DAMASO STUDIO

Doodling

2012-01-29T20:26:00.000-08:00

Every now and then I'll just try to fill a page with whatever comes to mind. It's an exercise to let the ideas just flow without having to think too much or plan. Sometimes good ideas come from these pages and I can just elaborate on them.

Killer Cupcake!

2012-01-29T20:13:00.000-08:00

First post of 2012! Been pretty busy with many nothings. Actually, most of my posting have been instagram pics. Check them out. My user name is erickdbot. I've also been filling up a couple sketchbooks. I'm hoping to turn some of them into solid ideas. Killer Cupcake was something fun that my co-worker and his gf suggested and I liked it. It's kind of monster-thuggish.

The Cartoon Show!!!

2011-04-04T19:15:00.000-07:00

Opening Reception:
Friday, May 27th, 2011, 6:30 - 8:30pm @ Umpqua Bank, Vallejo

Okay everyone. Mark your calendars for the opening reception, a.k.a. party! The event/theme is entitled "The Cartoon Show" and it's going to be great! The sponsoring bank will include the artwork of award winning illustrator Cleven "Goodie" Goudeau, "Raptoonist" Age Scott, and myself. Click the links to find out more about these talented guys. There will be snacks, refreshments and other goodies available. I want to thank our sponsors, organizers and supporters that helped make this event possible.

Come out and support local events! It's free!

More d.bots

2011-03-29T18:58:00.000-07:00

They're like flattened toys.

I'm taking it further and making as many variations as I can think of. We'll see how far I can take this design. I'd also like to get other artists to do their own versions of the d.bot. Kinda like the vinyl toy and DIY movements, but on sticker. It's been done, but what the hell, it's fun!

Green Dragon, Alien Hazmat, and Nature Boy. The green dragon one kinda reminds me of Reptar and makes me want to do a Reptar version. hmmm...

d.bots @ s.bucks

2011-03-27T18:50:00.000-07:00

I waited for my car on Saturday morning and spent 4.5 hours at a Starbucks in Fairfield. So, I made some d.bot designs and cut out a crap-load for Wonder-Con this Friday! Word.

D.BOT: Bad Grill

2011-03-27T00:08:00.000-07:00

D.BOT: Camo

2011-03-23T00:03:00.000-07:00

D.BOTs

2011-03-05T23:19:00.000-08:00

I've been working on my D.BOT (Damaso.Bot) design for some time now and finally have something to show. I printed a standard version and a blank version so that I can make some custom colors and designs of these guys. It would be an awesome toy!

I'll be coloring some blanks and posting as I go along. Word...

The San Francisco Flyway Festival

2011-02-13T19:00:00.000-08:00

Another fun weekend at Mare Island for the San Francisco Flyway Festival. It included hikes, tours, workshops, an art exhibit, live wild birds, gourd painting, and more. The Vallejo Waterfront Artists had a booth set up with paintings that covered the wall of the eating area.

A Yeti and a Blue Bird (Wallpaper)

2011-02-01T22:19:00.000-08:00

Friends come in all shapes and sizes. I hope you like it enough to put it up as a desktop background. =]

Defeet Eevills!!!

2011-01-31T22:01:00.000-08:00

Aquanaut Explorer vs. The Octoskull-Skulloctopus

monsta fight!

2011-01-23T21:55:00.000-08:00

This one's an oldie, but one of my favorites. The original is sold, but I still use the image as inspiration for upcoming paintings. Post comments!

More Animal Buddies

2010-12-28T09:02:00.000-08:00

I made three new paintings for my sister-in-law as Christmas gifts for her co-workers. She picked the animals and I sketched away. It's like my "kids line" with cutesy flair and they continue my series of "animal buddies" from last year where I made a cow with a cardinal and the original turtle with snail. Don't really have names for them and might not even name them just so they have that personal touch to the owner. Kinda like a stuffed toy to a child.

Send me an e-mail if you want a custom painting and I'll send you a quote for any size. I have more ideas on the way for the coming year.

Ink and watercolor on arches 140 lb 4x6", SOLD

erick.damaso@gmail.com

Moose

2010-12-01T06:41:00.000-08:00

Not a good picture, but anyway, this one's for fun in the winter time.

Vallejo Open Studios Preview, Saturday Dec. 4th

2010-11-29T22:25:00.000-08:00

What: Vallejo Open Studios and Preview
When/where: Preview, Saturday, Dec. 4, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., McCree-Goudeau Gallery, 930 Marin St.; Open Studios Dec. 11-12, noon to 7 p.m. throughout Vallejo Who: Over 50 Artists in the local Bay Area.

http://vallejoopenstudios.com/

Read Article on Vallejo Times Herald Online:

http://www.timesheraldonline.com/ci_16672207

Interview with Vallejo Times Herald

2010-11-22T10:48:00.000-08:00

Yay! I got an interview published in print and online in yesterday's outlook section! Thank you Rich Freedman for a great article!

http://www.timesheraldonline.com/ci_16672206

My Artist Statement and Short Bio

2010-11-16T10:49:00.001-08:00

I wanted to share my artist statement and very short bio. I don't really talk about myself much, but it's required to have it for the gallery shows that I am participating in. I'm glad to have put this together though and might be revising it as I grow as an artist. It also gave me a chance to step back and look at what I'm doing as a whole and think about where I want to take it.

The McCree-Goudeau Gallery

2010-11-14T11:53:00.000-08:00

Exhibit: November 13th to November 30th. A very nice reception indeed. I wanted to thank Goodie and Jeanette for allowing me to have my first gallery group exhibit in their well known gallery. It was an honor for me to have my artwork placed next to a nationally known artist, "Goodie", and be among the talents also present in the show. The collection included artwork by Belinda Lang, Jean M. Mau, Ygnacio Sandoval and Colleen Sparks. There's still plenty of time to view the work of local talent.

Address and hours:

The McCree-Goudeau Gallery
930 Marin Street, Vallejo, CA 94590
Fridays & Saturdays 1-6pm, Sundays 2-5pm

Special Appointment: (707) 246-4991

Fall Exhibitions

2010-10-20T20:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, here's my lineup till the end of the year. I tell people that I'm busy and they don't believe me. =)

I'll be joining a gallery group show in early November showing some new stuff. It's going to be at The McCree/Goudeau Gallery in Vallejo's Art District, CA. Keep an eye out for more details. I'll be painting more stuff until then.

Also:
Saturday, December 11th from 10-4pm. I'll be selling my art at colorful knit-one-one along with other talents. Who could forget the Holiday sales!

And:
At Arts Benicia from November 18 - December 19. My small abstract works are pending jury selection for an exhibit titled "small works". Still crossing my fingers until I get word from the gallery. You can click on the title for a link to my submission - it's no secret.

Next for 2011: San Francisco.

One Year on Blogspot!

2010-10-18T22:38:00.000-07:00

Introducing the new logo (not final) above for my art studio and celebrating the first year of showing my work online. It's been a really eventful year for me as an emerging artist (i guess). The process, frustration, investment of time and money, advertising, networking, creating, commissions, etc. has added up to much more work than I predicted from the original plan. I'll probably write a short summary of how this all started and how I continued while keeping a full-time day job, but that's how everyone is doing it these days. Basically, insert art where others put TV, sports, gym, kids, etc. Anyway, many people, especially my wife and family have been super supportive and that really helps me to get out there instead of keeping it all in a garage. I still have a long way to go and so much to learn and I definitely have the motivation to make bigger plans for 2011.

Alternative Press Expo 2010 - Booth #553B

2010-10-04T21:17:00.000-07:00

Got this from Laughing Squid's post. Hope it's okay to use it. So, it's almost here! October 16-17 at the Concourse Exhibition Center in San Francisco. I'll be in booth #553B. Yay, my first con!

The Hitch Hiker and Going Upstream

2010-09-23T19:28:00.000-07:00

I finished these a while ago and finally got to posting them. These are the finalized version of my "Hitch Hiker" painting and a new one I call "Going Upstream". Both are 8x8 on ampersand cradled aquabord (sold).

Character Paintings (Updated)

2010-09-18T22:44:00.000-07:00

Right now, I'm working on ten small (8x10) acrylic paintings to show at APE. I'm also using them as promotions to get commissions for larger pieces. I'll add a new picture as I complete each one.

Send me an email if you are interested in any of these or maybe a custom design: erick.damaso@gmail.com

Originally posted on 3/21/2010.

Fishee

2010-08-30T21:38:00.000-07:00

A concept sheet for a fish painting that is in progress.

Umpqua Bank Show ends September 24th (see bank hours)

2010-08-09T21:39:00.000-07:00

I'll be showing some of my paintings at Umpqua Bank in Vallejo. The event kicks off on August 27 for the opening night and all local artist's works can be viewed during bank hours through September 24th. It would be great if anyone can stop by to check it out.

