Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011!!

Happy New Year to Everyone!



A Few highlights of the year 2010 for me:

 was published by Seaburn Publishing 

2. I participated at the following art exhibits in NYC: 
    a) May 23, 2010 - "One of Us" Illustrators exhibit At the Book Culture,
                                 sponsored by Tilbury House, Publishers.
    d) Aug. 24, 2010 - " CBIG Magic & Dragons " at The Jefferson Market Library


4.I illustrated  TCNJ's Center for Academic Success college academic planner and booklets.

5. Illustrated a website banner for " Milk & Coffee" about travel and cooking



8.I sold three original paintings to European collectors from  France and The UK.

9.Traveled to London and Paris where I visited my daughter who was studying at the University there.

10. Started my " Little Boracay Beach kid Series" for a Beach resort in the Philippines.

11. Worked on a children's book on Yoga which will be published in 2011.



    


Barack the Anointed One: Children's Book I Illustrated

Just in time for Kwanza, Christmas and the Holiday Season,
 the childrens book I illustrated is finally published and available at the Publishers site.

It will also be available at Amazons soon and I will post it here in my blog as
well at My Facebook Artist page.

The book, entitled Barack the Anointed One is about the birth of an African boy that will change history.
I illustrated and also designed the book cover below:

Madonna Davidoff Exhibits with CBIG in New York City


You are all Invited to:


How I created the Book Cover Illustration of The Reluctant Dragon:

Step 1: I made some rough sketches of the Dragon and the boy:
Sketch #1                                         Sketch #2

Step 2:  I chose Sketch # 2 with the image of the boy standing up.
then, I  made a digital color study of it:

Step3:  I transfered the image to a watercolor paper and painted it in gouache:



Step 4: I finally designed the book cover digitally, using Photoshop:



 © Maria Madonna Davidoff







Remembering Bali

With the opening of the film Eat, Pray, Love ( starring Julia Roberts) today, I couldn't help but think about how Bali, an Island in Indonesia , and where I was just a year ago, will be portrayed by Hollywood.
Even before the book, Eat, Pray, Love became a bestseller, I already was traveling to Bali several times and even stayed there to learn batik painting and also attended the Ubud Writers Festival. I actually blogged about it last year and so I am going to repost it again here.

                                          So here goes.... My Bali trip 2009:


I am staying again at Ubud Inn (where the author Elizabeth Gilbert of the book "Eat Pray Love" mentioned meeting one of the Staff of Ubud Inn named Mario or I Nengah Urip -his Balinese name) at Monkey Forest Road, in Ubud Bali.




Reconnecting with Friends in Bali:

One of the things I like about traveling are meeting people and making friends from different parts of the world. On one of my trip to Bali two years ago, I met Chantal from Belgium who is now living in Ubud.

Below, Chantal (to the right) and I having lunch at Lotus Pond,
a beautiful restraurant in Ubud overlooking a Balinese Temple:
We are having Reistafel for lunch: Bon Appetit!
Chantal worked for a book company in Belgium until deciding to give t all up and move to Bali. She is an astrologer and also designs some handicrafts. She just moved into a very cute balinese house with her dog and cat.
Chantal’s cute home in Bali:

I am relaxing at Chantals front garden: 
Jasmine from South Africa:
I made a new friend in Bali. Her name is Jasmine and we met in the plane from my flight from Singapore to Bali. We were seatmates and found out that we were staying near each other in Ubud. It is Jasmine's first trip to Bali and she is here to participate in a Yoga retreat.
Here we are( Jasmine and Madonna) in this fantastic restaurant in Ubud called Bebek Bengil where they serve a delicious meal of Crispy Duck, a Balinese delicacy.

