Day Two of the Mural Painting

I think I should be done by the following Saturday, I’m glad how much I was able to paint yesterday, I’m very happy with the progress I’m making. Throwing my back out a few days ago slow me down a bit but nothing was going to stop me from painting yesterday. Once the painting is complete(I want to show you what it looks like so far but I’m going to wait. Suspense! Again, I know I’m talking to myself.), I will post it here and have the inspiration behind the painting tell her story about the piece, if she wants. The picture below is proof that I did paint yesterday, with that being said have a great day, stay warm and please be safe. 😔☝🏽☝🏽☝🏽☝🏽

Happy Birthday Max! 😢

I wanted to wish Max a happy birthday! He would of been fourteen years old today. I miss the days where he would lay on top of my chest and we would both fall asleep, Max would do that every night, he was the best cat. It’s hard to believe its been five years since he passed away, I miss him every day, I love you. 😔☝🏽☝🏽☝🏽☝🏽

First Day of The Mural Painting

Yesterday was the first day of the mural painting, I was surprised how much I got done. I’m not going to show the painting until its done. The image below was just the prep-work I did before I started the drawing, I wanted to show how big the painting will be. The story behind the painting hit me hard, it’s such a heartbreaking story, I’m glad she’s letting me paint this for her. I can’t wait to show it when it’s done. Have a great day, stay warm and please be safe. 😔☝🏽☝🏽☝🏽☝🏽

Untitled update

Last Friday, I showed a sample of what I wanted to paint for an upcoming mural and I was relieved that she liked it. Moments later she called me to say that she loved the rough drawing and couldn’t wait for me to start. After I got off the phone with her, I broke down and started to cry. I know I was happy but I still feel this weight of sadness. I know one day everything will be ok, right? Trying to stay positive and holding on to hope. I might post the mural when its done, who knows? 🤷🏽‍♂️ I know no one will see this, not trying to scare anyone, I needed to write this down, on that note have a great morning or day and please be safe and stay warm. 😔☝️☝️☝️☝️

p.s.

When I don’t feel like drawing but you force yourself anyways, it helps when you have a lot on your mind and no, I’m not drawing Spiderman for the mural. 🤷🏽‍♂️

Paradise Drawing

Just wanted to post this drawing I did a couple of days ago, I made a few adjustments from the original sketch but it has the same feel. Hopefully in a couple of weeks I can show the final product. Please, enjoy the rest of evening and be safe.
😔☝️☝️☝️ ☝️

12 string test

Picked up my first 12 string today, I’m still seeing what I can do with this guitar. I don’t like the idea that I have to use YouTube to post videos here. Sorry, I really don’t feel comfortable posting videos of me playing, I hope you enjoy an original number(I did another original because I didn’t want to get hit with a copyright strike for playing a cover).

Midlothian Music Project

I’m glad I was able to finish John’s project at Midlothian Music, I don’t think he will mind if I post this. Long story short he wanted a vinyl decal for the window when you enter the store, basically to cover the ladder. John was telling me he gets a phone call everyday if he’s under construction because of the ladder. That’s why he asked me can I do some artwork for him, I’m like no problem. I’ll post an update when he has the window decal installed. I always like doing artwork for John because Leo and John gave me my first job working for them and I’m always happy to help them when I can. Have great rest of your day and be safe. ☝️☝️☝️☝️

Cool new project

Recently a new client wanted me to do a mural. First of all I’m like are you sure you want me to do this. 🤷🏽‍♂️ Overall, I’m real excited to paint this project for them, little nervous because I never done one before. I think I’m up for the challenge, I’ll do just fine.

Here’s a quick sketch from today, it’s not the idea for the mural but it’s something close. Wish me luck, Like I said, I’m excited but really nervous. The good nerves I use to get when I use to play a show with my band. Enjoy the rest of the evening and please be safe. ☝️☝️☝️☝️

Made My Day

I stopped by my local coffee shop and I saw my paintings hanging up on the wall, that made my day. I feel like this is a small victory, I don’t have many moments like this but this one I will take. If you ever get the chance, stop at the Pekoe & Bean in Tinley Park, IL. great coffee and paintings from other artist. (FYI) I took a picture of my painting from a far because there was family sitting by my work and I didn’t want to go over there and be a dork taking a photo of my painting. 🤷🏽‍♂️😂

Painting vs. Digital

I’m happy I got this painting close to the digital drawing as humanly possible. Its not exactly like the digital drawing but it’s close enough and I got another painting done before the new year. It was a small goal but I’m happy with the outcome of this painting. I’m happy I’m doing a lot more paintings/drawings that are out of my comfort zone.

More ideas to paint

Good morning! Early morning digital drawing, trying to wake up the brain and take my mind off of a few things. I wonder if this will be a good drawing to paint, I know I wouldn’t have a hard time drawing the flower but the background might give me a little trouble. I’m trying something different, hopefully I can get the painting done before the new year.

Kinda of a XMAS painting

I decided to redo this painting from twelve years ago, the one on top I did this morning on my phone and the one below, I painted for my mom twelve years ago today. A nice little throwback. Have a great morning, be safe and have a great holiday.

Ukulele added to The Other Way (instrumental)

I did a re-edit of The Other Way instrumental, for some reason the volume was off. I wanted to see if I can transcribe my ukulele to the song, you can hear the ukulele but it’s faint. Trying to see what will work, the new re-edit is on the previous blog. I’ll probably redo it again and add a twelve string track. 🤷🏽‍♂️

The Other Way (instrument re-edit)

About twenty years ago, I wrote my first musical number. Out of everything I ever written, including the ones that I collaborated with my band mates, this will always be my favorite one. Hopefully one day I can get into the studio to record this with our former singer Brittany, she did such a great job putting her vocals to this musical number. Enjoy 😊

Quick Drawing

It’s early, besides work, what else am I supposed to do? Here’s a quick combo drawing I did on a piece of paper and my phone, nice way to get the morning started. I might fine tune it later in illustrator.

Restoring an old picture of my Uncle

I’m surprised I never seen this image of my Uncle before. I think I did a pretty good job in photoshop on restoring the image back to its glory. The guy on the right is my Uncle, he’s the reason why I wanted to play the guitar. I miss the days when we would see each other during the holidays and we did nothing but talk about guitars. If we had time he would show me some different chord progressions, boring to most people but not to us.

Chicago Marathon 2022

I was kinda disappointed this morning that I didn’t win a lottery spot for next years Chicago Marathon but I’m going to run it anyways. I know I said I wouldn’t run it again unless I won a lottery spot, I’m raising money for a good cause so win win! Once I get all the information from Team Paws, I will put the link here so anyone can donate. I can’t wait to run The Chicago Marathon next year. https://my.pawschicago.org/TEAMPAWSChicago2022/andreslopezjr

Restoration

Good Morning! I always like looking at old sketches, I haven’t seen this particular sketchbook in seven years. It’s fun to go back and see if you can add anything to the drawing. Plus it helps me with ideas for what I want to draw next.