tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50646828627551837272024-03-05T03:21:37.088-05:00Art by Erika Taguchi-NewtonArt by Erika Taguchi-NewtonErika (Raven Girl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06975502573001701364noreply@blogger.comBlogger118125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064682862755183727.post-55462954799026132462017-06-22T20:49:00.001-04:002021-06-17T08:29:51.496-04:00Patreon or Bust!<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello, blog followers! I just wanted to give you a head's up that I will be doing more blogging on Patreon (<a href="http://www.patreon.com/erikataguchi">www.patreon.com/erikataguchi</a>). I will have public and private posts with techniques, tips, studio going-ons, sneak peaks, works in progress, etc.</span><br />
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<div align="center"><a data-patreon-widget-type="become-patron-button" href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=3695757">Become a Patron!</a><script async="" src="https://c6.patreon.com/becomePatronButton.bundle.js"></script></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Little "excerpt" from the Patreon post (<a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/on-easel-11895619">https://www.patreon.com/posts/on-easel-11895619</a>):</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />"<span style="background-color: white; color: #052d49; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-line; word-spacing: 0px;">So... this is going on right now in the studio. 2 paintings at one time! I'm done with the underdrawing for both and they are both on cradled boards. Last night I started color on the tall one I'm calling "Signal". The other one's working title is "Dreamstealer."</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnS2pVS4IMxhyphenhyphenTzjsy2-M0q_DVhKzTdmk3nhwun8neRv-ZSrU_NM2yH9-Eas2xyihmOdS6aXW2Ngj8UNmNu5yM_5-olGs6QmV_qUiEpp9-ZuryXx57XG3wWL8UIze66wWKHjc-p2i7scf/s1600/20170621_121533.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnS2pVS4IMxhyphenhyphenTzjsy2-M0q_DVhKzTdmk3nhwun8neRv-ZSrU_NM2yH9-Eas2xyihmOdS6aXW2Ngj8UNmNu5yM_5-olGs6QmV_qUiEpp9-ZuryXx57XG3wWL8UIze66wWKHjc-p2i7scf/s400/20170621_121533.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I hope you'll go and check it out! I will maintain the information here and do some short posts periodically. Thank you for your support!Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06419632707134638451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064682862755183727.post-53974744922383226782017-03-16T12:00:00.000-04:002017-03-16T12:00:00.794-04:00☘☘☘ Free Giveaway! Get a "Wishbreaker" Coloring Art Page ☘☘☘<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuHYVi95u-wP5XSG1jsobJ6bHHmG3i7J8s1CFM68S03Ue92_Kd_voOk3Zxh9yAvXPWJKYY8e8lmw6my_ehUMhinX_6VUrf-0nL6jUPsorxxvgykHS6wgFKhDnnY9nVrClqJ-UCniWzOo/s1600/coloringpage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuHYVi95u-wP5XSG1jsobJ6bHHmG3i7J8s1CFM68S03Ue92_Kd_voOk3Zxh9yAvXPWJKYY8e8lmw6my_ehUMhinX_6VUrf-0nL6jUPsorxxvgykHS6wgFKhDnnY9nVrClqJ-UCniWzOo/s400/coloringpage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I like to share with you a new project I've been developing - Coloring Art Pages.<br />
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<b>What are Coloring Art Pages?</b></h3>
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Coloring Art Pages are inked line art of my work printed on archival watercolor paper that you can color with watercolor or color pencils. They are large pages signed by me, and with a space for your signature too! They can be framed and displayed, great for gifts, and fun for beginner artists. Make it your own.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEM_DAB9utKwvBUkA6PiL1JVh8fOUlxdMqFLhXvn86TcSo4qsnltXpwqdkjNUD324LOXAbuYpVpJ1nGYkacQEWkRZFocClZ2CSMB_j6O3dRDxpv6BfHS51csBdx4Vn9VDec7wPPOG_nBc/s1600/coloringpage_lineart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEM_DAB9utKwvBUkA6PiL1JVh8fOUlxdMqFLhXvn86TcSo4qsnltXpwqdkjNUD324LOXAbuYpVpJ1nGYkacQEWkRZFocClZ2CSMB_j6O3dRDxpv6BfHS51csBdx4Vn9VDec7wPPOG_nBc/s400/coloringpage_lineart.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><b>The Giveaway</b></b></h3>
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I am giving away 11x17 Coloring Art Page of Wishbreaker FREE with ANY ORDER, ending Friday, March 24th. One per person, per order.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pqYIXLaDMgpX7tjYiYxHgSXnnmPGsIy0N_ESjbRapVa6UyhUPOsrdfwdk5MsYbrcMERh3xwLOrCgFMAyvyNJzRESuj9_H7M3-6FcHDTUdXb_UlDDbGwUn5xQpiQQCDZJn9VjJ5q8bK0/s1600/coloringpage_color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pqYIXLaDMgpX7tjYiYxHgSXnnmPGsIy0N_ESjbRapVa6UyhUPOsrdfwdk5MsYbrcMERh3xwLOrCgFMAyvyNJzRESuj9_H7M3-6FcHDTUdXb_UlDDbGwUn5xQpiQQCDZJn9VjJ5q8bK0/s400/coloringpage_color.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Erika (Raven Girl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06975502573001701364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064682862755183727.post-26128990491305551792017-02-10T08:10:00.001-05:002017-02-10T08:17:38.553-05:00♡♡♡ Valentine Special - Cupid Bear Sketch ♡♡♡<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello my blog followers, are you still there? Sorry for ignoring you, I've been a bad blogger. Anyhooo... I just wanted you to know I've been running a Valentine Special and today's the last day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8W8fVQJFwwwHqqmoWzwFAtsBA-5kdgAXB5Hf8sVu2vTUapoBn_LXy5ERQHe8svhoiYOPj_VEUEz-Fq798C78HuqfvSdsJ0IkXXGKVgedGIKc_npUEB2Ek5MOW7UDDT_HcSH6kqX8tF5h8/s1600/valentinesale_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8W8fVQJFwwwHqqmoWzwFAtsBA-5kdgAXB5Hf8sVu2vTUapoBn_LXy5ERQHe8svhoiYOPj_VEUEz-Fq798C78HuqfvSdsJ0IkXXGKVgedGIKc_npUEB2Ek5MOW7UDDT_HcSH6kqX8tF5h8/s400/valentinesale_sm.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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Order any print and get a free Valentine bear original sketch. Offer ends today (2/10)! (Yours may look different from drawing shown because each will be an original sketch. Approximately 5x7.) One per person, per order.</div>
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<a href="http://ravengirl.etsy.com/">ravengirl.etsy.com</a></div>
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Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06419632707134638451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064682862755183727.post-16520336526316032902016-08-12T10:44:00.000-04:002016-08-12T10:51:18.189-04:00Fall is ComingLots of going-ons in the studio. Multiple projects, getting ready for fall shows, making travel plans... I just created a page on Patreon to accept patronage from fans of my work.<br />
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I just want to show what's on my easel at the moment. I just started painting the main figure and putting detail into the dress.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdqsf4vNggmwkw4CqjAQ4wdZ5b4uefNRfGe7sm9XqfXXFqTYUePPwMn6ybmoONccaL9lgSn0EQBDHLJWlzJhFO0SyQWhnqFhtiq7ZMo_iO3s8CMuqrDcBdCFaNlVqnSlA3fU3gx9EafIs/s1600/pathfinder_wip5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdqsf4vNggmwkw4CqjAQ4wdZ5b4uefNRfGe7sm9XqfXXFqTYUePPwMn6ybmoONccaL9lgSn0EQBDHLJWlzJhFO0SyQWhnqFhtiq7ZMo_iO3s8CMuqrDcBdCFaNlVqnSlA3fU3gx9EafIs/s320/pathfinder_wip5.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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As for what's happening in the studio, I am at full speed getting ready for DragonCon in Atlanta Georgia. This con is the biggest show of the year for me so I am very excited.<br />