More of Madonna and Jasmine in Ubud, Bali:


Our Dessert:Sinfull Balinese chocolate cake and Balinese Rose wine:

Maritel , a childhood friend from Australia:
I am happy to see my friend Maritel again. Maritel and I went to the same private all-girls school in Manila called Maryknoll College. She came to Bali for a couple of days to hang out with me. Yours truly with Maritel overlooking one of the Rice Terraces :



More of Madonna & Maritel by the rice terraces:

Madonna & Maritel With a Balinese Farmer:
Maritel and Madonna at the Ubud open market where you can buy lots of Balinese handicrafts, paintings, batiks , cermamics, etc.
Below, with a Balinese lady vendor wearing her traditional Balinese costume called Kebaya:


Madonna and Maritel Having a meal in a restaurant by the Rice terraces:



Hanging out in cafes and restaurants in Ubud, Bali, both located in Monkey Forest Road :


Below is Mario ( my Balinese Guide) and I in front of the water pond Garden in Ubud Inn: Mario Speaks several languages and I was able to converse with him in English and French since I also speak French , so I was very much impressed with him. He also speaks a little bit of German, having studied it in school here in Bali. He plans to take me to the famous healer/palm reader named Ketut Liyer ( also mentioned in Gilbert's book) in Ubud. I am looking forward to have my palm read. I recommend Mario as a guide/driver to anyone coming to Ubud. His email is mariourip@yahoo.com.



This is my second time here in Ubud Inn and myseventh time in Bali. Yes, I love the island so much i keep coming back. Below is my little "Bungalow with my own walkway leading to the front porch.



I enjoy staying at this place , the staff is very nice:
and it has a beautiful garden landscape with salt water pool.


It also has wireless connection from the front restaurant where I am blogging this.
My front door, beautiful Balinese architectural design :





My simple Balinese bed : In some of the other places that I had stayed, in Bali ,
the furnishings are more intricate then the one I have below, but this bed is one of the most comfortable I've ever slept in--like a baby. I like firm matresses it's better for the back.



This is where I eat my breakfast: Normally I order typical balinese Banana pancake topped with coconut and a bowl of tropical fruits such as papaya, pineappla and banana. I also enjoy a cup of rich Balinese coffee which is a lot stronger than American coffee.






Madonna Davidoff and Palm Reader in Bali:

As I have planned, I went to visit Ketut Liyer the Palm Reader of Ubud, Bali.

I am glad that I went to his home early since I was the second person there and more people were coming from all over the world:

Ketut Liyer's home and gallery with some of his mystical paintings:

Ketut Liyer reading my palm: He says I will live to be 103 years old and that I will have good Karma when I get reborn and that I should persue a carreer in publishing ( I'm already an illustrator) I wonder if he says this to everybody...
Anyway, wether I believe his predictions or not--at least it was fun to see him.
He is now 90 years old.

Below, Liyer reading my Palm:


Liyers hand and mine:


I sketched him while reading other people's palm and I let him sign my skctch:

In exchange, at the end of our palm reading session, Liyer ask me to sign his guestbook:

After my visit to Liyer, Yvonne from Holland whom I met at the reading, decided to eat lunch together at a Warung ,a local balinese foodstand:



A typical Warung Balinses Food: Nasi Campur:




After lunch, I took a walk to Monkey Forest: 

More street scenes of Ubud: 


When I reached Ubud Inn, I tried playing with the ANGKLUNG or balinese xylophone:
In the evening, I met up with my good friend Maritel foran aperitif at Cafe Wayan:

Good chilled Mojitos:


Then for dinner at another restaurant:

Reconnecting with Friends in Bali:



April 20, 2009
Before leaving Bali for Hanoi, Vietnam I made sure I went to some spas in Bali.
All tanned from swimming, I am realxing after a massage at one of my favorite Spas in UBud: The Sangrila Spa and Verona Spa:

Maritel and I after our full body massage and Lulur Balinese scrub finished off with a soak in petal flower bath at the Verona Spa in Mokey Forest Road, Ubud. Bali:

The facility at Verona SPA:











My Postcard Design for CBIG





As a member of CBIG and one of its officer, I am  designing once again the official
The deadline for submissions of artwork was June 20 so I am busy working at it right now.
I used Indesign in creating the postcard ( front and back side)
This time, it will be in a bigger format of 8.5" x 5.5"
Formed since 1987, CBIG is a Children's Book Illustrator Group based in New York City.












