Above are some behind-the-scenes snaps of my little show opening in a couple of days (see previous post). They’re from the last three pieces I finished this week. For my friends–I really hope you can make it! This exhibit was a little over half a year in the making. I struggled with myself for months in the process (so much angst and confusion, but luckily it gave way to a clearing in the end!). Beyond any unifying style or theme, I hope this exhibit shows my humble progress as an artist, and my growth as an individual. I want to show a range of work that chronicles all the learnings and adventures I’ve taken this year.

Please join me on the opening of my second solo exhibit, entitled Rêverie: Illustrations of the Sweet Life, which will feature at least 10 recently completed pieces. This will be a quiet, intimate affair (but definitely open to the public) which I hope you’ll enjoy over a good cup of coffee–and perhaps a sweet little treat or two! (Plug: Their coffee is well-crafted and really yummy!)

The exhibit will run for a month, ending around January 11, 2012 (just in case you can’t make it then).

You can RSVP via Facebook here, and check out Kitch’ Café’s page here. Feel free to bring your friends and family (and any art enthusiasts or collectors you know, as my work will be for sale). Hope to see you there!

Because there are not enough words to express how I feel for this French patisserie. The moment I set foot in Paris, I know one of my first stops will be Ladurée. I’ve even told friends, if I had all the money in the world, I would collect all their boxes and packaging. It’s how pretty they are! And let’s not even get into the macarons they’re famous for (which connoisseurs have time and again named one of the best in the world). I’ve had the opportunity to bite into a few of them, but I imagine the experience to be even more amazing when done in Paris.

I first heard about artist Maira Kalman when I bought a copy of The Elements of Style, Illustrated (Strunk, White, Kalman, 2007). I was still actively writing articles at the time, and despite the original intent for buying the book, I was immediately drawn to Kalman’s quirky, colorful, moody characters and objects.

Despite the use of bold, cheerful colors, her mood generally veers toward the serious, witty, or even disturbing. The book’s cover has one of the more recognizable/iconic animals associated with Kalman, being a dog lover–a pooch looking rather morose/sad/pensive/apprehensive, what have you…

I love how Kalman renders everyday objects and interiors. Everything pops, and there’s a hidden wit that leaves you questioning. I think the beauty behind her work is how she manages to combine cheery hues with serious moods. (All images in this post: Maira Kalman)

These are three of six illustrations I made for Candy Magazine‘s Breaking Dawn Special! I’ve been excited to share this, but had to wait till the issue came out this month. I’m not a fan/follower of the Twilight series (though, I did watch the first two movies–the second begrudgingly, haha), but I was ecstatic the moment Candy commissioned me for the issue’s fashion/beauty editorial. It’s my first watercolor project for a magazine! Here’s one of the finished spreads from the section…

All you hardcore Twilight girls should grab a copy! It should be available in all major local bookstores. Hope you enjoy it! (Spread credit: Candy Magazine)