Lucky Number 7 - by Derek Cadena

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

 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

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

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

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

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

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"