Maria Madonna Davidoff - Artist Blog

My Travelling Scroll (Mix Media) Paintings

2011-09-06T05:22:00.001-04:00

Being a multi cultural artist who has lived and traveled in 3 different continents in the world definitely affected my work. Thus, my paintings and prints are based on personal as well as universal icons. The word icon may mean an image, a representation, a simile or symbol. Icons are very much a part of our present world. It has been used since pre-historic time and we are still being influenced by it.

In my latest mix media “Scroll” series, I try to develop art that is both lyrical and portable, a reflection of the nomadic nature of one who is constantly on the move. Recognizing this sense of displacement, I never really belong anywhere, and so I try to create my own cultural space wherever I find myself. It is a way for me as an artist to make sense of things around me. Thus, creating the scrolls make perfect sense since these banner-like images are "transportable" just like myself. The scrolls can easily be rolled up and carried around and like myself, could be reinvented, able to adapt and survive.

My motivation in creating works of art stems from my enjoyment in expressing myself and exposure to different cultures continues to inspire me in so many ways, I have acquired a more global perspective on the symbols and images in art. I've also come to realize that symbols and icons all over the world speak of the universal themes of fear, joy, hope, pain, and celebration. I believe that we are one collective eye sharing a single planet.

Hurricane Irene

2011-08-28T12:55:00.000-04:00

A Rainy Day Illustration

by Madonna Davidoff

Childrens' Book Illustrators Group 2011 Promo postcard:

2011-08-11T08:49:00.000-04:00

Well , it's that time of the year again: I just finished designing the CBIG

Childrens Book Illustrators Group 2011 Promo postcard:

designed by: Maria Madonna Davidoff

As a member of CBIG and one of its officer, I am designing once again the official
CBIG ( Children's Book Illustrators Group) postcard 2011.

I used Indesign in creating the postcard ( front and back side)
It's in a big format of 8.5" x 5.5"

Formed since 1987, CBIG is a Children's Book Illustrator Group based in New York City.
More information on membership and meetings may be found here.

I'ts a great group to network and meet other children's book writers, illustrators and publishers.

Asia Trip 2011

2011-06-25T05:08:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm all packed up and ready to go.

Japan--Philippines--Singapore---Cambodia

Looking forward to be with my Papa again!

For Mothers Day

2011-05-18T03:04:00.001-04:00

An Illustration I made for Mothers Day:

included at the CBIG Blog

Childrens Book Illustrators Group ( CBIG) based in New York City.

Another Book I Illustrated

2011-05-15T08:27:00.001-04:00

This is the latest children's book I Illustrated:

Momsie's Book written by Bart Davidoff

Available here

It was a different world in the 1920’s. Deli’s with real pickle barrels and gas-lit candy stores.
This is the world , Muriel Shutan-Davidoff, grew up in and
this is her story about a book she wrote and illustrated in 1947.

My creative Process: Creating Valentine Card

2011-02-01T05:05:00.000-05:00

First, I try to get some inspirations from some of my vintage greeting card collection :

I just love the way these greeting cards look. I try to imagine the sender and the receiver of these cards, what their relationships were with each other, where do they live? What are their favorite food, what do they wear? What books do they like, etc. My imagination takes me far and different characters start to build up in my mind until finally, I start to draw them. And from there, other images appear until I choose one that I will finally work on.

For my Valentine Card, I chose this vintage card as my source of inspiration:

Step 1. Using the image of the tree I made a rough sketch :

Step 2. I finalize the sketch, ink it and scan it in Photoshop .

I also position the text. Here is the scanned image:

Step 3. I color the line art in photoshop

It's easier to change the color combination and

correct mistakes when you work digitally.

Step 4. I decided to create a collage of hand sewn skirt,

ribbons and laces for the girl's outfit. Here are the hand-sewn skirt

and ribbons I made which I then scanned in the card:

Step 5. Here's the final Version of my Valentine Card .

Now I am ready to have it printed.

I use a professional printer for this

and send them off to various publishers

as a promo piece.

Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011!!

2010-12-31T07:38:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year to Everyone!

