Paul Richmond's Blog

Work-In-Progress

2012-02-09T04:23:00.000-08:00

Here's a peek in my studio at my new painting in progress. This is the second piece for my show in July at the Lyman-Eyer Gallery, and the handsome model is my partner Dennis.

Time For Me To Fly

2012-01-21T08:37:00.000-08:00

Time For Me To Fly, oil on canvas by Paul Richmond, 30" x 40"

My new painting, a self-portrait called "Time For Me To Fly," is the first in a series inspired by classic circus, sideshow, and burlesque posters. The series will be featured in my upcoming two-person exhibit at the Lyman-Eyer Gallery with Thomas Acevedo, opening Friday, July 6.

"Time For Me to Fly" is currently available for purchase, though it will be held for the exhibition. There are large and medium size limited-edition prints available as well. Visit my page on the Lyman-Eyer Gallery website for more information.

Time For Me To Fly, (DETAIL) oil on canvas by Paul Richmond

Exhibit Announcement | Thomas Acevedo & Paul Richmond

2011-12-23T04:04:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to announce that I will be part of a two-person exhibit this summer at Lyman-Eyer Gallery in Provincetown with one of my favorite artists, Thomas Acevedo. Here's one of his incredible paintings, "The Prudent Man."

For my part, I am creating a new series featuring male figures in scenarios inspired by vintage burlesque, sideshow, and circus posters. Here's a small portion of the photo reference for my first piece (in progress now), a self-portrait called "Time For Me to Fly." Can't wait to show you the rest of my re-vamped ringmaster outfit!

I hope you can join Thomas and me for the opening reception on Friday, July 6. Here's a link to the gallery's website with their info: Lyman-Eyer Gallery. The gallery owner tells me this is a busy time of year there, so if you're interested in attending, he recommends making travel arrangements early. See you in P-Town!

Beach Bum, Starring Alan Ilagan

2011-11-11T17:53:00.000-08:00

You never know what might slip into view on a Provincetown beach! In my new Cheesecake Boy painting Beach Bum, Starring Alan Ilagan, the hunky subject bares more than he intended when his skimpy speedo gets yanked down, much to the delight of fellow beachgoers. With the sun's rays now shining upon his white rump, Alan strikes a pose reminiscent of another tan-line exposing icon from years past.

The original painting and medium-sized prints are available through the Lyman-Eyer Gallery here. If you'd like a small print, visit my online store here.

To see some process pics, including Alan's cheeky reference photo for the painting, check out these previous blog posts:

Alan Ilagan Cheesecake Boy in Progress, Part 1

Alan Ilagan Cheesecake Boy in Progress, Part 2

Cover Boy

2011-09-02T18:41:00.000-07:00

I just reached a fun milestone -- completing my 100th novel cover illustration.

Inspired by classic pulp covers, my approach to creating artwork for the world of gay fiction involves dreaming up delightfully dramatic scenarios to help bring the characters of each story to life -- and if they happen to lose their pants in the process, all the better!

I've enjoyed working on every single illustration, and am incredibly grateful to Dreamspinner Press for the opportunity to work with so many fabulous authors. I look forward to creating many more covers in the years ahead.

Here are a few of my favorites:

And here's a slideshow of the whole kit and kaboodle. Enjoy!

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Beach Bum

2011-08-27T23:36:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak-peek at the entire Coppertone-inspired sketch for my new Cheesecake Boy painting, Beach Bum, Starring Alan Ilagan.

eBay Rip-Off Artist

2011-08-27T13:26:00.000-07:00

Technorati recently ran an article about the exciting conclusion of my battle with Cai Jiang Xun, the Chinese artist selling knock-offs of my work on eBay. Check it out here.

Lyman-Eyer Gallery Group Exhibition

2011-08-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

(l to r) Taking Inventory by Thomas Acevedo, Sanctuary by Paul Richmond, Resistance is Futile! by Robert Sherer

I will be part of an upcoming group exhibition at the Lyman-Eyer Gallery in Provincetown, their Labor Day Open House which runs from Friday, September 2 through Wednesday, September 14. The show will feature my newest work along with that of other gallery artists including Thomas Acevedo and Robert Sherer. Opening Reception is Friday September 2 at 7 pm. Visit the gallery's website for more details.

Alan Ilagan Cheesecake Boy in Progress, Part 2

2011-07-29T14:26:00.000-07:00

My new painting, Beach Bum, Starring Alan Ilagan, is progressing swimmingly, and I wanted to take a short break to share a little more of the concept. Previously, I posted a cropped version of the sketch focusing on the all-important "Pin-Up Face." Today's post is all about "The Situation." No, I don't mean the guy from Jersey Shore. I'm referring to the circumstances leading to our pin-up boy's wardrobe malfunction.

A glance through the archives of classic pin-up art shows us just how difficult it was for women to keep their clothes on. The streets are littered with obstacles when you're a Cheesecake model. Everything from stray nails...

...to mischievous darts...

...to curious crustaceans could result in a hapless flash of one's unmentionables.

And let's not forget gravity!

The inspiration for the scenario in my new painting, however, comes from an even more unlikely (but every bit as legendary) source -- the Coppertone Girl:

Tally Embry Advertising was certainly ahead of their time when they introduced this rambunctious pup and his pigtailed companion all the way back in 1953. And they have since become cultural icons! My interpretation isn't the first time this concept has been re-imagined as a pin-up opportunity. Both Carmen Electra and Marky Mark have been caught flashing their drafty derrieres with a canine prankster in tow.

