Pretty On The Outside

Open Arms For Open Artists

A great organization called Open Artists asked me to create a poster and some promotional material for an event at The Avalon night club in Hollywood called Pop Goes The World. The show is tonight at 8pm.  Here's that poster.

 

From their website:

Over 300 students in Gay-Straight Alliance clubs will be among the more than 1,000 guests at the Avalon, in the heart of Hollywood, for the 2nd Annual Open Artists with Open Arms event “Pop Goes the World” on Wednesday, November 11. The event will benefit LifeWorks, a program of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center that helps LGBTQ youth achieve their personal and professional goals through mentoring. It will also raise awareness of the Open Artist Movement, which unites openly gay artists with mainstream artists who support creative expression regardless of sexual orientation.

I made each of the caricatures separately so they could use as needed for promotion.  Here are a number of those individual illustrations with the promo info as added by Open Artists.

 

Brit Brit.

 

The lovely Rihanna.

 

The host, comedian Alec Mapa from Ugly Betty.

 

The glam Adam Lambert.

Buy tickets here!

One more Britney for the road.........

Happy late Halloween!

Oh hello again.  I didn't mean to fall off the face of the blog world as such, but these things occasionally happen.  Wanted to share some photos from my Halloween evening.  In the run up to that evening, I had planned on going as Kim Zolciak from The Real Housewives of Atlanta, but...... I don't know..... I figured no one would know who I was.  With a big blond wig and giant boobs people probably would have thought I was Dolly Parton, or just a sad unimaginative drag queen that didn't know any better.  So what to go as?  A good friend came down from Seattle to celebrate the blessed holiday and we wanted to go as the same thing.  Both of us definitely liked the idea of an easy costume yet it needed to be somewhat relevant.  Little Edie from Grey Gardens with her scarf covered head, black tights and turtleneck, ripped skirt exposing a girdle, and an "anything jacked up goes" sense of style seemed like a great fit.  Here's what we looked like...

 

I added a little privacy please soft focus.  That's my friend on the left and me on the right.  Gorgeous, right?

The Real Housewives of Atlanta. The Wig vs. The Moose.

Get your Kim on!

Thanks to everyone who sent me this clip from Style Network's The Dish.  I've been planning on going as Kim Zolciak for Halloween and ever so thoughtfully the empress of Chardonnay herself made the following "How To" video.....

I'll be taking all her cues, embellishing them just a bit, and hopefully I'll look as sexy as Kim.  :)

The added bonus of going as her is that I can carry around a bottle(s) of Chardonnay and that will be perfectly appropriate.  Anyone who has gone to the West Hollywood street festival/ extravaganza knows how impossible it is to grab a quick drink with the ridiculously long lines.  Going as Kim with wine in tow--- I've just fixed that dilemma.  Thanks Kim!

My 10 year old nephew and his mannequin Martinique. They're back!

Goodness gracious!  It has been an eternity since I've posted anything about my talented 10 year old nephew and his mannequin muse Martinique or Martini for short.  Creativity is something that can't be forced--- sometimes you just have to wait until inspiration strikes.  Well, my nephew's keen designing eye was certainly inspired when he saw some hidden potential in the following piece of floral fabric.

 

I tell ya, I just see a lot of flowers and leaves in a rather controlled color palette.  And you?  My nephew saw two fab designs which were hiding in that swirl of patterned foliage.  Just the other day, my phone made a new message alert beep and upon opening my email, I saw something from my nephew titled "Martinique fabric option 1", and my jaw hit the floor.  Just as I was replying how much I loved the look, hair, styling.... I got a second email titled, "Martinique fabric option 2", and I passed out from excitement.

 

Option 1 is on the left and Option 2 on the right.  One piece of fabric + my nephew = snap, snap, and a round of applause.  Remember, he's just 10.  The styling is absolutely perfect.  The short hair with the long dress is spot on for an afternoon of leisurely lunching and shopping in St Tropez whereas the long hair/ short dress is ideal for a sizzling evening on the town in Miami with gal pals.  Fun, fun!  Both looks are so runway-ready that I had to add a little photoshop fun.

