Two Little Fruits Art Studio

Lucky Number 7 - by Derek Cadena

2011-09-15T18:17:00.000-06:00

This digital illustration was inspired by the coolest ladybug ever. Brent captured this image of a mammoth ladybug (biggest I'd ever seen) that was brick-red and spotless and resembled a V.W. Bug... Inspired, I added spots, a 7 then tossed in a winding country road for Lucky No. 7 to race down. He makes his own luck. A print is available on etsy, here.

Here's a before and after.

Sorry, Buddy - New Painting by Derek Cadena

2011-08-25T15:11:00.002-06:00

Last week I had another sleepless night. I was lying in bed thinking about driving around taking pictures of people doing what they do. Soon, I was up and dressed and driving by the corner gas station, the Bradley at 50th and Federal. It was around 5:50 A.M., and I knew that I could always count on a rich display of sketchy peeps on this block. I quickly took a few photos and went home to start painting. The painting is a familiar scene of a beggar and a rich man. If I have money in my pocket I usually hand it to people who ask for it. The "rich" man (who looks a lot like Ed McMahon) is obviously in a hurry and can't be bothered by the guy with the cart, which I have to say is the best shopping cart I've ever painted.

Sorry, Buddy and a few other new paintings will hang at The Market on Larimer Square for the month of September. If you're in Denver, go check it out, eat a sandwich, have a latte and enjoy some killer desserts while you decide which painting to buy. Make sure to have plenty of coin in your pocket for meters and nice people who need a little help.

Waiting For The 6 - by Cadena

2011-08-11T15:44:00.000-06:00

Tuesday, around noon, I grabbed the Nikon and jumped in the car following an impulse to capture an anonymous figure to paint. Within 10 minutes I was back home drawing an image of a girl I had just photographed. It was a drive-by shot at the corner of 48th and Pecos. The startled girl glanced apprehensively at me as I "clicked" and drove on. She really had a Kung Fu grip on that bag, either she thought I wanted it or the number 6 bus is super shady.

That was SO much damn fun!

Waiting For The 6

Sandbox Brigade and Race Day - by Derek Cadena

2011-08-08T16:31:00.000-06:00

Here are two new pieces from my toy series. I love the green toy soldiers! I want to paint more of them... I sold the original Sandbox Brigade, along with Race Day, to a fantastic collector in Washington D.C. Thanks, Christopher!

Although these two originals have sold, prints are available in our Etsy store!

Roll Cap Cowboy - by Cadena

2011-07-27T16:37:00.000-06:00

I've started a new series based on nostalgic toys and their packaging. Roll Cap Cowboy is the first finished piece.

I had one of these smelly snappy cap guns when I was a kid. I definitely remember the painful sparks shot into my eyes from way-too-close face to face duels with neighborhood kids. It's a wonder that we even survived, especially during the roman candle fights! Where the hell were our parents?

The original and mounted prints of Roll Cap Cowboy and others in this series are available in the 2LF Etsy store.

2 Nude Back Studies by Cadena

2011-06-29T15:12:00.000-06:00

Here are two new little 5x7 studies that I painted last week for a friend. Both figures ready to greet the day, the man sleepily pausing just before getting off the bed, and the women about to step into the shower, once the temperature is agreeable.

Thank you, Kari!!

Grandpa Harold - by Derek

2011-06-16T10:52:00.000-06:00

My Grandfather passed away this week. He was so adorable, always joking and laughing with a jolly twinkle in his eye. He will be missed very much.

Love ya Grandpa.

"Harold"

Merge Left - New Painting by Derek Cadena

2011-05-27T15:06:00.000-06:00

I painted these cars yesterday from a photo of Matchbox, Hot Wheels and other old toy cars that fill a shelf at a nearby antique shop. I'm pretty sure that little Derek had that black Trans-Am with orange and yellow stripes and maybe the pimp-y green Lincoln, too.

"Merge Left" is a 8x10 oil on panel available in our Etsy shop.

Jiu Jitsu Love Story - Derek Cadena

2011-05-17T16:02:00.000-06:00

My working title for this painting has been Matt's Practice, although a more appropriate title like "Jiu Jitsu Love Story" or "Couples Therapy" may be in order, since I ended up painting two sparring figures, Matt and his wife Rachel. I painted this for Nordstrom's consideration, they passed on this one and choose the boxer, "Ramon". I love this painting and I am glad to still have it, although I should be polite and give Matt and Rachel a chance to buy it before I decide to keep it or sell it to someone else.

I painted this image from a still video on YouTube. In the video the couple is demonstrating Brazilian Jiu Jitsu defense techniques to a crowded room. I heavily edited the scene, getting rid of people and other distracting elements that took away from the focus on the couple's practice. The light filters into this space beautifully, enveloping the figure by the window. The painting, in person, looks and feels as if I was actually in the room painting this scene.

