California Paintings

Here are some crops of recent paintings that I have finished for the fall show at Leopold Gallery in Brookside. Anyway, these are only a fraction of the original composition. Visit the Gallery next month to preview the entire composition of these inspired paintings from San Francisco. Enjoy!


Allan Chow 2009

On Stage with a Legend

Here are my adorable students and inspiration! We had lots of fun that night dancing to live music.


On stage are Mambo De Leon's incredible band jamming with Larry Harlow and the Latin Legends of Fania. Not to mention some incredible dancers on stage along with the audience dancing with us on the dance floor.



Here is my lovely and talented dance partner for the evening. There is Larry in the background on the piano.


The band members were very professional and were very down to earth individuals. It was fun to chat with them and share a few laughs.

Larry Harlow and The Latin Legends of Fania

Larry Harlow and myself at Tech Rehearsal held at UMKC, the night before the big show.
Other than my artwork, I must have been salsa dancer in my past life because my passion on the dance floor is tremendous. Teaching salsa and to inspire others is also my passion. When I paint, music has to be present bc. I have gotten use to finding inspiration from musicians.

Larry Harlow is in Kansas City this week. Who is Larry Harlow?
Larry and his orchestra, Orquesta Harlow, was the second orchestra signed to the Fania Label, Harlow has also produced over 106 CD’s for various artists and over 50 CD’s on his own besides the ones he produced for Fania. Among his most popular albums were “Abran Paso” and “Tributo a Arsenio Rodriguez” with Ismael Miranda as the lead singer. Larry's opera "Hommy," which is credited for getting Celia Cruz out of retirement, was the first Latin musical performance in Carnegie Hall. In other firsts, Larry was the first ever piano player for legendary salsa group "The Fania All-stars," generally regarded as the single most important Salsa group of all time and the first Recording Producer for legendary salsa group "The Fania All-stars," he also appeared with "The Fania All-stars," in the movies Our Latin Thing (Nuestra Cosa), Live In Africa and Salsa. -Wikipedia online


Here is Larry doing what he does best. I have never been to a salsa band rehearsal before and I have always curious about their process of preparing for a concert. I am proud to have been to one of many more to come. For a humble salsa dancer and enthusiast like myself and having the opportunity to watch these talented musicians working together was truly inspiring.


To learn more about Larry and his band, visit http://www.larryharlow.com/biography.htm


Here is Miguel with his band www.elmamboworld.com who arranged for Larry to be in town.
I know hes excited being able to share a stage with one of his idols. It would be like me hanging out with Monet for a week. There really aren't words to describe that feeling of having such presence.

Over a course of seven years that I have been dancing, Miguel is one of band leaders that I have come to respect and to know personally. To see him and his two sons following his footsteps is amazing. His love and passion for his music is visible through his performances. We as Kansas Citians are lucky to have a talent such as him and his band members. We need to support our local artists!!! It is important to nurture this positive habit and continue to encourage others to do the same. Our contribution to the Arts in our city will benefit other generations to come.

To learn more about El Mambo himself, visit: www.elmamboworld.com

Signed Prints for Sale

Prints are printed on Matte High Quality Archival heavy weight paper.
Availabe sizes:
Small approx (9 X 12) Price: $40 (4 in stock)
Large approx (16 X 22) Price: $100 (2 in stock)
Order yours today!
Place your order by emailing me at chowallan@hotmail.com


Prints are printed on Matte High Quality Archival heavy weight paper.
Availabe sizes:
Small approx (9 X 12) Price: $40 (4 in stock)
Order yours today!
Place your order by emailing me at chowallan@hotmail.com

Visitation Book For Sale

This Book is Beautiful inside out. If you have never been to this Beautiful church on Main Street (5141 Main Street) You should go!!!! The history of this church is rich and the interior of the church is extraordinary. All the art on the wall were hand painted. The cover of this book is a painting/illustration by Allan Chow.


Visitation: Celebrating a Century of Faith
**Pre-Order**
by Bill Tammeus

This new book on the history of Visitation Church in Kansas City is now available for pre-order.

Respected author and columnist Bill Tammeus tells the stories of the families and religious leaders who founded and nurtured one of the city’s great churches.

The book is available for pre-sale and will be published in summer 2009.

To order, click on "pre-order." Your credit card will not be charged until the book is shipped. You will need to provide your billing and shipping information to process this order before you can shop for in-stock items. Thank you!


To purchase book, Visit:
https://www.thekansascitystore.com/productDetail.php?PID=1214

Summer Rain 2008

Summer Rain 2008 Allan Chow
Oil on Canvas

Your Art Expert

Fine Art•Illustration•Graphic Design
Allan Chow
chowallan@hotmail.com
816.699.0585

Visit allanchow.com for more samples.

Fast,Easy,Fun to work with. Professionalism and Reliability is included.
Contact me for Commissions or your next Design project QUOTE!!!!!

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.