Family: Maldonado Christmas

Christmas isn’t a season.It’s a feeling

It’s that wonderful time of the year again. And after the year that we have had, We need all the positivity and enlightening spirit we can get.

This year has made you realize the things that truly matter. It’s not fancy clothes, going out and spending money at the clubs, it’s pending time with love ones and not taking them or their time for granted.

We never really know when it’s going to be the last time we see that favorite cousin, that uncle that always makes you laugh, or your grandmother who spends all her days in the kitchen making your favorite meals.

No matter the age, I’ll always be daddy’s little princess.

Family feeds your soul, they are always there to bluntly tell you the truth even if you don’t wanna hear it, and always be the ones to have your back in public, and then yell at you about in private.

It’s all love.

This session was so heartwarming for me to do, I’ve known my neighbors for almost 20 years, (Damn I’m getting old) And I’ve never seen My neighbor Liz, once show off any family photos.

Which is why this year I told her that nothing would make me happier than gifting her a family session with her family. Her daughter who’s away at college, her teenage son who is almost about to finish high school and her loving husband of many many moons.

They’ve been through so much this year, and if I could bring a little joy into their lives I was going to do that.

As soon as I told her the news she got so excited, and straightaway knew that she wanted everybody in pajamas, at home, all cozied up together. It was perfect.

It was great to see everybody laughing, and enjoying themselves at the session. John and Liz even showed me their last portrait session taken 17 years ago, when the kids were so tiny. It was taken at Sears and it was hung up on the living room wall and you can instantly see the style of the 90’s.

I laughed and joked that it was about damn time!

They both mentioned they couldn’t wait to get their new ones printed and framed to show off to anyone that walks in through the doors.

Once I delivered the gallery, I received messages of praises. This is one of the best feelings that comes with job, making those memories tangible.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and cherish the ones you have next to you.

Vlog: Art Off The Clock Presents Art Auction & Chill at Harlem Nights

When you have a bunch of talented people in the same room, magic is bound to happen. Well, first, you have to have a chat full of talented people making plans, decisions and working their asses to make it all come together.
Art Off The Clock was born, and we couldn’t be prouder. We all planned an art auction that was held at the quirky Harlem Nights Bar. Just seeing the place from the outside makes you curious as to what’s going on indoors, and once you walked in, there was no disappointment.
A room full of painters, designers, photographers, and a pyrographer, all excited to share their art. Dj J Fuse, set the vibe up beautifully and our host Joe Hill had everyone cracking up.
This is only the beginning to all we plan on doing, and we can’t wait to share all the fun with you. Check out a re-cap of our first event above and follow us on instagram for upcoming events…. (we actually have one up coming soon, and it’s gonna be sooo good.)
See you guys soon!
Best,

Illustration: Shaina Bundy

This drawing that I created gives me all types of Peg Bundy vibes. Maybe it’s all the leopard and half pinup-ed hair. When I saw Shaina‘s blue hair, I fell in love. yes this make up artist is extremely talented with a set of brushes, but what always leave me in awe is the crazy colors she puts on her hair. It makes me miss all of my the times I used to dye my hair. Shaina is the absolute sweetest, so I had no hesitation when starting this piece. I love when my illustrations make others happy and her reaction did not disappoint!
Catch you guys later,
 Oh, and don’t forget to see more of my illustrations on my instagram, and you can see Shaina’s work on HERE. and her Youtube HERE.

Illustration: Working On My Fitness

  It seems like most of my feed on my instagram is all about fitness at the moment. A lot of his to do with the fact that I went a following spree ever since I started to work out. Yes, you read that right. It’s been a long month, but I’m so happy I decided to take care of myself a little bit better.
I know I have some extra weight on me, but I honestly couldn’t care less. I wanted to better my health and for me to do that, I need to focus on making better choices. Plus all the extra endorphins has left me in such a great mood lately! Talk about win-win.
My dad is the perfect workout partner, we meet up after work do our best to keep each other motivated. We have the cutest little routine when it comes to working on our abs (or lack thereof) .
I drew this illustration in honor of this new chapter in my life. Though my butt looks nothing close to that (gooooals) Here’s to hoping it’s not just a stage, but a lifestyle change. Wish me luck guys….

and yes, after 25 squats, I walk away wobbling like bambi.

Want to catch my illustrations sooner? Follow me on instgram!

Illustration: Rosas De Michi

 I absolutely love when I get fun and quirky commissions. Michellle wanted me to capture her on a unicorn float. It was such a fun concept that reminded me of an older illustration I did, see that HERE. I knew I had to give it a different spin.
Michelle is such a vibrant person and adding different shades of pink and browns like mauve and taupe and make it pop with hints of  magenta and fuchsia.  The color combo is something I definitely have to try again.

If you will like to order your own illustration you can see my rates and contact me HERE.

Illustration: Taza, Twins & a Clementine


Bloggers, there are everywhere. When you’re one yourself, you tend to gravitate to other bloggers, and they somehow become like your virtual little family—in a non creepy way of course.
One of the many personalities that I tend to follow on instagram is Taza from lovetaza.com. She’s about to burst out twins, and when I saw this most adorable picture of her eating fruit, I picked up my apple pencil and got to work.
This is only the second time I’ve drawn a pregnant woman, (see the first HERE) and I gotta say, I don’t hate it. Maybe I should start a series. (We’ll see, because I may just be brainstorming out loud here)
I love the colors I used, purple just always seems to sneak into my work somehow, how do you always do that purple?
   I hope you guys like this illustration, and if you’re curious enough, she recently gave birth to two healthy girls, you can read that post HERE.
Best,

Illustration: Glow Princess

Finding a balance between my 9-5, my photography sessions and illustration seems to be a juggling act I’m still trying to ace. My momma got on me yesterday for drawing while watching a movie. “This isn’t how you relax”.
“But, I am relaxing, I can be productive and relax at the same time”
She just looked at me and laughed. I continued to watch my movie and draw at the same time.

This illustration is inspired by glowprincesss and her gorgeous ways.
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See more of illustrations in my portfolio!