The Howards for Nordstrom

2011-03-30T17:14:00.000-06:00

I'm packing and getting ready to ship the paintings off to Nordstrom's Seattle office. I thought I would show off the three 16x20 Howard paintings. The original 8x10 Howard was the first painting they bought from me two years ago, they really love him...

I also painted a boxer "Ramon", which they are still considering on purchasing. I hope they do!

Beefing Up Nordstrom's Walls!

2011-03-25T12:04:00.000-06:00

I've been so busy that I haven't posted in a month! I've finished most of the work I'm doing for Nordstrom. Their store planning and architecture department purchased a painting from me two years ago, which I was very excited about at the time! Then, just a couple months ago they got back with me and commissioned 7 paintings for a few of their remodeled stores. My paintings will hang with a collection of other work, mostly vintage male portraits and landscapes completing a wall collage in each men's sportswear department. Shown here is an example of a wall they had previously done sans Cadena...

The designer wanted a more youthful and cheery wall layout and liked my cheesy beach boys pumping iron by the sea and said that these paintings would be perfect for some of their beach town stores, one of the stores being Westside Pavilion in LA. So, I painted two of Beach Flex and two of Beach Pump, all 18x24 oil paintings. The two Beach Flex are the first image.

I gotta get back to work, I'll show the rest in my next post.

Goy Paints Jewish Calendar

2011-02-23T12:41:00.000-07:00

This is the second part of my two-part post on working with Scott Lyon on the permanent exhibit recently installed at the Mizel Museum in Denver.

This past Spring I was invited by Scott to help paint, fabricate and install pieces of the exhibit titled 4,000 Year Road Trip: Gathering Sparks. I was given the task and huge privilege of illustrating the large Jewish Calendar that hangs in the Synagogue. I had some concerns when I started, one being that I am not Jewish! I didn't know bubbe from bupkes... Although, now I know not to get the two confused.

The Jewish calendar is only similar to the Gregorian calendar in that it has twelve months. The months are lunar, which I painted a band of moon phases corresponding with observed religious holidays and their months. Each month starts with a new moon, the first month is Nisan. Passover is celebrated in Nisan. Pictured here is a detail of the months with moons and seasons of the calendar.

My favorite symbol that I painted here of the holidays is the Sukkah in the upper right corner of the banner, which is the wooden structure with twigs and fruit hanging from it. Sukkot is the harvest holiday celebrated in the middle of the month Tishre or Tisheri (roughly October). Many Hebrew words have different spellings, which I was often told to change... I'm just the goy with a brush. Like the rest of the exhibit, I painted this banner in a colorful whimsical style. Here is a detail of the top half of the banner with the Sukkah.

You'll have to go the Mizel Museum if want to see the full calendar and all the other wonderful exhibit pieces. I had a blast working with Scott and the Mizel folks for those last six months, but the project is done and it's time to move on. Now, I have seven paintings (possibly more) commissioned by Nordstrom to complete in the next six weeks. The paintings are for several store remodels. I'll be painting vintage looking mid-century styled athletic male portraits in oil for Nordstrom's menswear/sportswear department. I'm VERY excited, it's my biggest client ever! I'll keep you posted.

Derek

Sparking It Up At The Mizel Museum

2011-02-14T16:52:00.002-07:00

This is the first post of the two-part blog about working on the permanent exhibit recently installed at the Mizel Museum in Denver.

This past Spring I was invited by Scott Lyon to help paint, fabricate and install pieces of the exhibit. There are too many projects to talk about, so I'll talk about one design of Scott's that I worked on in this post, and then I'll write about painting the Jewish Calendar that I designed and worked on in my next post.

Almost two years ago my friend and fellow Denver artist, Scott Lyon, was approached by the Mizel Museum to give the museum walls and the display cases that house the artifacts a makeover. Scott began working with the museum's curator, Georgina Kolber, on the exhibit's theme, which is a 4,000 year journey of Jewish life, culture, art and stories. The curator talks more about this in her interview with Ryan Warner on Colorado Public Radio. 4,000 Year Road Trip: Gathering Sparks is the educational, historic and whimsical exhibit that has been brought to life by Scott and his team that I was honored to be apart of.

I worked on several exciting projects, however, one of the more memorable projects I worked on was the notorious "spark" emitting disco ball, which was the most terrifying piece to fabricate and install! Scott began this project by designing and building a rocket fin shaped wooden support covered with foam and electrical bits that would be covered by a mosaic of mirror glass. The shape of this sculpture was designed in mind with the building's mid-century modern architecture and fun funky presentation of the exhibit's theme. I remember being a little intimidated by this skeletal structure, but I couldn't wait to begin covering it. This structure was heavy and awkward, it would rock back and forth, and needed to have a separate structure built to keep it upright. Mostly there was a lot of gluing shards of glass, which one of the shards left a V-shaped scar on my wrist after I carelessly plunged my arm into one of those pointy corners... ouch! It took several days for Scott and I to finish, working in shifts artfully cutting glass and arranging pieces to perfectly cover the structure. After the last piece of glass was placed and the finished sculpture was cleaned we stood back in awe of it's shimmering beauty! Now all we had to do was figure out how to hang it, which we did quite gracefully with the help of pulleys and a very tall ladder. When you walk up to the front of the museum you can't help notice the large atomic disco ball hanging in the lime green entrance. Guests who visit the Mizel Museum before dusk are really in for a sparkly treat!

