Scott Bakal

Goodbye Internets

2011-12-31T10:04:00.001-05:00

New Years Eve - a new website and blog is born.

This blog will not be updated anymore. Thank you everyone who's been following this blog! With the new redesign, I've decided to host the blog on my own server rather than Blogger. The posts will remain here unless I am able to properly transfer everything over.

Click on over to the new blog!

Phoenix New Times Cover

2011-12-06T22:46:00.004-05:00

Published today in Phoenix is my cover for the Phoenix New Times.

This was the first time working with the paper/magazine. It's quite an honor for them to choose me right out of the bag to do a cover for them and working with Peter Storch, the Art Director was easy and wonderful.

Below is a few sketch ideas I was thinking about and there's at least 10 more that I didn't add here. I didn't show the art director all of them - only about eight. I was just sort of free forming the ideas I had that I thought would conceptually work but also look pretty powerful on a cover of a magazine. Eventually, I had to chose which one's I thought were the strongest.

The images below is what I initially sent in and they went with the maze image. Before I went to final, I did three different versions of the maze piece to see which one would look better for the cover. Peter and I decided that the second one is the best version to use.

Below that is the mock up with my sketch in place.

Post It Show 7 at Giant Robot

2011-12-05T08:22:00.000-05:00

This Saturday, I will be participating in this years Giant Robot's Post-It 7 show! Thanks to Esther Pearl Watson and Mark Todd for the invite again this year. I think this might be the fourth one I am involved with. I love doing this show because I usually let myself go and just create whatever is on my mind. Lately, it's been aliens.

I decided to do a six-panel action sequence about Charlie and his eventual death fighting for the cause of the Rebellion. Bummer. There will also be a couple of other random Post-Its.

It is a first-come, first serve cash and carry thing at the opening so you have to be present to buy the art. There will be so much art, it'll make your head spin. I think last years had over 1,200 pieces! Good luck!

Post It Show 7 at Giant Robot2

Show opens Sat., December 10th, 2011

2062 Sawtelle Blvd

Los Angeles CA 90025

310.445.9276

Hours

Mon-Sat: 11:30am-8:00pm

Sun: 12:00am-7:00pm

Society of Illustrators 54 Acceptance!

2011-11-16T13:03:00.001-05:00

I am happy to announce that these two pieces were selected to be in the Society of Illustrators 54 Annual exhibition! They are from the Ouch! series - Burned #1 & #2. They were originally created to help raise money for the Los Angeles Red Cross. Thank you's to the judges!

Sketchbook Post #24

2011-11-16T10:12:00.001-05:00

I haven't posted up much from my sketchbooks this last year so here is a little taster of some of the mess I've been making. I am in the planning stages of a new website and I am updating other online portfolios at the moment to make them a little more current. There will be a sketchbook section where I will be scanning each sketchbook and posting my favorite pages. My url may end up getting redirected to these other sites for a period of time until the overhaul is done. There's a mess to deal with including a couple of other new domains I've purchased that refer to other special projects I am working on which all need to be built.

I hope everyone is doing well and see you out there in the world!

"Feet" - I am sure anyone with a sketchbook has drawn something like this in their books. I probably have about 20 variations of this view.

'The Loop" - This is actually a quote from a record producer I heard and I loved it. When I thought about it, I think it is pretty much a good description of doing an illustration job.

"Dark Matter" - I was listening to NPR yesterday and was listening to the description of what Dark Matter is, how it functions (as they know it) and how to relate it to our existence. Pretty cool stuff.

"Choke" - Hanging out with Rick Berry every now and again, we do some live drawing sessions and this model decided to choke herself as a pose. I don't know what else to say.

Lectures in Chicago and New Hampshire

2011-11-03T12:17:00.003-04:00

I was asked to do a couple of lectures and they both happened to work out one week apart from one another. The first one pictured above (photo: Kady Dennell) was for Columbia College in Chicago. It was a Skype lecture. I've never done one before so it was sort of odd trying to connect with people - look into the camera and get files squared away for it made for some interesting pauses. Beyond the technical stuff, the students there were pretty great, asked great questions and I had a great time. Thank you Richard Zeid and Gary Roznac for asking and putting this together.

The second one was at the New Hampshire Institute of Art chaired by Jim Burke. (photo: Kristina Carroll) This was a more classic lecture that I am used to giving. I did a slide presentation, shows some originals and sketchbooks (pictured above) then hung around and spoke about promotion with the seniors. They were a super bunch! It was wonderful going around the studios and hanging out with some of them. I like live lectures because I get to meet new and interesting people and see what kind of art is going on around there.

If you're reading this, thank you to everyone involved for such a great time and would love to see you again - and good luck to all the fabulous students working hard trying to make something happen for themselves!

Art Tails Vol. 1-3

2011-10-15T00:59:00.001-04:00

Art Tails is an iPhone art-book app you can download which has loads of artists, including myself to help support Japan after their horrible natural disasters. It is a great project and honored that I am part of it.

You can buy the app here.

Bad Things Happen To Good Trees

2011-09-09T15:18:00.001-04:00

This series called "Bad Things Happen To Good Trees" (#1-4) is for a show at the Ro2 Art Gallery in Dallas, Texas.

Ro2 Art Uptown
3699 McKinney Avenue
Dallas, TX 75204
September 4-23, 2011
Reception: Thursday, September 8, 2011 6 - 10pm
Inquiries: Jordan Roth - 214-803-9575

Inspiration

2011-07-11T22:39:00.004-04:00

Updated the Inspiration 2011 (Under BIO) of my site today with some views of life I've seen the last couple of months. Enjoy!

AEP Distinguished Achievement Award

2011-07-02T00:40:00.002-04:00

My 'The Only One' illustration was selected to be given the AEP Distinguished Achievement Award for Periodical Illustration in the Adult Category.

This is pretty wonderful because extremely talented companies compete for the Association of Educational Publishers Distinguished Awards (National Geographic for Kids, Scholastic, Nickelodeon Magazine, etc.) I am very honored to be given this nod. Also, a big thank you to the folks at Teaching Tolerance Magazine who have been entering the work I do for them in various competitions.

