+ solography +

Rope-A-Dope

2012-03-15T09:00:00.004-07:00

Making progress on several projects today.

More details to come.

Ghosts from the Beer Run

2012-03-08T10:53:00.000-08:00

I was digging around through old files and came across these two guys I had printed up large, like 3'x4', for a show at the old Beer Run gallery. I posted this before with type on the images, so here they are sans type. The original printed pieces were B&W. I added the red here just for you!

Are the squiggly backgrounds too much?

Spicy

2012-02-28T18:24:00.003-08:00

A little doodle inspired by tonight's dinner.

Voltronish

2012-02-22T12:10:00.000-08:00

A couple other Voltron inspired pieces for a robot show.

Hmm... robots

2012-02-10T21:34:00.000-08:00

A little something new(ish) I'm working on for something in May.

I'm not feeling it, so I'll probably start a new version.

Fantastisk Fire!

2012-02-08T11:33:00.000-08:00

Twitter prize for a fan from Denmark.

Here's the full piece:

.JD.

2012-02-07T12:17:00.001-08:00

untitled sketches

2012-02-06T22:32:00.001-08:00

Sketches.

Gozamos Interview

2012-02-06T22:23:00.000-08:00

I'm one of those people who would rather let the art do the talking.

That being said, I was interviewed by Abraham Velazquez Tello for Gozamos,

an online magazine based in Chicago.

View interview here.

Fall In

2012-02-06T22:22:00.000-08:00

Available A.S. Drawings

2012-01-05T18:18:00.000-08:00

Here's a few drawings from the last A.S. event of 2011.
All are available for purchase. Email me if interested.

Atomic Sketch

2011-12-27T19:08:00.000-08:00

I'll be at the Atomic Sketch this Thursday.

Dec. 29th at the Green Eye Lounge

2403 W. Homer, Chicago.

6pm - 11pm

Probably the last event of this type I'll be doing for a while.

I'll be working on/selling pieces no bigger than 8.5X11" similar to the images below.

Listen and spread it.

2011-12-20T12:51:00.000-08:00

Truer words were never spoken.

New Pieces

2011-12-19T21:13:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday I had a table at an artist's fair called the Windy City Artist Alley, put together by Pseudo Press and the Chicago Urban Art Society. For the first time we did this, it went pretty well. There was a good mixture of artists and genres and everyone involved was great. Thanks to all who came out, supported and participated.

Here's a sampling of the pieces I made for/at the event. A big THANK YOU goes to Andrew W. for taking time to scan these three pieces he picked up at a ridiculously great price!

I'll also be doing a few of these at the last Atomic Sketch of 2011. So if you're interested in picking one up, stop by. If you have never attended an Atomic Sketch event, be forewarned, the art doesn't stay on the wall too long.

Roberto is a cool dude...

2011-11-29T00:06:00.001-08:00

Got in some painting today.

lost

2011-11-21T08:34:00.001-08:00

Unused illustration.

TEDx Midwest / Chicago Ideas Week

2011-10-16T13:18:00.000-07:00

October Artists Month is fully underway and I had the opportunity

to paint live for a TEDx event during Chicago Ideas Week

along side seven other artists.

I painted the other side of this wall also, but forgot to take a pic of it.

Full photo set HERE.

I'll post more pics once I get them.

Pew Pew

2011-10-09T22:40:00.000-07:00

Three new pieces for the Pew Pew show.

Each is a tribute to something that's influenced my love for sci-fi and anime.

Veritech

21.5" x 31.5"

limited edition of 30

Go Lion

21.5" x 31.5"

limited edition of 30

Fetto

21.5" x 31.5"

limited edition of 30

And these two were odes to the legendary artist Hajime Sorayama

who was a huge source of inspiration for me back when I first started to use an airbrush.

Sora 1

9" x 9"

mixed media on wood

Sora 2

9" x 9"

mixed media on wood

Go HERE for the full photo set.

