Maria Danalakis Art + Design + Illustration

Zombie valentine for ZaPow! Gallery

2012-02-06T11:25:00.000-08:00

I recently completed an actual oil painting! Painting has always been the thing I have been the most passionate about as far as creating art goes. I took to it in art school and tried to continue but its very difficult to oil paint when you have no studio space. I live in a very small studio apartment and cannot set up any space to paint so when I do, its at my tiny kitchen table and that isn't conducive to oil painting at all. Anyway, I made do with what I have and I do like the way this turned out. The colors are a little off but its pretty accurate.
I created this painting for a gallery I have some artwork in called ZaPow! they are located in Asheville, NC and they focus on comic art, illustration, etc which is a perfect fit for me! They are having a show called Zombies and lusty ladies. If you find yourself in the Asheville area of NC, visit ZaPow! and maybe buy this lovely painting :)
I will definitely be doing more paintings in the future to sell in my etsy store.

New arts

2012-01-27T06:17:00.000-08:00

Is it really STILL January? This is like the month that will never end! I have two new drawings that I want to share. I am happy with the way they turned out, and I have one more to finish to complete this little series. For these I wanted to go classic pin up but in my own style. The last one I want to work on is a sailor pin up! I wanted to also tone down the colors and add some design elements that I don't normally work with, so I am pretty happy with these!
I am selling them as 8x10 prints on etsy, and when the third is complete I am going to sell them as 5x7 card sets.
I am also working on an actual painting! I am so excited because I haven't done an oil painting in over a year, possibly longer. Will give more details on that soon. I am hoping to finish it up this weekend. It's hard to find time/energy to paint but it is my first love so no excuses!

Sassy Hat

2012-01-12T14:08:00.000-08:00

Did a new little drawing recently. I am trying to refine my cartoony style a little bit, and experiment with some new techniques and colors. I am contemplating making this little gal into a greeting card to sell on my etsy, but I am not sure what I want to do with her yet. I think she's pretty and I like the colors and simplicity :) Enjoy!
Yes I am pretty sure ladies in Paris walk around with their best hats and undies on :)

commissions

2012-01-09T13:48:00.001-08:00

Hello all!
Hope your 2012 is shaping up to be awesome! Mine's going well so far! Just wanted to share a recent little logo design I worked on for a cool blog called verbal switchblade. It's a portrait of the owner of the blog and her adorable little pup, done up in a cute 1920s/art deco style!

http://verbalswitchblade.wordpress.com/

here's a larger view of her portrait. If anybody is interested in having a portrait or design done, please email me!
here's a closer view of her portrait :)

Happy New Year!

2011-12-30T08:18:00.000-08:00

Ok last post of 2011! i know i made the New Year spiel in my last post, but I wanted to share a new drawing in my superhero pin up series and a fun little inspiration board I put together.

I wanted to work on DC comics batgirl/Barbara Gordon because I just love the fact that she is a librarian, and that she uses her knowledge as well as physical skill to fight crime! I really wanted to make her look like a sassy librarian from the 60s/70s and this one is my personal favorite in the whole series. I like the way her outfit and her hair came out the best!

I have always loved working on inspiration boards and trend boards (I still get to do that stuff at my day job, just with kids clothes and fashions--still fun!!) So i wanted to put together a little board of artwork and people and images that inspire my work, most specifically inspired the superhero pin up series.
Pin up art of the 30s-50s is probably my number one inspiration, I have always liked the popular artists like Gil Elvgren and Alberto Vargas, but I am really drawn to the work of Enoch Bolles most of all. I love the way he draws their faces and their poses are dynamic and lots of fun. I also have been looking at the work of Peter Driben, most specifically his covers for girlie mags like Titter, Wink, Eyeful etc. I have also kind of recently discovered the work of Bruce Timm. Not that I am a comic book expert! (I like comics, but mostly I love how ingrained in American history comic book characters are. What's more American than Superman?) but I am into great art and illustration and he is a great artist. The rest of my inspiration for the series is definitely kitschy "big eyed girl" art which was started by artist Margaret Keane. Another favorite of mine is definitely French "graffiti" artist Fafi. Her work is so creative, cute, fun and playful, I'd love to see some of her works in person. I also love old Disney cartoons and comic books (I have a little collection of Disney comics from the 50s-80s) I am not into dolls at all, and don't have any but I think Blythe is so cute! I love her big eyes and serious expression and her fashions are so crazy! The other images up there that I love are paper dolls from the 70s. I think they are amazingly designed. I love their fashions most of all!
and who could talk about pin up art without mentioning pin up queen, Bettie Page?

So that's a little peek into whats swimming around inside my head. Among thousands of other things I love. I can talk about my influences and art I love all day long, lol.

Hope everyone has an awesome New Year! Can't wait to see what 2012 will bring!
xoxo
Maria

Comics Alliance!

