danielle Rizzolo

I Moved...

2012-01-26T07:02:00.000-08:00

Please follow me here: http://daniellerizzolo.tumblr.com/

MURRAY.

2011-10-28T03:54:00.000-07:00

Murray
6x7 in.
oil acrylic and ink on board

Gallery 1988 LA
Please Post Bills
Opens November 3rd!

7020 Melrose Ave

Salinger > Anderson

2011-10-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to be showing at Spoke Art in San Francisco for the first time! The show, "Bad Dads" is a Wes Anderson tribute show.

I often feel that I have a love/hate relationship with themed shows, and yet I participate in so many of them. Sometimes I feel my work does not lend itself to pop-culture themes. It is a challenge creating a painting that 1, speaks to the theme and 2, still feels true to me as an artist. This challenge is my favorite part of the process, and I love solving this themed-show equation.

For this show I focused on The Royal Tennenbaums because of my long time love and fascination with J.D. Salinger, Wes Anderson's inspiration for this film. I've posted here, about my senior thesis, illustrations created for Franny and Zooey, my all time favorite book. I love the feeling I get when I'm reading Salinger, and I love visualizing the world that he writes about. When I created my thesis I had never seen The Royal Tennenbaums, it was not until almost 2 years later that I finally watched the film and saw similarities between my paintings and this film. I wanted to revisit this world I lived in when I created these illustrations, it was a solution for this show and a painting that I enjoyed working on and feel very connected to.

The Architecture of the House on Archer Avenue
13 x 15 in.
oil and gold on board

This show opens next weekend, Saturday and Sunday at Spoke Art Gallery:
816 Sutter St | San Francisco, CA 94109

See you there!

Hey Internet...

2011-10-18T17:49:00.000-07:00

I'm still here!

I'm very excited to be showing for the first time at Spoke Art Gallery in San Francisco for this:

I am also excited to be part of this:

And the best part...I will be taking a trip out west and attending both :)

Also, my inclusion in Gallery 1988's Crazy for Cult book, which can be purchased here:

More to come....Soon!

CRAZY 4 CULT: A show and a book.

2011-07-07T18:32:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to be participating in Gallery 1988's Crazy 4 Cult show for the 4th time. The show opens tomorrow in LA, and in addition to the opening of Crazy 4 Cult 5, it is also the book signing for "Crazy 4 Cult:Cult Movie Art" which I am also super excited to be included in.

This year I decided to base my piece on Wes Anderson's Rushmore. I also decided to revisit the idea of an "interactive" painting, similar to what I did here & here. I really love the idea of the viewer being invited to interact with a painting, which for so long has had a "hands-off"' policy. I am also interested in the idea of giving the viewer a say in how they want the painting to exist.

Max Fischer
6 x 7 in.
Oil on wood (painting), ink on paper (library card), tassel

-portrait.

-library card: slides when tassel is pulled to reveal the different activities that Max was a part of at Rushmore.

O, Hello watercolor....

2011-02-22T17:23:00.000-08:00

"Command Z"
11 x 14 in.
watercolor on paper

Friday, February 25th, is the opening of "THE AGE OF REPTILES" at Paradigm gallery in Philadelphia. I decided to take a different approach to this themed show, and interpret dinosaur as something that has become extinct in today's society because of time (and technology). The typewriter was a perfect example of this (and fun to paint), big, bulky and outdated (and not to mention, it actually does kind of look like a dinosaur, even though, well, nobody's ever seen a dinosaur). I also decided to paint this piece in watercolor, which I really enjoyed - but it will never replace oil < 3.

Go For It!!

2011-01-04T17:17:00.000-08:00

This Friday is the opening of "Is This Thing On" (1OO artists take aim at funny people) at Gallery 1988 in LA. I was assigned Chris Farley, and was very excited about this! When I asked people what they thought of when they thought about his career, the most popular answer was Matthew Fowley, motivational speaker, and needless to say, that's the direction that I went.

"Go For It"
10 x 12 in.
oil on wood

(Framed)

The inspiration:

One man's trash....

2010-10-20T08:48:00.000-07:00

I have an unbelievable amount of stuff that I've found, well, in the trash, and I fully blame my father for this habit that I'v developed. With that being said though, most of these treasures find their way into my work, and that will forever be my excuse for collecting them. These are two gems that were both picked up and I adore :)

These two paintings are the first of a larger series in the works! I think they make a great pair, and if you think so too you can purchase prints of them on my etsy!

Antique Chairs
12 x 12 in.
oil and acrylic on wood.

Bye Bye Summer

2010-09-08T13:18:00.000-07:00

First and Foremost.....
I HAVE A NEW WEBSITE, Finally!
This has been long overdue, so be sure to check it out, www.danieller.com

This summer has been a busy one, and went by too fast! Besides my opening at Sienna Gallery, I was fortunate enough to spend a month up in the Berkshires (Ironically, the exact same town, Lenox Ma, that my opening was in-crazy!) teaching drawing at Belvoir Terrace, a girls art camp. It was a really great experience, spending my days teaching in an old greenhouse and meeting tons of great students as well as other talented artists/staff. Below is some work I completed during my stay there, including an invitation for my sister's bridal shower which was another big event of the summer for me.

I have a few projects in the works as well as shows coming up that I'll be sure to post about! But for now, I am looking forward to the fall weather, some beach cruising & my sisters wedding :)

"There are Different Names for the Same Place"
14 x 18 in.
oil on wood

-Invitation drawing

-Full invitation

ink trees
18 x 24 in.
ink on paper

*detail

*detail

ROYAL LOYALS OPENING!

2010-07-14T16:57:00.001-07:00

Our opening was this past weekend and it went great! The show came together really nicely and it was awesome to hang out with old friends as well as new ones! Thanks to everyone for coming out!

Royal Loyals.

Loyal Royals.