Contact me if interested:

solorm [at] gmail.com

Sunday Funday

2011-10-03T08:38:00.000-07:00

Def Jammin'

2011-09-30T04:03:00.000-07:00

A little product of insomnia for the

Def Jam 25: A Conversation with Bill Adler and Cey Adams

event at the Chicago Urban Art Society, part of

the official book release tour:

"Def Jam Recordings: The First 25 Years of the Last Great Record Label"

If you're a fan of rap music, this event is not to be missed.

Day of the Dead

2011-09-29T17:57:00.000-07:00

A Day of the Dead piece for Gozamos' October calendar & event flier.

Partay here!

cray.

Full MOS Wall

2011-09-29T15:31:00.000-07:00

Good times were had.

P2

2011-09-28T22:43:00.000-07:00

Showing some new work at this exhibit:

Westside Skies

2011-09-28T01:11:00.000-07:00

.facing south.

Sub Rosa 9-16-11

2011-09-21T21:43:00.000-07:00

I was invited to show some work for 914 Gallery's last event...

+SUB ROSA+

It was a great night filled with great people and music.

Thanks to Ryan and Antonio for the invite and

thanks to everyone who stopped by and for gracing the night with your good vibes.
I wish I took better pics. The whole thing was a whirlwind.

small photoset:

http://photobucket.com/sub-rosa-9-16-11
*thanks to v.duarte for helping to document the night.

MOS 2011

2011-09-19T21:27:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was the annual Meeting of Styles graffiti 'expo'.

Here's my piece:

thanks Revel, for the pic.

There were a total of 12 artists on this wall.

Check back soon for a photo of the whole production.

The Friday before the painting session there was a gallery exhibit

showcasing artwork from various local artists

at the Zhou Bros. Art Center.

"Que Sera"

roughly 4'x6'

mixed media on wood panel

contact me if interested.

New Works

2011-09-11T12:07:00.000-07:00

Excited to be working on some new pieces.

Will be showing 5-8 new pcs. at an exclusive event this Friday.

(invite only)

Let's do this.

A Sampling of Photos

2011-09-11T03:35:00.000-07:00

I enjoy photography.

I hope to get better at it.

North Coast Festival

2011-09-05T12:48:00.000-07:00

I was invited to paint at the Reader's Living Art Gallery

section this past weekend by long time friend CZR PRZ.

"A Menina"

spray paint on wood board

(middle seam was edited out)

2 New Stickies

2011-08-24T23:40:00.000-07:00

some new sticker ish.

too dope to put up... smh.

sticky

2011-08-18T15:54:00.000-07:00

where shall this new diddy go?

Blah

2011-08-14T01:06:00.000-07:00

blah blah

sharpie drawings on Simone's coasters...

i trade 'em for drinks

blah

i keep the best ones though.

blah

i've also been drawing on stickers...

this one is FFFino's.

always willing to trade.

a couple drawing app sketches...

blah.

Limited Edition Prints

2011-06-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

Took a class on silkscreen printing over the weekend. It was my first attempt and I learned a lot. It was quite a fun experience and if you haven't tried it already, I suggest you do.

"Solo 1"

19x25

acrylic on

110lb Smart White paper

I made 20 prints and I have 13 available.

Contact me if you're interested.

Thanks.

CROM

2011-06-01T18:16:00.000-07:00

D.

2011-05-15T09:45:00.000-07:00

Thinking of working up this caricature sketch of Derrick Rose into a print-worthy piece.

Union

2011-05-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

In November, I was approached to create a graffiti-style interior design/mural for a new sushi + barbeque restaurant opening in May of 2011 in Chicago's River North Area.

It was to be graffiti with a touch of 'street art' and a subtle blending of japanese motifs. The final result was a rare blend of these, mixed with my own brand of contemporary graffiti.

Coupled with the incredible decor of the restaurant, I feel this is one of Chicago's most unique and interesting late night places to dine and drink.

I'll upload final shots of the restaurant soon.

