On Display: HIP HOP ART SHOW

Exhibit announcement...! My work is now on display at Amen Real Estate, located in Downtown Sacramento! My Rappers Series + Mac Dre relief print pieces will be on exhibit in the office for the entire month of September.

Reception will be held on the 2nd Saturday of September 9/12, from 5:30-9 pm. Refreshments + treats will be served! There will also be a free raffle for an original piece of art! 

Please feel free to invite + share with your fellow art lovers! #SupportLocalArt

Cheers!
Noonie

Cali State Fair 2015

One of my all time favorite things to do in the Summer is to head out to the California State Fair, which is held every July here in Sacramento. I missed out on it last year, which made attending this year that much more exciting! It was me and my honey's first time going to the fair together, and of course we had a blast!

The very first thing we did was head to the exhibition buildings to check out the art! Admiring the works from artists all over Cali is my favorite part about the fair! This year was no different! There were so many amazing pieces + inspiration to be seen, here are a few of my favorites....!

After checking out the art we walked the grounds taking it all in. I seriously feel like a kid when I'm at the fair, just ask my honey...! I was pullin him around, so excited to see everything! Definitely an amazing + memorable day at the fair! 

Until next time, Cheers!

<3 Noonie 

Cafe Colonial Exhibit!

Hey friends! Totally forgot to post this earlier but I have an art exhibit currently going down at Cafe Colonial, which is located here in Sacramento, for another week or so! Super stoked to be showing my work with some awesome local artists, including Mark Fox! An artist I've mentioned a few times here on BSOM! :) Go grab yourself a cold one and check it out! 

Cheers!

<3 Noonie 

Life Lately...

Yeah, our bad. It's been a minute since Nelli or I have posted. Guess life has just been a bit hectic lately. That and my laptop gave out on me, boo. So let's catch up shall we...? My adventures from the last few months include...

 

A fun date night Downtown...

We started out the night with a surprise. Nelli + I stumbled upon a painting in the Kennedy Gallery downtown randomly a few months back. The painting was dedicated to the memory of my honey's stepdad, I knew he had no idea about it + so the first stop we made on our venture was to that very gallery to see the piece. He obviously loved it + was super surprised. Afterwards we headed over to Pieces, this bomb pizza joint that wasn't too far from the Gallery. I love their pizza + hadn't been in forever so we checked it out, + of course it didn't disappoint!

      

olive + mushroom pizza...my fav! 

After dinner + beer (I had berry ale) we headed to The Crest theater. I had never been before, but they were playing one of my all time favorite movies The Shinning! Not only was the theater gorgeous, it was super cool to see the old movie on the big screen. 

I must say the atmosphere of the theater was very unique + awesome expierence, very different from any movie theater I had ever been to. Such a fun + memorable night! 

A trip to the mountains...!

I'm not one to ever let my dogs run off leash, mostly because they don't listen that well + I'm a nervous wreck when they're running loose. But my honey finally convinced me they'd be just fine, + so we hit the road with the dogettes in tow up to the mountains. There is a very special place we like to go up past Foresthill + that's exactly where we headed. Once we arrived the dogettes were un clipped from their harnesses + away they went! 

To my surprise they actually didn't run off + not come back when called like I thought they would.

Of course they had a blast running around free, smelling all the new smells + playing ball on the beach. Such a great day! 

A new tattoo...!

Pastel diamond on the inside of my ankle (yes it hurt)! lol

New artistic ventures...

Including the clock above + vase below, which I painted for my Candy Series.

Of course I've created a bunch of new paintings as well, but you'll have to check out my Instagram for pics. ;) 

I also had my 2nd exhibition ever..! 

+ it was a solo show! My work was on display for a month at Shine, a very popular local cafe Downtown. Exhibited some new paintings from my Candy Series, my Matisse Inspired Rappers Series + had my Mac Dre Egg Carton Relief Prints on exhibit for the very first time! 

Such a wonderful opportunity + great exposure for my work!  

I made Chicken Stir Fry for the first time...

It was bomb! Well after I tweaked it a bit it was, lol. I originally served the Chicken + vegetable mix on top of noodles, but after one bite I knew I wasn't going to be satisfied. Immediately back into the kitchen I went, + made some teriyaki white rice to eat with the chicken + veggie mix. So much better. I guess that's what happens sometimes when you try to make something new for the first time, trial + error! 

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A trip to The Crocker...

There was a Taulouse-Lautrec exhibit in town + of course I couldn't miss it! I first fell in love with "the father of commercial posters" work, when I learned about him in an Art History class I took a few years back. It was amazing to actually see his work in person, so inspiring + such a memorable expierence. I also got to see a Mary Cassatt + Manet piece, which was such an unexpected + lovely surprise! So inspired by both of them + admire their place in art history, so to see their works in person was quite the experience! Not to mention the countless other artists work that I got to see, like I said, very inspiring! 

Of course there have been other things going on in my life, + not all of them are pretty. But I've been learning a lot about myself + have come to a lot of realizations, so in the long run it's for the best, although presently it is really hard. Here's to hoping for more good days + a bright future filled with love + happiness.

Until next time, cheers!

<3 Noonie 

Noonie's 1st Solo Exhibit!

About a week + a 1/2 ago I woke up to a text message that said "Can you bring some art in today or tomorrow?". I had no idea who had text me the message, but I responded "Of course! May I ask who this is?" (lol) + that my friends is exactly how it all began + lead to...my very first SOLO exhibit!

 I was chosen to display my art at the Amen Real Estate office that's located in Downtown Sacramento on J + 18th for the entire month of February! There will be an artist reception being held at the office for 2nd Saturday which happens to be Valentine's Day! It's going down from 6:00 pm - 8:00ish PM, + there will be a $1 Raffle being held! The prize being an original "Candy Series" painting I did recently! :) 

If you're in the Sacramento area be sure to go check it out + come celebrate my 1st solo exhibit at the artist reception! I painted 6 new pieces just for this exhibit that I have yet to share anywhere online so they'll be plenty of new pieces for you to see, alongside a few of my 'older' pieces including my "Matisse Inspired Rappers Series"! Super exciting + proud moment for me as an artist! Thank you all for your support + for believing in me + my passion! Words can't describe how appreciative I am! Much love!

Cheers!

<3 Noonie

N+N's Downtown Sac Adventures

photo by: Nelli

Nelli + I had a chance to catch up a few weekends ago! She was up from the bay for the weekend + so Saturday afternoon we took a little adventure Downtown. We started with some coffee from a coffee spot neither of us have ever tried, but Nelli had heard good things (like it was the #1 coffee shop in Sacramento) so we headed to Oak Park where Chocolate Fish is located + ordered up some joe. Nelli had a flat white with almond milk + I had a good ol fashion Mocha, extra sweet of course. 

photo by: Nelli

Bona Fide Artist

As Nelli mentioned a few posts back we've both been blog slackin', our bad. Life has been crazy the past few months for me, between preparing for my first art show + Christmas, the time has just been flying by! But it's definitely a good thing, as I've been spending my time gettin' shit done + it's been paying off! 

My first art show was a total success!  I got lots of exposure + positive feedback on my work, sold my 2nd + 3rd pieces ever, met some awesome fellow artists, my honey bought me my very first original painting from one of these talented people (pic below!), + I was surrounded by my closest friends who came out to support me! I mean it doesn't get much better than that for a first art show or any art show for that matter! I'm beyond thankful that I was given the opportunity to participate in the show + to be grouped with so much talent...it was a true honor + dream come true for me! I guess I can call myself a bona fide artist now  Thank you again to all of my family + friends for your support + for believing in me + my art! It truly means so much to me! 

'Reflections'

Happy Tuesday friends! Wanted to share this photo I snapped a few months back after one of our very first rainstorms here in Sacramento, Cali. Enjoy!

Cheers!

<3 Noonie

Nelli + Noonie's Downtown Sac Adventures

#SacramentoStreetArt

Nelli + I got to hang the other day for the first time since she's been back in Cali Cali! First stop on our venture around Downtown Sacramento? A coffee shop of course! We met at the ever bustling coffee shop Weatherstone. It's literally always busy + crowded with people + for good reason! The coffee is top notch, it's nestled in a cozy part of town, the atmosphere+ space are lovely; the walls filled with art created by local artists, there's plenty of nice outdoor seating on their back patio, + how could I forget to mention the building itself?! I forgot to take a picture of it, but found this one online.

Noonie's 1st Art Show!!

Yeah yeah I know, I've been blog slackin', lol. Life has just been a little hectic for me lately, I guess it all began a few weeks ago when I received word that I was chosen to participate in an art event...my very first art show! You may have already heard the news as I've mentioned it once before on BSOM, but today I thought I'd go a little more into detail + tell ya the whole story of how this exciting news came to be!

Noonie's SN&R Newsstand!

I've always admired SN&R (Sacramento News & Review) newsstands as most of them are covered with original artwork done by local artists from the area. No 2 newsstands are alike for this reason, which is why every time I see one I always take a minute to check out it. You'd be amazed at the variety of different styles/works of art you can find on SN&R newsstands as many different levels of artists have created works on them, from beginning artists (even children) to professionals. As I was to find out none of the artists are paid to embellish the newsstands, which just makes them all the better as these artists created works on them out of pleasure not gain (although it is a good way to promote ones work).

As it turns out I've become one of these newsstand artists, + I couldn't be more excited to share with you my newsstand story! A few months ago I was reading SN&R + I happened to stumble upon an ad calling for local artists who were interested in artsying up their very own newsstand. As soon as I saw the ad I jumped on the opportunity + emailed SN&R telling them I was very interested in the opportunity + the next day I had a response from them telling me to come pick up my newsstand - which I did that exact same day. 

Carmelita's + Classic Signs

Weekend was good. I finally got around to trying this one local Mexican restaurant that goes by the name of Carmelita's. My bf has been telling me about it for some time now as it's his favorite one in the Sacramento area + after trying the food I can see why! I ordered the Enchiladas Verdes plate which consisted of 2 Shrimp enchiladas topped with green enchilada sauce (which I normally don't like but I loved it!) + served with sliced avocado, rice + black beans. Everything tasted so delicious + fresh, I was quite impressed! I also had a fruit infused Margarita which was pretty tasty too, although it could've been a bit stronger (lol). The food wasn't the only thing that impressed me about this restaurant though, the service was outstanding + it was also very beautifully decorated both inside + out! Very ornate. I will definitely be going back! :)

We Interrupt Your Regularly Scheduled Program...

to bring you...The Drags. That's right no A Few of My Favorite Things this week kids. If you're a newbie around here let me explain, every Sunday I usually post a blog about my favorite things from that week. But this week I thought I'd mix it up, just to keep it interesting. But don't be mad, AFOMFT will be back next Sunday. :)

On with the show!

I've been a fan of classic cars ever since I can remember. In fact my very first car was a '61 Mercury Comet. Her name was Delia (yes I name my cars lol) + she was a badass car. I'm sure Nelli remembers her!

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For some reason I never took a picture of Delia, but she looked just like the one picture above. You may have noticed the past pretense I just used, Delia + I ended up parting ways after she got hit in an accident, but my love of old cars didn't die with her. In fact a piece of Delia didn't die either as I still have a hubcap of hers that I took off before she was hauled away. But like I said my love of old cars didn't die with her as there's just something about a classic car that lights me up! They just have so much character, with their sometimes large fenders + unique body lines + the details of the car make them so much more pleasing to the eye, at least to me. I mean yeah some newer cars are cool but few of them can compare to the beauty of a classic car.

One of my favorite cars of the day!

After reading all that I'm sure you can tell how much of a classic car enthusiast I really am. So when my bf suggested we go to the drags (that's drag races) out at the Sacramento Raceway a few weekends ago I was so down! Although I've been to plenty of classic car shows over the years, I had never been to the drags before so I was super excited to go see both classic + modern cars racing, trying to cross the line closest to their specific set time!

Love me a classic Chevy! 

I also got to see Jet cars for the first time, which was pretty damn cool! A Jet car is a suuuppeerrr fast race car that has an actual engine from a Jet plane! This souped up car not only shoots out super long flames, but also goes an impressive 300 MPH in 5 seconds while doing so! Talk about an intense piece of machinery! But the passes we saw we're not only of cars, but of motorcycles too! Souped up nitro powered Harley's to be exact, now that was a sight to see! I've never seen a motorcycle go so quickly! I'm talkin' speeds of up to 160 + MPH! Now that's quick for a 4 wheeled vehicle, let alone a motorcycle! 

This bad boy had 2 engines! 

It was quite impressive to see these skilled drivers doing what they do best! Although it was a hot day, I had such an awesome time with my bf watching the drags for the first time + checking out all the awesome cars! 

Ready...Set...GO! 
| Sacramento Raceway|

You bet I'll be back out at that track again soon! 

Until next time friends...Cheers!!!

<3 Noonie

RIP Downtown Plaza

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Rest in Pieces Downtown Plaza, you will be missed. My once favorite mall in Sacramento is currently being ripped apart + torn down *sniffle* in order to make way for a brand new King's arena. I'll admit the Plaza wasn't what it once was before they started tearing it down, but I'm still going to miss it. I loved its location right off of J St. +  how it was an outdoor mall (the only one around Sacramento in fact). I have so many favorite memories of the Downtown Plaza since I have been going there ever since I was about 8 years old. I thought it'd be fun to take a little trip down memory lane + share some of my favorite Downtown Plaza memories as well as a few photos from my very last trip there, which I consequently wish I would've taken more of. 

2nd story views

Views looking out from the back of the Plaza

The path to Old Sacramento

* Dad used to take us to the DTP all of the time on our weekends with him. There would always be different exhibits we'd go see at the Plaza from Dinosaur Days to Gold Rush Days, I remember it like it was yesterday. Fun times.

* Another favorite DTP memory of mine happened when I was about 15 or so + my mom took me prom dress shopping there to get my Jr. prom dress. We checked out all the stores + I finally found one at the Jessica McClintock store. Now that I think about it I also got my Sr. prom dress from the DTP on another trip with mom, this time we scored my prom dress at Macy's. Mom still has those dresses boxed up somewhere but I'll always remember those times she took me to get my prom dresses at the DTP.

* Going shopping after school or sometimes ditching to go shopping with Nelli when we were in high school. We lived in the little old town of Galt so we'd always go to Sacramento to hit the malls when we wanted to go shopping. The DTP was our favorite though, because it had a huge Forever 21, way bigger than the old Forever 21 that's in the Arden Mall.

* + last but not least, I'll remember all of the weridos I saw + encountered at the DTP. Because of it's location there were always colorful characters around the Plaza, this never deterred me from wanting to go to there though, but actually added to the experience. One memory of an encounter with a werido at the Plaza that really pops out is this one occasion...I was at the mall with a friend + we were going up the escalator. Well I went to go grab the railing of the escalator + this guy behind me yells "DON'T TOUCH IT!". He must've been a germaphobe or something. His rant startled me for a minute of course but I held the laughter in + smiled at my friend. We busted up laughing as soon as he walked away. Good times, good times.

Although they are tearing down the DTP at least they aren't going to tear down the tunnel that connected the DTP to Old Sacramento, it's one of my favorite features of the DTP area. I just love all of the murals painted throughout the tunnel + how they play music in the tunnel, especially during the holidays when they play Christmas music, specifically the Charlie Brown theme song.

I shall miss you Downtown Plaza. 
(Yes that's me waving)

Although you will no longer be a mall, I know you will go on to be a lovely basketball arena, lol.

Until next time friends...Cheers!!

<3 Noonie

Artist State of Mind: Russell Willis |Abstract Expressionist Painter|

I'm so so excited to introduce you to a very talented Abstract Expressionist painter by the name of Russell Willis who also happens to be a Sacramento based artist! In fact he's the very first Sacramento based artist to be featured here on BSOM! Pretty damn cool right? I thought so. :) I discovered Russ's work by way of Instagram + I immediately loved his unique style + the bright palette he paints with. Definitely eye catching work! 

Enjoy the show! :)

Meet Russell!

Current City: Sacramento....Cali

BSOM: What artist do you feel has influenced or inspired you the most?

RW: William De Kooning and Jean Michel Basquiat...oh and never forget.

BSOM: What types of art do you prefer?

RW: I love things that push the art form. Art that moves you and you feel something.

BSOM: When you first began creating art, what medium did you experiment with first?

RW: Spray paint but I haven't used that in a while. It's about the brush nowadays :)

BSOM: What is your favorite medium to use + why?

RW: Painting in acrylic is what I've been working with and it's what I enjoy.

BSOM: What creative medium would you love to pursue but haven't yet? 

RW: I want to work on some 3d projects...and maybe film.

BSOM: How long have you been consciously creating art?

RW: For maybe 7 years...but I feel I'm getting into a grove.

The man behind the art!

BSOM: Are you a self taught artist or did someone show you the ropes?

RW: Self taught...but I do learn from the greats...they left huge shoes to fill.

BSOM: Do you have any other creative outlets?

RW: I write a little music. Check out soundcloud.com/colorbully

BSOM: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

RW: I draw inspiration from life and beautiful and ugly things.

BSOM: Have you ever suffered from artist block? If so how did you get past it? 

RW: No because I give myself breaks to recharge the energy.

BSOM: Does your art shape you? Or do you shape your art? (just want to hear your opinion)

RW: Yes it shapes me. It helps me grow mentally and spiritually.

BSOM: Do you create art more for yourself or for others to enjoy?

RW: I like to paint for all to enjoy. One day I hope they all will.

BSOM: Is there a purpose to your artwork?

RW: I paint to release trapped energy.

BSOM: What's your favorite subject matter?

RW: The human body and how can I make it abstract for fun.

BSOM: Are you currently working on any projects? If not, do you have anything in mind for your next piece?

RW: I have this large yellow painting of humans abstracted. I'll post it on Instagram soon.

BSOM: Have you sold any pieces, or would you be willing to sell any pieces?

RW: I sell work regularly.

BSOM: Do you have a favorite experience as an artist?

RW:  Just growing each time the brush touches the canvas.

Artist in action!

BSOM: Do you have a favorite art gallery?

RW: Gallery 2110, The Urban Hive, The Crocker, The Brickhouse...all in Sacramento CA.

BSOM: Do you have a favorite art blog you'd like to shout out?

RW: Shout out to BSOM...many blessings to them.

BSOM: Which social network has been the most successful for promoting your art?

RW: Instagram is great for promoting art.

BSOM: If you could see any piece, that you haven't seen before, in person which piece would it be?

RW: Guernica by Pablo Picasso.

BSOM: If you could only look at one piece of art for the rest of your life, what piece would it be?

RW: Woman by God....he stunted when he made her :)

BSOM: If you could meet any artist from any period of time who would it be? What would you ask them?

RW: God....the greatest artist of all time. I would ask him for life advice lol.

BSOM: Any advice for fellow artists?

" Follow you dreams :)"-RW

Check out the links below to see even more of this talented artist's work!

Website: ColorBully.com

Twitter: @ColorBully

Instagram: @DatDudeRus

SoundCloud: ColorBully

                                                         Email: datduderus@yahoo.com

BIG thanks + shout out to Rus for his contribution to BSOM!!

Until next time friends...Cheers!!!

<3 Noonie