ROBOT ATTACK -- the commission!!!!

Howdy folks!
Happy Monday!
Okay, so I finally have something new to show you!!!!!
I have been working like crazy on this piece for the last 2 weeks to get it done.
It is a commission. (YAY! Making headway on my commission list - 1 down 6 to go!!)
So, this client saw me at the Cabbagetown Arts and Crafts Show in September of 2014.



(read more about that show HERE)
So anyways......he saw this print.......

These limited edition giclees are still available as 8 x 10's, 16 x 20's or 24" x 30"

and loved the print.....but wanted the original - which was thankfully available.....

He also LOVED this BIG painting:

"Evolution of the Streetcar" (which is still available)
(and also available as a print)

 and this guy.....the original of which is hanging in my house. (I painted it specifically for myself!) But was willing to part with it.....for the right client!

Available as a print....obviously! :-)

So I took all three to his home to try them out.

UNFORTUNATELY the one that worked the best was "Robot Attack" -- and it was just waaaaaay too small for his space:

LUCKILY, I am the kind of guy who can make magical things happen.

We set out to do a commission - the same basic painting - BUT LARGER.....and with a few alterations -- which is a new concept for me --as I NEVER paint the same thing twice!

BUT then, without warning - tragedy stuck my family like a freight truck and I spent the next 4 months away from my studio.......in February I called him and promised that I was back and would have his commission DONE by March.....alas......

What I didn't realize, was that after a life changing loss, it takes a long while to get your "artistic mojo" back......finally in mid-March I got some drawings together for him....

It was a 48" x 60" painting instead of a 24" x 30" painting......HERE is the start of it....

It took a number of drawings to get it right - and a lot of erasing on the canvas....I became a crazy perfectionist on this one.......As you can see, I kept the robot and I took his request of adding Toronto scenery behind him, instead of the general city backdrop that he had before. I figured that that alone and the size difference, made it different enough for me to feel comfortable.

Here was a photo from the mid way point.....

Now, when I tell you my Mojo was out of whack - I really mean it!

I repainted this part of it 4 - COUNT THEM - FOUR times!!!!

That is completely unusual for me. I just wanted it to be perfect, because I had made him wait so long! But then 2 weeks, and multiple coats of paint later....I had THIS (click to en-biggen it! :)

I am so happy with it.

There are a number of changes to the original - I put more of my clients colours in it, I changed the blueprint completely, I changed the postcard and the tags slightly, and of course the poster part was different too! There are also a couple little surprises in it too.....to make it personal for my client!

So tonight - he travels to his new home.....I will try to get a photo for you!

So there you go.....after a 6 month wait, this client is about to get EXACTLY what he wanted!

AND WHO DOESN'T WANT THAT?

Think about it commissioning me to do something special just for YOU!

I do them all the time, and the result is ALWAYS great!

I usually only add a small fee (for the extra meetings a work involved) for custom works!

And if you are WORRIED -- YES - the timeline for your custom artwork will be much better - as my regular turnaround is 3 weeks.....

The advantages are clear. 

The right size - the right colour - the right words and imagery FOR YOU!!

How great would that be?

Email me ANYTIME with your request and we can chat about it!

HAVE A GREAT WEEK Y'ALL!!!!

 

NEW WORK.......AGAIN......

Good day friends!
I meant to have this posted yesterday, but things got in the way......SO BACK OFF!
;-)
But these two new pieces are TOTALLY worth waiting for!
The first one is a bit of a f**k up......
Sometimes, when I am trying to do too much at once......something like this happens:

Yes....I see the irony of NOT being able to spell!
I did consider leaving it spelled wrong, because it is NOT rocket science to spell......HONESTLY.....
I even showed this piece in an exhibition in December at Julia Veenstra Gallery in Hamilton!
(Even Julia didn't notice it was wrong until she was taking the exhibition down! GEEEZ JULIA! ;-)

But....in the end, I decided to repaint it?

I think it may have gotten tiring having HUNDREDS of people telling me that I spelled science WRONG........it would get old FAST......and I don't wanna yell at a stranger.......so......

"REALLY Not Rocket Science", 12" x 12", Acrylic on Wood.

Fun right? This little gem will go pretty fast, so make sure to come by and snap it up at The Artist Project....read more about that big show HERE!