Dino Stack, 18x24" on Aquabord Panel

2010-07-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

This is a defining piece in my work that I'm quite proud of. The almost completed version was featured on local TV when I interviewed with VCAT, hosted by Susan Noll (more on that later).

The client is very pleased with the outcome and wants to develop a series of paintings featuring this cast of characters. I'm very excited about it and can't wait until it gets displayed at Summit Pediatrics.

Interview with VCAT

2010-07-08T18:32:00.000-07:00

Studio shots from VCAT interview.

Self as a Schulz Character

2010-06-20T06:35:00.000-07:00

Me and Oso...

Cosmic Kid

2010-05-25T23:18:00.000-07:00

It's been an interesting past couple of months and I'm still getting back into the groove of creating art. I haven't posted in a while, so here's a digital mock up of a painting in progress. -e

VWA Every Saturday and Sunday

2010-04-27T18:29:00.000-07:00

Photos of Event

Starting Saturday, May 1st and every weekend thereafter.

Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30am - 3:30pm

Vallejo Ferry Terminal

289 Mare Island Way Vallejo, CA 94590

Come out to Vallejo this weekend for the Vallejo Waterfront Artists' ongoing event! We'll be setting up our art to display and sell along the promenade by the Ferry Building. Also, if you come on Saturday, there's a weekly Farmer's Market along Georgia Street that has fresh fruits and vegetables, lots of hot food vendors, baked goods and music from 9-1. The weather this weekend is going to be great!

Boulder Yeti

2010-04-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

It may not look like it, but this guy is about to throw some boulders.

Boulder Yeti, 2010
Ink and watercolor on 140lb hot press paper, 5x7, SOLD

erdam abstracts

2010-04-15T18:00:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple paintings that seem to cross the line between my world of characters and the abstract.

Abstract of Erdam 1 & 2, 2010
Ink and watercolor on 1/8" aquabord panel, 6x6, each $40USD

Copyright Erick Damaso Art and Design, 2010. All rights reserved.

Swamptopus and Son

2010-04-12T09:09:00.000-07:00

I'm scaling up in size as I bounce between different mediums. This one is from my sketchbook cover that I finally got onto panel. It's the swamptopus with child in tow acting like a scout. They're traveling through an almost alien marshland in the late misty evening. I think the tree says a lot with it's protruding roots and little watchers of the night. It's hauntingly leaning forward with a tree hole appearing like an open mouth about to eat it's prey. I wanted the viewer's eyes to pan back and forth as the mist and the clouds move toward the left passing the great moonlit sky, and coming back in the direction that the swamptopus is traveling. Maybe I'll try this one again as gouache on panel.

Swamptopus and Son, 2010
Ink and watercolor on 1/8" aquabord panel, 12x16, Frame dimensions 17x21, $250USD.
Sealed with matte UV protectant.ready to frame.no glass required.
Copyright Erick Damaso Art and Design, 2010. All rights reserved.
Click on my store link for more info

Wondercon, April 2-4

2010-04-11T21:11:00.000-07:00

This is the view from the East Mezzanine of San Francisco's Moscone Center South. Before entering those convention floors, I waited up here away from that crowd and with a smaller group of around 50 people to have a portfolio review from Walt Disney Animation Studios. To explain a little about what goes on here; It's a chance to have your art portfolio critiqued and get more insight directly from people at Disney. So, to an artist, it's a very rare opportunity and a privilege to have them spend time with you and flip though your book. They took in two people at a time, and each person sat with two reviewers for around 6-8 minutes. I was ninth in line. When my time came up, palms stopped sweating, mind stopped racing and it was show and tell what you spent the last year working on or run away and flip through old smelly comics on the convention floor. No, they weren't hiring, and no, they didn't hold on to my portfolio for a call back, but, yes, I got a very satisfactory response along with plenty of valuable feedback. We also had a few laughs as they flipped through the whole portfolio not once, but three times! In a nutshell, they told me that I had a good grasp of the child-like imagery that they seek, but I needed more conceptual drawings of animals and people showing expressions, movement, and emotion. Still, it really meant a lot to me, even though I'm not trying to become an animator. This was another big step in what's to come in my work as an artist, but my heart wanted more. I wanted to leave the whole convention for a cafe table or my home studio to draw character/concept sheets and start some nine panel story boards for my childrens book and paint, paint, paint, draw, draw, draw. Aside from the thought of having finished 126 complete drawings and paintings, filling two 60 page sketchbooks, printing an art card set, making a sketchbook and other promotional materials these past nine months, I still walked away somewhat unfulfilled and unsatisfied and decided to spend the rest of the day talking to artists at their booths to get a feel for this side of the industry: business. The rest of the day was spent observing, learning, just cold networking. Most of these artists were just very approachable. They were willing to speak to me about their work and look at my work to follow up with great advice. And I listened while the crowds brushed up on my backpack and shoulder was being bumped like I was waiting for bus in the city. The BART ride home was filled with thoughts of how I can improve my work, whether or not I should change my direction with my art, and who to talk to next. Then Saturday came; I went back to Wondercon to actually enjoy the scene, sit through artist panels and walk through the great city of San Francisco. What a weekend!

