Artwork from Fantastical Fauna and Flora at Gallery Nucleus

Over the weekend was the opening to "Fantastical Fauna and Flora" at Gallery Nucleus, in Alhambra California. Featuring artwork from  Mall, Nicole Gustafsson, Lorena Alvarez Gomez, and Amelie Flechais. 

The entire show is now online at Gallery Nucleus: here 

Beautiful Bizarre did a lovely writeup on the show, visit their website to read about it: here

Below are all my paintings I created for the exhibit. I love making up homes and spaces for creatures, and that was the focus of my pieces. I revisited a lot of animals I haven't drawn in a long time - like iguana's, bats, and wombats. Many of these creatures I was obsessed with as a kid and really fun to draw them again! 

The Shiba dog reading, ferrets shopping, and the iguana were also influenced a by pets I had through out my life (or in the case of the Shiba is modeled after our pup Toshi!). 

"Bakers Den" 

Gouache, ink on paper | 10.75 x 8.75 (image size)

©Nicole Gustafsson

Available at Gallery Nucleus 

 "Feline Florists" 

Gouache, ink on paper | 10.75 x 8.75 (image size)

©Nicole Gustafsson

Available at Gallery Nucleus 

 "Night Reader" 

Gouache, ink on paper | 6x8 (image size)

©Nicole Gustafsson

Sold 

 "The Book Keeper" 

Gouache, ink on paper | 10.75 x 8.75 (image size)

©Nicole Gustafsson

Sold 

 "The Crystal Collector" 

Gouache, ink on paper | 6.75 x 6.75 (image size)

©Nicole Gustafsson

Available at Gallery Nucleus 

 "The Lantern Lighter" 

Gouache, ink on paper | 10.75 x 8.75 (image size)

©Nicole Gustafsson

Available at Gallery Nucleus 

 "The Merchant" 

Gouache, ink on paper | 6.75 x 6.75 (image size)

©Nicole Gustafsson

Available at Gallery Nucleus 

 "The Star Gazer" 

Gouache, ink on paper | 7 x 11 (image size)

©Nicole Gustafsson

Available at Gallery Nucleus 

 "The Wandering Isle" 

Gouache, ink on paper | 6.75 x 6.75 (image size)

©Nicole Gustafsson

Sold

"Thimbleberry Pickers"
Gouache, ink on paper | 6.75 x 10.75 (image size)
©Nicole Gustafsson
Available at Gallery Nucleus 

Fantastical Flora and Fauna exhbit at Gallery Nucleus

This Saturday, June 13th is the opening to "Fantastical Flora and Fauna" exhibit at Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra, California. This show features work by Mall, Nicole Gustafsson, Lorena Alvarez Gomez, and Amelie Flechais.

I am a huge fan of each of these artists works and couldn't be more thrilled to be showing with them--especially with a nature-based theme that I love!

The show is free to attend and open from June 13th - June 27. Visit www.gallerynucleus.com for more details on the exhibit.

Here are a few pieces and progress works featuring artwork of mine that will be in the show! I wish I could attend the show in person, but traveling just didn't work out this time.

The Book Keeper, Gouache and ink on paper, ©Nicole Gustafsson 2015

Sketching the Shiba Inu character in The Book Keeper

First color washes down on The Book Keeper

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Thimbleberry Pickers, Gouache and ink on paper, ©Nicole Gustafsson 2015

Drawing all ready for color for the Thimbleberry Pickers

Starting to put in a few details on the little elephant shrew in Thimbleberry Pickers

I'll be posting all the images and more process pictures after the show is up!

(I get a lot of requests for tutorials, but my process pictures are the closest thing that I have to explaining my process. Someday I hope to do a video and more complete tutorial, but need the time and equipment to really set it up and do it right!)

Steven Universe / Adventure Time show at Gallery Nucleus

Last Saturday was the opening to the Steven Universe / Adventure Time show at Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra, California. The gallery teamed up with Cartoon Network for this exhibit and had signing, and other fun events with creator Rebecca Sugar that night! I love the spirit of these two shows, so they were wonderful to draw inspiration from, and I ended up doing a piece based on Steven Universe. The gems in the tv show are awesome and remind me so much of my D&D party. Nel (my character) would be a mix of Amthyst and Steven, and Garnet is so much like our heavy hitter Stonesunder (can you tell that my mind is in D&D land a lot these days?).

Anyway! Back to the exhibit...the show was super packed from the photos I saw and looked like a grand ole time. The show is up for the rest of the month and can be viewed online. My original painting is sold, but the gallery is doing a licensed print of my piece!

Gems Stick Together

8x13 inches (image size)

Gouache, ink on paper

©Nicole Gustafsson

SOLD

Licensed Prints are available at Gallery Nucleus.

View the entire show here

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Work in progress of the piece. I get quite a few questions about the materials I use, and this painting was done using Holbein Acryla Gouache on Rives BFK paper. If you are interested in seeing a bit of my process and sneak peeks I post to my instagram account quite a bit.

