Skeleton Krew: no.0029 Eerie Eddie

The Skeleton Krew Collection is back with a new portrait, just in time for the ghoulish season or any time of the year! Meet Eerie Eddie, a ghoulish specimen of the Halloween season! Young at heart, he skips the streets in hope of filling up his pillow sack with all the treats a little ghoul could eat, but don't let the innocence fool you; he was once caught playing with a dead mouse.

I am really loving the final outcome, I find it to be so interesting to see the process of the paintings, the first round he def looked more innocent and with blonde hair too. I finished him last night and I must say the final touches have made him a bit more daring and dark. This childhood spirit is ready to dance and bring mischief perhaps. His costume features hand-painted bat wings, a mask with white face paint, baby fangs and puffed bow with a tiny skull embellishment. 

This portrait mixes the nostalgic look of the Victorian era with vintage flare of the Halloween season. Ready to spook a friend and perfect for any gothic party or personal painting collection, sit him leaning against some books or place him behind glass ready to greet. Skeleton Krew no.0029 Eeerie Eddie is now available at Red Heart 13.

1st ROUND: I find it funny how much more evil looking it has made him with black hair.

Nigel the Wolfman

An odd case of curiosity, Nigel the Wolfman was quite an intriguing young lad, born in 1881 he suffered from Hypertrichosis also known as the werewolf syndrome; a very rare disorder in which his hair was extremely dense and grew from every inch of his six foot body. 

As a child, his single mum neglected him and at the age of 9 he ran away from home and joined the local circus, where Miss Manely, the bearded lady adopted him. He grew up as a sideshow performer in the late 19th century, and was later brought to the United States by P.T. Barnum in 1886. 

Playing a beast of the sorts, Nigel would bark and growl to entertain the audience, however no one ever knew the quiet side of him. He loved to read novels during the long hours on the road and spoke several languages. Over the years he acquired quite an antiquarian book collection. In 1921 he died alone amongst his favorite novels including Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Moonstone.

You can see Nigel in my upcoming show at the Toothless Cat art gallery in Philadelphia come January.

Skeleton Krew no.028 Madame Morte

The Skeleton Krew Collection is back just in time for the ghoulish season, with a new cabinet card portrait entitled Madame Morte. Staring with the macabre behind her eyes, this face of death is lovely and magically. Madame Morte was a pure alchemist at heart and held unseen forces with nature. She lived in a small wooden shack in theLouisiana swamps and was considered mad but no one would ever cross her, for she would cast a spell on them for eternity.  

I picked this antique cabinet card up at a local flea market that surrounds the haunted Eastern State Penitentiary. The portrait measures 4.125" w x aprox 6.5" h and is painted in gouache. This portrait is a dark and mysterious, perfect to spook a friend and ready for any gothic party or personal painting collection.

Skeleton Krew Soul Mates, Twins and Lovelies

One of my favorite finds when it comes to Victorian photographs, is the discovery of twins, marriages or soul mates as I like to call them. I've only come across a hand full, but purchased and been given some lovely unique portraits recently. I'm trying to find odd pairs for my upcoming show at the Toothless Cat gallery in January 2010. Below are some new portraits in my Skeleton Krew Collection, some have yet to be touched with the brush and one has been completed.

Hand in Hand, Heart to Heart: this portrait I found several months ago, I just fell in love with these little fellows. I often wonder what it is like to have a twin or even a twiner like from the Talisman, is there a mirror image of myself in another world or dimension?

Skeleton Krew no.0025 Master Gorey & His Wife Lenor: Meet Master Gorey and his wife Lenor, they are caught in the moment, all dolled up during their march in the Black Parade. This painting is 98% completed, just need to add a touch of red to the flowers in her blouse. 

Mischievous Marla (a gift from Bloodmilk): truly dark and mysterious, the portrait seems to be split in two, dividing the good and evil.

Siamese Sisters: very fascinating photograph that I purchased a while back, are they friends or sisters, I doubt they are truly siamese but I shall paint them as if they were from a Carney family. Look closely at their necklaces, they have matching rabbit's foot necklaces, fabulous.

All Girls (a gift from Bloodmilk), these young ladies are quite strange, I would assume soul mates or sisters. I find their hair and similar necklaces to be a riot; maybe they attend an all girl Catholic school.

Skeleton Krew no.0026 Harvest Witch

Here are the lovely images of my newest painting from my Skeleton Krew collection, Harvest Witch. I can imagine this woodland woman roaming the barren woods looking for herbs and poisons. The original photograph was given to me by the lovely Jess from Bloodmilk, and I thought I'd share the odd woman behind the paint. I love watching the face change as strokes are applied and darkness is added. She now looks much older and more organic, featuring a white streak and twigs growing from her hair. I have much more to do, including detailing on the face, hair and a little bone cameo hanging on her neck. Hopefully I will keep in this direction, and continue painting away.