Maria Madonna Davidoff in the New York Times

I was one of the artists featured today in the New York Times (Metropolitan Section) The article is  entitled  Summer Rituals, Painting in the Park

In the article, I was mentioned as a freelance childrens book illustrator who does plein-air painting in Central Park. In this online version,  a photo of my artwork is not shown but is shown in the printed version of the New York Times, June 20, 2010. To read about me, scroll down the link to about the middle of the article.










This is a  painting (watercolor and ink rendering) I did today in Central Park. 
Once again, I've included a Little Girl character by the Turtle Pond.
I used Central Park as a backdrop for a story that seems to be evolving visually in my head .
A little girl character keeps on appearing in my Central Park painting series.
Her name is Marilyn.


Below, just  resting after a few hours of painting:

Painting in Central Park, NYC




Here I am,  sketching in the Turtle Pond, Central Park NYC
I've always enjoyed painting outdoors especially during my travels and
I actually have a portable studio which I can easily carry with me wherever I go.
I found this artist traveling bag which holds a lot of things
 like brushes, watercolor pencils, mini sketch pad, etc:



Below is the artist travel pouch which I can tie around my waist and
inside this artist travel pouch are some tools and materials below:
Another view of the my artist travel pouch with some mini-sketch pad and watercolor papers:


Here is my favorite tool: a brush that you can put water inside
( no need to dip in water anymore)
I found this brush while traveling to Tokyo, Japan, but
some art stores now in th US carries them. 



Here is a really small and cute but handy material I have, the size of a business card:
A mini colored pencil case with its own miniature sharpener:






At the Turtle Pond, Central Park NYC


 Madonna Davidoff with their paintings
created in Turtle Pond, Central Park NYC


and below is my painting entitled" Little Girl in Central Park"
I used watercolor pencils and colored pencils to create this:

© Madonna Davidoff    

Illustrators Exhibit at Book Culture and Book Launching, NYC

 I participated in the "One of Us" Illustrators exhibit at Book Culture, 
at 536 West 112th Street, NYC on May 24 - 28, 2010.



The show consisted of original post card sized art, 6 x 4" done by proffesional and published illustrators. The exhibit was sponsored by Tilbury House, Publishers and a dinner reception was followed at Community Food restaurant. All illustrations are for sale to benefit Powered by Girl.



Some photos from the event:
all photo credit: Leo Armamento



Madonna Davidoff in front of  Book Culture, NYC




Madonna and Penny Weber signing a book she illustrated entitle " One of Us"


The book launching of "One of us" authored
by Peggy Moss and illustrated by Penny Weber


The Illustrators exhibit




Madonna Davidoff and her postcard size illustration




Madonna Davidoff  illustration above


CBIG( Childrens Book Illustrators Group) members:
Madonna Davidoff, Patricia Keeler and Marilyn Pappas


Sara McGinnis from Tilbury House Publishers and
 a musician who entertained during the event


Madonna Davidoff and her Artist Bio and artworks in the Art Book


Madonna Davidoff and Sarah McGinnis

Carol, Mitchel,Madonna and Mariln at the reception in Community Food Restaurant


Reception above

At the ARTEON Opening Reception : La Mama Galeria NYC



I exhibited one of my " Traveling Scroll Series" entitled: From Manila to New York.

at the ArtEon Art Festival ,a ten-day exhibit from May 20- 30,2010 at the La MaMa La Galleria on 6 East 1st St. New York City. This event promoted a spirit of collaboration that brought together established and emerging talents from different parts of the world. ARTEON members from Manila, Athens, Berlin, Japan and many others were represented.