Below are the three collaborative pieces that go with each set of work. Each piece consists of painting and jewelry.

Maison
oil on masonite, sterling, vintage plastic objects

When You My Love Are Gone
oil on masonite, sterling, vintage plastic objects

Big Tiga
oil & gold leaf on masonite, sterling, 10k gold, acrylic, garnets

Lenox. Philly. Los Angeles.

2010-07-07T17:46:00.000-07:00

ROYAL LOYALS

It's finally here, Monika and my show opens this weekend at Sienna Gallery in Lenox, MA. The show was based on 3 lives/individuals that we look up to and admire. Monika created jewelry for them to wear (made to reflect their personalities and artwork) and then they were each painted posed and wearing their jewels (again, painted to feel like each of their individual worlds that they create in their own artwork) Also, to go along with each set is a collaborative piece that encompasses both painting and jewelry in one.

We felt it important to create this work and these worlds with a bit of mystery; to give the viewer an opportunity to really develop any back-story or life for these people when viewing the work. It's interesting to think back on a time when a portrait painting was just that, with no search bar or technology driven method to discover anything else about the person painted; this idea of intrigue and mystery is one of the reasons why I find myself so fascinated by old objects, b & w photos, paintings, etc. Not knowing can be so powerful, especially in an age when almost too much is known, or rather can be known with just a little research, aka google.

All of the work can be viewed on the Sienna Gallery website, here. The reception for the show is this Saturday, July 10th, at Sienna Gallery, 80 Main st. Lenox MA.

Mere
24 x 24 in.
oil on wood

Lady Lola
15 x 31 in.
oil and gold on wood

I Have You, We Have Us
28 x 21 in.
oil on wood

ALL HANDS ON DECK

I will also be part of a group show this friday at the Chapterhouse Cafe & Gallery, 620 south 9th St. Philly Pa. There will be 30+ artists and it's sure to be an awesome show, so check it out if you're in the neighborhood!

CRAZY FOR CULT

And lastly, I am fortunate enough to be a part of Crazy for Cult again at Gallery 1988 LA, opening this Friday! This year the movie I chose to paint was Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. I can watch this movie over and over again and it just seems to get better. I really wanted to convey more of the movie's tone in this painting. I can't quite describe it, but it's more of a feeling I always get from the film that makes me love it so much, it's very honest and the scenes can be very subtle, something I wanted to come across in my painting.

I Don't Wanna Get Over You (Meet Me in Montauk)
11 x 14 in.
oil on wood

First Comes Love.....

2010-06-03T19:23:00.000-07:00

"Made in America" is a group show that I am part of opening this Friday at Trust Gallery in Philadelphia. My piece for the show is a bit of a new direction for me, using a concept that relies more on the display/installation rather than the actual paintings. My take on the theme, Made in America, focuses on where I am in my life right now and what is going on in the lives around me. I personally feel that even though we live in a country where you are free to live your life however you please, there are still some "standard" things that people (not everybody) believe should happen or expect to happen. When you date somebody long enough you get married, when you get married you buy a house, and when you buy a house it has a nursery. This piece is not me saying this is what should or shouldn't happen, but more about me realizing that even though it is 2010, some ideas are hard to escape. (Maybe this is because of childhood songs.......or facebook.)

My piece uses 3 smaller paintings (marriage, house, baby) contained within a white drawer. The concept being that these events do exist, however, the order can be switched, one can be taken out of the box, all of them can be taken out of the box, and although the idea of them will never disappear from society, you have the option to make your own choices and path in life.

"First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage, Then Comes the Baby in the Baby Carriage"
14 x 18
oil paint, wood, ribbon

Bride
5x5
oil on wood

House
5x5
oil on wood

Bottle
5x5
oil on wood

And on another note, here are a few shots of Monika and I from that Art Star Craft Bazaar, thanks to all the visitors!

FILLING YOU IN!!!!!

2010-05-13T05:44:00.000-07:00

I've been busy preparing for the Art Star Craft Bazaar which is this weekend down at Penns Landing. Be sure to stop by and visit me and Monika, we'll be at booth 5 near the Chestnut street entrance selling prints, paintings & jewelry!

You can visit the Art Star Craft Bazaar website for more info.

Some other things coming up....

Made in America is a group show I will be participating in at the Trust Gallery in Philly, the show opens June 6th and I'll have more info soon!! Below is the show flyer

In June I will also be part of a drawing/print show at the Bean Cafe on South St. in Philly. More info to come on that as well :)

Gizmo
5 x 18 in.
graphite & acrylic on paper

(framed)

And lastly, check out our ad on the inside cover of the current MetalSmith Magazine!!

Clearer picture of the ad...

Teasers!

2010-03-31T06:41:00.000-07:00

It's been a little while...I apologize for the lack of posts :( I've been busy working on very large (for me anyways) paintings and very tiny paintings for my collaborative show with Monika this summer at Sienna Gallery in Lenox, MA. We're really excited (and stressed & nervous) for our first duet together. The exhibit will consist of series based off of artists we admire. Each set consisting of jewelry, a portrait and a Monika + Danielle collaborative piece. Since I won't be posting any of the work until the show opens I've decided to share a few teasers...

-Detail of Judith Schaechters portrait - still in progress

-Skull painting ( part of the Judith collaborative piece)
2.5 x 3 in. oil on wood

Look for our show ad on the inside cover of the current issue of Metalsmith Magazine!

NEW PRINT!

2010-02-11T16:55:00.000-08:00

"The Origin of the Sorceress Print" now available in my etsy shop.
Check it out HERE!

Take Care.

2010-02-11T09:13:00.000-08:00

I'll Take Care of You (John Murray's bridge to Nan's)
11 x 32 in.
oil on board

detail 1.

detail 2.

detail 3.

This is my version of John Murray's childhood dream of having a personal bridge to ride his bike over to his grandmother's house. Because it is a dream, I took the liberty of making the bridge semi lace, stenciling pattern into the waves and clouds, and making the people a bit too large for the houses (oh, and also making home an awesome victorian house on a rock island) Dreams are fun :)

J.D. Salinger

2010-01-29T05:53:00.000-08:00

I think I could have gone the rest of my life only creating pieces based off of Salinger's work, somewhere along the line I got off of this track and now looking back it makes me want to paint his world again. I've always loved the visuals and feelings I get when reading his work, and when I look back at these paintings from college (circa 2006) I can still remember the world I was in when creating them.

Senior thesis based off of Franny & Zooey.
-Franny (A painting I've never been able to let go of, even after 3 sale inquiries)
-Zooey
-Buddy and Seymour's desks (wrap around book jacket)
-Glass Family portrait (Salinger in the back left)

For Esme, with love and Squalor

I've been waiting for this...

2010-01-26T07:40:00.000-08:00

My "Deborah Anne" painting is now available as a canvas print, online at Urban Outfitters. So you should buy one HERE!

Commission.

2010-01-19T05:14:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to post this commission I did last month. I love painting these old photos, so these are always fun jobs :)

Police Photo
11 x 14 in.
oil on wood

The next few months I'm going to be pretty devoted to painting large portraits for me and Monika's solo show at Sienna Gallery this summer. I apologize if my posts are a bit scarce but I will try to keep you updated, even if I only show tid-bits :)

Our Friend the Sorceress....

2009-12-16T18:00:00.000-08:00

The Origin of the Sorceress
14 x 18 in.
oil (& gold leaf) on wood

My piece for the upcoming show, "Under The Influence: He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" at Gallery 1988 in LA. This painting is my version of the character Sorceress-keeper of the secrets of Castle Grayskull.
The show opens Friday January 8th and will run through the 29th. More info can be found here!

New Print!

2009-11-10T07:23:00.000-08:00

"The Battle of the Head vs. Heart" print now available in my etsy shop!

Monika + Danielle =

2009-11-04T09:47:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share the final pieces of jewelry that I recently posted the miniature paintings for. These are part of a series that I've been collaborating on with Monika.

Exposed (necklace)

Connected (bracelet)

*Photos by Amy Gray

The Perpetual and familiar battle...

2009-10-28T17:42:00.000-07:00

of the Head vs. Heart.

Head vs. Heart
11 x 20 in.
oil on wood

This personal piece has been in the works for quite some time. It's an idea I've had for a while that I kept managing to put on the back burner in order to meet some deadlines. Needless to say, it turned out exactly how I envisioned it from the first thought. I love when that happens.

Sneak Peek.

2009-10-27T07:24:00.000-07:00

Just a little preview into another collaboration I'm working on with Monika. These are my paintings that will eventually be jewelry. I unintentionally tend to hold my breath when painting tiny details, there was little breathing during some parts of these.

about 2 x 4 in.
oil on masonite
(part of a large necklace)

about 1.5 x 2 in. each
oil on masonite
(will be set into a bracelet)

More to come....

Fat Kenickie.

2009-10-12T11:29:00.000-07:00

I was invited to be part of an exhibit at Gallery 1988 LA, featuring all works based off of Kevin Smith's "Smodcasts." The moment in my assigned episode that I decided to paint is Kevin Smith talking about his involvement with theatre back in high school, and how he played kenickie in Grease, in which he refers to himself as "a fat Kenickie." (This also happens to be the title of the episode, Smodcast 12: A Fat Kenickie) Immediately I could visualize this, basing my painting off of the well-known black and white headshot of Kenickie.
The show will take place at Gallery 1998 LA, October 23rd from 7-11pm.

Fat Kenickie
9 x 12 in.
oil on board

Framed.

Marigolds.

2009-09-28T14:13:00.000-07:00

Ms. Mary Gold
9 x 10 in.
oil on board

Here is my contribution to the Autumn Society of Philadelphia show, DIA DE LOS MUERTOS, that opens this Friday at Proximity Gallery in Philly. My concept for this painting came from the belief that the marigolds are thought to attract the souls to these offerings. I used one of my favorite old photographs that I collect from flea markets for reference. The Photograph is of a victorian woman sitting in a field of flowers which I "brought to life" in my piece. The opening this friday is from 6-9 pm at Proximity Gallery in Fishtown, 2434 East Dauphin Street Philly Pa.

Also, had a nice little feature last week over at Illustrophile, check it out here.

It's been a little while....

2009-09-12T06:16:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I have a new piece to share today and a lot more over the next few weeks....

This painting was a bit experimental and I had a lot of fun playing around. Unfortunately this is not the best image of it. I finished it for a show that was put together at Triumph Brewery in old city Philadelphia. Since it required a lot of building up with layers, I didn't get to add as many as I wanted before the show, but when I get the piece back I'll continue to work on it and get a better image of it.

Lace Trees
13 x 39 in.
oil and acrylic on wood

In other news I received a bronze in the professional illustration category of Creative Quarterly 17, the issue will be on newsstands in December, the work can also be viewed on their online gallery in December as well.

Coming up:
The Autumn Society's "Dia De Los Muertos" show at Proximity Gallery
Kevin Smith book release exhibit at Gallery 1988 LA
"Under The Influence: He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" at Gallery 1988 LA
More collaborative jewelry with Monika

Interview and New Prints!!

2009-07-23T07:54:00.000-07:00

A great little blog featured my work along with an interview and short video. Check it out!

Also, I am glad to announce that I finally have a shop set up with some archival prints of my work. You can also check that out HERE!

I'm a loner, Dottie, a rebel.

