More no. 2 pencil dabbling.
Hi Hello
Back from disappearing for a bit.
Fell in love with the simplicity of a no. 2 pencil recently.
Is there anything greater than Toulouse Lautrec?
I didn’t think so before I did this study and I’m more convinced after.
Pages in my sketchbook - two color studies playing around with palettes I don’t naturally gravitate to and this study of ‘At The Moulin Rouge’ circa 1895.
Lautrec has made a solid case for bringing black onto my palette.
Tucked Away
Oil on panel, 2021. Lauren Elyse S.
Balboa Park has a lot of little secrets, but one of my absolute favorites is this lion fountain that you have to wander a bit to find.
Playing Catch-up
A recent one from Balboa Park, I was chased out by a thunderstorm - the thrills of plein air.
Sketchbook Dump
Just a few pages of my current sketchbook as I practice & plan for more plein air sessions.
On A Cliff's Edge
“Cove at Midday” Lauren Elyse S, 2021. Oils on clayboard.
Literally. Finally got out to plein air with my new, lightweight set up yesterday. Could’ve done without the sand wasps about my ankles.
Am Wandering
My love affair with wandering and this cove continues. A few drawings and a painting from today.
The Start of Wandering
Click either photo to read more about this drawing.
It’s time I got back outside more to art. The last year and a half was a lot of indoors and digital work, time to flip the switch.
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.
Sway
If you’ve never seen a Matilija Poppy in person, I highly recommend searching one out and experiencing it. They’re majestic and dreamlike.
If you’d like a custom Ex Libris bookplate designed for yourself or as a gift - message me.
Note: permission to use this bookplate is exclusively given to the person it was designed for. As the artist I retain all rights to this original design, it’s 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.
Sorolla's Alcazar
It feels a bit cliché to have Sorolla as an art hero, but he’s earned that status about twenty-three thousand times over and all you need to do is look at one single piece of his work to understand why.
Digital study of his Rosebush at the Alcazar of Seville.
Ritual
I love getting lost in new modes of creating, lately printmaking has turned my head.
“Ritual” Ex Libris design.
“Ritual” as a hand carved, hand pulled print on adhesive paper to be used as a bookplate.
Limited run of 20 prints. Message me if you’d like one.
The vault of all my paintings, also known as my bedroom.
Instinct Blues
Been feeling a lot of chaotic energy lately. Was needing an outlet in some energetic lines so I looked to the last scene of Keaton’s Battling Butler to satisfy my urge.
Been a very long time since I’ve approached line work like this. I feel like I’ll need more of it to get this cabin fever knocked out.
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.
Floaty Boats
This watercolor I did of Anti-Paros a few years back is currently off to Europe to celebrate a couple’s love, and I have some further plans for that sketch of a floaty boat bobbing about in the Aegean Sea.
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?