New Work! Phantom Troublemaker vs. Zombies!

Mrs. Troublemaker was nice enough to commission an original painting from me as a Christmas gift to her husband, the Phantom Troublemaker.  "Well what do you want?" I asked.  "It's totally up to you.  It just has to have the Phantom Troublemaker in it".  I thought about it for a few days, did a few sketches, and then the idea hit.  Once it did, I knew exactly what I was going to paint.  I was very flattered to be asked.  And once I had the idea I was excited to see it completed.  Now that Christmas is over, I can finally post it.  It was definitely one of my favorite paintings I've done in a while.  And I'm very glad to hear he likes it.  It's acrylic paint on a 16"x20" canvas.

I used myself as the model for the body and zombie hands with my wife as the photographer.  She also came up with the idea of using a graveyard as the background.  All in all I was very happy with the end result.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everybody!  Check out Comics Alliance 150 comic book Christmas covers to get you in the Christmas mood.  Thanks for a great 2012!

Happy Holidays

I've just added a couple of new prints to my Etsy shop.  I have a couple more to add soon so check back.  It's the holiday season and the Belligerent Monkey has plenty of offerings that make the perfect gift.  Please check out my Etsy shop.  Thanks!

Earth Station One - The 3rd Annual Holiday Gift Guide

I was happy find out that the fine folks over at Earth Station One included my Etsy shop in their annual holiday gift guide.  You can check out the full list and download their podcast HERE.  Good friend of the monkey Phantom Troublemaker joined the ranks of Earth Station One a while back.  They had a large presence at Dragon*Con this past year and recorded a bunch of their panels.  Go to their main site and check out their podcasts!

And more importantly check out my Etsy shop!

Re: ICE Holiday Shopping Spectacular

Thanks to everyone that came to the Indie Craft Experience (ICE) Holiday Shopping Spectacular this past weekend.  I had a great time. Sharing the space with Third Half Studios and Urbnpop was a huge success and I hope to do it again next year.  Nothing better than spending the weekend with friends.  For those people I talked to about commissioned paintings or purchasing something at a later date, please send me an email. 

This was my last show of 2012 so huge thanks to everyone I met this year!  Next stop 2013! 

Indie Craft Experience (ICE) Holiday Shopping Spectacular 11/17-11/18

This weekend I will be at the Indie Craft Experience (ICE) Holiday Shopping Spectacular!  The event will last both Saturday and Sunday (11/17 and 11/18) 11 am - 6 pm both days.  There are free totebags by Urbnpop given out to the 1st 250 people in line both days. The Facebook event page is here.

I'll be in roughly the same spot as last year.  This year I am teaming up with the awesome Third Half Studios and Urbnpop folks and we are going to have our own mini-pop up shop.  We'll be in the back in spaces #78-80.  All our stuff will be displayed together so come check out the Belligerent Third Half Urbnpop Studio Monkeys! (circle c!)

Check out the full list of vendors.  Creative Loafing recently gave it the Best Event award in their Best of Atlanta 2012 issue.  Check out the article here.


And here's a quick video in which the folks at ICE tell you WHY buying handmade is great…and it includes info about the Holiday Shopping Spectacular.




Why Buy Handmade This Holiday Season! from Indie Craft Experience on Vimeo.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween everybody!

Little 5 Points Halloween Festival 10/20/2012

This Saturday I will be in the artist market at Little 5 Points Halloween Parade & Festival.  Come out and see a great parade, fantastic artwork, awesome music, and other Mega-Fantastic Modifiers!  

http://l5phalloween.com/

 

Re: East Atlanta Strut

Thanks to everyone that came out to the East Atlanta Strut this past Saturday.  It was an absolute blast and proved why it's one of my favorite festivals of the year.  Huge thanks to the organizers and everyone that helped put it together.  For those people I talked to about commissioned paintings or purchasing something at a later date, please send me an email.  Next up is the Little 5 Points Halloween Festival and Parade next month!