Below are  some pictures from the Art Opening reception last Friday:

Madonna Davidoff with scroll painting  

My mix-media scroll paintings were inspired by the different countries I have lived in and visited. These scrolls are a combination of digital, linocut printing and traditional painting methods. My works combine mythological symbols and urban icons in a playful fusion of modern Western and Eastern motifs, such as skyscrapers, zeppelins as well as snakes and volcanoes. Arranged in thematic series, my works include paintings, watercolors and prints that offer rich tableaux of both primitive and modern forms.
In these scrolls, I draw upon numerous motifs, which are native to the Philippines and other Asian-Pacific cultures. Some of these works include autobiographical exploration of the subconscious through dream images and fantasy with playful juxtapositions of Eastern and Western motifs.
My work was included in a Symposium on The History of Philippine-American Art and the Swiss Artist Events from the Swiss Consulate Cultural Section in New York City and has been reviewed by a Washington Post art critic who wrote, ”Of the thirty three works on view at the Foundry Gallery, I liked Maria Madonna Davidoff’s mix-media scrolls..." 

Madonna Davidoff and guests at the opening:



( photo credit above Edwin Datoc)

Madonna Davidoff with more guests below:

Other artists'works at the exhibit 





 
Madonna Davidoff with Rowena & Marietta

John , Bart,  Madonna and Rosangela


ARTEON ART FESTIVALis presented by La MaMa e.t.c.: a project of ARTEON New York Art Foundation Inc. and ArtExite.

Another Invitation to All: Madonna Davidoff Illustration Exhibit


A Reminder for May 24, 2010 (Monday) Illustrators Exhibit and Dinner Reception:

On May 24,2010 ( Monday) - One of my illustrations will be exhibited during the book launching of a children's Book called" One of Us" sponsored by Tilbury House, Publishers. 
The launching will be at The  Book Culture (536 West 112th Street, NYC) at 6 pm and the the exhibit will remain up  at Book Culture through the end of the week. 
The dinner reception will be in a different place---at the Community Food, 2893 Broadway ( bet. 112th & 113th Street) from 8:30-10pm. Tickets for the dinner receptiion may be purchased here: http://oneofus.eventbrite.com

Here is my Illustration exhibited at Book Culture:


© Maria Madonna Davidoff 

You are all Invited to my Art Opening Tonight!


photo credits: Leo Armamento

 
ARTEON ART FESTIVAL at LaMama La Galleria

Artists' reception on May 21, (Friday) from 6-9 P.M.
6 East 1st Street (between 2nd Avenue and Bowery)
Gallery phone: (212) 505-2476

ARTEON ART FESTIVALis presented by La MaMa e.t.c.: a project of ARTEON New York Art Foundation Inc. and ArtExite.

I will be exhibiting one of my " Traveling Scroll Series" entitled: From Manila to New York.


My mix-media scroll paintings were inspired by the different countries I have lived in and visited. These scrolls are a combination of digital, linocut printing and traditional painting methods. My works combine mythological symbols and urban icons in a playful fusion of modern Western and Eastern motifs, such as skyscrapers, zeppelins as well as snakes and volcanoes. Arranged in thematic series, my works include paintings, watercolors and prints that offer rich tableaux of both primitive and modern forms.
In these scrolls, I draw upon numerous motifs, which are native to the Philippines and other Asian-Pacific cultures. Some of these works include autobiographical exploration of the subconscious through dream images and fantasy with playful juxtapositions of Eastern and Western motifs.
My work was included in a Symposium on The History of Philippine-American Art and the Swiss Artist Events from the Swiss Consulate Cultural Section in New York City and has been reviewed by a Washington Post art critic who wrote, ”Of the thirty three works on view at the Foundry Gallery, I liked Maria Madonna Davidoff’s mix-media scrolls..."

Hmmn...Just a few of my digital Illustrations:

© MariaMadonna Davidoff

Woke up  early today and did this in Photoshop--
I'm starting a new series of digital works for my licensing portfolio.
This weekend is the Surtex show in New York City and I will be attending.
You can find all the latest trend on artwork, licensors and designers all over the world in this show and its a great place for finding business and networking opportunities in the art and design world.

Madonna Davidoff Art Events in New York City





I have two Art Exhibits this Month of May in New York City:

First Event: I was invited to participate at an International Group Show for the  ARTEON Art Festival. 


Opening reception is May 21 ( Friday) at the La MaMa La Galleria  in the East Village at 6 East 1st st. ( bet. Bowery & 2nd Ave.) from 6 - 9pm


This festival showcases a ten-day exhibit from May 20- 30,2010 at the La MaMa La Galleria on 6 East 1st St. New York City, (212)505-2476. This event promotes a spirit of collaboration that brings together established and emerging talents from different parts of the world. ARTEON members from Manila, Athens, Berlin, and many others will also be represented. Artists' reception will be held on Friday, May 21 at the same venue.



*Gallery Exhibit at La MaMa La Galleria
6 East 1st Street (between 2nd Avenue and Bowery)
*Artists’ Reception on Friday, May 21, 6-9 P.M.
Gallery phone: (212) 505-2476
Gallery E-mail: matt@lamama.org

The festival is presented by La MaMa e.t.c.; a project of ARTEON New York Art Foundation Inc. and ArtExite. 
Here's the link to my blog about my work at ARTEON FESTIVAL : 



Second Event: On May 24 ( Monday) - One of my illustrations will be exhibited during the book launching of a children's Book called" One of Us" sponsored by Tilbury House, Publishers. 
The launching will be at The  Book Culture (536 West 112th Street, NYC) at 6 pm and the the exhibit will remain up  at Book Culture through the end of the week. 
The dinner reception will be in a different place---at the Community Food, 2893 Broadway ( bet. 112th & 113th Street) from 8:30-10pm. Tickets for the dinner receptiion may be purchased here: http://oneofus.eventbrite.com

Here is my Illustration exhibited at Book Culture:

© Maria Madonna Davidoff 



Little Boracay Beach Kids

Here is another illustration I am working on for a resort in Boracay , an  island in the Philippines located approximately 315 km (200 miles) south of Manila which is considered one of the best beaches in the world. 
The client needed some images to be printed as postcards , T-shirts, and beach bags that they can sell in the souveneir shop of their hotel.

Below is my idea of a line of characters called " Little Boracay Beach Kids".
Here is the first Little Boracay Kid I created.
Little Boracay Beach Kid #1:" Kelly who loves to Snorkell"


More characters for the "Little Boracay Kids" coming up!!





Madonna Davidoff at the ArtEon Art Festival,New York City

I was invited to participate at the Arteon Arts Festival at LaMaMa La Galleria in New York City on May 21, 2010.
Maria Madonna Davidoff and her painting:
photo credits: Leo Armamento


I will be exhibiting one of my " Traveling Scroll Series" entitled: From Manila to New York.
My  mix-media scroll paintings were inspired by the different countries I have lived in and visited. These scrolls are a combination of digital, linocut printing and traditional painting methods. My works combine mythological symbols and urban icons in a playful fusion of modern Western and Eastern motifs, such as skyscrapers, zeppelins as well as snakes and volcanoes. Arranged in thematic series, my works include paintings, watercolors and prints that offer rich tableaux of both primitive and modern forms.


In these scrolls, I draw upon numerous motifs, which are native to the Philippines and other Asian-Pacific cultures. Some of these works include autobiographical exploration of the subconscious through dream images and fantasy with playful juxtapositions of Eastern and Western motifs

My work was included in a Symposium on The History of Philippine-American Art and the Swiss Artist Events from the Swiss Consulate Cultural Section in New York City and has been reviewed by a Washington Post art critic who wrote, ”Of the thirty three works on view at the Foundry Gallery, I liked Maria Madonna Davidoff’s mix-media scrolls..."