2009-07-06T06:03:00.000-07:00

I am excited to be part of Gallery 1988's Crazy for cult show again! This year I picked a film that I pretty much wore the tape out of as a kid, and re-watching it as an adult makes me understand why I'm as strange as I am now, ha. So Pee-Wee Herman it is....The opening reception is Thursday, July 16th 7-11pm. at Gallery 1988 LA, 7020 Melrose Ave.

“I’m a Loner, a Rebel”
13 x 16 in.
oil on board

Framed

Engraved plate, replicating the one on the back of Pee-Wee's bike

Also, here is the solution I came up with for my reversible tree painting from my last post. I made it into a magnet so it can be hung either way on a magnetic board.

And on a different note, this is the 9th one I've found in the last month or so....

I'd rather be painting trees....

2009-06-19T05:23:00.001-07:00

Reversed:

acrylic and oil on masonite
11 x 7 in.

Now I need to stop being distracted by them and finish paintings with deadlines :)

2009-06-11T05:59:00.001-07:00

So it's been about 3 years, but I spent the other day revisiting the world of bookbinding. I made this mini accordion style book/portfolio of some of my paintings. I think sometimes I forget how much I enjoy making things other than oil paintings, though I do enjoy making those too :)

Tomorrow night is the opening reception of the Uarts Showcase at Elle-Bees in Manasquan NJ. Elle-Bees was started last year by two Uarts grads, its an awesome little shop with paintings, jewelry, clothing and other oddities. I will be showing a few paintings and there is sure to be tons of great work by many great Uarts students, almuni and faculty. So if you're in the jersey shore area it's definitely worth checking out.

And last but certainly not least, one of my favorite blogs gave me a nice shout out which can be seen here :)

a portrait, a coin & a necklace.

2009-06-02T04:48:00.000-07:00

First off, here is a portrait I just finished of the actress Scarlett Johansson. I love her timeless look and had a fun time painting her.

Scarlett
8 x 16 in.
oil on wood

Next, a commission I recently completed of a coin designed by Augustus St Gaudens in 1907, considered to be one of the most beautiful American coins. It was adapted since then and a high relief edition was just issued by the U.S. mint this year. The most challenging part of this piece for me was the size (20 x 20 in.) and my reference photos. Although I had multiple images to work from, none of them were very large which made it challenging for the detail in certain areas. Overall though I am happy with the finish and enjoyed working on this piece.

Coin
20 x 20 in.
oil on wood

Lastly, some photos from the runway of the JIM show as part of the Snag Conference. We had a little mishap with our piece, and it went from a brooch to a necklace, but it worked out fine.

a VERY LARGE Brooch.

2009-05-19T05:50:00.001-07:00

Here is the finished, oversized brooch that Monika and I collaborated on. It will be part of the Jewelry in Motion show (part of SNAG), this Thursday night at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I will be sure to post pictures of the event with our model wearing the piece.

Brooch
oil on masonite, plastic, sterling, magnets

Rainy day....

2009-04-30T06:31:00.001-07:00

Tree study from my studio....

7 x 9 in.
oil on wood

Strega Nona - Magnetic Painting

2009-04-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

Enough, enough, pasta pot,
I have my pasta, nice and hot,
So simmer down my pot of clay,
Until I’m hungry another day.
(Strega Nona)

16 x 20 in.
oil and magnets paint on wood (Magnets- oil on wood & magnet)

I'm really excited to be part of " Beyond the Page" at Gallery 1988 San Francisco. For this show, artists were asked to re-interpret favorite children's books. The book that stuck out to me from my childhood was "Strega Nona." At first I had a hard time coming up with an idea for this piece since these books already exist as illustrations. So I decided to reverse it and create a painting that went from illustration to reality. I liked how it played on the idea of a child's thoughts when reading a childrens book and how when you're young you imagine anything as being possible, even a land full of pasta.

Continuing with my series of magnetic paintings, I think of all shows this one seemed the most appropriate to make a "playful" piece for. One thing different about this magnetic painting as opposed to my previous ones, is that the magnets are more about revealing something underneath them. Previously the magnets served more as additional paintings that added something to the overall painting, where as here it's more about what's underneath them.

Framed with Magnets:

Some images from the original book by Tomie dePaola:

The show opens Friday, May 1st at Gallery 1988 San Francisco

In progress: collaboration

2009-03-30T10:29:00.000-07:00

A little something, soon to be part of a bigger something...

More to come...

Poppies & Tv.

2009-03-25T09:49:00.000-07:00

Most people who know me and my work, know that I can sometimes get a bit obsessed with different themes, subjects, objects, etc. and will repeat these things in my work until I move on to the next thing. My most recent obsession has been poppy flowers. It started with the poppy field I painted in my Wizard of Oz painting, and since it has been a lot of little paintings and poppy sketches. Since I am not over this phase yet, I wanted to do a piece using the poppy as it is often recognized today-a symbol for war veterans.

Veterans Day
12 x 18 in.
oil on board.

I spent a while on this piece trying to get it exactly how I envisioned it. I feel happy with the final painting, the poppies were really fun to paint and I enjoyed using the old wipe-out technique in the background as well.

Also, I will be part of the group show "Idiot box" at Gallery 1988 in LA, opening April 2nd. They wanted the work for this show to be fun and humorous, so I went with a Carrie Bradshaw (Sex and the City) dress up painting. It's a little bit of a different feel than most of my other work but I wanted to create another magnet painting for a bigger audience.

Carrie Bradshaw-magnetic dress up
13 x 16 in.
oil & magnetic paint on board

Dress Magnets
oil on board & magnet

-painting with magnets

-Carrie dressed up

-the magnets are fun to play with too :) (& I have no idea who this girl is)

update.collaboration.stenciling.

2009-03-04T17:12:00.000-08:00

I've been slowing down with my posts lately, but here's some stuff I have in the works: I will be part of "Idiot Box" at Gallery 1988 in LA. The show opens April 1st and will be hosted by Mr. Belding (Saved by the Bell). I'm sure it will be another fun show with tons of great work! I will also have work in 1988's San Francisco gallery as part of the Children's Book Show which opens May 1st.

