cheers,

Patrick

"Searching for The Door into Summer"

2009-12-14T00:21:00.000-08:00

Here is a full image of the painting.
Water color on Rives paper, 24"x17"(about 28"x21" w/frame)

ROOT BRANCH WINTER ART EXHIBIT 09 @ Maverix Studios

2009-12-10T18:22:00.000-08:00

It is tonight 8:00pm @:
1717 17th St
SF, CA 94103

Unfortunately I am not able to attempt in person, but my piece should be there(I hope) to be a small part of the show. So anyone around the area please swing by, there must be cool original art pieces from artists I admire in the industry and they are for sale!
Also, I have heard that a following exhibit will be held at Google in SF sometime next year so stay tuned if you miss the show this time.

View Larger Map

Sneak Peak of the new painting for the show(colored)

2009-12-06T23:53:00.000-08:00

Almost finished now *phew* , I have to drop it at a frame store tomorrow morning and see if I can still make it to. It's going to be tight...

Sneak Peak of the new painting for the show

2009-12-01T15:11:00.000-08:00

Here are some cropped areas of the final drawing for upcoming Maverix Show "ROOT BRANCH WINTER ART EXHIBIT 09", based on the idea sketches I was doing in September(wow, how come I ended up being so behind the dead line despite I started this so early on???).

I have started coloring this already, hopefully I can finish, frame and somehow deliver it to SF before the show ends(The event will be held next Thursday).

あ、きこえたよ

2009-11-23T01:37:00.000-08:00

I believe many of artists who use digital tools for their work often get disappointed with the final result in printouts. Especially when it gets down to the expression of "light", it simply doesn't feel as bright as you imagined on the display. Which is due to the fundamental difference of how colors are generated between images on bright display and color print. On computer display, you create pure white by adding all additive primaries(RGB), as compared with prints where subtractive primaries will make (dull)black when mixed. So regardless how hard you try to tweak on color adjustment, they can never be equivalent unless someone invents some kind of paper and pigment that glow in the dark.

Well, I had thought so until yesterday.

Dice Tsutsumi, acclaimed illustrator and art director of upcoming Toy Story 3, has created this beautiful picture book titled "A, KIKOETAYO" in the collaboration with a poet Emi Tsutsumi who is his own mother.

You will find that the book is filled to the bleed with photons of warmth which literally get beamed out like overflowed water made out of glowing pigments from each page. And, I do not know how that is possible, it also provides all kind of subtle, yet real sounds from all over the globe. You have to be quiet enough to be able to hear them(and you will be speechless in awe anyway).

As getting older, we tend to be forgetful and disconnected with our inner water vein which used to lead us to certain kind of abilities, such as remotely hearing the sound that dancing tiny bubbles make when trapped in an antarctic iceberg in a moonlight night. Dice and his mom's picture book can help grown-ups like us to excavate our inner water vein again which might have run dry. Don't worry, we all used to have a shining fountain in us. You just need to water it a bit.

Only criticism about this book is, it is only published in Japan at the moment. But you can order through either Amazon Japan with oversea shipping option or here(click on “English” on top of the menu(otherwise it’s in Japanese), then type its ISBN Number 4569689760 which will re-direct to the book). I actually have tried this link before, it is safe and inexpensive way to get some Japanese products delivered to the States. Hope you have chance to check it out by yourself.
It's also great for younger ones who still have a sizzling fountain, of course:)

Introducing "7" & "9" from Halloween pics

2009-11-01T16:25:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a happy Helloween!

Shoot, I cannot tell it's green or red...

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T00:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak peak of my handmade costume for Halloween 2009.

(Muwahahahaha...)

Get Dirty!

2009-10-27T02:22:00.000-07:00

Went to "AMA Pro Grand National Championship Season Finale" held at Pomona on Sat, Oct. 24.

"Drifting" by itself might be crazy. But if it is on "Dirt" with "2 weels", you got to be beyond insanity, I think :o

It is held at "Fairplex Park" where usually is used for Horse racing(half mile dirt track).
Since "Flat Track" racing is known as a turf where Harley-Davidson had been and still is dominating, audience also seemed to look interestingly different from other sports bike race...

Races were placed one after another seamlessly to catchup the time table, filled with 2 different categories by engine type(single or twin), each one of them set time qualifyings, heats, semi finals and main events.

A magnificent sight with a bunch of v-twin racers.

Here is a video about the flat track racing at Pomona

Astro Boy

2009-10-21T21:50:00.000-07:00

I was about to write my impression of "Where The Wild Things Are"(which I really really liked), but I am sure the last thing we need is another amateurish review of it for this week.
Instead, I would like to mention about another film scheduled to be released on this Fri, Oct. 23.
"Astro Boy", created by Hong Kong based CG production studio, Imagi.

To be honest, I had been hesitating to talk about Astro since I was not sure if my feeling is biased by witnessing their struggle at Imagi LA office even though I did not work on it at all(I was on their next film).
But I, as Japanese myself, was also aware that some of Japanese harsh critics and fans were simply ready to tear it apart on their reviews regardless since this "Astro Boy" is not made in Japan, and some just presumed it as if this was another "Dragonball" case.
Although in some degree I kind of understand where they came from, their loyalty to the Tezuka's original "Mighty Atom" might have made their prior film release feel like an away game in Astro's home ground, which I thought is a bit unfair.

