Heros in a Half Shell - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles show at Gallery Nucleus

If I think of one of all my favorite tv shows growing up the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles definitely comes to mind. Donatello was my favorite, I'm not sure if that was a conscious choice or it just happened because be the only TMNT action figure I had, but I sure had the pillow case and shoe lace ties to match!

This Saturday is the opening to "Hero's in a Half Shell: TMNT Art Tribute Exhibition" at Gallery Nucleus. In conjunction with Nickelodeon Studios, there will be official storyboards, and memorabilia on display and the turtles themselves will even make an appearance! Lots of events going on for the opening and if you dress up as your favorite character, you get in FREE! (Otherwise there is a $5 admission fee to the exhibition)

Visit Gallery Nucleus for artist lineup, and details on the opening this Saturday! 

Pizza Party

9.5 x 9.5 inches (image size)

Gouache and ink on paper

©Nicole Gustafsson
SOLD

There is also a print of my piece currently available at Gallery Nucleus!

Nautical Nonsense Spongebob show at Gallery Nucleus

Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra California, teamed up with Nickelodeon to produce a tribute show to the wonderful cartoon Spongebob Squarepants. Here is an excerpt from Nucleus's website:

"SpongeBob SquarePants is a world-renowned and beloved character-driven animated series that chronicles the nautical and sometimes nonsensical adventures of SpongeBob, an incurably optimistic and earnest sea sponge, and his undersea friends. Since debuting on Nickelodeon in 1999, the animated series quickly gained immense popularity and has remained a household name for over a decade, captivating children and adults alike with its colorful and eclectic cast of characters. Created and executive produced by marine biologist and animator, Stephen Hillenburg, SpongeBob SquarePants is one of Nickelodeon's longest-running series, with nearly 200 episodes airing on the network. Jumpin' jellyfish, that's a lot!

Nucleus and Nickelodeon have partnered up to present a tribute to our absorbent, yellow and porous friend, SpongeBob. The collection will feature work from a wide spectrum of artists, including a few of the show's very own. Neptune himself would be excited to see this! Stay tuned for more details about opening night festivities, special releases, plus a very rare behind-the-scenes glimpse at the art technique and style of the series. "

I was in high school when the cartoon debuted and I always found myself watching the show. It was just the right amount of silly for me, and I especially loved The Krusty Krab where Spongebob worked (perhaps I could relate - I worked at a pizza place, a burger place, and a restaurant when I was in high school!) 

Surf and Turf

7 x 7 inches

Gouache, ink, on paper

© Nicole Gustafsson

Available

Picnic at the Jellyfish Fields

5 x 5 

Gouache, ink, on paper

© Nicole Gustafsson 2013

Available

The opening reception was last Saturday, but coming up August 3rd is the "Art and Making" of Spongebob where you get to meet some of the art contributors to the cartoon. Visit here for more info on the event.

It's the ShizNick at iam8bit!

Last friday, April 19th, was the opening to 90's cartoonfest at iam8bit in LA. If your a kid in the 90's, Nickelodeon is what you probably watched. A lot.

For my piece i settled on Doug for the theme. I love everything from the characters, animation, music in this cartoon. I re-watched the show while I worked on the painting, and the cartoon still holds up even now, over 10 years later. How many times have you watched one of your favorite childhood shows and still liked it as an adult? I was pleasantly surprised and appreciated the show in a new light.

Seeking the Neematoad

10 x 10 inches (image size)

Gouache, ink on paper

© Nicole Gustafsson 2013

Available at iam8bit: here

Doug's crush on Patty is an on going point of interest in the show. I love her name "Patty Mayonnaise", it could have come off really gross right? But she's a super sweetie and here she is with Doug searching for the infamous Neematoad.

Here's the show flyer by the rocking Zac Gorman. (Stop by his website. I love the work he is doing). 
The show is up for the rest of the month. Go check it out in person if your in LA, otherwise head on over to iam8bit's website.