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Through this blog it is my hope to offer news bits about current graphic design challenges (my own and others) as well as fine art news. To continue with the theme of my book, “Graphic Design Exposed,” this blog will expose the development of graphic design and fine art projects. From time to time I will invite guests to blog here in order to keep the news and views fresh and informative.

First Encounters With Art

First Encounters With Art

As a columnist with The Rickie Report, an online news source for artists in Palm Beach County and beyond, I respond to questions that pertain to visual communication, extending some of the basic information covered in my book, Graphic Design Exposed. This article is a...

Vector vs Raster

In order to have the best possible out come for their web and print communications it is helpful for my clients to understand the differences between vector and raster art. This understanding permits us to work together closely so that all of the images we use are...

Using the octothorpe in a logo design

Using the octothorpe in a logo design

When I began working with the octothorpe as a "finalist" for the Barthle Tax and Accounting logo design, my daughter suggested that I look into the fascinating history of the symbol. I "wiki'ed" it but she went one step further and sent me this link to Roman Mars 99%...

Barthle Tax and Accounting new branding design

Barthle Tax and Accounting new branding design

I recently completed an interesting logo design and rebranding project for a client with whom I have been working since 2005. Over those 20 years, I had considered asking about making some improvements to the branding, because the logo had been difficult to work with...

All Stars on the Fringe

All Stars on the Fringe

I'll be participating in Continuum West Palm Beach this week. The evening of January 21, a pair of Converse All Star high top sneakers that I "styled" with fringe will be auctioned off  to benefit Faith's Place after school program. The sneakers are wearable and...

Anatomy of a watercolor painting

Anatomy of a watercolor painting

As a regular columnist with The Rickie Report, an online news source for artists in Palm Beach County and beyond, I was asked me to share a behind-the-scenes look and step-by-step process that I use to create a watercolor painting. On a recent trip to the Finger Lakes...

Cat-itude

Cat-itude

I have been working on a portrait of a friend's cat this month. "Doc" is a beautiful white and cream colored Flame Point Siamese cat. For several years, I have listened to stories about Doc's (ahem) assertive personality. As I worked on the painting I tried to make...

Singer Island Dawn

Singer Island Dawn

A few weeks ago Mike, the owner of Beach Service, was driving down Northlake Boulevard and spotted a meaningful image hanging in the Imperial Frame Gallery window.  It was a 25" x 34" print on canvas of my painting, "Singer Island Dawn." The image features the chase...

Japanese Nihonga painting

Japanese Nihonga painting

I loved the work of Hiromi Katayama’s the first moment I saw it at the Armory Art Center. From a short distance her work is captivating. Up close, the gorgeous, layered pigments intrigued me. They looked completely different from any media with which I had worked. I...

Pink

Pink

For quite some time now I’ve been noticing the increased use of the color pink in graphic design, home decor, and clothing. I am fond of the color pink, but have been hesitant to use too much pink in my graphic design or my artwork for fear that it would have limited...

Typography in painting

Typography in painting

I take great pleasure in taking advantage of both my passion for painting and graphic design to create something unique. Years ago, I introduced stenciled lettering into my paintings. Recently, I’ve returned to incorporating typography in my fine art. In my new works...