A Few highlights of the year 2010 for me:

1.A children's book which I've illustrated, entitled Barack, the Anointed written by Sam Chekwas,

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.

b) May 21, 2010 - " Art Eon Art Festival" at LaMama Galleria

c) July 3, 2010 - "The Pearl Project" at The Theatre Row Lounge Gallery

d) Aug. 24, 2010 - " CBIG Magic & Dragons " at The Jefferson Market Library

3.I was included in a featured article in the New York Times, June 2010.

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

6.I Designed the 2010 annual CBIG (Childrens Book Illustrators Group) postcard

7. My 2010 artist promotional postcard was out.

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

2010-12-22T11:02:00.000-05:00

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:

CBIG(Childrens Book Illstrators Group) Postcard I designed

2010-12-15T12:47:00.002-05:00

Here is the CBIG(Childrens Book Illstrators Group) Postcard I designed this year:

I just signed up again this year as an officer of the

Childrens Book Illustartors Group ( CBIG) based in New York City.

This is our official CBIG 2010 Promo postcard sent to several publishing houses this year.

Here is my Illustration Portfolio at the CBIG website

Madonna Davidoff Exhibits with CBIG in New York City

2010-08-24T17:52:00.000-04:00

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:

Remembering Bali

2010-08-13T04:48:00.005-04:00

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:

An Invitation:

2010-07-06T16:25:00.000-04:00

My Painting Exhibited at Theatre Row, New York City

2010-07-03T04:44:00.001-04:00

As part of the Pearl Project (First Filipino American Theater Festival), I was invited to exhibit my painting at the Theatre Row Lounge Gallery on 42nd St.in New York City. This exhibit is curated by Obie award winner, Ching Valdes-Aran. Opening will be on July 2 and the show will run until July 25.

My Postcard Design for CBIG

2010-06-24T05:16:00.001-04:00

As a member of CBIG and one of its officer, I am designing once again the official

CBIG ( Children's Book Illustrators Group) postcard 2010.

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

2010-06-20T16:25:00.002-04:00

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

2010-06-03T18:14:00.007-04:00

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:

Illustrators Exhibit at Book Culture and Book Launching, NYC

2010-05-25T19:39:00.003-04:00

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

2010-05-23T15:14:00.005-04:00

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

2010-05-23T12:23:00.001-04:00

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:

You are all Invited to my Art Opening Tonight!

2010-05-21T09:30:00.000-04:00

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.

Illustration Friday Theme: "Equipment" ( No need for fancy "equipment" )

2010-05-18T06:55:00.001-04:00

An illustration I created for a book entitled "Ranji the Baker"

Also my entry for Illustration Friday's theme "EQUIPMENT"

Illustration Friday is a weekly illustration challenge.

A topic is posted every Friday and then participants

have all week to come up with their own interpretation.

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

2010-05-11T06:22:00.000-04:00

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.

Happy Mother's Day!!

2010-05-09T07:22:00.000-04:00

My illustration for Mother's Day.

Madonna Davidoff Art Events in New York City

2010-05-02T06:26:00.004-04:00

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.

Here is my Illustration exhibited at Book Culture:

Little Boracay Beach Kids

2010-04-25T23:00:00.000-04:00

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

2010-04-24T08:18:00.002-04:00

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.

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..."

My Artwork entry for Illustration Friday Theme : "Linked"

2010-04-09T18:35:00.000-04:00

Illustration Friday Theme : "Linked"

Art by Maria Madonna Davidoff

Illustration Friday is a weekly illustration challenge.

A topic is posted every Friday and participants have all week to come up with their own interpretation.

Here is mine for this week's theme "Linked" . This is an illustration I did for a blog entitled Milk and Coffee which is about a foodie's tale on travel, cuisine and cooking.

What could be more "linked" together but Milk and Coffee:

and below is the final banner:

Happy Easter Everyone!!

2010-04-03T07:35:00.000-04:00

The Easter Bunny is on its way...

Maria Madonna Davidoff

A Doodle A day: from my new Sketchbook

2010-03-30T06:49:00.003-04:00

It's been almost a month since I last wrote anything here. I was busy with my new work, lots of new projects and art events and finding a new character for my graphic novel in progress.

I still don't have a name for her but here she is:

She came to me while going to work one day.

Busy like a bee, or is it a bunny?

Time for Spring, I guess...

and on her way to the big City:

To be continued....

Have A Nice Spring day!

My new colorful artist Portfolio

2010-03-01T19:08:00.000-05:00

Some "goodies" I got from the American Craft Council exhibit Craft show in Baltimore and the American Visionary Art Museum last weekend:

I love my new colorful artist portfolio above.

I can now say good bye to the old black one I had below:

In front of the The historic USCGC Taney in Baltimore's Inner Harbor:

and the window of Phillips Seafood Restaurant where my hubby and I had the famous Crab lunch.

Another Artwork of mine for Illustration Friday

2010-02-26T09:21:00.000-05:00

Illustration Friday Theme : "Perspective"

Art by Maria Madonna Davidoff

Illustration Friday is a weekly illustration challenge.

A topic is posted every Friday and then participants have
all week to come up with their own interpretation.

Perspective- A view from the top:

My Artwork entry for Illustration Friday Theme : "Propagate"

2010-02-25T12:47:00.000-05:00

Art by Maria Madonna Davidoff

"Propagate": to multiply or breed.

Illustration Friday is a weekly illustration challenge.

A topic is posted every Friday and then participants have all week to come up with their own interpretation.

A school of Fish:

Painting on a Snowy Day Today

2010-02-25T10:54:00.000-05:00

It's snowing heavily again today and so as a tribute to the weather,

I created this painting entitled " Walking on a Snowy Day".

Let me share you my step by step process:

1. I did a rough sketch with pencil on newsprint paper:

( based purely on my imagination-no photo references or model was used here )

2. Using acrylic and canvas , I started painting the background using
mainly sky blue diluted with Titanium white.

3. Then I continued putting on other colors of yellows and cadmium orange with
bits or raw sienna and white for the skin tone

4. I continue to cover the whole canvas with colors:

5. I continued the painting by outlining all the elements with a brush.

6. Finally, I painted the snow falling:

Voila! The painting is finished: total time of work: 3 hours

medium: acrylic on canvas size: 16" x 20"

Society of Illustrator's Lecture tonight in NYC

2010-02-19T04:56:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm looking forward to attending a lecture at the Society of Illustrators in New York City tonight.
Nate Williams will be the speaker and he will be signing his posters after the talk. I love his illustrations and is looking forward to seeing his work. Nate Williams is the founder of the online illustration community site called i llustrationmundo.com. He will discuss the dynamic between illustrator and art director, how he develops his projects with clients in different markets, why he has 2 different names, how to be seen everywhere even all the way from Buenos Aires, and why it’s important to be part of the illustration community both off and online.
After the lecture, there will be a wine and cheese networking reception.

Below, Nate Williams Illustration on the bus:

See some of you there tonight!

How I Created my Valentine Postcard

2010-02-04T06:42:00.001-05:00

First, I try to get some inspirations from some of my vintage greeting card collection :

For my Valentine Card, I chose this vintage card as my source of inspiration:

Step 1. Using the image of the tree I made a rough sketch :

Step 2. I finalize the sketch, ink it and scan it in Photoshop .
I also position the text. Here is the scanned image:

Step 3. I color the line art in photoshop
It's easier to change the color combination and
correct mistakes when you work digitally.

Step 4. I decided to create a collage of hand sewn skirt,
ribbons and laces for the girl's outfit. Here are the hand-sewn skirt
and ribbons I made which I then scanned in the card:

Step 5. Here's the final Version of my Valentine Card .
Now I am ready to have it printed.
I use a professional printer for this
and send them off to various publishers
as a promo piece.

Madonna Davidoff artist PostCard 2010

2010-01-25T18:44:00.000-05:00

Here is my new Artist Promo Postcard for 2010:

www.MadonnaArt.com

Another Of My Painting sold by French Collector

2010-01-12T09:05:00.001-05:00

Here is my painting entitled "Fairy Tea Time" which I just sold today by

an artist and art collector Abraham Michael Dayan from Paris, France.

Goodbye 2009, Hello 2010!

2010-01-02T10:31:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year to Everyone!

Below are some highlights of the year 2009 for me:

1.Vietnam Trip: Bart & I went to Hanoi Vietnam and also did the Ha long Bay Cruise.

We also did some Museum tours in Hanoi and watched the traditional Vietnamese Water Puppet s

2. Bali, Indonesia Trip: I stayed in Ubud, Bali and had my palm read by Ketut Iyer.

3. Philippine trip: Family reunion with my 90 yrs. old Dad and
meeting the youngest addition to our clan, Laz.

4. Singapore Trip: I revisited our home in Singapore where we used to live
called the Bencoolen Residence:

3. San Francsico trip where I attended a childhood friend's wedding in Marin County.

.4 Las Vegas trip where I re-united with another childhood friend.

5. Hamburg, Germany trip: Bart & I had a blast during the Christmas Season in Hamburg Germany:

6. Sweden Trip. I really enjoyed Stockholm!

7. I launched my online Art Shop wheer I sold some paintings and cards:

8. I also launched my Creative Shake illustration Portfolio:

9. I illustrated and wrote my first Balinese Childrens book entitled: Fairy in Bali.

10. As a member & Officer of CBIG ( childrens Book illustrators Group NYC) I designed the annual members promo postcard.

Hamburg, Germany trip 2009

2009-12-31T05:12:00.002-05:00

Madonna Davidoff at the Winter Market in Hamburg, Germany:

I bought some real delicious german fruitcakes in this stall:

More German Goodies:

Madonna Davidoff Shopping:

Some Hamburg Street scene:

Madonna Davidoff snacking and drinking German mulled wine:

More German snacks:

The night Market, Hamburg, Germany:

Some street performers:

Madonna and Bart Davidoff at night (Hamburg, Germany 2009)

At the Diechgraf Restaurant:

Another Restaurant:

Madonna Davidoff at Freiser Heller:

Stockholm Xmas Holiday trip 2009

2009-12-26T07:40:00.001-05:00

My plane arrives in Stockholm via Amsterdam

Madonna Davidoff in Stockholm Airport

Welcome to Stockholm!

Grand Hotel Stockholm

Boat Tour Stockholm

Some Stockholm Harbor scenes from the boat:

Getting out of the boat to bus tour Stockholm:

Bus tour Stockholm on to the Famous Vasa Museum:

In the Vasa Museum:

Swedish Winter Night market:

Buying some x'mas gifts:

Starting to Snow!!

looking for directions in Stockholm:

Found a quaint Swedish Cafe Cellar in the Old Town Stockholm:

Going down the cellar cafe:

Inside the cellar cafe:

Traditional Swedish drink and cookies:

At the Ice Bar in Sweden:

Swedish Spa overlooking the city of Stockholm:

My Nordic Hat and Mittens:

Illustration Friday Theme: Crunch

2009-12-10T06:34:00.000-05:00

I'm in a time " crunch" before I fly again. I am doing all the last minute preparations for my trip to Europe and Scandinavia. Wrapping up some illustration projects, x'mas shopping for my Swiss Friends, and other errands. Also I just sold this painting yesterday entitled " Flying High" so how coincidental is that?

I am leaving this week for Europe and Scandinavia

2009-12-09T07:45:00.000-05:00

I am traveling again:

This time to Europe and Scandinavia:

below, my travel checklist:

So far, here is my European trip itenerary: Hamburg, Switzerland, Stockholm, Finland and Norway. I will be going to Scandinavia with my Swiss best friend Rose Hansen of Zurich. I am truly going " North" this time. Will be keeping warm with Schnaps on the way.

Picture Book Making: My Process

2009-11-21T06:57:00.001-05:00

I am working on a picturebook right now.

Here is my process:

First, I made 32 page a blank storyboard template. I used InDesign to layout my pages here:

Then I created a storyboard which is a pencil sketch of how the pages of my 32 page book will look like.

It's like a comic strip where I can plan the sequence of events.

Below, a few very rough sketches for my storyboard:

More samples of page layouts:

After the storyboard, I make a small rough book dummy.

More on how to make a small rough book dummy on my next post.

to be continued.....

I'm Flying Again!

2009-10-16T03:37:00.000-04:00

Here's a Traveling Paper Doll for you!

Theme for Illustration Friday: Flying High

2009-10-09T09:32:00.001-04:00

This week's Illustration Friday theme is " Flying High"

Illustration Friday is a site that challenges participants to post their own illustrations based on a weekly theme.