"Astro Boy The Movie" had been known as a tough baby to raise in the industry, despite of many adaptations by different major studios. This beloved robotic boy didn't quite take off to anywhere until Tezuka Production and Imagi started working closely together.
Now they finished the film, and I think they made it quite charming, if you didn't get caught with some of visual barriers.

I know this Astro looks kind of grown up(and he is in the funny outfit most of the time), you might have been skeptical and missed what you were familiar with. I understand how you feel about it.

I personally think it is true that the design of this version of Astro looks a bit too indecisive and watered down in 3D execution. You are right, this doesn't make you feel nostalgic at all, if that's what you are looking for.

I, however, enjoyed and liked the film very much. By the end credit, it made me feel like I came across with a new adventure of Astro Boy heritage and it was quite exciting.
There seems to be some major problems in terms of inconsistency on character development and awkward emotional arc through out the story, yet there are also many good sequences and convincing delivery of the theme with certain degree of respect to the property.
It is a sincere, sweet revaluation under the skin to older fans like us and hopefully fresh introduction to the new generations.

If you noticed that Tezuka's original story always had really wide range of expressions, from wacky gags to severe emotional break downs, I thought this "Astro Boy" has somewhat similar vibe to it, even if it is presented in a bit staggering manner. And if this staggering was brought by sincerity, instead of ignorance, happened at where multi-cultural discussions were smashing each other, I think it is kind of cool.

Ultimately, I think it comes down to this question.
"Are you going to abandon this robot boy just because it is not your Toby"?
I would not.

Casshern Sins

2009-10-14T01:35:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned Madhouse's "Casshern Sins" almost a year ago and am still watching this show(I am at episode 14 now).
I cannot clearly point out what exactly it is, yet there is something I got deeply hooked with.

Marina Del Rey

2009-10-03T03:07:00.000-07:00

My fish and chips lunch seemed to be indifferent to pelicans.
(4"x6" Watercolor)

Idea sketches for a new painting

2009-09-28T12:18:00.000-07:00

Kenneth Hahn State Park

2009-09-26T21:51:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize how many oil derricks(which always remind me "drinking bird ") working near Culver City.

Design for 9(still cont'd)

2009-09-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

"Soul Transfer Machine". Man, this thing was hard to draw. This is where the scientist put his soul into his creations. It had many arms which reach out to the face and create a turbulence-like force field to suck the soul dry out, but it became a bit simpler on the final version on the film.

"Talisman". This is the prop started everything and ended everything.

We tested many things like these in rough 3D model very early stage as we drew, trying to figure out how the the mechanical functions could logically work. Since we had a lot of machines on the film(in other words, more kinematic actions than deformations would apply), certain degree of accuracy was requisite so we had to be extra careful and precise when design things like these. It was a bit like bootcamp session at LA pre-production studio to design stuff while keeping up the tight schedule, yet someone said: "the better the pre-production the less problems in production."

Design for 9(still cont'd)

2009-09-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

At one point of the story development in preproduction, we had a version that 9's soul actually gets sucked in to the Fabrication Machine and meets its artificial soul to find out that the Machine was actually "0", their older brother made by the same creator(the scientist). The machine was trying to seek all pieces of other souls(=all ragdolls) to unify together since it was left out so long and was feeling lonely, looking for the sign of its creator for its comfort. I thought it would have been a beautiful and philosophical scene but the scene was eventually cut off.

Anyway, therefore we wanted to make something a bit more delicate and in a way artistic, crafty design on the "core", inside of the massive armor when it unveiled itself as a sad brother of others. Shane had an idea to make it look like some sort of musical instruments so we design it like this, kind of like vintage, brass music box inside out.

Design for 9(cont'd)

2009-09-23T21:31:00.000-07:00

"Seekerdrone". It didn't have match moment in the film but I really like this guy. It looks like a weird shellfish or a hermit crab on acid. Had a hard time coming up with the final design on the shape of balloon where Dir. Shane wanted something edgy and sinister, instead of round and happy. So we ended up putting a lot of irregular patchworks and spike-like valves to make it looking more unhappy.

Design for "9"

2009-09-18T22:38:00.000-07:00

Here are some creature design samples I did for "9".
The film got more theaters added to its run now, hope audience will enjoy meeting the ragdolls came to life by Shane Acker's imagination.

One of very first images I did at the early stage of the development phase in 2005 was this above(even before the film got an official green light). I really wanted to work on "9", but I had just started working on some other film project at the moment so I was not able to do anything for a while after this image... This is not a great image board(too much details and focal points all over the places evenly, yikes), though.
Also as you see on my rough, "8" was already armored, but not "Fat Bully" type yet.

"Cat Beast". Started off of the original short(she is the only villain creature brought the appearance over to the feature Ver.), but became a lot more aggressive and harmful with more spikes and a hatchet in her chest interior.

"Seamstress". She is the most disturbing and that's why everyone including myself loves her. Based on a great concept by Khang Le, I was lucky enough to start dating with her to finish the final design.
However she was, to say the least of it, pretty high maintenance due to her complicated body structure. Her design had to somehow logically make sense in order to achieve several needed key functions such as the convertible hoodie, her spider-like ribs, long tube torso that swallowed "8" and "7" and on the top of all, bloody red threads running all over the body... She ended up giving me a lot of head aches for figuring out every missing spool.
But now I remember how beautiful she was when we were together...（said Patrick, gazed into the distance for a moment while being all tied up in her dark belly）