motivation

One day, my manfriend and I decided to rent a movie called The Vampire's Assistant. It has John C. Riley (Chicago, Step Brothers) in it and is about a creepy circus in the South. This is an excerpt from my art journal -

"The opening credits were amazing, full of different colors and shapes, sizes, and opacities. It had a similar style to Tim Burton movies, with squiggles and like my old logo (letters hanging from strings like puppets). I really like certain movie's opening credits. And the circus vibe. I really get inspired by old (vintage) circus'. They have cool fonts and colors. There is a flyer shown for the "Cirque du Freak" Show and I just loved the green, black, and purple colors together."

Plus, there is a SUH WEET old car featured in it, following the color scheme of purple, black, etc. I recommend everyone to see this because of how visually stimulating it is.

 

from moviewallpaper.net

Here is some sketches from while I watched it and after.

"we are here" senior art show

I went to the senior art show at Westmont a couple weeks ago and it was AWESOME! The art work was very strong and captivating when I walked in to door. I loved the variety of different styles and mediums used, from digital paintings to paintpens on surfboards to a dress made of straw. I was very impressed by how professional the gallery and each piece looked. The new art building is beautiful and the gallery is spacious and modern. Everyone should stop by if they can because it is very inspiring to see young artists' work displayed.

response to tragedy

While I was in high school, there was a huge problem with students getting into drugs and alcohol. Although all drugs were around in my high school days, Ectasy was a favorite of lots of students and many used it regularly. Sadly, a girl from my high school died from complications of ectasy and I wanted to create something to bring awareness to the dangers of using drugs.

copyright Jenny Newton 2009

My process was full of challenges. I had the idea to create fake blood and make it look like it was coming from my nose, however, I made the blood from ketchup and fruit punch and many different things. :) Not the greatest combination haha But it came out well. I took around 25 photos of myself and thought this one was good. I created the background of rave bracelets and bright colors from original photos I have taken and arranged them in Photoshop. 

I wanted to use this quote because I have heard from many people. The drug can make you feel so good regardless of the harmful affects. I wanted this to be kind of in your face and not sugar coat the devastating affects.

found objects project

A couple weeks ago, my professor gave us an assignment to create a font out of found objects. The letters would be arranged and the objects would tie into the word. I wanted to do something fun and kind of  sarcastic. I decided to arrange bras into letters and then arrange the letters into the word explicit. I decided to use the word explicit because it ties into bras, that that can be "explicit." This is the finished word and alphabet. I really liked the outcome of this font because you cannot tell what it is from far away but its interesting when you look at it up close.

copyright Jenny Newton 2011

copyright Jenny Newton 2011

concert poster project

In Publication Design class, we were given the assignment to create a concert poster. It was a difficult and fun assignment. I really enjoyed this project because I hope to go into the music industry after college and possibly create posters like this.

The process began with me picking the top ten bands/grous I would like to create a poster for.

My list (no particular order)

1. The Cramps
2. Parkway Drive
3. A Day to Remember
4. Old Crow Medicine Show
5. Zombie Ghost Train
6. Nekromantix
7. Nicki Minaj
8. August Burns Red
9. The B-52's
10. Chelsea Grin

I did some research online and found some posters I liked that other people have designed. I like this poster a lot because of the intensity of the image and use of only three colors. I also like how the designer (unknown) used a computer program to produce this piece.

From Epitaph.com

I finally decided on Zombie Ghost Train and I started sketching figures, not realizing I would use them in the final poster. I drew three characters that represent the three band members: upright bassist, drummer, and guitarist. I scanned in my drawings, edited them in Photoshop, and arranged them in InDesign. I am happy with the final outcome and hope to send it to the band through a friend who knows the lead singer. I created the font myself and I like the 3-D creepy look it has.

copyright Jenny Newton 2011

shepard fairey and glen friedman exhibit in san francisco

While I was living in San Francisco in the fall of 2010, I was lucky enough to check out an exhibit featuring two of my favorite artists, Shepard Fairey, and Glen Friedman. The exhibit was called "F*** You All" and very appropriately inappropriately titled. Both artists seem to have that attitude that stems back to the early punk days. Shepard Fairey is a popular street artist that is the creator of the OBEY empire. I was so excited because I got to meet him and he was really nice and charismatic, even after just landing at SFO from LAX. The photographs were awesome, showing the music scene of the 1980's and beginning of skateboarding. The large paintings were very interesting because of the use of warm colors and style used. I wasn't able to meet Glen Friedman because of the crowd but this exhibit was an overall 50 out of 10 stars. And it was nice to bring a beverage being 21 finally.

 The photos show the early punk scene with bands like the Germs, Minor Threat, and the Misfits.

 copyright Jenny Newton 2010
 

 

copyright Jenny Newton 2010

 copyright Jenny Newton 2010

copyright Jenny Newton 2010

They are both talented artists and this exhibit was very inspiring. It made me want to kick start my creative side after it took a halt in San Francisco. I really like these artists because they go outside the norm and aren't afraid to be out there.

check this out!

My friend Amber Leivo is an amazing and talented photographer. We have been friends for about ten years and each year she never ceases to fascinate me. Her photographs are beautiful and have a great, unique style. Check out her website! You will love it! She is such an inspiration in my life and I always love working with her. She has a blog as well you should definitely check out.

Here are some photographs she took of me a few weeks ago. I love her style and retro feel to them.

copyright Amber Leivo 2011

copyright Amber Leivo 2011

upright bass art

My manfriend plays upright bass and we started talking a couple weeks ago about stenciling on it. We are using plain black spray paint because the wood is so beautiful and has a great color. After a night of movie watching and pizza, we came up with a list of ideas for stencils. After I [and now he is starting to also ] create more stencils, we will arrange them and then do the final spray when it is more layed out. Before a recent show, some of the stencils were tried out and they look SOOO GOOD (I think)!!! I will update soon with more photos of the bass with more designs on them.

The old guns came out really great and I think the placement works well.

This is the trial stencil of the gun and the rose. The rose is not on the bass yet but I think it came out good. I want to try to make one of a rose that is more simple and traditional.

work day

Today, I have been in the lab for a few hours between classes. I had my last class for the semester at 2 PM today. AHHHH! I'm almost done and so excited! I was able to print a bunch of projects and photos for my final presentation. Some came out great while others came out the opposite they were supposed to. It was a great learning day and I realized how much work goes into printing final pieces. I had to print and then edit the colors because reds would come out bright pink, etc. The black and white projects came out great and I am so happy to have part of this final done :)

so excited!

I am beginning my awesome and fun blog that will feature many things. I am going to showcase my art work, journal entries, things that inspire me, and showing my process of creating art. I am very interested in all kinds of art mediums and crafts, such as sewing, knitting, painting, drawing, photography, assemblage, and the list goes on and on. I cannot wait to begin blogging! :)