Dinosaurs!

2010-03-21T22:27:00.000-07:00

I like to call this "Herbing Out." They're just a couple of dinos chilling out and munching on their greens.

I have prints for sale on my etsy store. It's a 5x7 image on letter sized Arches Aquarell/Canson Infinity Paper for $10US. Cut it to size or frame it as is. Signed and numbered. Click on the title for a link.

Paintings on Aquabord

2010-03-09T05:11:00.000-08:00

Some new stuff I'll have on etsy. 8x8" and 4x4" Ampersand Aquabord. I'm really liking this surface. All will be finished/protected with a matte UV resistant coating. More photos will be available if you click on the title (I'm just waiting for more daylight).

email me if interested or want custom items: erick.damaso@gmail.com

Saturday March 6th at Knit-One-One

2010-02-22T13:59:00.000-08:00

Hey all. It's March madness at Knit-One-One. I have a new printing of my sold out art cards, original line drawings, paintings, and a book of my sketches for sale. Stop by and check out all the great vendors! Hope to see you there!

The Art of a Community (Click for Photos)

2010-01-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

Update:
The place was packed and it was a great experience that I was glad to share with friends and family. Click on the title to view my gallery of this event.

I want to invite everyone to come check out "The Art of a Community" exhibition at Arts Benicia. It's an open group show and I have a couple of abstract paintings there. The show is from January 21st through February 28th. Reception is February 6th at 5pm-7pm. The admission is free. There will be snacks, wine and non-alcoholic beverages. Plenty of places to eat and drink on First Street before and/or after the event. Directions and more info on the links.

Event: http://www.artsbenicia.org/

Dining: http://www.beniciachamber.com/guide/dining.html

Opening a Shop on Etsy

2010-01-24T22:27:00.000-08:00

ACEO (Art Card Editions and Originals) 9 card set - Series 1. New limited print run.

Click below or on the title for a link to my etsy store.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/erickdamaso

Aquabord Previews

2010-01-11T20:46:00.000-08:00

Update:
No show sadly. I'll be coloring these bad boys and debuting them at Knit-One-One on March 6th. Keep on the lookout. The rest will be on my etsy store.

Here's a sneak peak at some uncolored art on aquabord panels for an upcoming group show in February. I love the clean look of the black lines that I almost don't want to color them! Maybe I'll do variants. I'll be making 8 for the show and 4 for my soon to open etsy store as well as a lot of other items that will be up for sale like the popular 9-card "Super Smile" card set (series 2 coming soon!), a 16 page sketchbook, prints and hand drawn and colored artist trading cards, so keep an eye out. The 8x8 panel is cradled 2" deep and the 4x4 panels are 1/8" thick and come with a mini easel. Pricing is still pending. These pieces pictured are an example of my current standard sizes. I will do commissions on larger scale by request so send me an email if you're interested. Various ink drawings on ATC smooth bristol, 4x4 aquabord, and 8x8 aquabord.

New Sketchbook for 2010

2010-01-03T23:19:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!! Very excited to get this year started. I bought a new Holbein multimedia sketchbook and broke it in for 2010 and started a new series of ATC pen drawings.

Click on the title for a link to my sketchbook gallery to see more photos.

knit-one-one

2009-12-13T18:13:00.000-08:00

Despite the pouring rain and wind, there was still enough foot traffic to make this a memorable event. Thank you Síle and all the vendors that participated in the arts and crafts sale on Saturday. All of you guys are awesome!

