Digital Media

"Daydreamer", chosen as the cover of Manuel Capella's new book.

I'm excited to report that one of my works now graces a published work of poetry! Manuel Capella's "Transversario" is an eclectic and contemporary take on a person's journey into his own self. It embodies the mental clarity some people can achieve while performing the most menial tasks, where the daily routine of urban city life intertwines with episodes of philosophical enlightenment.


Daydreamer, Digital Media, 2012

My work was the last submission put into consideration. I am glad that I could capture the essence of the work, especially under the provided time frame (something not unheard of on these types of commission). The author was gracious enough to provide a copy of the then unpublished manuscript for me to read. It was pretty evident right off the start that I needed to paint a new piece.

As for its availability, I am not sure where and if you can find the book in the States, as this book is published in Spanish, and currently available in South America only. But I will sure let you know when I find out!

A little Christmas gift...

I was feeling creative today and decided to paint a holiday postcard! I have not been able to really sit down and paint lately, so I decided to do the next best thing and go digital for this one.

I was going to add snow but hey, I live in L.A.! I hope you guys enjoy it!

Aron Ortega - Christmas Tree

So, here you go. A little (and somewhat late) Christmas present. Enjoy the rest of the holiday weekend!

-Aron

No more updates for a while :(

Midterms are here, but that is not the reason why I won't be updating you on my last project. I am saddened to inform that my loyal workhorse digital camera has finally succumbed to my demanding artistic lifestyle. Its last breaths were taken last Friday at Griffith Park, where I was scouting prospective subjects.


This picture is from a painting session earlier last week

One of the last pictures I took, at Griffith Park Observatory

Although a valid option, in these days of technological obsession, desperate upgrading needs and gear acquisition syndrome, it is unlikely that I will be able to find the parts to get it fixed; nor do I know if spending money on them will be a wise choice (unless it's dirt cheap!). It seems that I will be cameraless for a while.


 My camera went Mark Rothko on me
Digital Media, 2010


So, here's to my favorite gadget. We bought you as a temporary tool, something to hold on to until the 'real' camera arrived. Four years and almost 6,000 pictures later, you finally gave up.

Now I REALLY need to start selling some paintings...

P.S.: By the way, the painting is looking awesome. The bar has been raised, for sure.
And if you were wondering, this is the second digital camera I wear out.

About Carbon Footprint and the Creative Process...

Jazz Trio, Pencil on Paper, 8.5 x 11 in. 2006

 
My sketching process has changed dramatically over the years. Even though I still use regular artist pads for sketching, lately I've been only using them to practice drawing. Most of my sketching these days is done on the computer, with the help of a digital tablet and image processing software.

Jazz Trio (cubist version), Pencil on Paper, 8.5 x 11 in. 2006
 
In the process,  I have managed to save a truckload of paper ;)... As a matter of fact, I can't remember the last time I bought paper! I have been using the stuff I already had and I'm not sure if I'm going to restock once I start running low.

 Street Fighter inspired cartoon, Digital Media, 2007
 
While digital media is (and should be treated as) a whole monster on its own, I have found the technology has evolved so much, resembling traditional media is not impossible anymore. I'm in no way interested in replacing traditional materials, but I love how I can use computer applications to develop pieces of art that could not have been conceived otherwise. I also love how easily I can come up with variations of the same image and therefore broaden the possibilities of what I will ultimately paint.

And on top of that, if I get to be green and also save some green, then it all gets better.