KERRY CESEN's blog

Tromp L'oeil Faux Wood

2011-11-17T11:24:00.001-05:00

I just traveled back to Baltimore last week to work on a tromp l'oeil style mural. These interior walls were originally painted white with a satin finish. My task, for aesthetic purposes, was to create the illusion of a deteriorating wall in which underlying wood paneling would be exposed underneath the painted surface. The photo above shows the progress of two walls after the wood panels were painted on the white surface, some woodgrain added, and various distressing techniques applied to the paint and faux wood surface. There are several walls in this portion of the restaurant, and they are all painted to show different stages of decay. Some are merely cracked, some are stained, and (like the photo above) some are completely exposed portions of wood where no paint is left behind.

Hand Lettering

2011-11-15T17:17:00.001-05:00

I also did some hand lettering on a panel of glass for Hersh's Pizza and Drinks...The panel is situated above the main bar on the first floor. The whole phrase actually reads "Pizza for President". It was hand-painted with One Shot Enamel. Black, Yellow, and White.

Final Restaurant Murals

2011-11-15T16:45:00.001-05:00

I finished these murals last week after adding subtle hints of color and some finishing touches. The walls have such a greater presence when seen in person and the restaurant is now open! Anyone and everyone should go for some food and drinks and enjoy the entire atmosphere. Hersh's Pizza and Drinks is the name. The address is 1843 Light St. Baltimore, MD 21230.

Restaurant Murals

2011-10-19T10:57:00.000-04:00

I'm in the midst of finishing a series of murals for an upcoming restaurant in South Federal Hill, Baltimore. This is a sneak peak, as the restaurant is not open, and the murals are not finished. This gives you an idea of how they are looking though... Quite large, black and white mostly, and very beautiful so far. All the murals are done by wheatpasting on exposed brick. The white background pattern is a repeating stencil. And unseen for now, there will also be accents of color. Check back for the completed murals in a week or so.

Mural Proposal

2011-10-19T10:33:00.002-04:00

It's been a while, but I've been doing things still...This summer was full of excitement and opportunities for great things to happen. This piece was one of several mural proposals that I put together for consideration this season. Unfortunately it wasn't selected to be painted but I wanted to share it still. It was going to be on an exterior wall of a city health clinic. If you own a health clinic, this could be on your wall....just imagine.

Auto Shop Sign

2011-06-06T12:31:00.000-04:00

I just hand-painted an outdoor sign for an auto shop in downtown B-more. It's pretty simple and clean lettering. Exterior Latex on brick... and by the way, lettering on brick work is awesome, it's like drawing on grid paper!

CD and Poster design

2011-05-04T19:11:00.000-04:00

Here's a recent promotional design I put together for my amazingly talented and dear friend Ryan Gubanyar and his bandmates Bob Butcher and Ray Mcelwain. Together they've formed the group "Entity". The result is a truly unique blend of grunge metal and alternative rock. Give it a listen!

Woodcuts

2011-02-23T12:29:00.000-05:00

These are the woodcuts from the Human Nature show! I want to say big thanks again to everyone that came out to share some love and show support. In case you missed the opening, the show will be running till the 20th of May.

Human Nature

2011-01-27T15:56:00.003-05:00

I have a new show opening up next month! There's going to be a lot of woodblocks made. The actual panels will be up for display as well as for sale. There will be limited editions of prints available, but will most likely be very limited. Check back soon for more updates on the show and some sneak peeks at artwork that'll be on display!

explorer's map

2010-12-27T22:27:00.001-05:00

Check it out, this is one of my latest commissions - an antiqued map. Drafted and collaged.

Time Lapse Mural

2010-10-24T17:20:00.000-04:00

Help Some Thing Grow (Mural)

2010-10-18T09:36:00.000-04:00

After about 12 hours of outlines and fill ins, the wall is 99% finished. Thank you to everyone who came out to support and offer some help and kind words. Anyone interested in seeing the wall in person ---> 6 South Poppleton St. Baltimore, MD 21201.

Mural Outline

2010-10-18T09:25:00.000-04:00

We used an LCD projector to help transfer the outlined version of my sketch up onto the wall. Big thanks to John Aquila and Ty Christian for the help.