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After DragonCon, I will be attending PalmCon just up I95 in West Palm Beach. And then another local (my favorite) Indie art and craft show StitchRock in Delray Beach.<br />
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My fall schedule:<br />
Sept 2-5 - DragonCon (<a href="http://www.dragoncon.org/" target="_blank">dragoncon.org</a>)<br />
Sept 24-25 - PalmCon (<a href="http://www.palmcon.net/" target="_blank">palmcon.net</a>)<br />
Oct 1 - StitchRock (<a href="http://www.rockthestitch.com/" target="_blank">rockthestitch.com</a>)<br />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06419632707134638451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064682862755183727.post-60114060038246997832015-04-07T09:50:00.001-04:002015-04-09T09:58:50.887-04:00Princess Bride Tribute Art - "Through the Fire Swamps"One of the most quoted movies in our household, I always tell my husband to "have fun storming the castle" when he has a difficult work day ahead of him.<br />
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This was done over a year ago for Nerdcore show at <a href="http://www.inkandpistons.com/inkandpistons/gallery.asp" target="_blank">Ink and Pistons / Slushbox Gallery</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/11880035446" title="Through the Fire Swamps by Erika Taguchi-Newton, on Flickr"><img alt="Through the Fire Swamps" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7339/11880035446_225f602be5.jpg" width="309" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/229039090/princess-bride-art-princess-bride" target="_blank">Prints available</a><br />
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This was one of the first pieces I started to utilize my airbrush again. I haven't airbrushed since school (1992). I used it to smooth out the background and add some glow on the fire, nothing detailed.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/11839467503" title="As you wish WIP by Erika Taguchi-Newton, on Flickr"><img alt="As you wish WIP" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3764/11839467503_9e5f141ff4.jpg" width="374" /></a><br />
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Instead of drawing the "real" R.O.U.S's, I decided to have a little fun with WWI barrage balloons. I know they don't technically drop bombs, but it looks cool.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/17065067212" title="Sketch for Fireswamp by Erika Taguchi-Newton, on Flickr"><img alt="Sketch for Fireswamp" height="375" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8727/17065067212_cb0297e8c7.jpg" width="500" /></a>Erika (Raven Girl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06975502573001701364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064682862755183727.post-18696337466845882252015-04-01T09:56:00.003-04:002015-04-01T09:56:49.374-04:00The Bicycle-riding Hedgehog Painting - "Arthur"Please meet "Arthur," newest forest friend in my Fair Isle woodland creatures. He is out apple picking and riding his bicycle in the countryside.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/16998411072" title="Hedgehog Painting, "Arthur" by Erika Taguchi-Newton, on Flickr"><img alt="Hedgehog Painting, "Arthur"" height="500" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8701/16998411072_bf0d25353d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Acrylic 8x8 on cradled board<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/227304468/hedgehog-art-hedgehog-on-bicycle" target="_blank">Prints Available</a>Erika (Raven Girl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06975502573001701364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064682862755183727.post-38864294213197480482015-03-30T15:10:00.000-04:002015-03-30T15:14:12.096-04:00Woodland Critters in Fair Isle SweaterIt's been a while AGAIN since I last posted on the blog. I'm not even going to attempt to catch up this time. I'm just going to go ahead and share what I've been working on most recently. Trying to go back to last couple years is too overwhelming. So excuse my absence, I'll try to flashback every once in a while if I remember anything significant.<br />
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Last few months I've been having fun with cute forest animals dressed in Fair Isle sweaters. I used to knit and found the patterns beautiful. Please meet Homer, Cecil, and Abigail:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/16793888680" title=""Homer" - Rabbit in Fair Isle Sweater by Erika Taguchi-Newton, on Flickr"><img alt=""Homer" - Rabbit in Fair Isle Sweater" height="500" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8725/16793888680_9d9de85670.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/224662541/rabbit-art-bunny-painting-hare-print" target="_blank">Prints Available</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/16793888900" title=""Cecil" - Deer in Fair Isle Sweater by Erika Taguchi-Newton, on Flickr"><img alt=""Cecil" - Deer in Fair Isle Sweater" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7584/16793888900_50ce5c2b97.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/225537197/deer-art-deer-painting-forest-animal" target="_blank">Prints Available</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/16358979804" title=""Abigail" - Bear in Fair Isle Sweater by Erika Taguchi-Newton, on Flickr"><img alt=""Abigail" - Bear in Fair Isle Sweater" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7595/16358979804_f3a79a00fd.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/225799967/bear-art-bear-cub-painting-bear-print" target="_blank">Prints Available</a><br />
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They are each 4x6 oil paintings.<br />
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They started off as Inktober daily drawing project:<br />
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<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>Erika (Raven Girl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06975502573001701364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064682862755183727.post-52653682518282384362014-08-13T22:30:00.000-04:002014-08-13T22:30:48.365-04:00Long Time, No See!Hello, it's been a long time. Are you still out there, blogsters?<br />
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My last blog post was almost 2 years ago! I've manage to get some paintings done, but it's been hard with this whole motherhood thing. I'm definitely not a natural at nurturing, but my little guy is a pretty cool dude.<br />
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Doing art shows and events have been more difficult. Unfortunately, I'm not going to be at GenCon or DragonCon this year. We had some health issues in the family and had to cancel last minute. In fact, it's the night before Gen Con, and I'm very sad that I'm not there. I'm telling myself to get over it and move on.<br />
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Moving on...<br />
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In the next few weeks, I'm hoping to catch up with this blog and post what I've been working on the last 2 years.<br />
