Lugubrious Show at Cartoon Network

I have a new, one-man show just in time for Halloween at Cartoon Network Studios on October 25th! There will be several new paintings and prints to check out and many of them available for purchase. Some delightful food and drink will be provided on Thursday the 25th for the opening reception and you can check out the lobby of Cartoon Network to boot!

Successful Show!

Well, the good news is that I've been painting. The bad news is that I've been a bit behind in my postings. The Un-Animated show went really well. I managed to sell several pieces and met some fantastic new people. Now I'm getting ready for another show that opens on October 25th, 2007 at Cartoon Network Studios. I'll keep you posted. Meanwhile here are some images to make up for the delay...

These are 3 custom painted Munny figurines that were purchased by my dear friend Stan. The Munnys worked out really nice because their basic design/proportions coincide with my character style. The one wielding the knife is Jimmy and I envisioned him as Timmy's somewhat disturbed brother. Wearing his favorite Freddy inspired striped shirt, he's been up to no good. The green figure is William who tragically left this earth before his time. His ghost-like features glow in the dark. And finally, is Taylor who I thought of as a cross between Charlton Heston's macho character from the Planet of the Apes and those wrench jockey/vintage motorcycle guys in the AHA "Take on Me" video. Yes, the eighties can be a dangerous place.

Un-Animated: From Burbank to Venice

The first public exhibition for my work

ALAN BODNER, DIENZO, VALERIO VENTURA.
“UN-UNIMATED: FROM BURBANK TO VENICE”
Three animation professionals from Disney and Cartoon Network team up in group show to display motionless art.
UNIVERSAL ART GALLERY:
2001 Lincoln Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
Contact: James Doran (310) 349-7664
Reception Sat., August 4th 7-11pm

"Leonard Searching"

This painting is a bit of an homage to my childhood. In the late 1970's/early 80's there was a show called "In Search Of," which was hosted by Leonard Nimoy. This show used to investigate mythological, supernatural or cryptozoological subjects and even though much of it was over the top conjecture, it gave me the creeps while keeping me enthralled the whole time. I'll always remember the raw grainy footage of the Sasquatch looking over its shoulder as it stomped back into the forest. Here little Leonard has gone searching for his ball or a new friend and winds up with both.

"Diablo Cruising"

Just beyond the city limits, at the last stop....ever, Diablo purrs by the roadside. We're not sure if Diablo is the name of the chopper or its rider but something is definitely not right here. Has a crime been commited? Have the toys escaped? Is the devil simply out for a Sunday ride?

"Prussian Lily"

Lily could be saint or sinner, angel or demon. Her impish features and striking beauty are meant to distract and disarm. Connected in some way to the raven that take roost in the distant tree, she could lead you to your death as readily as your salvation.

"Gustav Sensing"

Gustav is that gluttonous neighborhood kid that always seems to wander into trouble. Unfortunately for him, he lives in an unusual neighborhood and he's begining to suspect that something is afoot.

"Violet Smiling"

Violet is a lugubrious girl who likes to write poetry and linger in cemeteries to find inspiration. Never seen without her trusted bear "Pinkie," she is probably planning considerable mischief to warrant the rare occurance of a smile.

"Sebastian Performing"

Sebastian is that moody kid you went to school with that wears a bowtie, likes classical music, and basically acts like an EMO. The musical piece he has selected is "Sonata for Violin" by his hero, Johann Sebastian Bach.

"Timmy Painting"

There's something compelling about this boy who on the surface looks harmless enough but upon further observation has a dark side beneath. We seem to have caught him in a moment, not knowing if he is painting our portrait or if we've interrupted him painting something else. The use of a limited color palette so that the red paint "pops" adds to the slightly eery quality of the setting. I guess we can only hope that it's red paint he's using.

Blog Launch

Okay so somehow you've stumbled upon my little corner of the world.
Welcome!

I've decided to capture a collection of dark little characters that are meant to intrigue, entice and perhaps cause a bit of anxiety. While I actually consider myself a fairly conservative person, I've always been inspired by the darker side of life. Go figure.

So hang out, take a look around and let me know what you think.

-DIENZO