Below is a painting I created entitled " Island Fairy"

by: Maria Madonna Davidoff

" Island Fairy" is available now in my artshop called CraftyMadonna

Another Handmade PlushDoll for my Shop

2009-09-19T09:44:00.005-04:00

I 'm happy to announce another handmade creation of mine:

Jing from Beijing !!

Jing from Beijing is wearing a Cheongsam or traditonal Chinese dress for ladies. I have my own Cheongsam and wear it sometimes for special occasion. She is made with love for anyone to enjoy and is now listed in my etsy store called CraftyMadonna

Activity and Coloring Book

2009-09-15T07:31:00.002-04:00

www.madonnaart.com

Some illustrations for an Activity and Coloring Book project I'm working on:

Also my entry for Illustration Friday theme: "Welcome"

You are "welcome" to browse at some of my illos:

How I develop my character for illustration

2009-09-08T08:07:00.011-04:00

How do I create characters for my illustrations?

First, I get inspired in creating a character for my illustrations through either personal acquaintance or relationship.
In this case, a little girl named Rose came over with her parents to spend the day with us last Friday. Rose is an adorable girl adopted from China by Jan and Jon.

Below are some sketches I made from a scene in the playground with Rose:

Next, I traced the whole sketch to a watercolor paper on a light box and started painting in watercolor.

Below is the work in progress entitled " A Day in the Playground with Rose".

TO BE CONTINUED.... watch out for the finished painting!!

Postcard Art

2009-08-31T14:08:00.006-04:00

This is a painting I've done based on a story of a Little Girl and a Turtle. It was exhibited at the Society of Children's Book Illustrators 2003 conference in New York City. I was surprised and happy to find out that it won an award as one of the 10th finalist out of 250 submissions.

Here is an article about the award : Maria Madonna Davidoff at SCWBI Artist Showcase

The original water color painting was sold at the exhibit , but I had postcards of it printed professionally.

So for those who would like to have the postcards, here is the link to my shop:CraftyMadonna

Illustration Friday Theme: Magnify

2009-08-29T06:11:00.004-04:00

A quick sketch I did on the Beach--Before the summer is over...

Take a Peek:

My Upcoming Exhibit Nov.2009

2009-08-28T10:37:00.008-04:00

I was invited to exhibit at the Art Harmony Regional Center in Maryland for their 20th Retrospective Show in November. I shall post the invitation soon.

Below is a sneak preview of the exhibit:

This is an acrylic painting on canvas, size is 18" x 24"

My " Little Girl Series" are composed of paintings I made after my mom passed away a few years ago. As a way to heal myself during that sad period of my life, I created several Little Girl sketches which I made into paintings.

Launching of My Online Store at Etsy

2009-08-22T08:34:00.037-04:00

Welcome to the launching of My Online Store!!

This is my store logo at my Etsy Site:

My Handmade Plush dolls:

Inspired by my travels to Japan and Kokeshi Dolls, I introduce you to Mitsuki
She comes with her own cute parasol:

From the Island of Hawaii, I introduce you to Leilani:

Aloha!

My Original Paintings:

This is my mixed media painting entitled:
Fairy Tea Time:

size: 10"x10", acrylic paint,handsewn fabric with collage on canvas

Another one of my mixed media painting entitled:
Island Fairy:

size: 10"x10", acrylic paint,handsewn fabricwith collage on canvas

My Artsy Craftsy and Sewing Studio

2009-08-21T16:06:00.007-04:00

I have been busy like a Bee preparing for my Online Shop which

I will launch very soon. Below is a new addition to my Art Studio :

A crafts and sewing corner where I have been creating some
really cute plush dolls, and mix media canvas painting plus a lot of
other things which you will see soon.

Here is my sewing corner:

Here are some of my materials and tools for my Artsy,Craftsy and Sewing projects:

2009-08-20T09:40:00.006-04:00

As a member of CBIG and one of its officer, Here is
the CBIG ( Children's Book Illustrators Group) postcard 2009 which I've designed.

Formed since 1987, CBIG is a Children's Book Illustrator Group based in New York City.

More information on membership and meetings may be found here.

Book Making & NYC Zine Festival

2009-06-28T06:15:00.016-04:00

This weekend, I attended the NYC ZINE FEST '09 at
the Brooklyn Lyceum building.

Below is the official poster of the event:

The NYC Zine Festival are made of self-published, homemade,
independent and small publishers.

Some of the Zines I got from the festival:

By GBtran: A Vietnamese American Cartoonist

Below a handmade book by John Mejias:

spread and front cover

I drooled over the
Microcosm Publishing Catalogue below: ( love the illo on the cover) where they've got loads of Zines, books, posters,etc..

Another favorite of mine : Robin Enrico

she created the "Jam in the Band" below:

cover and inside pages:

Las Vegas trip, Day 2

2009-06-18T13:02:00.008-04:00

Welcome to Las Vegas:

In Las Vegas, my hubby and I stayed at the Palazzo Hotel .

A view from the Hotel room:

I visited my childhood friend Gochi and Tifanny:

Tifanny prepared a delicious Chinese meal :

Duck & water chestnuts wrapped in Lettuce with Hoisin sauce

Delicious!

We visited the Springs Preserve

Gochi and Madonna at the Springs Preserve:

Cactus:

Gochi and Tifanny's dogs named CuCu and Euro:

These are the dogs wardrobe closet:
Tifanny and gochi holding CuCu and Euro:

Schoolgirl Memories Unfolding

2009-06-18T10:53:00.008-04:00

Illustration Friday theme: "Unfold"

School Girl Memories: Las Vegas trip, Day 1

2009-06-14T05:14:00.032-04:00

There is nothing like re-uniting with childhood friends and schoolmates again. I sketched this inside the plane bound for Las Vegas where my Friend, Gochi, now lives. We were classmates in a school called Maryknoll, an all girls-private school in the Philippines. Maryknoll is now called " Miriam College" but I, of course, prefer the old name Maryknoll. I have lots of good memories from that School and as an illustrator, lots of nostalgic images appear in my sketches:

This is how our Maryknoll Uniform looked like:

We were such a disciplined bunch!

Oh the Joys of Lunch break:

That's me in our grade school picture below- what a hair!

And here is Gochi:

And here we are at present: Taken in Las Vegas:

Gochi and Mado( my nickname then)

Las Vegas

2009-06-14T04:50:00.004-04:00

Wee, I'm flying a again for a short trip ---to Las Vegas,
not to gamble but to visit a childhood friend. See you then!

Illustration inspired by Bali

2009-06-12T08:29:00.010-04:00

My entry for Illustration Friday's theme this week : CRAVING

I created this illustration based on a Balinese mythology, inspired by my travels to the island of Bali. I was in Bali last April and I rented a small bungalow which resembles the one in my illustration below. This is an illustration of a Balinese witch who likes to devour children. In the myth, the Balinese children saved themselves from being eaten by dancing.

by: © Maria Madonna Davidoff

After my Asian Trip, Events in New York

2009-06-09T08:27:00.097-04:00

I'm Back!

It took me awhile to update my blog since I got back from my Asian trip.

For one whole month, I traveled solo to Singapore, Bali, and The Philippines, except in Vietnam, where I joined Bart, my hubby,who was already there to meet me.
During my trip I had a wonderful time sketching, sight-seeing, meditating and meeting old as well as new friends in Bali, Cruising in a romantic small ship through Ha Long Bay in Vietnam with Bart, taking a nostalgic visit to the city of Singapore where we used to live for a year from 2006 -2007, and then finally, re-uniting with my family in The Philippines.

When I arrived in the States It took me almost 2 weeks to recuperate from my jetlag.

But..... I had artwork to do, new projects to start on and several Books and
Art events to attend to in New York City.

The Book Expo America 2009:

The first event I attended was the Book Expo America held at the Javitz Center in New York.

One of the books I've illustrated " From Our Mother's Hearth " published by Africa World Press

was exhibited at the previous Book Expo.

Inside The Book Expo America at Javitz:
Madonna Davidoff in front of the Book Expo at Javitz Center NYC:

I joined some of my fellow CBIG (Children's Book Illustrators Group) inside the Book Expo:
Below, I am behind a lot of wonderful Childrens Books:

Some things I got from the Book Expo when I got back to my studio:

Bookmaks:

Childrens Books Publishers Catalogs!

