The Wall Breakers

Hey cool - the creative news website 'The Wall Breakers' promoted my work on their site! Thanks, guys!

http://thewallbreakers.com/the-gallery/1634-the-paintings-of-jono-doiron

Special Guest Artist - Blah Blah Gallery

The website 'Blah Blah Gallery' selected me as the 'special guest artist' for spring 2013 and posted an interview it did with me last month all about my work and influences. They asked some great questions - some of which I've been meaning to ask myself...

You can read it here: http://www.blahblahgallery.com/spguest.html

The frame game

More recently I've been framing my works. This is a glimpse of what's to come: I just sprayed these both this morning. The blue-purple one is for a group show in June, the yellow one will later have design elements added to it.

Happy Easter/long weekend to you all!

Life Drawing 2013

Here's some of the life drawing I've been doing lately. In Montreal, it's actually possible to go life drawing up to four (possibly more) times per week. (I've only done that once though.) Most of these were drawn at Syn Studio (http://synstudio.ca/) or at the UQAM classes on Sunday. Conte on Kraft paper.

Salon du disque et des arts underground de Montréal 2013

Happy Saturday everybody,

I'll be vending at Salon du disque et des arts underground de Montréal 2013 all day today and tomorrow selling the new giclee prints, original drawings, booklets and small paintings. Attendance is free. Please say hello if you come by.

http://www.underthesnow.ca/2013/en/

Giclee prints have arrived!

My giclee prints have arrived and are NOW available! Several of them have already been prepaid, the rest are on my online store:
 
http://jonodoironstudio.storenvy.com/collections/101738-prints

They were produced in a very limited run and will not be available again once I run out, so if you'd like one - don't snooze. If you live in Montreal and are willing to prepay, you can make arrangements with me to pick them up and save yourself on shipping.

The prints are:
'The Boastful Ghost' 14"x14" (series of 15 including AP)
'Preschool Shooting' 11"x14" (series of 12 including AP)
'Sad Unicorn' 11"x14" (series of 12 including AP)

Nuit Blanche

I completed this painting for one of the events during the Nuit Blance (http://www.montrealenlumiere.com/nuit-blanche-en/) festival last night. Looking forward to it again next year! (It was for a psychedelic event. It's always a good idea to do your research and learn what your audience will be when you do a live painting.)

I'm calling this piece 'Smurfodelic'. Acrylic and ink on masonite, 24"x30"

Giclee prints - SOON!

Whoo-hoo! The package with the giclee prints I ordered just arrived this morning! Earlier this month, I sent 3 images of mine to an outsourced giclee printer and will be releasing my FIRST EVER signed and numbered limited run of giclee prints very soon! One of the images has NEVER been available as a print before! (Hint: 'Friendly as ....')
   
 "What are giclee prints?" http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/printmaking/giclee-prints.htm )

They will be available shortly on my online store! They will also be available next weekend at the 2013 Montreal Underground Music & Arts Fair: https://www.facebook.com/events/559554277405406/585329864827847/?notif_t=plan_mall_activity

Have a great weekend!

New Ink Drawin for Sale

If you like 'Tatty the Tattooed Troll' (http://bit.ly/Z479kN), I am also selling an original ink drawing of the character that I just uploaded on my online store. This drawing was used to create the back design for the box art.
http://jonodoironstudio.storenvy.com/products/1068370-tatty-the-tattooed-troll-original-drawing

Tatty the Tattooed Troll!

About 2 months ago, I asked friends and fans to submit photos of your tattoos for a project which is now complete: Tatty the Tattooed Troll!

He is a one-of-a-kind collectable art object now available on my online store! Many of his tattoos are based on the tattoos of friends and people who sent me photos to participate. Thank you for your submissions. You can pick him up and see more photos of him here: http://jonodoironstudio.storenvy.com/products/1067993-tatty-the-tattooed-troll A great gift for lovers of tattoo culture.

All production photos taken by professional photographer, Melanie Boisvert. You can see more of her work here: http://www.soulsisterphotography.com/#!

SOLD!

Yesterday was a great day! These original works are all no longer available.

'Night of the Grimace' SOLD!

'Grungebob Scarepants' SOLD!

'Preschool Shooting' SOLD!

Live painting from Saturday night1 (Jan. 26)

My pal Peter Farmer (also an artist, http://www.peterfarmer.ca/ ) hired myself to create a live painting during his Birthday dinner celebration shenanigans this past Saturday night. The decor, the food and festivities all had a Spanish/Latin America theme so that had to be incorporated into the art. I call this piece "Come back here with my Sangria!" (featuring Speedy Gonzalez and Condorito). It was completed in one evening, 2'x4'

Tattooed Pooh

As promised - my contribution to 2013's annual Pre-Shrunk show at Argyle Fine Art!

Tattoos are awesome! I've got 2 and am planning to get more. However - some people end up getting tattoos that they regret later. That was the inspiration for this new painting. What were you THINKING, Pooh?!? Silly ol' bear...

As I write this the piece is still available! Contact the Gallery for purchase. You can check out the entire show here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/62710153@N03/sets/72157632220409811/?page=3

 'Tattooed Pooh' (Oh Bother!)'
acrylic and ink on wood panel
4"x5"

Pre-Shrunk 2013!

TONIGHT is the Pre-Shrunk opening at Argyle Fine Art! As I mentioned, I have one piece in the show. I'm not going to tell you what it is, but if you've been following my work up till now - I'm confident you'll know it when you see it. Many of my very talented artist friends are also in the show. I encourage you to attend. You can find all the information below: 

Archie Snow

I was fortunate to spend my morning today with comic book artist, Kelly Tindall and his lovely wife, Trina. Kelly has served me a lot of help since I moved to Montreal over 6 months ago. 

His birthday passed recently and I made a small painting for him as a thank you and belated birthday gift. The character in the image is one of Kelly's own creations, an adventurer named Archie Snow who mysteriously has the head of a snow leopard. You can learn more about Archie Snow and see many fine examples of Kelly's work at: www.kellytindall.com and http://kellytindall.blogspot.ca/

Final painting above (5"x7") and rough color below 

Art Documentaries

Hey Folks,

I watch a lot of art documentaries and get asked sometimes for recommendations. I've compiled a list for your enjoyment of some art documentaries that I consider to be worth your time - many of which are available to watch online. Please share with your friends!

This is not a definitive list of art documentaries - just some of my personal recommendations. What are some of YOUR favorite art documentaries that I didn't put on the list? Please let me know in the comments section.

Jono Doiron's art documentary recommendations:

ART HISTORY:

The Boys from Termite Terrace - 1975

An in depth look at the men who would create the LOONEY TUNES during the 'golden age' of theatrical cartoons.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0535649/

Frank & Ollie - 1995
 
A warm insightful documentary about a friendship that emerged from 2 of Disney's 'Golden Age' animators.

 http://www.disneymovieslist.com/documentaries/details.asp?mov=frank-ollie

Chuck Jones: Extremes and Inbetweens -2000

The film highlights the impact of animator and animation director, Chuck Jones - but is more of a historic retelling of the American animation industry and his impact upon it.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0255896/

The Pixar Story - 2007

To many, Pixar is seen as an overnight success - a company that came out of nowhere - but the reality is it took many years of determination and hard work advancing the technology to achieve the thriving acclaim the company now enjoys today. Wonderfully inspiring.

 http://www.thepixarstory.com/

The Art of the Steal - 2009

Explores an inside look at how the art collection of Albert C. Barnes - a priceless historical collection hidden from the world for numerous years - was cultivated in a new public space through furtive means.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1326733/

New Brow - 2009

New Brow is a film that explores the history and emergence of parallel art movements 'Low Brow' 'Pop Surrealism' and 'pulp illustration' into the realm of fine art. The film interviews artists and galleries as well as the genre driven magazines Juxtapoz and Hi Fructose.

http://newbrowfilm.com/

Waking Sleeping Beauty - 2009

An insightful look behind the curtain of the Disney studio from the early 80's to mid 90's documenting the politics surrounding a grim period previously unknown to the public. It also encapsulates the animation industry as a whole during that time.

http://www.wakingsleepingbeautymovie.com/

BIOGRAPHY:

The Line King - The Al Hirschfeld Story - 1996

Documentry on one of the most celebrated caricaturists of all time, Al Hirschfeld. Whose deceivingly simple line drawings have had tremendous influence and appeal in the entertainment industry. 

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116886/

Crumb - 1997

The life and career of R. Crumb, the world's most notorious and famous underground cartoonist. Includes many interviews with his personal relations.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109508/

Metamorphose - 1999

Follows the life and talent of draftsman and designer M.C. Esher. Perhaps most widely known for his surreal architecture drawings. I guaranty you've seen his work. (Think room with the multiple staircases.)

http://www.janson.com/focus/m-c-escher-feature-documentary-metamorphose/

Painting With Fire - 2003

A biographic feature on Frank Frazetta, arguably the most iconic and influential fantasy illustration artist of all time.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0363621/

Dr. Seuss: Rhymes & Reasons - 2003

The life and career of Theodor Geisel - better known as 'Dr. Seuss' - the most most successful children's author of all time. He revolutionized the format of children's books and has left an indelible mark on every generation that followed after him. 

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0490407/

POPaganda: The Art and Crimes of Ron English - 2005

As the title suggests, it follows the artistic capers of international artist, Ron English, and how he replaces billboard advertisements with his fabricated ones of humor and brutal honesty.  (The film focuses more on his illegal billboard liberation then his fine art career.)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0459180/

COMICS:

Comic Book Superheroes Unmasked - 2003

If you've ever felt intimidated by the world of comic book superheroes - fear no more! After an hour and a half of this comprehensive documentary, you'll understand the history and learn how they've managed to resonate with people over the years.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0373763/

Tales From the Crypt: from Comic Books to Television - 2004

 This documentary explores EC's (Entertaining Comics) history and evolution of their most well known series 'Tales From The Crypt' among other titles. They were the first company to venture into the realm of horror in comics and inadvertently jeopardized the comics industry as a whole. 

http://www.cryptdvd.com/

DESIGN:

Art & Copy - 2009

Brilliant film interviewing some of the most prolific minds behind the advertising industry. It also invests how impactful the affects of advertising can be on our culture in ways that were unintended.  

http://www.artandcopyfilm.com/

GRAFFITI/STREET ART:

Style Wars - 1983

Possibly the most definitive documentary on Graffiti ever produced. Unlike other films that touch on the history in a retrospect, this one actually captured the progression as it was evolving before the camera and includes interviews with many individuals who would years later become industry staples.

http://www.stylewars.com/

Bomb It - 2007

Another informative documentary on the subject of Graffiti. What I enjoy about it the most, is this film documents graffiti on a global scale chronicling the art form in North America plus 4 other continents.

http://www.bombit-themovie.com/

Roadsworth: Crossing the Line - 2008

Profiles Canadian street artist Peter Gibson, better known as 'Roadsworth' from the inception of his clever work to his legal battle of accounted public mischief.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1385969/

Exit Through the Gift Shop - 2010

Ok, so just about everybody has seen this now - but if you still haven't - you need to watch it. A behind the scenes look at the world of street art and an artist in the making as narrated by Banksy (one of the most important and influential artists to emerge in the last 10+ years). Highly entertaining!

http://www.banksyfilm.com/

TOYS:

The Vinyl Frontier - 2010

Film about the rising popular world of collectible vinyl toys made comprehensible.

http://www.thevinylfrontiermovie.com/

These are a selection of documentaries I have not seen personally, but look quite promising:

Visual Futurist: The Art & Life of Syd Mead - 2006

Syd Mead, everybody!

http://sydmead.com/v/11/store/syd-mead-documentary/

Waste Land - 2010

Artist, Vik Muniz, is on a mission to transform the lives of people in Jardim Gramacho,  turning the garbage they work in into high end art.

http://www.wastelandmovie.com/

EAMES: The Architect and The Painter - 2011

The impactful husband-and-wife industrial design team of Charles and Ray Eames.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1972646/

Beauty is Embarrassing - 2012

The life and career of multi disciplinary artist, Wayne White.

http://buy.beautyisembarrassing.com/

Mr. Bitchin' - 2012

The life, career and personal struggles of famed artist, Robert Williams, who founded JUXTAPOZ magazine and coined the term 'Low Brow'.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1245098/

These documentaries have not yet been released:

Dear Mr. Watterson - TBR

An insightful look at the loyal following and impact surrounding the greatest comic strip ever created: Calvin & Hobbes. 

http://www.dearmrwatterson.com/DMW/dear_mr._watterson.html

Drew: The Man Behind the Poster - TBR

Documentary about the life and career of legendary movie poster artist, Drew Struzan.

http://drewthemovie.com/