2011-12-28T07:40:00.001-08:00

Hope everyone out there has had a wonderful holiday season and is gearing up for a fabulous New Year! Its no secret I love this time of year, but I am ready for 2012! I have had some ups and downs in 2011, and I am ready for a brand new year to start! I don't really do resolutions (too much pressure!) but I have some personal goals I have been working on for a few months, and as always, one of my main goals is to keep going with my artwork, and to do more of it and branch out with different styles/commissions etc. I am working on some new pieces in the superhero pin up series that I am excited to share with everyone. (if you are a "fan" on my facebook page, you will have seen a sneak peek!) Another artistic goal of mine is to finally finish my pin up cocktails recipe book! It's almost done I just have to find some time and motivation to finish.

But some exciting news! I was featured on the super awesome blog comicsalliance.com! it was a huge surprise to say the least, and the write up was really sweet. Needless to say I was greatly honored. Click here to check out the article!

and thanks to friends Paigey and Fenny of Little Asian Sweatshop for calling the article to my attention! Check them out!

Again, I hope everyone has a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year! Out with the old in with the new :)

VIntage Circus art

2011-12-14T14:08:00.000-08:00

Greetings! I started this piece a few weeks ago but forgot to finish it. I blame all the Christmas festivities! anyway, I decided to revisit it and finish it because I knew it had potential and I am glad I did. I have wanted to do some vintage circus/freak show poster inspired art because I always love to combine art with typography. Anyway, I think she came out pretty cute! In case you want to take her home, she is available for sale in my etsy shop. There is still time to pick this and anything else in my store up for Christmas. I ship priority so get your domestic orders in by Dec 19 for Christmas delivery! Also my BLACKFRIDAY coupon for 25% off on anything in my store expires tomorrow!

Happy Holidays

2011-12-05T07:51:00.001-08:00

Ok, I know its not Christmas yet, but I am a bit of a Christmas nerd--no not a bit, a lot! I love it all! I started decorating my apartment and got inspired to design this years Christmas card. I actually love the way it came out! I put this card up for sale on etsy if you'd like to send your friends and family a naughty Christmas pin up. Grandma would love it! :)

Holiday sale!

2011-11-25T09:55:00.001-08:00

Wow almost Christmas time already? Christmas is my favorite time of year and I love all the decorations, the smell of Christmas trees, the baking, the yummy food and of course the presents! So I am restocking my etsy page throughout the month, and offering 25% off all sales, and of course, all orders come with a free gift (its a surprise!) so use code BLACKFRIDAY at my etsy store for 25% off and bring home some unique gifts for yourself or someone you love, while supporting a small business :) Check it out!

Harry Potter!

2011-11-13T15:03:00.000-08:00

I have been sick with an ear infection--in both ears :( for the last week, so I have been laying low at home this weekend trying to recover... It has been playing a Harry Potter marathon all weekend long on TV, and inspiration to do a Hermione fan art piece struck! I have always liked Hermione she's--smart, good in school, she likes reading, cats, has curly hair and is brave and a bad ass. A great role model for young females in a day and age where there are so few! I know Harry Potter is very special to many people, and I hope I did Hermione some justice with this drawing :)

Happy Reading!

2011-10-19T06:42:00.000-07:00

Here is a bookplate I designed over the summer that was given as a free gift for pre ordering the girls drawin girls vol IV book. There were lots of beautiful bookplates designed, and I wonder who got mine? Anyway, I liked the illustration so much I wanted to share it on my blog. I am also selling it on my etsy as a 4x6 print or bookplate. Check it out and happy reading!

New York Comic Con

2011-10-11T19:43:00.000-07:00

Its that time of year again! girls drawin girls will have a booth at New York Comic Con in the Javits center. The convention goes from October 13-16. We are going to be located in Artists Alley, booth O1

I will be working the table on Sunday afternoon so come and say hi! I will have my super hero girls and some other prints for sale, and our book The Way Nature Made Her will also be for sale, not to mention lots of other art and products from everyone in the group. NYCC is always a really fun time so come on out.

Great Big Book of Fashion Illustration

2011-09-28T10:45:00.001-07:00

Hello all!
Despite a personally trying and tumultuous couple of weeks, I am back with some great news on the art front! 4 of my illustrations are going to be featured in this book and I am very excited. It's a great fashion illustration source book with 416 pages of full color illustrations from illustrators all over the world and I am honored to be included. I was first contacted by the publisher in April 2010 and I remember thinking how far away Fall 2011 was but now it is finally here! So check it out! its is available on amazon.com but the official release date is October 4 in the US.
click the cover to get to the amazon.com listing.

wonder woman!

2011-09-01T20:53:00.000-07:00

I can't believe summer is almost over! This one went by really quick! I have had a pretty productive summer art wise, and I am taking an interest in doing a bit more with jewelry (dabbled a little bit with some rings and brooches), but more on that to come. I have decided to keep going with my super heroes and villains pin ups, and this time around, everyones favorite, Wonder Woman! I like the way she came out! For this one, I felt there was a lot going on already so I left out the words.

