Painting of the Week

Inspired by the Symphony in the Flint Hills this year, this painting was born this week.
Series of paintings from this event will follow in the next few weeks.
Title: Symphony in the Sky 2009 by Allan Chow
Oil On Canvas 24 X 30 inches.

Artist History Wall

Final Product of History Wall Poster Design by Vermilion Studio, Kansas City


Concept 1


Concept 2

2009 Symphony In The Flint Hills

The trip to the Flint Hills took 3 hours from Kansas City. This is the new logo designed by Willoughby Design Group from Kansas City. You are looking at tokens used for drinks.


This is the stage for the Kansas City Symphony. The show started at 6.30pm. The weather was PERFECT!!! Sunny but cool breeze throughout the day. It was a sold out show.We got there 4 hours before show started to beat the crowd of at least 3000.


If you google Tallgrass Prairie or Flint Hills, you will learn that this type of land is rare now. Once covered a HUGE part of the Kansas and other neighboring states, the Flint Hills are rich with history and amazing experience for a city boy like myself.
As usual, listening to great music in this environment was truly inspiring and incredibly extraordinary.


Took this shot of a signage. Kansas is indeed the Sunflower state.







Here is a free ride in a carriage. The horses were beautiful and happy to be out there.
To them, the grass there is like Porter House steak and fine wine to us steak enthusiasts.


Saw a great opportunity for a great shot. Enjoy!









Riding off to the sunset as the concert comes to an end.

Creative Solution for a small washroom

This is my latest DIY project. Yes, since this is my second time remodeling my home, I needed much help from my professional circle of friends who are gifted electricians, plumbers, architects and just all around handy.

Deadline: MAY 20th
Actual Completion Date: MAY 28th
Time Duration: 1 Month and 28 days

Hours of Labor: Stopped counting after the first 60hours.
Money Spent: Saved a ton.


Here is my design and sketch of the bathroom I dream to have for the current space.
I was determined for the final product to look as good if not better.


First, this is the before picture of a charming 50's style original bathroom that didn't see much use after purchase of home.


Another view of how small it is. What you don't see is the potential that is hidden behind the wall next to the original toilet location.


Ta Da!!!!!


Here are some tips:
Draw a plan, turn to designs that you like as inspirations.
Set a budget and go from there.

If you have to hire someone, try hiring a friend who is good at what he does and who is willing to teach you. Before you hire someone, turn to online resources and pick the brains of your local hardware stores' associates. Believe or not, there are some associates who have tons of knowledge and are willing to share.

Patience! Do it right even if it means more work. You won't regret it.


Mirrors combined with lighting help make a small space seem larger and brighter. Big tiles and light colors were used to help make the room feel more roomy.


Thanks for viewing!
For more pictures, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/20233033@N07/sets/72157618939903661/detail/


Thank yous:
Jesus (my friend and a true gifted architect/salsero)
Matthew
Alfredo
Erik Beier (3 Axis Inc. Green Design and Fabrication www.3axisinc.com)

Rochester Trip

A beautiful day at Niagara Falls.


The self guided tour at the base of the Fall was an incredible experience.


No escaping the power of the water pouring down on us all!!!!














Art on Wall at RIT, class of 2009 graduation day.


RIT industrial engineering department classroom project display.

Jason Mraz in Kansas City 2009

Jason Mraz's "I AM YOURS" LIVE 2009
So this year, my surprise birthday gift were tickets to Jason's show.
For me personally, inspiration comes from all forms of art, shapes and mediums. Sometimes, the simplest of things in life. Tonight, I was simply standing and enjoy some world class musicians who were simply doing what they love. Tonight I was inspired by their talent and happy to be part of their success today!



What an incredible show tonight in Kansas City at Starlight. Never thought I will be able to see this guy but this dream came true! His powerful vocals and presence on stage made this performance one to remember forever!


The Shaker Solo was the bestest!!!!!! LOL.


Here is Jason himself moments after the show.


The band taking a bow.

Press for Royal's Commission

Kansas City Star clipping. Photos by John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star
These are press photos taken by The Star prior opening day of the Royal Stadium this season in early April.


Photos were featured in the Local Section of The Star and Ink Magazine (4.02.09)

Learn to paint with Allan Chow

LEARN TO PAINT WITH ALLAN CHOW!!!!!!!!
Place: ARTICHOKES (10557 Mission Rd, Kansas)
When: THURSDAYS- May 14th, 21st, 28th (Three week class)
Time: 10.00am - 1.00pm
Class Fees: $205 + tax (9 hours of instruction)
Maximum students: 12
Materials: Artichokes provided all art supplies.
TO SIGN UP: http://www.artichokeskc.com/ClassSchedule027006661class_details.htm

For more information visit: www.artichokeskc.com or call 913.322.9481

Objective:
This is your chance to overcome your fears of oil painting or painting in general. I am here to make sure you have FUN while learning how to paint with oils using either brushes, palette knife, stick, fingers.....whatever fancy you. In three weeks, you will learn how to compose a drawing, mix colors and finish a painting with my guidance. Sign up today before spaces are filled!!!!

May 14th:
FUN FUN FUN Exercises to help you take control of Palette Knife painting.

May 21st:
Understanding Oil Paints and Color Mixing.

May 28th:
The Art of layering paint and finishing a painting.


Artist Bio:
Allan Chow’s oil paintings are in several corporate and civic collections, including H&R Block, the Overland Park Convention Center, the Kauffman Foundation, Russell Stover Candies, and the University of Kansas Hospital. Private Collectors range from Kansas City, to Seattle, to Santa Barbara and Hong Kong. Allan has received awards from the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles, New York and Korea, and has been featured in the Kansas City Star on four separate occasions.

Represented by the Leopold Gallery in Kansas City, Missouri and Strecker Nelson Gallery in Manhattan, Kansas; Allan is a highly regarded painter of abstracted landscapes and of the Kansas City Skyline. In addition, Allan’s career has now branched out to include the San Francisco market.

Allan paints with a palette knife, normally with the application of a thick impasto. It is for the sophistication of his style, and the passion with which he paints, that he has established a national following.

For more samples of his work, please visit www.allanchow.com

Prairie Fire 2009

As serene as this image looks. This is exactly the kind of peacefulness you will experience in the Prairie Hills.


Here are the students this year. Majority photographers and a few drawers and painters.


We visited a National Reserve where they burnt some grass for us to observe. An amazing view and experience. This is done every year to rejuvenate the land and new grass will grow back even stronger.



Burning and Spreading.


Heres another with students excited to be there and scrambling trying to get a good shot of the fire.


Thought this was cool! Looked to me like Yin & Yang.


Smoke is headed their way!


Beautiful closeup of flames


Love the vertical elements in this picture.


Grass is coming back!!!!


Here is the land.