Mural Sketch

2010-10-16T23:21:00.001-04:00

This is a final sketch for a mural that I'm painting in West Baltimore. Actually, this mural marks the beginning of a much larger project that is still in its early stages of growth. I hope you enjoy it as much as the next passerby.

Sign Finished

2010-09-18T14:59:00.000-04:00

The last post documented the earlier progress of this sign. Now it's all finished and I wanted to share with everyone, especially since I got so much great feedback from the people who live in the community.

Cafe sign/mural

2010-08-15T13:55:00.001-04:00

This last Saturday I painted a pretty large sign for a new Cafe in West Baltimore. Nearly completed, but not just yet. Fourteen foot step ladders are hard to maneuver.

Hand painted sign

2010-07-11T21:44:00.000-04:00

This is an indoor sign for a sports bar located in the Inner Harbor here in Baltimore! It's hand painted by yours truly with One Shot enamel. Signed, Sealed, Delivered!

Turret Syndrome

2010-07-11T21:30:00.000-04:00

...Another piece from the show. Ensuing madness and carpel tunnel syndrome.

drawings and collages

2010-07-11T21:26:00.000-04:00

These pieces are also in the same show at Black Ankle. Do you notice a theme?

show paintings

2010-07-11T21:20:00.000-04:00

These two paintings are also part of the same show that just opened up last weekend at Black Ankle Vinyards. The one on top is an old train car, even though it looks like a house. Maybe it's both.

B&O Railroad Series

2010-06-10T22:58:00.000-04:00

It's been a little while since my last update, fortunately because I've started a new job at a local sign shop here in Baltimore. I've been wanting to fill everyone in on some new paintings which I've hand-lettered from some old train cars at the historic B&O Railroad Museum. This is just one series in a show that will be opening at Black Ankle Vinyards around the first of the month, or so. Check back for more!

Art in Fusion reception

2010-05-29T00:01:00.002-04:00

The "Art in Fusion" opening turned out to be another alluring display of ingenuity and beauty from many passionate and truly creative minds. Thank you's to all the people who came and showed love and support! Let's do it again.

Art Show Opening

2010-04-19T10:25:00.002-04:00

Friday, April 23rd is the opening of "Art in Fusion" which I posted on recently. The show will be up until August 1, 2010, but if you'll be around this week, you should definitely make it out for the opening celebration. There is some really amazingly work from some talented locals. If you need directions, too, I can guide you.

Process Video

2010-04-10T10:33:00.001-04:00

I decided to just post the video of the fish painting directly, since blogger makes it so simple. You should still click the link to youtube to view it correctly, because this version is cropped.

look... a snook

2010-04-10T10:28:00.000-04:00

This is a new painting inspired by a fish that I caught in the Florida Keys in January. It was also an experiment in capturing my painting process in a time lapse fashion. You can catch the video on youtube by clicking this link... time lapsing. Please excuse the quality and positioning of the video, which are a bit crude, but you get the idea. Enjoy!

RE-birth

2010-04-08T10:35:00.000-04:00

I thought it would be nice to give a sneek preview of some new work in progress. These last few posts are pieces that will be completed for an upcoming show in Ellicott City, MD. The show's theme is based around the broad concept of recycling, by using both synthetic and natural materials, resources, ideas, et cetera. I've chosen to continue using discarded and found materials for my artwork - such as wood, scrap metal, debris, garbage, paint cans, the list goes on. I feel it's the perfect time to introduce this series as the the trees bloom, people emerge, and life begins to flourish again after months of dormancy. Stay tuned for more artwork and information in regards to the show.

2010-04-08T10:13:00.000-04:00

Cicada

2010-04-08T10:12:00.003-04:00

Just Relax

2010-03-19T18:03:00.001-04:00

It's springtime in the northern hemisphere, and there is finally evidence that suggests that everything is going to be okay for a while. But not forever, so enjoy it!

Purple Pigeons

2010-03-19T17:44:00.002-04:00

Pigeons tend to get a bad rep these days, but I've been one to realize that they are just opportunistically living. And so am I most of the time, so...pigeons have my RESPECT!

NEW painting!