Tutormill

2011-06-25T00:50:00.003-04:00

In case you are not aware, I teach some online classes over at TutorMill. A cool thing that started over there recently - you can sign up for personalized portfolio reviews! Go on over and take a look!

The Alien Brushes His Teeth.....

2011-06-24T09:49:00.002-04:00

...and Saves the World.

More info here!

The Earth is Full

2011-06-09T12:57:00.001-04:00

Illustration Island Interview and Cover Love!

2011-05-26T16:14:00.006-04:00

It's been a good week over here. I spent the last few days in NYC going to museums, spending time with friends and enjoying the long awaited nice weather we've all been hoping for.

While I was in NYC, Escape From Illustration Island released their Podcast of my interview with Thomas James who runs the site. It was a bit nerve-wracking but fun to chat with such a nice fellow. I've long admired the work he's done with the site and there is a treasure trove of interviews and information on the site. I would recommend spending some time over there poking around, listening to all the Podcasts and reading all the other information on there.

Also, there were a few sites that picked up a recent cover I did for The Pitch....some Cover of the Day love and CoverJunkie love. Cool!

Its been an honor this week to have all this wonderful stuff happening.

I just got back from a 500+ mile roundtrip a few hours ago - so I am going to chill on the couch, read the new 3x3 - my friend Q. Cassetti is on the cover and interviewed in there - and just hang around for the rest of the night. I want to get some rest because I start a new series of paintings tomorrow and have some trips over the next couple of weeks in the middle of work. Fun stuff!

CMYK

2011-05-17T23:31:00.004-04:00

Out on most major news stands now is my feature article in CMYK#49. Its been an honor working with the magazine to make this happen. Thank you! I also created the #49 logo on the cover of this issue. Further, in the issue which is called 'The Illustration Issue!" are articles by Yuko Shimizu and Robert Zimmerman who created Drawger and Illoz.

You can see it here on my Drawger blog.

Sketchbook Post #23

2011-05-02T23:31:00.002-04:00

This is a page from my hand-made bound sketchbook. I made it with shopping bags that acquired over a period of a few months. I think this one is a DSW bag.

Barf-a-rama

2011-04-26T23:33:00.002-04:00

I decided to finally take a (unused) barf-bag off a plane I was on when I took a brief vacation down in Florida last month. It's been sitting here in the studio for a few weeks. I've put t to good use. Enjoy!

Rockwell Museum

2011-04-25T09:20:00.005-04:00

A quick little post: This past weekend, I went to the Norman Rockwell Museum on the other side of Massachusetts. I've been there a few times and every time I go, I am inspired. Inspired to be a better artist. Norman could really tell a story in his images.

Rockwell's work is often referred to as 'illustration' with a bit of a negative tone, especially in the 'fine art' community. It is often said as if his work is 'throwaway art' or not significant. I challenge that attitude. Stand in front of a room full of originals of Rockwell's work, you'll soon discover that his abilities would put most artists to shame. It's pretty stunning.

This shot above is from his studio that Kristina took. I found the painting where he used this dresser in. There is apparently another painting that had it in there but I couldn't find it. Yes, those are actually his tubes of paint and other knick-knacks he had in his studio. Amazing to see.

Permanent Collection

2011-04-24T23:08:00.004-04:00

I am honored to announce that this painting, Red Fish, will become part of the Society of Illustrators Museum's Permanent Collection. This piece has also been recently awarded by the Society of Illustrators, American Illustration, Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles and Spectrum.

It is one of my more favorite recent paintings and I am very honored and excited to be part of the museum's collection which includes Norman Rockwell, Maxfield Parrish, Charles Dana Gibson and many other personal favorite historic and contemporary illustrators.

Updated the website

2011-04-15T12:20:00.002-04:00

Yeah, it's been a long time coming but I started updating some content on my website. I have been looking into other alternatives for websites, so I might even go through a complete redesign. Who knows. I'm working on it. Right now, I've got quite a few paintings on deck for clients and personal projects which I am having a great time working on.

This update includes the SHOWS, BIO, RECOGNITIONS and INSPIRATION sections. Added a bunch of new photos to the inspiration section for 2011. It got me thinking how lucky I've been so far this year. Been doing a lot of work, travelling and experiencing a lot of great things. Cool!

With that, I leave you with a sketchbook drawing I did this morning.

Doll Haus Exhibition

2011-04-04T08:37:00.003-04:00

This coming weekend on April 9th, the Doll Haus Exhibition will be opening at Rothick Art Haus! It was great fun creating the dolls for this exhibition! You can see more shots and get more information about the show by clicking the link below:

Doll Haus Exhibition

Doll Haus Show in LA!

2011-03-08T11:16:00.004-05:00

I'll be posting photos of the nesting doll I will have at the show when I am done painting them! It's going to be a fun exhibition! I would love to attend the opening but not sure I make it to Los Angeles for the opening. More info soon!

Also, I'd like to thank all the folks who are 'following' me on here and buying the Dim Stars Zine! Thank you everyone! :o)

www.twitter.com/scottbakal

Dim Stars Zine!

2011-01-12T21:22:00.005-05:00

I've produced a new limited edition zine!

Find out more here:

DIM STARS ZINE

Tweet Tweet!

2011-01-03T22:48:00.005-05:00

http://twitter.com/scottbakal

Twitter! Something new I am throwing myself into in 2011! I hope everyone has had a wonderful beginning to the new year!

For a teaser as my intention this year is to start a series of posts of some of the equipment I use, enjoy and want, here is one of my favorite pens I use for day-to-day writing. The Pilot P-500. While I still draw with it often, I graduated to other pens for more fine-line work. Still, I have 7 or 8 packages in my desk drawer of this pen and always have one on me. Give it a try if you can find them.

Thank you 3x3!

2010-12-26T14:52:00.004-05:00

3x3: Magazine for Contemporary Illustration awarded me with the Artist / Educator of the Year: 2010! Thank you!

Read more here:

http://www.drawger.com/scottbakal/index.php?article_id=11747

My Favorite Things - Nucleus Gallery, LA

2010-12-07T22:14:00.003-05:00

I'll be shipping out these 5 paintings tomorrow to Los Angeles for the show I posted the other day. I am pretty excited about it and wish I could make it out there for both the Giant Robot Post-It show and this one.

