chrystal chan's art blog

Switching over to NEW BLOG!!!

2010-10-03T00:49:00.000-07:00

Ok! It's official, I am switching over to Wordpress. Some reason, Blogger hasn't been letting people click to view my images larger for 98% of the time. You can find my new blog here... http://chrystalchan.wordpress.com/

July Show

2010-06-28T22:07:00.001-07:00

7 new paintings are on my website: "Ruling the Nature of What Was Given" to "Return to Dust" (under "Painting" section) will be showing at C.A.V.E. Gallery (Venice, CA) from July 2- August 7th.

Address: 507 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291

Reception: Friday, July 2. 7-11pm.

If you're interested in any pieces, please contact cavegallery@gmail.com or call 310.450.6960 I will be attending : )!! Here are 2 of the images!

Ruling the Nature of What Was Given

oil on board

8"x10". 2010

framed

In Perfect Timing

oil on board

11"x14". 2010

framed

On the side note, I've been having a hate relationship with Blogger since they haven't been easily allowing my images to be clickable/viewed larger. I will do another blog post sometime to announce where I will move my blog to : ).

3 shows to look forward to!

2010-05-24T21:50:00.002-07:00

Hello! Things have been busy busy! But, gallery wise, here's what to look forward to in June! I will be part of a really awesome group show at Copro Gallery (Santa Monica, CA) June 5-26th. Reception is on Saturday, June 5 8-11:30pm If you're interested in the piece, please contact them at 310-829-2156 or copronason@msn.com I will try my best to be in attendance since it coincides with Jehan's featured show (mentioned below). (Blogger has been very broken, not allowing enlarging of images...please go to my website if you would like to view larger images. Thanks!) Here is the show preview! My image is higher res here : ) http://www.copronason.com/beinart/

Lighthouse

oil on board.

11"x14". 2010.

framed.

I am also part of another show at Young Blood Gallery & Boutique (Atlanta, GA) from June 5-27th. Reception is on June 5th. I will be showing 2 new and 2 older pieces. (I'll be sure to post the other 3 on my website by May30th). If interested in any of the pieces, please contact kelly@youngbloodgallery.com or call 404-254-4127.

Set Free

oil on board.

7"x5". 2009.

framed.

I am also not only on a wall paper for Ism community, but also a featured artist : ). Thanks Kevin!

Last, but not least! My bf, Jehan Choo, www.jehanchoo.com is having a featured spot in a show at the Hive Gallery (Los Angeles, CA) this month. Reception is on June 5th 8-12:30am. We will both be in attendance! Whew!! A lot of things this month : )!!

April Show

2010-04-02T01:30:00.001-07:00

Deer

oil on illustration board

1"x1". 2010.

framed

Hi! I will be having 2 tiny pieces (including "Deer") at Gallery Meltdown. 7522 W. Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA. Reception is on April 10th 6-10pm. The theme was to do tiny works 3"x3" or smaller. I did a 1"x1" and a 2"x2". Check my site for the other painting. If you are interested in any tiny pieces, contact Linda Pine at hopeyglass@earthlink.net : )

March Show!

2010-03-07T20:55:00.000-08:00

Hello all! I'm going to be showing 4 pieces (check my website "news" for listing & images/images info. Blogger has been pixelated & color incorrect...) at Alternative Cafe (Seaside, CA) from March 12-April 7th. Reception is Friday, March 12th. 7-10pm. 1230 Fremont Blvd. Seaside, CA. Wine, coffee and snacks will be available : ). Oh yes, and I'll be attending!

Dante's Inferno

2010-02-09T21:25:00.000-08:00

Dante's Inferno (console game) is out! My bf, Jehan, & some former classmates have worked really hard on creating the visuals for it. I highly recommend it!! Super exciting!! Trailer w/ game play: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfHSOIPx5lE Just remember, it's an adaptation of Dante's Inferno into an action game...some people don't seem to understand that : P

Also, don't forget my February show as previously posted!!

February Show!

2010-01-16T11:57:00.000-08:00

White Shoes

oil on illustration board

7"x7" 2010.

