Here is Pablo

Pablo is a mini skeleton figurine that we found at Group W Bench in downtown New Haven. The store has a big collection of small skeleton figurines aside from other little vintage toys, ethnic accessories, jewelries, and clothing. I learned that day that those skeletons were related to Day of The Dead decoration. We thought it was a perfect place to find a gift for my sis-in-law since she loved skeleton. We found something for her but we also saw this little painter skeleton. DH insisted that I should get it since I'm an artist. I think I remembered feeling awkward of being called an artist because that year was the year that I decided that I wanted to do this for the rest of my life. There weren't too many people really knew what I was doing (this was before I created this blog, had facebook account, and so on).
Anyway, DH just picked that painter skeleton and bought it for me since I was so indecisive..hehe. I put him on my desk and decided to name him Pablo. I feel like Pablo has been with me throughout this time. It's like if I see him, he will proudly encourage me "You can do it...let's paint with me". I wish I could elaborate more that at least now you can understand a little bit when you see him in my next paintings.

Other random pics around the studio

Drawings, and small painting

My previous Munny preparation

Doodling thing when I'm bored

Current painting (underpainting stage)

Almost done

Travis Louie "Curious Myths", Sylvia Ji "Las Adelitas" and Group Show at Last Rites

We Went to NY to attend the opening of two great artists at Joshua Liner Gallery. You've probably read and saw some of the photos for the opening preview on Hi Fructose magazine, Arrested Motion blog, or any other art blogs. We arrived there a bit earlier, something that we'd like to do whenever we go to an opening, to be able to look at each painting without struggling to find our way among the crowd. I got a chance to talk to Travis Louie and Sylvia Ji when the gallery was still a bit empty (and you still could feel the cool breeze). The crowd started to fill the whole gallery around 7PM and people just kept coming. We had to get out in the middle of it to get some fresh air  and coffee (plus 2 slices of yummy pizza). Travis Louie's works are incredible, super fine rendering skill and high detailed drawing. Each character in his painting looks very alive and as if they are frozen in time and packed inside the glass frame by Mr. Louie. One of my favorites is The Hypno Doll, and I'm not the only one since that painting was one of the first paintings sold that night.
Sylvia Ji show contains 15 acrylic paintings, with most of them using her popular style approach of Dia de los Muertos imagery. The vibrant colors of predominantly red and gold leaf will catch your eyes as soon as you enter the gallery.
Before we headed home, we stopped by at Last Rites for the group show. The gallery was packed as well and it was pretty difficult for me to move around and look at each of the artwork. The show was curated by Jason D'Aquino. He teamed up with Last Rites to present Lead Poisoning, a show of gray-scale drawings by some of the most talented artists working today. You will find drawings by Jason himself, Greg 'Craola' Simkins, Chet Zar, Tara McPherson, Chris Mars, Robert Williams, Xiaoqing Ding, David Stoupakis, and many more.
All in all, it was a great night and I always feel like there are so many cool things to see in the city but so little time. Until next time:)

Some photos taken by DH

With Sylvia and Travis

Some of Sylvia Ji's paintings

The Hypno Doll is sooo adorable

         

Mark Garro, Mark Elliott and I

Some of Travis Louie's paintings

Meeting Travis and his beautiful family

Xiaoqing Ding's drawing at Last Rites

Tara McPherson's drawing at Last Rites

Hi Fructose and New Painting

Ken Harman of Hi Fructose Magazine spread the news of Lunch Bunch eBay Auction on Hi Fructose blog here http://www.hifructose.com/the-blog/759-ana-bagayans-lunch-bunch.html
The image of my print is part of the blog post. I'm honored to be placed among other great artists, like  Brandi Milne, Joshua Petker, and Amy Sol.
Most of the pieces, both originals and prints, are gone, but I think there are still 3 pieces from Christopher Umana available in the auction until the next three days.

I've also just finished my latest painting and am currently starting a new one.

Take Me to Your Happy Land
20"x24". oil on linen. 2010

The idea from this piece derived from my fascination of parallel universe and time travel. Maybe you've seen an episode of Dr. Who where Rose, Dr. Who, and Mickey landed on the parallel world or Fringe episodes. I'm just fascinated by the possibilities.
Well. I just wanted to share of a glimpse beneath my brain  (~_~)

Time to work. Stay hydrated during this cruel cruel summer:)

My First Munny

If you go to any toy stores like Kid Robot, you'll spot some boxed Munnys there. At first I didn't really know what that was, but thought it looked pretty cute. It has a chubby shape and came in different sizes...definitely something that fits my style. Then I suddenly see Munny everywhere where people design and paint it. Some are quite simple and some are quite intricate in the details and execution.

Anyway, I went to downtown around a week ago and perusing on Urban Outfitter's home decor and toys sections. Nothing called me in those sections but this one little Munny. I bought one and decided to experiment with it. I sketched a design, imagined what colors would go on it etc and started preparing the Munny.

Soooo I did it and let me present you my first Ms. Munny (I haven't given a proper name but yes, it's a she since it looks quite girlie:))