So when I approached Alan Ilagan (writer, photographer, cultivator of exquisite tan lines) about casting him as a Cheesecake Boy using this concept as inspiration, I knew we had to come up with a unique twist. And thus I present another portion of the sketch, cropped to today's specific area of interest:

I thought that cute little cocker spaniel would be even cuter if he was replaced by a second speedo-clad hunk! Plus, I'm sure this feisty fellow is much more motivated.

Without a secondary model to execute the pose, Alan devised a brilliant way of achieving the same effect for the photo reference:

By the way, this photo was taken before "tan line season" set in, but one need only peruse the photo galleries on his website for a plethora of stellar examples.

I love the effort he put into making sure the tugging of the speedo was just right! Meanwhile, that hook contraption might come in handy down the road:

I'm going to get back to work now! I hope you've enjoyed Round 2 of our little Peek-a-Boo game! There's much more to come...

Alan Ilagan Cheesecake Boy in Progress, Part 1

2011-07-26T14:31:00.000-07:00

As the intense heatwave continues outside, I am working diligently in my air-conditioned studio on a seasonally-appropriate new Cheesecake Boy painting -- Beach Bum, Starring Alan Ilagan.

If you’re a fan of good old-fashioned seaside debauchery, you should enjoy this one! Aside from all the exposed flesh coming your way, one important element in a pin-up painting that never gets its due is the facial expression of the model. Granted, this might not always be what the viewer notices first. However, the “oopsie” face -- a titillating combination of surprise and embarrassment with just enough of an arched eyebrow to make you wonder how accidental the wardrobe malfunction really is — was a crucial part of the cheesecake aesthetic honed by painters like Gil Elvgren and Art Frahm. Here are some gloriously cheesy examples:

When I started the Cheesecake Boy series, I wanted to capture that same “OH-NO-my-undies-are-showing!” expression in male form. Thus, I spent many hours in front of a mirror practicing my pin-up face until I had it just right. All you need is a mirror and a little determination! I recommend everyone hone their own pin-up facial expressions. You never know when you might find yourself in an accidental moment of over-exposure.

Thankfully, the subject of my next Cheesecake Boy painting, Alan Ilagan, is no stranger to disrobing on cue. In addition to the delightful musings on gay life I enjoy reading on his website, visitors are also treated to numerous photo galleries in which he takes his personal revelations a step further. It’s really a beautiful collection and I encourage everyone to check out his work.

I knew he would be the perfect subject for a summertime pin-up scenario, and when I contacted him to propose the idea, he was happy to drop trou for the sake of art. It’s not the first time he’s been an artistic muse either. Just yesterday I learned that Michael Breyette has also done a portrait of him -- a gorgeous, speedo-lover’s delight called Alan in Blue.

There’s a speedo involved in my scenario as well, although let's just say it doesn't do its job quite as well. More on that another time. Today it’s all about the pin-up face!

After sharing my concept with Alan and sending him some examples of what I was looking for, I was thrilled to receive a number of fantastic photo references from him. The brilliance with which he staged the wardrobe malfunction will be shared in a future post. Today, I present a cropped version of one of those pics focusing on his hilarious pin-up boy expression. I think it's a perfect male interpretation of the classics!

And here’s how that part of the composition looks in my sketch:

Of course I’m anxious to show you more, but we’re going to do a slow reveal on this one. Suffice it to say, I’m having a blast working on this and enjoying the opportunity to paint something completely different from my previous piece, Sanctuary. I love being able to switch back and forth between serious work like that one and something more playful. And Alan is a great collaborator. I’m thrilled to have him be a part of my new painting.

Check back soon to see more of the work in progress. In honor of National Take Your Pants for a Walk Day tomorrow (yes, a real “holiday”), I will begin preparing a post that offers up all the details about Mr. Ilagan’s pants-dropping pin-up scenario. Until then, I’m going to cover my own ass by closing this post before I’m tempted to give away any more details...

Sanctuary

2011-07-23T16:15:00.000-07:00

Sanctuary, oil on panel by Paul Richmond

My new painting, Sanctuary, evolved over the past several months during which we launched the You Will Rise Project, a website that features artwork, stories, poems, videos and other creative expressions by victims of bullying. Consequently, I began reflecting on my own experience of being bullied and used it as the inspiration for this piece.

I was constantly made fun of as a child for being effeminate, quiet, tall, and uncoordinated. My coping mechanism was to disappear into my imagination. There, I could explore fantastical worlds where bullying, self-doubt, and fear were never welcome. A gangly, awkward boy from the Midwest could become a fairy tale princess or a glamorous movie star. And when the white walls of home felt too confining, more enchanted surroundings were just around the corner. Art gave me a means of capturing my daydreams, making them real, and seeing the work of other artists meant being invited into their secret worlds too.

I’ve been deeply saddened to hear about the increasing number of young people who have chosen to end their own lives. I could never presume to know the extent of their suffering or understand all of the factors that led to their decision. It’s heartbreaking and tragic. My hope for everyone is that they can discover their own sanctuary — a place to restore, nurture, and protect themselves — even if it exists only in their imagination.

The original Sanctuary painting and limited-edition prints are available through the Lyman-Eyer Gallery here.

Sanctuary, (detail) oil on panel by Paul Richmond

Testimony

2011-06-24T14:50:00.000-07:00

I recently created this short video for the Courage Campaign’s Testimony Project. Testimony seeks to create a map of stories from LGBT Americans and allies across the country. In collaboration with partner organizations, and using the stories of the American public, Testimony seeks to show the shift in public acceptance of gays and lesbians as many equality cases make their way to the Supreme Court.

The artwork I’ve created throughout my life is an important part of my story, so I gathered a sampling from the archives (a.k.a. my parents’ basement) to include in the video. It was fun to look back on all of the older paintings I did as a child with the guidance of my mentor, Linda Regula. She taught me how to tell a story through visual art, and I've been doing that ever since.

Let me share a few here:

Snow White, age 4
I loved the Snow White story when I was a kid, and often imagined that I was the famed fairy tale princess. My rendition of “Someday my Prince Will Come” wasn’t a crowd pleaser though.

The Wicked Queen, age 4
As much as I loved Snow White, my favorite character from the story was actually the wicked queen. She was a true diva!

Medusa, age 7
I became really interested in Greek Mythology around this time, and I was especially fascinated with Medusa because of the movie Clash of the Titans. Maybe it had something to do with Harry Hamlin in that short tunic.

The Wizard of Oz, age 7
This was one of my favorite movies, and of course I give extra emphasis to the Witch.

Snowman, age 8
One of few forays into landscape painting, with some woodland friends to liven things up.

Superman, age 8
Gotta’ love a man in tights, though when my dad shared the Superman movies with me in an effort to introduce more strong male role models, I’m sure he was disappointed by my proclamation, “Lois Lane is soooo cool! I want to be just like her!”

The Little Mermaid, age 10
I loved this movie and had a huge crush on Prince Eric. I wanted to wash up on some distant shore and have him rescue me. Thus, I related to Ariel’s sense of longing for the impossible.

Portrait of My Sister, Laura, age 13
My sister Laura is four years younger than me and even though we’ve always been complete opposites, we had a great relationship growing up. Maybe it was because she could give me all of her “girl” toys like Barbies in exchange for pick-up trucks and G.I. Joes. This is a painting of her after she had received her black belt in Karate. My only black belts come from department stores when I need something to pair with black shoes.

The Passage, age 15
I was starting to worry about what path my grown-up life would take, and I had this misconception that turning 18 was like going through a wall and emerging into a scary, grown-up world.

The Weight of Decisions, age 16
This painting deals with the choice between being true to myself and changing/hiding aspects of who I was in order to fit in.

Prints

2011-06-16T04:55:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, I switched to a new local print studio for my limited-edition prints and I have been thrilled with the quality of their work. Here's an example of one of the prints (Rainbow Pride Cheesecake) next to the original painting.

I've recently made some updates to the way I handle prints as well. In an effort to give you more size options and to standardize the process, I am now offering three sizes (small, medium, and large) for all of my prints. The only exceptions are when the original piece is smaller than the large size, because I wouldn't want to enlarge an image for the sake of a reproduction and compromise the print quality. In those cases, there will just be small and medium sizes offered.

The sizes are standardized:

Small - 11" x 13"
Medium - 16" x 20"
Large - 20" x 26"

Limited-edition prints of my work are available in my online store, and select prints are also available through the Lyman-Eyer Gallery.

Sanctuary: Work in Progress

2011-05-30T17:34:00.000-07:00

I'm just about to finish blocking in the color on my new painting, Sanctuary, and thought it would be a good time to share a sneak peek. This is a small portion of the painting, but one that is consuming quite a bit of time thanks to the striped pattern on the sheet. I like the stripes though because they help define the contours of the figure's legs beneath the fabric.

The piece shows a figure in his sanctuary, blocking out the world by surrounding himself with meaningful objects; escaping into his imagination. Some of my own meaningful objects include a Marilyn Monroe cookie jar, Snow White figurine, and a purple teddy bear -- so they worked themselves in somehow. :)

Once I have all of the color laid in, I'm excited to start using my tiny brushes and working on the detail. Most of the paint you see in this photo won't be visible when I'm finished because it will be covered over by several more layers, so this is truly a work in progress. I'll share more as I go along.

Agora 8 Recap

2011-05-27T12:42:00.000-07:00

I had a great time last weekend participating in the Agora 8 exhibit at Junctionview Studios here in Columbus. Junctionview is a big, glorious maze of art studios that houses some of our city's finest artists. Occasionally, they open up their space to other artists from the area to display our work alongside theirs, and the result is a fabulous community event.

This year I displayed three paintings, I Won't Tell if You Won't, Size Matters Starring Jack Mackenroth, and In Hot Pursuit Starring Jesse Archer. It's always fun to let the gayest of the gay paintings from my collection loose on the city and see how they are received.

While I wasn't able to make it to the main event on Saturday, my friend Maria Fanning and I attended the preview party on Friday night and I was tickled to overhear a very young girl explaining the cause of Jesse Archer's wardrobe malfunction to her mother. "Look, he's trying to get away from that monster and the tree's tearing his clothes off!" Then she started pointing and giggling uncontrollably. I hope she grows up to be an art critic! Maria told me that my work is also a big hit with her son Sam, who thinks it is hysterical that the guys in my paintings keep losing their pants. He calls me "Paulypants" and sees my work as being of the same genre as his other favorite art series -- Captain Underpants!