10 1/4"x10 1/4"(framed dimensions)

Hello All! I have a piece in Hibbleton Gallery (Fullerton, CA) this February. It's going to be a REALLY awesome show, so if you're around that area, I totally recommend going. We were asked to choose 1 of our favorite songs & to make a piece out of it. We gave our mp3s to the curator, which gave them to a live band. The live band will take 3 of the songs and perform opening night. There's also some wonderful sponsors meaning free drinks/food : ).

I did a piece based on the song White Shoes, by Conor Oberst. I'm also on the front of their flyer : )! If interested in purchasing the piece, please contact mail@hibbleton.com

When & Where:

2/12/10. 7-11pm

Hibbleton Gallery

112 W. Wilshire Ave.

Fullerton, CA 92832

For more info on the show: http://www.ismcommunity.org/?q=node/705

Theo Jansen

2010-01-08T01:15:00.000-08:00

I just gotta share this with you...

SO amazing. It's a Dutch artist that creates kinetic sculptures. Love it!!!

As for my own art update, I'll post it in a week. I'm part of a really cool show coming in February! Stay tuned!

Featured on Ism and don't forget my 3 Dec shows : )!

2009-12-11T01:49:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone's December is going well! Don't forget the 3 shows this December (previous blog entry)!!! I've been SUPER busy doing pieces for upcoming shows, a little illustrating for a children's book is starting, and getting ready to doing some (art)work for a gaming job. Wish I could share what I've been doing, but due to contracts or timing, it's better to show you after things are released or closer to the show dates.

Meanwhile... I'm one of the artists featured on Ism community right now : ). Oh yea, I edited the piece to work with their background!

Hm I feel terrible 'cause there's gotta be something to show besides all the NDA stuff. I try to sketch for fun whenever I can, but don't always have time to scan. But here's one! I turned 1 year older about 2 weeks ago...though, this drawing is done a few months ago haha.

3 December Shows!!

2009-11-23T11:29:00.000-08:00

"A Parliament of Owls"

oil on illustration board
12"x12" 2009
framed

is part of a fantastic animal themed show, "An Aurora of Polar Bears: A Children's Primer" at Melt Gallery inLA,CA Dec 5-20. Opening Reception: Dec 5 6-9pm. If interested in this piece, contact Linda Pine at hopeyglass@earthlink.net

"From Beginning to End" (see previous blog entry for more accurate color/value/image)

oil on illustration board

9"x12" 2009
framed

is at C.A.V.E. Gallery in Venice, CA Dec 4-Jan 3. Opening Reception: Dec 4 7-11pm. If interested purchasing, contact cavegallery@gmail.com
"Sweet Migration"

Oil on wood.
5"x3.75" 2009

as well as the other "Cute Paint" works (can be seen on my site) that have yet to find homes will be avaliable at Eclectix Gallery in El Cerrito, CA Dec 11- Jan10. Opening Reception: Dec 11 7-10pm. If interested in purchasing any of the pieces, contact eclectixp@yahoo.com

Click on the images for less grainy images.

A Piece for Gallery & A Mailing List!

2009-11-01T19:20:00.000-08:00

From Beginning to End

oil on illustration board

9"x12"

(will be available at C.A.V.E. Gallery, LA in December)

This is my most recent piece. I've been using different kinds of lighting to continually challenge myself and convey moods that I feel fits the piece. I noticed I haven't had many paintings with strong lighting, but here I had the opportunity to. This piece is based on love from youth till death. (2 more new paintings in the "painting" section of my website if you're curious)

I just started a mailing list! To be a part of it, please go to my website's front pg, www.chrystalchan.com and submit your email in the submission box. You'll receive updates when I have show(s) or important things coming up.

October Show! A change of pace, 2 Collaborated Paintings!

2009-09-28T17:56:00.000-07:00

(show flyer)

(Collaborated with Jehan Choo)

Stick Together

oil on illustration board

8"x8" 2009.

