Confidence

A lack of confidence can really destroy one's career. I'm still not ready to show my new work. I don't know what is holding me back, but I have to figure it out. I'm hanging the last few paintings in my possession from my older work that haven't sold (or been stolen -_-). There is a showing tonight and tomorrow at Contrast. Just scroll for details, it's the only venue I've been showing at this past year while I've been in this uncomfortable cocoon state. I doubt how many people read this anymore since my inactivity. But if you want to go, there is no fee for entry.
I did another cover for Victory Records, for The Bunny and The Bear. One of those jobs where they just told me what to draw and I drew it. My style lent itself well to the look they were going for. It's not my most favorite piece, but it's cool, the fans seemed to like it and that's all that matters. I don't even want to get into the computer trouble I've been having. I had to work on a new machine for this, my imac was destroyed in the move. It's just been setback after setback. I'm having trouble getting myself to respond positively to anything I make recently (recently?). I didn't get the okay to post it but the first panel of four is on their facebook page and they animated it for a promo if you'd like to take a peek. I didn't do the type, carebear t-shirt or green bear t-shirt. If you're into the music you can preorder on the website.

So, I'm not even ready to share studies yet. I don't want to rush this. The message in my new chapter is very important to me, it just has to be executed as perfectly as I am able. I want the message to be complete, rather than showing one part of it. I feel like it's never going to get out there at this rate. I can't defeat myself more than I already am. I need to focus and pull through. Heading downtown to hang, I shouldn't feel like such a failure, but I do.



Edit... Oh and here is pictures from a commission I did over the Holidays. I still have to do a post of back work. The client seemed very happy, again, that's what matters. There are some close details of my work finally, but I'm still told it looks much better in person. I don't know how to translate my texture and subtitles with the photography, it just won't pick it up. Maybe taking pictures in sunlight? I've been told to do that but I'm a vampire... so... no, I'm kidding, obviously, I'll try that next time.

Now I've got to run.

Edit again, trying to find back work, it's all over the place. These were pieces from the last show (which was punk themed) I made just to sell and practice some painting techniques (just the drawings here). I was working down to the minute with the move and everything going on, I didn't get a picture before they sold. I still have the center one, I took a picture but can't find it at the moment. My computer files are a serious mess after they had to pulled from my old drive. I think I snapped one with my phone after I hung but that phone got destroyed too. I'll have to contact the person who bought them or try to pull the files from my broken phone later. Now I'm going to be late. Really have to run now.

Happy Holidays 2012

There is a Contrast show going on tonight and tomorrow that I have work in (some new). The Barb Wire Dolls will be playing tomorrow night. If you're a fan of punk, you should try to make this show: November 30 and December 1st, 6pm-1am. 320W 37th Street, 14th Floor. New York, NY
I won't be there because I will be packing and moving. I finally found a new studio that has adequate living and work space on a freelance budget. Luck to anyone trying to do that alone in this city, it was very hard to find (and don't go to the south Bronx).
My new series is still in the early phases. I have to get caught up on some back work (always). My life has been consumed with my effort to improve it, but I am very excited to get back into the groove. I will also need to attend to my online presence and update everything. I'm considering starting a new blog for the new body. I wish I could purge the internet of my old work. I wouldn't delete this blog before redirecting, so you will be informed.
I will be getting settled and busy with the holidays. When I unpack my camera I'll upload some stuff from 2012. I hope to share my new series with you in the beginning of the new year and start participating in shows again.
Looking forward to 2013.
Stay safe, and have a great Holiday season.

signs of life

I am alive. Recovering and creating.

I'm still dealing with a lot of health issues.
I haven't updated my shows or any work. I did manage to sell the majority of my oil paintings this summer from a few NYC shows.
Right now I'm in the process of getting a new studio space and working on a new body of work. I'm not ready to show any of the progress. I'm thinking of presenting it as whole, in it's entirety as a series.
I haven't gone through my e-mails in months. I'm sorry if I haven't gotten back to you.