 

Flawless.  Stunning.  Martinique!

 

Flirty.  Dazzling.  Martini!  Are you all ready to place your orders?

Well done my super talented nephew!  Thanks for the photos. 

I've received some other truly inspired photos of Martinique recently and will be sharing those soon.

In case you've stumbled across this site and wondering what's this all about--- just click here and read all the past entries.  Certainly you'll become a fan of nephew's work too.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta. "If that moose walked in this building....

..... you could go ahead and forget it.  It would be all hell breaking loose.  It's just her negative energy."  We can thank Kim Zolciak for that eloquent quote about her former friend NeNe.  It seems somewhat fitting after NeNe referred to Kim as a "low down dirty monkey with a wig on."  That still brings a smile to my face.  So whether NeNe is a mean moose or not, I couldn't resist depicting her as such.

 

Love for Lady GaGa!

The more I see and hear from Lady GaGa, the more I enjoy and appreciate her.  She's innovative, entertaining, a great performer, and the girl can really sing.  Did you see her on Saturday Night Live?  It was a reminder that female pop singers should actually be able to not only dance and put on a killer show but should also sound good live.  And she really did.

I was reading up on the National Equality March in Washington D.C. yesterday and was pleased to see that Lady GaGa gave quite a stirring address to the crowd.  Her "Obama, I know you're listening.....  ARE YOU LISTENING?!" line was well received and memorable.  President Obama set that up beautifully for her when at the 13th annual Human Rights Campaign dinner said, "It is a privilege to be here and open for Lady GaGa."  A round of applause for both of them.  That man can give a speech by the way.  If you haven't seen it yet, click here.  I had to watch it twice as I was teared up the first time.  What can I say, he spoke right to my heart.

Here's GaGa addressing the crowd:

I think she's a great ally and a great artist. Well done.

Video found on Towleroad.

The Stunning Gowns continue.......

My sweet reader Liz in Calgary sent me the following photo of a GORGEOUS cerulean blue wedding gown she saw in a bridal shop window while on the way to the gym. 

Oh my satin God!  Lean in close and take a good look at the bridesmaid dress on the left with its zebra-striped cummerbund and the flirty jeweled neckline of the one of the right.  STUNNING!  ???  Remembering my recent postings about non-white wedding dresses, Liz thoughtfully snapped the above photo of that 30% off heirloom-quality gown and sent it my way.  Love it!  

In Liz's own words:  Upon downloading the photo, I was impressed at how the snowfall (our first of the season) contributed to the piece... Sparkles beget sparkles!  

Well said Liz and I definitely think the snow (nature's glitter) adds to the overall pazzaz of the picture.

Thanks for the photo!!!!  XoXo

The Real Housewives of Atlanta. High heels and hot toddies.

As much as I'd like to try and deny it--- I'm coming down with a cold.  The denial part makes it seems like the sniffles, cough, and sore throat somehow are unrelated and thereafter I'm not really ill, just experiencing a little momentary cloudiness which will lift at any given moment.  It probably is related to a booze soaked weekend spent with friends in West Hollywood.  A messy yet fun time was had.  Last Saturday we were all out at some crowded dance club and I had the big idea to request "Don't Be Tardy For The Party."  Blame the booze.  I stumbled off the dance floor, made my way for the deejay booth, and searched for a door, window, slot--- any place I could put in my request.  Seeing nothing but an impenetrable fortress of glass, I pulled out my iPhone, typed in the notes section:  "Please, please play "Don't Be Tardy For The Party", and pressed my phone up against the glass while waving my other hand.  He leaned in, squinted, read my message, and then gave me the most "you've got to be f*cking kidding" look possible and quickly turned away.  I tried Kim, I tried.

So...... I'm no doctor but I did prescribe a little hair of the dog remedy tonight.  A hot toddy.  Make that two and counting.  Just a quick recipe: quarter cup hot water, tablespoon of honey, juice of one whole lemon, a dozen cloves--- cover and let steep for about five minutes.  Add a lot of whiskey and there you go.  Heaven in a cup!  I don't know if it actually works but my mood is pretty great right now, so...... on to the show.