Framed

(Collaborated with Jehan Choo)

Coffee Keep me Company

oil on illustration board

5.5"x5.5" 2009.

Framed.

Oh yea, and these are the wonderful frames they come in : )

Hi everybody! A slight change of pace this month, some cute stylized stuff. I was asked to be part of a show that the pieces are to be collaborated with one other person. I chose Jehan Choo, a wonderful artist : ). You can find his work here http://jehanchoo.com/ and here http://jehanart.blogspot.com/ We both drew and painted on each of these pieces. This frog character is one of our characters for an upcoming secret project : ).

These 2 pieces will be shown at Shojin 333 S. Alameda St. Los Angeles. Reception is on Oct 6 from 8pm-11pm.

On a side note, I was featured on Lost at E Minor on Sept10th!

Setup & Reception!

2009-09-08T15:23:00.000-07:00

Jehan and I headed down to LA & set up the show on Friday. It was sooo hot in LA! I felt like I constantly looked like a tomato head!

and done!

The reception was great! I met a lot of friendly people and sold quite a few pieces that night : ). Thanks to all those who came : )!!

I'm with Cassandra & Jono, some friends in the area! You probably can't tell, but we're all sweating bullets from the heat.

There are still some pieces available, so if you are interested in something, please give Nathan (owner/curator) an email at nathan@thehivegallery.com to check for availability. To check out what pieces are at the show, please go to thehivegallery.com or my website, chrystalchan.com Once again, the show lasts until 9/26, check it out if you can : )!

September featured spot show!

2009-08-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

Alright guys! Here's the info for the Sept show! Show runs from Sept5-26 at The Hive Gallery, 729 S. Spring St. LA, CA 90014. Opening reception is Sept 5, 8pm-12:30am. I will be in attendance this time : ), so feel free to drop by and say hello! If you'd like to purchase something, please give Nathan (curator) an email at nathan@thehivegallery.com or a call at 213.955.9051 You can check out the avaliable pieces on my website, www.chrystalchan.com It's the first 9 paintings in "painting" (top down), and the first 3 drawings in "sketch" (top down). It's my first featured spot! Hope to see you there!

Featured on 3 sites!

2009-08-11T12:11:00.000-07:00

on Fecalface

portfolio featured on Coroflot

on Booooooom

Hello!! Just thought I'd share a little of the happenings. I've been featured on 3 websites within the last few days! Fecalface.com (8/6), Coroflot.com (8/6), and Booooooom.com (8/11). I'm feeling really grateful that people are enjoying the work. Please check back soon for more updates/info of the Sept. Show at the Hive Gallery : ).

Coming soon to a gallery near you! Well, maybe near you.

2009-08-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

Soul

oil on illustration board

8"x10". 2009.

framed.

Complete

oil on illustration board.

9"x12". 2009.

framed.

Hello! Here is a small preview of what is going to be avaliable from my featured spot in the Hive Gallery's (Los Angeles, CA) Sept. show! My first featured spot! I will have about 10 pieces (8 paintings and 2 drawings) in the show. Please check back later for further information on the opening reception & who to contact for purchasing, etc. : )!!

july-august show

2009-07-10T19:14:00.000-07:00

The Surrounding Sound of Angels (painting at actual size)

Hello all! I'm going to be a part of a group show at Gallery 1988 in SF July 24th-August 15th. I'll have 3 pieces avaliable. It's going to be a group show of Bay Area only artists! pretty neat huh? Reception is July 24th from 7-10pm. Unfortunately, I will not be able to make it because I'll be at Comiccon. Visit if you can : ) there's free beer as always!

llama llama!!

2009-06-13T14:43:00.000-07:00

Did I ever say I liked llamas? It's a small but growing collection. Btw, those things on the bottom right are finger puppets made of llama : ).

chains & June gallery show

2009-05-26T15:41:00.000-07:00

Pulling Chains of Fate

oil on board

9"x 12"(dimensions w/out frame)

framed

Hi guys, hope everyone's doing well! I am going to have this piece in Definition Gallery (Baltimore, MD) in June. So if anyone's around that area, check it out! It's one of my newest paintings. If you'd like to purchase it, please contact Definition Gallery 410.342.0577 tues-sat 1-7pm. or email: info@danielfountaincontemporary.com

I had a friend joke, do the chains represent school? no! haha But, I am officially graduated now (since the 23rd) with a BFA : ). The chains actually represent choices/decisions.

btw, I'm feeling sooo relieved from graduating. Like I can start baking & reading again & all these things I put on hold. Go watch Terminator! It's good fun!

Imagine FX & that time again, gallery time!

2009-04-20T10:10:00.000-07:00

It's been really busy the last month or so, and still, 'cause all of us (my graduating class) have been submitting folios to companies left & right. During these hectic times, it was nice to see that this issue finally arrived in the US : ). I'm featured in the traditional section of Imagine FX's April (issue 42) issue! pg 66 to be exact hahaAnd then, May 1st is the reception for Gallery 1988's "Beyond the Page- reillustrating our favorite children's books". I'll be having 2 pieces in it. It's recommended that people donate 1 new childrens book on the opening night. These books will go to the SF schools. I think it's a cool show also 'cause part of the proceeds will go to the SF school districts.

2 animals and Wondercon!

2009-02-28T23:17:00.000-08:00

Here are the other 2 animals I painted for the homework based on Animal Farm, Boxer & Squealer. Scans were done while wet. I always find that in projects, I enjoy the painting part most.
At Wondercon, Eric Joyner and I. It was a nice suprise to see him (I didn't look up what or who was at Wondercon)! He's a fantastic painter. Also, very nice. I'd like to think the best people are usually nice.

Very sorry, I don't know his name, but this guy was Jaws in a James Bond movie. Richard....something. Pretty cool huh?? I am pooped.

Wooster

2009-02-25T02:10:00.001-08:00

Hi everybody, I've been pretty busy lately with the last semester of school, portfolio submissions & gallery stuff! I can't really share a lot of the work yet, but for now, here's a wet scan of this rooster (I'll update the scan once it's dried & varnished... so the values and colors will be more correct). The teachers gave us an assigment based on Animal Farm.

PS I'm going to be in the traditional section of Imagine FX (april issue).

who's who??

2009-02-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

Doesn't it all look like the same person? Which one is Kristen Bell and which is Parker Posey??

some show dates

2009-01-17T11:27:00.000-08:00

Hi everybody! Hope everyone's having an awesome New Years. This month I have some cute painting work up in C.A.V.E. gallery, Venice/LA. Also, some future dates to keep in mind (though may have more later)- in May, I'll be part of a show at Gallery 1988, SF, as well as in July. In September, I'll be a featured artist at The Hive Gallery, LA. Lots of work to check out soon & I'll be graduating this semester (finally!!)~ so we'll see what happens with that.

some barron work

2008-12-03T18:52:00.000-08:00

Hi everybody, here's some of the things I have been doing for school. This piece was done in Barrons, and the part of the story that I chose was "The emporer's blue horses in a field of white snow." Barron kept saying that the whole story was pretty sexy. So in the end, my idea turned into this. Do you see it? and guess how many?
Here is a piece based on "crew of you". this is the final illustration i put all (or almost all) of my characters in one scene. pretty happy with my characters, but you'd have to ask me to share who they are since it'd take a while. photo may be a little dark though...

Barron's and 1800's beauty

2008-10-04T13:46:00.000-07:00

Beauty in the 1800's. mixed media.Belladonna. pencil, watercolor, and burnt apt. soot.

I've been requested to post a piece I did in school. These 2 assignments were based on a topic I chose, beauty in the 1800's. I found that most of the things they did were toxic, harmful, or ridiculous. Ex: belladonna is a toxic plant in which they used it to dilate their pupils to look dreamy eyed. The problem was that they would have blurry vision for 2-3hrs, couldn't even see their suitors clearly anyways and would need people to assist them when walking..

a rather dramatic weekend

2008-09-04T13:13:00.000-07:00

I just cleaned it last week : (

The closet. it is ancient, but i've had some silly memories of holding it while an earthquake
Ah yes, so my place in San Jose gets SUPER hot. but somehow (no one knows how, not even the firemen), my entire apt caught on fire. I have to say that I was very fortunate though.. No one got hurt, and I was able to save all my books and art supplies. All my paintings were in my parent's house and galleries, thank God! I lost mostly a crap load of clothing, products, my bed, and furnishings. On the side note, I'm having a gallery show at C.a.v.e. Gallery in Venice , reception SEPT 5th! 2 of the 3 paintings have already sold so it's your chance to get the last one! o yea and I'm featured on the flyer : )

comiccon happy time

2008-08-24T18:41:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Comiccon 08! I finally have some time to share a little of the adventure last month : ). Who are these people on the top? I don't know, but there's billions of people dressed in costumes. I was suprised to find that comiccon is more than comics. It has a lot of illustration-y people/stuff, some fine art people/stuff, vinyl toys and etc!

Jehan touching...
Mary and Iron Man.
Mary, James Jean, Jehan.
Why is Mary wearing circle shaped 3d glasses? Randy is sharing one of his passionate hobbies.
We found this afterparty thing..and had the most unhealthy meal of our lives. It consisted of soda, m&ms, chips n dip. It was wonderful though!! Comic con was so cool! Lots of cool artists we met, lots of art to look at, lots of cosplay, and lots of temporary tattoos.

Sept Gallery Time

2008-08-20T11:50:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone's doing great! I've been super busy these days, but a few notes to make! I'll be sending these little paintings down to C.A.V.E. Gallery, Mar Vista (LA-ish area), so I thought I'd take a quick goodbye photo. I took the photo in an angle so it wouldn't glare, it's not that all the pieces get smaller on the left : ). Reception is on Sept 5th!! Our assignment was to do pieces based on childhood memories or dreams.

I will also be having a piece (the girl w/the deer in the previous post) in Barefoot Coffee Roasters, San Jose, starting Sept3. One more thing, 2 of my pieces (not cutie style) will soon be avaliable at Distinction Gallery, Escondido. I'm finally going to have a 2 day vacation soon YAaay!

busy busy

2008-07-14T19:39:00.000-07:00

Somewhat fustrated at my neighbors.. Yesterday I listened to hours of Britney Spears, techno, and viet music with them singing their lungs out, out of tune. Today it's rap. Why the sharey music time? Anyways, it's been a busy summer trying to fulfill my school internship to graduate spring'09 and trying to muster some energy to do my own stuff. The first one is called The Mortal and the Immortal. It's based on how our physical, the flesh is temporary vs our soul/spirit. And the 2nd one I did soley for the fact that I can't believe I never painted a llama.

June-July show and May show photos

2008-05-31T16:57:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, I will finally be having a local show! yayy! I'll be in a group show in Gallery 1988 in SF. Reception is on June 20th, Friday, 7-10pm. Show lasts till July 21st. Please feel free to come by and say hello : ). I'll be showing 3 of the noncutie style.

And here are some of photos taken at the Grind Art and Print Gallery. Look, they arranged my stuff really nicely. Even I couldn't think of that! : )
When I first arrived, I thought, oh, I guess that's how these shows go. It was my first time actually attending a group show down in LA.But after another 20min-1/2 hr, it exploded with people!

Met some really nice people there and sold a couple pieces opening night too! : ) Thanks for all that attended. The place turned out to be really sweet. There's a patio in the back with free booze and juice that night as well as a separate room/building that is connected through the patio that is an actual coffee shop (which was selling arty prints by Shepherd Fairley on the wall). I guess hence the name, The Grind. The show will be up until probably June 21stish.

May Show. and a gnome tribute

2008-05-12T20:12:00.000-07:00

I'll be having a group show at the Grind Art and Print Gallery starting May 23rd. It'll last a month and I'll be showing 7 pieces! So if you'd like to buy anything... you know where to look : ). Anyways, the painting on the top (called "Gnometastic!") will be avaliable, and I just wanted to share that gnomes are awesome. The other thingy was done in Barron Storey's class about a year ago. Who doesn't like gnomes? Everyone should like gnomes. Even David Bowie likes gnomes.

may show

2008-04-12T13:32:00.000-07:00

While waiting for one of my schooly projects to dry, an update.. I'll be having a show in May where I get to display a minimum of 6 pieces! so, here's a piece for the preview (maybe i'll post the others later). Too bad the scan doesn't do the painting complete justice (some of the colors are a little bit off), but hope you guys likey? : )

april show

2008-03-17T16:23:00.000-07:00

Helloo, next month, this piece will be available at the Hive Gallery in LA. It's their 3rd Anniversary! Horray! So we were assigned to do bee connective themes. I believe they're going to make their first book with the bee themed art, in June. Visit if you're around LA!

March galleries to visit!

2008-03-12T22:01:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, before I forget, if you're down in LA this month, check out 2 galleries : ). I have a piece down in Hive gallery and a couple pieces in La Luz de Jesus gallery.

and Future gallery showing:
I'll be having another piece in Hive gallery in April and a few pieces in the Grind Gallery in May.

totally unrelated. Little Motel by Modest Mouse is a super good song!

That is all.
Thankou

new one

2008-02-20T19:12:00.000-08:00

Hi everybodaay,

Today I sent off a piece to the Hive Gallery in LA for the March show that I'll be in. I decided to do my cutsie style for this, since the size restriction was about 9"x11" and I tend to like doing cute things smaller for some reason.. Anyways, this piece is called Awareness of Temptation.

ok, back to work.

Feb Gallery Show

2008-02-01T12:29:00.000-08:00

Ello all, I'm having another gallery show, this time at the Hive Gallery down in LA. This show is pretty neat 'cause "The Hive Gallery alongside non-profit Global Inheritance ( http://www.globalinheritance.com ) has put together an army of recycling minded artists for a traveling themed show. 50 artists will have painted, melted,sculpted, and masterminded miniature recycling bins that are being exhibited at major events such as Coachella,X Games, Spirit Awards, South by Southwest and premiered at The Hive this weekend!!" Too bad I didn't get a bin in time, but I'm able to show work with this big press event : ).

painter action

2008-01-26T16:01:00.000-08:00

Painter action, my first time. small exercise w/no reference. tada

first time

2008-01-08T01:53:00.000-08:00

It's my first photoshop action ever~quickish still life study. Try saying that 10 times fast hah! I got too tired to finish it, but here it is. Taa daaa

some old gallery pics...revealed!

2008-01-06T01:24:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I have a hard time keeping track of putting up gallery pics that I (and some others) have shown at. But I was able to rummage these pictures out of mi computadora finally.

Here are some pics of a show that I, Jehan, Aletta, and mister Randy showed at from May-June 2007. It was held at South First Billiards.

I stole this picture from Jehan Choo har har. Well, we showed here at Barefoot Coffee Roasters back in February 2007 with Tony Nguyen and Justin Divine. The coffee... is sooo tasty there.

This was Jehan and I's very first gallery show. It was held at San Jose State University's Black Gallery. I'll try to find a pic w/out all the people sometime later... Oh yea, and that's Randy.

motto

2007-10-22T19:09:00.001-07:00

I passed by this book in Borders the other day. Whether I like Donald Trump or not, I don't know or really care, but I liked his motto/title. Feels like something I'd say. So live by it!

acceptance

2007-08-28T20:36:00.000-07:00

People need to learn to accept each other. If people only understood, gave each other chances, and treasured the short time that we have while we're alive, spent less time worrying, less time hating each other (in some sense, broadly).. forgetting past of changed people.. We need to always step back and see the whole of things instead of always the "horrible" situation. Things, people, pass away. all the time. We need to see the beauty of it all and the hope that we all cling onto in order to live. It's the negativity inside that kills.

2007-07-10T13:32:00.000-07:00

.i'll be out in china from July 11-23rd. tootdaloo.