Anyone going to the openings, drop me a line...would love to see some photos of the exhibitions!

C (cyan) | 8"x10" | Acrylic and Ink

M (magenta) | 8"x10" | Acrylic and Ink

Y (yellow) | 8"x10" | Acrylic and Ink

K (black) | 8"x10" | Acrylic and Ink

Winning Streak! | 8"x8" | Acrylic and Ink

Do The Hustle!

2010-12-01T22:43:00.005-05:00

A Few of My Favorite Things - Gallery Nucleus

I was asked very recently to be part of this show and I am hustling to get a few pieces done and shipped out. I'll post the paintings when I get them all taken care of and shipped out.

It looks like I will be part of two receptions the same night out in LA...one at Giant Robot and one at Nucleus...this is making me rethink the idea of flying out there for the openings...we'll see.

Also...here is a painting a saw today at the new and improved MFA up here in Boston. Gilbert Stuart is amazing. This happens to be the actual painting that the image for the dollar bill was taken from. Neat!

Giant Robot - Post It 6

2010-11-24T12:55:00.004-05:00

I was asked by Esther Pearl Watson and Mark Todd to contribute to the next Post It Show at Giant Robot 2 in Los Angeles. I love doing these types of shows because the art is meant to be small and fast. It gives me the opportunity to explore some ideas I've been thinking about and experimenting in my sketchbook.

It looks like it is going to be a pretty great show. Some artists include: Gary Baseman, Ana Bagayan, Lou Beach, Melinda Beck, Tim Biskup, Nicholas Blechman, Cathie Bleck, Chris Buzelli, Greg Clarke, Fernanda Cohen, Bob Dob, Matt Groening, Steven Guarnachia, John Hendrix, Jordin Isip, David Jien, Nora Krug, Mark Murphy, Dave Plunkert, Martha Rich, Paul Rogers, Owen Smith, Becca Stadtlander and a boat load of others.

Below are a few pieces that I will have at the show.

Blue Brown Flower | 6x6" | Mixed Media

SF Weekly Cover and Video

2010-11-04T14:44:00.003-04:00

I just finished on Monday the new cover for SF Weekly which hit the streets yesterday. Read more about it and see a video of how I created the art.

Where's My Vote: Boston!

2010-10-28T21:57:00.003-04:00

The poster I created for Iran's Green Movement will find its way to the gallery at the Art Institute of Boston next week. It will be a select show of about 50 of the 150 posters originally exhibited in the NYC show.

Event Information

Press Release

Main Gallery, The Art Institute of Boston
700 Beacon Street, Boston
Monday through Saturday: 9:00 am–6:00 pm
Sunday: 12:00 pm–5:00 pm
For information, call: 617.585.6600

Where Is My Vote?
Posters for the Green Movement in Iran
November 4 - December 19, 2010
Reception: Thursday, November 4, 5:00pm–7:00pm
This exhibition was originally organized at the School of Visual Arts in New York

Burned #1 on sale now!

2010-10-18T10:51:00.003-04:00

http://gallerynucleus.com/detail/10239

All piece below will go on sale at the Nucleus Gallery every week from now until mid-November. Here's the schedule:

Oct 15th - Burned #1
Oct 27th - Burned #2
Nov 01 - Choked

Nov 09 - Broken

A portion of profits will be donated to the Red Cross.

New Art

2010-10-14T11:49:00.003-04:00

A new small series of work. All done on 5"x7" canvases using oils, acrylic, inks and whatever I had laying on the floor of the studio. ;o) These will probably be in a gallery up for sale soon. I will let you know.

Burned #1 (The Moment)

Burned #2 (Death)

Choked

Broken

Paint It Red Preview

2010-09-24T00:08:00.003-04:00

Here is a peek at a painting in progress tentatively called 'Paint It Red'. I hope to finish it this weekend. It's 18x24 so there's a lot of real estate to cover!

Where's My Vote Exhibition

2010-09-18T23:10:00.004-04:00

I was honored to be part of this stunning exhibition at the Visual Arts Gallery in NYC. About a year ago, and Iranian Photographer asked me to contribute art for the cause and I didn't hesitate to say yes. Anita Kunz ended up helping put the show together and it really is stunning!

Where's My Vote? Posters for the Green Movement in Iran
August 30-September 25, 2010

Visual Arts Gallery
601 West 26th Street, 15th Floor

New York, NY 10001

View the website!

Monotype Experiment #2

2010-08-15T12:19:00.003-04:00

I was scraping away paint off the acetate and left these two leaf-like shapes on there and rolled a print off of it. It sat here drying for a little while and I thought I may do a plant thing. Just before i was going to sit down and draw it out, I bug landed on my table which drove the inspiration for this.

Now the red splotches are another story. I has a red Micron that I was using to outline the wings and it start to die out. So I put the cap on and shook the pen to drive the ink toward the nib. When I pulled the cap off, red ink flew all over the place!

So I went with it.

Penn Gazette

2010-08-14T02:09:00.005-04:00

A new cover and full page for the Penn Gazette. To read more about the art and read article, which is a very cool topic on tactile virtual reality, click on through to Drawger.

Monotype Experiment

2010-08-02T20:18:00.007-04:00

This is one two-color 'monotype' I made recently. It is a process that I've been interested in for a while.

The origin of this image was out of my sketchbook and used as a reference for this piece.

I am not sure where I am at with it. I only messed around for about 3 hours but the texture and line quality is something I am really excited about. The bad choice here was buying rolled rice paper to print on. As you can see, there are dark streaks going around the piece. That's from the paper not being properly stored and perfectly round prior to my purchase. What happens then is a lopsided roll with paper that has a memory of this lopsidedness.

I've got some busywork to get to but I'll be experimenting more with this. I am looking to see how I can get fine detail with this process. At any rate...it's fun to do something outside my realm of comfortability.

AR Magazine

2010-07-20T22:40:00.002-04:00

A new piece for AR Magazine.

T

2010-07-19T09:39:00.005-04:00

I walked down to the village yesterday and crossed through the local train station. Here in Boston, they're called the 'T'. I assume it stands for 'transit'. I should look that up.