Harvest Witch, Sneak Peek

Today I have been very productive, this morning I took a trip up to Kennett Square for a couple of hours while I visited my pop's dear friend Muffy. She rummaged through my jewelry and bought two necklaces and two pairs of earrings as gifts and one for herself. I sat and drank coffee with her and we discussed such topics as the filthy autobiography of Hilary Clinton and the Delaware riots of the 1960s. She also showed me all her wonderful art pieces, including an oil painting of Lake Como, Italy. It was a lovely time, I must say.

After I got home I rested for a while and ever since, I've been painting current and new paintings from my Skeleton Krew Collection. I've finished Master Gorey and Wife Lenor, shall have pictures of the fine couple next week. Featured below, is a 2nd painting I've have started, in which I call Harvest Witch. This lovely portrait along with many other gifts, was given to me by my lovely friend Jess from Bloodmilk. She features big black hair, tree twigs, and feathered eyes. An odd long face, she reminds me of Cruella Deville and her body is currently all jet black, but I am going to give her a little bone cameo right at her collar. I've also started a 3rd painting of a little girl in a plaid dress. She features mourning lace around her hair and tiny black gloves. Below is a quick shot of Harvest Witch taken with my computer, stay tuned for more pictures this week.

A Small Moment With the Macabre

The weekend was quite pleasant, I finally was able to sit down and paint yesterday amongst thunderstorms and I Survived. However I found myself a little uninspired and afraid to take on my larger portraits of my Skeleton Krew Collection.

So I stuck to some small and petite portraits, I started a small tintype, who I am just chilled by, she reminds me of Damien from The Omen. I am also in the process of painting Moth Queen, a dance between midnight masquerades and woodland enchantment. 

I just love the imperfections of gouache when transparent shades run into each other. I really dig the upper left of her wings, though I am unhappy with her face and wings at the moment, the weird thing is that I love when water mixes with the brush after it hits the surface, however when it dries it is an odd thing; sometimes becoming too dark. She will probably take another couple of rounds until I am in love. I almost wish I could capture the look of paint under water, so lucid, just how hair flows so freely in the bathtub.

New Skeleton Krew in the works

I've been just super busy this week at work that I am behind on so many things. But I thought I'd take a breather and share a new painting that is in the works from my Skeleton Krew Collection. Meet Master Gorey and his wife Lenor, they are caught in a moment all dolled up during their march in the Black Parade.

Master Gorey is a calm gentlemen, he almost seems too charming to be dressed in his devilish costume. Lenore has a slight crazed look about her, she is in traditional Day of the Dead makeup matched with black attire. This is the first stage of the painting, they almost look a little comical at this point, I have much more creepy detailing to do on their faces and also I will be adding a little coloring to the flowers on her blouse. I really love this photo, reminds a little of the odd couple from the painting American Gothic, though here these odd folks are dressed for death; walking on the path of mortality.

New Paintings In the Process

I'd like to introduce Skeleton Krew: no. 025 Weeping Eileen, she is quite an odd one for she makes me feel sad, my soul meets with hers as I stare into her eyes. I have painted many portraits but she is one of the most captivating, the mood is just so somber. Tragic…perhaps she was caught in the seconds of being so vulnerable and lonely. Her look is natural with a hint of lunacy.

Eileen is a new painting that will be going at the Toothless Cat gallery in philly that is run by Jason Goldberg, Dave Fox and J.L. Schnabel of Blood Milk, I will be heading down there Wed night to display some pieces for the cash/carry wall. 

Lately I've been going mad with finding new portraits for my Sweet Heart / Skeleton Krew Collection, I've been elaborating on the concept of sideshow characters and the my fascination of twins. At a later date I will share more on the details and my process/progress. Below is a new portrait that I found of this heavenly woman in a gesso frame. I haven't decided whether she will be a vampress or ghoul. Isn't she lovely?

The Traveling Wolf Brothers!!!

An odd case of curiosity and travel sideshow acts, The Traveling Wolf Brothers were twins both born with a thick coat of hair that covered their entire body, they suffered from Hypertrichosis. Simon and Alexander, were born in Poland in 1875 to normal parents. Both were entertainers since age four and traveled all of Europe until the end of the century. Simon was the mysterious one and Alexander spoke five languages. Simon out lived his brother and died alone 2 years after; he died from a broken heart.

This original painting is the last portrait of the two brothers, it is from my Skeleton Krew Collection™, the portrait and frame are over 100 years old, and the painting is done in all black gouche on an antique Victorian photograph. You can see more photos of The Traveling Wolf Brothers at Red Heart 13.

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The Skeleton Krew Collection™ is back with a new deadly portrait entitled no.0021.  

Staring with the macabre behind her eyes, this face of death is lovely at that. Her lips have been stitched together forming a fake smile looking happy in her horrible situation. She comes in a paper frame and comes stamped and numbered on the back. I've included a portrait of her before she was painted, quite an odd young woman! She is painted in gouache and oil and was just listed in my shop.

Back From the Dead

The other day I was moving some old books around on my desk, and what do you know, I found two lost Skeleton Krew portraits that I've been searching for the past year. I also found an unfinished painting in the book as well. The two macabre ladies are back from the dead and are newly listed in my shop.

~ Skeleton Krew™ portrait no.009 this woman finally has peace, parts of her face have been painted to look like stitches, if only she had that smooth porcelain skin she once had before her accident. The portrait is an antique cabinet card painted with gouache and ink.