Social Networking and Work note

I've deleted my personal facebook account, and with it went my fan page. Currently, anything found under the name Chelsea Greene Lewyta (or some combination of the name) on facebook is not published by me.
I'm listed on google+, but I don't use it. If I haven't responded to requests, please don't be offended. I'm stepping away from social networking right now.
I've also been receiving a lot of e-mails asking me about my experiences as an artist or illustrator which I haven't responded to at all. I apologize, but I can't seem to formulate a response.
So here is a general one...
I've been dealing with health issues prior to graduation and I've been struggling with nearly everything. I do not think I am a good candidate to answer questions about the field. I'm not doing and I haven't done much illustration work. Most the work floating around out there as my "illustrations" are works that I did for classes at Pratt. Post graduation, I've really just been creating work for work's sake, and whatever project came along that I thought I could do, I would do. I got invited to show my work internationally prior to graduating and I just kind of ran with it without really knowing about that side of the art business. I'm learning as I go, truth be told, I should probably be sending out some advice asking e-mails myself. I was more interested in doing personal or themed work for shows, than illustrating. A lot of my work is also unpublished, commissions by individuals, not associated with a company. I don't really know what you would define me as, besides the vague term of "artist", I'm still finding my niche. I only began painting traditionally in the Summer of 2009, with just a few traditional art clases under my belt. I have A LOT to learn. What I'm working on isn't really what I studied for, at least the business and practical side of it.
Conclusion: I'm still finding myself as an artist.

I have a bunch of projects I'm working on, but my health is really what I'm focusing on right now. I've been neglecting it for far too long. I'll keep this blog updated with work and show information. Two of my upcoming group shows are themed, one is skate decks- profits go to skateparks, and one is small works on paper.
I'm not taking any new projects on at the moment. I have a handful of commissions to catch up on, a donation piece, work for above listed shows, and lots of clinic appointments.

Take care.

Beautiful Beasts

Interpretation of Beauty and the Beast. This is for Wayward Fairy Tales. I'll be prepping canvases this weekend. I have to finish painting these my the end of February.
(Edit: 2/11: Cleaned up the beast and added some details.

Mirrored... 

Rotten Demon Skull

This is a commission from a bit ago. I'm catching up on all the projects I fell behind on. I'll be finishing it digitally for a 3x3 foot poster.

Poster for The Contrast Art Show. This February. 

Boots and Modern Eden: Wayward Fairytales

Boots (working title), 28x18" drawing for board.

I finished this piece today. The concept is roughly based on Puss in Boots. It's not part of the wayward fairy tale show, just inspired.


*Edit 2/3/12:
One of the concepts for this piece revolved around the leopard's spots being an intricate man made design. The drawing looked too busy, so I erased it. And now that I'm looking at the pattern I laid in photoshop, it looks too flat. I think I'll save this idea for another piece and resolve his pattern when I paint. The rest of the piece gained a lot of detail and story as I worked on it, adding substantial weight to the big cat would disrupt the flow.

Coming up this month is a another Contrast art Show at 320 studios in Manhattan. This March, in San Francisco, at Modern Eden will be the group show, Wayward fairytales. 

More soon.

New Drawing

In the spring I am participating in a themed group show at Modern Eden. I'm really excited about it. This is one drawing for half of a diptych. The theme is fairy tales. You can't tell which it is now, you'll have to wait for the second piece.

I'm a little behind though. Both my drawings should be done and I should be painting by now. Not that I can't finish it in time, I usually finish things last minute, but I want to take my time and try to make a masterful piece for once.

One of my goals this year is to produce and finish more (personal/show) work.

The online store isn't up yet. I haven't worked on it much. I'm overloaded with commissions, upcoming shows, the sick urge to do my own additional work on top of it, and various things I can't mention.

Expect more work soon. Take care.

Fabled Nature

Opening Friday the 13th, 2012 in the West Village: Fabled Nature 

Artworks by Chelsea Greene Lewyta and Änka Lavriv-Fragomeni.

The music starts at 7 pm. It is located at Bardot Heights, 432a 2nd Floor, 6th Ave. New York, NY. 

....

I finally finished this painting. I've accumulated so much unfinished work... bah.

Happy Holidays 2011

Happy Holidays to you and your's.

A lot of people have been asking about prints. I will get my shop up asap. I'm very busy, as every one is during the Holiday season. Expect a launch soon after the new year.

Eden

Eden

22x20" drawing

Original drawing, mounted, first layers.

Shows coming up, but details not confirmed. 

Chrysalis King & Chitin Queen. NY and Miami Shows

A few new drawings. I've been dealing with a lot. I have a lot to do right now.

Chrysalis King & Chitin Queen

The next Contrast Art show is tonight and tomorrow starting at 6pm

320 Studios, 320W 37th St 14th Floor, New York, NY

I'll be participating in Multiversal in Maimi December 1st-4th

Website Launch Summer 2011

This has been way overdue. My portfolio looks completely different now.
It's still the bare bones, I want to add in more content and finish the store.
If you find any errors let me know.

A few pictures from my space at Contrast:

Famine

Above is the 3rd head in the Apocalypse series. Pestilence, War, Famine. Death is next in the series, but I have to get a new piece of wood cut, my fourth panel was ruined.
I will have art books, prints, and tarot carrds for sale at the show this Thursday and Friday.

And here is a snap progress paintings with atmospheric washes. I am going for a thinner look, but these are far from complete. I have to go down town in a bit and set up the majority of my space for the Contrast Show. Must get supplies and finish by tomorrow's opening. I'm not using oil for these, I'm playing and experimenting as I go.

Small snippet of a piece I'm working on for an album. Not sure if she will be used.

Ophelia and Odin met.

In Progress: August

 Final Poster Design and Postcards for the Contrast Art Show this August. I made a bunch of patterns, this one has the word 'Contrast' mirrored with Jack's cat and my signature incorporated.

'320 Studios is proud to welcome the next installation of The Contrast Art Show. An art exhibition which puts together a variation of artists, artistic movement groups, and several upcoming galleries; in a frivolous attempt to show the rising styles and trends of art in New York City. A multifaceted show of beauty, performance and the creative spirit will split the night once again, in the form of 20 of New York’s top underground artists coming together all under one roof; Alongside an aerialist performance by Catherine Herrmann, a study in ambidexterity by Roman Zelgatas and a Sneak Preview of the FoXXy Face Clubwear Fashion Show'

...

Rough 5 of Pentacles

5 of Pentacles. 

Illness, rejection, anxiety.

I've been on operation save kitty mission. I've been distracted trying to save a stray... with half a tail. Taking her to the vet bright and early tomorrow. I'm exhausted.

This drawing still isn't resolved. It's a bad scan and missing about an inch on both sides. The stars I originally drew were too detailed and distracting. I used a short model and her shortness is bothering me. She is suppose to be very thin, but I may end up having to meat her up to look more anatomically correct. Original drawing 12x24"

Sleep.

Oh, and Victorian Hall's music video 'A Crush is a Crush' is out. Spot the posters? 

Full Victorian Halls Artwork & August NYC/CA shows

I had to wait until Victorian Halls' released the work first. But there are lots of goodies to look at from the project.

(click to zoom)

Above is the illustration in original color without text. It's a 4 panel cover, the lion and gazelle being the front panel. From start to finish it took a little over a week. There are lots of hidden meanings and little clues. It revolves around the seven deadly sins and the selling of one's soul. Look for the 'scepter face'. I have a painting from this past winter that was 'butter face' but no one really noticed the reference. I still need to upload my paintings. I'm so hesitant to though.

Check out the interactive Album preview here.

You can find larger scale details on Victorian Hall's Blog.

You can pre-order the album and get lots of art goodies on Victory Records website.

In their new video they are using the art on the posters in some backdrops, which is pretty cool. The giant box monster and plush toy monster look pretty sick too, (not related to my work).

CVU Shoot Report: Victorian Halls "A Crush Is A Crush"

Check out the video teaser:

Have you spotted Odin? Hehe. 

Odin artwork can now be found on Amazon and iTunes for Victorian Hall's single 'A Crush is a Crush'. 

I've been pretty burned out after this project. Not to mention the unbearable heat with no A.C. and my relentless insomnia. But whenever I take down time, I come back full of inspiration and motivation. I'm finishing painting the apocalypse heads for my next NYC shows. The first two (drawings here) are going to be at Niagara on August 4th, 2011. 9pm. 112 Ave A New York, NY. Plus some new works. Prints from commissions. Oh god do I have a lot of those... so behind, but deadline hasn't passed yet. I've got time, gotta chill out.

Al Benkin will be guest curating this show with the Antagonist Art Movement. 

Some very talented artists will be displaying a collection of work, 'things old, history, dream states, death and transcendence are a few concepts that levitated up through the phantom cracks.'

The next installment of The Contrast Art Show will be August 18th and 19th at 320 Studios. New paintings are already in the works and a rabbit installation is planned. Working on posters for it as well.
Most of my work is in California still from Launch. What didn't sell will be at The Artisan Gallery in Sacramento. The reception is on August 13th in conjunction with Sacramento's monthly art walk.

Victorian Halls Preview

I wanted to share a preview for the album I worked on. It is Victorian Hall's debut album, Charlatan, released by Victory Records. You can pre-order now on their website.
Follow Victorian Halls on Facebook to keep updated on previews of the art.

(Sorry for the quality, no photoshop on the guest computer)

Goodies for you, Vacation for me

The shows this June kept me very busy. Following the shows I worked on a few commissions and had a couple paintings filmed in an upcoming independent movie set in Brooklyn called 'Leaving Circadia'.
The illustration I've been slaving over I can't show yet, have to wait for the release, but it should be in a few weeks. I drew a four panel cover for Victorian Hall's debut album released by Victory Records. It was a really awesome project.
When I have pictures and updates for both I'll be sure to share.

The Sakura Exhibition came to a close in NYC, and the prints were sold for charity for the Japanese natural disasters. 'The Lovers' print of mine, found a home, I'm very glad. The artists involved made desktop wallpapers with a sample of their work.

Check out the other artist's on the Sakura website.

I have something a little more personalized for you. I made custom patterns for the Victorian Halls project, but I didn't use this one so I decided to make patterned desktop wallpapers. Whatever system or screen resolution you have, they will work. They may even work with mobile devices if you have advanced settings. When you apply it as your desktop make sure you set it to 'tile'.
I don't mind if you share them, just credit me with a link to my work.

Choose from Rose, Mint or Lavender.

Sample of what it looks like tiled:

Later this July on the West Coast is the Launch 2011 Music, Design, and Fashion Festival. At the Greens Hotel I will have a room full of my work on display. Theres a lot of information for this show, please go to their website to read more.

This next week I'm going to be house sitting upstate and it is going to be a drawing and painting vacation for me. I have some personal work I want to indulge in, and a 3x3 ft private commission to get started on. Odin is coming along with me.

I'll be back with new work, way over due for an update, gotta get the website sorted out too. Enjoy the start of summer!

Faces of the Apocalypse 2/4 & 4 Current Exhibitions

I have to get in the shower and get down town a bit early to continue my painting. It always seems like I'm rushing. There are not enough hours in a day. 


The Contrast Art Show is tonight. 320 West 37th Street, New York City. 14th Floor 5 pm- 1 am. Lots of art, live performances, and I'll be continuing a live painting. The first night was yesterday, if you haven't caught this show before, be there tonight!

A few blocks away the Sakura Exhibit is open until June 16th. 147 West 35th Street, New York City. Open 10 am- 8 pm, Sundays 12- 6 pm. 

Opening in Amsterdam tonight at 7pm is The Pornsaints Exhibition. Open until August 31st at The Erotic Museum. Oudezijds Achterburgwal 54. Amsterdam, Netherlands.


Also going on now is Anata Gallery's online exhibit. There is a vast variety of work to look at. Art book coming soon.


First two drawings of the Faces of the Apocalypse series. I ran out of materials so there is only one being painted at the show.
Sexual conquest/pestilence, followed by war. Look out for famine and death. I already drew them, but I'm really focusing on upping my quality. I'm reworking, redrawing, repainting as much as I need to. Slower, but better in the end. These also have changes from the scan to how they look on the paper and wood. Paintings are 18x20"

Also, my new oil paintings and website update are still on the way. I said June, but I'm just too busy. I have everything photographed, I just need some time to sit down and upload, color correct, then type out annoying html for a weekend. Have a great weekend, I'll try to get the new stuff up asap!