What do you think?

urban scarlet

2011-08-17T06:10:00.000-07:00

Wow August already? time goes so fast! anyway check out this awesome blog I just discovered, Urban Scarlet! Its not only a beautifully designed blog with lots of great content, there is an awesome little store too! I picked up some heart stickers and red and white paper straws (always wanted them, although I am not sure what to do with them yet, lol) so check out the blog and the store. I loved the site so much I decided to become a sponsor!
In art news, I am almost done with my retro cocktail art and recipe book, and still working on artwork and adding new work and designs my etsy shop!

Super Villain Pin Ups continued!

2011-07-20T14:13:00.000-07:00

I got a suggestion from a lovely person on etsy to do a catwoman pin up, and I am so glad she suggested it. I love the way she turned out and I loved the challenge. She's definitely more saucy then my usual girls. I am really enjoying reinterpreting these characters in my own style and having fun with the costumes.

Drinks anyone?

2011-07-18T13:45:00.001-07:00

I wanted to share a sneak peek at a new project I am working on that I am very excited about! Don't want to give away too much but it involves retro cocktails and lovely pin up girls. Here is a little preview :)
I am also still working on more of my superhero pin up girls so stay tuned!

Super Villain Pin Ups

2011-06-30T14:26:00.000-07:00

Greetings!
Ever since returning from Philadelphia comic con a few weeks ago, I have been super inspired. Saw a lot of great artists and bought some fabulous art and a got a very cool commission done by the Fraim Brothers!
I have tried my hand at comic book characters before, but this time I wanted to do a series. I was originally going to do 5 but as of now I only have 3 done that I absolutely love and they all happen to be female villains of DC comics. I would like to continue and finish up the series, but I have to be in the right frame of mind to do it. I am also working on my fruit girl series and of course my snapfish cards! So here is what I have so far for my super villain pin ups fan art.

And a Happy July 4th to everyone!

Girls Drawin Girls Vol IV-PRESALE!!

2011-06-06T12:35:00.000-07:00

Hello! The latest and greatest book from the talented ladies of Girls Drawin Girls, Volume IV:
The Way Nature Made Her, is available for presale!! This beautiful hard cover book features over 80 artists, and has 173 pages total-- every piece of art has a full page, so no little thumbnails, just page after page of beautiful full color art, including art by yours truly :)

The best part of ordering before July 10, 2011? You get a unique 3"x4"bookplate by an artist of the group for free. So please check it out, and support this group of talented ladies and independent artists. Here is a teaser of what you are in store for when you pre-order.

Click the picture to order.

And here is my piece in case you forgot (which i doubt)

Thank you for your support in advance, and enjoy the book :)

happy memorial day!

2011-05-26T12:08:00.001-07:00

Happy almost memorial day! I whipped up this little summer drawing to celebrate the weather getting warm and summer finally arriving!

I've also been hard at work at adding more cards to my snapfish page, so check that out too! I have started adding coordinating cards to my assortment! So far I have a few matching thank you cards to go with some invitations I already had in my store. Going to add more coordinating sets based on the popularity of the ones I already have on hand :)

Hope you have a happy and safe memorial day!

Let them eat cupcakes

2011-05-05T08:47:00.000-07:00

I've been on a bit of a roll with creating new artwork and feeling really inspired lately.
I'm going to ride this wave of inspiration til it fizzles out, which it inevitably will. Here is a new drawing I am really really proud of. I feel like I opened a door with stepping outside of my comfort zone and trying some new things, and I am happy with the results! I've had this idea of a girl with cupcake hair for a while, and decided that would be a cute idea for a Marie Antoinette inspired girl. so here she is! I am thinking she needs to be painted, but I guess we'll see if i could find time to start painting again. She's definitely going to be a Mother's Day gift for my dear Mom. She shares an affinity for pin ups and cartoony girls too!

I also submitted a drawing of Elektra I did for cornered blog. I did it really quickly and was surprised with the results. Check out the blog post by clicking the picture:
I also did Brooklyn Artists and Fleas with my friend Paigey, while it was a fun time and good exposure and experience, I don't think I would do that particular venue again. But i definitely want to do more craft fairs in the future, I just have to figure out which ones and where. Doing lots of research. I am also revamping my etsy page because I have some sweet merchandise that I made that I would like to sell. Will post about that in a separate entry soon!

Zatanna art and some updates

2011-04-28T08:40:00.000-07:00

Hello all!
I recently completed a piece that I have been wanting to do for a long time. It's my first foray into drawing comic book characters, but I love this character so I wanted to draw her. It's a drawing of DC comics Zatanna. I was inspired by some beautiful posters at the Houdini: Art and Magic exhibit at The Jewish Museum in NYC about a month ago. I knew I wanted to do an old timey feeling magic or freak show poster, and also wanted to draw some fan art of DC comics Zatanna, so there you go. :)

So Fruity!