For more on Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar GO HERE.

Fight For Your Right (To Party) Tribute

2011-04-30T18:04:00.000-07:00

a tribute to the Beastie Boys FFYR (tp) video

from the 1986 Licensed To Ill album.

I've always been a Beastie Boys fan. One day, I was watching the FFYR video and had the idea to draw every single person that appears in it.

It started out as a simple excercise in character design and quickly grew into a serious project. A few tally revisions and 49 days later and this mission is complete, with a total of 42 characters done.

When researching for this I came across a photo of Elijah Wood, Seth Rogen and Danny McBride dressed as the Beastie Boys for a new video called "Make Some Noise".

Turns out the video and the FFYR Revisited short was made last year and debuted at Sundance and 2011 is the 25th Anniversary of the L.T.I. album with the new album; "Hot Sauce Committee, Part2" dropping this Tues. May, 3rd. What a coincidence! As if I needed anymore motivation to do this.

So, here it is. I hope you like it!

*larger image may come later.

Big ups to the Beastie Boys for sharing your music with the world and inspiring countless others to do the same... Please accept this as a personal 'thank you' for all the good times we've shared, albeit indirectly.

-Solo.

*Click HERE to peep an animated gif of all the character's head shots!

Joakim

2011-04-27T00:26:00.001-07:00

Was Ist Das?

2011-04-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

3̶4̶ 36 Character Project

2011-04-20T18:47:00.000-07:00

It's been almost a month since I've posted anything here, mainly due to a pretty cool gig I just wrapped up this past weekend. I'll post more on that once I get the ok.

So, aside from a few things I'm working on, I got the crazy idea to start working on what was supposed to be a 34 character illustration, but now has gone up to 36. I don't want to say what the 'theme' is just yet. I feel like I'll never finish it unless I kept it a secret.

Here's a teaser image though:

*this is obviously only 11 characters but I do have 14 done.

Peace!

Some Photos

2011-03-24T00:16:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I'm taking pictures.

Diggin' Around

2011-03-06T20:16:00.000-08:00

Found some random pieces to share.

A couple flyer pieces:

The Music Avengers; Jesse De La Pena & Eric Williams

The big SASS.

A character created for Dj Revel's "I Got Dibs" roaming dj series.

Some environment graffiti for Tony Hawk: SHRED (wii)

Two pieces for a Darkstalkers Tribute book:

A sketch.

And the final spray painted version.

Woah! Airbrushed Tshirt?!

My take on Doctor Octopus.

A couple characters for a show at The Beer Run Gallery. These were printed 3'x4'.

Four environment roughs for the Nightmare On Elm Street remake, that were never used.

And a little I don't know what.

Catch you on the flip...

Q's Piece

2011-03-06T19:36:00.000-08:00

A painting that was started at the Beer Run Gallery's New Years Eve event which was raffled off later that night. (finished later that week)

The painting is now in residence at DJ Quincy's place.

For all you House music lovers, check him out Wednesdays at http://chicagohousefm.co.uk/#djprofiles Audiofiles.

Been busy...

2011-03-04T14:57:00.001-08:00

...with a couple things that I hope to share with you soon.

Here's some random stuff I've done.

Detail from a piece I'm working on.

This is a pinup for Alejandro Rosado's

Sofa Kingdom C2E2 comic.

ST!ZO is the mf'n man!

My take on our political system.

That is all.

Snow.

2011-02-01T20:38:00.001-08:00

Victorian Lady

2011-01-21T11:56:00.000-08:00

Recently watched From Hell for the first time earlier this week. There's something about the Victorian age in London that I find mesmerizing.

Thugonomics

2011-01-15T11:55:00.000-08:00

My piece for the WBEZ Winter Blockparty at CUAS.

Thugonomics

24" x 36"

Mixed media on canvas.

Menina Bonita

2011-01-14T11:51:00.000-08:00

Menina Bonita

16"x20"

Mixed media on cradled wood panel.

Now available.

*Contact me if interested.

-S.

Mystery Sketches

2011-01-11T17:25:00.000-08:00

I was going through some stuff in the attic and came across a ton of old drawings from 1990 to 2005. What a trip down memory lane.

Among the piles were these digital sketches I apparently drew in 2004, but I don't remember drawing them.

I like the one on the top right.

I'm going to select a bunch to upload in a blog post entitled "Old School."

Stay tuned.

For Friends

2011-01-05T18:55:00.000-08:00

Color drawings for some friends.

*Vermillion!

I'll post the second drawing after it's been delivered.

WBEZ Blockparty

2010-12-27T18:55:00.000-08:00

Artwork for WBEZ's 3rd Annual Blockparty at CUAS.

For more info:

http://www.wbez.org/event/2011-01-15/winter-block-party

Centerstage Interview

2010-12-07T10:20:00.000-08:00

I was recently interviewed for Centerstage's Arts/Words section by Jeff Min.
Peep it at the link below:

http://www.centerstagechicago.com/art/articles/solorm.html

Gov. Pat Quinn

2010-12-06T17:42:00.001-08:00

My submission for the Pork & Politics show.

I normally don't like mixing art and politics, but this was fun.

18"x24" framed

Digital print on satin paper.

Omhelzingen

2010-11-22T20:44:00.000-08:00

Been working outside my comfort zone lately.

Pork & Politics

2010-11-19T04:14:00.001-08:00

I'll be showing a themed piece at this show.

Please stop by and check it out and say hi.

*I'll post my piece the day of the show.

23 E. Madison St. (between Wabash & State)
*Satellite Pop-up walk-by located at: 29 W. Randolph St.

Opening Reception:
December 3rd, 2010, 5PM - 10PM
Show runs til December 31st

Guest artists including…

Hebru Brantley, Peter Cuba, Dan Lacey, Don’t Fret, Julia Haw, SOLO, Lashun F. Tines, TNOP & Tom Torluemke

Focus

2010-11-12T09:43:00.000-08:00

I'd like to write and illustrate a graphic novel in this style.

This second piece was an experiment on several levels.

I Heard Them Say

2010-11-05T00:45:00.000-07:00

Nothing Is Ever Promised Tomorrow Today.

Dia De Los Muertos

2010-11-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

Will be showing this piece at a Dia de los Muertos show this month, more details later.

OTD Ghouls

2010-11-01T14:56:00.000-07:00

In case you didn't know, about a year ago I started an online comic dedicated to sneakerhead culture that stars four main characters; Mikey, Kazuki, Derek and Tino, called On The Daily. Contrary to popular belief, I do not release it daily or even weekly. It's put out whenever I can.

From time to time I'll switch things up and offer wallpaper images, pinups or what have you.

These four images were made to celebrate Halloween. I normally don't post OTD artwork here, that's what the OTD BLOG is for, but I felt extra happy with the way these came out. I tried out, what for me, are some new techniques and I am pleased...which doesn't happen that often. I hope you dig them.

Nouveau

2010-10-23T13:33:00.000-07:00

Friday painting session.

Oltre

2010-10-22T02:28:00.000-07:00

Started out as a doodle, but quickly became very involved.

Tis the season.

Turmoil

2010-10-19T14:07:00.000-07:00

I'm happy with it.

Hyde Park Wall

2010-10-11T19:21:00.000-07:00

A couple of friends and I painted today.

*I'll post the whole wall soon.

Tony Hawk SHRED

2010-10-04T18:32:00.000-07:00

Chicago based video game developer Robomodo is due to release the 2nd installment of the revamped Tony Hawk skateboarding franchise. Renamed "SHRED" instead of RIDE, it will hit stores on October 22nd.
And once again, I was hired to create a lot of the graffiti that enveloped a few of the environments.
This time around was a little more fun due to more freedom as the levels I worked on were not based on any American city.
I really had a great time working on this and thanks to my old homies from Studio Gigante/EA for giving me the chance to work with them again.

I'll try to post better picks when I get the go ahead.

Influence Map

2010-09-30T00:55:00.000-07:00

A lot of people on DA have been making Influence Maps lately. There's also a '15 artists in 15 minutes' thing on Facebook where you name 15 artists that you like, are influences or inspire you. You're not supposed to think about it too much and just say what immediately comes to mind. It's peaked my interest so here's mine:

I tried not to leave anything out but there's not enough space to include everything.
*I'll give a drawing to whoever names the most.

N

2010-09-28T15:03:00.000-07:00

Sift

2010-09-26T12:00:00.001-07:00

All Kinds of Stuff

2010-09-25T19:10:00.002-07:00

Been a while since I posted anything. Enjoy.

A collaboration with Mr. Tastees we did early this year:

Some superhero stuff:

On old airbrushed shirt and a pencil drawing:

An owl for Brooks:

Me & Louis V:

Wizard World drawings:

Something old:

And something new:

-S

Scraps

2010-08-17T15:25:00.001-07:00

Remix...

2010-08-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

Stuff For Sale

2010-07-22T21:48:00.001-07:00

New flyer art.

Might have to re-do this.

Azure

2010-07-10T19:08:00.000-07:00

Got in some much needed painting.

Martha

2010-06-10T10:40:00.001-07:00

A piece dedicated to the memory of Martha Gonzalez.

Blessed friend, you will forever live on in the hearts of
all the people you’ve touched in life.
We are grateful, stronger and better for having shared time together.
Love always.

Menina Vermelha

2010-06-10T10:24:00.000-07:00

A new piece I've been working on here and there for a while now.
Finally finished it last night.
Mixed media on wood panel.

Sketches For New Painting

2010-06-01T11:13:00.001-07:00

May work up the little dude in the middle.

Black china marker on newsprint.

Still Bill

2010-05-20T15:42:00.000-07:00

JDLP is planning a 'music of Bill Withers' night sometime soon.
This image is for the flyer, be on the look out.

For more on Bill Withers:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Withers
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1333117/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9Q2DFms1tA
peace.

Volledig

2010-05-03T20:08:00.000-07:00

R02-07

2010-04-30T08:50:00.000-07:00

B&W's.

and a dash of color.

Guru

2010-04-29T23:17:00.001-07:00

Rest in Peace Keith Elam -GURU.
(July 17, 1961 – April 19, 2010)

+GiftedUnlimitedRhymesUniversal+

Flyer art for a Guru Tribute.

JDLP presents the GURU Tribute
Sunday May 9th 2010
@ Crocodile
1540 N. Milwaukee Ave.

DJs: RUDE ONE & JESSE DELA
spinning the best of GURU & GANG STARR related music all night!
Hosted by DIRTY M.F.
No cover, Drink specials & Free pizza
(8pm-2am) 21+

Random

2010-04-29T20:14:00.001-07:00

I can't get my Painter to work for some reason so I'm using some new brushes in p'shop.
This one is for Andy K.

New Piece

2010-04-23T20:14:00.000-07:00

These are just three parts of the whole.

I'll post the full piece some other time.

CHI-CITY FELLOWSHIP

2010-04-23T18:27:00.001-07:00

Let's see where this goes...

The rain kept me home tonight, but I don't mind.

Girly

2010-04-21T23:31:00.000-07:00

An illustration for a party flyer. It feels good to do some non-OTD work.

J Dilla

2010-04-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

For Jesse de la Pena's J Dilla tribute of sorts.

info:

Jesse De La Pena presents a showing of

Suite for Ma Dukes

"The music of James 'J Dilla' Yancey"

Miguel Atwood-Ferguson

with a 60 piece orchestra

Sunday, April 25th 8:30pm sharp!

Dj's

Sean Doe

New Life

Jesse De La Pena

will be spinning J Dilla music and videos all night.

CROCODILE

1540 N. Milwaukee Ave.

21+ No Cover.

-Solo

SOLO x MR. TASTEES

2010-04-15T10:50:00.000-07:00

Coming soon.

It's been a couple of months

2010-03-16T15:17:00.000-07:00

Suffice it to say that I've been busy. So I thought I'd post some pics of a little wall production I'm doing with a couple friends.

It's been a minute since I've painted any graff so... I'll probably go back and touch it up here and there.

More stuff to come as it gets done.

*full wall production pics coming soon.

Daily...

2009-12-11T11:26:00.000-08:00

Things have been pretty hectic around here lately; insane deadlines, fussy clients, impromptu vacation amongst other things.

But I want to share a project that kinda came out of nowhere and is blossoming into something else before my eyes. I don't want to say too much about it right now, but a few of you already know what it is.

So here it goes...

Enjoy.

Please feel free to leave a comment.

Peace!

-Solo

It's a Hard Knock life....

2009-10-19T11:19:00.001-07:00

My friend Ruben invited me to show some work at a new gallery he and his friends just opened.

I submitted these two.

quickie...

2009-10-03T17:25:00.000-07:00

Been a while....

Been busy.

Random-ish...

2009-09-25T09:05:00.001-07:00

A quick post before I get back to work!

later.

Animation stills...

2009-09-23T21:02:00.000-07:00

I've been messing around with how my work would look as an anime. Always wanted to get into traditional animation to some extent.

I'm not talking about 3d animation, really, but i would love to direct a 3d feature. Who's down?!
-Pretty serious about that.

Anyhoo...enjoy. I'll be working on some stuff, hope to post regularly again.

Congratulations MJ!

2009-09-11T15:08:00.000-07:00

Some good news today....
The one and only Michael Jordan will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame today.
Congrats Mike!

....

2009-09-11T13:01:00.000-07:00

....

.....sad day today.

the random four...

2009-09-10T10:41:00.001-07:00

Nothing to see here people. Keep moving...

Sketchin...

2009-09-07T19:10:00.000-07:00

Painter & CS3.

JUGRNAUT FAM!

2009-09-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

These are four of the coolest cats you'll ever meet.
Joker, B.Easy, Manny and Mr. Rogers!

The elements behind local fashion spot Jugrnaut. <-click
Stop by if you can.
*just a sketch for something later...

envelope sketch 2...

2009-09-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

Quick sketch...

Colored in cs3.
Please recycle people.

Itching to paint!

2009-08-31T12:59:00.000-07:00

Seriously, it's been at least 3 months since I
bought these.
I can't wait to actually try them out.
-No CFC's, good for the environment.
-Matt finish, good for photo taking.
-Low pressure and new stock cap, great for awesome detail work.
*****

DAV PUNK!

2009-08-27T11:04:00.000-07:00

A while ago I gave my friend Dave Pasciuto, aka Dav Punk, a black and white drawing of Batman for him to color whenever he had time. Six months later....
He finished it up:

I always color my own stuff, but it's really cool to see how someone else would approach it.
Feels like something out of an anime.
Great job Dave!

2 years of Dreamstable blog posts...

2009-08-25T21:25:00.000-07:00

I should be working on WORK... shoot, I should be sleeping!
But, I had one more post to make today.

A long time ago in a galaxy called '3months b4 getting laid off from EA'...
A couple of friends, Dave P., Ryan H. and I started an art blog as a way to keep inspired
and shake off the haze from the daily grind.
We posted almost daily for a while but the gdam real world would eventually
get the best of us. Over and over. Sadbears...
Eventually we all parted ways, but we tried to keep the blog going.
As of this past April I made my last post on it and only recently began
a whole knew one for myself as a way to document things and art and stay
motivated, and I think it's going well.

Today, August 26th, 2009 marks the 2yr anniversary of of first post on the DreamStable blog.
So I made a little 'poster' of sorts to commemorate that day and that blog.

G'nite!