Pictured here is Scott, the disco ball and a few bits of other exhibit pieces I put in to collage.

jane sloss, watercolor paintings: Featured Artist

2011-02-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

jane sloss, watercolor paintings: Featured Artist: "Brent Rodgers Two Little Fruits Art Studio This is the second installment in a two-part series featuring the Two Little Fruits Art Stud..."

Tuff the Dog - Pet Portrait by Cadena

2011-01-05T17:49:00.000-07:00

For the last 8 or 9 years, usually starting in October, I get calls for people wanting pet portraits by Christmas. I painted one for a friend long ago, and her friends called me, and their friends called me, and on and on. Some years I paint several, however, this season I only painted one. This is Tuff the Dog, an adventurous black lab who resides in Summit County because he loves the mountain life.

If you love your pet, and need a cool portrait to show just how much you love your pet, then contact me. I'll be happy to paint for you!

5x7 Nude With Red Background - by Derek Cadena

2010-12-16T16:49:00.001-07:00

I painted this small figure study last week. At the time, while I was painting, I wasn't pleased. I was even a bit angry that I had painted it... or, I was just in a bad mood. I threw a tiny little tantrum and walked away without signing it. The next morning, after a good night's rest, I looked at it with fresh eyes and it made me happy, very happy. I really liked the minimal brushstrokes in the face, LOVED the glowing red background, and the very angular curves were just right... so, I signed it. The paint was still fresh.

This painting is listed in our ebay store.

New Humming Bird

2010-12-06T14:30:00.000-07:00

This 8x10 mixed media piece on wood turned out beautifully. It features a brightly colored jewel like humming bird all up in some daisy's business. The bird was drawn from a photo taken by a friend's Costa Rican Jungle adventure. Shannon, thanks for letting us use your fabulous pic!

The original artwork is currently hanging at Bliss Salon, located at 2845 Wyandot Street
Denver, CO 80211. The 8x10 mounted print of "Humming Beauty" is available in our Etsy store.

Bamboo View

2010-11-21T21:36:00.003-07:00

I just finished Bamboo View. This lovely Geisha has been screaming for a view, and now she has one. Thank you, Willie, for letting me photograph your wonderful collection of lovey ladies. Look for "Bamboo View" to hit our Etsy and eBay stores Thanksgiving week.

Happy Holidays!

Brent

Location:Elm Ct,Denver,United States

Upright Red - New Small Oil

2010-11-12T17:52:00.000-07:00

I painted Upright Red on 11 11 2010. I really like this little 5x7 painting, especially the reddish orange strokes. She kinda looks like a mermaid with implants... Maybe I should change the title to "Sofa Siren". What do you think?

See the ad for this painting on ebay.

Garden Planning - by Brent Rodgers

2010-11-08T13:35:00.000-07:00

If only I had these classy ladies to help me design my dream garden! "Garden Planning" is the latest image from my Fruitville Series. The background is from the beautiful Paulino Gardens, and, I have to say, some of my favorite childhood memories are going there with my Mother. I still visit Paulino's every year, spending lots of money on lovely plants that may or may not survive. There's a learning curve to gardening...

Visit our ebay store to see all from this series!

How 'Bout Them Apples -

2010-11-04T16:21:00.001-06:00

Brent and I worked on this piece together, it's a mix of photography, drawing, and painting. We didn't have to go far to find inspiration for this illustration. Our apple tree is dripping with bright red fruit and the backyard smells like hard cider. Most of the tree has wormy apples, however, I picked a big bag of pretty unblemished apples that will be perfect for worm-free pies and other treats.

Here's the link to our etsy store for a 6" mounted print version of "Delicious"

Sparky the Chipmunk Seeks Fame

2010-10-25T14:09:00.000-06:00

Sparky was very interested in our group hiking near Fraser, CO. He would scurry in circles around a rock chattering at us, then he would stop and hold a pose for the cameras. He did this several times! He clearly wanted fame and his camera hogging seemed rather desperate, however, we indulged Sparky's fantasy. He is now immortalized in art.

Although a friend of ours bought the original Sparky painting at our last show, I believe little Sparky will return in the near future. We have created a fame monster!

8" mounted prints of Sparky are available in our etsy store.