I like seeing signs like this. The locals know what it means but when I first moved here a year ago, I had no idea what people were talking about when they say "I'm taking the T." I would then say, '...and make mine an Earl Grey."

Now that all my creative butterflies have been dashed because I found out what the 'T' was, I was reminded yesterday what I felt when I first saw these signs.

If I remove the meaning and context which I like to do a lot, I think it is pretty cool to walk around a neighborhood and see this very tall, circular sign with a letter 'T' on it. (Looks like Helvetica to me.) It is such an abstraction. Something out of place. Something not right. But beautiful. I like the Yin and Yang of the round circular shape and the hard straight lines of the letter form. They compliment each other quite well.

Imagine an alien visiting our planet and walking by this sign asking itself, "What does this mean? Is it a beacon? Is something buried underneath? A 'T'reasure?"

Things I See

2010-07-14T12:20:00.008-04:00

I take lots of photos. Loads. Not that any one of these are the 'most important' or 'best' picture I took, but I thought I'd share some things I was looking at for each month this year. With these, I enjoyed the quality of the composition, color and sometimes the filter I was using just helped the photo along and gave something usual, something unusual.

The world inspires me. People inspire me. Even the day to day stuff that surrounds me finds its way into my thoughts and ideas when I work.

Here's what I see.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

Dean Cornwell Achievement Award

2010-06-28T14:51:00.008-04:00

Along with Robert Zimmerman, creator of Drawger and Illoz.com, I received the Dean Cornwell Achievement Award for 'conceiving and implementing' that fancy competition system that every illustrator, student and school have been using for the last 4 years to enter Society of Illustrators competitions.

Dean Cornwell Award

Giant Robot Opening

2010-06-20T15:59:00.001-04:00

Photos of the crowd and some of my work from the Giant Robot Post-It 5 show opening.

Post-It 5

2010-06-03T19:31:00.003-04:00

I will be showing 12 pieces in this group show. It is cash-n-carry so get there early to get on line!

Lunch at the 3x3 Offices

2010-05-11T10:50:00.004-04:00

All good lunches end in chocolate.

Thank you Charles, Sarah, Jessica and Andre! Lunch

New York Times OP-ED

2010-04-27T20:53:00.004-04:00

This was printed in last Friday's New York Times. Read about it at Drawger.

Liberty Magazine

2010-03-05T00:31:00.003-05:00

Harvard University

2010-02-24T22:02:00.001-05:00

I can now say that 'I went to Harvard.' ...or is it...'Haah-vahd'?

Collections 10 Group Show

2010-02-13T01:16:00.004-05:00

While there were hundreds of people at the show (posted previously), at the end of the night, I was able to get a shot with my close illustrator buddies who came down to support me. What a great night! Photos will be posted somewhere soon once I get them all in.

Happy Birthday, Norman!

2010-02-03T11:31:00.002-05:00

Update stuff

2010-02-02T08:49:00.006-05:00

The navigation was updated today on the site. I also posted up some recent jobs in the 'commercial' section. Added a 'gallery' section which will be built over the next weeks. I was testing out some things which is why there was this rather small update. The other updates will happen all at once.

The photo above was taken at the 'Robot Show' at Space 242 opening last Friday in which I had some work in. What a crowd! They closed down the building and the 100+ souls outside were told to leave. There was too many people (300+) and the beer ran out. Even still, it was a great night!

Space242 - I...You...We...Robot!

2010-01-26T22:15:00.004-05:00

"Two Robot Aliens" | 11"x14"

SPACE 242, Boston’s Low Brow Destination, proudly announces its January exhibition, I…YOU…WE…ROBOT!, A Visual Homage To Our Inner Geek, featuring artwork inspired by robots in various mediums, by over 70 artists. The exhibition, on view January 29 through February 19 includes paintings, illustrations, photographs, mixed media, sculpture, and comics. The opening reception, Friday, January 29 runs from 6-8pm, is free and open to the public with RSVP at www.space242. An artist talk will be held Friday, February 19 from 7-8pm. Gallery hours are Friday evenings 6:30-8pm and Saturdays 11:30am-1pm.

Sneaky Peeky

2010-01-25T23:48:00.004-05:00

I know this is peeking but I stopped into one of the galleries I will be exhibiting in this coming month to check out the rough in for my work as the exhibition crew and I have been discussing the project. Amazing! They did a nice job. The labels and informational graphics/plaques aren't put up yet. They'll be put up when the rest of the installation goes in. I can't wait for the opening!

This is for the Collections 10 show at Sandra and David Bakalar Gallery.

This Friday is the other group show opening at Space 242....more info later this week.

...and this is my 100th post.

Section 14: Two Thousand Places

2010-01-24T23:54:00.007-05:00

And I know there’s a lot outside the window.
It seems a lot for you and me.

It means a lot to take some time.
I know it’s right.

And time will show the way.
And love will shine today.

And time will go away.
So love can grow!

Music always being a great vehicle for creativity, I find myself listening to the Polyphonic Spree lately when working. There's nothing like an uplifting chorus to break yourself out of a dark thought and keep you going. You listen to it enough, you feel like you're going to burst with happiness! It's sort of silly but man, it's motivating.

I'll be updating all my portfolios and website pretty soon. Lots of new-ness!

Selections 10 Group Show

2010-01-18T12:37:00.001-05:00

I will have 16 pieces on view for this exhibition. The entire Me + the Devil series and other works.

Selections 10

February 1 – March 13, 2010

Sandra and David Bakalar and Stephen D. Paine Galleries

MassArt

621 Huntington Ave

Boston, MA 02115

(617) 879-7000

Reception: Thursday, February 11, 6:00-8:00PM

Snow Date: Friday, February 12, 5:00-8:00PM

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Selections 10 features the exemplary work of 23 MassArt faculty members who are newly hired or returning from sabbatical. Representing all facets of the college, this exhibition highlights the multidisciplinary multimedia work by our multitalented faculty. Exploring issues such as civil rights, identity, materiality, process, and mythology, the artists work in a variety of disciplines from ceramics and video to architecture, and jewelry to fashion and graphic design. Works on view include representational and abstract paintings, formal sculpture, luminescent photographs, kinetic light-works, and narrative illustrations.

