Ice-Cream Monster Toon Cafe

Oh Places You'll Go ...

2012-02-08T09:37:00.000-08:00

This is a painting I created for the Dr. Seuss Tribute Show in March at Gallery Nucleus. Below is a quick sketch during my travel at Ultah.

The Art of Kung Fu Gallery Show Invitation

2012-01-18T19:36:00.000-08:00

Dear all,

I would love to invite you to my up-coming group show - The Art of Kung Fu: Myths & Legends Gallery Show at Meltdown Comic, Los Angeles.

Address:

7522 West Sunset Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90046

Opening Reception:7:30-9:00 p.m. on January 20th, 2012

Cheers,

Alina

Below are some older sketches I found in my hard drive lately.

Oh!! I also up-dated my web-site with latest show information and artwork, please come and check it out!

VS. A Show of Opposites Invitation

2012-01-12T20:15:00.000-08:00

Dear all,

I would love to invite you all to my up-coming art show at Mission Comic.

VS. A Show of Opposites

Show from Feb 4 - March 3, 2012

Opening Reception

Feb 4, 2012

7 - 10pm

Mission Comics & Art

3520 20th. Suite B

San Francisco, CA 94110

Hope to see you there!

Cheers

Alina

Happy 2012 everyone!!

2012-01-01T22:33:00.000-08:00

Just get back in town ... it has been a fun and productive vacation- visiting friends and family and working on my Children Picture Book. New Year resolution - get a book published this year! WOO HOOO!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2011-12-04T16:38:00.001-08:00

Doodles Doodles!!

2011-11-30T20:48:00.001-08:00

Will be busy till Christmas, so only have some doodles for now!

Dear all, I would love to invite you to my up-coming "What if ..." group show at Gallery Nucleus:

"What If..."
December 10, 2011 - January 2, 2012
Opening Reception / Dec 10, 7:00PM - 11:00PM

Winter Magic

2011-11-15T18:41:00.001-08:00

Dear all,

I would love to invite you to my up-coming group show at Gallery Nucleus:

PIN Show

Dec 1, 2011

Gallery Nucleus

210 East Main St,

Alhambra, CA 91801

Detail information will be posted as the date get closer.

I also up-date my web-site with information of my up-coming gallery shows. Please come and check it out!!

Cheers,

Alina

Part 6 of 6

2011-11-09T21:11:00.000-08:00

Finally finish the 6 pieces series. YAY!!

I just up-dated my web-site with the latest artworks and up-coming exhibition information. Please come and visit!!

Greeting Card

2011-10-21T15:50:00.000-07:00

I did an interview with Illustration.org last year for my solo gallery show at the Art Institute. Here is the direct link to my interview on my film blog - Creative Journeys of Alina Chau Interview.

Here is official link from the Illustration.org web-site:
Part 1 - The Creative Journey of Alina Chau
Part 2 - The Creative Journey of Alina Chau

Watercolor on egyptian papyrus

2011-10-09T20:45:00.000-07:00

First time I use egyptian papyrus. Amazingly watercolor behave very well on the material!

Rejected idea

2011-09-29T21:31:00.000-07:00

These sketches are for an up-coming gallery show early next year. It's a black and white traditional martial arts mythology theme show. Each artist get assign a story theme ... my initial attempt here is to approach the story literary ... but as I start the actual painting, I didn't like it. It doesn't feel interesting ... So I decide to go back to the drawing board and start all over again ...

Part 5 of 6

2011-09-13T20:15:00.000-07:00

WOO HOOO!!! One more painting to go!! Wish me luck!!

I just up-date my web-site, please come and check it out!!

My latest group show on-line - Get The Lead Out III!
Paintings are available for sell on-line!!

Here is part one of an interview I did for my solo exhibition at AI in Sept 2010. The curator of the show just post this link on-line at Illustration.org. Hope you enjoy it!

Last of the Fairy Tale series

2011-08-28T22:54:00.000-07:00

Top is the last piece of the Fairy Tale Series. I will keep everyone posted, when this series is up on-line for sale in Nov. Below is an idea, which I kind of give up ... I like the concept, but I think the design need to more time to "bake" ...

Mermaid and "Deer" Centaur

2011-08-26T19:15:00.000-07:00

I just up-dated the Artworks and Exhibition sections of my web-site, please come and check it out!!

Fairy Tale

2011-08-23T22:08:00.000-07:00

Two more new paintings for an up-coming on-line gallery show in November. Below are sketches of my recent paintings ... and abandon idea.

I just up-dated my web-site with up-coming gallery show information and new artwork added in the collection. Please come and check it out!!

Moonlight

2011-08-21T20:08:00.000-07:00

Dear all,

I would love to invite you to my up-coming gallery show - Get The Lead Out III in Seattle, WA.

Friday, September 9th
Echo Echo gallery, Seattle, WA

Detail of the show will be up-dated as the day get closer.

Please keep an eye on the up-date,

Cheers,

Alina

Part 4 of 6

2011-08-08T22:01:00.000-07:00

The finish version!

My on-line Book Store is showcased on Lulu Author Spotlight!
Please come and check it out!!

Part 4 of 6 Work-in-Progress

2011-08-05T23:12:00.000-07:00

Been super busy at the Star Wars universe lately ... have been on and off working on the forth painting of the series. Few people have been asking me about my painting process, so I decide to post the work-in-progress of my latest painting ...

Also I would love to invite you all to my up-coming book signing at Mission Comics in San Francisco on Aug. 13th. from 4 pm-7pm:

Girls Drawing Girls Vol. 4 Book Signing
Mission: Comics & Art
3520 20th St. Ste. B
San Francisco, CA

Hope to see you there!!

Little friendship pages

2011-07-16T11:05:00.001-07:00

Drawings for friends from the galaxy far far away ...

Part 3 of 6

2011-07-08T23:04:00.000-07:00

One more painting finished!! The bottom piece is an on-location quick sketch of Tahoe.

Dear all,

I would love to invite you to my latest group show:

American Nostalgia: “Contemporary Artists and Illustrators Reinterpret the Traditional Themes of Norman Rockwell”
Muckenthaler Culture Center
July 7 - Sept 25

I also just up-dated my web-site, please come and check it out!!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Part 2 of 6

2011-06-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

I just up-date the Gallery section of my web-site. Please come and check it out!!

Ex Libris

2011-06-13T21:00:00.000-07:00

A little card for the new GDG book!! Below is a quick little sketch, painted during lunch time. The original painting will be sold at Nucleus Gallery on-line PIN show.

Dear all,
I would love to invite you to my up-coming group show in San Francisco:

June 16-18
12pm - 5:30pm daily
Madrone Studios
1417 15th St.
San Francisco, CA

For shows in your city, please visit 2011 Sketchbook Project Tour schedule.

Beginning of a new set!

2011-06-05T10:52:00.000-07:00

I am working on a set of 6 paintings series for future gallery shows. This is the first of the series.

BTW, if anyone interested to buy an original painting of mine at a good price, please visit the Nucleus Gallery site. Big Teeth is the last of my original painting that's available at Nucleus right now.

Also, I would like to thank Scrapbook Ideas for featuring my blog on their site.

Tea Break

2011-05-27T12:07:00.000-07:00

Another little piece for Nucleus Gallery PIN on-line show.

BTW, I just up-dated my web-site as well, please come and check it out!!

"Whisper"

2011-05-06T21:25:00.000-07:00

Been super busy with work still ... didn't get to paint much!! But here is a new painting for Gallery Nucleus!

Dear all,

I would love to invite you all to my up-coming exhibition of American Nostalgia
Contemporary Artists and Illustrators Reinterpret the Traditional Themes of Norman Rockwell:

Opening Reception: Thursday . July 7 . 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
July 7–September 25 . $5 Suggested Donation

Muckenthaler Cultural Center
1201 West Malvern Avenue
Fullerton, California 92833

http://www.ismcommunity.org/americannostalgia

The Law Student

2011-04-17T22:38:00.001-07:00

I would love to invite you all to the EDWARD SCISSORHANDS 20TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE at:

Gallery Nucleus
210 East Main St, Alhambra CA 91801.
April 16, 2011 - May 9, 2011
Opening Reception / Apr 16, 7:00PM - 11:00PM

New painting sketch

2011-03-29T19:40:00.000-07:00

This sketch is for the Norman Rockwell Tribute exhibition in July.

Title: The Law Student

"ONE" - a Maverix Art Auction Benefit for Japan Relief

2011-03-21T21:12:00.000-07:00

"Persephone" or "Pomegranate" is my contribution to this year GDG book.

"Festival" below will be donated to the the Benefit Art Show.

Dear All

I would love to invite you to my up-coming art show - "ONE" - a Maverix Art Auction Benefit for Japan Relief.

Location:
SuperFrog Gallery
1746 Post St , New People building , top floor

Date and Time: 2 April, 7pm - 10pm
More infoMaverix Art Auction Benefit for Japan Relief
Together we can become "ONE" to make a difference

Gallery Opens 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, Lucas, Dreamworks, Nickelodeon to name a few) including:

Dice Tsusum
Robert Valley,
Ronnie Del Carmen
Enrico Casarosa,
Scott Morse
Bill Presing
Lou Romano
Cam De Leon
Tooru Terada,
Daniel Simon
John Waishank,
Patrick Awa
Joey Chou
Ed Bell,
Todd Ueminami
Marcos Mateu,
Mari Inukai
Yoriko Ito
Jackie Huang,
Soosa Kim
Jamie Baker
Alina Chau
Oren Haskins
Sei Nakashima
Julia Lundman
Le Tang,
Ted Mathot
Tom Rubalcava
Derek Thompson,
Sho Murase
Sergio Paez
Vaughn Ross

... 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.
There will be appetizers and drinks , live DJ sets by DJ Dedan

ひとつ（"HITOTSU") means "One" which is the first number of all but also mean "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.

Hope to see you all there!!

I also just up-dated by web-site with new and up-coming exhibition information, please come and visit.

Charity Auction

2011-03-17T22:24:00.000-07:00

Top three images are some idea brainstorming sketches.

Dear all,

My Art Block for Ghana painting below is now up on E-bay for open bidding. Please come and check it out and join the bid. The profit of this painting will be 100% donate to the PBP Foundation.

The PBP Foundation gives parents, artists, and art enthusiasts a way to help, inspire and to bring resources and support to disadvantaged children around the world by: Providing financial support and supplies to organizations helping children in need with basic living necessities; bringing art and animation to the hands of children for their enjoyment encouraging creativity, motivation and education; and extending the talent and good will of the artist community to communities of children in need. A portion of the proceeds of this Auction will be donated to "Artists Help Japan" and Give2Asia Fund for the relief effort in Japan.

I am going to have another charity group art show in San Francisco for the Give2Asia-Artists Help Japan Fund on April 7th. More detail about the event will be posted as soon as I learn more information from the organizer.

Pomegranate

2011-03-13T17:52:00.000-07:00

Finally I have a bit more free time this weekend to start thinking and planning for my next painting. This is for Girls Drawn Girls new book. My theme is "Pomegranate" - these are the sketches for the painting. The concept is inspired by the myth of Persephone.

Card and small paintings

2011-03-07T22:27:00.000-08:00

These landscape paintings are just slightly bigger then a large postal stamp. They are scenery from memories ... and below is a B-day card for a friend.

Coffee Shop Sketches

2011-02-27T15:54:00.000-08:00

I would love to invite you all to the THE SKETCHBOOK PROJECT NATIONAL EXHIBITION TOUR. My sketchbook is touring with this nation exhibition event, to find the nearest exhibition event near you, please visit the office The Sketchbook Project web-site.

The full digital version of my sketchbook is available at my personal web-site.

Legion of Honor outing!

2011-02-20T23:21:00.000-08:00

Top is an on-location drawing at Legion of Honor. Below is a Golden Gate painting from memory, while I was driving home in the evening. The very bottom piece is inspired by the Pulp Fashion exhibition at the museum.

BTW, I also want to thank you Susanna for appreciating my art and showcase my artwork on her blog.

Happy V day!

2011-02-13T14:26:00.000-08:00

Still don't have much time to doodle and paint lately ...

Rabbit for the new year!

2011-01-31T20:55:00.000-08:00

Been very busy lately and feel a bit mentally burn out ... so taking a little break. Here are some older drawings and ideas ...

I would like to invite you all to my up-coming group art show:

Bay Area Girls Rock
Feb 4, 2011
6:30pm - 10pm
Humanist Hall - 390 27th Street, Oakland, CA 94612

Little Birthday Elephant

2011-01-23T22:17:00.000-08:00

Lunch break ...

2011-01-17T21:55:00.000-08:00

These are break time sketches ... the top is painted with acrylic gouache ... bottom is a quick watercolor sketch. And the very bottom two are more rabbit story sketches.

Animals Carnival

2011-01-11T20:59:00.000-08:00

I just learn something new yesterday. There is no wild zebras in Ghana ... for some silly reason, I though zebra is a fairy common animals in Africa. So I have to alter my Ghana book illustration with water buffalos. Thank god for Photoshop!! I don't have to paint the entire painting all over. HE! HE!!

Here are more illustrations of the rabbit and phoenix story ... which I may finally make into a book.

Here is the new version of the book illustration with water buffalos.

Rock & Roll

2011-01-08T20:48:00.000-08:00

Top is a little piece for an up-coming charity auction show for Bay Area Girls Rock. The art show will be held on
Friday, Feb 4th, 6:30pm - 10pm at the Humanist Hall - 390 27th Street, Oakland, CA 94612.

Below are sketches of my office window view.

BTW, off topic, the kind people at PetshopBox's Blog selected my Anakin and Padme - "The Lovers" paintings in their Awesome Star Wars Arts Collection.

First Post in New Year

2011-01-02T18:15:00.000-08:00

New Year resolution 1 - try to learn more about my new city by traveling and sketching one page at a time!

These are quick sketches of Legion of Honor. The very bottom piece is painted from memory, I try to paint a waterfall on a hike, but it starts to rain, so end up I just painted it at home. LOL

I just up-dated the artwork section and a new list of national exhibition schedule on my web-site. Please come and check it out!!

I would love to invite you all to my first group art show in 2011 at the Hive Gallery in Los Angeles this up-coming Saturday.

Hive Tarot II
Hive Gallery, 729 S. Spring Street., Los Angeles, CA 90014
Opening reception Jan 8th, 8pm - 12:30pm
Show runs from Jan 8 - Jan 29, 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010-12-30T09:56:00.000-08:00

Wish you all a wonderful new year with many happiness and success!!

Just come back from Lake Tahoe. With all the fresh fluffy new snow, it's really beautiful up there right now. And of course, Minty has a blast!

Happy Boxing Day!!

2010-12-26T10:53:00.000-08:00

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas holiday! This may be one of the last postings in this year!

This bottom piece is a quick sketch at a local bar, when we have a little gather after work.

A few months ago, I mention in the blog that my artwork was selected to be part of the Semi-permanent book. The book is finally published. It's a great book, beautifully printed with collection of many wonderful artwork from artists all over the world. It's available to purchase on-line at their book site.

Waterhole

2010-12-22T20:42:00.003-08:00

This illustration is for the Tools for Schools Africa project - the ABC book for kids in northern Ghana.

I just updated the Artwork and Studio Store section in my web-site, please come and check it out!

Minty's Christmas Mails

2010-12-16T10:15:00.000-08:00

It has been a while, since Minty shows up at the blog!! The lazy little guy has been having too much fun exploring his new city and enjoying the cold weather ... It has been real tough to get him help out around the blog, but Christmas and snow is his favorite season, so here we go - Minty Christmas Cards!!

Top is a color study for my previous painting - Justitia.

