This original design was submitted for use on posters and other publicity materials to help save the burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) in downtown Phoenix. Audubon Arizona is raising awareness of the plight of this pint-sized, long-legged owl. The burrowing owl is under threat from development and encroaching urbanization, and Audubon has been helping the birds find new homes at the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area in burrows built by volunteers.
East Meets West
I created the above illustration for the Japanese Friendship Garden in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, where I am a volunteer gardener. I was inspired by some of the garden’s iconic features — the pond, stone lantern near the waterfall, and numerous shaped pine trees. Blended into the landscape is another Phoenix icon — Camelback Mountain. I also wanted to blend several artistic styles from the East and the West, namely Utagawa Hiroshige’s traditional ukiyo-e style, Takashi Murakami’s modern art, and Roy Lichtenstein’s pop-art Asian landscapes. I dedicate this piece to my fellow Saturday morning gardeners.
Happy Holidays from the Desert Gang
This year the Desert Gang is keeping their cool as they celebrate the fun and wintry holidays.
Happy Thanksgiving from the Desert Gang
Autumn greetings from the Desert Gang, who wish you all the bounty of the season!
Halloween in the Desert
Here is the latest original illustrations in my Desert Gang series, this time celebrating Halloween. Enjoy.
Sleek and Chic: Mid-Century Desert Jewels
Here are two new original illustrations from my Mid-Century Modern collection. The now-demolished Tiny Naylor’s drive-in restaurant that used to grace the corner of Sunset and La Brea in Hollywood inspired the first design, above. The Googie-style building made customers and passersby feel like they were part of the jet age.
I drew inspiration for the second design from another Googie-style jewel, the still-standing City Center Motel on West Van Buren in Phoenix, designed by William Knight and built in 1959 by Ben Paller. While I can’t vouch for the sleekness or chicness of the motel nowadays, here’s hoping there are enough Mid-Century Modern enthusiasts to keep buildings like this from disappearing.
36th Anniversary of Elvis Death
The above original illustration was inspired by the one and only Elvis Presley. Here’s a little tribute on the 36th anniversary of the passing of The King: