Late Night Doodling

Last night I totally geeked out and made this video of myself drawing with a Krink marker. I've been wanting to do a BIG drawing for awhile, so it was nice to finally do it. Also, I sell these markers in my shop and I've done little things with them in sketch books to test them out, but now I feel like I've "really" put it to use. I hope you enjoy.

Two New Prints Available

First. There are two more days left of the Stenzskull show. The gallery will open from 2pm to 9pm today. Tomorrow hours will be 12pm to 9pm.

Second. I have two new prints available!


"Waiting To Be Plucked"
5.5" x 7.25", on wood with epoxy resin coating
$30 each
click photo or visit the shop for more info or to order.




"I Own This Town"
4" x 5.5", on wood with epoxy resin coating
$20 each
click photo or visit the shop for more info or to order.



And here's an installation shot of the two new prints.




That's it for now. As always, thanks for looking.

Cut & Paste Walk Through

I'm just messing around with the flip and did a little walk through of the Stenzskull show. This video is totally unedited. Well, I cut off about two seconds from the end of the shot, but that was it. It turned out a little grainy in parts, but I think that could be fixed if I saved the file in a different format.

Last Week Of Stenzskull Solo Exhibition

This is the last week of the Stenzskull solo show in the gallery. If you live in San Luis Obispo (or close by) I hope you have a chance to check out this show in person. I will be open all week and Thursday and Friday I will stay open until 9pm. Below are some available pieces with the sizes and prices listed. If you are interested in purchasing any of these painting please give me a call at 805.391.0361.
(prices do not include shipping.)



Joe Strummer
36" x 48"
spray paint on wood
$600





Bob Dylan
16" x 20"
spray paint on wood
$200





Kurt Cobain
16" x 20"
spray paint on wood
$220





Eric Clapton
24" x 30"
spray paint on canvas
$400





Sublime
24" x 30"
spray paint on canvas
$400





Crushed
16" x 20"
spray paint on canvas
$200





Georgia On My Mind
16" x 20"
spray paint on wood
$200





Devise A Virus
16" x 20"
spray paint on wood
$200





J Dilla
16" x 20"
spray paint on canvas board, framed (not pictured framed)
$300





Bic Board
approx. 8" x 32"
spray paint on skateboard
$100




Once again, if you'd like to add any of these awesome paintings to your personal collection please give me a call at 805.391.0361. Prices listed do not include shipping, but I will ship anywhere in the U.S. using UPS. For payment I can take a credit card over the phone or send you a paypal invoice. If you do not want to call feel free to leave a comment letting me know which piece you would like and we will work something out. And of course, if you come into the gallery you can pay with cash or credit card. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call.

Gallery Hours
Tuesday thru Saturday, 12pm to 6pm
Thursday, 2pm to 9pm
(this week we will be open 12pm to 9pm on Friday)

Thanks for looking!
www.jeffclaassen.com

Stenzskull For Ten More Days

The Stenzskull solo show ends in ten days. Come by the gallery and check it out before it's too late. You can now see most of the work on my site. Also, we got some press last week. If you are a SLO local hopefully you picked up the most recent issue of New Times (a new issue comes out every Thursday so today will be your last chance to get a copy). Of course with the craziness of today's gadgets and gizmos you never really miss out because you can just go online for everything. (And I mean "everything".) So, if you missed the printed version of New Times you can check out the article at http://newtimesslo.com/art/1010/cats-stacks-and-skulls/. Or, for the really adventurous, you can always zoom in on these photos (simply click on the photo) and hope not to strain your eyes too much.






Stay tuned, more news coming soon!

Today. Art In The Park, Shell Beach, CA

For locals. I will have a booth today at Art In The Park. You should come by and say hi. I'll have A LOT of goodies to check out.




For more info and directions click the flyer or visit http://www.artintheparkshellbeach.com.

Stenzskull Tomorrow Night

Stenzskull came to the gallery this afternoon and applied his madness to the outside gallery wall. The reception/party for his solo exhibit is tomorrow night. I hope to see all your fine sexy asses there.










For more info navigate your browsing application to www.jeffclaassen.com.

The Early Bird Gets The Worm

The Claassen Gallery has released a new print by Nic Rodriguez. The title is "Early Bird" and measures 5.5" x 6.5". This print has been mounted on 3/4" thick pine wood. The edges have been painted black and the surface has been coated with a thick layer of clear plastic resin. The resin coating provides a protective high gloss finish. It basically looks like a yummy piece of shiny candy. Each print has been signed on the back by Nic.


(click photo for more info and photos)

Stenzskull Solo Exhibition

"Cut & Paste"
A selection of paintings by Stenzskull
Presented by the Jeff Claassen Gallery,
San Luis Obispo CA

September 5 - October 4, 2008

The Claassen Gallery is pleased to present "Cut & Paste", an
exhibition of original stencil work by up-and-coming artist,
Stenzskull. This presentation of hand-cut stencil portraits on canvas
and wood is representative of an emerging underground art scene in
San Luis Obispo. The focus of this selection is the artist's
inspiration, an idea which is explored in its many permutations. The
images are as often iconic and poignant as they are satirical and
opinionated. Subjects are both revered and subverted; exposed and
obscured. Citing the the influence of Shepard Fairey and Banksy,
among others, and the infallible connection between himself and his
work, the artist states, "My art is everything that inspires me,
displayed on canvas. I do it for the love."

Stencils have been employed by artisans for more than 12,000 years;
From cave art depicting the hand prints of prehistoric man, Egyptian
tomb decor, Japanese silks of the Edo period, and ancient publishing
techniques, to Art Nouveau pochoirs, political propaganda of the
1940's, and Pop Art forerunners... Popularized more recently among
street artists as a method of creating pieces in less time, thereby
reducing the risks involved- stencil cutting has developed into a
popular contemporary artistic medium. The skill and execution
of a hand-cut stencil has become an art form in and of itself;
requiring patience, a steady hand, and an absolute mastery of the
concept of negative space. Unpretentious by nature, the impact of
stencils is no less influential in the message and meaning the work
conveys; and as Stenzskull confers, "Art is a great way to express
your opinions- they may agree or not, but the reaction is what
counts."

"Cut & Paste" will be Stenzskull's debut solo-exhibition.
Opening reception will be held on September 5th at 6PM
in the Claassen Gallery at 1118 Morro St. SLO, CA.
Show runs through October 4, 2008.

For further information about this exhibition, please contact
The Claassen Gallery at: 805.391.0361.

New Nic Rodriguez prints! Snatch em up!

The gallery has released eight editions of prints featuring the work of Nic Rodriguez to coincide with his solo show, "Tongue And Teeth". Check it. (click on any of the photos for more info or to purchase.)






"Madhattin"
5.5" x 5.5" - print on wood with clear resin coating





"Big Bang"
5.5" x 7.75" - print on wood with clear resin coating





"Windows And Neighbors"
5.5" x 6.75" - print on wood with clear resin coating





"Hork"
5.5" x 5.5" - print on wood with clear resin coating





"Chicken Fried Steak Burger"
4" x 5.5" - print on wood with clear resin coating





"Alice"
4.5" x 5.5" - print on wood with clear resin coating





"Power Universal"
4.5" x 5.5" - print on wood with clear resin coating





"Candy Dreams"
5.5" x 6.75" - print on wood with clear resin coating




These prints, as well as all of Nic's available work, can also be purchased in person at the gallery. If you can't come into the gallery you can order online at the Claassen Gallery Store, http://claassengallery.bigcartel.com.


Thanks for looking!
- Jeff

Nic Sneak Peek #3

Say hello to "Grandaddy"! This is one of Nic's newest paintings. It measures 9" x 12" and is acrylic on wood

Nic Sneak Peek #2

"Sneak peek #2" leans a bit towards the perverted/erotic side of the spectrum.




Ok, it doesn't quite "lean" on the perverted so much as it is smack dab in the middle of it.

This painting is acrylic on wood and measures 11.25" x 14.5". Right now the title is up for debate. It's either "Power U" or "Gold Member". Cast your vote.

Sometimes I Draw Stuff

Phases. They come and go. Some have more lasting value and some vanish as fast as they appear. About a week ago I went through a little phase that resulted in three new little art pieces. I would make a black and white drawing and then spray paint over it. I tried to keep the drawings simple, meaning not drawing more than one character and not filling the entire page with the usual whimsical lines, stars, arrows, etc that I normally do. I had to leave blank space for the spray paint, which is sometimes a challenge for me. Empty space and myself don't work well together, at least not without a lot of self-control on my part. Blah, blah, blah…who cares, right? I apologize. I'll get to the point. Here are the three drawings (mixed media pieces) that I came up with.


"Brother Erotic"
6" x 7"




"Where's The Roller Derby"
6" x 7"




"Pick Your Fight"
6" x 6.25"


Each one is currently available for $20 in the online shop.

new print available

Get this...I am typing right in the blogger template thing-a-ma-bob. I usually type in word and then copy/paste into blogger. Some people refer to this method (typing in blogger) as "barebacking it". There was a time when "barebacking" was simply that. Riding a horse on it's bare back. As in, no saddle. These days the term has taken on a bit more of a suggestive definition. Go ahead, read it for yourself: barebacking.

Well, blogger templates and barebacking hijinks aside, I have a new print avilable. It's called "My Very Secret Life" and it's now obtainable through my shop. There are also a couple more photos to see there, but here's one for now.





Time to go eat some chewy chips ahoy. G'night, y'all.

The Latest

My friend Richard bought a big ass sketchbook. I'm talking 11" x 14" inches. It basically took up the whole table when I was drawing in it at the bookstore cafe. Richard bestowed upon me the honor of being the first to draw in his new mammoth of a book. I probably had it for about a week and ended up doing these three pieces.














After drawing in this book I got the idea that it might be fun to have a "sketchbook swap" party at the gallery. Artists could meet and mingle and totally geek out. I've mentioned it to a few people and they seemed pretty into it, so I'll ask some more and hopefully get something going.

Two New Paintings

I have a couple of new paintings that I just listed on etsy.com. Normally I save new work for upcoming shows because I like to release a lot of new stuff at once, but at the moment I'm over that. I've been painting a lot lately, but nothing else is finished at the moment. I have a lot of works in progress, including a series of "mini paintings" that are in the three inch range. Ah, I digress. Here are the two latest completed pieces.





"Nowhere To Go"
9.5" x 11.25" - mixed media on wood
$100 - available at http://jeffclaassen.etsy.com





"It Makes Me Nervous To Say So"
5" x 5.5" - mixed media on wood
$65 - available at http://jeffclaassen.etsy.com

Three pieces available at Alpha Cult

The show at Alpha Cult in Long Beach ends in a couple of days and I'm excited to say that three out of the six pieces of mine on display have sold. It would be pretty awesome if the other three sold before the show ends on Tuesday. The three that remain are two "kissy fish" paintings and a hand painted skateboard. If you are interested in purchasing any of these please contact Alpha Cult at (562) 432-9144 or visit their contact page for directions and/or email address.




"Swim To Me"
approx. 11" x 20", mixed media on wood
$250



"Oh Yes, I Love You"
approx. 7" x 13", mixed media on wood
$110



"I Just Want Him To Love Me"
approx. 8" x 32", mixed media on wood
$150



If these paintings do not sell I am going to drill several holes through them, splatter sulfuric acid on them, light them on fire and toss them out the window of an eight story housing project. In other words, I will have them available in my gallery in SLO.

( I think a couple of the titles on the Alpha Cult site got mixed up, but I think I have them correct here.)

Aaron Kraten wallets are almost sold out!

The limited edition Aaron Kraten wallet is almost sold out. Out of the 40 that were made we have about 10 left. Once these designs are gone they are gone for good. They will not be reprinted, so if you'd like one this would be the time to snag one up. Each wallet has been signed and numbered by Aaron







click the photo to purchase or visit http://dayler.bigcartel.com

Authorized Graffiti Area

Well, the Urban Escapades show is officially over. I'm sad to see it go. It was a crazy three weeks. If you missed the show you can still see the artwork online, www.jeffclaassen.com.

The photo above is of the "authorized graffiti area" I put up in the gallery. It's a 2' x 4' piece of masonite. During the show it was drilled directly into the wall right above a little shelf. The shelf was home to a variety of markers and paint pens. Everybody was encouraged to add their own unique mark. I think it looks pretty awesome. Eventually I will coat it in epoxy resin (the same thing I do with my prints and paintings) and either auction it off or have a raffle with the proceeds going to help Nic Rodriguez with his legal fees. The "graff area" was so popular that I've decided to keep it as an ongoing feature in the gallery. Here's the brand spanking new wall for all to indulge in.

Artist Spotlight: Neal Breton

Damn…I skipped out the last two Thursday's for my "artist spotlight". I apologize. In my defense, however, it's been pretty hectic with the current show in the gallery. My schedule is finally getting back to normal. Without futher ado, I'd like to introduce you to the bunny infested world of Neal Breton.



"Serious Bunny In Iceland"




"Blue Spot Rabbit"




"Red Spot Rabbit"



I'm not sure how long Neal will be in this bunny phase, so you should get them while their hot. Each one is less than $100, which is pretty awesome for cool original art. The entire series is on display right now in the "Urban Escapdes" show. Come into my gallery to see them in person or check them out online at http://claassengallery.bigcartel.com.

If you're the stalking type you can find out more nasty secrets at these internet hot spots:
- www.nealbreton.com.
- http://flickr.com/photos/nealbreton/

Urban Escapades Update #3

Here are two more artists from the "Urban Escapades" show.



STENZSKULL




David Bond



*sidenote - I accidently ate onions (yes, accidently) and now I stink. The thing is, the "secret sauce" on the hamburger was so tasty that I didn't realize I was eating onions until the very last bite.

Urban Escapades Update #2

I've been glued to the computer. Two more artists have been added to the shop.



Mike Stivers




Neal Breton

Urban Escapades Update

I have updated the shop with some of the artwork from the Urban Escapes show. I'm working hard to get all the work available online, but for now I have paintings by the following artists.



Nic Rodriguez




DELAE




Ryan Richmond




Brian Christopher



I will be working today and late tonight on getting all the other artists online, so please check back. And if you're in the San Luis Obispo area come by the gallery to check out all the work in person.
The address is 1118 Morro St. MAP

new little painting

I'm calling this one "Want Some Dinner". I'm not sure why. It may have something to do with being hungry when I came up with the title. Anyway, it's spray paint and india ink on an 8" x 10" paper. You can click the photo for some additional photos or to purchase.

Dayler Update - New Artist Collaboration Wallets

I have teamed with two of my favorite artists to make some limited edition wallets for Dayler. Each wallet is signed and numbered by the artist and the edition size for each design is 40. So, once these 40 are gone they are gone forever. Both of these artists are quite productive and have been showing their work in galleries for a few years and things are not slowing down. It's only a matter of time before these wallets become collectors items.


"Window Panes" by Aaron Kraten




"No Reason" by Kendra Binney




"Let Go" by Kendra Binney



About the artists:

Aaron Kraten: This is our first collaboration with Aaron and we already have another wallet design in the works that will be released within the next couple of months. Kraten was born in 1974 in San Francisco, California. He moved out of the city to Huntington Beach in Southern California while he was young. Kraten is interested in street graffiti and skateboarding. He worked full-time jobs while establishing himself as an artist, taking jobs in factories and working a stint as a courier. He gained recognition in the 2000s, and subsequently set up a factory-like studio in a Costa Mesa loft on the East side.

Aaron is currently showing at Wax Poetic Gallery in Burbank CA.

For more information about Mr. Kraten visit his website: www.aaronkratenart.com


Kendra Binney: In 2007 Dayler released three limited edition wallets with Kendra which have all sold out. This time around we have increased the edition size from 20 to 40. Kendra Binney was raised in a small mountain town with no shoe stores. Most of her time was spent barefoot treading through the miniscule world of spiders, snakes and all things hiding in the grass. She transfers this closeness with the small and obscure into her paintings. Through scenes of dripping landscapes and insecure, vulnerable characters, she illustrates a world draped in memories, remorse, and fragile realities. Seen through pastel washes and shiny candy coatings of resins, her works evoke both nostalgia and contempt. They are at once gentle and cruel, sweet and unsettling.

Kendra currently lives in Portland Oregon. She spends her days all alone in a small studio with no windows. Here she paints, daydreams, and paints some more.

Kendra is currently showing at Richard Goodall Gallery in Manchester UK. She also has several shows lined up for 2008 throughout the U.S.

For more information about Ms. Binney visit her website: www.kendra-binney.com

To snatch up some of these awesome wallets please visit the Dayler Online Shop at http://dayler.bigcartel.com

Artist Spotlight: Brian Christopher of Artichoked

Let me introduce you to the world of Artichoked.



"Pinup Girl"




"Gold Digger"




"Ol' Glitter"




"Exquisite Corpse"



Brian Christopher is the man behind this awesome work. He currently has a few things available at http://jabc.etsy.com.

Also, you can see more of his work at the upcoming "Urban Escapades" show on April 4, 2008 in San Luis Obispo CA.

Shop Update - two new screenprints on paper

A couple new works on paper have been added to the shop. They are both 11" x 14" mixed media on paper and are $30 each.



"Last Minute Details", on green




"Last Minute Details", on white


Click the photos for more info (descriptions and more photos) or to purchase.

I like making these original screen print paintings. It's fun to see the same image on different backgrounds. It's also nice for the collector to get something that 1000 other people don't have.

In other news I am painting the dressing rooms of this new shop in town and I should have some photos of it within the next few days.

Stay tuned.

Shop Update - four new works on paper

I added some random stuff to the shop. Here are some photos to check out and if you're interested in purchasing any of these you can click the photo to guide you through the process or just click the photo for more info. All of these are on paper and are $20 each. High five for affordable art!





"Make A Vow"




"You Found Me"




"Crooked Neck Girl"




"Hi, I'm Cute"



Thanks for taking a look!
- Jeff

First Tattoo

Ah, the permanent ink from a tattoo machine. What could possibly say, "I like your artwork" more than this?








To my knowledge this is the first tattoo of my artwork. I'm assuming if there were others out there I would have heard about them by now. Anyway, the source for this particular tattoo was a painting I called "My Darling Angel".





I don't have the time to draw custom tattoo's, but I did draw a couple of stars for Cassi to use. I think the stars on her arm are different than the ones in the original painting. Also, I'm not sure if the little whimsical line was something I drew specifically or if Cassie found it off my site or if the tattoo artist drew it on his own. Regardless, I think it turned out great. I like the pink fill and outline.

If there are any other tattoo's of my artwork floating around out there I would love to see them. And if you are interested in getting a tattoo with my artwork you have my permission. I would be flattered. For reals. I wouldn't advertise drawing custom tattoo's, but I'm not completely opposed to it either. It depends on how short I am on rent that month. I would probably charge a lot and encourage using something I have already done so you don't have to pay for a custom drawing.

A big thank you goes out to Cassi for representing!

Artist Spotlight: Matthew Moerman of Reclaimed Relics

Thursday will be my official "Promote An Awesome Artist" day. I think I can come up with a better name, but it's late and right now that's the best I can do.

Let me introduce you to the world of Reclaimed Relics.



"Winged Heart Necklace"



"Beetle Ring"



"Barbed Heart Earrings"



"Studded Jesus Belt Buckle"



Matt Moerman is the brainchild behind these amazing pieces. His line currently includes a plethora of necklaces, rings, earrings and belt buckles.

For more of his work check out Reclaimed Relics.

Also, visit his online shop at http://reclaimedrelics.etsy.com

just a quick photo post

Here are some installation shots of the show at The Box Gallery. I'd really like to write some crafty phrases for each photo, but I am anxious to crawl in bed. I will write something later about the show in greater detail, but for now I hope you enjoy the photos.

It's a print making factory over here.

It was a beautiful day and what better way to spend it than by playing with wood. No, not that wood. I'm talking about pine. I use pine for a lot of paintings and for all of my prints. The last couple of days I've been consumed with preparing for the show on Saturday. As if I wasn't busy enough I thought it would be fun (as in oodles) to document my print making experience for all of you. When I speak of "you" what I am referring to is the 3,300 readers my imagination has invented that visit this page every single day. And sometimes even twice a day. Of course, there are the stalkers too. You know, the ones that check for updates here 7-10 times every thirty minutes. That's right, I was thinking of you fine folks when I assigned myself the task of documenting this activity. Unfortunately, (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it) there are a few steps here and there that were skipped for one or two or all of the following reasons.
- I forgot to take a picture.
- I did not feel like taking a picture.
- I was so involved in my "work" that I could not bring myself to stop for the 2-3 seconds it would have taken me to push that little button on my camera.
- The particular step in the process was just to heartbreakingly boring to subject you, my faithful 3,300 readers, to.
- I was feeling lightheaded due to drinking a bottle of wine with Seamas The International Traveling Street Poet.



(More about that at a later date.)

- Too high on spray paint fumes to differentiate one step from the next as they all seem to blend into one GIANT step*. For mankind.






Lots of wood pieces. Some painted. Some not painted yet. I used to paint the edges with a paintbrush, but I recently grew some brains and started spray painting the edges. Making this discovery is good and bad. Good because it saves me time. Bad because the time it saves me is actually killing me. The paint fumes that sneak their way into my body could be shaving minutes off my life. The very minutes I so proudly went about saving. If I live to be 100, which I intend to, it will most likely even out. If a disgruntled postman is hellbent on shooting me in the face tomorrow, well, I'll be happy knowing I saved up enough minutes to write this.







After the edges are painted I glue the prints on the wood. These are nice prints, by the way. None of that home printer ink jet crap. These are done in a professional photo la