Find links to all of their products on the blog:

http://www.knitoneone.com/2009/12/k11-dec-12th-craft-sale.html

Art Murmur, 23rd Street

2009-12-06T21:51:00.001-08:00

A very eventful weekend staring with Oakland's Art Murmur. I was able to sell some art and meet some great people on Friday night. Our neighboring vendors had these awesome bowties and some sweet LED hoola-hoops that people got to test out. Another one had some very nice handmade pipes in a varied range of styles and colors hanging on a cardboard tree (I like trees). I didn't get to walk around this time because I was on the other side of the table. Thanks to everyone for their kind words and for purchasing my pieces. It's great to see people laugh and smile as they flip through my art books. Also, big ups to my wife, Lou and Tamir for showing some love! There's nothing like coming home smelling like beer and smoke because that's when you know you had a good time. =] I hope to do it again early next year.

Abstract Details

2009-11-25T23:40:00.000-08:00

Update:
I'm opening/starting a new blog that will showcase my fine art. So, kind of a split between contemporary character painting and contemporary abstract/ fine art. I don't really know what to call it, but decided to give them pages of their own. You'll find it when you click on my profile.

Last Sunday's brunch of fried rice, eggs and sausage links with some apple toasty and coffee for dessert, and of course - water coloring. I took some detail photos of the small abstracts that I've been working on for a series called "Doorways" or "City Blocks". There won't be any titles for each, just numbed and signed on the back. As soon as I complete the small studies, I'll be taking them to the gallery (name withheld) for critique. Watercolor, non-waterproof india ink on 300lb Arches 4x6.

Drawing Life Outside

2009-11-16T22:55:00.001-08:00

Just effing around at my desk and saw this guy messing with the boats outside. Marker, highlighter, crayon on paper 5x8.

Cow with Cardinal

2009-11-14T22:54:00.000-08:00

I think there's a trend I have going on with making a main character that has a little buddy. It makes me laugh to have them with this unsuspecting kind of pose and a subtle expression of mischief like maybe they're up to something as a duo. So, what are these guys up to? Maybe nothing... This one was done on Arches 300lb watercolor paper which is a new step for me in my experimentation with different paper weights. I had to push and shove the color into the paper because it has a lot of texture that grabs your brushes and holds up to a lot of water without buckling. Watercolor, ink on paper 4x6.

Welcome to Yeti

2009-11-11T20:58:00.001-08:00

Watercolor, ink on paper 4x6.

The Hitch Hiker

2009-11-10T22:07:00.000-08:00

This is a line drawing that has been sitting in my sketchbook and I finally found the urge to add some color to it. I like the composition and story it tells without having to say anything. It can be whatever you want: a new friendship, a helping hand, or a great adventure. Watercolor, ink on paper 4x6.

Art Murmur, Oakland

2009-11-08T19:13:00.000-08:00

Downtown Oakland's art scene. There is definitely something here for everyone. A number of galleries and collectives showcasing highs and lows. There are also numerous food cart vendors, restaurants, cafes, and of course...bars. If that's your kind of thing, this is the place to be every first Friday of the month. This was my second trip and I think I'm addicted to the event. I was surprised to see a free art table there with a bunch of talented artists just giving neat stuff away. I picked up a drawing on a piece of cardboard of what I think is a pug balloon head. Well, I think it's a pug...maybe a bulldog?

We posted at strangeco for a while for some inspiration, admiration, wine and cupcakes. I left some of my promo art cards on the table of flyers and came back to find them all gone. I hope they get good reception and make some people smile. I'll upload the first series (9 cards) up soon.

Benicia

2009-11-05T23:17:00.000-08:00

First Street Benicia has a lot to offer. It has dog friendly parks and shops, independent cafes, and some great restaurants like Matsuri Sushi. This town always has some kind of community event going on which gives a good vibe and makes you want to come back. Just a great strip for residents and visitors.

I parked at the pier here and sketched away on this early Sunday afternoon while the sun was still high and this couple was chillaxin. Watercolor, ink on paper 6x9.

Orange Trees

2009-11-04T23:03:00.001-08:00

One of my watercolor sketches from over the weekend to break in the new month. Daylight savings and pumpkin pie!

city blocks 012

2009-11-04T22:39:00.001-08:00

Mixed Water Media 6x9, 2009

ATC

2009-10-18T22:47:00.000-07:00

Artist trading cards (ATC) are my new daily exercise. I design a character and then put them in different scenarios or do portrait style shots on a 2.5"x3.5" watercolor card made by Canson. I really like the small scale as it helps for quick renderings and I don't feel as bad when I mess up versus the pressure of using a 22x30 sheet.