2011-04-18T07:48:00.000-07:00

Happy April!
I have been busy working on lots of new art! I am participating in Girls Drawin Girls upcoming book, which i mentioned in the last post. The theme of the book is flora and fauna and I got apple. That drawing inspired me to work on a series of fruit themed pin ups! My loose inspiration was vintage fruit crate labels. I have four completed which I plan to sell as a print set. I love the way they turned out! Check em out! what do you think?

I am working on another series, which I don't want to talk about yet, but is different for me, but also a lot of fun.

Artist Spotlight and Wondercon

2011-03-31T18:02:00.001-07:00

Hey look at that, my artist spotlight is up over at the girls drawin girls blog. yay! check it out!

also, I won't be there, but girls drawin girls will have a booth at Wondercon this year, and I have shipped them some fresh new merchandise, including new 8x10 prints and some 5x7 prints as well! So if you are in the area, check it out. I really need to make it over there for some conventions soon... so far away!

Wondercon 2011

April 1-3

Moscone Center South, San Francisco, CA

Girls Drawin Girls will be in the small press area, booth #1339

New Art

2011-03-16T13:22:00.000-07:00

I have spent most of this year experimenting with new drawing techniques and themes and styles, and so far I am very happy with the result. I have also been revisiting my paper cut out artwork, which I have always loved to do and seemed to be my most popular. I still enjoy the more realistic style of artwork that I have been working on for many years, but I feel I am ready to try some new things while staying true to what I love. I have to say, my new gig with snapfish really helped me start to think outside of my usual style and I have enjoyed it a lot. I have amassed quite a collection of designs, and right now I am working on getting some products together to have a table at a craft fair! I am definitely interested in doing Brooklyn artists and fleas, and am pleased with what I have so far.
I also mentioned I am going to be participating in my very first book with Girls Drawin Girls, and I felt inspired to try something completely new, yet still recognizable as my own. The theme I had for the book was apples and here she is:
What do you think? I am loving her!
I've also been looking over my artwork past and present, and there doesn't seem to be much racial diversity :/ its not intentional, I just usually draw the same people (Bernie Dexter most of all) but its definitely become a priority to focus less on specific people.

I'm excited about doing new work and changing things up a bit! Maybe its the impending warmer weather?

Tumblr and some updates

2011-02-28T22:23:00.000-08:00

So I am on tumblr now. I really for the life of me could not figure out how to use this and what it was about, but now I am finally getting it. For me, I am using it as a place to gather inspiration images and also display some of my artwork. It's nice to have a page to go to to look at all of my favorite things, especially when I am in need of some inspiration! I am very visual and looking at pretty things makes me happy!

check me out!

http://mariartist.tumblr.com/

Also, I will be participating in a Girls Drawin Girls book! Yay! Won't give away too many details yet, as I am still working on ideas and inspirations for what to draw--I want it to be really good, as it will be the first book my artwork will be featured in. Needless to say, I am very excited!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T13:31:00.001-08:00

To all!
xoxo
Maria

February already?

2011-02-04T12:42:00.000-08:00

Hello out there!
I have been neglecting my blog and I feel terrible about that. I have been pretty busy lately, and I haven't had a chance to do much new artwork! Any free time I have has gone to designing cards for my snapfish store. I added some new prints to my etsy, but they don't seem to be doing very well at all--Anybody out there have any tips and/ or suggestions on selling on etsy?
Anyway, I wanted to share some of my most recent designs for snapfish, because it seems I haven't ever really posted my designs on here, and I am quite proud of them. So check them out, and hop on over to my snapfish page if you want to see more, or even purchase one (some? hahaha)
For Valentines Day:
I am quite proud of this little owl design! It is selling so much better than I expected, as it is the top selling non-photo valentines day card on all of snapfish! I have also been selling 8x10 prints of this design on my etsy.
Here are some more Valentine's Day cards I designed.
there are, of course, many more cards in the works! I really wish I could be as successful selling my cards myself as I am on snapfish. Maybe one day!

Things I love of 2010

2010-12-30T12:14:00.000-08:00

Here is my final "Things I love Thursdays" of some of my favorite things/events of 2010! This was definitely a good year for me artistically, professionally and personally, and I am hoping 2011 is even better! Hope you all have a fabulous New Year! Can't wait to start doing more artwork and adding more products to my etsy store and snapfish store in the coming year. :)

1) Girls Drawin Girls:
I had the pleasure and privilege of joining the artist collective Girls Drawin Girls early this year and it has definitely opened up a lot of doors for me. Besides being a part of a group of very talented female artists, I have had the opportunity to exhibit artwork in more shows, be a part of NYCC, get published in a calendar and more. I am looking forward to another year as a member of this amazing group. Thanks for having me ladies!

2) Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World
OK this movie was fantastic. I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did, but it was an enjoyable experience to say the least! Great cast and acting, really great costumes and designs and of course really cool special effects. I also really enjoyed the graphic novels and am glad they did them justice. I'd recommend watching this. You won't be disappointed.

