Take a peep at some these old pieces done in the past year.

This had to be one the the more challenging pieces, inspired by the master painter illustrators Julie and Boris. This piece was done in Denver Colorado and took best of day.

This one was done in San Francisco, on a fellow artist Nick from the bay area. This also was one the challenging approaches with Black n’ Grey out of the traditional methods..

This side piece goes to Phil from the South, done in Atlanta, Georgia, this piece was not only challenging but completely different in approach to a traditional “oriental” piece. This reference was taken from a Korean T.V show- and twisted to fit the skin.

This piece by far had to be one the most tedious in terms of script, Ashley from the OC didn’t fuck around when she said she wanted to get SOME writing. The script describes the attributes to what life means to her—peace and love. I send the same to all of the people above. Thanks for the support. 

Still can’t believe how fast this year has passed, and how intense it was. Understanding the pressures of a day to day situation of survival as an “artist” really exposes how lucky an individual like myself really is. And like Toons said, “When it was there I rose my hand and said I’ll do it, if it’s time for you to do the same, then step up to the plate.” Here is a recap of portraits I titled “LA Icons” -still ongoing and still in the works.

“The Watcher”—-( CARTOON, charcoal toned paper, Master Artist)

“Timeless”—(ESTEVAN ORIOL charcoal toned paper, Master Photographer)

“The Couple”— (TIP and Tameka Cottle, charcoal toned paper)

“The Hundreds” —(Bobby and Ben HUNDREDS, Street Apparel Owners)

These are the initial four that were given to each of the subjects, there still is about three floating in the house of Jose Lopez, Baby Ray, and about five others still in the works. Stay posted to see them! I’ve been receiving mail from other artists who are trying to understand how these drawings were done, and my honest answer is that the foundation for these images comes from the very basic of skills. Being able to understand the tools is the easy part, getting use to charcoal is the same as getting use to the magnum needles in tattooing–the biggest challenge is going into depth with each subject and understanding the meaning and purpose behind who each of them are. Take away the labels, take away the brands, and strip each subject to the void, and you can begin to feel the composition, not just see it.

I was asked to show some more studies I’ve done in the past by a fellow artist so-these are some studies this past term that were done, the above is a 2hour study of the big homie Manny of Lowrider, oil on canvas..

….these two were from live models, compliments of Art Center, each 45 min, watercolor…

…and this was 15 min, getting more personal with charcoal. Glenn Vilppu, one of my greatest old time mentors always said, “Art is just like any form of martial arts, you practice and practice and practice, the same forms, patterns of technique, over and over again for years, until the moment comes when you face combat. After so much practice, your body and soul move without thinking or hesitation, only because you’ve done what needs to be done in every situation prior the fight. Same thing with drawing….after a while, you  just draw!” (same thing with tattooing!)

Got some new updates, check out some of the new pieces this Holiday season.

Jesus came in to work on his left full sleeve, this was a piece we started, and below is a sneak peak at the lower portion..

 …this sleeve is reflecting upon the theme that ONLY DEATH can set us free, thinking about this goes back to what we’ve been focusing alot with our work here at the studio. The concept that only when you LOSE EVERYTHING, can you be truly be free to DO ANYTHING! Thanks big Jesus, for coming through…

Luis an old time client came through to work on his old school traditional piece. Luis is a US soldier in the Navy division and got tattooed Christmas day right before he gets shipped out for 8 months to Hong Kong. Luis, thanks again for the honor! See you in 8 months…

Rockie came through to plan out the rest of his sleeve to complete the tribute to his kids. Here’s some healed pics of a piece I posted a while back….

Thanks goes out to big Rockie for the honor!…

Finally, the big pops Freddy came through to add this piece to his collection. The classic praying hands, for those who don’t know Albert Durer, is responsible for creating this iconic image back in the period of the Renaissance. These pair of hands were drawn hundreds of time before he implemented them into his paintings. The process from draftmanship to painting was always a critical and delicate process, and repetitive! In this case, it’s always an honor to carry on the tradition.

Thanks for all the folks who came through. Still got a long stretch to the new year. Keep creating.  

Its Christmas and people are still running through the studio. Brother Daniel came through and started his bottom left leg with the Geisha, right AFTER his one year anniversary with his lady…….., Daniel, if and WHEN your lady fucks you up, no need for an excuse just blame me, cause I love Geishas —-AND there memoirs>:)!

Speaking of fine asian women, big Willie, aka LAPD LAX division came in and blasted the beginning  part of his right sleeve with a Geisha. Yes cops also can get tattoos, and nowadays I guess they can get sleeves! What’s the world coming to….thanks big Willie!

…and speaking of LAPD, the big homie O from the hood came through and added this fallen angel to his right sleeve, we still got alongs ways to go, as well as his bro Oliver, stay posted to see his piece soon. Thanks goes out to all the folks holding it down, and happy kwanza!

Make sure you check out the new  STUDIO SITE

Special thanks to my brother  Tiimo and everyone at  LegendFX !!