East Atlanta Strut - Saturday 9/15

I will be in the artist market of the East Atlanta Strut this coming Saturday (9/15).  Come check it out.  It's one of my favorite festivals of the year and always a blast.  There will be a lot of great artists, bands, and booze to keep everyone entertained.  I will be in Booth #54 right next to the amazing ladies of Third Half Studios.  We'll be on Glenwood Avenue near the FlatIron.  Hope to see you there!

Dragon*Con 2012

Dragon*Con 2012 was a blast. Even though I'm still in recovery mode, I can't wait for next year (and have already booked the hotel room).  Here are some of the things I saw/learned this year.

George Perez is the nicest/awesomest/best comic book artist in the world.  He is always very nice and seems to genuinely have a blast at the convention wandering the hotels and taking photos with fans.  On top of that he's one of the all time greatest comic book artists out there and I'm lucky to have gotten some convention sketches from him. 

Georges Jeanty is pretty great too.  I picked up a couple of his Buffy prints last year.

There was a great representation of Atlanta artists including Third Half Studios, UrbnPop, Derek Yaniger, Red Rocket Farm, and HC Warner.  

I ended up with Derek's Dragon*Con 2012 print below (image stolen from Needless Things' Dragon*Con writeup which is similar to this one only much better written). 

re: Grant Park Summer Shade Festival

Thank you to everyone that came out to the Grant Park Summer Shade Festival this past weekend.  I had a great time and look forward to next year.  For those people I talked to about commissioned paintings or purchasing something at a later date, please send me an email.  Next up is the East Atlanta Strut in 3 weeks!

Grant Park Summer Shade Festival - August 25 & 26th

I will be at the Grant Park Summer Shade Festival this coming weekend (August 25 & 26th).  The festival will be going from 10a-10p on Saturday and 11a-7:30p on Sunday.  This will be my first year there and I can't wait.  I have a ton of new stuff I can't wait to show off.  I hope you make it out!

Check out their website for more information:  http://www.summershadefestival.org/

View Larger Map

New Work! Blasters N' Roses

Here's a new image I just finished.  I've done it as a digital print and as a painting.  The print is ink on 8.5"x11" Strathmore textured paper with a white border (now available on Etsy!).  The painting is acrylic paint on a 16"x20" stretched canvas.

I will have both at the upcoming Grant Park Summer Shade Festival on August 25 & 26.  Come out to see them in person!

New Work! Zombies Take Over Atlanta!

Here are some new paintings I just finished.  They are all acrylic paint on 16"x20" canvas.  They are of the Belligerent Monkey zombie in front of some landmarks all across Atlanta, GA.  Prints are in the works and should be up on my Etsy shop soon.  I have a couple of these as actual framed photos.  Check them out here.  These were fun to paint and I plan on finding a few more landmarks to do.  If there is a specific landmark you want to see (Atlanta or otherwise), please let me know!

 

 

New Painting - Toy Gun

This one is kind of the opposite how I normally work.  Normally I start with the painting and move to a print. For this one I actually created the digital print a few years ago and I just got around to putting it on canvas.  This is an acrylic painting on a 12"x24" stretched canvas.  I changed up the coloring a little bit.  What coloring scheme do you like better? The print or painting?   

 

The print is currently available on Etsy.  Check it out here.

The Belligerent Monkey on MarthaStewart.com

Last year I mentioned that I drew a couple of things that were used for my good friends' wedding invitations.  It was a fantastic wedding held in Positano, Italy.  We were lucky enough to attend and had a blast.  Now over a year later their wedding got a write up on MarthaStewart.com.  They were nice enough to mention me when they talked about the invitations and linked to my website.  Check out the article and gorgeous photos from the wedding here.  The photos of the view barely do it justice.  Congrats again to the happy couple and thanks!