3) New York City Comic Con:
This year was my first year attending NYCC, and I also had the pleasure of exhibiting with Girls Drawin Girls. It was a little overwhelming at first but I really enjoyed it and most of all enjoyed meeting some of the west coast girls and other members from the east coast. it's always nice putting a face to a name. I also enjoyed the convention itself even though it was very crowded. Lots of talent in one place, which is always nice. Definitely one of the highlights of the summer for me.

4) Snapfish:
Becoming a snapfish greeting card designer has also been one of the highlights of this year for me. Not only am I doing something i really enjoy but I am making a little money off of it. This year I am hoping to design a line of greeting cards on my etsy as well as attend the stationary trade show at the Javits center this May.

5) Teddy Girls:
I recently stumbled upon and discovered some really awesome photographs by Ken Russell of a group of girls from England in the 1950s called "Teddy Girls" Sadly there isn't much photographic evidence but their style is like nothing I've ever seen. I want to do artwork of them or inspired by them at some point this year. I am definitely still doing research and would like to learn more about them. read more about them here

6) All the Blogs I have linked on my blog roll.
I visit all those blogs on a daily basis and I would definitely recommend anybody visit them as well. Lots of talented people on there from artists, to people who make their own clothes to people who bake and cook with lots of passion, to magazines and designers and every thing in between. I love visiting these blogs and they definitely help me go on when I am feeling creatively drained or tired of working full time, blogging and finding time and passion for new artwork and projects.

Hope you enjoyed my list and I hope everyone has a fantastic New Year! see you in 2011!! :)

Holiday show update/Merry Christmas!

2010-12-20T08:31:00.000-08:00

I didn't get to participate in the girls drawin girls holiday show this year, unfortunately. It seems my package was lost in the mail and never made it to LA! and sadly I did not get insurance on it (but luckily it was not original artwork, just prints, but it was still signed artwork in frames and it hurts that they are lost) here is hoping that somehow they get sent back to me.

I would like to start participating in more shows in the NYC or surrounding area, I love participating in GDG shows and events but the stress and cost of having to send artwork and merch to LA from NY--and facing the real possibility that the work will get lost, is getting a bit too much. I need to just focus on maybe participating in 1 or 2 shows and events with the group per year and focus on that instead of trying to over extend myself and participate in more!

In happier news, my cards over at snapfish are doing well and it has been a lot of fun designing for them. I am actually planning on branching out and selling a collection of greeting cards that can be customized on my etsy site, so stay tuned for that. In the meantime, please visit my snapfish store!

I would also like to wish any and all readers a very Merry Christmas if they celebrate, and a Happy and prosperous New Year filled with lots of art, happiness and love!

New Holiday art

2010-12-09T11:49:00.000-08:00

Hello all!
happy December! I recently completed a new Holiday themed piece for the upcoming Girls Drawin Girls Holiday show. Check it out! This peice will be on sale, framed and matted for only $20. I will post more information about the show soon!

Girls Drawin Girls Calendar

2010-11-12T06:29:00.000-08:00

I recently created some artwork for the Girls Drawin Girls 2011 calendar! This was super fun because we were each paired up with another girl for a collaboration. I was paired up with the talented Megan Levens and we got December (which i was super happy about-winter is my favorite season to do artwork for!) Here is what we came up with:
Our theme was "indoor/outdoor" "cold/warm" and I think we did a good job conveying our theme!
So get your GDG 2011 calendar already! There is lots of really great art on there. Check it out!

Some updates

2010-11-04T12:59:00.000-07:00

My cards over at snapfish are finally available for purchase! This has been a lot of fun for me, as I love greeting card design! I am adding more designs almost on a daily basis so please keep checking it out!
I have also created a few iphone and ipod touch wallpapers of some of my artwork available for download for personal use only. check that out here

Lastly, a quick note on "Things I love Thursdays" I can't come up with a post for that every week, so I have decided to do it on a monthly basis, but it will still be on Thursdays

Mondo Lounge-Las Vegas

2010-10-21T11:28:00.000-07:00

Vegas baby! No unfortunately I am not going but Girls Drawin Girls will have a booth there, and I am going to have this brand new, exclusive print available at the Mondo Lounge in Las Vegas, this weekend, October 22-24. Clearly, this is something I'd really love to attend, but maybe next year! anyway, check out this new piece i did to be sold exclusively at the Mondo Lounge! if you find yourself in Vegas, you should go!

Things I Love Thursday

2010-10-14T12:28:00.000-07:00

I'm back with another "things i love Thursday" post! preparing art and prints for NYCC and work kept me busy so i didn't get a chance to do this in a while, so here we go!