2010-03-10T21:48:00.006-05:00

This a new piece for an upcoming show in Baltimore. The background is all collaged and painted with spray paint and ink. The green leaves are made by collaging colored paper, and the grapes and candle are painted with acrylics (patiently).

PURE WINE CAFE art opening!

2010-02-23T15:57:00.003-05:00

The pure wine cafe has requested that the show be extended for another month, and we'll be having another opening night this coming Sunday to celebrate. Come out of hibernation and see some beauty!

final

2010-02-17T15:12:00.005-05:00

final version...

new board

2010-01-25T14:50:00.004-05:00

another board in progress

2010-01-25T14:50:00.003-05:00

new business cards

2010-01-25T14:49:00.002-05:00

Custom Snowboard

2010-01-25T14:35:00.008-05:00

This recently completed project was a custom-painted board for use on the slopes... I wouldn't recommend this method to others interested in the idea

CD Design

2009-10-29T18:13:00.006-04:00

So, I just finished up a CD design for Primal Static's newest album, called "the Curtain of Many Faces". The album should be out very soon and the sound is something you must not miss.

Pre Woodcut Drawing

2009-10-29T18:07:00.006-04:00

I just finished this drawing which will soon be transformed into a new woodcut for printing. Check back soon for more on this developing series!

LIB technologies final design

2009-09-21T11:30:00.010-04:00

I finished the final design for LIB tech last week. Here's the result, and it's exclusive - not out until December or January.

Aquarium

2009-09-20T13:46:00.004-04:00

I spent some time at the aquarium in Baltimore last week, sketching fish and other aquatic animals with Isaac and Orpheus. It was a great drawing exercise but I don't think i can stand another person asking, "where's Nemo?"

Woodcuts

2009-09-18T23:13:00.003-04:00

I've been working on a couple of woodcut designs lately, and I'm really loving the process work so far. I'm in love with the results too, though I'm noticing several mistakes in hindsight. Above are the actual woodcarvings (on the wood), and a nice print of the skateboardcut (on paper).

LIB technologies

2009-08-25T14:25:00.003-04:00

So this is a much more refined design with the ski's measurements in mind. finalized? in no time...... sooooon.

LIB technologies ski sketches

2009-08-25T14:21:00.004-04:00

These are some quick ski graphic sketches i did for LIB tech. thought y'all should see dis!

Mural Details

2009-08-24T19:54:00.010-04:00

I spent some time this week adding some smaller details to the wall.
It should be finished later this week.
Can you see the spider?

Balti More Mural

2009-08-14T21:08:00.009-04:00

It's been a little while since i last posted any progress, but the wait has made the results seem almost instantaneous. The wall appears to be breathing life now. The bird, leaves, and branches have all been boosted with color, and more is on the way. We're approaching the final stretch! Hope you enjoy it.

Mural...more

2009-08-06T01:54:00.004-04:00

So, we had a late night painting session tonight and covered a lot of ground on the mural. Much thanks to John Aquila and Alexis Miller for helping make it possible. More photos soon! Goodnight

Mural...more progress

2009-08-04T10:32:00.006-04:00

Here are some more photos of the mural's first steps. Its baby steps. Thanks again to John Aquila and brand new thanks to Ashley Garcia for aiding with the background. More again soon!

Mural (progress)!

2009-07-28T11:49:00.014-04:00

So, these are some in progress photos from the mural at 1900 Broadway (North Ave. and Broadway) in Baltimore. The Cow and Bear faces are made very beautifully possible by Gaia. That's me working on my branches/vegetation and animals. Extra special thanks to John Aquila, Mary Alessi, Karl Miller, Gaia, and Alexis Miller for all the tremendous help so far. And i'm sure there will be more contributors and many more thanks to come. check http://www.juxtapoz.com/ for some earlier progress. Stop back here soon to see more as this project really comes to life. Enjoy

Mural sketches

2009-07-28T11:12:00.003-04:00

These are just the sketches for my portion of a mural being painted at 1900 Broadway in Baltimore. I'll post some actual images of the mural soon. it's progressing quite well.

