Harry Diaz Blog

jeff Depner

2012-01-16T11:16:00.000-08:00

Here is some awesomeness from painter Jeff Depner.

Untitled (blue)

2012-01-12T17:27:00.000-08:00

Untitled, 2012. Acrylic on Panel. 24 x 26 Inches.

Detail

This painting will be a part of a group show in Feb. 25 titled "Almost Blue" at Phone Booth Gallery. Come and say hello.

Blue

2011-12-23T08:59:00.000-08:00

This piece is for a group show early next year. It's definitely the most time consuming piece I've done.

Necklace Collection

2011-12-13T09:13:00.000-08:00

See it here | Buy it here

work in progress

2011-12-08T11:22:00.001-08:00

Working on two new paintings, which should be ready for the new year. Also starting a pretty large and by far the most ambitious painting to date. I hope to have it ready for a mid Feb. group show.

Natural

2011-11-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

In this art zine I explore the playful dialogue which has evolved from graphic geometric shapes and patterns to recent ink drawings.
24 b/w xerox pages. 5.25 x 8 Inches. Edition of 100, signed/numbered.
$6 (+s/h)

I decided to make this drawing move a little

2011-11-25T18:23:00.001-08:00

Acrylic and colored pencils on paper. 4 x 7 Inches.

A few more recent drawings

2011-11-22T16:19:00.001-08:00

Sketchbook

2011-11-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

2011-11-17T08:30:00.000-08:00

A page from my sketchbook. Acrylic on paper.

2011-11-16T15:24:00.001-08:00

Acrylic on paper. 5 x 7 inches.

Inspiration: Yago Hortal

2011-11-14T08:43:00.001-08:00

Work In Progress: Gem

2011-11-13T11:52:00.001-08:00

New Drawings

2011-11-04T15:22:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a break from painting. Here are some new drawings that I've been working on.

Inspiration: Part & Parcel

2011-10-26T12:59:00.000-07:00

Part & Parcel is a is an all around creative studio. They have some amazing work and very imprssive limited edition prints/zines in their shop.

Aura Postcard

2011-10-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

So it's time to change things up here at the Diaz studio. I will be printing some new postcards with this new drawing. I think it definitely sets the tone for the direction of my current work.

wip

2011-10-12T16:19:00.000-07:00

So many things in the works, this artwork will be for a tee coming out soon (cross fingers).

WIP: Aura

2011-10-03T15:08:00.000-07:00

Screenshot

2011-09-26T10:54:00.000-07:00

Owl/Beast Process Shots

2011-09-15T11:41:00.000-07:00

This is the sketch I'll be working off of. Now days I don't need much refinement on the drawing to visualize the finalized image.

I start with the big overall shape first. I also tend to work in as many layers as there are colors. In other words, if I'm making a 3 color design, I will only have 3 layers (plus the "sketch" layer). It's good to have some screen printing knowledge for this part. Just think of it as a stencil for each color.

Here is the image in process.

For this part, I go to PS to place my work in progress on to a t-shirt mockup. I play around with proportions and placement on the tee, it helps me visualize any further elements that need to be adjusted/refined on the design. I also like to keep all my mockups consistent so I only use one mock up.

While in PS I use the hue/saturation tool to explore other color combinations, I do this quite often.

Here is the final illustration, below is the breakdown of each color.

Color 1/ Layer1

Color 2/Layer2

Color 3/Layer 3

Once again in PS, I play with different t-shirt colors. Finally, the white in the illustration is "knocked out" to show the background color. This helps to create an illusion of a 4th color.

Final illustration on white t-shirt

Artwork for sale: thecolorbeast@gmail.com

Ludwig Hohlwein

2011-09-12T15:21:00.000-07:00

Ludwig Hohlwein has influenced my work since very early in my career. The way he breaks down figures into, sometimes, simple shapes is genius. He is also the reason that I refuse to give up on gouache.

Octopus

2011-09-09T09:19:00.000-07:00

2 color illustration

Untitled (2011)

2011-09-08T11:12:00.000-07:00

8 x 10 Inches. Acrylic on Paper.

