Skate Deck, for Twenty Two art show

Well I was able to spend a couple of early mornings at Hope to finish up my skate deck for the Twenty Two Art show Saturday June 4th.

I took a couple of shots of er, after I cleared the Hell out of it, and of course, none of the pictures have come out without a huge glare. My fault for being over anxious, and clearing it to finish her off, before the photos.

All in all, a ton of fun, and wish I could be there to check out the other decks. IM certain that Rodney, and Lise put together a killer show.
Now to start my piece for the NIX show next month.

Couple of Commissions.

Well been real slack with keeping up on my blog. But to be honest, I've been pretty busy with tattooing, and keeping up with things at the shop. With little or no time for art away from tattooing, and certainly even little less for blogging.
But Alas, here I am, blogging away. A week ago, a friend from Australia requested a couple of commissions in trade. So I finally made a couple of "Non Tattooed" drawing. Meaning, I'll not be tattooing these. They were drawn for him, so please don't "Bite".
First we have a little Space Gal Action, called "InkJecta Gal" 11x14 pencils, markers, on paper.

Second I have here A lil Gal, IM calling "Too Stink'in Cute". 8x10 Pencils, Markers, on paper.

Working on a skate deck for a friends show Gallery Twenty Two down in NC. and a few other projects I need to be getting to. But first, some tattooing...

Rebel Ink Article.

Very Cool article was just released in this Months issue of Rebel Ink.

Thanks a bunch guys.

"Git Er Done"

Yup, Done, and DONE! IM finally finished with this latest commission done for a young lady in the UK, and her upcoming tattoo convention (look for the promo posters soon). She's acrylic on water color paper, bout 24"x30". And IM not embarrassed to say, that it took much longer than I had anticipated.

I'd also did a bit of experimenting with this mono chromatic piece. The last 2 I had done, i'd used a sepia tone, that I'd mixed myself. And just built that up, till I was happy with it. For this one, I'd dropped a burnt sienna, than darkened that up. The effect was entirely too red. Causing me to layer quite a bit. Therefor also causing me to go back in, and drop in highlights (I usually prefer to use the lightest point of my paper). Which in turned gave me unnatural hot spots. Very frustrating, in all. I will most certainly not be working this way again in the future, as IM hoping to do more like these.

p.s. like the title says, she's titled "Git Er Done"

A different sort of Bird (for me, at least)

Yesterday was a fun day. Had a guy, and gal in for a bit of Sunday afternoon tattoo action. The Young lady wanted me to do an owl. Yes, even I am exempt from avoiding the Owl, Tat Craze. But regardless, as different as this sort of piece is for me. I had a blast. Wouldn't mind doing a bit more of em, to be honest.
Here are a couple of sketches I worked up the evening before.


And heres, the final version.

Sorry for the crappy photo. Really need to work on that. As you can see, we went with a slightly different color scheme. As she digs on Purples, and pinks.
Till next time.

Yes, a new pair of shoes...

I say that with a bit of loathing mainly because up until my very brief stint on Miami Ink, I really enjoyed painting Vans. The reason I say this, is because when I was asked to do Miami Ink, it was mainly for tattooing. But the Producers desperate to find something cool to do with me, away from Tattooing, asked if id be interested in painting a pair of Vans (oh I mean Sneakers, Can't say Vans, as they did not pay to use the products name) on camera. I did, and it was fun. But when the episode aired, all I got was. "Man I really loved those shoes you painted for Darin". Or "Your that guy, that painted those cool shoes".
Now I don't wish to belittle anyones opinion of my painting skills. But the last thing I wanted to be remembered for, was a pair of Vans I spent 2 hours painting on a TV show about, tattooing. That being said. I eventually did a few more pair after the show. And they were very well received. But after countless emails, and a lot of pissed off folks. I stopped painting any more apparel. Fact is IM a tattooer, and that is how I make my living. I really don't see myself being able to pay the bills painting shoes. Not to mention the fact that I got my start as a paying artist, in a Mall on LI, as an airbrush artist. Painting all sorts of stuff for folks. And to me, its way to much like taking a step backward in my career. So I do try to avoid it.
Why this long ass, tiring, and a bit pretentious tirade? Well my Good friend Obie Hughes is hosting an "Off the Wall" Painted Vans art show Tomorrow Sunday May 1st, at his shop "SpeakEast Tattoo" in Ontario CA. Heres my Little contribution.


Ok Thats all for now. If ya find yerself out in Ontario CA, stop on by. IM certain the show is gonna be killer. Wish I could attend myself.

Lil, Horror Tatt action

Well, Ralph was in a day ago, and we finally finished the back of his thigh/knee. He's way into the horror movie scene, and Julio did some crazy stuff on his calf. I got the upper leg (thigh). The top has a portrait of Jason, Michael Myers, and Chainsaw Massacre. Not really my thing, but I can pull one outta my ass from time to time.
For the back of his thigh, he wanted to go with a Horror ride theme (ala House of a 1000 corpses), with zombies, and shit. So heres my take on that.


Ton of fun. Next we make our way back up to his ribs to continue his torso, and Spawn piece.
Till next time.