~ Skeleton Krew™ portrait no.010, a thin face with hungry eyes and fear of death; poor starved soul. This tinotype is surrounded by a cream paper and a pink border.

If your on myspace, stop by the Red Heart Cult for more from the Skeleton Krew™ Collection.

The Royal Vampress

A lovely lady named Marie Louise sits looking abroad to the unknown with a slight red smile to match her blood stained pearls and gown. She was the second wife of Napoloen Bonaparte, and was born in 1791 and died as royalty with an unknown death in Parma, Italy. Could she have been seduced by the undead…her dark secret lover vampire. 

This Royal Vampress comes framed in a black aged flourish wooden frame with glass, with a black velvet backing with stand. This painting is from my Sweet Heart Collection, and is perfect for any Valentine's gift for that dark duchess you love. She is available at my etsy shop Red Heart 13.

For more from this bloody countess collection, click here.

Skeleton Krew™ Portrait no.019

The Skeleton Krew™ Collection is back with a new family member, this lovely lady has the macabre behind her eyes. I present portrait no.019. Has she gone mad after the years of traveling the road as a gypsy…or has she fell into a deep mourning?

The portrait is painted in gouache on an antique cabinet card from good ole Wilmington, DE. The back is signed and stamped with the Skeleton Krew seal. You can find this portrait at Red Heart 13; she is looking for a new home, especially any curiosity collection! And just in time for Valentines Day, I will be unveiling a new painting from my Sweet Heart Collection™.

A Haunting Collaboration

I have met some lovely friends through etsy, alot of them through creating custom banners for their shops, it is always surprising how work turns into friendship even though it is only through internet communication. One darling doll is Jess L. Schnabel, an illustrator and jewelry revampress from Blood Milk Jewelry. 

Over the past few months, I have gotten to know her through etsy convos. She recently asked me to do a collaboration painting with her based on my Skeleton Krew™ Collection. Finally searching around I found this lovely portrait for the base of the painting, I shall call her Emily for now, until she get a formal name. She is quite impressive, this antique portrait is from the early 1900s; as is the oval wooden plaster frame with antique glass. There are lovely clouds in the background with her stringy hair floating in the air. 

Nevertheless, she has turned into a creepy little lady with a skeleton face and and buldging blue eyes, she is soon to be met with the lovely Jess. I will be traveling up to Philly this weekend, with my side kick Alison from Spool Design. I am going to hand off the painting to Jess, who will then finish the painting for her art show at the topsitch gallery/boutique on the Feb 6th, the first friday of the month.

I am in awe of Jess' unique style and look forward to seeing what brilliance she adds to the painting. In celebration of her art show, she will be our featured artist for RHC Findings for the whole month of February. 

The Skeleton Krew is Back!

SK no.0017, antique cabinet card painted with gouache and signed / numbered on the back.

We have two new unveilings from my Skeleton Krew Collection: The Backbone to the Dead. These macabre family portraits are finally back!

Skeleton Krew portrait no.0017 is surely sweet with a twist of madness. What is behind this child's eyes? This lovely little girl stares at the viewer, and is painted with black gouache. There are no markings on the back of this photo but I believe it is circa early 1900s. You can purchase this portrait at Red Heart 13. Take home a part of this collection!

This lonely boy reminded me of Damien from the Omen, so innocent yet there is evil behind those eyes, or was his soul lost in a tragic accident. Stare into his piercing eyes and imagine how he lived in the 1800s. Did he have a brother or maybe a twin? SK no.0018 will be arriving in my shop in a week or so, I am in search of a odd frame to put him in. If you would like to reserve this portrait, please feel free to contact me and I can put him on hold. 

Skeleton Krew portrait no.0018, antique photo 3.5" w x 5" h, gouache paint.

I love doing these portraits, and often never want to let them go. I wonder how these people once lived, are they still living or have they passed on to another dimension in which they try to connect with us by these little pieces of evidence from their lives. If you would like to see more from the Skeleton Krew Collection please click here! 

The Dark Duchess

 

The past two months have been wonderful for me, I had my first art show back in September, it went off very well and everyone was so supportive. I ended up selling two necklaces,  a shadow box called Armored Saint and two tiny brass box relics. I came back even stronger for my second art show in October. Over 130 people came out to see my work along with two other brilliant artists. Having more assemblages and relics I was very successful and featured new work, I sold the Two Hearts, Two Souls collage, Vampire in the Dark painting and had a commission for a for a custom Skeleton Krew portrait like the one featured below. I can't wait to have another art show, while in Salem last week I picked up some new portraits to add to my Skeleton Krew collection. I look forward to creating new works and have been feeling inspired lately, all I need now, is time.

Sally Mae, finally completed! Gouache on antique photo in wooden frame, aprox 2.5' x 3.5'.

SOLD Vampire in the Dark, gouache on board in oval frame.

SOLD Two Hearts, Two Souls collage of original anatomical hearts in antique oval brass frames with glass.

Skeleton Krew Portrait No. 11, gouache on antique photo in plaster and wood frame.