Young Monster

2011-09-08T09:27:00.000-07:00

I've been a big fan of YM for a long time! But recently, I've been an even bigger fan of their t-shirt designs. Check them out!

HILLS (2011)

2011-09-06T09:20:00.000-07:00

This small work on paper did not make it in the recent show. E-mail me if you are interested. 8 x 10 Inches. Acrylic on Stonehenge, deckeled edge. $150.

New Color Beast Design

2011-08-25T11:50:00.000-07:00

Artwork for sale. Thecolorbeast@gmail.com

"New Works" Opening

2011-08-21T10:59:00.000-07:00

Good Times.
The whole show will be up soon on the gallery website.

Falling

2011-08-15T14:42:00.000-07:00

I revisited this piece because I felt it did not look resolved. The previous stage is the one pictured below, and used in the postcard.

Falling. 16 x 20 Inches. Acrylic on Panel.

Falling (detail)

Harry Diaz and Rick Reese: New Work

2011-08-15T11:02:00.000-07:00

This Saturday.

Pulled

2011-08-02T10:53:00.000-07:00

I finished a major piece for my upcoming two person show. This one has been a struggle, however, I'm very excited with the outcome. It's called "Pulled" and here is a detail shot.

Work In Progress Snapshots

2011-07-14T13:44:00.000-07:00

Rick Reese

2011-07-13T09:37:00.000-07:00

Here is a small taste of what Rick Reese has in store for our two person show in late August.

Process

2011-07-05T19:57:00.000-07:00

New works in process. Acrylic on wood panels.

Preliminary Drawings

2011-06-28T14:15:00.000-07:00

Prepping the wood panels.

Small Faces

2011-06-28T09:22:00.000-07:00

I've updated my store with some small (and affordable!) originals. These are painted with cel vynil on bfk rives, printmaking paper. All mounted (ready to frame) 9" x 12" mat. Actual size of painting is 4.75" x 6.75"

$25 Each
Get them HERE

CB1 Gallery: HK Zamani

2011-06-16T16:48:00.000-07:00

"HK Zamani’s images in this series of new paintings grow out of or away from their predecessors—they are sometimes devils, then angels. Some are on land, in the air or sea, occasional remnants, reformed or transformed over multiple applications of paint. The artist’s dome paintings from recent past exhibitions were portraits, perhaps even self-portraits, fragile portrayals. Some were ruins, some were vessels that transport— chrome and against corrosion—DeLorean, stellar. Many of the artist’s dome/tent paintings were more about the image than paint. The artist’s new paintings over the past 2 years, including the paintings in his current CB1 Gallery exhibition, are most definitely about paint."
-- CB1 Gallery

The Common Thread Studio Experiance

2011-06-07T10:51:00.000-07:00

Here are some snapshots of the boutique, where I'll be teaching screen printing this Saturday. I taught my first class a few weeks ago and it was a blast!
If you are in the area (South Pasadena, CA) definitely stop by and pick up some gifts.

I did my demo with this design. I'm in talks with the studio to release some tees!

New work

2011-06-07T10:25:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to figure out what direction to take with this new body of work. So far I've done more writing than drawing.

L.A. Face on Tilteed

2011-06-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

Today my design "Color Face" will be available for purchase on Tilteed. Available only for 72 hours, so get yours today!

Same Sun

2011-05-18T04:30:00.001-07:00

New print release at The Working Proof. A portion of the sales will be donated to Teach For America. Also read the interview on their blog.

COLOR BEAST: Update

2011-05-14T06:10:00.000-07:00

I've added a bunch of t-shirt designs for sale on Color Beast, here's a few of them.

DOOOM x COLOR BEAST Collab

Screen Printing Classes in Pasadena, CA

2011-05-04T16:16:00.000-07:00

I will be teaching screen printing classes at Common Thread Studio in Pasadena, CA on May 21st and June 11th. It's a four hour class. From 10:30 A To 2:30 PM
Learn the complete process of screen printing, from burning the screen to processing and printing onto a t-shirt.
What you need to bring:
- One color artwork on 8 1/2"x11" transparent paper (ink jet transparent paper works well). You can also go to Kinko's to have them print it out. (REQUEST TO PRINT ON COLOR MACHINE - the black will be much darker.)
- Image must be printed in SOLID BLACK (just to be safe, bring 2 pages of the same for layering).
- The item you want to print on OR choose a t-shirt or tank from our selection (included in class price)
If you just want to learn the process and don't have a particular artwork you want to print, you can choose from our selections.
Cost per class is $100
Sign up for the classes here: http://commonthreadstudio.bigcartel.com/product/silkscreening

This Shirt Is Fresh!: New Find

2011-05-02T07:08:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love Posada's day of the dead imagery? Well, there is no brand on this which makes this tee a bit mysterious. None the less, its an awesome one of a kind shirt.
TSIF!

This Shirt Is Fresh!

2011-04-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

http://thisshirtisfresh.com/

Artist: Joe Kievitt

2011-04-19T07:27:00.000-07:00

http://www.joekievitt.com/

CB1 Gallery: Susan Silas

2011-04-18T07:24:00.000-07:00

CB1 has an amazing show up right now, with work by Susan Silas. Here is a little about the show:
"In the East gallery Silas will present selected works from eyes wide shut, 2010, a portfolio of 24 images from her series found birds, 2000 - the present; as well as embrace, a stop-action HD-video animation. We are proud to premiere Silas’ 2010 video performance, A child of sixties television singing songs that got stuck in her head, in our West gallery. This exhibition is accompanied by a 64 page soft-bound monograph, EYES WIDE SHUT, which features Silas’ 24 image portfolio as well as two short written works by the artist." - CB1 Gallery

Something I'm working on...

2011-04-14T15:04:00.000-07:00

...for an up coming two person show with Rick Reese at Phone Booth Gallery in August. I will be doing a little bit of everything for this upcoming body of work. Some wood cuts. Mixed media stuff, all on paper. I'm also working on getting some piñata heads made for the show. This drawing is acrylic ink, gouache and watercolor on watercolor paper.

5th Floor

2011-04-13T06:49:00.000-07:00

http://www.fifthfloorgallery.com/

Pepin Moore: Justin Lowe

2011-04-12T07:35:00.000-07:00

http://www.pepinmoore.com

Charlie James Gallery: If These Walls Could Talk - A Conversation

2011-04-11T07:21:00.000-07:00

http://www.cjamesgallery.com/

Sabina Lee Gallery: Drew Peterson

2011-04-08T07:14:00.000-07:00

http://www.sabinaleegallery.com

Jancar Gallery: ROBERT CUMMING + CATHERINE LORD

2011-04-07T07:06:00.000-07:00

http://www.jancargallery.com/

PYO L.A. | Yoshio Ikezaki

2011-04-06T06:53:00.000-07:00

http://www.pyogalleryla.com/

POVevolving: Grady Gordon

2011-04-05T07:41:00.000-07:00

Awesome printmaker Grady Gordon shows some amazingly executed monotypes! I suggest you stop by POVevolving to check this show out before it goes down.

Detail

Limited Edition Tee: Coming Soon!

2011-04-04T11:31:00.000-07:00

Awake Limited Edition Tee (40 Total)

Each tee has an individual printed tag (with the t-shirt number, starting with Small being 1 of 40)
Due to the nature of screen printing, the final product might be slightly different.

S/M/L/XL Specs

Sign up for my e-mail list to get a heads up on the drop!

Beautiful Typographic Logos by Negro Nouveau

2011-04-01T10:15:00.000-07:00

http://www.negronouveau.com

2011 Screen Printed Business Cards

2011-03-31T11:59:00.000-07:00

The back of these cards are made up of one 11 x 17 Screen printed Image. When trimmed down to 3.5 x 2 Inches, they create 28 single pieces.
Each card is unique. I added and subtracted different color inks for almost every pull!
I used Courious Metallic Chocolate 111 Lb. Cover Stock.

