nickrivera@me.com
The novel, Ask the Dusk written by John Fante is probably one of my favorite books. The story revolves around the great Arturo Bandini and his conflicts with society at large. There is a great female lead in the novel as well her name is Camilla. If you are looking for a good book check it out!
Quick sketch on a sunny day in Seville. I like this drawing a lot it since it has my father in it, he is a truly good man. Every time I look at this piece I see something new but in the end it represents a very happy time for me.
I have thousands of drawings stashed away in all kinds of sketchbooks. I’m pleased that I have an outlet to share them. I hope you enjoy! I know I do. -N
A young Mike Rivera.
Studying art has brought me to many different places in the world. Madrid, Spain was a place that I called home for a year and a half. My days started very early and ended late. I made it a point to visit the Prado museum every day and copy from the many illustrious paintings housed there. Following that I would attend the art students league (circulo de bellas artes) and draw from the model for hours on end. Late at night after the work was done I would head home. I walked miles everyday, this was known as my beat. I did this day in day out, learning as I went along. This was a very good education, the foundation has served me well.
What up, amigos! Today is an anniversary of sorts, marking the first month of posts. Thank you for being a part of the experience, your views are very inspirational to me. It has been a very rewarding process to shake the dust off all the old sketchbooks and present them to you here. I’d like you to think of this site as your local coffee shop or gallery. Feel free to comment with your thoughts, I’d love to hear from you. nickrivera@me.com
Watercolor view of my hometown, Riverside Ca. Dusk is so colorful here in Cali, it just keeps burning into the night.
Mi prima, Sabrina. She is very smart and determined. We grew up together and share some good memories, boy have we come a long way since then!
Music has been such a positive influence in my life. A whole era can be captured in a 2 minute song. So much so that each generation usually has there own sound. Do yourself a favor and listen to some old Miles Davis “Bitches Brew” to see what I’m talking about. Right now I’m bumping that new Young Jeezy, Thrice, and some Bob Marley. If I had to pick a fave ……Marley wins hands down. His lyrics are tight, there is a warm sense of humanity in his voice.
Drawing and Painting are a branch of the arts. Our line that we use can hold abstract concepts; it doesn’t matter what you draw. This is a little notebook sketch that I did while is was walking, listening to my tracks.
I was 17 on my first encounter with Spain. I’ll never forget the great experiences I had in both Granada and Seville nor the wonderful people that showed me the way…….Monica and Paco this one is for you! Thanks for the beautiful memories, you have not been forgotten.
Everyone’s journey is unique. I started my education as an artist years ago. It’s been a fun ride and I am lucky to have found a way to express myself and to do something that I love. It has come to my attention that there are a few of you out there enjoying this blog. This makes me very happy! You came at a great time and I am glad that I can share these sketches from my life. Thank you!
