For the past 5 years I've been working with T-Rx Entertainment, creating illustrations for their annual Halloween block party, Hallowbaloo, in Chinatown, Honolulu, Hawaii.  When we first started in 2008 I was asked to create a character called Nuboo,  based on an alien and sea creatures, since we're surrounded by the ocean.  The challenge was creating a character that was different from Disney's Stitch, who I love, since he was obviously developed based on similar concepts.  What we came up with, I think, is different enough from Stitch to be an original character.  Some may disagree, but we can't please everyone!

I will admit that some of the earlier illustrations could have been much better, and I think the main reason is that I did most of the work in Photoshop.  Don't get me wrong, there are a ton of incredible works being created in Photoshop all the time, by awesome artists; I'm just not one of them!  I have yet to understand how to use this program to its fullest potential for painting and unfortunately don't have the time to learn it properly.  One day I'd like to, but right now I think it's best I use it mainly for prep work and stick to my oils and acrylics for the finals.  Besides, traditional painting alone is enough of a challenge for me as is!

All this being said, here is the newest illustration for Hallowbaloo 2012, celebrating its 5th year.  Visit http://www.hallowbaloo.com for more info.

Last month I had the opportunity and pleasure to participate in an exhibit entitled Ka ike o ka Moana: The Knowledge of the Ocean, an exhibit celebrating National Oceans Month at Honolulu Hale.  It was really nice having my work alongside a lot of other great artists showing their interpretation of the ocean.

A few years ago I did the above illustration of Hawaii recording artist John Cruz for a promotional poster.  Because he liked it, his manager contacted me late last year to commission a painting for recording artist Jack Johnson.  John had been recording his newest album at Jack's studio on the North Shore of the island of Oahu, Hawaii and wanted to thank him in some way.  There is a huge mango tree located on the studio's property and the studio itself is decorated with mango themed artwork.  So, I was asked to create a painting of a mango tree scene, based on the style of the original painting I did of John.  Needless to say, I was pretty thrilled! ;-)

Jack Johnson and John Cruz with the original painting :-)

Thanks for stopping by my blog.  As you can see, I haven't posted anything yet, but will soon.  I'm planning on using this site to post updates on projects I'm working on and sometimes my personal ramblings on art.  I'll still have my regular website, but here will be used for the latest news, so please stay tuned!