Suggestivism: Grand Central Art Center

2011-03-29T11:21:00.000-07:00

Two of my favorite artists in one show, Robert Hardgrave and Brendan Monroe. Definitely worth the trip two view these two pieces in person.
http://www.grandcentralartcenter.com/

Robert Hardgrave

detail*

Brendan Monroe

detail*

Erica Steiner: Edgar Varela Fine Arts

2011-03-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

I stopped by EVFA today. They are featuring the work of artist Erica Steiner.

"Erica Steiner’s newest series of oil and gold leaf paintings, Heaven is Not the Wide Blue Sky, explores a collective longing to touch and know realms beyond, to transcend both time and existential uncertainty in the face of rapid environmental degradation on a globally unprecedented scale." - EVFA

Tupelo Honey: The Box Gallery Recap

2011-03-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

Here are some shots of the opening.

OH, YOU ARE SICK...

2011-03-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

I stopped by Phone Booth Gallery in Long Beach to check out the group show "OH, YOU ARE SICK..." There is some amazing work. Some of the pieces that stood out among the bunch were the two pieces by Brian Schnelle and Adam Jackson.

Totes

2011-03-23T10:07:00.000-07:00

I've been working on getting some limited edition tote bags made. While researching sizes and shapes I came across these guys: Stanley & Sons

Artist: Glenn Brown

2011-03-21T10:21:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite painters.

Tupelo Honey: The Box Gallery

2011-03-18T16:36:00.000-07:00

Tupelo Honey, a two-person show featuring the works of artists Jim Lorigan and my good friend Yevgeniya Mikhailik. This collection of original works will open at the Costa Mesa gallery on Saturday March 19, 2011, from 7:00 PM until 10:00 PM. The exhibition will run through Friday, May 6, 2011.

The following prints are by artist Yevgeniya Mikhailik:

Design: Glasfurd & Walker

2011-03-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

Bold, clean design by G&W.

Via The Best Part

2011-03-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

Disaster and the Poster

I'm taking a break today from the usual link dump to address a trend I personally find disturbing, and hopefully get your opinion on the subject. As we've all seen with the current situation in Japan, the horrors of natural disaster inspire designers to create posters, of which proceeds go to help fund recovery efforts. This in itself is a noble act, we all want to do what we can when we witness fellow humans in dire need of assistance. We do what we know, and poster designers create posters. Sometimes, however, I think we lose sight of the purpose of the poster itself and instead create misguided monuments to our own ego, adding yet another piece to an already huge pile of production and consumption.

The question it seems we fail to ask ourselves before creating these posters is "What is the concept of this piece? What am I trying to communicate? Does anyone really want this monument to tragedy hanging on their wall as a decoration?" I understand that the money raised goes to a good cause, but is the middleman of the poster really a necessary step between the donator and recipient? I'm not going to single out specific designs because I truly believe these pieces are done by designers with their hearts in the right place. I will say, however, that most of the designs I've seen so far focus on two elements: the red circle of the Japanese flag and some sort of icon representing either the earthquake, the tsunami or the ensuing wreckage created by both.

What are we saying? If the intent is to simply communicate that there was a terrible disaster in Japan, then I guess they are successful. But shouldn't the purpose of a relief poster be to create something that motivates its audience to act while communicating a message of hope or some form of kinship within the human race? This is after all a piece of art that is intended to be hung on a wall in someone's home or place of business. As poster designers, it is our duty to create something that functions beyond a simple depiction of a disaster and inspires empathy or even action on the part of the audience. It seems as if we, in a race to get something produced and publicized as quickly as possible, forget the most important role of poster design to begin with...What is its purpose, and what does it say?

I'm definitely not saying we shouldn't donate as much as we can to the relief effort in Japan, obviously this is a terrible tragedy that deserves our help. By all means, donate as much as you can to foundations like the Red Cross or Salvation Army. But do we need another monument to tragedy and consumption in our homes? I can't say I won't purchase a poster that helps fund relief efforts in Japan, but if I do, it will be one that communicates a sense of hope and reverence for Japanese culture rather than destruction and pity.

