An Artist Emphasizes Unity

Excited to be heading to Washington D.C. this week to meet amazing authors and speak at the National Book Festival put on by the Library of Congress.
Thanks to Michael Cavna for his recent article in the Washington Post
called An Artist Emphasizes Unity
Don't miss reading about the favorite books of National Book Festival authors.

Evolution of Estamos Unidos 2012 Poster

I was honored to create this limited edition lithograph in support of President Barack Obama available at Obama for America. As a Latino and father I have witnessed firsthand the power of education. In my work as a children's book illustrator I travel around the country working with kids and teachers to promote literacy and reading. President Obama supports early education programs for children and has doubled Pell Grants so working families can afford college. His bold actions to fix the broken immigration system and support of the Dream Act prove he is on our side.

Thanks to Christopher Dilts, official campaign photographer for the wonderful photo that inspired my painting and to Sean Bacon and Candice López for consulting with the type and layout. 

Update: The poster has sold out at the Obama store and thanks to all who purchased it in support of the re-election of our President. 

Fantastic Flying Books

Yesterday morning our son woke up and informed us that now that school was back in session it was time to fix up and remodel our bedrooms in the loft. He had a plan to change them and began to draw and dream about the possibilities. We gently let him know that we wouldn't be able to hire the cranes to lift off the roof but he cleverly convinced us to move the furniture, shelves and paintings around upstairs. With a most serious look, our son made it very clear that it was most important to build more bookshelves for our growing collections. When I was about his age I traveled to England to stay with artist friends for the summer and there I discovered Tin Tin books. I've watched that book passion travel full circle this year as our son has finished 18 of Herge's amazing Tin Tin adventures.
We worked all day and around dinner time collapsed to laugh, tell stories and talk about re-inventing our spaces. Santiago reminded us about the book shelves and then after the meal he showed us this fantastic film from Moonbot Studios. It reminds us that books can be good friends and stories shape our lives.

Hoping you will check out the pure animated book magic in The Fantastic Flying Books
 of Mr. Morris Lessmore 

Recuerdos de Mexico

I know you haven't heard from me all summer. I've spent the last 2 months wandering the cobblestone streets of San Miguel de Allende. Sometimes you just need to take a break,
then open your eyes.

Dreaming in Color

I've spent the past few days absorbing the local hues and shot these images in our town and at at a friend's ranch just outside the city with an eye on color. I've always believed that color and texture is the most direct route to the emotions of the viewer. I find that even my dreams are more vivid in San Miguel de Allende. Dream color is symbolic of the emotional state that we conjure in our mind's eye.
Enjoying the chance to give my paintbrush a short rest and using my camera.

Every community has a story to tell

Avondale Mural | Chicago Tonight | WTTW

Warm thanks to Jay Shefsky and Yasmine Rammohan for putting the wonderful piece together on the Avondale Mural for Chicago Tonight. It's a story of neighbors reclaiming their community that is well worth watching. Please click here to view the video.
A big tip of my hat to the organizers, volunteers and children who had the vision and courage to make their mural happen. Gracias to Cesareo Moreno, gifted curator of the Museum of Mexican Art Chicago, dedicated organizer Anna Sobor and mural visionary Joanie Friedman for your kindness and gift to the community. Thanks to Jim O'Connell for sharing * photos of the project.

* The spirit of community 

*Talented artist and Guardian Angel Juan Carlos had my back

A prince and princess create magic

Right hand man,13 year old Cesario Jr.

*Amazing volunteers gather to celebrate their work

* Early organization meeting of mural visionaries

The spark Joanie Friedman who ignited the project

Ambitious strategy for color

As evening falls the new mural mingles with the energy
of the intersection at Addison and Avondale