Happy V-Day!

A Texas Tall Tale!

Illustrations copyright © 2009 Larry McEntire.

I recently ran into Houston illustrator, Larry McEntire at the Don Ivan Punchatz Memorial at TCU this past weekend. We reminisced about old times and the time Steve Pietszch, Louis Ecobedo, and I drove down from Arlington,Texas to Houston for the slide presentation of Master Illustrator, Doug Johnson in the mid to late 70's.
We must have seemed like real art groupies to Doug Johnson as we awed his work and hung on his every word. We also knew the reputation of Larry McEntire who at that time was a fellow contemporary if not a rival to our Sketchpad Studio. It's any wonder why he would allow us to hang around him and Doug after the event at his studio.

Click on image for larger view.

I remember Larry taking us to a restaurant that was converted from an old church somewhere in the Montrose Section of Houston and having a big Chicken Fried Steak with fries. Larry insisted that I have Ranch Dressing with them. That was a first for me coming from El Barrio. We call it "Milanesa con papas fritas" but it didn't taste anything like the Mexican version. From there on I always order fries with Ranch Dressing. Thanx, Larry!

Check out Larry McEntire's wondrous worx @ larrymcentire.com.
Larry is a traditional illustrator who utilises the latests technology to enhance his worx. He has taught classes at the University of Texas at Austin, Texas State University in San Marcus, and the Art Institute of Houston.

Larry is also doing some Folk Art and other wall hangings (below) @ mcentireart.com.

Click on images for larger views.

Been Here, Did This!

Copyright © 2009 Mick Haggerty.

Check out what Master Designer, Mick Haggerty has been doing lately in South Africa at the Been Here, Did This. opening reception @ WAL*ART on November 21st.
New worx of Prints + Paintings + Books!
Everyone is invited!

Pictures @ an X-hibition!

Jo-X and I.

Here are a few photos of my daughter, Jo-X in front of my artworx @ The Duel Personalities Show last night @ The Mary Tomas Gallery.

Here are some photos by photographer, Jacob King @ appleguyofdallas.smugmug.com:

Photographer, Dan Allen.

Julia McLain being photographed by her brother, Dan Allen.

I will post more pix of the show as I get them here:

Sylvia Borbolla and my sister, Susana Cruz
admiring Julia McLain's Lamp.

Talking to another fellow illustrator.

Friend and Composer, James Neel and I.

Jo-X and I Chatting art with friends, graphic designer, Don Huff
and hair stylist,Rick Silvestre with
Mary Tomas paintings in background.

Gallery Owners, Mary and Alberto Tomas,
my sister, Susana Cruz and my daughter, Jo-X.

[Thanx, Sylvia & Rod Borbolla for these photos]

Duel Personalities!

You are cordially invited to the Wacky and Disturbing Art Opening
of

José Cruz vs Julia McLain

Thursday Nov 5th 2009 / 6-9pm
(Nov 12th alternate rain date)

Join us as we air our differences and dirty laundry
about the conflix with each other and with all others.
See our worlds collectively collide and creatively clash
into one crazy crescendo of multicolor mix-mash!

...also at the gallery are Nocturnal, paintings by Mary Tomas
and new worx by contemporary sculptor, David W. Van Ness.

Mary Tomas Gallery
1080 Bldg @ 1110 Dragon Street
Dallas, TX 75207
214 727-5101

Devine Inspiration!

Click images for larger view.
Artwork copyright © 2000-2009 PSB Gallery.

They might have been inspired by the Hand of God but they lack that certain quality known as TALENT!
Check out Paul's often hilarious Thrift Store finds @ thriftstoreart.com.

Canned Cola!

Images copyright © 2009 Fred Mahieu / hasemeister.

Found this interesting collection of contemporary Soda-Pop cans @ Canadian, Fred Mahieu's (aka hasemeister) Flickr set.

The Nick of Time!

Click on images for larger views.

Images copyright © 2009 Nick Gaetano.

Ran into Retro-Deco Illustrator, Nick Gaetano on the web the other day. We shared a few interesting facts and stories. I remember his Art-Deco Style in the 80's-90's. He's one hell of an illustrator but he is mostly painting now with captivating colors, textures, and geometric patterns.

Check out his old worx and his new worx @ nickgaetano.com.
As I was reminded, Nick is also one GREAT Photographer! I can see how they translate to his paintings.

Don Ivan Punchatz - R.I.P.

This Blog will close for one week in mourning of my illustrator friend and master, Don Ivan Punchatz.

Blue Boy!

Images copyright © 2009 Dave Calver.

And now the incredible worx of Dave Calver @ davecalver.com and Illoz.com.
I remember seeing Dave's worx in all the editorial magazines back in the 80's and 90's. Most talented with that soft blue cast shadow magic that he does so well and I still love.
Represented by Morgan Gaynin.
Really love his three dimensional worx.