Participating faculty include:

Scott Bakal

Sarah Bapst

Robert Coppola

Jarrett Min Davis

Sharon Dunn

Lisa French

John Giordano

Judy Haberl

Paul Hajian

Nona Hershey

Marc Holland

Adriana Katzew

Saul Levine

James Mason

Chaz Maviyane-Davies

Benjamin Ryterband

Jonathan Santos

Ellen Shapiro

Gretchen Skogerson

Craig Taylor

Ann Wessmann

Heather White van Stolk

Soon-Mi Yoo

Nucleus Gallery

2009-12-30T00:14:00.001-05:00

A small series of art for sale at the Nucleus Gallery!

http://www.gallerynucleus.com/artist/scott_bakal

Giant Robot - Post-It Show 4

2009-11-22T13:48:00.005-05:00

I will have quite a few pieces in this show! I'll post them when they're all done.

Over

2009-11-19T07:01:00.003-05:00

'Over' is a new personal piece which will be on exhibit at the Society of Illustrators for the month of December.

Iran - Green

2009-09-27T22:47:00.007-04:00

"Where is My Vote" | 9"x12"

This piece was created for an Iranian photographer who is compiling posters for protest about the recent voting issues in Iran with the last election.

"Opposition supporters poured onto main boulevards and squares, wearing green T-shirts and wristbands and waving green banners and balloons - the color of the reform movement. They waved their fingers in the air in V-for-victory signs along with pictures of opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi, chanting "death to the dictator."

Morteza Majidi - Photos he took of some of the protests.

Green Posters

The Arrival Series

2009-09-19T21:48:00.003-04:00

'The Arrival' is a small new series of 8 pieces. All work is for sale. Please inquire if interested in purchasing one.

To see the series and information of each piece, please visit here.

Creative Quarterly 17

2009-09-08T07:21:00.004-04:00

I was excited to have received notice that this piece will be featured in the Creative Quarterly #17 competition. It was a full page illustration done for Phoenix Magazine a few months ago.

Lurzers's Archive: 200 Best Illustrators Worldwide 09/10

2009-08-19T19:07:00.007-04:00

A 'heady' title for a book don't you think? ...but I didn't name it. I think it is largely a European publication that I've looked at every now and again. Very well printed and I must say, in the design issues, the work is stunning, forward thinking and fresh to the dry American stuff I see sometimes. Eight of my pieces were selected to be included in the 2009/2010 book. I think I chose about 4-5 of them to actually be printed. An honor, indeed.

You can order a copy here.

Further, I found out last month that 9 pieces will be featured in the next 3x3 Annual #6 due out sometime later this year. Doubly honored indeed.

This piece titled 'The Curious Indestructible Diamond' was featured this month at a Giant Robot NYC show and sold. The show was called Dime Bag 3 and you can read/see some information about it at these links.

New York Magazine (slideshow available too!)

Design Arts Daily

The Art Collectors

...and of course... Giant Robot NY

Alien Series - Pen and P*ink

2009-08-14T20:47:00.008-04:00

The Mothership Refuels | 15"x12" | Acrylic and Ink

** A new small series of work coming soon.**

Hairmore

2009-07-22T22:24:00.003-04:00

Read about this piece here.

Goodbye New York

2009-06-28T16:15:00.004-04:00

June 28-July 4th 2009: I will have access to emails but may be slow to respond due to a state-to-state move. If there is an emergency or important matter, please call.

Missing Painting

2009-06-14T11:15:00.004-04:00

Apprently, one man's loss is another man's gain.

In early May, I left the Society of Illustrators and had an early dinner with judges who will be judging the Zankel Scholarship, yet another scholarship I volunteer and chair for at the Society. In tow was this painting called "Intergalactic Neighbors #1" which just came down from the Advertising/Institutional annual show and I was bringing it home.

I placed it on the overhead rack on the Long Island Railroad on the Ronkonkama line. Four days later when I was going through my packed art, I realized that I never took the painting off the train with me.

Over the last 20 years, I've accidentally left a couple of items on the train including paint boxes containing hundreds of dollars of supplies yet all were returned. This time, apparently, my luck ran out. I've checked with the Lost & Found offices on two seperate occasions and filed a formal report with the LIRR. This week I will be filing a report with the police and I will be offering a reward which will remain undisclosed until the painting is returned.

Description: The size of the image is approximately a horizontal 11x14", white double matting and white metal frame. Contact information, email, phone numbers, etc. are fixed on back. The front of the art contains my last name 'Bakal' and the back of the actual art has information about the creation of the art. A simple internet search would bring up contact information.

Box: The box it was contained in is non-descript and I do not recall if there was any markings. There may have been something regarding the Society of Illustrators or my name on the box itself.

I've never 'lost' or had a painting 'stolen'. Of course, I would like it returned. My address is available on the back of the painting and if it is anonymously returned via USPS, no harm no foul. I will be checking eBay, Craig's List and all other areas that have the ability to sell items. I would like to ask the 10,000+ visitors per month of Drawger and Drawger members themselves to help and keep an eye out for it.

Obviously, I feel ashamed I wasn't 'on the ball' about taking the art off the train with me. I hope there is a good samaritan out there that will do the right thing.

Thank you.

Dime Bag Show - Giant Robot NYC

2009-06-11T10:22:00.007-04:00

I just wanted to let you know that I will be part of a group show called 'Dime Bag 3' at Giant Robot NYC in July. Dates and opening will be announced.

I also wanted to let you know that proper oral hygiene is very important.

4th Wall Gallery Opening - Photos

2009-05-29T17:32:00.005-04:00

(me, Miguel Peredes, Cynthia von Buhler - we were the featured artists for the exhibition)

The show was a great time and I had a great time in Dallas! I am still a bit jet-lagged but it was all worth it. Thank you to all my new friends in Dallas and I look forward to seeing you again soon! A special thank you to Matthew Abramowitz and Jordan Roth of the 4th Wall Gallery.

Here's a link to one of the photographers that was shooting the show. There were others and I'm waiting on the shots.