Commencement Show 2009

2009-06-24T17:39:00.004-04:00

tugboats

2009-04-08T22:13:00.008-04:00

These tugboats are always docked near the edge of the pier in Fells Point. I am the voyeur that goes down there just to look at them, and sometimes I pretend that I'm the captain and i could just float on okay.

NEW WEBSITE!

2009-03-22T17:11:00.003-04:00

It's been a while since my last update for anyone who's been checking in, or following this blog. I just finished designing a new website, with much more work and hopefully easier to navigate. check it out.... http://www.kerrycesen.com/

Kerry

the B article

2008-12-14T15:58:00.003-05:00

Article for the 2008 Art Market in "The B" One of Baltimore's free daily newspapers. Pretty nifty.

Jewelry in Greece

2008-12-03T23:39:00.004-05:00

These pieces were small gifts that were made for two wonderful people who taught me so much while studying in Greece. These were just small tokens that begin to show my appreciation in exchange for all the beautiful things that were shown to me in the world that I had yet to see. Thank you Ted and Libbie, much love.

Tattooing

2008-12-03T11:50:00.006-05:00

This painting was inspired by the learning process behind tattooing as well as the act itself.

Music and Food mmmm

2008-12-03T11:31:00.004-05:00

This piece is about the challenge of trying to learn new/foreign things without really understanding the language. In this case - music.

This piece was inspired by my love for foods, cooking, preparing, hosting, sharing, etc. It's not about the need we have to consume just to survive, but more of the ritual that brings people together to savor not just delicious food, but the time that is shared with the experience.

Travel

2008-12-03T11:06:00.001-05:00

backpacking t-shirt

2008-10-03T22:52:00.001-04:00

beginning of visual journalism series

2008-10-02T18:56:00.002-04:00

a few character designs

2008-10-02T18:50:00.001-04:00

Byzantine-style stone relief

2008-10-02T17:39:00.002-04:00

Olymbos, Greece

2008-10-02T17:31:00.000-04:00

traveling around Greece

2008-10-02T16:56:00.006-04:00

new paint job

2008-07-15T19:59:00.005-04:00

chess set

2008-07-15T19:49:00.006-04:00

skateboard series

2008-05-09T13:12:00.001-04:00

poetry class CD label

2008-04-29T15:21:00.003-04:00

lithographs

2008-04-29T15:18:00.003-04:00

Lithograph

2008-03-14T16:27:00.004-04:00

Lithograph

2008-03-14T16:26:00.000-04:00

Lithograph

2008-03-14T16:24:00.001-04:00

surface design on t-shirt

2008-03-11T17:25:00.001-04:00

surface design

2008-03-11T17:23:00.003-04:00

graffiti contest...1st place

2008-03-11T17:21:00.002-04:00

mouse sketch

2008-03-11T17:20:00.000-04:00

sketch

2008-03-11T17:17:00.000-04:00

2008-02-13T19:53:00.000-05:00

2008-02-13T19:52:00.000-05:00

2008-02-13T19:51:00.000-05:00

bamboo in baltimore

2008-01-25T18:19:00.000-05:00

flora and fauna

2008-01-20T18:54:00.002-05:00

mother goose

2008-01-20T18:54:00.001-05:00

they call him jonas

2008-01-20T18:52:00.001-05:00

cuckoo clock relief

2008-01-20T18:48:00.000-05:00

water.wings.sketch

2008-01-20T18:44:00.000-05:00

kelly

2007-12-12T22:46:00.001-05:00

a kid again

2007-12-09T22:05:00.000-05:00

water wings

2007-12-09T22:02:00.000-05:00

SOLD

life distracts you from death

2007-12-09T22:01:00.000-05:00

SOLD

time

2007-12-09T21:59:00.000-05:00

god.concept

2007-12-09T21:58:00.000-05:00

SOLD

sensational

2007-12-09T21:54:00.000-05:00

2007-12-09T21:51:00.002-05:00

SOLD

2007-12-09T21:51:00.001-05:00

SOLD

2007-12-09T21:50:00.000-05:00

2007-12-09T21:49:00.002-05:00

2007-12-09T21:49:00.001-05:00

SOLD

2007-12-09T21:48:00.000-05:00

SOLD

2007-12-09T21:45:00.000-05:00