Bettie Page: (and the movie "The Notorious Bettie Page")
Obviously, I have much respect and admiration for the pin up queen herself, Bettie Page. She never considered herself an icon or a queen or any of the labels bestowed upon her, which might be one of the main reasons she is so appealing. She came alive in front of the camera, captivating her audience with her radiant smile. Looking at her pictures automatically puts a smile on my face, because she seems so genuinely happy in that moment. She led a very interesting life, sometimes difficult, but there was a sweetness and innocence and complete lack of self consciousness about her that has never quite been recaptured by anybody.

as for the movie, many people didn't seem to really like it, but I thought it was beautifully done. Many people say it didn't delve into who Bettie "really" was, but I think that is the whole point of Bettie Page. She was always a bit of a mystery, somebody who seemed to be happy and herself and really come to life in the presence of cameras. She had no agenda, she wasn't out to break down feminist barriers or change the world, that wasn't Bettie at all. I think the film captured that about her quite well. I also think Gretchen Mol did a fantastic job portraying Bettie. She captured her sweet, free spirited innocence really well, even though they don't really physically look alike. It was a pleasure to watch and different than your typical Hollywood biopic.
Bernie Dexter:
Next is Bernie Dexter, who is my number one muse! I know she got initially got attention because she looks like Bettie Page, but Bernie Dexter is in a category all her own. She has many of those sweet and innocent qualities that Bettie Page had, she comes alive and radiates in front of a camera just like Bettie. I love Bernies happy photos and use many of her pictures as reference and inspiration for my art. She has a beautiful face and figure but an even more beautiful spirit. Thank you Bernie Dexter for being a constant inspiration for me!

NYCC success!

2010-10-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

NYCC was a lot of fun! pretty tiring but lots of fun. we ended up with a great corner booth after some mishaps with our original booth but it all worked out pretty well. Major props to the ladies at Girls Drawin Girls for making things happen and setting everything up. I also got to meet West Coast founding members, Melody Severns and Daisy Church which was really nice, and got to hang out with a few East Coast members. East Coast represent!
We had a lot of traffic at our booth, and many people interested in learning more about us. I also sold a number of my prints which made me very happy! We had a great variety of merchandise, and I think we were one of the most interesting booths there. NYCC was my first convention, and I really enjoyed it and look forward to more. Here's to next years NYCC! :)
here are some photos from that crazy weekend!

Me and Paigey!

Me with Erica Hesse, Paigey and Fenny!

action shot of the booth!

New Etsy shop and NYCC

2010-10-08T11:17:00.000-07:00

Hey all! I have opened up my very own etsy shop! check it out!
I only have one item listed so far, but will be listing more!

also, don't forget to stop by NYCC and visit the girls drawin girls booth! we will be at booth 2479 so please stop by and say hi if you're going to be there! I will be there tomorrow and Sunday. I will have a few 8x10 prints for sale. I hope to see you there :)

New York Comic Con

2010-09-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

That's right, Girls Drawin Girls is going to have a booth at New York City Comic Con next weekend, October 8-10 at the Jacob Javits center in NYC! Yours truly will be at the table representin and selling some 8x10 prints that won't be available anywhere else! So swing by Small Press Booth 2479 and say hi! There will be tons of awesome GDG merch available.
Hope to see you there!
Beautiful flyer courtesy the talented Paige Pumphrey

So Swanky- Mad Men

2010-09-16T07:40:00.001-07:00

I recently completed a new drawing! I really love how popular the show mad men has become! Its a great show, and I am in love with the overall look of it, including the cast. Its probably the most perfectly cast show I have ever seen. They cut no corners in really making this show authentic. I particularly enjoy how popular Christina Hendricks, who plays Joan Holloway has become. She's not your typical size 2, 22 year old Hollywood starlet but she is still a success! I wanted to do a drawing of her as her character so here it is. My swanky tribute to mad men!

well razz my berries!

2010-09-10T06:35:00.001-07:00

I wanted to write a post about a brand new blog called Razz My Berries retro cooking. It's my sisters blog and I did the design work!
She has a lovely and very substantial collection of old cook books and catalogs from the 1950s which she uses to make delicious desserts and meals. She decided to start a blog documenting her versions of the original recipes, and has a section for users to share their photos of the recipes too. It's a great site if you are looking for recipes from the 1950s that you know will work in today's world. Also a great resource if you don't have any old cook books of your own, as she posts the original recipes too!
check it out!

Things I love Thursday

2010-09-09T05:45:00.001-07:00

So I saw this on a few blogs and have been looking for something to do other than post art, because sometimes I don't do art for a while and still want to keep my blog going. So I have decided to also do a Things I love Thursday! Let's hope I keep it going :)

First on my list is the movie Marie Antoinette, directed by Sophia Coppola. This is the most visually beautiful movie I have ever seen. It's feminine without being overly twee or girly. Everything from the costume and hair designs to the props, the way the french pastries are used and the color palette is just spot on. Some stills I took:

I was thrilled to find out that Laduree designed all of the pastries seen in the movie! I have long been obsessed with them since I had a macaron and I now dream of going back to Paris and having some French pastries there. I can safely say that this movie has had an impact on my work, especially in my Patisserie Francaise series.