I would love to invite everyone to my first show of 2011 at:

Hive Gallery
729 S. Spring Street., Los Angeles, CA 90014

Opening reception Jan 8th, 2011, 8pm-12:30pm
Show runs from Jan 8 0 Jan 29, 2011

I also just up-date my gallery show schedule in 2011 - exhibition city included San Francisco, Los Angeles and Miami, Florida
Please visit my exhibition page at my web-site.

Justitia

2010-12-13T22:14:00.000-08:00

This piece is for the up-coming Hive Gallery Tarot Card Show - my card is "Justice." This painting is done on the Aqua Board.

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-10T23:40:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas and a Happy 2011 everyone!!

I just up-dated my up-coming exhibition event info on my web-site, please come and check it out!

Painting in the rain!

2010-12-05T19:21:00.000-08:00

Went to De Young Museum for the Impressionism exhibition with friends today. We get very inspired by the exhibition and decided to start working on our painting right after regardless it's raining cats and dogs!!

Since I paint with watercolor ... it's soluble under the weather ... not exactly a rain friendly medium, but then nature could contribute some very interesting "brush stroke" on the artwork! LOL Top is a work-in-progress of one of the paintings .. the little dotted texture are naturally created by rain drop!!

Rabbit!

2010-11-30T19:48:00.000-08:00

Been busy with getting ready for holidays lately ... haven't get to draw much. So here is some older works. These are concept arts for a book idea.

Fun, Gift and Prank!

2010-11-22T19:04:00.000-08:00

OnlineComputerScienceDegree.com

Before getting into today's blog post, I would like to thank On-line Computer Science Degree awarding me with a Top Blog award. I am very surprised and feel very honored. When I first start this blog, I merely hope to share my work with fellow artists and friends, I never expect my blog would attract attention beyond the artist community.

THANK YOU!

These are another set of break time sketches from the galaxy far far away ... Err ... or ... may be not ... LOL ... some of these are for fun, some are gifts for friends, while one is a prank! HE! HE!!

OOH!! And I also up-date the event section in my web-site, please come and check it out!

Autumn ... Turkey!!!

2010-11-20T18:08:00.000-08:00

The landscape around the studio are changing color right now, it's very lovely. I can't help not to sneak in a few quick sketches, when we have a little bit of down time in-between project. Early Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

Rockaway beach sketches

2010-11-16T23:59:00.000-08:00

Weather is unusually hot lately after a period of cold weather. It feels very much like summer this past weekend!

I just up-dated my web-site with new paintings, please come and check it out!

Edward Scissorhands painting done!!

2010-11-13T20:44:00.000-08:00

This is my contribution to the Scissorhands 20th anniversary show.

Earlier this year, I visit the Emes' House. The Emes Foundation has recently posted my sketches of the house during my visit. You can find the posting at the Emes Foundation site.

I also recently find out that I am a feature artist at Winsor and Newton web-site. Please come and check it out!!

New Aquabord painting work-in-progress

2010-11-07T21:17:00.000-08:00

This is a work-in-progress painting for Edward Scissorhands 20th Anniversary art show. This piece is watercolor on Aquabord ...

NEW NEW Artist SKetchbooks!

2010-10-31T00:04:00.000-07:00

Been having a busy week with work and holiday, so didn't get to draw much. But, there is a super exciting news. Imaginism Studios have a new Artist Sketchbook Site - they have a wide range of awesome art books in digital format for your phone and ipad! My watercolor collection Acquerello is available for both iPad and iPhone now!! Please check out the site!!

Quicky watercolor sketch during work break; Below are Halloween apples I make for friends. Miss the Halloween IF theme from last week ... BUT better late then never ... HE! HE!! Happy Halloween everyone!

Last but not least, I would love to invite you all to the Purrcasso Art and Craft Gala on Saturday, November 6th and Sunday, November 7th, 2010.

Saturday night is the silent auction and art sale, complete with live music, entertainment, and mingling with artists. My paintings will be available for silent auction that night. On Sunday, they are offering lots of fabulous handmade crafts for pets and pet lovers in addition to beautiful art featuring cats and dogs.

2865 Seventh Street (at Heinz)
Berkeley, CA

Watercolor on Raw Wood

2010-10-24T11:08:00.000-07:00

This piece is for Art Blocks for Ghana.

Below are photos of the finial version with little crystals added.

Below is the work-in-progress photos of this piece. The painting is painted with watercolor. I use acrylic, and silver Designer Gouache to create the bumpy thick snow texture.

The Lovers (AKA Anakin and Padme)

2010-10-19T19:41:00.000-07:00

"The Lovers" aren't the most creative title ... but ... I can't come up with other title ... I have been calling this painting - "Anakin and Padme" in my head ... OK Confession time ... This is a Star Wars Fan Art for an up-coming holiday show at work. HE! HE!! If you look closely ... that's Anakin's lightsaber on his belt.

Decorate Padme's hair with little crystals
Sprinkle of gold and silver paint

Sketchcrawl and more ...

2010-10-17T15:20:00.000-07:00

Top two are drawings from yesterday's Sketchcrawl.
Below are more work-in-progress of the painting. Right now I putting on the final decorative touch. I also take a picture of my painting materials and tools for this painting. A few friends have been asking about the materials and tools set I used, so here is a picture of my color palette and brushes.

This piece is painted with watercolor and silver & gold gouaches for the decorative element. In the next posting, I will post more images of the silver and gold paint effect.

PS. I just updated my exhibition schedule in my web-site, there may be a few more up-dated soon, please check back for latest up-date.

Work-In-Progress

2010-10-10T21:18:00.000-07:00

This is a work-in-progress of a big painting ... it's not exactly "HUGE", but it's a larger scale then my usual painting. It's 16.8" x 28" I am also trying a different style. It may take me a little more time before I can finish this piece ... wish me luck!!

Brainstorming ...

2010-10-02T20:22:00.000-07:00

Sketches from the previous posting, and I add a little clover on the side of the frame.

NEW TOY - Aquabord!

2010-10-01T21:06:00.000-07:00

This paining is watercolor on Ampersand Aquabord Wood Panel. This is the first time I try watercolor on an Aquabord. It's an interesting experience, while I can't say the result is bad, but somehow, it doesn't quite feel like watercolor on paper either. Color seems to appear more intense with stronger contrast ... in a way, it's harder to achieve subtlety. Also the clay surface absorb water a bit differently from paper, it's harder to achieve the spontaneous watermark on it then paper. The edge is a bit harsher then on paper ... The end result feel more like gouache then watercolor.

This is a final scanned version after gloss. Below are work-in-progress.
Does anyone of you paint with Aquabord before? I am kind of curious how you feel about it compare to paper. I still can't quite make up my mind, whether I like it or not. It seems to me, this would work well with more stylized or cartoony watercolor style. I don't think a classic traditional watercolor painting style would work too well on it. I would give this medium a few more try ... it is kind of cool to display watercolor on wood.

Weekend fun!

2010-09-26T18:09:00.000-07:00

Been a busy but fun weekend!! Went to the Disney Family Museum and watch Summer War on Saturday. The museum visit is inspiring. And today, I have a great time at my friend's B-day party. Oh!! My Sketchbook Coop Project is sent out to NY yesterday as well ... add a little crane origami before packing it in the priority mail box!!

Now that the sketchbook project is done, it's time to get back to the gallery paintings ...

Last page

2010-09-21T22:35:00.000-07:00

These two pages concluded my 2010 Art House Co-op Sketchbook Project. If you are interested to see all the pages of this sketchbook, it's available on-line at my Art House Co-op site, and my web-site - Ice-Cream Monster Galleria.

This has been a super fun project. After I shipped it to New York, next time when I come across this sketchbook, it will be traveling back to San Francisco on the national exhibition tour.

Cover check!

2010-09-19T18:06:00.000-07:00

My ArtHouse Coop Sketchbook project is very close to done!! Only one more page to go!! The sketchbook is getting very very FAT - it's 1.2 inch thick, when I squash it!

Travel a thousand miles

2010-09-14T21:45:00.000-07:00

For IF - "You learn more by traveling a thousand miles then reading a thousand books." Ancient Chinese Proverb

Only 2 more pages, the ArtHouse Project would be done!!

One more Sketchbook Project page!

2010-09-12T22:25:00.000-07:00

For IF - "Your imagination is your preview of life's coming attractions." Albert Einstein

Top is another page for the Sketchbook Project; Below are sketches from the California Academy of Science. I just get a Joby tripod for my little old photo camera ... so make a little video to test both the tripod and the video function in my little point and shot. LOL I have the camera for a long while now ... but never quite try out the video function ... since I always have a hard time keep the camera stable.

Weekend outings ...

2010-09-08T17:03:00.000-07:00

We went to De Yound Museum to visit the Early Impressionism exhibition and picnic with friends over the weekend ...

As for this illo ... I was not happy that many people think I was mean to Alina in her previous posting!! She is so totally exaggerated the FACT!! The thing is how can you not defend for your well being, when your friend always try to EAT YOU!!! Granted I have unlimited refill!! That doesn't mean I like to get lick and attempted getting eaten!!

Minty, the poor misunderstood ice-cream cone

Work day silly!

2010-09-03T07:56:00.000-07:00

For IF, Minty count as a dessert right?! Afterall ... he is an ice-cream cone!! HA! HA!!

Below are photos from the opening reception of my solo exhibition at Art Institute Inland Empire. The reception was a lot of fun. I have a wonderful time meeting the students, faculties and congressman, Joe Baca's representative. Thank you Santosh and Ron for inviting me to exhibit at their school.

If you are interested to visit the exhibition, here is the information:

“The Creative Journey of Alina Chau”
Art Institute Inland Empire
674 East Brier Drive
San Bernardino, CA 92408-2800

Show run Aug 26 - Oct 8

Driving along 101 FWY

2010-08-31T19:26:00.000-07:00

These sketches are inspired by scenery along 101 FWY ... have to say ... I like the chunk of 101 up north then that the chunk connect with 405 FWY. Though can't help to miss my mischievous gang of friends in LA still ... especially whenever I saw something fun or tasty.

Oooh ... two of my new pals take me to the Berkeley Kite Festival couple of weeks ago ... we have a great time!! That's my first time going to a kite festival and seeing giant kites almost the size of a small float!! And dancing kites?! It's amazing what people can do with kites ... I never knew kites can do synchronize dance before. This bottom piece is very much inspired by the kite festive as well!!

Book signing invitation!!

2010-08-27T21:08:00.000-07:00

These paintings are concept art for a children book, which I did a long while ago. It's a cute little story about an immovable friendship.

Dear all,

I would love to invite you to A Cartoon Art Museum Bookstore Event tomorrow.

Saturday, August 28 2010, 2:00-5:00pm
The Cartoon Art Museum
655 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

The Cartoon Art Museum welcomes Girls Drawn Girls, the renowned artist collective, to its bookstore for a special event on Saturday, August 28, from 2:00 to 5:00pm. Visitors will have the opportunity to watch the artists at work and view past Girls Drawin Girls projects.

Copies of Girls Drawin Girls Vol III: Sugar and Spice, will be available for sale and for signing, as well as a select array of dessert themed pin-up merchandise!

Artists currently scheduled to appear:

Alina Chau
Arica H
Ashley B Cooper
Liana Hee
Melody Severns
Nicole Filiatrault
Steph Laberis

Hope to see you there!!
Have a wonderful weekend!!

Happy National Banana Split Day!

2010-08-26T08:46:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the opening reception of my solo arts exhibition at Art Institute Inland Empire. I would love to invite you all to the event. Please feel free to bring your friends and family along.

Art Institute Inland Empire
674 East Brier Drive
San Bernardino, CA 92408-2800

Opening reception:
26, August 2010
6:30 - 8:00 pm

Show run from August 26 to October 8, 2010

My exhibition information is also available at my web-site.

The above illustrations are part of the collection in this exhibition. These are some early characters design concept art for children book.

Submarine in my backyard?!

2010-08-22T19:18:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to explore the area ... the top is inspired by scenery on the road, and the bottom piece is an on-location sketch, while my friends and I hiking in Oakland.

Lately many people have been asking me how I approach my watercolor painting. I happen to have a video camera, which my friend lend me right now. I decide to tape my painting process. The painting here is for the Arthouse Coop Sketchbook project. The original size of all my Sketchbook Project paintings are very small, 4.5" x &.5" or less.

Unlike my gallery painting, those are usually well planned, and often I know what I want before I put down the color. With the Sketchbook project, I go for an slightly more spontaneous and experimental approach. I don't always plan ahead before, and not always layer color in a conventional manner. I sometimes layer light color before the dark color, while occasionally I go from dark to light. I use Winsor Newton Artist's Watercolor. Besides white, which I used gouache white, the painting is all done in watercolor.

Jedi

2010-08-20T23:08:00.000-07:00

Lately, I start to realize, I should practice drawing some Star Wars characters for fun. Even we do 3D stuffs at work, most if not all the 3D people at work are awesome 2D artists as well. When you see a gift book passed around in the office, everyone has a cool Star Wars character drawing in it, I feel miss out ... I end up just draw Minty ... cause I don't know what Star Wars character to draw ... and ... well ... haven't really try to learn how to draw one either. LOL

I was telling my office mate, I should learn how to draw Star Wars fan art!! It would be fun!! He said, my last Minty comic is kind of a Star Wars fan art ... but well ... Minty is comic diary ... can't really count as fan art!! So ... I finally get around to draw a Star Wars character!! Err ... if you are wondering what's if the non too Star Wars like background landscape ... Err ... that's my interpretation of Skywalker ranch. HE! HE!!

BTW, if you like Star Wars, and haven't seen Clone Wars season 3 trailer!! You should check it out!! It's going to be epic!! I am real excited with the show and this would be my first TV production too!!

Also, I would love to invite you all to the Girls Drawn Girls - Sugar and Spice Book signing at the Cartoon Art Musuem. I will be there with other GDG artists signing the lovely new GDG Sugar and Spice art book!! Hope to see you there!! Happy weekends!

Star Glazer

2010-08-16T07:06:00.000-07:00

Top is inspired by SF the city; bottom left is inspired by the rooster in my neighborhood and the right one is inspired by my hike to ... Err ... I can't remember what's the name of the place. Sort of spontaneously stop by a place, while I am driving and exploring. HE! HE! HE!!

Minty's weekend story

2010-08-11T22:29:00.000-07:00

SInce Alina has been so lazy that she turns into a couch potato ... I am going to take over this blog post!! HA! HA!!

BTW, thank you ahead, if you can write something here to talk the girl to get me all the presents in my Christmas wish list!! I mean ... 3 items in my list isn't really THAT much, is it?! Consider, I didn't even ask for Christmas gift last year ... and I have been pretty good for the most part this year ... so far ... HE! HE! HE!! HE! HE!!

Yours truly,

Minty, the ice-cream cone

Solo Exhibition Invite!

2010-08-07T23:54:00.000-07:00

Another painting for the Sketchbook Project!

Dear all,

I would love to early invite you all to the opening reception of my solo exhibition at Art Institute Inland Empire on Aug 26, 2010.

“The Creative Journey of Alina Chau”
Art Institute Inland Empire
674 East Brier Drive
San Bernardino, CA 92408-2800

Opening reception:
26, August 2010
6:30 - 8:00 pm

The artwork in this exhibition contains collections from my gallery paintings, book illustration concept arts, graphic novel arts, original watercolor sketchbooks and animation clips.

I will post more information as the date get closer.
Hope to see you there,
Cheers,

Alina

San Francisco Sketchcrawl

2010-08-01T19:41:00.000-07:00

My first San Francisco Sketchcrawl is a lot of FUN!! Although I start the day with 2 hours getting lost in the city ... trying to find the meet up location ... stupid GPS give me a wrong direction, take me to everywhere in the city and end up at the other side of the city, BUT the meet up spot under the Golden Gate Bridge ... anyhow, long story short ... all well end well, I find the group eventually. And the rest of the day is fun and relaxing!! It's wonderful to meet the artists here ... many are super talented artists, who I have admired their works for a long time. So it's a treat to finally meet them.

Here are sketches from the crawl. The top one ... if you look closely I sneak in a big "USS" submarine in the picture. I don't know why, but when I look at the fort under the bridge, it feels like it could house a submarine ... must be cooking up too much Arthouse Coop ideas lately. So this painting is going into the Arthouse sketchbook!! LOL The rest are on-location drawings ... no "imaginary" stuffs added ... HE! HE!!

Inspired by a bad computer day!!

2010-07-29T22:16:00.000-07:00

Argh!! Have a bad computer day today!! Why did computer have the talented of dying on you the day before deadline?!

BTW two of my original paintings are available for sell at the Girls Drawn Girls blog. Please come and check it out!!

Commute inspiration!

2010-07-28T22:06:00.000-07:00

Many people have been asking me, whether I miss LA - the sunny weather and the beaches. To be honest, I don't miss LA the city too too much, after all northern CA isn't that far away from LA. Living style isn't a huge different. SF has a different personality. I love being surrounded by lovely tranquil scenery. I have family of deers glazing outside of my bedroom in the evening. This picture below is inspired by my everyday commute to work. Around the studios are beautiful pastures, with deers, turkeys, cows, bunny wabbits, duckings etc wondering around ... it's very difficult not to love the location.

But there is one thing I DO miss a lot ... that would be all my dear friends in LA.

New Surrounding!

2010-07-25T23:02:00.000-07:00

These past few weeks, I have been so overwhelm and stress out from moving ... I didn't get to paint much at all, and when I try to paint, I have so much in my mind, it's really hard to enjoy the process!! It feels great to be able to sit down and paint again!!

These sketchbook project paintings are very much inspired by my new home!!

YAY!! Back on-line!!

2010-07-24T09:58:00.000-07:00

I am officially back on-line!! WOO HOOO!! Finally unpack the last box today and get my internet connected at home!! Haven't get to draw much these past two weeks during the move. But I did manage to sneak in two little piece for the Sketchbook project. These are inspired by my drive up-north and the surrounding area at my new home.

Bye Bye LA!!

2010-07-05T23:59:00.001-07:00

Dear all,

I would love to invite you to my up-coming group show reception party. I will have two paintings in the show.

"Girls Drawin' Girls" presents "Sugar & Spice"
Location:TAG 839 Headquarters/ Gallery 8391105 N. Hollywood WayBurbank, CA 91505
Time: Friday, July 9th, 7pm - 11pm
Show runs though July 31st

I usually would say "Hope to see you there!" ... but another big announcement ... I am moving to SF this week.
Starting next week, I will be in SF. I was planning to make a little Minty comic about my new adventure. Minty is very excited, cause he thinks he would get to hang out with Jedis, and may possibly get a lightsaber as an early Christmas gift! But right now, we are so overwhelm with moving, I think a real Minty comic will have to wait a bit ...

So this would be my last post in LA ... and may be in a few weeks ... until my internet is up at the new home!!

Good Bye LA!!
Will miss everyone here,

Love,

Minty and Alina
PS. Girls Drawing Girls group post an Artist Spotlight about myself today. Please come and check it out!!

Crab TASTY!!

2010-06-24T00:08:00.001-07:00

Been having a crazy busy week ... only got time to make one drawing for the sketchbook.

... Swimming to SF ...

Pirate and New Adventure!

2010-06-20T22:40:00.000-07:00

Three more pages for the Big Sketchbook Project!!

Day and Night

2010-06-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

Two more sketchbook pages ^_____^

Monster and Machines!

2010-06-14T10:01:00.000-07:00

More sketchbook project sketches!!

Minty's posting

2010-06-09T01:39:00.000-07:00

AH HA!! I get to hop on the computer and post something tonight, while Alina is not paying attention to me. HE! HE!! OOooh ... and these pages are my "contribution" to the Sketchbook Project!! HE! HE!! OK ... idea contribution ... I make her draw the pictures ...

Hope you enjoy the posting!

Yours truly,
Minty, the ice-cream cone

New and Old stuffs ...

2010-06-04T23:05:00.000-07:00

More pages for the Big Sketchbook Project!

Found a set of old storyboard from Technicolor day. Artworks copyrighted by the studios.

More Dirigibles and Submersibles

2010-06-02T18:24:00.000-07:00

More Big Sketchbook project!

2010-05-30T22:59:00.001-07:00

BTW, I just up-dated my up-coming gallery exhibition show list on my web-site. Please come and check it out!

Three new pages

2010-05-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

More for the Big Sketchbook Project ...
BTW, more summer fun event I would love to invite you all to join!!

The Children's Nature Institute presents

KIDS ROCK
Music, Nature and Art Festival

SATURDAY, JUNE 12th, 2pm-7pm
GRIFFITH PARK'S OLD ZOO
$15 for adults
$5 for kids
Free for kids under 12 mos.

Family fun times with nature and art activities like sculpting with found and recycled objects, decorating your very own wings and antennae, dinosaur digs, live animals from CNI's own Wonder Mobile and from the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, and an interactive mural!

"Birds of a Feather..." art show and raffle will feature 30+ unique local artists showing off their work in this nature setting. My artwork will be in this show.

Tickets available at: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/69118836
Proceeds go to help fund the Children's Nature Institute's Outreach Discovery Programs.

Hope to see you there!

Kitty and doggy

2010-05-25T01:04:00.000-07:00

Meat ball for breakfast!! YUM!!!
Dear all,

I would love to invite you all to my up-coming group show.

Gallery Meltdown Presents
"A Mute of Hounds"
Opening June 12, 2010 from 6-9 pm.
On view from June 12-June 26, 2010.

Also, two exciting news, now you can buy the print of my painting - Serenade at the Gallery Nucleus site or from their store!! I also have an original painting - Big Teeth for sell at Gallery Nucleus.

Crazy week

2010-05-22T21:17:00.000-07:00

First page of my Big Sketchbook project with Art House Co-Op! The theme Dirigibles and Submersibles.
Been a bit crazy lately ... kind of a bit slow in up-dating posting here. Below are more paintings from last weekends.

Sunday paintings!

2010-05-17T20:31:00.000-07:00

I join Bill Perkins' painting workshop this Sunday. It's a lot of fun!! This is the first time, I learn how to use grey markers to plan a painting. It's so HARD!!! I haven't used a marker for drawings since elementary school. I always see people use grey markers to block out a paintings ... it looks easy ... but actually doing it, it's very challenging.

I don't think I do a very good job with the markers ... in a way, I think I get confused ... but I can understand why it's very useful to plan thing out in marker though ... I will need to practice and get better!!

BTW, my little OWL painting - Serenade from my previous post on March 8, 2010 get selected into the Semi-Permanent book of 2010!! Will post more about the story, once I learn more about the publication date!!

New New Avatar!

2010-05-15T22:45:00.000-07:00

Time for a new new avatar!! Err ... just got a new hair cut ... I try a new hair salon this time, cause I saw a place on yelp has a special 20% off deal and has great review!! AWWwww ... I don't like the cut very much. It's not horrible ... but ... I like my usual hair dresser much more. She always do a great job making a simple hair cut look super cute and trendy. This new place ... to be fair, the girl has good technique, but artistically she isn't as creative. I look dorky!! Oooh well ... hopefully in a few weeks, when the hair grow longer, it will look a bit better ... Next time I am going back to my old hair dresser for sure!!

It's SHIPPED!!

2010-05-05T19:41:00.000-07:00

After I put in all the drawings, I decorate the cover. The Art House Sketchbook Project is done and shipped!! Actually it safely arrived the the Brooklyn Art Library in New York today!! WOO HOOO!! Humm ... I have so much fun with this little project, I may sign up for their BIG sketchbook project next!! HE! HE!!

Top is the last bit of Vandal Heart storyboard. BTW, I just set up an on-line store selling my original watercolor paintings, please come by and check it out!!

Birdy!

2010-05-02T20:58:00.000-07:00

I experiment with different color scheme, and finally decide to use a limited color palette for a slightly more abstract feel.

I would love to invite you all to my up-coming gallery art show.
I will have two piece of paintings in the show.

Unleashed: The First Annual Los Angeles Pet Art Show
Saturday May 8th from 12pm to 11pm
Reception party: 7 to 11pm
Synchronicity Space, 4306 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Have a wonderful week!!

Nap time!!

2010-05-01T16:17:00.000-07:00

Top two sketches are character drawings for my friend's animated film - Opposites. Please come by and check it out. If you like it, vote for it too!!

Sketches from the land of OZ!

2010-04-26T22:36:00.000-07:00

These sketches are drawn this past Sunday, when I accidentally get blow away by a wicked wind and landed in the land of OZ!! Err ... OK ... may be not it's not REALLY that dramatic ... but I sure feel like Dorothy, when I stand in the middle of the Mojave Desert Grassland seeing bright orange poppies covering all the hills and flat lands!! The view is simply stunning!!

BTW, I would love to invite you all to my up-coming gallery show at Hive.

Come one, come all to MAYhem at The Hive!
OPENING party: MAY 1, 2010
8pm-12:30am

(show will run from may 1-may 29, 2010)

729 South Spring street
Los Angeles, CA 90014

Also, I just found out Hive Gallery write a special blog post about my artworks. I feel very flattered and honored. They have so many wonderful artists, I am very grateful for their compliments. I especially want to thank their King Bee Nathan for giving me the opportunity to present my works at their gallery!! Thank you Nathan!! You ROCK!!

UCLA Japanese Garden

2010-04-21T12:54:00.000-07:00

Been very busy lately, didn't get to sketch much. These are more pages for the Sketchbook Project. Err ... top is my home not the garden. LOL

Almost forget, I just have a new podcast episode up on-line!! Please come and check it out!!

Eames house!!

2010-04-14T17:44:00.000-07:00

I have a wonderful inspiring day visiting the famous designers, Eames' house in Pacific Palisades. Overall today is a good day. After the tour to the house, I went to visit Eames Office in Santa Monica, and end the day visiting one of Frank Lloyd Wright's house, Hollyhock house in Hollywood. Unlike the Eames house, this is house design for a client, not the architect's resident.