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<a href="http://ravengirl.bigcartel.com/product/catching-fireflies" target="_blank" title="Catching Fireflies by Erika Taguchi-Newton"><img alt="Catching Fireflies" height="390" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8075/8345534587_919b7a5a8a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />Catching Fireflies - Acrylic on board - 11x14 <span class="editable meta-field photo-desc ">(<a href="http://ravengirl.bigcartel.com/product/catching-fireflies" target="_blank">Prints Available</a>)</span><span class="editable meta-field photo-desc "></span><br />
This piece (homage to Firefly show) was done for Nerdcore Art Show at Ink & Pistons Tattoo and Art Gallery, in January 2013. <br />
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Here's a sketch of little River with her net:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/8319219480" target="_blank" title="Catching Fireflies Sketch by Erika Taguchi-Newton, on Flickr"><img alt="Catching Fireflies Sketch" height="500" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8357/8319219480_52344b7bc8.jpg" width="297" /></a><br />
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Erika (Raven Girl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06975502573001701364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064682862755183727.post-6513332670463438342012-09-05T22:52:00.000-04:002012-09-05T22:52:13.005-04:00Endless SummerWhew! Just got back from GenCon and DragonCon. Such amazing times! Met up with old friends and made some new ones. I'm so giddy about winning Third Place at DragonCon for "Lost Selkie" and Best Space Scene for "Raygun Love".<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/7940933024/" title="Third place at Dragoncon! by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Ravengirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Third place at Dragoncon!" height="348" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8037/7940933024_f270ba4f4d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I was able to finish a new painting for DragonCon last week:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/7940607822/" title="Feather by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Ravengirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Feather" height="400" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8039/7940607822_05b57297f2.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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Fall is almost here and Baby Jack will arrive soon. My show schedule will be limited and local, but they will be great fun. PalmCon will be next (Sept 22nd) - last year was the first one and it was quite a turnout for a small comic convention. Then it'll be the mother of all indie craft events - StitchRock! (Oct 6th).<br />
<br />Erika (Raven Girl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06975502573001701364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064682862755183727.post-41468696351576973662012-08-03T12:17:00.001-04:002012-08-03T12:17:37.124-04:00Long, Hot SummerYou know you've been neglecting your blog when your husband teases you about it. Well, I've been a little distracted, being knocked up and all! <br />
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So far this summer, I made it to HeroesCon (Charlotte, NC), Florida SuperCon (Miami), and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/434317489946946/">Art Nouveau Events' Arts, Beats, Eats & Treats</a> in North Palm Beach (which I'll be doing one more this Saturday night). In a couple of weeks I'll be off to GenCon in Indianapolis, then shortly after to DragonCon in Atlanta. Then I will sit home, get enormous, and wait for our baby boy to pop out :). <br />
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I'm doing a big push on finishing off several paintings before DragonCon. Here's the first one completed:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/7687063888/" title="Soak - Final by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Ravengirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Soak - Final" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7253/7687063888_3aff057b4c_z.jpg" width="509" /></a><br />
(<a href="http://ravengirl.bigcartel.com/product/soak">Prints available</a>)<br />
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My step-by-step:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/7605061184/" title="Soak: color comp by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Ravengirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Soak: color comp" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7274/7605061184_029c3f3a0e_n.jpg" width="256" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/7661895084/" title="Soak: underpainting by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Ravengirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Soak: underpainting" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7113/7661895084_ab9cc281a4_n.jpg" width="228" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/7677311144/" title="Soak - close up by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Ravengirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Soak - close up" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7677311144_8274133662_n.jpg" width="190" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/7677349372/" title="Soak - starting detail work by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Ravengirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Soak - starting detail work" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7280/7677349372_ce2e33013d_n.jpg" width="193" /></a><br />
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In June, I was commissioned by the very best comic book store in the universe - Tate's Comics in Lauderhill, Florida. If you are a geek like me, you have to make a pilgrimage!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/7544168806/" title="Launch! - final by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Ravengirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Launch! - final" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8009/7544168806_f7e39bacc1.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/7549404800/" title="Preview of Tate's biz cards by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Ravengirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Preview of Tate's biz cards" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8432/7549404800_6dd707194a_n.jpg" width="187" /></a><br />
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Hope everyone is having a great summer. And staying cool!Erika (Raven Girl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06975502573001701364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064682862755183727.post-61830374722509525602012-02-29T12:59:00.002-05:002012-02-29T12:59:49.673-05:00Raygun LoveHappy Leap Day! To celebrate Leap Day, I'm taking a LEAP back into space (that's as clever as it gets here, folks...). Bear and Bird Gallery's open-to-all-artists show, <a href="http://www.bearandbird.com/shows/squareshow2/">Square Show 2</a>, is next month. I played around with an idea, sketched it out, even got it fully pencilled on the board. But I wasn't excited about it so I erased the whole thing and pencilled a completely different idea. I'm glad I did because I had so much fun with this piece:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/6786204552/" title="Raygun Love I by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Ravengirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Raygun Love I" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/6786204552_3527058c89.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Preminary sketch:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/6788907976/" title="Raygun Love Sketch by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Ravengirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Raygun Love Sketch" height="161" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7182/6788907976_603d3dc42a_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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By sheer coincidence, <a href="http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e5mu0iio52fe272b">next month's show at Zapow</a> turned out to be a sci fi theme show! So I decided to take my painting and idea further and turn it into a faux pulp cover. I plan to do 2 more paintings for a series. Here's the first one:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/6938379567/" title="Raygun Love cover design by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Ravengirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Raygun Love cover design" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7199/6938379567_ec09a90320.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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Limited Editions giclees will be available at the gallery.<br />
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Prints will be available online at my store - http://ravengirl.bigcartel.com/product/raygun-love-print.<br />
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<br />Erika (Raven Girl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06975502573001701364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064682862755183727.post-74905619032406760942012-02-27T12:10:00.000-05:002012-02-27T20:56:35.944-05:00Year of the Dragon, Megacon, and Zapow!<div>It's been a few months since I've posted, I'm going to try to catch up...<br />
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I took a month off in Decemeber to spend time with family and friends. I did manage to do a Christmas card painting before my break. It is a third in my series of reindeer cards and I will have the cards for sale this Christmastime:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/6518369109/" title="Donner and Vixen by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Ravengirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Donner and Vixen" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6518369109_a60496a3d3.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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End of last year, I got a great opportunity to get into a new gallery in downtown Asheville, North Carolina called <a href="http://zapow.net/">Zapow!</a> I have prints and giclees hanging there, and sometimes an original piece sneaks in. If you are in the area, please check it out. And if you do go, eat at Early Girl for me!<br />
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The new year started off fierce! Completed a New Year painting like I did last year. This year is, of course, Year of the Dragon and was the theme for the monthly art show by always-awesome Art Nouveau Events. I didn't get the piece done in time but was able to do some of the finishing touches at the show. I feel very cumbersome when I paint in front of people. At one point I had the painting upside down and someone asked me why. I told him it was because I was too short to paint the upper-left part of the sky comfortably. He looked a little disappointed, I guess he was waiting for some profound answer. Here's the result:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/6778833851/" title="Year of the Dragon (final) by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Ravengirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Year of the Dragon (final)" height="397" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6778833851_bc91ce2b40.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Some progress shots:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/6760316113/" title="WIP: Year of the Dragon by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Ravengirl, on Flickr"><img alt="WIP: Year of the Dragon" height="143" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6760316113_12f63131fa_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/6766080949/" title="WIP: Year of the Dragon by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Ravengirl, on Flickr"><img alt="WIP: Year of the Dragon" height="143" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6766080949_32dfb7f6b4_m.jpg" width="240" /></a> <br />
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Megacon was just a week ago and it was fantastic! I got to meet some great artists in the Artist Alley, the talent was incredible. I did a little fan art for the con:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/6881205515/" title="Batgirl - Final by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Ravengirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Batgirl - Final" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7063/6881205515_8528eb0cd2_z.jpg" width="511" /></a><br />
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Now I'm getting ready for the next show which will be in <a href="http://cfcollectibles.com/?page_id=54">Largo</a> on March 18th. But before that I will be at this Sunday's <a href="http://www.downtownopenmarket.com/">Downtown Open Market</a> in Boca.<br />
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Oh, and I've been much more active on Facebook. Please "like" me at facebook.com/ravengirlsnest.</div>Erika (Raven Girl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06975502573001701364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064682862755183727.post-35574853927815463182011-11-30T12:51:00.001-05:002012-02-27T20:56:51.751-05:00Season of Payne's Gray<div>I'm a little obsessed with my new favorite color - Payne's Gray. It puts me in a misty, mysterious, magical mood. Last couple of projects looks like they are studies in gray.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/6286536175/" title="Masks - Final by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img alt="Masks - Final" height="326" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6096/6286536175_424e463462.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
"We Hide in the Forest" is a triptych I really enjoyed doing. Each piece is 6x12, with the background that goes together. I did these for the Small Stuff show at <a href="http://bearandbird.com/">Bear and Bird</a>, but I couldn't part with them just yet. So I got some really nice limited edition canvas giclees done for the show (<a href="http://ravengirl.bigcartel.com/product/we-hide-in-the-forest-limited-edition-giclee">http://ravengirl.bigcartel.com/product/we-hide-in-the-forest-limited-edition-giclee</a>).<br />
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Prints are available here: <a href="http://ravengirl.bigcartel.com/product/we-hide-in-the-forest">http://ravengirl.bigcartel.com/product/we-hide-in-the-forest</a> <br />
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Whenever I decide to do a series, I usually get bored after the second one. And I can never match up the color or the shading. So this time I decided to paint them all at the same time. What a difference! All came out with same tone and values. I'm very happy about that! <br />
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Here's the step-by-step:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/6255701216/" title="Sketch - Masks by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img alt="Sketch - Masks" height="500" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6120/6255701216_bdc77e91b2.jpg" width="368" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/6269988628/" title="WIP - Masks by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img alt="WIP - Masks" height="297" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6109/6269988628_88af016e10.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/6273529360/" title="WIP - Masks by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img alt="WIP - Masks" height="297" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6039/6273529360_8e503c35f7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/6282796407/" title="WIP - Masks by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img alt="WIP - Masks" height="299" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6039/6282796407_222b8f581e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Couple of weeks ago I participated in a Harry Potter art show (another awesome <a href="http://artnouveauevents.com/">Art Nouveau Event</a>!). Not able to decide on what scene or characters, I ended up doing a HP-inspired piece. Another gray piece and an experiment with negative space. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/6351717062/" title="Spell Casting Practice by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img alt="Spell Casting Practice" height="395" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6039/6351717062_8502fd2b5e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Prints available here: <a href="http://ravengirl.bigcartel.com/product/spell-casting-practice">http://ravengirl.bigcartel.com/product/spell-casting-practice</a> <br />
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I didn't take any step-by-step photos, but here are some sketches:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/6431991767/" title="Griffin sketches by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img alt="Griffin sketches" height="335" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6431991767_c53d109c3d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Very loose griffin sketches and Hermoine detail sketch that I was playing with. I like the characters when they were younger. Teenage wizards are so annoying!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/6431991257/" title="Griffin sketches by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img alt="Griffin sketches" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6431991257_c6557ab0e0.jpg" width="401" /></a><br />
Finalizing the sketch and a layout thumbnail.<br />
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On the side note, the Christmas cards are all available on my Etsy site - ravengirl.etsy.com. Thanks!</div>Erika (Raven Girl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06975502573001701364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064682862755183727.post-5334923326676971742011-09-22T14:47:00.000-04:002011-09-22T19:48:21.404-04:00Nosferatu and Autumn Schedule<a href="http://bearandbird.com/">Bear and Bird's</a> annual Halloween group art show is coming up. I missed last year so I made sure I submitted a piece this year. This year's theme was "Creepy Cinema," so I decided to do one of my favorite film vampires - Nosferatu. Opening night is October 1st, hope you can make it!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/6163238324/" title="Nosferatu by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img alt="Nosferatu" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6164/6163238324_3e1c926708.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I also decided to have a little fun with the print (<a href="http://ravengirl.bigcartel.com/product/nosferatu">available in 11x14 and 8x10</a>):<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/6172479016/" title="Nosferatu with title by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img alt="Nosferatu with title" height="640" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6156/6172479016_d70ca50266_z.jpg" width="495" /></a><br />
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Also on October 1st is <a href="http://www.rockthestitch.com/rockthestitch/">StitchRock!</a>, my favorite local indie arts and craft event. I will have a table there where I'll be hawking this print and many others, including Christmas cards. I'm also going to have for some limited edition canvas giclees, hopefully they will come in on time.<br />
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In November, I'll be heading back to Atlanta for ICE (Indie Craft Experience). Going to be a busy autumn - ready, set, go!Erika (Raven Girl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06975502573001701364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064682862755183727.post-70523741847626395682011-09-09T12:39:00.000-04:002011-09-09T12:39:31.040-04:00Back from DragonConI survived DragonCon! And I had the best time. It was quite intense, the morning started around 9am and the show closed at 8pm for 4 days. Monday was a short day but it didn't feel like it. If it wasn't for my friends who helped me at my booth, let me crash at their house, and just being there, I think I would have fallen apart. I hope they know how much I appreciate their support through all this.<br />
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I was able to complete my latest piece for the show and it was a big hit. It also sold in the auction which was a huge thrill for me. I can't wait til next year!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/6100057809/" title="Blowfish Dream - Final by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img alt="Blowfish Dream - Final" height="640" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6192/6100057809_835c91463b_z.jpg" width="509" /></a><br />
Prints available <a href="http://ravengirl.bigcartel.com/product/blowfish-dream">here</a><br />
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Next on the calendar is <a href="http://www.cosmictimes.net/palmcon/">PalmCon</a>, a local 1-day comic book convention (9/17). And then my favorite local indie show, StitchRock! (10/1).Erika (Raven Girl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06975502573001701364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064682862755183727.post-44541791385973283832011-08-29T09:25:00.003-04:002011-08-29T09:50:54.542-04:00There be DragonCon!I'll be going off to Atlanta end of this week to attend DragonCon, my first out-of-state show. I still have a lot to do, including finishing a painting to be displayed there at the <a href="http://www.dragoncon.org/art_show.php">Art Show</a>, and getting all my prints ready. I will have a Bazaar Table (BT-18) at, what looks like on the floor plans, the back wall of the Grand Hall West at the Hyatt Regency (Exhibit Level). If you are anywhere near Atlanta, you need to check out this convention. It is the ultimate geek fest (my kinda place!). And if you do check it out, I hope you'll stop by my table and say "hi."
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<br />Here's a little sneak peek of what's on my easel right now:
<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/6083575674/" title="WIP - Blowfish Dream by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6072/6083575674_758e1f58a8.jpg" width="363" height="500" alt="WIP - Blowfish Dream"></a>
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<br />I played around with this idea last year for a group art show at <a href="http://www.pinkghost.net">Pink Ghost</a>, and I always wanted to do a bigger version of it:
<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/4691922906/" title="Blowfish Dreams by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4691922906_43019689ca_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Blowfish Dreams"></a>
<br />
<br />Also finished for DragonCon is another huladollsquidgirl piece:
<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/6060023892/" title="huladollsquidgirlrides by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6206/6060023892_91bb2019f0.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="huladollsquidgirlrides"></a>
<br />Erika (Raven Girl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06975502573001701364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064682862755183727.post-64720121966302720352011-08-16T09:35:00.005-04:002011-08-16T10:36:00.678-04:00My apology letter to Edward HopperDear Mr. Hopper,
<br />
<br />Yes, it's true. Another pathetic parody has been painted of your masterpiece, "Nighthawks."
<br />
<br /><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/4a/Nighthawks.jpg">
<br />
<br />And I'm sorry, I did it. But rest assured it will never be as widely known as that nails-on-the-chalkboard version, "Boulevard of Broken Dreams."
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIdndDkOyjj9gsr7BwaVKX99Vah7hNieXkw12CY1WmNQVpiJwA02Egq2_7DJU5NxN9sdy1ghNqtKLOmel592d06DPn6d60T-jNhAb-5r4EsSddeacZOFCcIRbmcQEgvWuoA2oYB-QVac/s1600/Boulevard+of+Broken+Dreams.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIdndDkOyjj9gsr7BwaVKX99Vah7hNieXkw12CY1WmNQVpiJwA02Egq2_7DJU5NxN9sdy1ghNqtKLOmel592d06DPn6d60T-jNhAb-5r4EsSddeacZOFCcIRbmcQEgvWuoA2oYB-QVac/s400/Boulevard+of+Broken+Dreams.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641452490548813330" /></a>
<br />
<br />I know there has been many over the years from The Simpsons to that one with chickens, so I'm positive mine is not the worst offense. Yes, I butchered your lonely composition and the stark balance of warm and cool lighting. But please understand, I did it out of respect and love of your work. The task of recreating the mood you set has taught me that I have a lot to learn. I hope if we ever meet in the afterlife, you will not dismiss me completely, but pat me on my head and say, "at least you tried."
<br />
<br />Sincerely,
<br />Erika
<br />
<br />---------------------
<br />
<br />Here's my "Nighthawks" homage, with the classic Univeral monsters:
<br />
<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/5954778263/" title="Night at Karloff's by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6125/5954778263_0645c0c2bc.jpg" width="500" height="399" alt="Night at Karloff's"></a>
<br />"Night at Karloff's" - 20x16 Acrylics
<br />
<br />And some works-in-progress:
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/5916357763/" title="Sketches: Nighthawks by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6148/5916357763_3e87ed39e1.jpg" width="500" height="323" alt="Sketches: Nighthawks"></a>
<br />Some sketches of the classic Universal monsters
<br />
<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/5916978559/" title="Sketch - Wolfman by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6142/5916978559_b24a081e45.jpg" width="300" height="500" alt="Sketch - Wolfman"></a>
<br />Final Wolfman sketch
<br />
<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/5934402711/" title="WIP: Nighthawks pencils by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6007/5934402711_dc00865394.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="WIP: Nighthawks pencils"></a>
<br />Final pencils on board
<br />
<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/5943729713/" title="WIP - The Bride by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6146/5943729713_87da3f5138.jpg" width="300" height="500" alt="WIP - The Bride"></a>
<br />The Bride is starting to get some color
<br />
<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/5943733575/" title="WIP - The Wolfman by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6138/5943733575_8ed3ab7fd6.jpg" width="300" height="500" alt="WIP - The Wolfman"></a>
<br />Wolfie is getting there
<br />
<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/5950060211/" title="WIP - Karloff's (Color) by Erika Taguchi-Newton : Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6132/5950060211_d572c8131b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="WIP - Karloff's (Color)"></a>
<br />
<br />I wish I did a more horizontal piece like Hopper's original. It's just not the same without the street scene. Note to self: work more on composition. And don't mess with a masterpiece.Erika (Raven Girl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06975502573001701364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064682862755183727.post-48456636795383230032011-06-30T19:49:00.007-04:002011-07-08T09:18:42.755-04:00Florida Supercon and Star Wars<a href="http://www.floridasupercon.com/">Florida Supercon</a> starts tomorrow in Miami, and I'll be heading down there bright and early to get set up in the Artist Alley. This time I'm partnering up with another local artist <a href="http://www.inviart.com/">Justin "Invi" Vilonna</a>. I wanted to do something special for the show, so I came up with a tribute piece of my childhood hero, Wonder Woman. Her invisible plane just makes me giggle with delight.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/5886988022/" title="Wonder Woman by Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5024/5886988022_d2664d3aa7.jpg" width="500" height="392" alt="Wonder Woman"></a><br /><a href="http://ravengirl.bigcartel.com/product/wonder-woman">Prints available</a><br /><br />I came up with my own version of the plane. I know, I know... who would paint a face on an invisible plane - you can't see it. Hey, it's my invisible plane, ok! And it's going to have a face! With teeth! (For those plane enthusiasts, it's based on P40 Warhawk.)<br /><br />Last week, I was part of another amazing show at The Lounge put on by <a href="http://www.artnouveauevents.com/">Art Nouveau Events</a>. The theme was Star Wars, so I couldn't stay away. My contribution to the show was "Teatime with Wampa":<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/5863541808/" title="Teatime with Wampa by Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/5863541808_119904c139.jpg" width="500" height="394" alt="Teatime with Wampa"></a><br /><a href="http://ravengirl.bigcartel.com/product/teatime-with-wampa">Prints available</a><br /><br />I'm really happy with how this came out. My only regret is that I didn't have more things on the table, it's a little sparse for teatime...Erika (Raven Girl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06975502573001701364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064682862755183727.post-59966160485951548412011-04-29T10:42:00.004-04:002011-04-29T11:19:19.873-04:00ArtRock! 2011Just over one week away from <a href="http://artrockrocks.com/">ArtRock!</a>, this show has a special place in my heart. Not only is it created by my dear friend and super-cool-awesome-girl, Amanda Linton, it was my first art fair, and that was only just last year. This was the show that infected me with inspiration to start showing my work and get serious about illustrations. This year, I'll be joined by <a href="http://www.littlelinaslovelies.com/">Little Lina</a> and she has some exciting new pieces to show. She's threatening that she'll be painting live! <br /><br />Floridians, come by and see some awesome local artists at ArtRock! next Saturday, May 7th!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pandacakes/5654131318/" title="My Next show! ART ROCK 2011! by Amanda Linton, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5654131318_6b1542dc7e.jpg" width="368" height="500" alt="My Next show! ART ROCK 2011!"></a><br /><br />I would also like to announce couple of new shows I'll be attending. I'm getting out of comfort-zone of Florida and exploring Atlanta. Grateful for being able to visit one of my best friends, an Atlantian, I've been able to check out their art scene last couple of years. I will be doing Indie Craft Experience (ICE) in June, and the big whammer-jammer of a comic con, DragonCon (September)!Erika (Raven Girl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06975502573001701364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064682862755183727.post-33295000376924846002011-04-24T11:32:00.003-04:002011-04-24T12:09:34.975-04:00What happened to spring?Here in Florida, it's already summer temperatures and rising... March and April just flew by. Some ups and downs - death in the family, caught the flu... twice, awesome comic book convention, and couple of super art shows.<br /><br />Megacon was fantastic and I caught the fever! I want to do more! I saw and met wonderful artists and somehow felt like I was in the right place in the center of all things geek. I submitted for DragonCon in Atlanta. Just waiting for the jury rounds to be completed to see if I got in. If not, I'll stick with smaller cons and try out again next year.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/5649498929/" title="My booth at Megacon by Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5142/5649498929_f23079f3b2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="My booth at Megacon"></a><br /><br />I also finished couple of paintings. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/5582314872/" title="Rainmaker - Final by Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5018/5582314872_a9c1e7781a.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Rainmaker - Final"></a><br />This one was a massive piece for me at 18x24. It took few months to complete, not because it was overly complex but because I did so many smaller (faster) works during it and kept putting it to the sidelines.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/5530227425/" title="Swing by Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5300/5530227425_8279d3937d.jpg" width="373" height="500" alt="Swing"></a><br />One of those smaller works, "Swing" was a fun piece. I tried to paint loose and expressive. And really fast. Not sure if this is "me", but I enjoyed the process.<br /><br />Coming up in a couple of weeks is <a href="http://artrockrocks.com/artRockRocks/">ArtRock</a> put on by amazing Amanda Linton. I will be sharing the booth again with my pARTner in crime, <a href="http://www.littlelinaslovelies.com/">Little Lina</a>. Hope to see you there!Erika (Raven Girl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06975502573001701364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064682862755183727.post-22587225151725892042011-03-09T11:18:00.004-05:002011-03-09T12:00:11.546-05:00February Re-capThe second month of the year blew by like it's the shortest month of the year! Oh wait...<br /><br />Couple new pieces were completed for the monthly art shows - Howley's and The Lounge. Both themes were Valentine-based so I did companion pieces - "Roses are Red" & "Violets are Blue". <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/5453139709/" title="Violets are blue by Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5131/5453139709_01d6e037c8.jpg" width="252" height="500" alt="Violets are blue" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/5427486303/" title="Roses are Red by Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5215/5427486303_2134307690.jpg" width="251" height="500" alt="Roses are Red" /></a><br /><br />These were painted on very soft wood panels. I learned a few things about painting on wood. If you don't have the wood sealed, because acrylic is water-based medium, it will make the grain of the wood more rough. I found an excellent sealer called "Sanding Sealer" by FolkArt found at a craft store. I only needed to sand lightly to get rid of the fibers and it kept the wood smooth no matter how much medium I was using.<br /><br />I am still experimenting with painting on gold and silver leaf. I have one tip about applying the adhesive. Make sure you brush it on smooth and leave no beading or texture. You will be able to see every rough brush stroke when you apply the leaves. I have been painting on it with acrylics by applying 2 thick layers of matte medium for the surface. And I have also tried water-soluable oils. But I think it's time to bring out the real oils.<br /><br />Now my attention shifts to March and what it will bring at the end of it - MegaCon! New pieces are in process. Prints, banner, travel plans... lots to do.Erika (Raven Girl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06975502573001701364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064682862755183727.post-32610671707994319222011-01-21T10:41:00.003-05:002011-01-21T10:59:01.110-05:00Steampunk at The Lounge by Art Nouveau EventsCouple days ago (Wednesday), I participated in a Steampunk show at The Lounge (West Palm Beach), curated by <a href="http://www.artnouveauevents.com/">Art Nouveau Events</a>. <a href="http://www.artnouveauevents.com/About_the_Curator.html">Teresa Korber</a> puts on this awesome monthly event, with each show a different theme. <br /><br />For the show, I put together couple of pieces painted on vintage gold-leafed plaques found years ago at a yard sale. I almost got rid of them last month, not knowing what to do with them. I'm glad I kept them because I love how these came out.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/5367456429/" title="Steampunk Angel by Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5281/5367456429_4a59c5a665.jpg" width="363" height="500" alt="Steampunk Angel" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/5364569085/" title="Steampunk: Airship Captain by Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5008/5364569085_4228d1cf2b.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Steampunk: Airship Captain" /></a><br /><br />Work in progress:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/5367805868/" title="WIP - Steampunk Angel by Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5205/5367805868_4830274e34.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="WIP - Steampunk Angel" /></a>Erika (Raven Girl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06975502573001701364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064682862755183727.post-43729495507499431802011-01-11T11:37:00.003-05:002011-01-11T11:55:23.259-05:00New Year's "Promises, Promises"Happy New Year! I'm hoping for a very exciting year. I started it off with a trip down to Miami at the Wynwood Art District's Wynwood Market. Every 2nd Saturday of the month, there is a Gallery Walk, and the outside market is located in the middle of everything. I hope to be there again next month.<br /><br />Tonight is opening night of Howley's monthly art show, put on by the infamous Amanda Linton. Lowbrow art and milkshake, perfect combination! This month's theme is "Resolutions." I didn't really want to reveal my New Year resolutions, so I decided to put them in a bottle and send it out into the unknown. This piece is called "Promises, Promises" and is 8x10 Acrylics:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/5343195065/" title="Promises, Promises by Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5241/5343195065_65f34af217.jpg" width="500" height="399" alt="Promises, Promises" /></a><br /><br />My under-drawing:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/5332742657/" title="Sneak Peek: Resolution by Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5125/5332742657_2404438676.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Sneak Peek: Resolution" /></a>Erika (Raven Girl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06975502573001701364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064682862755183727.post-34466178911680968892010-12-22T18:12:00.007-05:002011-01-05T15:44:03.618-05:00Mustang Sally - Pinup Girl for 24 Hour Lemons<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/5284110560/" title="Mustang Sally - 24hr Lemons pinup girl by Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5165/5284110560_2c94ac2949.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Mustang Sally - 24hr Lemons pinup girl" /></a><br /><br />Finally completed, "Mustang Sally" is ready to go for a ride!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/5283637873/" title="Mustang Sally - 24hr Lemons pinup girl by Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5250/5283637873_ae4753a354.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Mustang Sally - 24hr Lemons pinup girl" /></a><br /><br />The paint brushes did not like the rough texture of the hood that's been spray painted with matte black. So the details had to be done with charcoal pencils, and I really like the effect.<br /><br />We did a quick test fitting on the car:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/5283836161/" title="Mustang Sally - Test fitting by Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5048/5283836161_60ba252137.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="Mustang Sally - Test fitting" /></a><br /><br />A progress shot in my studio:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/5268472171/" title="WIP - 24hr Lemons car hood by Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5242/5268472171_a2cfc240b1.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="WIP - 24hr Lemons car hood" /></a><br /><br />The race will be held at Palm Beach International Raceway on December 31, 2010.<br /><br />The race team's blog - <a href="http://teamexperimentals.blogspot.com/">http://teamexperimentals.blogspot.com/</a><br />24hr Lemons site - <a href="http://www.24hoursoflemons.com/">http://www.24hoursoflemons.com/</a>Erika (Raven Girl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06975502573001701364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064682862755183727.post-70671308591720759082010-12-16T11:46:00.003-05:002010-12-16T12:12:36.425-05:00Transferring Large DrawingWhen I was a kid I saw a movie about Michelangelo ("Agony and Ectasy"), where Charlton Heston was transferring a large drawing onto the wall of the Sistine Chapel. He had punctured pinholes through the paper, outlining the drawing, and was rubbing chalk onto it to transfer dots onto the wall. I've never seen anybody do this in real life, probably because projectors are much easier.<br /><br />Well, I didn't have a projector handy, and I didn't want make a mess on the hood by doing the grid method. I scanned in my original drawing, scaled it up in Photoshop, and printed it out in pieces. I taped the pieces together, then tediously punctured holes, following the lines of the drawing. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/5266607260/" title="WIP - 24hr Lemons car hood by Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5005/5266607260_f76e6163fb.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="WIP - 24hr Lemons car hood" /></a><br /><br />After taping it into position on the hood, I used a soft white chalk and traced the drawing. Then I redrew the sketch on the hood by connecting the dots.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustandpixiedust/5266607268/" title="WIP - 24hr Lemons car hood by Raven Girl's Nest, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5201/5266607268_08bf059737.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="WIP - 24hr Lemons car hood" /></a><br /><br />I can't imagine doing a complicated drawing this way, but for this one it worked out great.Erika (Raven Girl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06975502573001701364noreply@blogger.com1