Okay.....I also have this WONDERFUL little piece ready to go:

"Pie in the Sky", 12" x 12", Acrylic on Wood

It is also super fun, riiiiiight??

You CANNOT see this piece on my website yet (or any of the NEW NEW work) -- I want you to come out and see it LIVE LIVE LIVE! It will be on my site once TAP is open:

www.robcroxford.com

AND if you love either of these pieces, and don't want to take a chance that another collector will snatch it away from you, just email me and I can give you more deets!!

OKAY...that's it.....happy Tuesdaying!

AREN'T YOU DONE YET......T.A.P. IS ONLY 2 WEEKS AWAY!??!?

Hi! It's me AGAIN! I know....twice in one week.......
Ah-MAH-zing!
Today I want to show you 2 more pieces that are ready for The Artist Project....and I also wanted to share all the deets about T.A.P......and then there is this small explanation.....

So, I am working at a feverish pace, which unfortunately is not the pace I WISH I could paint at.
The "trouble" with my work is that it is concept driven. Each piece is COMPLETELY different from its brothers and sisters. I know, for the most part - the amount of work that goes into each piece remains unseen to the viewers who think my work is "cute" (which, YES is still a compliment). The thoughtful nature of my paintings is often looked past because they are fun. It is that same FUN that also makes my art seen as "less serious" by a bunch of my peers and by the traditional art collector. And to be honest, I don't really give a tiny rat's ass about that! However, I wish I could explain to these people how each piece requires hours and hours of planning!

Unfortunately, I am just not interested in painting a scenic vista of mountains, the stillness of a river through the forest, or the energetic paint patterns of an abstract piece. These are all equally beautiful, and I admire my peers who are passionate about these things, but it is just not my style! I also do not have any "shortcuts" to fast production......there are no stencils or spray paint or photographic transfers that could help facilitate a faster execution of a number of pieces at once! Truthfully, I have been looking for years to find an easier way to do a LOT of pieces for QUICK......so that I could price things lower......alas.....I can't seem to find it! Thankfully now I have a whole line of easily affordable merch!

So, I "plod along".....thinking and reflecting and planning and designing and REdesigning -- THEN painting! The result is work that I am very proud of, and that makes me happy......like these CUTE new pieces that are freshly done........

"Whole New Ballgame", Acrylic on Wood, 12" x 12".

You know how I am a big sports nut? OH YES! I love the sports.

(Okay.....maybe not......but I DO love a good idiom!)

"Research" Acrylic on metal and wood, 20" x 16".

This guy has been sitting on my easel for MONTHS.....finally finished, come see this super fun new piece - it looks SOOOOO much better in person......
COME OUT and see it at The Artist Project 2015:

"From seasoned collectors and first-time art buyers, to gallery dealers and interior designers, visitors can explore and discover works of art from over 250 top contemporary artists from Canada and abroad. This is a unique opportunity to meet and buy art directly from artists at Toronto’s most celebrated contemporary art fair."

My booth is #502:

Also....there is this video.....

Artist Project 2015 from Artist Project on Vimeo.

(or go here to see the video)

Okay....so that is it for today! Thanks for reading.....and remember I LOVE your comments and imput!!!!! Have a great weekend y'all!!!

KENSINGTON MARKET ART FAIR…..NEW PRINTS….AND STUFF……..

Howdee!
It's Monday, and I have a bunch of stuff I wanna share with you today!
Let's do it to it, y'all! (Sorry - sometimes I break into 70's disco slang, ya' jive turkey's!)

I was THRILLED to have a few pieces find great homes this week.
I always talk about the "right" person finding the "right" piece……(and I can feel some of you rolling your eyes in your head)….but it is totally true! Eventually almost every painting finds it's home!!
I paint things that I LOVE, and as many of you know, my work and my personality are pretty similar……a little off kilter…….so it takes a certain type of person to really like my art! So when they do it is an affirmation about my art….and honestly…...maybe about my personality!?
YIKES!
It means that when people really "don't get it" (and let's face it - it happens) it kinda still stings a little bit. In fact someone at the Toronto Outdoor Show this year said that right to me!!
"Are you the artist? Because I really don't get this!"
I went in to explain my process and such…..(thinking that it would illuminate her dimly lit mind)….
and after I had finished….she said….
"Um, ya, I get HOW you are doing it….but i just don't see why!"
Then I punched her in the face thanked her for her honesty, and told her that "I guess every art is not for every person"……thinking that was the most polite way of handling her…..to which she replied
"That's for sure!"
THEN I PUNCHED THAT BITCH IN THE FACE.
Just kidding ;-)
I told her that I really didn't "get" her personality……or her shoe choice…...
JUST KIDDING AGAIN….I wish I had, but I am just NOT that rude to strangers.
I am fortunate that the opposite side of this story is more frequent!

This weekend, one piece that I was happy to see leave my studio - to find its forever home was this one:

"Riverdale Farm",  36" x 24", Acrylic on Canvas

Yes…..many of you who are regular readers……remember this poster I did as charity work for a VERY WORTHY cause….Riverdale Farm Aid……which raised a BUNCH of money for the Farm!
To find out more about Riverdale farm see this post of my blog……but then…..I KNOW you have  already read it……right regular readers????
ANYWAY…..so I was happy it found a loving home!
Speaking of finding a home…….another piece that I hope finds a new home is this big boy……
"Outta this World" is a 40" x 60" Giclèe print of an original painting - BUT then I wasn't happy with the look so I spent another full day repainting on top! Now I love it….and I want you to love it too…….

I showed it at Kensington Market Art Fair 2 months ago……and I really want him to find a home.
HE IS HUGE…..and is therefore priced at $500 bucks (which is still pretty G.D. CHEAP!)
And he was a hit at K.M.A.F….so much so that I created smaller giclèes…..

As always this FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC piece is a limited edition number of professionally printed art pieces. It is printed on acid-free watercolour paper and then signed and numbered by me!
He comes in 2 different sizes…..an 8" x 10"is $35.00
and a 16" x 20" is $75 bones! I think this one will be a big seller - the 'bots tend to move pretty fast!!

COME OUT THIS WEEKEND and buy one of these new prints (or buy his bigger hand painted cousin) at:

Kensington Market Art Fair

Sunday, July 27th - 11am-6pm

You couldn't buy my reproduction works at The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, BUT you CAN buy some great stuff at this outdoor event as part of "Pedestrian Sundays" in historic Kensington Market! 

I REEEEEAALLY hope you can come out!!
And remember…if you make it out……and you "don't get" someone's art….it is TOTALLY okay….but don't be a D-bag and TELL THEM! They put their heart into it……
Not that you would. All my readers are WAY too sophisticated!!!
Have a great week friends!

WW161: VALEK ROLLING PINS, TOBY ATTICUS FRALEY AND KEERMEET

Hey guys! Here are 5 things that I think are fantastic this week!!!!

1.) Hey Aimée, Cousin Penny, and all you baking type people…….I found this for you! I HATE to bake…but maybe if I had THIS….I would:

Engraved rolling pins to cheer up your cookies…your cakes, pasta, sugar frosting to cover the cake and even dumplings! (the one above is DOGGIES) Thanks to Valek Rolling Pins:

OMG! Burgers, fries and shakes!! LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

HERE IS WHERE YOU BUY IT!
Thanks Etsy!

2.) HOLY CRAP I LOVE THIS………Toby Atticus Fraley from Pittsburg takes vintage thermoses, picnic coolers, and various found thingies…..and then TRANSFORMS them into robots.

"The Secret Life of Robots", is on view at SPACE gallery in Pittsburgh through April 27, 2014! In his latest installation….he made dozens of robots in domestic vignettes….

"Robots assembled from pieces of Americana illustrate mundane everyday rituals, acts of daring, and precious milestones. These scenes of great joy and crushing sadness cover the beginning to the end of a typical robot’s lifespan, celebrating and revering the beauty in the everyday.”
Am I right nerds??? FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC!!!
SEE MORE HERE!!!!!!!

3.) ok……here is ANOTHER food related thing…..but I had to share how DEEEELICIOUS this sounds…..thanks to The Girl Who Ate Everything!

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
¼ cup basil pesto
2 tablespoons sliced green onions
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2 (8 ounce) packages Pillsbury® Crescent Rolls
¼ cup melted butter
2 cups seasoned Panko crumbs

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with foil. Spray the foil lightly with cooking spray. In a medium bowl add the cream cheese, pesto, green onions, and chicken. Stir until combined. Salt and pepper to taste.
Unroll the crescent dough. Take two triangles and press them together to form a rectangle.
Spoon about ½ cup of the chicken mixture in the center of the rectangle and bring the corners of the crescent dough together, pinching to seal.
Place the Panko crumbs on a plate. Dip each chicken pillow in the melted butter (or brush it on using a pastry brush) and roll it in the Panko crumbs.
Place the chicken pillows seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken pillows have turned golden brown.

Read more at http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2013/11/pesto-chicken-pillows.html#vST4v0u7HDQhd7jT.99…and then invite me over for dinner……would ya????

4.) Musically…….I have to admit I have been a bit stuck on this……

or this:

Thank you muppets!!!

5.) This is kinda for the cat ladies……but mostly for the Batman lovers….…..it did amuse me!!!

GO HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO IF IT DOESNT PLAY!

ATOMIC TOYBOT (again)

Howdy y'all!
It's Friday, and as you probably know, I am in the middle of my 'GREAT RAIN SALE'!
(Click here for details)
It is making this a VERY busy time, which is great.......except for the production of art.....which is not so great! So whilst I get new stuff together to show you, I thought I would mention this:

I am now showing a bunch of robot related artworks through Atomic ToyBot.

As I detailed in a #WW post a few months ago......Atomic ToyBot is part toy store, part art gallery, part bookstore, Atomic Toybot has a little something for everyone! I LOVE IT!!!

SEE???? F-U-N!!!!
And who isn't looking for more fun????

Located at 978 Queen East (almost on the corner of Queen and Carlaw)

They are home to a few of my wonderful Mixed Message pieces!!

So much cool stuff to look at!

I will be bringing more new pieces very soon, as well as some cool robo-prints.....I will let you loyal readers know when - and in the meantime, go check out the store! GREAT STUFF!

ATOMIC TOYBOT - is open Wednesday-Saturday 11am-6pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm

978 Queen Street East, Toronto

MONSTERS AND ROBOTS.......

HEY!
So last night was a BUSY night!!!
I started the night at the opening night of "Monsters and Robots":

Check out Atomic Toybot on the web.....

Here is the piece I submitted:

"When Robots Attack", 30" x 24", Acrylic on Board!
AVAILABLE NOW!

The first robot print!!!
HUZZAH!

Since you missed the opening.......I have brought you a couple of photos: 

LOVE THIS PIECE BY CINDY SCAIFE
Also these great little pieces by Dan Springer

There is my robo guy!

More neato stuff!

 

Like this one a LOT!
Not sure if this guy is a robot or a monster. OR BOTH??
Belldog Studios

LOOOOVE this guy!!

So, then I was off to see a Robot and Monster themed movie..... 

It was very enjoyable!!! 

It was Bennedict Cumberbatch-tastic!!!!

Gosh I LOOOVE him!

Finally......we had a drink at our favourite Thursday night hang out:

Thursday night wings at HOOTS!

What a night! Now to rest!!

ROBOT ATTACK!!!

Recently, I was asked to do a commission that was Space-y.

The result was FATASTIC...ad you can read about it HERE.....

I had such fun painting a robot again...that I returned to it......and created another one!

Here is the process I went trhough creating this brand new painting!

I hope you enjoy this:

This was my original photoshop/sketch illustration.
(I did this a last year.....but never did the actual painting.)

I felt like I could improve this simple illustration by incorporating the design techniques I used in my 'Sign of the Times' series........and came up with this NEW AND IMPROVED drawing:

As you can see....I added a bunch of other details to it!

As you can see - sometimes waiting to finish something can provide superior results. I had fun creating the space themed luggage tags, the blueprint of a rocket, the coaster, and the post card!!

Step one was drawing and then blocking in......

The blocking in is the WORST PART!!

When it gets to this stage - it begins to get FUN!

Adding the line work helped me flesh out the details on Mr Robot!

More done.

  At this point....I started some colour correction in the illustration, and started adding the shading and details that make each piece really 'shine'.

The folds and washes and tape and such.......LOVE doing this part!!

 And that is that.......here is the final piece!
I could not be happier with it. It has a nice colour scheme with peaches and oranges and blues - that is something that is not my 'usual' palette.

"When Robots Attack", 30" x 24", Acrylic on Board

This piece is going to be exhibited at a group show called "Monsters and Robots" at Atomic Toybot:

ALSO.....I made a print from this piece.

EXCITING? OH YES!!!!

Here is what that looks like (unframed):

Yes...it looks better in person!

The framed print will debut at the Atomic Toybot show next week!!