 

The Real Housewives of NYC. Kelly Bensimon in Miami.

My reader Renee just sent me a link to photos of the newest and quite possibly the nuttiest NYC Housewife Kelly splashing around on a Miami beach.  Click on that link to see lots and lots and lots more pix. 

Does she look good?  Actually, I think she does.  Does she have a man-ish quality?  Well......  Is she coked up out of her mind?  Could be.  The photo does leave me wanting something else.  Hmmm.... what could that be?  (Her hot friend Max would be nice.) What could make that picture better?

 

There it is!  When in doubt, add a little Ramona Singer.  She adds just the right on amount of crazy spice to any situation.  God I miss Ramona!

Thanks Renee for the link!

Calling all iPhone gays!

My blog buddy Jason at Doodle Whore has launched his own app!  He's a very talented illustrator and was so excited to see him branch out into this area.  Chances are you've seen his published work as he's been in tons of magazines.  I quickly and easily downloaded his app (for free) and have already sent my guy several e-cards.  That free version comes with a great variety of occasions to choose from and for a mere $3.99 you can upgrade to a wider array of themes and e-card options.  Highly recommend you pop over to his site and download the app for yourself. Happy app-ing!

Pretty Links

My French language abilities may be limited, however I am fluent in penis art.  Tetu

I may be a bit on the fence with Glee, but I'm fully committed to the Glee Club teacher.  Click on the following link and your interest may be renewed.  Kenneth In The 212

I won't be going in the ocean anytime soon.  Oh La La Mag

(252): He made me pinky-promise that he gave me an orgasm.  Love this site!  Texts From Last Night

Papi madness!  David Dust

The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Is Kim a low down dirty monkey with a wig on?

Well, according to NeNe she is.  NeNe definitely seems so full of herself this season that she's about to burst but that said--- she does say some funny stuff and that monkey comment goes down as one of my favorites.  It's such a vivid description... how could I not draw that?

Flipping Out. Jeff Lewis and his lips.

Right now I'm supposed to be completing some illustrations for a poster promoting what will certainly be a very fun upcoming event in Hollywood mid next month.  I'll share the poster and info about that evening somewhere in the next two weeks.  I'm taking a few minutes off from that project though to do this posting because I'm a giver.  So.... as I've been illustrating my fingers to the bone--- a marathon of Bravo's  Flipping Out has been playing in the background.  My guy and my oldest sister like that show quite a bit and I've watched an episode or two but it's never quite grabbed me.  Sure Jeff Lewis's enormously inflated lips are dazzling to behold and I love his maid Zoila but...... I'm afraid this program is a no for me.  In my opinion, reality TV shows are like songs--- either you're hooked and want more or you change the dial.  About a half an hour ago, I couldn't listen to one more minute of Flipping Out so I grabbed my remote as Jeff was mid-bitch during a confessional scene.  I hit pause and this is what I saw.....

I couldn't not draw that.  His lips are magical as is his head of hair.  His eyebrows are kind of magical too.  Oh hell..... does this mean I'll be doing more drawings from this show?!?!  Damn you Bravo!  You're the drug I just can't quit. 

OK, back to my poster.

Drawing of Jeff done with ink on 9" x 12" hot pressed watercolor paper.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta. I'm going to stop talkin' to you right now before I get blowin' up on your ass!

Above is Kandi delivering the best line of the night which I used in the title of this posting.  I'm totally on team Kandi by the way.

Pretty Links

Funny Australian toilet cleanser ads.  Oh La La Mag

It looks like Lil Kim's face was injected with that toilet cleanser. Sorry.  Crunk & Disorderly

By now you've certainly read/ heard the unbelievably repulsive bombshell Mackenzie Phillips dropped about her sexual relationship with her dad!  Unreal.  More details here....    Kenneth In The 212

After that last link I think a good palette cleanser would be these adorable baby hamster photos.  I challenge anyone to not say ohhhhhh cute! after looking at these.  Cute Overload

If that last link didn't completely erase the MacKenzie Philips story, then this mound of gratuitous hotness should. Nicholas Gonzales is one of my all-time favorites.  He may be yours too.  David Dust

Fergie.