Walk The Line - Everyday Adventures

2010-10-19T16:51:00.001-06:00

We rocked this piece out about 24 hours before the art show opened this past 3rd Friday. If you missed the show, here's a look at our super sweet new tightrope/powerline walkin' elephant. Walk The Line was the clear favorite of the night by the gallery guests(and us), however, we didn't sell it and it's still available... See the ad in our ebay store for the original 23 x 14.5 x 1.5" artwork by 2LF.

Amorous Grasshoppers and Other New Art

2010-09-30T15:21:00.000-06:00

We've been working overtime this week to get at least 15 new small artworks finished for the next art show this First Friday evening, 10/01/10 at CoArt Gallery located at 846 Santa Fe Dr. Denver CO.

Flowers, bugs, and animals illustrated or altered photography, are hand-colored with acrylic paint and then transferred on to 6" colorful wooden backgrounds. LOVE this new series and can't wait to show it off! These pieces will be $55.00 each, and, we'll knock off a few bucks if you buy three or more!

Select 8" mounted print versions are now available online in our Etsy store.

Here's a few new images:

Woodsy Wall Flowers

2010-09-16T16:32:00.000-06:00

Summer is almost over, and the once lush green gardens are now not so green and lush... However, our aspens are turning a lovely gold, and the apples are almost red. An Autumn palette is a welcome change!

These new mixed media floral artworks reflect the rich warm colors seen during our recent backyard adventures. Afloat (the bluish floating flower), Flying High (tall pink columbine), and Lurking About (red flower with shadow) are the three most recent 2LF works hanging at CoArt Gallery this month. If you can't make it to the gallery at 846 Santa Fe Dr. in Denver, you can see them here! Contact us for availability.

Female Nude Study

2010-08-25T18:07:00.000-06:00

Is it back-to-school time already? Well, if that's the case, I need to head over to The Art Students League of Denver and drop in on some open studio figure painting classes.

Before I go, I need to warm up with a few small paintings... Here's a new little Female Nude Study I painted on 08 20 10, my first oil painting since April! I think she's pretty, and a little scary...

Bleeding Heart - Needs Good Home

2010-08-24T12:40:00.001-06:00

We still have a couple of mixed media floral pieces from our Spring show at CoArt Gallery. The Bleeding Heart is one of Brent's favorites from this series, however, we have no more room on our walls... So, he would like it to go to a good home. We now have it listed in our ebay store. Here's the link: Bleeding Heart

New Woodland Critter Art

2010-08-20T12:12:00.000-06:00

At last weekend's family trip to Estes Park, CO, we found ourselves on the scene of a woodland critter parade. Across the road from the notorious Stanley Hotel, a very patient deer and her fawn put on a rather lengthy, and very adorable show. The fawn repeatedly danced and pranced, ran and jumped, and then, would tumble to a brief rest. The mother kept an eye on us, and I swear I heard a faint call from her... it totally sounded like "redrum".

Brent photographed the deer, some circling hawks, and bugs. These creatures can be seen in the new woodland inspired art.

We have created a few new art works since last weekend, and, are presently making more. The Fawn and other new 2LF art is currently available at CoArt Gallery, located at 846 Santa Fe Drive in Denver.

Western Spaghetti - By Derek Cadena

2010-07-08T18:47:00.000-06:00

Western Spaghetti is a grouping of four mixed media paintings commissioned by a friend of mine. She and her husband had just painted their living room and were in need of wall art. I decided the painting(s) should start with a horse and a cowboy. She grew up with horses, and I thought it would be fun to incorporate a graphic image of a running horse. For the cowboy, I used an image of the 40 Ft. concrete cowboy that guards the entrance to the Rustic Ranch trailer park on Federal Blvd. here in Denver, CO. This big bow legged horse jockey has made his appearance in a few recent art projects. I must have a bit of a crush on him...

Here's a picture of Western Spaghetti. And, the rustic ranch guardian cowboy.

June's Mixed Media Floral Art

2010-06-21T11:37:00.002-06:00

The June First Friday art walk was crazy busy! If only the art sales flowed as much as the wine... The wine bar had a line all night! Brent and I were in that line a few times. Then, later, sat out in front of the gallery harassing people for our amusement.

We showed our latest co-pieces inspired from a day at the Denver Botanic Gardens, and got great feedback from the crowd. Brent did most of the photography and digital composing of these designs, then, I hand colored the images before we transferred them to their supports. They turned out very cool! We sold one that night, and a couple since the show. Once the art comes down from the gallery walls, we will have them available in our online stores. Here's Sumac, Lupine, Iris, and Peony.

The Welcome Shower - Joe Enjoys The Denver Rain

2010-05-25T13:42:00.000-06:00

"The Welcome Shower" a mixed media delight by Derek Cadena and Brent Rodgers.

Here's another one of the Joe illustrations we showed at CoArt Gallery this month. We photographed the image of Downtown Denver from Diamond Hill. This spot has to be the most popular location for shooting the Denver skyline, the view looks like a postcard or a screen saver. The Welcome Shower is one of our faves!

View the ad for the original on Ebay here!

The Goose Tamer - Whip it good

2010-05-18T18:01:00.000-06:00

The Goose Tamer is a new mixed-media acrylic photo transfer original that Brent and I both worked on. We showed this Joe for the last First Friday art walk. Brent spent a day at the park rolling in crap to photograph the image that was used to make this piece... I hope you like it. Mounted 8" prints available on etsy and ebay!

Atomic Grotto - A 2LF Co-Creation

2010-05-14T10:36:00.002-06:00

"Atomic Grotto" features our favorite hero, Joe, chewing over the other half of the battle. The original acrylic/mixed media piece by 2LF is hanging at CoArt Gallery in Denver (contact us for availability). We are selling the mounted print version of Atomic Grotto online, visit our etsy or ebay stores to see more!

A Rainy Day Drive - Brent Rodgers

2010-04-30T19:18:00.000-06:00

I love Spring! The cloudy wet cool mornings that glow with rich green plant life are some of my favorite moments of Springtime. A Rainy Day Drive is the latest in the Fruitville Girl series, illustrating that perfect moment. I imagine she is zipping down the road, rockin out in her VW with not a care in the world. Check out her ad on etsy here!

2LF at CoArt Gallery in Denver - by Derek Cadena

2010-04-01T14:55:00.000-06:00

If you're just visiting or you live in Denver, you have to stroll up and down Santa Fe Drive's art district. First Fridays (every first Friday of the month), are Denver's busiest nights for art gallery patrons and collectors to see what's fresh and new.

We have joined CoArt Gallery at 846 Santa Fe Drive, between 8th and 9th street. We will have new works hanging every month, and there are 20 more artist members, so, there's plenty of art to look at, and buy... Come on down, enjoy some refreshments and help support the arts, and the artists!

The March Harvest Oddity - By Derek Cadena

2010-03-12T14:14:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, after the snow had cleared and the ground thawed, Brent and I pulled some forgotten root veggies that had been sown last Spring. The parsnips and carrots were boiled together and pureed, it was delicious.

One huge beautiful freakish parsnip was saved from the boiling pot, it was a perfect subject for me to paint! I even dressed up the still life set with draped red fabric, creating a proper stage for exploiting my subject.

The March Harvest Oddity

Mighty Tonka Giclee Prints - by Derek Cadena

2010-03-10T16:01:00.001-07:00

The original "Still Mighty" recently sold, however, I have two sizes of Still Mighty stretched canvas giclee prints now available in our online stores. The sizes are: 8x10 and 16x20. Each size of this print series has a edition size of 25. The retail prices are: $75 and $149. Contact me for purchase info, or click here to visit the 8x10 ad.

Joe and the Sisyphean Orange Project - By Derek Cadena

2010-03-02T18:40:00.002-07:00

Joe is sick and tired of hauling that damn orange up the mountain! He's only got one good arm...

I really enjoyed working on this little painting. For the still life, I used a rock from the front yard for Joe to climb, and then I had to prop-up a rather juicy orange with a chopstick (not painted). It only collapsed once.

This painting is on a 6 x 12" panel and comes with a black frame. See the ebay ad here!

A Couple of Joes - by Derek Cadena

2010-02-25T16:11:00.001-07:00

My most recent still life painting has two G.I. Joes posing with a P.B.R. beer can. Just a couple of Joes having a beer... in the nude. I don't see any military policy violations happening...

Click here to visit the Joes ebay ad.

Go Joe!!!

A Quick Study of 1964 G.I. Joe by Derek Cadena

2010-02-19T18:28:00.001-07:00

I bought a couple of busted up old Joes on ebay this week. They have no clothes or guns, and one Joe is missing most of his left arm. They do have some pretty sweet beards and almost all of their hair, however, they smell like decades of musty basement storage. I had to have them in the studio, they're great art manikins! Here is a 45 minute study on a 5x7 panel of the first Joe. Click here to see ebay ad for Joe!

Easy Rider - Still Life of Potato, Onion, and Limes by Derek Cadena

2010-02-17T16:13:00.001-07:00

This produce was born to be wild! I like to play with my food... I used bamboo skewers to attach two bad limes to a potato, then, I carefully balanced the unruly onion on top of the potato chopper. I was proud of the food sculpture. I love that the potato has a star shaped sprout on its side, it helped me form the "Captain America" color palette of the background.

Easy Rider is for sale in our ebay store.

A Painting A Day - Ants on a log - by Derek Cadena

2010-02-11T15:54:00.001-07:00

Celery, peanut butter, and raisins were on the lunch menu last Friday, but of course, it became the focus of my painting session. I was out of raisins, so, I used currants instead... I made tiny ants on a log. About three hours later the painting was finished and I was finally able to eat my lunch. I'm very pleased with this little painting! See the ad on ebay: Ants on a Log

A Painting A Day - Avocados by Derek Cadena

2010-02-09T15:43:00.001-07:00

Avocados are only 39¢ each at Sunflower Market this week! I've eaten a few avocados in the past few days... after they pose for me! A bath of lemon juice keeps them from getting too brown while I paint, and it makes them more delicious for my after work treat. Here are two of the avocado paintings titled "The Better Half" and "Two Halves". They are both listed on ebay, click the titles to see the ads.

A Painting A Day - Another onion painting by Derek Cadena

2010-02-04T15:37:00.000-07:00

"In The Can" was painted on 01 29 2010. I love the can-y-ness of the can, and the name just makes me laugh. Check out the ad here: In The Can

A Painting A Day - Onion paintings by Derek Cadena

2010-02-03T14:13:00.000-07:00

At my last visit to the Asian market, I bought a few plump little green eggplants. They were so cool looking that they had to be painted before I would later roast them with a chicken. So, I painted "Mutiny Au Gratin". The crew of eggplant are tossing the young rebel onion overboard...

The following day I painted "Used", a portrait of a drying cut onion. The new paintings are listed on ebay, here are the ad links: Mutiny Au Gratin , Used.

A Painting A Day - Still life of Mighty Tonka by Derek Cadena

2010-02-01T13:44:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, Brent's father dropped off a well used Tonka truck that was, once, Brent's favorite toy. It's beautiful! And now, it's the studio mascot/art caddy, holding brushes and other art making tools. I had to paint the Mighty Tonka! You can see the ad for this original painting listed on ebay, and I will be offering larger Giclee canvas prints of this painting on etsy in the very near future.

A Painting A Day - new sexy onion paintings by Derek Cadena

2010-01-28T15:30:00.000-07:00

I have recently been painting a new small work a day, M-F. A painting a day is a great discipline, and let's face it, I lack discipline! I've really been inspired by the onions sprouting and mingling on the kitchen counter. My latest work features still life paintings of onions sharing stories of their most intimate, heroic, and terrifying moments...

Here are the first two 2010 oil paintings that I painted on Friday 01- 22 and Monday 01- 25,
"Fondling" and "Tea Cupping". See our ebay store.

Summer and Mirabelle's Greek Holiday - Brent Rodgers

2010-01-20T14:11:00.005-07:00

My latest work features Summer and her gal pal Mirabelle vacationing in Greece. Mirabelle is a adventurous little Boston Terrier and star of her very own site, checkout www.theadventuresofmirabelle.com.

Summer and Mirabelle's Greek Holiday is available in our etsy store!

Commissioned Pet Portraits by Derek Cadena

2010-01-14T18:13:00.002-07:00

The little painting with the Boston Terrier (her name is Phoebe) was commissioned by a friend and Gallery Owner in Delaware. I have painted three of his Boston Terriers. Mirabelle is the most famous of them, she was recently featured in the latest image of Brent's Fruitville Girl Series! We'll post about that next...

The other dog is Maguire, a pretty chocolate labrador. This painting is 24" and has quite a bit of paint on the canvas. I had a lot of fun with this piece, even though I had to paint with one eye, due to a brief loss of central vision in my right eye (C.S.R.) Totally sucked! However, my vision has returned after 6 weeks. YAY!

Breakfast with Betsy!

2009-12-08T19:43:00.000-07:00

"Breakfast With Betsy" is the newest addition to the Fruitville series by Brent Rodgers (that's me). There is nothing better than a hot piece of toast while still in your pajamas. Maybe Betsy will offer her new friends from outer space a piece.

Pigeon Fancy!

2009-12-02T13:06:00.008-07:00

Experimenting with our new camera while enjoying a lovely after Thanksgiving dinner bike ride. I noticed a flock of pigeons perching on a local water tower. They become a point of inspriation and Pigeon Fancy was born. Let me know what you think and if you are intersted in a little Pigeon Fancy for yourself, she is on sale here!

Snow Day - by Brent Rodgers

2009-11-03T17:24:00.000-07:00

Last week's "snow day" was a perfect day to stay home and make art. I continued to work on a new painting, while Brent was busy being inspired by the slushy intersection next to our house. Brent's newest addition to his Fruitville Girls series is appropriately titled Snow Day. This piece seems to be about troubled youth at a crossroads... Or two young stylish ladies carrying home a doomed six pack of ale.

To buy this new print or to see more of Brent's girls, click here!

Thank you so much,
Derek

Working on a selfish portrait

2009-10-30T17:22:00.000-06:00

It's freezing in the studio today! The heater dries my palette out, so I bundle up to paint. And yes, I crocheted the hat.

I'm working on a new painting, a reflection of my grade school self playing a game of cat's cradle. Although I haven't painted the string wrapping around the fingers, yet, the subject will be inviting you to play. I guess he's saying "it's your turn". A simple piece of string can become a complex formation, with a little help...

I'll post more when I'm done.
-Derek

Zombies Love Brains - A Halloween Treat by Derek Cadena

2009-10-27T14:21:00.003-06:00

I created this piece earlier in the year, after I heard news of a Texas highway road-sign that was hacked. The sign(s) read something like "zombies ahead" and "run for your lives". So inspired by the story, I had to paint! The original small artwork is one of my faves, however, I am making 8x10" mounted digital prints for our etsy and ebay stores.

Thank you - Derek

Finishing touches on - The Golden Judge

2009-10-23T16:01:00.006-06:00

I'm almost done with this mixed-media painting that I've named The Golden Judge. A piece inspired by last week's project and the book Some Exits by Travis Cebula.

Thanks,
Derek

Finished Autumn Landscape Made With Cabbage Leaf

2009-10-16T16:10:00.007-06:00

Although this project started with Tuesdays post with images of the painting progression, start to finish... I don't have the images of the last few steps. I had pictures of finger painting the clouds and adding glazes of ocher, red, and blue... Well, I accidentally deleted those images. Oops!

Here is the finished landscape that started with a dried cabbage leaf and grass that I varnished on to a wood box canvas (see previous blog post). I am very pleased with the finished piece!

On Wednesday I made Vietnamese pork served on a bed of shredded cabbage (the very same cabbage) with a delicious carrot pickle, fresh mint and peanuts. Delicious!!!

Cheers,
Derek

Autumn Tree - A Mixed Media Journey

2009-10-13T14:48:00.005-06:00

I am starting on a new mixed media landscape with leaves and grass pressed and varnished on to a wood box style canvas. A friend who liked some of my past works of grassy mixed media abstracts recently commissioned me to do a piece with a Autumn theme. So, I thought it would be a good idea to share the creative process of this project.

I began by searching for organic materials that would work for a landscape design. I collected leaves from my garden and grass from the park. I pressed a large cabbage leaf until dry and flat and trimmed the grass that had dried and seeded in to shapes and sizes that would work for the design I had in mind. I want to convey a breezy Autumn moment, with a swaying tree and swirling grass or leaves floating off the canvas and out of view, imparting a lot of movement. I arranged my found materials in to a pleasing composition and varnished them in to place with poly-urethane (it dries quickly). Next I started laying in color on top and around the grass and cabbage leaf, which is now a tree.

I will finish this piece over the next couple of days and post the last steps with a image of the finished painting on Friday.

Cheers,
Derek

Jack Maggot - A Dark Hour Doodle by Brent Rodgers

2009-10-09T12:45:00.005-06:00

Meet Jack Maggot, a moody know-it-all with a phony French accent. He is a mixed media artwork that is included in a new series of drawings called Dark Hour Doodles. Brent has been tickling his sketchbook at night creating new creatures that he later digitally places in to scenic backdrops. Trees, buildings, nooks and crannies are the usual places of interest that he photographs on weekly weekend adventures. Once the artist is happy with the composition of the black and white image, it is printed, hand painted, and then transferred with a acrylic transfer process. It's a lot of work for just a doodle...

Click here to visit our etsy store and see more of Brent's work!

Thanks,
Derek

Sexy Aliens Invade Red Rocks!! By Brent Rodgers

2009-10-06T11:31:00.010-06:00

While enjoying a peaceful day hike near Colorado's Red Rocks Amphitheater, my partner Derek Cadena and I had a close encounter with three little green Martian Mamas or Venusian Vixens (we're not really sure of their origin). Pictured here is actual proof of the alien visit, via mobile upload of image taken with iPhone.

Here are links to our ebay and etsy stores to buy your very own mounted print documenting this extraordinary event!

Thanks,

Brent Rodgers

Two Little Fruits is selling on etsy!

2009-09-11T16:21:00.004-06:00

2LF is now on etsy, a very cool website which provides self representing artists and artisans a way to buy and sell handmade items, including art, photography, clothing, and custom items!

I just listed 1,2,3 Chopsticks in our new etsy store, check it out HERE.

Cheers,
Derek

August Frida Art Show

2009-08-24T14:11:00.005-06:00

Frida Kahlo was the theme of the August art show at the Pork Chop Show, which is a gallery that hosts a rotation of artists on select first Fridays near a popular art district in North Denver. We had TOO much fun making freaky Fridas and hot Diegos... Not the usual Frida art. Pictured here are the Frida and Diego piece titled "The Love Letter" and the happy artists getting ready to sell lots of art.

Cheers,
Derek

Growing Inspiration From Seed

2009-07-09T14:17:00.004-06:00

Hungry for inspiration, I looked in the unruly backyard veggie garden... And I have found that bugs, snails, and/or slugs have been feasting on the enormous crisp blue cabbage leaves... Leaving me no choice, but to illustrate! I imagine a glutenous orgy of slimy translucent moonlit critters gorging themselves (while I sleep). So I have made a quick "shop-sketch" to base a large oil painting from, I have so many creatures to create, I can't wait to get started! I will keep posting as I work through this FUN new project!

Cheers,
Derek

Our NEW 2LF Art Studio Website Is On!

2009-06-12T16:40:00.006-06:00

I haven't posted in almost a month, but not because the Two Little Fruits have been slacking! Brent has designed one pretty website, it is now live, however it is still (and forever) under construction... check it out HERE.

We're still getting work done for the Root Down Restaurant and Bar, the third piece, which is shown here, has been a lot of work, but it's definitely becoming more kick-ass everyday... Tonight the BBC show "What Not to Wear" is filming at the Root Down Bar, which we signed a release for our artwork to be filmed... We're fully excited! (^_^)
( a post with the show's air date will soon follow)

Rock out,
Derek

Working on "Promiscuous girls are not nice girls"

2009-05-20T16:50:00.004-06:00

This mixed media painting has some very fun components! I love the text, I got it from a 50's fitness magazine...
The next article asks: Is Smoking Harmful?

Check out the ebay ad for this reckless bunch of youngsters here.

Cheers,
Derek

Obsessive Culinary disorder

2009-05-13T18:11:00.005-06:00

Brent and I are working on a small series inspired by our O.C.D. (Obsessive Culinary Disorder). We cook just as often as we make art, sometimes while we're making art...

Check out our 2LF ebay store for more.

Cheers,
Derek

"Lime Light" a new A.M.S. painting by Derek Cadena

2009-04-29T14:02:00.006-06:00

Here is the latest and greatest 18 x 24" A.M.S. painting listed on ebay, visit the "Lime Light" ad for more info and/or to purchase.

Thanks,
Derek

We have just made a delivery!

2009-04-21T17:25:00.006-06:00

We are sitting in the backyard enjoying a beer, celebrating our delivery of our second painting for the Root Down restaurant! I think that she fits the space, decor and attitude of the restaurant perfectly... Here is "On the Hook" in her permanent home. You gotta love the wall of phones to her right.

Thanks for stopping by,
Brent & Derek

Our local Denver collectors should stop by Root Down for a fantastic meal, wonderful cocktails in a chill and fun atmosphere. For more information check out their web site: Root Down

Root Down Restaurant

2009-04-14T19:47:00.003-06:00

This week Derek and I have been hard at work on a commissioned painting for Root Down Restaurant. It is a HUGE 4x6 foot mixed media piece, that will look fantastic with Root Downs eclectic mid century decor! We thought we would show everyone what we have come up with so far and will we keep you posted on it's progress.

Thanks
Brent

"Karl" A new painting by Derek Cadena

2009-04-09T18:45:00.006-06:00

This new male study is part of my American Manhood Series. I've painted around eighty paintings in this on going series. You can see all the available A.M.S paintings for sale by visiting the 2LF store on ebay.

To purchase this painting click HERE.

Cheers,
Derek

"The Soloist" Part of the Fruitville Series by Brent Rodgers

2009-04-08T09:46:00.009-06:00

Brent finished "The Soloist" yesterday morning while guzzling a quad latte on his left, and to the right, a cup of black Sumatra.... GO BRENT!!

For purchasing and other info go to the ebay ad HERE.

Cheers,
Derek

"Eloise" A New Oil Painting by Derek Cadena on ebay

2009-04-03T17:56:00.009-06:00

I'm finally back in the studio after being sick for a week. All the cold medicine slowed me down a bit, however the "meds" kept my brush gleefully loose. This female nude oil study turned out very cool... I think she looks a little sickly, with her pale gaunt face and that vacant stare. Someone should put a shirt on her so she doesn't catch a cold!

To purchase click here!

Cheers,
Derek

Denver Dog Portraits and new print sizes.. Busy week!

2009-03-24T17:50:00.008-06:00

Brent and I have several projects going on. I am finishing up a couple of Denver dog portraits, and Brent just finished two 20" mounted prints from his "Fruitville" series, which I just shipped to Detail Gallery in Delaware. We have two retro themed restaurants featuring our works, we're VERY excited!

Cheers,
Derek

2009-03-17T19:26:00.000-06:00

"Seaworthy" female nude on ebay

2009-03-12T15:15:00.006-06:00

So.... this is the finished painting titled "Seaworthy". I decided she had to have some friends, so I added mermen frolicking in the water. Unfortunately, they are not paying her any attention...

For more information on purchasing click HERE

Cheers,
Derek Cadena

The Birth of a Watery Tart.

2009-03-05T18:53:00.007-07:00

I started a new painting inspired by a daydream about my upcoming Summer road trip to the coast. The ocean breeze, collecting seashells, and hopefully mermaids. I really don't know where this painting is heading, but I am having a good time! I'll keep you posted as she pops out of the water.

Cheers,
Derek