Archive for May, 2009

For those of you not signed up on my email list here is a mass email I just sent out.

Hello All!

This might be a long message so I’ll tell you the main points here and if there is something interesting to you then you can scroll on down the screen and read more about it. Here we go.

- two new videos have been uploaded to the site
- submit your art to “The Envelope Art Project”
- new shipment of art goodies

So, I’m really getting into this video thing. I’m not making anything fancy and there are no big budget summer blockbusters I’m working on, but I’m having fun making videos of artwork and product testing. One new video features some random drawings I’ve found hidden in drawers at my house. The other video will show you a little about the screenprinting process. Check out both videos on my site at:
http://jeffclaassen.com/frameset.htm

The Envelope Art Project is something I started awhile ago. Basically, you draw on an envelope, mail it to me and I post it online. You don’t have to claim to be an artist to do this. It’s just a fun thing to do. Plus, getting snail mail always puts a smile on my face. Send your artistically enhanced envelopes to:

CLAASSEN GALLERY
1118 MORRO ST
SAN LUIS OBISPO CA 93406

Keep in mind that anything goes. Visit my Flickr page to see all the submitted envelopes that have been sent in so far.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sxtyfoursquares/sets/72157607350379753/

For you art makers out there I recently received a HUGE order of Montana Spray Paint. Currently I have 59 colors of MTN Hardcore available. I also have some super cool glow in the dark spray paint along with spray adhesive and a big variety of spray paint caps for different effects. Keep in mind this paint isn’t only for art applications. I now have customers that are using this paint for their custom bicycles, furniture, picture frames, etc. Before you rush to the hardware store to buy a watered down cheap paint come by the gallery and check out the plethora of amazing colors that are available.

Also, a shipment is scheduled to arrive on May 28 that will include a good selection of Sakura Solid Markers, Smash Ink, a couple of new graffiti documentary DVD’s, and a few other goodies.

Thanks for reading!

Jeff

Just a little clip of some random drawings I found floating around some abandoned drawers in my house. They range in date from about 1999-2006 if I remember correctly. Some were drawn with the intention of being framed, hung and sold. Others were simply doodles done while sitting in boring meetings when I had a dead end day job as a “customer service” rep at this company in Los Angeles.

A few days ago I screenprinted some new delicious tote bags. Each one is essentially an “original” because the layout of the prints is different on each bag. Enjoy the video. And here are some photos of the completed bags.

I have three new limited editions available now. Each one is a signed and numbered edition of 50 on wood with a clear resin coating. Here are some better detail shots of each one.

A Gaggle Of Lovesick Loners

Keeping Secrets

Lovesick Sea Creatures

All three new prints are available in my etsy shop. Simply click the title of the piece under each photo for more info or to order. Please keep in mind that I do not keep an inventory on etsy. I only list one item at a time, so if you try to purchase one and you are taken to a page saying that the item is no longer available, please just let me know and I will relist the item. The other option is to give me a call between 12-6pm and I can take your credit card number over the phone, 805.391.0361

http://jeffclaassen.etsy.com.
Thanks for taking a look!

I’m working on a big painting for an upcoming art show. There is still a lot of work to be done, but here are a couple of in progress shots to take a look at.

I will post a flyer for the show with all the important info later tonight or tomorrow.

It looks like I’m making my mark in this little town. Thanks people of SLO and The New Times for taking such good care of me.

This is what the strap does when in use. I guess it’s not that bad, but would it stop you from buying one of these covers?

Last night I worked up this cover for those amazing little moleskin notebooks. Personally, I always carry a moleskin in my pocket and I love them.

I made about five prototypes with paper just to get the size right and this is the first one I made with vinyl. I’m almost 100% happy with it. The main problem is that because of the stitching there is more overhang than desired. This wouldn’t be bad except for the fact that if you want to use the elastic strap to keep the notebook closed it bends the top and bottom edges of the cover and that just doesn’t sit well with me.

So, I need your help. If you were as dedicated to moleskins as I am would it bother you to not use the elastic strap at all? More importantly, I’m curious if losing the strap would keep you from buying an artsy cover for your moleskin.

Questions and feedback are encouraged. Afterall, I make this stuff with you in mind.

Chantal brought her iphone case into the gallery about a week ago and asked if I would be able to paint it for her. I’ve never painted a phone case before so I said, “Yes”. I’m stoked with how it came out too.

I’m totally open to other phone case commissions. This particular case was a hard plastic which I was able to paint on with no problems at all. I’m not sure how those rubber type cases would work. My guess is that it would not work as well because they bend and that might crack the paint. If you’re interested in getting your phone case painted let me know.