Some exhibition pics: James Edward Photography

Cheers!

4th Wall Gallery Opening - Dallas

2009-05-05T17:24:00.010-04:00

The 4th Wall Gallery
2925 Fairmount Street
Dallas, TX 75201

http://www.the4thwallgallery.net/
http://www.storyopolis.com/
contact: Jordan Roth, Director

Opening: May 21st, 2009 6pm

Twenty pieces of my work will be on exhibition and sale including nearly the entire Me + the Devil series which has had 21 recognitions and won 2 medals over the last couple of years. Currently, the book Me + the Devil is for sale through the gallery and the Society of Illustrators.

Early press:Pegasus News, Dallas Texas

Bakal/Dunlavey Sketchbook 2007-2009 at Drawger!

2009-04-27T10:42:00.003-04:00

Artist/Illustrator Rob Dunlavey and myself have been working on a shared sketchbook since the summer of 2007. The results have been posted on my Drawger Blog for all to see. You can also read his comments about the book on his own blog.

This was a wonderful experience! Read on...

Bakal/Dunlavey Sketchbook 2007-2009 (My blog)

Dunlavey/Bakal Sketchbook 2007-2009 (Rob's blog)

Website Updated

2009-04-24T10:16:00.004-04:00

Hey Folks! New art loaded on the website! I started updating portions of my site and going to be adding work that will be for sale. More news to come shortly.

UPDATE: I just uploaded some stuff in the LECTURES section and cleaned up the SHOWS section.

Spectrum 16

2009-04-16T11:33:00.003-04:00

Once again surprised to get accepted into this book! I love the book and the usual band of artists you can find in there.

San Francisco

2009-04-02T21:47:00.005-04:00

This weekend I will be heading out to San Francisco for 5 days to do a couple of lectures and see some friends. I will be out there to do a school wide lecture and speak to a class at the Academy of Art and as a last minute addition, speak at San Jose State!

I've been to San Francisco a couple of times and I think it is a beautiful place and for a guy from the East Coast, inspirational. Even though I booked a bit of things to do and seeing a few friends while I am out there, I am looking forward to some roaming alone time...just to take in the sights and take it easy for a while. It is perfect timing for a getaway. It's time to decompress, clear my head and do something a little different in a different city.

(I've always enjoyed this SONY ad for one of their TV's. I'm not plugging the TV here or anything but it is a beautifully done commercial...)

Sketchbook Post #22

2009-04-02T06:52:00.003-04:00

The City in the Pink Mountain.

Archeologists often wonder who lived in these cities. Often, they would find materials not of any known earthly substance around these mountain bases which led them to suspect that the inhabitants are, quite possibly, from another world...or at least from New Jersey.

Sketchbook Post #21

2009-03-31T15:13:00.001-04:00

“In relationships the tragedy begins, not when there is necessarily a misunderstanding about words, but when silence is not understood.”

Creative Quarterly / Original Art

2009-03-24T00:32:00.008-04:00

I found out a week or so ago that this piece, Deforestation was accepted into CQ #15 and will be published in about 2-3 months. Today, I just received my copy of #14 in which I got a Silver for the William Shakespeare painting and also a Merit Award for the Pear Ass drawing.

This original painting is also for sale through my gallery I've recently signed with and are now represented by in Los Angeles.

The 4th Wall Gallery

There are other originals that I did for editorial jobs there but I will also be putting up new work for sale on my main site within the next couple of months. If you are interested in purchasing any original art from my website, send me an email. Prints will be coming soon too.

Also, look out for the special signed #100 copy of my book Me + the Devil which will come with two special portfolio books, postcards and an original drawing. I wanted to get this up over a month ago but I've been swamped with illo work....
;o)

Society of Illustrators 51

2009-03-13T10:58:00.009-04:00

I have two pieces in the current Society of Illustrators 51st Annual show at the Museum of American illustration until the end of the month. If you are looking for something to do in NYC, go down and take a look at this amazing show.

Below are a few of my good friends that are also in the show (and some of my favorite pieces from them) among many others. Check them out!

Mark Bender

Q Cassetti

Jordin Islip

New Work for Rethinking Schools

2009-03-11T12:35:00.004-04:00

The Northport Bench

2009-02-28T21:55:00.002-05:00

Once in a while, life is surreal...and it shows it to you. This is snapped from my cell phone and not doctored.

I guess this would be a bench for someone who just didn't have their first cup of coffee in the morning yet. I like seeing things like this...puts smiles on my face.

Sketchbook Post #20: Rain

2009-02-18T22:29:00.009-05:00

"Rain, rain, go away, come back some other day."

I had this song in my head today. I don't remember when I learned it but I remember certain times in my childhood singing it when I wanted to go out and play.

Today, I was surprised by the rain. I haven't watched for the weather on TV in a few days so I was pretty unprepared. I forgot my hat. No umbrella. Maybe it is my sunconscious again trying to forget that it is still winter.

I did the first one a few days ago. I've had these teardrops on my mind lately so I've been incorporating them a bit here and there. The second one I started yesterday but finished it today. I had the droplets already in that second one but wasn't sure what to do with the bottom of the composition. I used my surprise of rain today as the influence.

Hmmm...the 20th sketchbook related post! Honestly, I've got hundreds of pages of work. I also have a special 'sketchbook' which is actually a textbook that I've been painting/drawing in and have been thinking about cutting it up and beginning to sell some of the images. I have been happy with the results. I guess when I have a free moment to plan it out, I'll get to it. I've been busy with work lately just finishing a job for Phoenix Magazine and have an approved sketch for Minnesota Magazine which I need to get to in the next day or so. I'll post them when they get printed. Check out April's Best Life Magazine and the new issue of Discover Magazine (full page) on newsstands...got work floating around in them.

(Note: Rereading my post , I saw that I typed 'sun'concious above, instead of 'sub'concious! Ha!)

Sunset

2009-02-15T20:25:00.004-05:00

"This is your life and it's ending one minute at a time." -Tyler Durden

This evening's sunset from livingroom window.