My BEA badge and some Children's Book with authors signatures:

Some Totes to carry the tons of Publishers catalogs and books:

MOCCA Museum of Comic and Cartoon Festival

2009-05-19T05:52:00.042-04:00

Another Event I attended was the MoCCA (Museum of Comic and Cartoon) Art Festival 2009 held last weekend from June 6th and 7th at the Regiment Armory at Lexington Avenue and 25th Street in New York City.
It was in this same building where the first major exhibition of contemporary art in America was held and where for the first time many Americans saw the works of Cezanne, Van Gogh, Matisse and Picasso.

Here I am with some Illustrator friends in front of the Regiment Armory Building:
Chris Margeson, Marilyn Pappas and (myself-Madonna Davidoff)

Chris Margeson is an illustrator from Baltimore who took these 2 photos inside the Cartoon Festival:
THANKS CHRIS!

Madonna Davidoff at the MoCCA cartoon festival 2009, Photo credit:Chris Margeson

Note: The Rest of the photos below where taken by myself:

I bought a graphic novel by Keenan Rubenstein-His graphic novel was done in a calendar format and I've never seen anything like it before: It has no text, just visuals using the different months to depict the development of his story. It's really cool and his line art were fantastic.

Here is Keenan's Booth with his Calendar/Graphic Novel which he signed for me:

Also met some of Chris Margeson cartoonist friends at their Twin Comics booth:
Cartoonists are fun people don't you think?

Fellow CBIG member Stephanie Ruble, author of " Sheila, The Zombie Cheerleader"
below signing her book for me:

Stephanie Ruble and Madonna Davidoff

Another amazing cartoonist is Ken Wong who does Origami Cartoon.
He taught me how to construct one below:

The MOCCA Festival in New York City was a great weekend of comic and cartoon art exhibitors, panels, lectures, sketches, autographs, and more! Some of the world's best cartoonists, animators, and graphic novelists were exhibited there. For anyone interested in the art of making cartoon and comics, I highly recommend it. I'll be back again next year!

Philippines: Last Destination to be with my Family again

2009-05-07T07:18:00.026-04:00

I have re-united once again with my family back in the Philippines:

One of the reasons for going back to the Philippines was to
visit my father, Jose L. Angeles, who is now 90 years old:

Below, Papa and myself in front of the pool. As you can see, Papa is wearing
the Obama hat and t-shirt I sent him: He is now an Obama fan:

Enjoying the pool with my father:

I also visited and stayed with my brother's family
in Pampanga, in front of the house:

The newest addition to the family:

Lazlo Patajo -Angeles

Lazlo is my brother Jolan's first grandson

Madonna Davidoff, Lazlo Patajo Angeles and my brother Jolan Angeles

Lazlo's parents, my niece Anna Patajo and her hubby Paolo:

My niece Anna with her son Lazlo:
My niece Anna's Blog

Myself with my sister in law Tonette Palma Angeles, wife of my brother Jolan:

Below with my other niece, Amanda Angeles:

We visited the former Clark airbase in Pampanga Manila andwe visited
A traditional Filipino restaurant in Pampanga:

A bakery in Manila where you can buy the famous filipino Pan de sal:

I bought a quilted toy for Lazlo:

where we visited a quilting workshop below,
A Filipino Quilt artist with his design:

At Korea Town in Pampangga, Philippines

Finally, with the rest of the Angeles Clan below:

Last Day Vietnam: Water Puppet

2009-04-26T19:02:00.011-04:00

Our Last Day in Vietnam, we made sure we watch the Vietnamese Water Puppet in the Old Town, Hanoi. We booked for an evening performance. Below, in the lobby of the theatre, are some puppets for sale. I bought one.

Vietnamese Water Puppets on stage:

The Puppeteers:

The Vietnamese Water Puppet Musicians:

I am waiting for the show to begin:

We had dinner the same night at this fabulous restaurant called
The Green Tangerine which was featured in the book " 100 Things to do before you Die"
Food was Asian Fusion ( Vietnamese/ French) They also have a good selection of wines.

The Green Tangerine :

One of the appetizers we ordered: soft shell crab with mango sauce:

Bart and I love Vietnamese Food:

Our last day in Hanoi, Vietnam, we also just relaxed during the day by the pool: