“Some artists paint portraits, others paint flowers; I paint the cities that we live in, but never really notice. The paintings are based on photographs taken over the last 30 years. In painting these, I attempt to uncover the grace in the everyday, what Alan Watts called “the mystery of the ordinary.” The places are mostly in southern California, though they could be anywhere. Take a look. You’ve seen these places before, even it you’ve never been there.” ~ Michael Ward

I’m in love with these so much.

http://www.tmichaelward.com

Wonderful! adriancoxart.com

johanbarrios.com

via pacegallery.com

I know a lot of artists… I mean, that’s kind of an understatement. I know a boat load of artists, and I follow a lot of them on social media. It’s pretty common to see studio shots mixed in with life updates etc, but if you follow Josh Byers, aka 60 Watt Funnel on Instagram you’ll get the sense all he does is produce artwork. Like… 24-7. He’s a machine.

He’s clearly telling a story in his work. It’s one of hard working, blue collar ethics in direct conflict (or perhaps more honestly, in direct parallel) with a life of hard drinking and general intense unwinding.

What’s amazing to find out is that he not only seemingly paints full time for a living, but is also a full time craftsman, working with concrete on a daily basis. It all makes sense… the sculptures cast in concrete and covered in concrete bags. The reference to different chemicals as well as different types of alcohol… You couldn’t get more genuine blue color, and low brow while honestly nodding to the high brow.

Josh had an opening this past Friday at my favorite gallery in Toledo, and the work was intense and evolving. Keep an eye on this man, and if you’re in the position to show artists via a gallery or blog / magazine etc, consider reaching out direct. I’m not kidding. This guy is on to something, and it’s honest, solid and soulful.

More images and info on homie’s tumblr.

From Boing Boing. Art based on one of the best movies ever made:

“The absolutely stunning work of Swedish artist Anders Ramsell, who painted each frame as a 1.5 x 3cm work of art. It’s taken him a while to complete the epic job; Pesco wrote about the first three minutes last year. The end result runs about 30 minutes, which is exactly how long Blade Runner should be.”

Hellen Jo is an illustrator based out in California whose work is super punx and is all done in watercolor. If you haven’t checked out her work or haven’t bought one of her zines, I highly recommend doing one or both of these things.