I'd like to take a moment to introduce you all to my neighbor.  In order to protect her identity, I'll be using the name my bff gave her--- Fergie.  Fergie moved in about six years ago and right away, she started coming over to our home.  

The Real Housewives of Atlanta Drag Race.

I plopped down in front of my fully loaded Tivo yesterday evening and drank my body weight in Cabernet as I watched last week's Real Housewives of Atlanta.  OK, that show is ten steps beyond ridiculous with the drag queen makeup, the drag queen wigs and hairstyles, and the drag queen outfits.  This Atlanta franchise could easily add Nina Flowers and Bebe Zahara Benet from RuPaul's Drag Race to the cast next season and they'd seamlessly fit in.  Actually Nina and Bebe would probably seem normal in amongst those tarted-up Georgia peaches.
The housewife I find the most delusional would be HeRee.

I knew it would be a long episode when it began with HeRee working out with his/her personal trainer/exotic stripper and declaring she had the body of a 25 year old man.  I mean woman.  (?) HeRee also had to mention her trainer is one of the most sought after in the city and that he trains all the top celebrities and ath-a-letes in Atlanta because she wouldn't trust her pecs and nut sac to just anyone.  As she spouted off about the kind of man she wanted- I chugged a full glass of wine and hummed.  I find her to be impossibly full of it and can only bare a few seconds of her nonsense.  I also thought she looked like Tommy Davidson in drag when she attended the alter-ego party.  On the positive side, I will say I appreciate that she was working out with a face full of makeup as any good drag would.

Now please don't hate me, but...... I'm falling in like with Kim.  I know, I know it's bad.  Sure she's a giant clueless drag queen who smokes too much and flaunts her excesses which come from her still-married significant other, but there's something in there I enjoy.

Bunnies, bunnies, bunnies!

I've got a thing for bunnies.  I do.  I love real live bunnies, I love bunnies in artwork, I love it when I see people in bunny costumes or wearing bunny ears..... I even call my guy bunny.  I've also got a thing for guys who take photos of themselves in the mirror with their cameras or their phone's camera.  Usually those pix which are taken in various states of undress are for hooking up purposes.  They can also be for vanity, to check progress on gym activities, or they can just be for the hell of it.  Whatever the motivation, I'm into it.  About four months ago, I decided to combine those interests and made at least a dozen of the following bunnies which I'll be posting them here and there.  I've got a bigger project in mind for these but for now, here are a couple to get the bunny ball rolling.

This dapper bunny with an orange Iphone is available as a print here.

This taupe bunny with red Iphone is also available as a print here.

More bunnies to follow shortly.

Hello again!

Testing..... testing..... is this thing on?  Wow, I haven't blogged in forever!  Hope I remember how to do it.  Well, it was nearly two weeks ago when one of my best friends, Michael, asked if I'd like to assist him with a project.  Last minute, he got hired to art direct Mexican pop singer Paulina Rubio's tour.  If you're not familiar with Miss Rubio, have a look here and get all caught up with the Latin Queen of Pop.  So my role was to act as Michael's lovely assistant and also to create any artistic/ graphic elements needed for the show. 

That's Paulina in the opening number from her first show in Primm, NV.  It was early the week before last that my friend and I had our first meeting with her and her team.  It went great, she was extremely nice to us and loved all the ideas that were presented.  And then the next consecutive 12 days went by in a blur.  There were several 17 hour days in a row as I worked to produce option after option after option for various props and backdrops.  I definitely didn't know what I'd gotten into when I agreed to do this, but now that it's done--- I'm thrilled to have had the experience.  My biggest contribution was to design a 24" x 40" kabuki backdrop which is revealed halfway into the show.  I came up with over a dozen possibilities based on the specific requests of her team.  Paulina picked two of the examples and asked that I merge them.  And I did.  Here's the design I created based on her direction.