Sakura
This week I'm the guest Instagrammer over on Sakura of America's Instagram page! It's such a treat considering they make my favorite art supplies and I've been using their Micron pens as long as I can remember. For the next four days I'll be sharing the ways I use my favorite Sakura products, glimpses of current projects, and the things that inspire my work.
Hope you'll follow along here!
It's an honor to have my drawing sample included in Sakura's press packs for the Gelly Roll Moonlight 06 pens!
It's no secret that my go-to tools of the trade are made by Sakura. I've been using their Pigma Micron pens for as long as I can remember, and I love the consistently beautiful, and highly pigmented results they give me. I'm also smitten with their Gelly Roll pens (especially the Glaze, Stardust, and Metallic line), as well as their Permapaque markers.
As much as I love my signature monochromatic palette, I love experimenting with pops of color to mix things up. When I was approached by Sakura to try their newest Gelly Roll pens before their Spring 2014 release, I jumped at the chance! The new, finer .03mm tips perfectly complement my intricate style, and keep my admittedly perfectionist tendencies at bay. The fact that the bright, vibrant colors just pop on black surfaces (and equally on light ones!) gives me the best of both worlds. I can still get the high contrast results I crave, but with a unique twist. As if they weren't fun as is, they also glow beautifully under black light!
Gelly Roll Moonlight 06 pens on Fredrix primed medium texture black canvas.
To celebrate the release of the newest addition to the Gelly Roll pen family, I'm hosting a giveaway in collaboration with Sakura! In addition to winning a set of Gelly Roll Moonlight 06 pens, the two chosen winners will also receive a set of my favorite pens in the universe, Sakura Pigma Micron archival pens.
To enter, simply visit my Facebook art page, and leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite thing(s) about Spring.
Giveaway details: Two winners will be chosen at random on March 31, 2014. Each winner will receive one set of Sakura's newest Gelly Roll Moonlight 06 pens and one set of Sakura Pigma Micron archival pens. Giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada, only.
This giveaway was kindly sponsored by the lovely people at Sakura of America. Thank you!
I've noticed some of the same questions coming up at my shows, and on my social media pages, so I thought it would be fun to answer a few. If you have a question that I didn't cover, feel free to comment and I may include it in the next session. Enjoy!
Where can I buy your work? Do you sell originals in addition to prints?
You can buy prints and other assorted limited edition items in my shop. The handbag collection I designed for Cykochik's Artist Series is available here and here. If you're in the Dallas area, you can pick up a bag at Gallery at Midtown or the McKinney Avenue Contemporary gift shop in Uptown.
If you are interested with a particular piece you saw at a show or otherwise, message me and I'll let you know if it's available. I'm working on making a designated section on my website for originals, so be on the lookout for that.
Did you go to art school?
I'm entirely self-taught.
How long have you been drawing?
Since I was 3 years old!
What pens/paper do you use?
I'm convinced I've tried every writing utensil in existence, and I always come back to Sakura Micron pens and Sakura Permapaque markers. My surfaces of choice are Canson bristol art board, American Easel deep wood panels, or Windsor and Newton deep edge canvases.
Why black and white? Don't you like color?
I adore pops of color in my life, but have always been drawn to a monochromatic palette when it comes to my drawings. I love the drama of contrast, and think the simplicity of black and white best compliment the intricacies of my work.
Do you work out of a studio?
I work out of my home office here in Dallas, and as unglamorous as it sounds, sometimes on my huge Ikea coffee table with a good horror movie or documentary on in the background.
How long does it take you to finish a piece?
Anywhere from 1-20+ hours, depending on the size and medium.
You must be a very patient person! Don't you get overwhelmed?
Oh, I wish I was! I don't usually feel overwhelmed. Drawing is actually extremely therapeutic and relaxing for me. I don't usually think about the time it will take to complete a piece unless I have a client or show deadline creeping up on me.
Can you design my tattoo?
I no longer accept tattoo commissions, but you are welcome to get a tattoo using any of my preexisting work.
Can you draw me a ______________?
I only accept a certain number of commissions per year, but inquiries are always welcome. Just send me a message with your ideas, and I'll give you an idea of my availability and pricing.