I also really liked "cookie cats" in the show so had to sneak some of those in the piece. This painting is based on my favorite episode of Steven Universe "Serious Steven", featuring an ancient battlefield being overgrown with strawberries. If you haven't watched the tv show, check it out online at Cartoon Network (they have a few full episodes there). The backgrounds are gorgeous and the characters are super awesome.

Super packed house. Wish I would have flown down for this show, but gearing up for a 2-person show at iam8bit Gallery this September and to say I'm behind is a bit of an understatement. Kicking it in high gear!  (And thanks Eric for the photo! )

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!

How to Train Your Dragon: 2 show at Gallery Nucleus

I'm a bit behind on my blog posts and show announcements. but last month was the opening to the official How To Train Your Dragon: 2 Art Show at Gallery Nucleus.

There were Dreamworks artists with panels and book signings, and tribute artists paying homage to the series too. I contributed a painting featuring one of my favorite locations in the first movie--The Dragons Nest featuring the Red Death dragon.

The Dragons Nest

12 x 12 inches

Gouache and ink

©Nicole Gustafsson 2014

Original painting available for purchase at Gallery Nucleus

Imaginary Friends Show at Gallery Nucleus

Last weekend was the opening to Imaginary Friends show at Gallery Nucleus!

We could base our imaginary friend off of anything, and while I don't really remember having an imaginary friend as a child, I was pretty obsessed with wolves and dogs of every kind. So that became the basis of my imaginary friend with a mix of inspiration from our pup Toshi.

Forest Journey

9.5 x 9.5 image size

Gouache and ink

©Nicole Gustafsson 2014

Original Painting SOLD

Prints available at Gallery Nucleus

I also teamed up with Gallery Nucleus to produce a print of this painting. It is a open edition fine art print.

Terra: Artwork Inspired by Nature show at Gallery Nucleus

This Saturday, March 29th is the opening to Terra: Artwork Inspired By Nature at Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra, CA.

Featuring artwork by: Alex Louisa, Apak, Brooks Shane Salzedel, Christina Mrozik, Corinne Reid, Edward Kinsella, Erica Williams, Frank Gonzales, Hannah Yata, Jan Huling, Joshua Harker, Junyi Wu, Karina Elbatova, Katherine Brannock, Kikyz1313, Laura Bifano, Linda Kim, Mab Graves, Michael Brown, Nicole Gustafsson, Nanami Cowdroy, Natasha Durley, Otto Bjornik, Richard Kirk, Sam Yong, Sean Avery, Stasia Burrington, Teagan White, Vikki Chu, Yellena, Zoe Poster

If you are interested in signing up for the early collectors preview for the show, fill out the form here at Gallery Nucleus.

Home Among The Branches

9.5 x 9.5 inches (image size)

Gouache and ink on paper

©Nicole Gustafsson 2014 

I'm also working with the gallery to produce prints of this piece. They will be an open edition and available through Gallery Nucleus. I'll post info and a link when that becomes available!

UPDATE: Prints of this piece are now available here: http://www.gallerynucleus.com/detail/17048

Inking in progress. 

All framed up! Acid free white mats, conservation UV glass, white wood frame.

New Print at Gallery Nucleus

Last weekend was the opening to the J.R.R. Tolkein Tribute show "Out of the Shire" at Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra, California. I am quite the fan and was super pumped to be invited to create a piece for this show.

I love the opening to The Fellowship of the Ring with the celebration and gardening/eating/lovely world of the hobbits, so that is what I choose to illustrate in my painting.

My original painting from the show is sold, but an open edition print is available at Gallery Nucleus!

Eleventy-First Birthday
Giclee Print on Watercolor Paper
Image size: 11x11 inches  |  Paper size 13x13 inches
$40.00

Available at Gallery Nucleus here

Black Friday Sales! Gallery 1988, Gallery Nucleus, Etsy shop!

I just wanted to share the galleries that are participating in the Black Friday/ Holiday Sales this weekend. These galleries carry my artwork and my original paintings are on sale! It's the perfect time to pick up a painting.

First up is Gallery 1988. ALL MY PAINTINGS IN THEIR INVENTORY ARE 30% OFF their original list price. Everything is already marked at a discount, no coupon code needed. Sale good now thru Dec 31st.

Click here for my artwork at Gallery 1988.

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Next up is Gallery Nucleus. Use coupon code "GOBBLE20" to receive 20% off most items at Gallery Nucleus. This includes original artwork!!! The sale is good now thru Monday!

I have two Spongebob pieces, an Emerald City inspired by The Wizard of Oz, and "Lucy" from the Beatles show!

Click here for my artwork at Gallery Nucleus.

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And last, but not least is my own Holiday Sale going on in my Etsy shop. Use code "CANDYCANE" to receive 20% off your order. My shop is currently stocked with cards, prints, bags, original artwork and ornaments. My sale is good now thru Monday, Dec 2nd 2013 at midnight.

Click here for my Etsy shop.

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.

Not in Kansas Anymore - Gallery Nucleus Tribute Show

Next weekend is the opening to the Wizard of Oz tribute show "Not in Kansas Anymore" at Gallery Nucleus. 50 artists translate the captivating series, movies and many incarnations of the wonderful series.

I was only familiar with the 1939 film featuring Judy Garland and spin offs like Wicked, so I thought it was about time I read the original book by L. Frank Baum. I really loved the book, and am working my way through the rest of the 15 book series that Baum created.

My love of gems mixed with the fascinating emerald city described in the book is what led to the creation of my painting for the show.

I had to laugh when I found out that the great and powerful Oz (seen flying away in his air balloon in my painting) was just a dude from Omaha, which is the capital of Nebraska (where I live!). Nebraska rarely gets a mention in art and literature so I'm always surprised and happy when something pops up.

If you are interested in getting an early preview of the show, sign up for the online preview at Gallery Nucleus here. The reception is Saturday, March 16th and there will be lots of fun events such as live songs by broadway singers in Wicked, crystal ball readings, and requesting a wish made by the all powerful oz!

Not in Kansas Anymore: A Tribute to the Wizard of Oz

March 16 - April 7 2013

Opening Reception: Saturday, March 16th 7-11pm 

Gallery Nucleus   |   Alhambra CA

Beatles tribute show at Gallery Nucleus

This Saturday marks the opening of the Beatles tribute show at Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra California. Over seventy artists celebrate the 50th anniversary of Beatles music, fans, and the sensation that swept the world. This promises to be a huge show (show up in your favorite 60's or Beatles wear and skip the admission price),  for more information visit their website here.

 

Lucy

10 x 8 inches

Gouache and Ink on paper

© Nicole Gustafsson 2012 

My contribution to the show is based on the song Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. It's one of my favorite songs and I thought Miss Lucy an intriguing character. At first I thought the song described tangerine-colored trees not the fruit kind! So I decided that tangerine's would be a perfect snack for Lucy to gather up (along with her collection of diamonds).

Show opens this Saturday, July 7th and is there all month long. 

Check out the entire show online after the reception (or signup to be on their preview list and get the scoop before everyone else!)

Upcoming shows and events!

The summer is in full swing and there's lots in the works. If you follow my facebook page or twitter you've seen little sneak peeks here and there.

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Gallery Nucleus

All Together Now: A Tribute to The Beatles
July 7, 2012 - July 29, 2012
Opening Reception / Jul 7, 7:00PM - 11:00PM

Alhambra, CA

Coming up this July is the Gallery Nucleus tribute show to the Beatles. This will be one of their biggest shows ever with over 70 artists participating. My piece is based on one of my favoite songs...can you guess which one from this painting detail?

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Spoke Art

August Group Show

Featuring Artists: Bec Winnel, Xiau-Fong Wee, Rich Pellegrino, Michael Ramstead,
Eddie Colla, Nicole Gustafsson, Steve Seeley, Allan Innman, and Megan Wolfe

August 2nd - August 25th

Opening Reception: August 2nd, 6-10pm

San Fransisco, CA

Below is a peek at the series I am working on for the show...

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Also for folks living in Nebraska I will be part of Art on the Green this July 4th in Geneva. Organized by fellow artist and friend Patty Scarborough, this day will be filled with local art, parades, and classic 4th of July celebrations. I will have prints, original art and more! Look for us there 9am - 5pm on the grounds of the Fillmore County Courthouse in Geneva.

Dr. Seuss tribute show at Gallery Nucleus

Look at This, Look At That: A tribute to Dr. Seuss show opens this Saturday at Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra, CA. Over 35 artists pay homage to the man who created such classics as The Cat in the Hat, The Lorax, and many other amazing tales.

Many people owe their literary childhood to the wonderful rhymes and illustrations of Dr. Seuss. I remember reading Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories over and over, and that special day in 1st grade when our class actually made green eggs and ham (a little food coloring goes a long way!) So when I got the request to be part of this show I was more that ecstatic. I couldn't wait to illustrate some fuzzy Seuss-inspired trees and imaginative creatures. Here are my two pieces that I contributed to the show:

Seuss-scape

11 x 9 inches

Gouache & Ink on paper

  © Nicole Gustafsson 2012

Update: SOLD

Seuss-scape, 11 x 9 inches, Gouache & Ink on paper, © Nicole Gustafsson 2012

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This piece is based on the lovely but jealous Gertrude McFuzz who get's greedy and eats too many feather-growing berries to outshine another birdy. Oh those feathers are pretty but poor Gertrude couldn't fly with them and she eventually has to get them all plucked out.

Gertrude McFuzz

6.75 x 9 inches

Gouache & Ink on paper

  © Nicole Gustafsson 2012
Update: SOLD

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The opening reception for the show is March 3rd, 7pm - 11pm at Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra, CA.

Check out their website for complete artist lineup, more details or to join the show preview list. 

Show runs March 3rd - March 24th.