I'm currently working on a collaboration with Monika for the Jewelry in Motion event at the PMA which will be part of the Snag conference, more on this soon!

And here's a new piece that was a bit of a challenge, as most portraits usually are for me. This piece started as an experiment, the spray painted stenciling was something I was just playing around with on some board, I then decided to use it as the background for an oil demo I did at the University of the arts. I thought I might play with laying some more delicate stencils over the face, I decided against that and added the veil although it's something I definitely want to try in the future.

Adrianna
12.5 x 18.5 in.
oil on wood

Overdue.

2009-02-12T13:07:00.000-08:00

I'm a bit overdue for a post, so here's some of the stuff I've been up to...

I'm excited to be part of the Jinxed 3rd Annual Alex Curtis Memorial Heart Show. The opening is this Friday, the 13th from 6-10 @ Jinxed, located at 620 S. 4th St. Philly. Below is my heart for the show, be sure to check it out if you're in the area.

Poppy Love
oil on wood.

I've been scheming for quite some time to create magnetic paintings. I came up with the idea a while back and thought it would be a really fun idea to make these paintings that were intended to be touched, something that is almost always forbidden. As a painter I guess I never seem to think my own work is too precious, I don't treat any of my paintings as delicate things (which maybe I need to work on). Anyway, with these magnetic paintings, the viewer is invited to lift the magnets, see what's underneath them and even rearrange them if they'd like. Also, the magnetic boards still work as a painting without the magnets, and the magnets are miniature paintings that will stick to your fridge :) or anything else magnetic.

For my first try at this I did interior spaces. They were really fun and I have a lot more ideas for magnets + paintings in the future.

Magnetic Bathroom painting all together:

Bathroom
10 x 13 in.
oil on wood - magnetic board.

Wallacavage Chandelier
3.5 x 2.5 in.
oil on wood - magnet

Bathtub
5 x 4 in.
oil on wood - magnet

Magnetic Living Room Painting all together:

Living Room
16 x 12 in.
oil on wood - magnetic board

Chair
5.25 x 4.25
oil on wood - magnet

Desk
5 x 6 in.
oil on wood - magnet

Framed Ship
4.25 x 3 in.
oil on wood - magnet

Magnets on a fridge.

I will be showing these magnetic paintings at Zuzu's of Beacon, in Beacon Ny. The show was put together by my friend Chris Whetzel who will also be showing work, as well as Doug LaRocca and Peter Wonsowski. The opening is this Saturday the 14th @ 7pm, 453 Main St. Beacon Ny

One last thing, in addition to my magnetic paintings, I had printed magnets of my chair painting made that I will be selling as well, they look like this:

Ali.

2009-01-05T16:27:00.000-08:00

Ali
11 x 13 in.
oil on board

Under The Influence: Beastie Boys Tribute

2008-12-17T17:12:00.000-08:00

Oh My God, It’s a Mirage
21 x 15.5 in.
oil, graphite and spray paint on masonite

(framed)

This is my painting for the Beastie Boys tribute show @ Gallery 1988 in LA. I had a tough time coming up with a concept for this show, but it was a good challenge. I'm happy with my idea but I'm still not sure how I feel about the overall painting. I did do some experimenting with spray paint (it doesn't show in the scan, but the background is GOLD) and stenciling which I enjoyed, but I must say that I'm glad to be working in full color again on my current painting...be sure to check out the show if you're in the area, it opens January 8th @ Gallery 1988 LA

Recent Commission.

2008-11-25T15:56:00.000-08:00

Some commissions are more difficult than others, and while some jobs may not always be something I would normally find myself painting, I try to find ways to make them me. Needless to say, there are still times when a piece can just be a struggle whether it be the subject matter or just the idea. However, here is a recent commission that I just finished up and really enjoyed. I am fascinated by past times, so this job to create a painting based off of an old photograph was right up my alley.

Lisa
15 x 12 in.
oil on wood

And then there is Dwight Schrute, a fun little painting I did for my sister. Because really, who doesn't love Dwight?

Assistant TO the Regional Manager
5 x 7 in.
oil on board

Heritage.

2008-10-27T15:46:00.001-07:00

Grandparents: Jack and Irene Malone
16 x 19 in.
oil on wood

This is a painting of my grandparents that I did for my mom. I reproduced it from an old photograph of them that we had found when my grandmother passed away. We think the photograph was taken around 1940, my grandmother would have been around 19 years old and my grandfather would have been around 24.

Here's a picture (a pretty terrible one-I'll get a better one up soon) of the piece framed.

Out of sight, out of mind.

2008-10-20T14:05:00.000-07:00

Here is a painting I did last year, I had never posted it and just came across an image of it the other day. It was based off of a book I had read, "Evening" by Susan Minot. The story was about a woman on her deathbed, reflecting on a love in her life from 40 years earlier.
I sold the piece last year and seemed to have forgotten about it until now. It's one of my favorite paintings that I have done mainly because of how much I enjoyed the book. I think I'll re-read it (I do that a lot) and maybe even paint another piece based off of it :)

Evening
8 x 20 in.
oil on board

A cover & a feature.

2008-10-16T13:59:00.000-07:00

Here are two pieces I just did this weekend for the Seattle Weekly, a cover and a feature illustration. The article was about how judges are elected in Washington, and the lack of information voters have. The art director came to me with her ideas already in mind, and although these aren't exactly images I would normally paint, I enjoyed the challenge and feel pretty good about the outcome.

link to article:
http://www.seattleweekly.com/2008-10-15/news/the-way-we-elect-judges-is-a-sham/

The start of something...

2008-10-06T17:50:00.000-07:00

If not now, not ever.
13 x 19 inches.
oil on board

The first of a new series, more to come...

Soldier

2008-09-19T08:38:00.001-07:00

Soldier
4 x 4 inches
oil on wood.

LACE!

2008-09-13T16:37:00.000-07:00

Here is my new piece for Homegrown, a group show @ JInxed in Philadelphia.

The Deborah Anne
16 x 20 inches
oil on board

I've been on a lace kick lately and this is the second piece I've incorporated it into. I think I handled it better than my first attempt,but it's something I'll have to continue to explore. I also thought about playing with the idea of cut paper, though I think if I went with that approach I would want to create my own paper lace, and that would end up taking longer than the actual painting. I did however include some paper doilies in my matting/framing...

Show Card & Info:

Crazy For Cult Opening

2008-09-10T05:31:00.000-07:00

Had a great time in California and the Crazy for Cult opening was really fun and successful :) Here are some pictures I found online, I'll add some of my own soon. Also, a video form Vimby, I'm terribly bad at being interviewed and can't watch myself ( I need to just stick to painting) but aside from my embarrassing part at the end, its a really good recap of the show.

VIMBY - Crazy 4 Cult

My Studio <3

2008-08-19T17:33:00.001-07:00

Here are some photos I've been wanting to post of my new studio. I am leaving tomorrow for California. I'll be visiting for the week and attending the opening of Crazy for Cult @ Gallery 1988 in LA. Be sure to check it out on Friday if you're in the area!

GZA Portrait

2008-08-18T14:41:00.000-07:00

GZA, an artist unaffected by time-for the seattle weekly
7.33 x 8 in. oil on board

Crazy For Cult: This Time it's Personal

2008-08-11T17:47:00.000-07:00

Here is my piece for the Crazy for Cult show at Gallery 1988 in LA. I feel like this piece is a little bit of a different direction for me and I'm still trying to figure out how I feel about it. I do know it was awfully challenging and took quite a while, I think my eyes need a rest before I can really evaluate it. I'll be out for the opening though and am psyched to see the whole show!
Check it out if you're in the area, August 22nd @ Gallery 1988 LA

www.nineteeneightyeight.com

Most humbly inscribed, this plan of Oz… A perfect view of Dorothy, as she journeyed along the yellow brick road, 1939.

28 x 20 inches
oil on board

detail.

detail.

Erykah Badu

2008-06-07T07:04:00.000-07:00

So, it's been a little while. I just moved into a new place here in Philly and have been pretty busy with that along with other things. Last Friday night, after a long day of moving which sill wasn't quite done, I got a call from the Seattle Weekly for a "beautiful portrait" of Erykah Badu by Monday morning. I had a pretty busy weekend planned already and my studio space wasn't set up yet, but it was fun to pull some all nighters for this. She's such a beautiful person to paint and I really enjoyed doing this piece.

Erykah Badu
9 x 9.75 in. oil on board

online article:
http://www.seattleweekly.com/2008-06-04/music/no-country-for-bold-women/

Self-Portrait.

2008-05-02T16:06:00.001-07:00

Here is a new piece that has taken me a little longer than I anticipated. I struggled with the lace quite a bit, but liked the concept too much to give up on it. After about 17 trial and errors of painting lace, I've settled with this...I think I'm happy with it, but need to give my eyes a rest before I can really tell how i feel. I've cropped out a few inches of the sky here, but the actual painting is more vertical.

Self-portrait 1
16 x 27 in, oil on wood
.click to enlarge.

.Detail.

Past & Present.

2008-04-05T16:16:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a trip out to California for the opening of Toys @ Gallery 1988 in LA. I had a great time and the show was awesome! Saw some old friends, met some new ones and sold a painting, I'd say it was a pretty successful visit...

In other news, I just found out that I was accepted into the 145th Small Oil Paintings exhibition at the Philadelphia Sketch Club. One of the reasons I like being involved with the Sketch Club is because of how the institution functions as if it could be decades ago. While the rest of the world continues to turn everything towards digital technology, I think there's something nice about having to submit an actual painting for the judging process. It feels good to know that my work is being looked at directly by someone, without being filtered through a computer screen. And not only are submissions not done digitally, acception forms are sent in the mail and work not accepted is stored in boxes by numbers and to be picked up by the artist with certain pickup dates (and nowhere on the submssion form to you find a place for an email adress). There is nothing convenient about the process and I love that, but not as much as the amazing building that is the home to the PSC and filled with so much history.

Check it out...

The 145th Annual Exhibition of Small Oil Paintings
The Philadelphia Sketch Club
235 South Camac street Philly Pa 19107
Reception, April 6th 2pm-5pm
*exhibition runs through April 27th

A Pirate. A Pet. A Plane.

2008-03-25T12:32:00.000-07:00

Continuing with the Playmobil kick that I've been on, I've crossed over to the bad guys. Here is a pirate portrait that I did as part of an artist trade.

Playmobil Pirate
5 x 7 in.
oil on wood

Here is a pet portrait that I did for my friends birthday.

Andy
5 x 7 in.
oil on wood

In other news, I will be leaving Thursday for California to attend the opening of TOYS @ Gallery 1988. If you're in the L.A. area, the opening is April 1st and starts at 7pm. Come check it out!

HMS PLAYMOBIL CREW

2008-03-10T14:05:00.000-07:00

Here are two smaller pieces I did for TOYS (Gallery 1988, LA) to go along with my larger painting (previous post). These were a lot of fun and I'm already working on some more. Still playing with the idea of the Royal Navy, I based these off of the old uniform studies.

HMS Playmobil Captain, Full Dress
5 x 7 in.
oil on wood

HMS Playmobil Midshipman, Undress
5 x 7 in.
oil on wood

HMS PLAYMOBIL

2008-03-07T08:49:00.000-08:00

This is my painting for the TOYS show that opens April 1st at Gallery 1988 in LA. I'll be flying out for the opening and am psyched to go!

The Confederate Armed 'HMS PLAYMOBIL' Engaged in Enemy Attack, Flying the Confederate Armed Ensign"
16 x 20 in.
oil on board

I really enjoyed painting this piece. It was challenging for me to come up with an idea that I felt was sophisticated while still meeting the guidelines of painting a child's toy. ( Solution - make Playmobil into the Royal Navy) I also have two smaller paintings that go along with this that were also a blast to paint, I will post them soon!

http://www.nineteeneightyeight.com/

Chapterhouse Show.

2008-03-03T06:27:00.000-08:00

I am having a show at the Chapterhouse Cafe & Gallery this month. The work is already up and the opening party is Friday March 14th at 7pm. Check it out if you're in the area!

Chapterhouse
620 s. 9th st.
Philadelphia
www.chapterhousecafe.org

New Series.

2008-02-18T10:46:00.000-08:00

I'm really enjoying these portraits lately and have decided to do a large series of them (either 9 or 12). I have some ideas for a possible installation when I finish them. More to come...

Monika
17 x 17 in.
oil on wood

Art Glut write up.

2008-02-14T12:57:00.000-08:00

Check out the write up on ART GLUT.
http://fallonandrosof.blogspot.com/

ART GLUT.

2008-02-12T17:56:00.001-08:00

My house gallery presents:
ART GLUT

Friday February 15th
5:30-8:30

2534 S. 8th st.
Philadelphia PA 19148

And another...

2008-02-08T12:58:00.001-08:00

Jonathan
17 x 17 in.
oil on wood

Monika

2008-01-29T19:20:00.000-08:00

One of the reasons I enjoy painting portraits so much is because of the challenge involved. Each one is a struggle for me, it never fails. But in the end, (usually after much frustration), it does feel rewarding because it wasn't easy. That being said, I'm not so sure I feel that reward with this particular one yet.
This is a portrait I started a while ago. I'm still not completely satisfied with it, but I think I've realized that i might never be. So until I decide to tackle it again here is where it's at...

Monika
17 x 17 in. (circle)
oil on wood

Machine Gun Joe

2008-01-28T16:54:00.000-08:00

Here is some album art I just did for my friends in Machine Gun Joe (philly, Pa)
You can check out there music at www.myspace.com/machinegunjoe

11 x 11 in.
oil on board
(& hand lettering)

WILD side.

2008-01-23T19:33:00.000-08:00

This is a personal piece I just finished, I've had the idea for a while and finally got it out. It was something a little different for me and I had a lot of fun with it.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side
5 x 22 in. oil on wood

sketch.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-09T09:26:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in a while but here are two more pieces for my fashion series...I am also working on a cd cover for Machine Gun Joe and a portrait commission that I will post soon. Also, some shows I have coming up in 2008 include the Chapterhouse (philly) in March, Toys at Gallery 1988 (LA) in April and Crazy for Cult at Gallery 1988 (LA) in August.

More to come soon!

Gloves
9 x 12 in. oil on wood

Pin
7 x 7 in. oil on wood

KANYE WEST

2007-12-07T14:54:00.000-08:00

Kanye West
10.5 in. x 13.5 in. oil on board

SUB1k Opening

2007-12-04T17:04:00.000-08:00

SUB1k opens tomorrow and runs through February 2nd @ Distinction Gallery in Escondido, CA. I will have three paintings included in the show, be sure to check it out if you're in the area!

Reception, December 8th, 6-11

www.distinctionart.com

A job, a card and a belt...

2007-12-03T09:24:00.000-08:00

Here is another piece for my vintage series, a job I just finished for The Progressive and the painting that I am using for my holiday greeting cards...

Belt
9 x 12 in. oil on wood

Tony-union activist, for The Progressive
8 x 8in. oil on board

Winter
16 x 7.5 in. oil on wood

3 new pieces.

2007-11-25T09:42:00.000-08:00

Here are three more pieces for a series I am working on involving vintage fashion and accessories for Magpie in San Diego. (The Glasses painting from a previous post is also part of this series-there will be about 10 paintings total)

Boot
6 x 9 in. oil on wood
.click to enlarge.

Hat
7 x 7 in. oil on wood
.click to enlarge.

Purse
6 x 9 in. oil on wood
.click to enlarge.

Juxtapoz-Reader's Art

2007-11-04T14:14:00.000-08:00

I am the November 3rd Reader's Art Pick on Juxtapoz.com
(You can check it out by clicking on the above title)

Glasses

2007-10-31T16:13:00.000-07:00

I'm starting a series of accesories for a show that I am having in March at Magpie Boutique. Here is the first piece, a painting of some vintage glasses and wallpaper.

Glasses
6 x 9 in. oil on wood
.click to enlarge.

SUB 1K

2007-10-23T13:23:00.001-07:00

I will have three pieces (my underwater wedding series) exhibited in the Sub 1k show at Distinction Gallery in California. Also, I am currently working on pieces for shows at ChapterHouse (Philly) Magpie (San Diego) & Gallery1988 (Los Angeles).

Greening Pains

2007-10-14T09:03:00.000-07:00

"Greening Pains"
oil on wood

Green is the way to be these days, and hopefully it's not just a trend but a true concern for our earth. However, while everyone and everything is going green, we are building on top of a damaged foundation as a result from many years of people not being concerned with our earth. It is a one way road now and we cannot undo damage that has been done, but continue to move forward, this painting is my comment on that.

Sunset at Chavez, Tu Ciudad LA Magazine
oil on board

Here is an older piece that I did for Tu Ciudad Los Angeles Magazine, that uses a similar concept, about a mother whos son was away in Iraq and although she never expressed her concern and feelings verbally they were revealed through her cleaning habits.

Jellyfish

2007-10-04T16:16:00.000-07:00

This is a small painting I did to go along with my 2 underwater wedding pieces. This series is all for the SUB1k show that will be at distinction gallery in December.

Jellyfish
7 x 7 in. oil on wood
.click to enlarge.

Ms. October

2007-10-03T11:47:00.000-07:00

This was a fun painting I just did that feels very appropriate for this time of year. I collect a lot of old photographs from flea markets and garage sales, and I am always fascinated by the untold stories that these pictures might hold. I don't use them for reference but decided to experiment with it. The pictures are usually black & white and not the best quality, so it was fun to only use it as a loose reference and play around a bit. I didn't plan too much out, just transfered a rough sketch. The product was one creepy portrait....

Ms. October
5 x 7 in. oil on wood
.click to enlarge.

Here is the original photo I worked from and a rough sketch.

.click to enlarge.

Underwater Bride

2007-09-27T06:18:00.000-07:00

Here is a second piece I just finished for the SUB1k show at Distinction Art Gallery in California. I plan on doing two more pieces to go along with the underwater wedding theme.

Underwater Bride
9 x 12 inches, oil on wood

Underwater Wedding, Jerry & ELVIS!

2007-09-20T09:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a piece I just finished for a group show that I will be part of in December. The show is called SUB 1K and will be at Distinction Art Gallery in California.
The exhibition runs from December 5 - February 2, 2008
www.distinctionart.com

Be With Me Under the Sea
12 x 9 inches, oil on wood
.click to enlarge.

PHILLUSTRATION '07
-I was accepted into Phillustration, a juried exhibition of illustration that was put together by The Philadelphia Sketch Club. My piece, "Jerry" was also awarded honorable mention. The show will be up until September 30th at the Sketch Club (235 S. Camac st.) and features over 100 works by local Illustrators. It's definitely worth checking out and I am honored to have my work hanging on the wall next to some of todays greatest working illustrators.

ELVIS
-Also, I was asked to write for the culture shock section in this weeks city paper. As a continuation of my current obsession, I chose to write about ELVIS!
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/09/20/culture-shock

Elvis changed everything...

2007-09-05T15:58:00.000-07:00

Here is a new piece and some random sketchbook work from this summer...

I had a lot of fun painting this portrait and enjoyed the challenge of such an iconic face...
"Elvis ate America before America ate him."-Bono

Elvis Presley
6x6in. oil on masonite
.click to enlarge.

Sketchbook...

Audrey Hepburn

2007-08-28T13:01:00.001-07:00

This is a personal piece of someone that I've wanted to paint for a while. I chose to place her in a winter landscape because I felt that her poise, elegance, grace and natural beauty are qualitites that you really do only find in nature. I used the circle (influenced by Mucha) not only as a design element but also to symbolize eternity and Audrey Hepburn as a legend in the film world.

Audrey Hepburn, 10 x 10 in. oil on masonite
.click to enlarge.

Trees

2007-08-06T18:32:00.000-07:00

For a while I was on a tree kick, I tend to work in series in terms of subject matter. This was a piece I had started a few months back and just got to finishing for a friend.

23 x 5.5 in. oil on masonite
.click to enlarge.

This is another tree piece I had done earlier this year, also for a friend.

Michigan 8 x 9 in. oil on wood

50 Little Yellow 1977 GREMLINS!

2007-07-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

These are prints from a stamp that I made for a little side project I was working on...

Also, here is all of the information for my show that opens this Friday at 222gallery:

LOCAL VIEWS: PAINTERS IN A POST-DIGITAL AGE
3 August- 21 September 2007

OPENING RECEPTION
FRIDAY August 3rd 6-9 PM

222gallery
222 Vine Street, Philadelphia PA 19106
open mon - fri 12-5, or by appointment

CONTACT
www.222gallery.com
215.873.0750 x101
cboccella@222gallery.com

LOCAL VIEWS: PAINTERS IN A POST-DIGITAL AGE

Diana Meaker
Danielle Rizzolo
Nicholas Santore

This exhibit presents recent work from three Philadelphia painters who create intensely personal and human observations of their world. In the context of our post-digital and global culture, these images present a hard-edged hyper reality, seen through the filter of their medium. This show seeks to find common threads in these disparate perspectives by way of their shared concern with surface, finish and figure.

.Whales and Small Faces.

2007-07-24T10:34:00.000-07:00

Finished everything up for 222. Here is another piece I did for the show.

14 x 9.25 inches, oil on board
.click to enlarge.

Also, I am taking commisions for custom portrait miniatures on etsy.com
danrizzolo.etsy.com

Sammy & Tilda, 4 x 4 in, oil on wood
.click to enlarge.

New Piece

2007-07-22T20:10:00.000-07:00

Here is another new piece for the "Local Views" show that I will be a part of at 222 gallery in Philadelphia, It opens August 3rd.

15.5 x 21 inches, oil on wood
.click to enlarge.

Gallery Piece

2007-07-19T06:33:00.001-07:00

Here is one of the pieces that will be in my show at 222gallery.

Modern Geography
15 x 13.5 in
oil on masonite

.click to enlarge.

Puppies are Biodegradable

2007-07-02T05:53:00.000-07:00

Puppies are Biodegradable, an art exhibition raising awareness about the realities of puppy mills, opens July 6th @ FUEL

The concept for my piece was to focus on the perspective of the mill owners. They don't see lives in those hutches, they only see their benefits, money and profit.

www.puppiesarebiodegradable.com

Zoe & Penny

2007-06-13T21:01:00.000-07:00

Here's what I'm doing...

2007-06-12T11:04:00.000-07:00

Currently:
-Creating new work for a show that opens in August at the 222 Gallery, Philadelphia Pa
-Finishing a piece for the Puppies are Biodegradable Show, opens July 6th @ FUEL, www.puppiesarebiodegradable.com
-and hanging out with Zoe.....