CANVAS boutiqe & gallery

2011-03-16T17:23:00.000-07:00

The current exhibition features artwork by Byron Buchanan, Scott Caan, Richard Aaron, Anton Perich and Bobby Grossman.
http://www.canvasarttalk.com

Color Beast

2011-03-16T01:34:00.000-07:00

I finally finished the website. I tend to keep things on the minimal/clean side. I'll never be happy but I think this looks good. Now it's time to finish up the art work for the line of totes.

Yet another blog!

2011-03-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

I've started a new blog titled Signed/Numbered. It will be dedicated to bring you a daily dosage of things limited. My aim is to focus specifically in printmaking. But anything limited edition-ed goes.

Artist: Milton Glaser

2011-03-14T01:29:00.000-07:00

New Work: Red Face | Juan Doe 2

2011-03-11T21:34:00.000-08:00

Artist: Martin Ontiveros

2011-03-10T17:34:00.000-08:00

http://www.martinhead.com/

Artist: Bill Carman

2011-03-10T09:44:00.000-08:00

http://billcarman.blogspot.com/

Artist: Beastman

2011-03-08T20:43:00.000-08:00

Artist:http://www.beastman.com.au/

Tyler Ferreira

2011-03-06T19:43:00.000-08:00

Amazing lithographs by Tyler Ferreira.

SATURATION Robert Pokorny

2011-03-02T10:07:00.000-08:00

I'm lucky to have an amazingly talented group of friends. Here is one of them. Robert Pokorny, who has undoubtedly influenced my work.

Inspiration: Conor Langton

2011-02-27T14:17:00.000-08:00

Paintings 210. Acrylic on paper. 24 x 37 Inches.

2011-02-26T13:32:00.000-08:00

small color study

2011-02-23T21:33:00.000-08:00

gouache on paper

These Hands: Opening

2011-02-21T21:20:00.000-08:00

Here are some snapshots of the opening night. It was an awesome event and I got to hang out with friends and met some new people. All around good times.

Solo Show

2011-01-26T15:17:00.000-08:00

THESE HANDS
Paintings and Prints
Saturday | February 5, 2010 | 7 - 10 PM
CSUF Grand Central Art Center Sales Gallery
125 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92701
714.567.7233

3x3 Illustration Annual No.7

2011-01-08T16:08:00.000-08:00

If you get a chance to grab this annual, do it! My image Liar made the "Self Promotion" section.

"Sun Up"

2010-12-28T11:11:00.000-08:00

In conjunction with my solo show at My Addiction Gallery titled "Faces Over Arizona" I am releasing a print made specifically for the show. The print is titled "Sun Up" it is 18 x 24 inches, 3 colors, edition of 50, signed and numbered by me and it costs $35 each.
Here are some process shots...

My Addiction Gallery

2010-12-22T14:17:00.000-08:00

Here are a few works from my show in Tucson, AZ titled "Faces Over Arizona"
The show includes very limited edition screen prints and paintings.
With the exception of two, all my prints in the show are editions of 7. Most of the editions have at least 5 colors, with 7 colors at the most.
The paintings were sparked from a series of small sketchbook drawings. I realized how much energy I was loosing when the drawings were transformed to geometric shapes, which were used for my prints. It has been great working on paintings and prints simultaneously, it really kept my mind focused and sharp.
View the show in person at My Addiction Gallery or check out their online shop.

"Arizona Face 1"
22" x 30"
Acrylic on paper
$475

Say
18" x 24"
Ed. 7
Serigraph

"Untitled"

4.75" x 6.75"
(in 9" x 12" mat and backing board)
Acrylic on paper
*Unframed
$75

Photos from my MFA Exhibition on Nov. 14, 2010

2010-11-28T11:54:00.000-08:00

I had a great time with friends and family. I will be updating my website soon with all new work from the show and other things I've been working on.
In other news, I have started an alternate website where I'll be showcasing client based work www.colorbeast.com

Let's Talk

2010-10-31T15:10:00.000-07:00

MFA Exhibition
Max L. Gatov Gallery West
California State University Long Beach
November 14 - November 18, 2010

OPENING RECEPTION Sunday, November 14, 5-7 p.m.
GALLERY HOURS: MONDAY-THURSDAY 12-5 PM, WEDNESDAY 12-7 PM

Directions to Gallery
Art Department map
Parking is $5 (at yellow parking permit dispenser)

Oh Snap!

2010-09-06T15:58:00.000-07:00

Works in progress for upcoming shows.

Watercolor Studies

2010-08-22T18:16:00.000-07:00

I'll be working on some large scale drawings. Here are two small studies.

My Addiction Gallery

2010-08-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

Here is a new illustration I made for My Addiction Gallery. It will be used for various promotional materials. The gallery is located in Tucson, AZ.

Owlie

2010-07-22T14:29:00.000-07:00

Check out the Flickr Set for details

Awesome poster by the awesome Kevin Tong

2010-07-06T09:01:00.000-07:00

Check out this amazing Baths poster Kevin Tong made for the L.A. show. He also custom painted/sketched a very limited number of art prints. These are up for sale right now. More info at:
http://tragicsunshine.com/newsletter/?p=123

Sneak peak

2010-06-15T17:08:00.000-07:00

Coming soon!

Some prints

2010-06-09T10:14:00.000-07:00

I've been working on prints that are larger than what I am used to, in the range of 22x30inches-32x40 Inches. Here is a snapshot of the progress. I'm trying a much gestural and loose approach onthese.

In The Rain

2010-05-23T11:56:00.000-07:00

Now available at Phone Booth Gallery.
Tiny edition of 40 (35 for sale). I have detailed images on my Flickr page.
I also want to add that I screen print all my work. And a lot of experimentation goes into the process of printing these. Like, drawing directly on the film before exposing the screen. Underexposing the image so that the emulsion deteriorates further as I print, thus creating interesting textures, making each print unique.
Here is a detail of the print. As I mentioned before, the textures on his face are due to the emulsion slowly deteriorating on the screen itself.

Insights

2010-05-12T17:36:00.000-07:00

"Liar" is in the annual group show held at the University Museum at Cal State Long Beach.

Bookmarks

2010-05-07T16:49:00.000-07:00

The Bookmarks are on sale! $3 for a set of 3. I will include these (free) with any purchase, while supplies last. They are screenprinted, white ink on black 140lb. Construction Blacktop French paper.

Yup

2010-05-02T19:33:00.000-07:00

I changed the website once again. The upside to being able to manage/design one's website is cost. Also, being able to make updates constantly, which in turn is also the downside of managing/designing one's website. I'm finally settling in and hopefully there won't be any more major changes. I decided to remove the news/blog page from the front page to it's own page titled "News" under the Info Section. It was way too distracting.

On another note. I have a print coming out soon through Phone Booth Gallery. There is no release date set yet, I'm guessing mid May. Here is a sneak peak.

Test Prints

2010-04-26T15:19:00.000-07:00

I added a new section to my site, where I'll be posting test prints for sale. Here is a little more about that:
Test prints are sheets of paper which are used to test color/transparency/opacity/image quality etc. before I actually start printing on the final paper. These prints can rack up anywhere from 8-20 hits of color/imagery. Mostly random, until the end when I plan out the final layer. I have dozens of these prints, but only few make the cut. Essentially these are mono prints and are one of a kind. I will be adding these print periodically to the new section on my site, under the store link, so keep checking back for updates.

These prints will be available through my Etsy store (it’s just much easier this way). Also, I made a Flickr set for detailed images of these prints.

Unique L.A.

2010-04-26T15:15:00.000-07:00

My pal Kevin Tong had a booth.

There was tons of stuff, from jewelry to baked goods, kind of overwhelming. I did come across F.A.Z.E. Apparel. I bought their quilted hoodie. Check out the flickr set for more pictures.

Off The Hook III

2010-04-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month, I was in a group show at Phone Booth Gallery. Here is a video of the show, put together by Jeremy Eichenbaum.

e-mail List: