New sign painting on a scrap piece of plywood. This one inspired by a Nordstrom ‘anniversary sale’ advertisement I saw back in 2018. I photographed a poster of the image somewhere in Manhattan and then just sat on it until it was the right time to use it. Three years in the making(?).
6.5 x 6 1/8”, enamel paint
I recently moved to a new city so I spent the last couple of weeks trying to get acclimated to the new environment.
So what happened in Brooklyn, NY?
Raising a family in NYC is no joke, and adding Covid-19 to the mix was just making the whole situation intolerable. Honestly, the pandemic has made a lot of people reevaluate their living situations and I guess I fall into that same category. After spending 16 years in NY I came to the conclusion that finding that elusive level of ‘success’ I wanted (a personal definition for sure) was just not going to happen. It’s a puzzle I can’t solve. NYC was starting to feel like one of those hamster wheels.
So where do I live now?
Minneapolis, MN!
My wife grew up in that area so she has a lot of friends and family there. It seems nice, quiet. Perhaps a change of scenery is a good idea?
So studio is now getting set up in the basement. I hope to accomplish a great many things here… opportunities abound!
Sign painting on a scrap piece of masonite.
Inspired by DC‘s “World’s Finest” comic book title. 18 x 24”
For more information about sign painting in the NYC/Brooklyn area check out my site: http://www.thewonderfulworldof.com/signpainting
Or if your interested in purchasing a sign and/or print check out my Saatchi Art webpage
Wow… anything happen in the news lately?
New sign painting on a scrap piece of Ikea furniture. 23.5 x 25” (I think it was a cabinet door; I found the panel on the street).
I finished this up last week but I didn’t expect it to be so relevant to the times. Well…. that’s not completely true. I guess I was thinking about covid 2020 when I was painting it but then the topic in America abruptly changed this January.
The sign was inspired by a trailer for a classic sci-fi movie but I didn’t write down the title so I don’t know the source. Anybody out there know??
It is like nothing that has ever happened to you before…
New sign painting on a scrap piece of wood. Inspired by the movie poster, “Island of Terror.” Starring Peter Cushing, Edward Judd, Carole Gray. Directed by Terence Fisher
’An isolated remote island community is threatened by an attack by tentacled silicates which liquefy and digest bone and tissue.’
I’ll be adding this sign to my Saatchi web store soon, so please check it out if interested.
For more information about sign painting in the NYC/Brooklyn area check out my site: http://www.thewonderfulworldof.com/signpainting
I started painting on small 4 x5” pieces of foam core because… well, I was running out of room to be honest. Big art can be a big problem if you can’t find a home for it. So working small is the way to go, at least for me, at least for now.
These started off as individual works. The first one (upper right) was started sometime during the pandemic. Bottom right was second, top left was third. Just making shapes, lines, excitement, imagery that might be associated with the circus arts. It wasn’t until the end of the year that I finished the bottom left. But once it was completed I noticed that they all related to one another (it wasn’t really on my radar at the time). Perhaps this is my take on the year 2020. Only now, right before the holidays, I was able to see it.
So here’s to hoping that things will pick up in 2021: to a better life, peace, prosperity, and a better understanding.
“Four topics, one conversation”, enamel paint on four pieces of foam core, 5 x 4” each.
Check it on my website: http://www.thewonderfulworldof.com/#/mixedmediaartworkseamusliamobrien/
New work up at Aritzia’s Super Puff Pop Up in connection with the Brooklyn fabrication studio, New Project.
Located at 560 Broadway, (corner of Broadway and Prince St, NYC)
I had the opportunity to sculpt and paint the mountain diorama located within the boutique store. Below are some pictures showing the process in creating the work. I believe the whole project took about 4 weeks to complete. ”Aritzia is an innovative design house and fashion boutique. We conceive, create, develop, and retail fashion brands with a depth of design and quality that provides compelling value. We pride ourselves on creating immersive, human, and highly personal shopping experiences, both in our boutiques and on our website - with a focus on delivering Everyday Luxury”
Forbes - You Can Do More Than Shop At Aritzia’s Pop-Ups Thanks To Drake And Jay Z’s Grammy-Winning Designer
Sheets of insolation foam were adhered together and attached to an elevated platform. The rock shapes were sculpted using a reciprocating saw and a kitchen knife.
Once the shapes were established, we painted a joint compound mix over the entire surface to fill in gaps and give the rocks more definition.
Color is added. Shadows and highlights help to create definition. (I would sprinkle snow on top occasionally so that I could see how the work was developing)
A completed boulder…
Snow and branches are added last, the final touch!
The completed project after install.
My daughter checking out the massive yeti at the end of the diorama.
New mural paintings up at Hydra Studios in connection with PB Paints and KCC Design and Build. Located at 120 Wall Street in NYC, “Hydra Studios is a modern approach to wellness, helping you restore what daily life takes out. Optimize your body, health, and mind by reserving private rooms for mental and physical wellness.”
The design for each mural was provided by the client. You can’t see it in these photos but each color has a stippled surface to give it a more vibrant effect.
New sign painting on a scrap piece of wood. Inspired by the pre-code horror comic book “The Hand of Fate.” Not sure why this particular comic title got my attention but it did. Maybe it was the bright colors? Regardless, the text seems somehow appropriate for this particular time in my/our life.
For more information about sign painting in the NYC/Brooklyn area check out my site: http://www.thewonderfulworldof.com/signpainting
New sign painting on a scrap piece of wood. “(Half) Truth” is inspired by our recent outgoing president. Soon to be posted on my Saatchi Art gallery site. Stay tuned!!
For more information about sign painting in the NYC/Brooklyn area check out my site: http://www.thewonderfulworldof.com/signpainting
Sign painting on a scrap piece of wood. 8 x 12” Inspired by the ‘Strange Tales’ comic book title page by Marvel Comics.
“Strange Tales is a Marvel Comics anthology series. The title was revived in different forms on multiple occasions. Doctor Strange and Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. made their debut in Strange Tales. It was a showcase for the science fiction/suspense stories of artists Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, and for the groundbreaking work of writer-artist Jim Steranko.”
I will be posting this sign on my Saatchi account in the coming days so please stay tuned!
For more information about sign painting in the NYC/Brooklyn area check out my site: http://www.thewonderfulworldof.com/signpainting
When I moved to Brooklyn (2006) one of my first jobs was at Lite Brite Neon. I might have worked there for a month or two… mainly assisting with holiday installs, but they hired me specifically because they needed a sign painter for a job at the Stussy store in SOHO, Manhattan. I believe it was a pop up shop, and for one area I had to paint a list of famous street artists names on a wall. The only one I had ever heard of at that time was Mark Gonzalez, to whom I was a big fan of growing up. I remember wanting his skateboard sooooo much. (Vision skateboards were really popular back then)
But anyway… I’m happy to say that I recognize more of the names now. Including
Wes Humpston
Neckface
123 Klan
Kaws
Gary Panter
The work was up for about a month or two, really quick turn around. And what happened to the signage?
No idea, lost in time..
For more information about sign painting in the NYC/Brooklyn area check out my site: http://www.thewonderfulworldof.com/signpainting
New sign painting on a scrap piece of wood. Inspired by “Space Adventures” comic book logo.
”Space Adventures (sometimes cover-titled Science Fiction Space Adventures, Space Adventures Presents Rocky Jones and other variations for particular issues) was an American science-fiction anthology comic book series published sporadically by Charlton Comics from 1952 to 1979.“
This work is actually a remake of a sign I posted on March 15th (the original was purchased on my Saatchi Art homepage) So I decided to make a new one.
Hand painted sign on a scrap piece of wood. 12 x 16”
Inspired by “The Strange World of Your Dreams” by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby.
For more information about sign painting in the NYC/Brooklyn area check out my site: http://www.thewonderfulworldof.com/signpainting
New #signpainting up at Tooker Alley "Craft cocktails & elevated bar bites are the focus at this hip, intimate hangout; elevate your mind to a lower level of thinking.”
NYC offered a plan for restaurants and bars to reopen this summer by allowing them to create outdoor seating areas on their sidewalk and street. Tooker Alley asked me to design and paint their barrier space to match their look and design. A unique way to increase visibility and connect with the community.
Situated next to the Brooklyn Museum - stop by and help support small business!
For more information about sign painting in the NYC/Brooklyn area check out my site: http://www.thewonderfulworldof.com/signpainting
New hand painted sign on a scrap piece of wood. Inspired by Robert Crumb’s - Weirdo Comics title page.
For more information about sign painting in the NYC/Brooklyn area check out my site: http://www.thewonderfulworldof.com/signpainting
I updated a piece that I made in 2014 (painted some new zeros and ones and added to the original). I always dreamt of making this work large, where it goes all over the wall. One day maybe… The colors and font give it a circus type feel, which I am a fan of, but also the work reminds me of bingo. The winning combo will win you a prize!
Read More