Though really, why not do both.
Ten points if you can name who belongs to this rarest of smiles.
Noir
Another custom Ex Libris design, this one for a rad bar owner in LA. There’s so much personal meaning and messages coded into it, it was a real thrill to work out.
Note: permission to use bookplates are exclusively given to the person / people they were designed for. As the artist I retain all rights to these original designs, they’re not authorized to be distributed, copied in any way, or used in any way other than expressly permitted to the recipient for marking out their personal library books.
Far Out
A recent custom Ex Libris tailored to a love of sci-fi, space, and music. Midcentury vibes took hold.
Note: permission to use bookplates are exclusively given to the person / people they were designed for. As the artist I retain all rights to these original designs, they’re not authorized to be distributed, copied in any way, or used in any way other than expressly permitted to the recipient for marking out their personal library books.
Before Things Broke
Self portraits I did in the before times.
“twenty-twenty” digital self portrait, 2020.
“Pass Through” digital self portrait 2020.
Ceci N'est Pas Deux Mille Vingt
Digital color study illustration, after Keaton’s “The General,” 2020.
We’re here again. Please wear a mask.
Holiday Commissions
I’m definitely biased, but giving art as a gift is one of the most badass gifts of all.
A recent commission.
“Maddie” Digital Portrait, 2020, Lauren Elyse S.
Reaching Into the Void
“Reaching into the Void” digital illustration, Lauren Elyse S, 2020
Don’t ask me, I don’t even know anymore. This year has broken open my brain and weird things are coming out. Letting everything take shape rather than trying to bend it to my will has been a really strange process. Gonna let it ride because, why not?
twentytwenty
“TwentyTwenty” digital illustration, Lauren Elyse S. 2020.
Is haunted. Self portrait of the times we’re experiencing.
Messing Around with Masters
“Sorolla Garden Study” digital, Lauren Elyse S. 2020.
Found out about this app Heavy Paint the other day - strange to get the hang of.
Dangerous Siren
I’ve been in a dead sprint creatively lately. A lot of it is digital work while I’m letting a few paintings take shape - though, digital is a dangerous siren.
I’ll always prefer the lightening bolt of dopamine a perfectly placed stroke of paint delivers, but in the meantime, getting these ideas out of my head and getting weird with it feels good.
“Siren” digital illustration, Lauren Elyse S. 2020.
The Rush, The Crash
This was a fun one.
“The Rush, The Crash” digital, 2020.
LA > Chi Town > Philly & Back Again
Recently found myself on a train rolling back and forth across the country, so of course I had to document it the best way I know how.
I can’t even begin to describe how difficult it is to sketch while being steadily jostled on a train for hours on end.
Click any image to enlarge.
Happy Accidents
“Midnight” digital illustration, 2019. Lauren Elyse S.
Little in my work flow ever seems to go to plan. Oh well. That’s how it shakes out sometimes. Listen to the muses, don’t fight it.
Dark Mysteries
Inktober aims.
Apothecary’s Darling. 2018, digital
Be Wary What You’ll Find. 2018, digital
Melt
"Melt" digital painting, 2018.
Here's a piece inspired by Mughal carpet designs, the scent of flowers on a warm wind, and one of my favorite colors - persimmon.
Finally
"Heatwave" - digital illustration 2018. Lauren Elyse S. For limited edition prints, click here.
New digital work happening.