Life Size Han Solo in Carbonite @ Dakota Blue

I painted a life size Han Solo in carbonite on an old door a couple years back.  He  has been hanging out with the fine folks at the Village Theatre.  But today I hung him up at Dakota Blue.  Check him out!

Dakota Blue

454 Cherokee Avenue Southeast  

Atlanta, GA 30312

Zombie Photographs

I took my zombie designs and added them to some real world photographs.  These are photos I've taken of a partially built school, a burned down house, a junk yard, and of a couple classic Atlanta landmarks.  I have some of these printed as photographs and framed.  They made their debut at the Days of the Dead convention earlier this year but I never posted them online.  Check them out...

re: Kirkwood Festival

Big thanks to everyone that came out to the Kirkwood Festival this past weekend.  I had a great time and look forward to next year.  For those people I talked to about commissioned paintings or purchasing something at a later date, please send me an email.  This was the last festival of the spring for me and I will be taking a well deserved and needed break for a couple of months.  Until then check out Etsy, the Village Theatre, Criminal Records, Youngblood Gallery, Dakota Blue, and here for new stuff.  Thanks everybody!

 

Kirkwood Spring Fling - May 19th

I will be at the Kirkwood Spring Fling this coming Saturday May 19th.  After 3 festivals in 4 weeks, this will be my last one of the spring while I take a couple of months off.  Come by and say hello.  I will be in Booth #74 right next to Third Half Studios and Urbn Pop. 

Click on the photo to get the full size version.  I'll be in the bottom right hand corner near the corner of Ridgedale Rd and Norwood Ave.

Avondale Estates Art-B-Que - May 5th and 6th

Huge thanks to everyone I met/saw at Inman Park Festival this past weekend.  Festival season continues with this coming weekend's Art-B-Que in Avondale Estates!  I will be there both Saturday & Sunday.  Last year was my 1st year there and I had a blast. This year should be even better!  I'm restocking and will have some new stuff....

Here's the map or click here for directions :

 

Inman Park Festival 4/28-29/12 (Noon – 6:00pm)

I will be a vendor at this coming weekend's Inman Park Festival.  I will be set up all weekend April 28 and 29, 2012 (Noon – 6:00pm)!  Last year was my 1st as a vendor and I had a blast.  Can't wait for this year!

I will be at the Avondale Art-B-Que the following weekend, take a weekend off, then be back at the Kirkwood Festival.  Hope you to see you at 1 of them!

The Village Theater

The Village Theater recently moved and just had their grand opening at their new location.  Their new place is in the Pencil Factory Lofts just down the street from the old spot below Lenny's (RIP).

349 Decatur Street Southeast, Suite L 

Atlanta, GA 30312

I've had art hanging on their walls since they opened in 2008 and I'm happy to say they saved me a spot at the new location.  The new space is amazing and I'm very happy for them.  Check out their photos of the construction.  If you've never been or haven't been in a while, go check them out!  Tickets are only $10 and they have a brand new bar ready to serve.  Check out their website for dates/times/tickets.  Large groups can get discounts! Call the box office for more info.

villagecomedy@gmail.com

Box Office: 404-688-8858

Open Tues - Sat 10am - 6pm

I highly recommend checking them out.  It's always a lot of fun.  I always like the Improv Asshole shows on Saturday nights (but any other night is good too).  For more information, here is a much better written article about their grand opening.

On Twitter?  Follow them at https://twitter.com/villagetheatre .

And here's a blurry/crappy cell phone pic of my art hanging on their freshly painted wall!

PLF!

Checking In

It's been pretty quiet around the Belligerent Monkey HQ.  My real job has been keeping me extra busy these days (which is a great thing) but it's limited my time painting and working on new things.  Plus I just got back from a great week long family vacation to Orlando where we went to Disney and Universal.  Not planning a full write up but I will say the Spider-Man, Harry Potter, and new Star Tours rides were all great.  Back to the real world and 100+ work emails to catch up on.  Going to be a busy few weeks as the spring festivals are about to start up.  I'll post more news later but I will be at Inman Park, Avondale Art-B-Q, and Kirkwood again this year.

Here are some photos from the Universal Marvel Super Hero Island. They really did a great job with the comic book stuff.  These are a mix of this years and some from a couple years ago.  They have updated Captain America to look more like the movie and Cyclops, Storm, Rouge, and Wolverine have all been updated from their 90s cartoon look to a more current comic book look.  I love the Namor above the bathrooms.

 

re: Days of the Dead Atlanta

I'm finally recovered from this past weekend's Days of the Dead - Atlanta convention.  While I had mixed opinions on some things, I had a blast attending and met a lot of great people.  Thanks to everyone that I met.  If we talked about a commissioned piece or something to grab later, please send me an email.

The Phantom TroubleMaker and the Ms. Phantom TroubleMaker were there all weekend and were nice enough to help set up my booth.  It was my 1st convention and I was really happy with the new display.  

It was a very diverse crowd with attendees and vendors from all over the country.  They definitely went for an all night experience after the vendor and celebrity rooms closed.  Unfortunately my obligations as a vendor kept me from staying out too late both nights.  I did meet a few people that were apparently big fans of "staying awake".  And your typical drunken shenanigans ensued throughout the weekend.  I was in the bar Friday night when someone pulled the fire alarm and multiple fire trucks showed up.  And apparently sometime Saturday night one of the elevators was filled with furniture including chairs, tables, and a lamp.  I had a great time hanging out with my wife and our friends.  Highlights included the starlit walk down Rapey Lane to dinner, my wife's $18 vodka drink at the hotel bar, Rowdy Roddy Piper's standup, and the really drunk guy with the cloudy smelling drink.  


During the day I really wasn't able to wander too much.  I popped into the celebrity room once or twice just to see who was there.  I went through the toy room a few times.  I grabbed a couple things from Galaxy of Junk for my daughter.  They had a GI Joe USS Flagg set up and I wish I had gotten a photo of it.  That thing is pretty damn impressive in person.  On Saturday I noticed someone was going through my prints in the spinner rack, they mumbled a compliment, then walked off.  At that point I realized I could add the following testimonial to my website.

     "Nice stuff." - Jake Busey (The Frighteners)
     

As usual, I met a lot of great artists/vendors.  Here is some of the awesome stuff I saw and/or came home with!

Brad Parton - Alpha Sketch

Brad uses all 26 letters in the alphabet just once to create some amazing art.  I came home with a Vader, Boba Fett, and an AT-AT.  Can you pick off all the letters?

Diamond Star Halo 

Saw some awesome jewelry and accessories by Diamond Star Halo.  She was one of the few local vendors.  Almost everyone else was out of state it seemed.  Check out her stuff!

This Weekend! DAYS OF THE DEAD II

I will be in the artist alley of the DAYS OF THE DEAD II convention this coming weekend (Fri - Sun). The vendor room hours will be:

Friday - 5 p.m. - 11 p.m

Saturday - 11 a.m. - 7 p.m

Sunday - 11 a.m. - 5 p.m

You can check out the full list of the vendors here.  And the full list of events/panels is here.  Some of the highlights include:

• Friday  9:00pm - Return of the Living Dead Workprint Screening w/ Linnea Quigley
• Friday  11:30pm - An Evening with Roddy Piper
• Saturday 3:00pm - Tattoo Contest
• Saturday 7:00pm - Spookyshow/Monsters Wrestling
• Sunday 2:00pm - Zombie Best in Show Contest

I will be staying at the hotel both Friday and Saturday night. I'm looking forward to hanging out with everybody once the vendor room closes.  Hope you can make it!

 

New Work - Zombie Johnny Cash

Here is a new piece that I finished just in time for the upcoming Days of the Dead convention.  The painting is acrylic paint on a 16"x20" canvas.  A print of the painting is listed on Etsy and is ink on 8.5"x11" Strathmore textured paper with a white border.  I also have it available as a hand pressed 2"x3" refrigerator magnet (just ask for availability).

New Work - Boba's Sticky Fingers

Here's a new painting I recently finished.  It's a Star Wars take off on the Rolling Stones album Sticky Fingers.  The painting is acrylic paint on a 12"x12" canvas.  Working on the prints now...

New Work - Tatooine Lounge

Here's a new painting/print.  It's a Star Wars take off of the Atlanta institution the Clermont Lounge.  The painting is acrylic paint on a 16"x20" canvas.The print is ink on 8.5"x11" Strathmore textured paper with a white border.

The painting is currently hanging at Dakota Blue and the print is available at my Etsy shop. 

A Zombie Couple Wish You A Happy Valentines Day!

Here's a new painting/print in honor of Valentine's day.  A zombie couple with love in their eyes.  The painting is acrylic paint on a 16"x20" canvas.  The print is ink on 8.5"x11" Strathmore textured paper with a white border.

 

The painting is currently hanging at Dakota Blue and the print is available at my Etsy shop. 

New Work - Zombie with Brains on the Brain

Here's a new painting/print.  A zombie with brains on the brain.  The painting is acrylic paint on a 16"x20" canvas.  The print is ink on 8.5"x11" Strathmore textured paper with a white border. 

The painting is currently hanging at Dakota Blue and the print is available at my Etsy shop.  Magnets should be ready in time for Days of the Dead!

Dakota Blue

I'm very happy to announce my return to the walls of Dakota Blue in Grant Park.  I was their featured artist for over a year back around 2007 and have some paintings permanently displayed over the bar that the owners bought while I was there.  Here's their info:

454 Cherokee Avenue Southeast  

Atlanta, GA 30312-3205

(404) 589-8002

In addition to the fine artwork on display, Dakota Blue also offers some great food.  They are our go-to place brunch.  I'm a huge fan of the Dallas Cowboy (breakfast burrito with eggs and soysage with black beans added) and the jalapeno cheese grits.  Here are their full brunch and lunch/dinner menus.  Go by and grab some food and check it out!

My Future Boyfriend - DVD

I just saw that My Future Boyfriend is up for pre-order on Amazon to be released on March 6, 2012.   Now you can own this cinema classic with its wonderful set dressing.

New Painting - Zombie Crossing

Here's a new painting I just finished.  It's acrylic paint on a 12"x12" canvas with a glossy finish.  Prints and magnets are on the way just in time for Days of the Dead.


Now available on Etsy!

DAYS OF THE DEAD II - March 9-11, 2012

I will be in the artist alley of the DAYS OF THE DEAD II convention the weekend of March 9th-11th, 2012.  This is their 2nd year as a convention and their 1st in Atlanta.  Here is the official Facebook page.  It looks like they have a great guest list (check it out here) including Linnea Quigley (links a little NSFWish) and the return of the Walking Dead zombie extras.

Based on what I've read, they are really gunning for a Dragon*Con type feel with after hours parties at the hotel.  If you want to join the party you can reserve your room here.  I'll be in the artist alley all weekend so come by and say hello.  I've been working on a bunch of horror themed work and will have a lot of new stuff available. 

Happy Belated New Year!

Times have been pretty crazy in the Belligerent Monkey household lately and haven't had a chance to post much.  2011 was a great year and 2012 is shaping up to be even bigger and better.  I've got a lot of stuff in the works that I will post about as they get closer (including a new convention and the return of my artwork on some old walls).  I'm currently working on some new stuff that I'm really excited about.  As usual I'll post it when I'm done.

Thanks for all the support and here's to another great year!  Thanks!!!

Links!

The Belligerent Monkey Main Page 

The Belligerent Monkey Etsy Shop

The Belligerent Monkey Facebook Page