Old Sketch of Parent's Dining Room from 2011

Old Robot Painting from 2009

A Series of Paintings from 2012

January 2017 Horoscope Illustration of Capricorn

First illustration of 2017. Wow. I had a few rounds of sketches before I felt comfortable with a composition. This still doesn't match what I had in mind. It is supposed to feel much tighter...but physically the creature wouldn't fit in properly. I really want to step away from this kind of style and be more design oriented. More emphasis on shapes and form than line. This picture fails to do that.

Once again, the illustration is for the hyperlocal blog, Greenpointers.com.

Here was the prompt:

This month is all about goals and aspirations. Now that we’re in Capricorn, matters of career, goals, ambitions are on the brain—and you’ll be focused on who you want to be in the future, and how to get there. The sun will be in Capricorn until the 19th, and Mercury will be retrograde through the 8th. This means you should hold off signing contracts or making major choices with your job--which is what the first week of the month is for. outstanding tasks from 2016.

2017 - Happy New Year

Mien Gott. I can't believe we're in the year 2017. Time seems to be increasing in speed. A frightening thought.

Here's December 2016's last illustration. I'm not too proud of it. Once again, it was for the hyperlocal blog, Greenpointers.com.

Here was the prompt:

December is going to be a lively and upbeat month, as the new moon in Sagittarius will be a positive change, especially fore fire signs. In general, everyone will be feeling the urge to express themselves and break down stereotypes and old-age boundaries. Essentially, this is a month of “breakthroughs,” especially when they involve conventions that are harming more than helping.

The colors are a bit all over the place. I'm still struggling to get a consistent color palette together.

Better to get a piece done and out than not do it at all, though.

"Finished, not perfect."

November Horoscope Illustration - Jupiter and Pluto at Odds with Each Other

I don't believe in horoscopes, but I did an illustration for a hyperlocal blog called Greenpointers.com
recently and thought I'd share it. This might turn into a monthly thing, which is nice. Keeps me busy.

Here's the description for November's horoscope that I based the illustration off of:

For instance, since Jupiter and Pluto are at odds with each other, it could lead to arguments, bankruptcy, breakups, job loss, etc. It won’t be pretty. But this could also mean a fresh start for you, and for politics, for instance. Clearly, we all are in a position where we could benefit from change, so while it may be uncomfortable, it’s also good for the long run. 

My friend Audrey is a graphic designer and very much into astrology. She told me I didn't get it right. I went in with the Greek mythology angle when it really has nothing to do with that. Eh, too bad.

Here it is:

Inktober - Didn't get too far, but here's what was made.

Life can really get in the way of the things you really want to do. So can laziness. Whatever, here's what I got done for the month (there are more drawings, but they don't fall in line with this series):

I started with 'not so great to work on, but great to look at' yellowed newsprint paper with a grid. I picked it up from some school supply store in Downtown Brooklyn on the way home. They have a bunch of old watercolor sets, paper, paints, pencils, etc. from the 70's and 80's. I bought a few things just for the packaging design.

These drawings were an exercise in symmetry, which I have a lot of trouble with. My brain has a hard time doing mirror images. The grid definitely helps. Angles and proportions are tough in general, but it's good to challenge yourself.

I read somewhere that Leonardo DaVinci would test his drawing abilities by drawing the same thing from different angles and perspectives. It's a good way to know an object inside and out to help you recall information when you're drawing from your imagination. Pretty cool. 

Sketches from my visit to the American Museum of Natural History - August 2016

Rest in Pieces, Big Figment

Brooklyn four piece band, Big Figment has called it quits. It's been months since their break up, but I never got around to posting the last few pieces I created for the band. In fact, there are a bunch of pieces still stuck in progress that probably won't see the light of day.

So this post is for those poor lost little souls, and an informal farewell to a strange, challenging, and glorious band. So long, "Biggie Figz", it's been real.

Cat Skull Watercolor - ARIZA Promo

ARIZA 2016

FIREBELLY SALAMANDER MONSTER DESTROYS BROOKLYN BRIDGE! Big Figment Poster Art by Alex Ariza 2014

I've always wanted to draw or paint the Brooklyn Bridge being destroyed. It is a gorgeous bridge, one of the most iconic structures in New York City. It's not easy to draw or paint, though, at least not for me. There is a certain quality or style that I envision in my mind's eye, but I keep missing the mark.

I want to focus on shapes and form over line quality now. It is a skill that I completely overlooked during my art school days. I got too comfortable and content with just drawing outlines of figures. I've always been intimidated by shading and trying to make things look three dimensional. Lacking any formal training, yes even in art school they don't teach you HOW to do it, I sort of neglected learning how to create space through values. Don't even get me started on lighting. 

I suck. I really, really suck at painting because of this flaw! I want to improve by challenging myself to step out of my comfort zone.

Less lines, more shapes!

Once again I had the band Big Figment in mind while creating this.

Digital Painting of a Giant Fire Belly Salamander Destroying the Brooklyn Bridge by Alex Ariza 2014