Patti Smith

 

Without question, Patti Smith is one of the most iconic Jersey girls to emerge out of the Garden State. Attending one of her concerts, which are filled with inspiring songs and poetry, is like witnessing a force of nature. Her message is to use your voice to help make this world a better place. Patti has the power to make us, as citizens, realize we have the power to make a difference on this planet. For that reason, she's one of my heroes.

Norman Rockwell

 

Emerging out of the Berkshires, it’s an American master. From his studio in Stockbridge, MA, Norman Rockwell captured our country’s spirit  in iconic paintings. I am blessed to live within an hour’s drive of the museum named after him. As an illustrator, I could never find a better place to get inspired.

Jean-Michel Basquiat

 

The son of a Haitian-immigrant father, and a mother who's family hailed from Puerto Rico, this acclaimed American painter has deep roots in in the Caribbean. No doubt, that rich background boils up in his spectacular paintings.  

                            Signed print of this portrait are available here, in my Etsy shop! 

Vincent Van Gogh

This portrait is a tiny tribute to a monumental Dutch master.

Björk

 

Björk lives on a creative island in and of herself.

Andy Warhol

I recently read an enlightening biography of Andy Warhol (Pop, by Tony Scherman and David Dalton). One unique aspect of his vision was that he saw little difference between art galleries and supermarkets. In other words, he saw art in even the most mundane aspects of American culture. With that in mind, I attempted drawing this little tribute to his genius.

Signed prints of this piece are available here (in my Etsy shop).

Frida Kahlo

Here's a drawing of an iconic artist known for her many magical self portraits. Frida was inspired by Mexico's rich history, culture, and natural elements, so it was an easy choice for me to depict her on this map.

Signed prints of this portrait are available in my Etsy Shop!

Mark Rothko

Here's a portrait of abstract expressionist, Mark Rothko, drawn on a reproduction of his painting, Orange and Yellow. Growing up in Buffalo, NY, I visited the Albright Knox Art Gallery regularly, and even had an internship there in high school. The main draw of this museum is their world-class collection of abstract expressionist paintings.  I drew this portrait of Mr Rothko on a reproduction of a painting that hangs in their main gallery, one of which I've sat in front of many times. His work has a meditative quality which is capable of sending viewers to far off places. It felt fitting to create this portrait on a painting which has meant so much to me. I wonder if you similarly about any painting in your life?

Prints of this piece are available here!

Clyfford Still

Here's a portrait of abstract expressionist, Clyfford Still, drawn on a print reproduction of his painting, Yellow.

Kurt Cobain

We lost Kurt Cobain on this day, 25 years ago, but his musical legacy will always be in bloom. Local friends, this drawing is part of a group exhibit - The Grand Floral Show - at The Farm Salon, Greig Farm, Red Hook, NY, April 6-28th. The gallery is open Fri-Sun 10-3 pm.

You can order your signed print of this portrait here!

Kacey Musgraves

Here's a small study of singer/songwriter, Kasey Musgraves. This drawing of one of my favorite country artists was inspired by her song, Butterflies. No doubt, when I listen to her music, I get butterflies! 

Signed prints of this piece are available here!

Willem de Kooning

Here’s a portrait of Willem de Kooning, drawn on a reproduction of his painting, Parc Rosenberg. A Dutch immigrant, he helped lead a movement which would help define American painting on its own terms. Up until the the mid 20th century, there was a perception that European artists contributed all the big breakthroughs in the evolution of painting. Along came a group of NY painters, the abstract expressionists, who were the first to break away from figurative art altogether. Their act of painting went after emotional expression, and emphasized creative spontaneity. As a leader of this group, Mr. de Kooning helped stimulate a dialog about the definition of art, the act of painting, the boundaries of creative expression, and where painting would go next. To be fully appreciated, his paintings must be seen in person. They are spectacular.

You can order your signed print of this piece here!

Amy Winehouse

Heres a portrait of the brilliant singer/songwriter, Amy Winehouse, in which I utilized makeup brushes to draw. So many iconic musicians have tragically died at 27 years of age, including Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison and Brian Jones. Sadly, Amy joined that club in 2011. I drew this tribute on a map of her hometown, London.  Rest in peace.

Signed prints are available here!

Yoko Ono

She’s a visual artist, singer/songwriter, and philanthropist all in one person. She steadfastly honors the legacy and vision of her late husband, John Lennon. And when it comes to waging peace, Yoko is numero Ono.

Prints of this piece are available here!

Egon Schiele

Here’s a portrait of Austrian painter, Egon Schiele, drawn on a map of Vienna. I discovered this brilliant artist while studying drawing in the 1980s at Parsons School of Design. His work has inspired me ever since then. A protégé of Gustav Klimt, he was a true master of capturing the human form. Materials: Pen, dry brush, and pencil

Prints of this piece are available here!

In Bloom

I was recently looking through a book of copyright-free engravings from the 18th century, and came across a page of flowers. It got me thinking about a song, In Bloom, written by one of the voices of my generation, Kurt Cobain. More than two decades after he died, Nirvana's music is still as relevant as ever. I was compelled to draw this tribute to him.

Prints of this piece are available here.

A Busker from Saskatoon

Joni Mitchell started out as a busker from Saskatoon, and grew into one of the great songwriters of all time. Prints of this piece are available here!