Next on my list is the artwork of Mark Ryden. I had the pleasure of seeing "The Gay 90's Olde Tyme Art Show" in person at Paul Kasmin gallery in NYC and the work is stunning in person. I have always had an appreciation for oil painting, and love the way he paints. I love his color palette, his subject matter, everything. I am not an art critic so I don't really know what else to say except that his work really appeals to me. Here are some pieces from the show:

Snapfish designer

2010-09-07T07:57:00.000-07:00

Some fun news!
I was approached by the lovely people at snapfish.com a few months back about partnering with them for a new service called Snapfish publisher. So I applied and was approved, and you can now see some of my designs here! Note, snapfish publisher hasn't officially launched yet, so you can see the designs, but can't buy them yet. I will update again when they are actually for sale! so check them out and stay tuned for more to come :)Also wanted to quickly mention my cafepress is also still open for pin up greeting cards and other goodies, which I hope to also be updating soon!
http://www.cafepress.com/mariartist

Mistress of the Dark

2010-08-11T13:57:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Here is a new vector drawing I just completed, it is a portrait of the one and only Elvira Mistress of the Dark. This was a lot of fun to work on! Elvira is the perfect combination of sexy pin up, and hilarious kitch, and a character I remember from my youth.

Mistress of the Dark:

Adobe Illustrator CS4, August 2010

Greetings!

2010-07-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

So in addition to drawing lovely pin up girls, I also really enjoy designing patterns, and love working with fonts and type. For a long time I wanted to get into greeting card and stationary design, and many years back went to a greeting card and stationary trade show. I didn't have any designs to show then so it didn't get me anywhere, but it is still something I really enjoy doing. Here's some samples of recent designs that I think would look cute on anything from greeting cards to wrapping paper. More to add to an etsy site perhaps? :) Enjoy!

Girls Drawin Girls first NYC show

2010-07-10T08:17:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures from the show at Niagara Bar in NYC! It was a real success! I may be selling some of this art and some merchandise on an etsy site. stay tuned!

One night art show tonight!

2010-07-08T07:15:00.000-07:00

reminder! I will have 3 new works on display at Niagara Bar in NYC tonight, from 9pm-1am one night only! Niagara Bar 112 Avenue A at 7th street.

French Pastry Girls

2010-06-29T14:48:00.000-07:00

Here are the finished French Pastry girls I originally designed for the GDG Sugar and Spice show in LA. Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances (new job, school work, etc) I ran out of time to send these pieces to LA for the show :( but I will be showing them at the GDG NYC show! The theme was desserts and I chose 2 of my favorite most fascinating French Pastries. The macaron and La religieuse a la violette. I would love to go back to Paris and enjoy these desserts at Laduree some day!

Pâtisseries Françaises:

Adobe Illustrator CS4, June 2010

Je T'aime

2010-06-15T20:31:00.000-07:00

new artwork i finished up today. I drew her a long time ago but didn't get around to designing it til now. I plan on making post cards of this and a few other pieces to sell at the first New York City Girls Drawin Girls show!

Je T'aime:
Adobe Illustrator CS4 May 2010

Some Shows

2010-06-06T11:41:00.000-07:00

I am going to be showing artwork in 2 upcoming Girls Drawin Girls shows. First will be the at Niagara Bar in NYC! This is the first show GDG has had in NYC, and my friend Paigey is going to be running it, and I will be helping. Very exciting to have a GDG show in NYC! Check it out if you're around! Niagara Bar 112 Ave A, New York, NY. The show will be up for one night only, Thursday July 8th from 9pm-1am

One day later over on the west coast, there will be another Girls Drawin Girls show. This is a big show because its the launch party for GDG 3rd book, Sugar and Spice and will be at Gallery 839 1105 N. Hollywood way, Burbank, CA. The show will run through July 31st. Even though I don't have artwork in the book, (I joined GDG after the work for the book was finalized) I will have artwork at the show. Check it out if you're going to be in the area! and Don't forget to pre-order Girls Drawin Girls Volume III Sugar and Spice.

Girls Drawin Girls Vol 3

2010-05-06T10:19:00.000-07:00

Girls Drawin Girls Vol 3. book Sugar and Spice is now available for preorder! My work is not in the book this time around, (I joined GDG after the book was started) but there's a lot of amazing artwork in there by some fabulously talented ladies. I am going to pre-order one myself! The first 100 people to pre-order get a poster too!
Check it out people!

Redesign

2010-04-12T08:50:00.001-07:00

A little Spring sprucing up on the old blog! Redesigned to feel more springy and summery!

Happy Spring

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

Even though it does feel like summer here in NYC today. It hit 90 degrees! unfortunately I have a nasty cold and didn't get to enjoy it much. Here is a new drawing that took a while--about 4 days to complete. It's of a friend and new muse, Danielle! Here's her blog: http://ghostswaltz.blogspot.com/

Summer Days:

Adobe Illustrator CS3, April 2010

Louise Brooks

2010-02-23T14:21:00.000-08:00

here's a quick little drawing I did today of silent film star Louise Brooks. She is a real style icon and you can see her influence in fashion and beauty even today. It's different than my usual drawings, but I like it.

Louise Brooks:

Adobe Illustrator CS3 February 2010.

Ssshhh! New painting

2010-02-20T20:57:00.001-08:00

I've been planning this painting for quite some time, but I finally started and finished it!

Based on a photo of Bernie Dexter, my favorite pin up girl!

Shhh!:

Oil on Gesso Board, 8"x10" February 2010

Bitter/Sweet Valentines show online now!

2010-02-19T07:30:00.000-08:00

check it out! The Girls Drawin Girls Bitter/Sweet Valentines show is online now, and all art is for sale. the show will also be up for about another week. Check it :)

Italian Vogue

2010-02-16T17:34:00.001-08:00

Exciting news for Girls Drawin Girls!

GDG has been featured in Italian Vogue! Yay!

Feelin' Yummy

2010-02-10T06:43:00.001-08:00

So here is my painting for the Girls Drawin Girls Bitter/Sweet Valentines show :)

Go check out the show if you are in the LA area!

Feelin' Yummy:

Oil on gesso board, 11"x14" February 2010

Girls Drawin Girls presents "Bitter/Sweet: A Valentine Show"

2010-02-04T12:53:00.000-08:00

I will have a painting in the next Girls Drawin Girls show, Friday February 12 in Los Angeles. Check it out! Unfortunately I can't be there, as it is in LA and I am in NYC but if anyone reading this will be in the area, go check it out, and maybe buy some valentines art for your sweetie :) Its going to be a fun night of art, music and performances!

Envelop

2010-01-27T06:41:00.000-08:00

I have recently become a designer on a european site that prints textiles designed by approved artists and designers. Everything is made in Belgium and is made using high quality 100% pure cotton, and printed using an eco friendly printing procedure. You can purchase pillows, table runners, aprons, tote bags and more. check out their site for more information.

I'm excited about this because its a combination of the things I love most--art and textile design. I only have one item in my shop so far because they have to approve everything, but I will be adding more. :)
check it out!
http://envelop.eu/shop/designers/p/detail/mariartist

Haiti Relief Auction

2010-01-20T06:54:00.000-08:00

Girls Drawin Girls is doing an art auction for Haiti Relief. 100% of the proceeds of all art sold will go to the American Red Cross. They are accepting submissions from all artist, not just members of GDG. Go out and buy some art for a good cause!
check it out!
http://artforhaiti.blogspot.com/

Girls Drawin Girls

2010-01-17T19:58:00.000-08:00

I am one of Girls Drawin Girls newest members! this is an amazing group of talented women and I am very proud and honored to be a part of their group! :o)

http://girlsdrawingirls.blogspot.com/

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T16:42:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! This year I am hoping to get to do more artwork and share it here on my blog. But for now, here's a cute vintage New Years graphic I found on Flickr :)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25152449@N06/3030083787/

Merry Christmas 2009!

2009-12-24T10:26:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! Since I did not have time to make a Christmas card this year :( here are some of my favorite Christmas images from flickr!

1. campbelles_bellringer, 2. Christmas Pinup, 3. R.I.P. Bettie Page, 4. BE HIS CHRISTMAS STAR! 1963 Frederick's of Hollywood Holiday Catalog, 5. Ballantyne Calender/December, 6. elvgren christmas, 7. Christmas pinup, 8. Cowgirl Christmas, 9. Two blue gifts, 10. BH&G Magazine Ad: Christmas Ideas For 1963, 11. 1950's PLAYBOY Christmas Card...Features Playmate Janet Pilgrim, 12. Xmas 09

Cafepress

2009-12-08T09:10:00.000-08:00

Check out my cafepress store!
http://www.cafepress.com/mariartist

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-30T07:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

Confection

2009-10-27T08:09:00.001-07:00

Here's a new drawing I did which came out fun! I love her hair and need to draw read heads more often. This one was based on Brigitte Bardot, one of the great beauties in my opinion :)

Confection:

Adobe Illustrator CS3, October 2009

RIP Gourmet magazine!

2009-10-06T12:06:00.001-07:00

1. January 1947 Gourmet cover, 2. Gourmet Magazine - 1947, 3. GOURMET MAGAZINE, 4. Gourmet

Paper Cut Outs

2009-09-04T16:36:00.001-07:00

After I graduated from SVA in 2003, I began experimenting with different styles and techniques. One style I really enjoyed was this paper cutout style. Sadly I don't have time to work this way anymore, but I wanted to share these on here. I plan to continue these sometime in the future. They're from about 2003.

Paper on illustration board 2003

This one felt cuter without faces. Paper on illustration board 2003

One of the very first ones not very detailed--I got a little better after this one

Paper on llustration board 2003