Sketchbook Post #19: Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T11:07:00.002-05:00

Winter's Gray

2009-02-10T01:50:00.008-05:00

"The Radiator"

I was at the post office mailing out packages of my new portfolio book to clients. While waiting an enormous amount of time because someone in front of me doesn't understand that one needs postage to mail something, I stared at this wonderful piece of metal. I have similar ones in my apartment and I cannot wait until they are turned off. I've been longing for the blue skies and warmth of a summer day....spring will do.

"The Sky"

Until then, I guess we periodically need to deal with cold, brisk mornings. I shot this one at the train station on my way into NYC. Brrr...it was chilly but amazingly overcast. Just about ready for a snowfall.

Still, there is such beauty in gray. Winter gray.

Cut to the Drummer: Bill Ward/Black Sabbath

2009-02-02T10:23:00.007-05:00

16"x20" - SOLD

I posted a whole bunch of information about this painting on my Drawger site. Click on over to read more about this painting and super cool exhibition.

Cut to the Drummer on Drawger.

Cut to the Drummer Official Website.

6AM-ish

2009-01-28T10:36:00.010-05:00

I was up at 5:45AM this morning and somewhere between 6-7 while having my first cup of tea for the day, the sound of tweeting and flapping wings surprised me. I looked over at the window and dozens of birds shot past my window. Apparently, some of them used the ledge of my window as a meeting spot for this mornings aviary meeting...or whatever that thing birds do at 6AM.

There is no zoom on these. I was able to slowly walk up to my windows and snap a dozen or so shots. It really put a smile on my face. Sometimes, there's not too much cooler than listening to bird chirps in the morning, especially at that volume...note the screened open window...so it was LOUD.

Now as I type this, I have a bit of a frown because I realized that I have to go out there and clean off my car (which is behind the most left bird in the upper picture) and go into NYC today...in the muck and slush.

6AM

2009-01-26T08:30:00.005-05:00

There's something wonderful about this particular blue that nature only shows us around 6AM. (Unedited shot from my camera phone taken this morning.)

Blah Blah Blah Blah

2009-01-22T00:52:00.003-05:00

Blah blah blah blah blah blah This illustration blah blah blah blah blah came from blah blah blah blah the many openings blah blah blah blah blah I’ve attended blah blah blah blah and witnessing people blah blah blah blah do this sort of thing blah blah blah blah when they want to leave. Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah.

3x3 Annual #5 / Creative Quarterly #13

2009-01-19T13:57:00.006-05:00

3x3's Annual #5 was released this past week. While one of my accepted pieces was omitted for unknown reasons, 7 of the 8 pieces accepted were printed. A sincere 'thank you' to all the judges.

You can find out more about 3x3 Magazine and the Annual here. You can also find my work featured in the Gallery Section in the current 3x3 Issue #11.

_____

What even put more of a perma-smile on my face, I received my copy of Creative Quarterly #13 which I am fortunate enough to get a Gold Award for a series of black and whites from my Me + the Devil book plus a personal piece I did about bullfights.

In the issue, they asked us to supply a picture of something that inspires me. I decided to send in this image of my sister's dog: Shea The Amazing Dog.

Society of Illustrators 50th Annual Book

2009-01-14T10:55:00.008-05:00

The new Society 50th Annual is available now! I was lucky enough and honored to get 6 pieces into this book and a Silver Medal.

Society of Illustrators

Pink Mountain

2009-01-06T20:27:00.005-05:00

"Getting The Most Out of the City (Pink Mountain)" 13"x10"

Here is a finished piece based upon my sketchbook work I did in the previous post. I really enjoyed doing this piece and I learned something: I bought a bottle of White India Ink, which make up the splashes in the background. Apparently, white isn't water proof. I had to double paint all areas that the black ended up because it imediately reactivated the white while I was painting and turned gray.

This painting reminded me that I haven't been to New York City in a few weeks. I think it is time I get in there....

Sketchbook Post #18: Pink Mountain

2009-01-06T11:02:00.002-05:00

Created during my Annual Northern Exposure Marathon. I think this 'sketch' will end up being a full blown painting of sorts. My personal project for the day. I just love this one.

Sketchbook Post #17

2009-01-05T17:08:00.004-05:00

I did this one just around Christmas thinking about all the trees out there but also, a dear friend of mine, almost fatherly, who had passed some years ago from various cancer issues who started a tree farm down in Delaware. An odd choice of retirement jobs he gave himself, I must say. I always smile when I think about it. His wife started a strawberry and blueberry patch near the front of the 18 acres they owned down there so they can bring in income during the summer months when the trees were growing.

Pre New Year's

2008-12-30T16:54:00.011-05:00

The 'In-Between" is the time between Christmas and New Years. It's that time where many people have off of work and are doing all their personal 'catch-up' work at home to get ready to start the New Year all fresh and organized. During this time, I've been going through photos as I've become sort of a photo nut over the last 6 months and getting things prepared for some cool stuff happening early in the next year...

I've been framing work and shipping some of it out. Prior to Christmas, I sent out my drummer painting up to Canada for an exhibition up there called 'Cut to the Drummer'. There's a link to the site below. Sorry, I can't show you the art yet because Warner Music Canada wants to make sure they get to do the big PR blast all at once. I'll post it sometime in February when the show opens...although, when you go to the website, you'll see part of my painting on the opening page there...Bill Ward from Black Sabbath. ;o)

Cut To The Drummer

I've also been framing some stuff (as pictured) for some shows coming up in the next couple of months. More on that in the new year....

A view from the bedroom I was staying at up at my Mother's house Christmas morning. Later on, I ended up making a lawn sculpture with these huge icicles. Some were as big as me. They literally melted a day later because it warmed up so quickly.

What better to define a full belly after Christmas dinner than this picture? That's Shea The Amazing Dog. The dog was out like a light!

Have a wonderful New Year's everybody! Be safe!

Contemplation and Moving Forward

2008-12-23T08:01:00.003-05:00

The end of the year is coming which always brings out the contemplative person in me. An end to another ever-shortening year. Thinking back at the last year and taking stock in what I did or didn't do...I don't think my 'Annual 29th Birthday' (*cough*) coming up next month helps me NOT think about this stuff either.

I find myself welcomingly alone in my apartment the last couple of days getting ready to make the trip to see my family for the holidays. I've been wrapping gifts and getting the house situated, cleaning up paperwork, filing receipts, finalizing grades for the classes I taught and sending out the last of the holiday cards. It gives me the time to think and sort of live in my own world for a couple of days without distraction. I like that time.

We've all changed throughout our lives and hopefully progressed forward in happy and positive ways...I know I certainly have over time. 2008 though, is one of those years that I will not forget very easily because of the violence of the changes in my life...it really has been an interesting year. Fantastic really.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all my family, friends, colleagues, wonderful students and everyone out there reading this stuff. Thank you for coming around and taking a look at my work. Next year, good things are going to be happening (already getting started)....and I hope to see you there!

-Scott

Van Gogh & Miro at the MoMA

2008-12-19T08:11:00.008-05:00

If you are in New York, you might want to get to the MoMA and take a look at these two exhibitions before they close which is around the beginning/middle of January. They were very inspiring, especially the Van Gogh show.

Sketchbook Post #16

2008-12-19T08:00:00.004-05:00

Grow and learn.

I did this piece while watching Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory last night. One of the best movies of all time! Those terrible kids sure learned their lessons.

PCAD Lecture - Photos

2008-12-07T09:51:00.011-05:00

On November 21st, this was the location of my lecture in the atrium of the school. A very beautiful location to have a talk. On the back wall was some of my work that people can mill around and look at before and after the lecture. Prior to the lecture, I spent 3 hours with two senior classes to talk about promotion and the business. I practically lost my voice by the end of the day.

The lecture. I was talking about my influences at this moment. Van Gogh being one of them.

I stayed in Lancaster near the school at my friend Charles Beyl's house with his wife Tracy. The morning after the lecture, we took Iris and Peaches out for a brisk morning walk.

Charles Beyl

Overlooking the area where Charlie lives. I thought this was a beautiful sight to see first thing in the morning.

I made an instant friend (Peaches) when I got to the house!

Thank you to PCAD, Charlie, Tracy, Peaches and Iris for making the weekend so wonderful!

Sketchbook Post #15 - Pig

2008-12-07T09:37:00.003-05:00

This was an image that started with those two ovals which became nostrils. As I started that, the story 'Animal Farm' came to mind. It's been years since I read or seen an adaption of it on TV. I'm going to give it a good reread.

Animal Farm Information

Animal Farm, the book

What I loved about the book was its allegoric quality and how powerful it was because of it. I may do some drawings about it. We'll see.

Sketchbook Post #14 - High and Low

2008-12-03T12:57:00.006-05:00

"The High Seat: LIRR" (Drawn about a week ago.)

So as you may be aware of by now, I take the Long Island Railroad pretty frequently in and out of NYC. Actually, I've been regularly riding it since I went to SVA for my undergrad since 1989, so I've gotten to see a lot of the changes over the years.

One change I'd like to touch upon today are the new train cars. When I was starting SVA, there were new cars being put into service at the time. As with most new things, they were pretty cool and comfortable. Now, over the last two or three years, updated and new train cars are being brought into service. Besides the obvious differences in comfort, smoother and quieter ride, one big difference is the seat height. The seat design went from mid-back height to full back height.

At first, when I rode the new car, I thought I enjoyed the new high seats because it allowed a bit more privacy. In overall comfort though, I think the low seats are better for sleeping and relaxing because the headrest of the old ones allow you to put your head back comfortably but news ones bring the head forward a little too much so in the end, your chin ends up on your chest and when you wake, you wake with a sore neck. I digress...

Now, after taking a few rides in some of the older models that they've been keeping in service, I have decided I dislike the newer seats. I like the new train cars, but not the seats.

Reason being, it is too isolating. I found myself being more self conscious than I used to be in the older seats because I got used to being isolated. It is very easy to make eye contact with people nearby in the older cars and what you do and say is more out in the open. I actually prefer that there is more contact between people because in the case of riding the train with the public, I noticed that people are more respectful when they are out in the open more than hiding in isolation behind their seats.

If anyone takes the train regularly, notice how loud and disrespectful cell phone usage is cut down on the older trains and how much quieter and respectful people are. I think it may have something to do with people being more exposed. Just a theory.

"The Low Seat: LIRR" (Drawn last night on the way home thinking about this post.)

So, in conclusion: Low seats are more comfortable and possibly force people to be more socially aware.

Plus...people are so much more interesting to draw when you can SEE them!

;o)

Lecture at PCAD - Nov 21

2008-11-18T00:20:00.005-05:00

This Friday I will be going to the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design to give a presentation of my work and spent some time with the seniors there. My friend Charles Beyl invited me down there for the weekend and I never pass up to opportunity like this. I can't wait to see some old friends and make some new ones!

The Me + the Devil Collection will be exhibited there also this week.

Link Love for PCAD:
Charles Beyl
Eric Fowler
PCAD

Deforestation

2008-11-11T09:18:00.001-05:00

"Deforestation" 11"x14"

I'm a tree hugger. I've had this image rolling around in my head for a couple of weeks, in particular, the horizon line and the tree stump tangent pushing an image of a before and after.

Considering the speed at which the planet is being deforested, world powers are seemingly slow to move on protecting the trees and incidentally, our possible futures.

According to the World Resources Institute, more than 80 percent of the Earth’s forests already have been destroyed. Up to 90 percent of West Africa’s coastal rain forests have disappeared since 1900. Brazil and Indonesia, which contain the world’s two largest surviving regions of rain forest, are being stripped at an by logging, fires, and land-clearing for agriculture and cattle-grazing.

Among the obvious consequences of deforestation is the loss of living space. Seventy percent of the Earth’s land animals and plants reside in forests. Rain forests help generate rainfall in drought-prone countries elsewhere. Studies have shown that destruction of rain forests in such West African countries as Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire may have caused two decades of droughts in the interior of Africa, with attendant hardship and famine.

Deforestation has global effects as well. Trees are natural consumers of carbon dioxide—one of the greenhouse gases whose buildup in the atmosphere contributes to global warming.

-Information and stats from National Geographic

Here's an interesting article at the NASA website.