El Matador

it seemed fitting to end the year with this location. i usually took my class here for the last day when i was teaching at Art Center. simplified shapes but realistic tonality seems to be what i'm trying lately. looking forward to where these take me in the coming year!

Griffith Observatory

this weeks Graphic LA entry. these are getting more abstract in that while the shapes are based on reality, i'm pushing them farther than what's in front of me. the color as well. this approach, i have to say , is a lot of FUN!!

more design based!

Valley View

or near that street anyway. every single shape is altered, pushed and skewed in this one even though it looks somewhat real. had an interesting talk with Robert Valley which lead to this. although my stuff isn't nearly as pushed as his. i really exaggerated the rhythms of the trees, bushes and lawns as well, pushing and distorting them quite a bit while keeping the values and colors on the very real side. the shapes are very simplified and designed. the atmospheric perspective is exaggerated too to enhance the depth of the street. in reality its not nearly as strong.

FALL IN LA

granted it's not as picturesque as Vermont but LA ha it's own unique palate. concrete and orange. lately i've been thinking a lot more about designed shapes versus sight to size/visual impression. this may seem very "real" looking but i changed/altered ever shape in here. i kept the color and tonality true to nature but really pushed the shapes, even though they may have a realistic feel.