Maria and I had a wonderful time checking out the exhibit, which was so diverse and truly amazing; something Columbus should take great pride in! Especially this gigantic cupcake piece (I wish I knew the artist's name so I could give proper credit. It was gorgeous!).

We also enjoyed visiting with the Jeni's ice cream man and climbing what looked like giant spools of thread behind the building. All in all, a fantastic night on the town!

And the frosting on the cupcake was that my painting I Won't Tell if You Won't was chosen to receive a Best of Show Award by the artists who organized the event. I was so honored -- especially when I saw what the Best of Show Award looks like.

If you live near Columbus, please support the wonderful work of Junctionview Studios. Can't wait for Agora 9!

Lyman-Eyer Gallery

2011-05-11T03:31:00.000-07:00

I recently signed with Lyman-Eyer Gallery in Provincetown, Massachusetts to represent my work. I'm really excited to be taking this next step in my career, and am honored to be in the company of some of my favorite artists.

A number of my paintings are now available exclusively through the Lyman-Eyer Gallery, so please visit my artist page on their site for purchase information. I will continue to operate my online store for the sale of additional paintings and prints.

Join Lyman-Eyer's mailing list to receive updates about future exhibitions and new work added to the collection.

Good Day Columbus

2011-05-11T03:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I appeared on the local Fox morning show Good Day Columbus with my childhood art teacher, Linda Regula, to promote our anti-bullying You Will Rise Project. Watch our segment here.

Woke Up in a Strange Place

2011-05-02T21:17:00.000-07:00

We recently announced the results of the Uncovered contest, in which voters helped choose my next limited-edition print from four recent cover illustrations. The winning images was the cover for Eric Arvin's novel Woke Up in a Strange Place, which is now available in my online store. Check out this post on Elisa Rolle's journal to read my responses to some of your submitted interview questions and to see if you were one of the lucky winners!

You Will Rise Project

2011-04-19T16:05:00.000-07:00

Linda Regula, my childhood art teacher, and I are launching an online project dedicated to giving the victims of bullying a voice through the arts. The You Will Rise Project provides a multimedia showcase for drawings, paintings, sculptures, videos, poetry, and other creative expressions by people of all ages, representing their experiences with bullies.

Linda and I were bullied as kids, and we believe channeling those experiences into powerful works of art can be both healing for the artist and inspiring for viewers. Please visit the You Will Rise Project and take a moment to share the link with all those who might benefit from viewing and/or participating.

Get Uncovered!

2011-04-02T08:35:00.000-07:00

I am hosting another Uncovered Contest, and you’re all invited! This is where I show you four recent novel cover illustrations and you vote on your favorite. The winning illustration will become the next limited-edition print offered exclusively in my online store. And even better, just by voting, you become eligible to win the first print in the series along with a slew of other fabulous prizes. Yesterday, I introduced the contest in a post on Elisa Rolle’s journal, as well as doing a little “Show and Tell” of recent projects.

Saving His Ass

2011-03-19T10:40:00.000-07:00

After being moments away from becoming dragon food, my new medieval Cheesecake Boy can certainly handle the slight indignity of his woodland wardrobe malfunction -- especially in the arms of such a strapping rescuer!

Check out my cheeky new piece, Saving His Ass, and order a limited-edition print here.

Photo reference

2011-03-14T04:05:00.001-07:00

Working on novel cover sketches today, which also means taking reference photos. Check out the stellar acting skills on display here as I pretend to investigate a flat tire (while being checked out myself -- you'll have to wait for the final art to see that part). Of course in reality, I would be sitting in my car frantically dialing Triple A.

Busting Cai

2011-02-28T14:56:00.000-08:00

Cai Jiang Xun, my notorious eBay art bootlegger, is back with a vengeance. Last night I noticed a slew of new offerings in his eBay store, many ripped off from known artists. I alerted those I recognized and then switched on my webcam to make a little PSA about our art-forging wonder. Check it out below and please take a moment to share it with the masses by posting this link to your fb page: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXYSATYvpsg. We need to help Cai Jiang become the shining star of the art world that we all know him to be. Thanks!

Also, if you're not already a member, please join our Facebook group: Ebay, stop sellers who blatantly rip off artists!

Cover Round-Up

2011-02-23T14:57:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I shared any of my illustration projects on here. Let me post a few of my recent favorites, all novel covers for Dreamspinner Press:

Mister Sister

2011-02-21T13:48:00.000-08:00

I am donating several prints to an upcoming benefit hosted by the Los Angeles Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. On March 5, The Sisters will be holding an art/silent auction and raffle to benefit Lifeworks in conjunction with their Mister Sister 2011 event. Lifeworks is a youth development and mentoring program at the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center. The program offers one on one, peer, and group mentoring opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth ages 12-24. The goal is to help LGBTQ youth realize their goals and dreams with a safe space, positive and affirming role models, and workshops and activities that are fun and educational.

I've donated the following prints:
Say Cheese...Cake, Starring Mike Ruiz
Naughty or Nice
Christmas Surprise
Noah's Gay Wedding Cruise
The Elevator Incident

The Elevator Incident, by Paul Richmond

A Heart Wants What It Wants

2011-02-18T20:20:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading a wonderful novel by my friend and childhood art mentor, Linda Regula. A Heart Wants What It Wants is a fictionalized account of a young man's coming out story set in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.

Even though I'm more of a city boy, it hit close to home because I was the inspiration for the main character, Noble Rule. Linda also wrote herself into the story, as reclusive artist Annalise Morgan who takes Noble under her wing and teaches him to paint -- and ultimately to accept himself. The novel follows Noble's journey to art school and his struggle to come to terms with his sexuality.

Linda brilliantly captures the pain of separation I experienced during this time - the separation between myself and my peers as well as the separation between who I was and who I thought I was supposed to be. However, my favorite parts of the novel are when she offers a glimpse into the nurturing environment she created for me during our weekly art lessons (beginning when I was only 3 and a half years old!).

The story of Annalise and Noble is really the story of Linda and me, and it's one that I believe will inspire others to recognize the powerful impact a mentor can have on a child's life.


Linda and me, 1984

Born This Way

2011-02-14T18:19:00.000-08:00

Check out my contribution to the "Born This Way" project - a collection of photos/essays by gay adults reflecting on the earliest memories of our innate LGBT selves. Proudly sporting my homemade Snow White costume, I truly thought I was the fairest of them all in this pic! Read my corresponding essay here, and be sure to peruse the other submissions -- it's a fantastic project that really seems to be taking off.

100 Artists of the Male Figure

2011-02-12T10:20:00.000-08:00

I'm so proud to be one of the artists featured in the upcoming anthology 100 Artists of the Male Figure by E. Gibbons. It will be released in April but is available for pre-order now on Amazon. There are some incredible artists represented in this collection and I am honored to be included.

Brand New Store

2011-02-08T19:34:00.000-08:00

I just finished stocking the shelves and setting up the window displays in my new online store, and it's now officially open for business: www.paulrichmondstore.com. The format is more simple and user-friendly than my previous Etsy store. I hope you like it! Browse around and let me know what you think!

It Gets Better/Make It Better

2011-01-31T20:46:00.000-08:00

Four of my pieces were accepted into an exhibit at 13FOREST Gallery in Arlington, MA. The show is called "It Gets Better/Make It Better," and it explores the theme of how an individual exists within and can affect the community. Exhibit dates are from Feb 17-March 25. Visit the gallery's website for more details.

Prints of the following paintings will be included:


Not Just a Closet

A Place of My Own

Noah's Gay Wedding Cruise

I Won't Tell if You Won't

I'm thrilled to be part of an exhibit with such an important message.

Behind the Scenes Cheesecake Boys video

2011-01-15T09:21:00.001-08:00

I Won't Tell if You Won't | New Painting

2011-01-08T06:04:00.000-08:00

My new painting I Won't Tell if You Won't was inspired by the U.S. Military's Don't Ask Don't Tell policy and the recent efforts of civil rights activists (including diva angels Lady Gaga and Kathy Griffin) that led to its repeal.


I Won't Tell if You Won't, painting by Paul Richmond

12" x 15" limited edition prints are available in my online store.

The original painting will be featured in a group exhibition at NY Studio Gallery called Hotter than July: a Sexploration opening January 13, 2011 in New York City. The show is curated by Savannah Spirit, and details about the opening reception on Friday, January 14 can be found on her website.

Here are some detail pics:

Extravaganza Pics

2010-12-20T10:51:00.000-08:00

Here are some fantastic photos from the Cheesecake Boy Extravaganza by Tommy Feisel at NEW AGE FOTO:

Extravaganza Recap

2010-12-05T17:40:00.000-08:00

Me with the fabulous Cheesecake Boy models! I guess I was a little over-dressed for the occasion. (Photo by Chanda Foster)

The Cheesecake Boy Extravaganza at Luxboheme was a HUGE success! Thank you to everyone in Columbus who joined us for an amazing night of art, fashion, and many other surprises. I'm starting to get some photos from various guests at the event, so I'll share some here and update with more as they come in. The professional shots should be ready next week.

The event sold out, so the room filled up quickly and guests mingled and enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and cocktails while some jumped into the "Pin-Up Yourself" photobooth, benefiting Kaleidoscope Youth Center.

After a brief discussion of my paintings, the fashion show kicked off. I don't have any pics yet from the show itself, but the boys modeled everything from adorable Lifer T-shirts to skimpy robes, culminating in a display of their Baskit underwear (one of our event sponsors).

The Cheesecake Boys! L to R - Jaris, Jesse, Stanley, Jason, Brian, Bruin. Thanks, guys!! (photo by Charles Dersom)

Cheesecake Boys love cameras! (Photo by Chanda Foster)

Then we had an amazing performance by drag superstar Nina West, who performed Pink's "Raise Your Glass" wearing this little number:

Nina West, during the first part of her performance at the Cheesecake Boy Extravaganza (photo by Charles Dersom)

But of course, in keeping with the theme of the evening, midway through the song she was down to this:

Nina West shows off her unmentionables (Photo by Chanda Foster)

Everyone seemed to have a fabulous time, and I am so grateful to all the people who generously gave their time and talents to help make it happen! My friend Brooke Albrecht, shown below in center, was one of my co-conspirators for the evening.

Hanging out with two of my favorite pin-up girls, Brooke and Maria (photo by Chanda Foster)

Special thanks also to Eric Albrecht, Nancy Smeltzer, Priscila Teixeira, Luxboheme, Baskit, Outlook Columbus, Nina West, Studio Fovero, and of course the Cheesecake Boy models: Jesse Jones, Stanley-Sebastian Priest, Jasen McGee, Brian Williams, Bruin Collinsworth, and Jaris Morrison.

See more photos from the event on my Flickr page here.

Christmas Surprise

2010-11-30T05:32:00.000-08:00

There's nothing better at Christmas than an unexpected package showing up at the door! Both Cheesecake Boys in this heartwarming holiday scene have just such a surprise awaiting them, though in very different forms. And I doubt these boys are going to be able to wait until Christmas morning to unwrap them! This painting is available as a limited-edition giclee print and a greeting card.

Rainbow Pride Cheesecake

2010-11-27T06:16:00.000-08:00

My latest Cheesecake Boy painting is a colorful one -- introducing Rainbow Pride Cheesecake!!

Limited-edition giclee prints are available in my online store here.

This Cheesecake Boy has many reasons to be proud as he marches in the annual Pride parade with his rainbow flag in tow. However, he wasn't expecting to show off the rainbow pattern on his underwear too! As the button on his tight, sexy jeans pops off, his pants begin to plummet. What's a boy to do? With many blocks remaining, he must grab hold of the situation as best he can and march onward -- giving new meaning to the expression "bursting with pride!"

"Rainbow Pride Cheesecake" is the official pin-up boy of the Rainbow Awards hosted by Elisa Rolle.

Cheesecake Boy Extravaganza

2010-11-24T19:38:00.000-08:00

The Cheescake Boy event at Luxboheme is next week, and the Boys are starting to pop up all over!

Outlook Columbus:

The Other Paper:

Today I also received a big box of goodies from the underwear company Baskit. They are one of the event sponsors, and the Cheesecake Boy models will be wearing some of Baskit's finest -- like this:

Those of you who are near Columbus, I hope to see you there! The event does require advance tickets, and they are $15 at www.columbusisgreat.com.

The Nail

2010-11-22T15:30:00.000-08:00

We spent Saturday afternoon hanging the Cheesecake Boy exhibit at Luxboheme, and I have special behind-the-scenes video footage to share, courtesy of Nancy Smeltzer:

Impressive, huh? I think pounding in that nail is the manliest thing I've ever done -- nevermind the fact that my friend Eric had to do the other nineteen!

The Luxboheme event is shaping up to be quite an evening of fabulosity. We have a host of sexy Cheesecake Boy models who will be featured in "surprise" fashion shows throughout the evening, plus a special appearance by nationally-known drag queen Nina West! Space is limited, so reserve your tickets here: ColumbusIsGreat.com.

Event details:
Thurs., Dec. 2, 2010, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Luxboheme, 232 N. 3rd St. Enter through barn door on Hickory Alley.
Special performances start at 7:30 p.m.
$15 ticket includes admission, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.
$50 ticket includes admission, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres and autographed copy of “Cheesecake Boys: The Pin-Up Art of Paul Richmond.”

Christmas Cheesecake

2010-11-16T19:15:00.000-08:00

I am working on a new Christmas Cheesecake Boy painting that will also serve as the cover for next year's Christmas anthology from Dreamspinner Press.

I'm not good at keeping secrets (which is why it's best for me to buy all of my holiday presents at the last minute!), so I'm going to give you a sneak peek. However, I'm not going to show you the whole image yet -- just a little tease. If you've been good this year, hopefully Santa will let you see the rest soon! :)

And if you lean more towards the naughty side, you might enjoy the cover I did for this year's Dreamspinner anthology, Naughty or Nice which is also available as a snazzy little Christmas card in my Etsy store.

Peek-a-boo

2010-11-13T20:52:00.000-08:00

We hung up show posters all over town today for the upcoming Cheesecake Boy Extravaganza at the Luxboheme Showroom. They were a spin on rental rip-off posters, only with a little added incentive to see what's underneath the flaps. ;)

Rainbow Cheesecake

2010-11-09T15:45:00.000-08:00

Here's a pic of my newest Cheesecake Boy in progress. This rainbow-flag bearing fellow is full of pride - but will his pride be shaken by the loss of his pants?

I'm creating this painting for the Rainbow Awards, which is hosted by my friend Elisa Rolle.

Cheesecake Boys Party

2010-11-07T07:16:00.000-08:00

You're invited to spend an evening with the Cheesecake Boys! Tickets are now available HERE for the December 2 event at Luxboheme Showroom in Columbus.

Luxboheme presents an evening of art, fashion, and pin-up couture featuring my original paintings and new Cheesecake Boys book. The event will also include a series of fashion presentations with Cheesecake Boy models, and a "Pin-Up Yourself" photo booth. Tickets are $15, which includes cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and an evening filled with pin-up surprises. Hope to see you there!

Cheesecake Boys Book

2010-11-02T04:19:00.000-07:00

The Cheesecake Boys book is OUT, and I couldn't be more excited!

It contains over a hundred pages of paintings, process pics, behind-the scenes photo references and more. Get up close and personal with the Cheesecake Boys like never before! Many thanks to Jesse Archer for writing the Foreword and to Jason Driskill who wrote the Afterword. Their thoughtful insights provide perfect book-ends to this collection of pin-up fun - guaranteed to wow your pants off!

Order yours HERE.

Here's a preview:

Cheesecake Boys by Paul Richmond | Make Your Own Book

GLAAD's OUTAuction NYC

2010-10-29T04:05:00.000-07:00

I just learned that my painting Say Cheese...Cake, Starring Mike Ruiz was accepted into GLAAD's OUTAuction NYC celebrating GLAAD's Top 100 Artists of 2010. The annual fundraising event is part glamorous cocktail party and part art auction - all to benefit GLAAD's work to amplify the voices of the LGBT community.

Th event takes place on Sunday, November 21 from 5:00 - 9:30 pm at the Metropolitan Pavilion in NY. Coincidentally, Mike Ruiz is scheduled to be one of the celebrity guests that night -- hopefully he will choose his pants wisely! ;)

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit GLAAD's website.

Columbus Cheesecake Boy Art Party

2010-10-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

Calling all Cheesecake Boy fans in Columbus, Ohio -- We are hard at work planning a pin-up extravaganza for your viewing (and participatory) pleasure! It will be held at the Luxboheme Showroom downtown on December 2 from 6:30 - 9:00 pm. Mark your calendars, kids. The boys are coming to town, and you don't want to miss it! Plans are underway for an evening of OVER-THE-TOP pin-up fun. Besides all of my pin-up paintings, prints, and new book, there will be Cheesecake Boy fashion shows throughout the evening and even interactive "Pin-Up Yourself!" opportunities -- plus great food, drinks, and a plethora of eye-candy sprinkled throughout. Tickets will go on sale November 12. Sign up for my e-mail newsletter to be notified.

If you are interested in being a Cheesecake Boy fashion model at the event, or if you're a local business interested in sponsorship opportunities, send me an e-mail HERE.

I'm so excited to share the Cheesecake Boys with all of my Columbus friends, and I couldn't think of a more fabulous venue. Priscila Teixeria (the owner of Luxboheme) is a creative force to be reckoned with -- and now that we're joining forces, the results are guaranteed to knock your pants off!

Me with fashionistas Maria Fanning and Mary Pedigo at a Luxboheme fashion event earlier this month

Book Report

2010-10-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

My Cheesecake Boys book is all finished and will be available in my online store the first week of November.

In the Cheesecake Boys book, you will be able to get up-close and personal with the pin-up boys like never before -- with over 100 pages of paintings, process pics, behind-the-scenes photo references, and more -- all from the comfort of your easy chair. And as Jesse Archer wrote in his foreword, "...fear not if your pants fly off in the process. Wardrobe malfunctions are finally fun for everyone!" Here are a few teasers:

I LOVE the foreword written by actor Jesse Archer and the afterword by artist Jason Driskill. Here is an excerpt from each:

FOREWORD
by Jesse Archer

"...Cheesecake is not beefcake, and clothes come off so much easier when they do it by themselves! An unexpected flash of skin is what they say about imagined pleasures. It’s the same I dare you to come hither seduction which allowed pin-up art of icons like Betty Grable and Rita Hayworth to flip sexual objectivity into reverence, respect, and power. They were being painted onto WW2 bombers! Although not (yet) on the side of bombers, gay men possess our own power in both confronting and resisting traditional ideas about what it means to be men. In wholly comprehending that gender is a terrifically bad idea, we are free to play unapologetic peek-a-boo; to say whoopsie! with a wink."

AFTERWORD
by Jason Driskill

"...One cannot sit in a room with a Cheesecake Boy and not acknowledge how it shifts the atmosphere in a decidedly gay direction. It is no easy task to achieve this sort of homo-normativity, wielding the power to defy the unseen, unstated, patriarchal assertion that men should not be subjugated to sexual objectification, or even worse, that men should not find pleasure from being sexually objectified! And yet with a wink and a nod Paul’s paintings do just that..."

Sign up for my e-mail newsletter here if you'd like to be notified when Cheesecake Boys is available for purchase.

Rainbow Cheesecake

2010-10-08T12:20:00.000-07:00

My friend Elisa Rolle recently asked me to create an illustration for the Rainbow Awards, celebrating the best of gay fiction. Of course I took that as an opportunity to create a new Cheesecake Boy, proudly toting his rainbow flag and accidentally flashing his rainbow undies too! Here’s a pic of the sketch, and you can read more details HERE.

It Gets Better

2010-10-04T18:24:00.000-07:00

This is my video for Dan Savage's "It Gets Better" project in which gay adults share their stories with GLBT teens.

"Cheesecake Boys" book will be out in November

2010-08-28T04:55:00.000-07:00

Here's the cover for my upcoming art book, Cheesecake Boys:

It will include all of my pin-up work to date, plus a foreword by actor/columnist Jesse Archer and an afterword by artist Jason Driskill. I can't wait for everyone to see it!

I've Been Bootlegged! Part 2

2010-08-25T16:57:00.000-07:00

Please join my Facebook group: Ebay, stop sellers who blatantly rip off artists!

As I detailed in my previous post, I discovered yesterday that there is an organization called MJART Gallery based in China reproducing my artwork and selling it on ebay. I wanted to follow up with some more infuriating developments as well as share my latest Cheesecake Boy piece (above). Ok, so maybe Cai Jiang Xun isn't the sexiest model I've ever depantsed, but as you will read momentarily, he definitely had it coming!

After I wrote about this on my blog yesterday, I received many messages from people expressing outrage over the situation. Several artists got in touch to let me know they had experienced the same thing, one person whose work was actually being sold by this same lovely fellow. They told me that ebay's policies are lackluster at best on this issue, a point which I learned for myself shortly thereafter. Ebay will remove the specific listing after a complaint is filed (which happened in the case of my two paintings yesterday), but they won't cancel the seller's account. Apparently, these art criminals wait a week and then re-post the same stolen work until they get caught again, raking in as much money in the meantime as possible.

In addition to filing a complaint with ebay, I also reported the incident to the Internet Crime Complaint Center on the FBI website. No word from them yet. I also decided to do a little investigating of my own. I wrote to Cai Jiang Xun anonymously from a Gmail account I created especially for him. The response I received today blew me away and literally left me shaking with rage. Here's my e-mail to him:

And his response:

Attached to the e-mail were twenty one jpegs -- all works of art that I have created with my signature carefully removed. Here are a few examples:

Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be much I can do from a legal standpoint. But I will definitely do everything I can to spread the word about this issue, and hope that you'll help me raise awareness among all of your friends who share or buy artwork online. Please feel free to forward this post to anyone who you think might find it useful.

As for Cai Jiang Xun, "Lawrence" is going to continue to try and learn more about this brilliant artist who has been "experienced in gay man oil painting more than 28 years." Maybe I can gather enough information to really catch him with his pants down! I'll keep you posted...

UPDATE (9/1)

My on-going conversation with Cai Jiang Xun has become quite interesting! I even have some friends joining in on the fun and we have managed to convince him to answer interview questions, sign copyright protection forms (to protect "his" intellectual property, of course!) and send us a bio and photo of himself with one of my paintings! The correspondence has grown too big for this blog post, so click here for all the juicy details: I'VE BEEN BOOTLEGGED!

I've Been Bootlegged!

2010-08-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

Today I received an e-mail tipping me off that someone on ebay is selling my work and claiming it as their own. I was speechless when I clicked on the link and found two of my paintings being touted as the work of someone named Cai Jiang Xun. Even more surprising is the fact that the two original paintings, On Display, Starring Michael Breyette and Size Matters, Starring Jack Mackenroth are still in my possession. I can only assume that this fraud is printing low-res images on canvas and "enhancing" them somehow.

Even though I have a lot of fun with my art career (how can you not when you paint people losing their pants?), I do take my work very seriously. I feel completely violated and outraged at the sight of my art with someone else's copyright statement plastered across it.

And aside from everything else that's wrong with this situation, what in the hell is up with these hideous frames? Furthermore, Cai Jiang Xun's listing encourages interested parties to submit wholesale inquiries, so he obviously has plans of mass-production. Looking at his profile, I see that he has already made 362 sales.

I am going to include all of the information I have discovered in the hopes that you will pass this along to anyone you know who creates or purchases art. Cai Jiang's ebay store, MJART, has over 1500 items, and I can only assume that the merchandise offerings have been stolen from many other artists. I am reporting this to ebay so I am unsure if his account will remain active after their review. However, at the present time all of these links work:

Fraudulent listing of On Display, Starring Michael Breyette
Fraudulent listing of Size Matters, Starring Jack Mackenroth
MJART Gallery's ebay store
MJART Gallery's profile

Hollywood to Dollywood

2010-08-15T12:22:00.000-07:00

I was excited to create a movie poster for the upcoming film starring twin models Gary and Larry Lane called Hollywood to Dollywood. The movie documents their Wizard of Oz-esque journey across country to meet Dolly! The poster will also be featured in the November 8 episode of Celebrity Chefs of Beverly Hills on the Food Network as the Lane Twins host a dinner party for celebrity guests, serving up treats from Dolly's cookbook. See pics from the Food Network taping HERE.

Shadows from the Past

2010-08-15T12:12:00.000-07:00

Over the last month, I asked everyone to help me get “uncovered” -- and you came through! In the Uncovered 2 contest, four of my recent cover illustrations were vying for the chance to become a limited-edition giclee print. But as they say on every reality show known to mankind, “only ONE could be the winner...and America has chosen!” The winning image is Shadows from the Past from the novel by Lisa Marie Davis. The winner of the first print in the series plus the corresponding novel is Zahra Owens. Congratulations! Giclee prints are now available for the first day reduced price of $32.50 in my Etsy store HERE.

I announced the winner this morning on Michele and Jeff's Review blog, and also shared some stories and pictures of my artistic escapades through the years. I even dug up a whole slew of photos from the archives (a.k.a. my parents' basement) to go along with the post. Check it out HERE.

Here's one of the aforementioned photos (isn't he a snappy dresser?):

Love Conquers All: Art for Equality

2010-08-04T04:30:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to be a part of this weekend's "Love Conquers All: Art For Equality" group show at Thinkspace Gallery in Culver City, CA. Thinkspace will be offering limited-edition prints of my painting Noah's Gay Wedding Cruise. The exhibition supports the fight for equality and aims to raise awareness for the LGBT struggle in the process. "Love Conquers All" features the work of over 50 international artists and promises to open eyes and encourage dialogue. The exhibit runs from 8/7/10 through 8/28/10. The opening reception is Saturday, August 7 from 7-10 pm. Click HERE for more details. 20% of proceeds from all works sold will benefit Equality California.

Tikkun

2010-07-31T21:13:00.000-07:00

My painting Noah's Gay Wedding Cruise appears in this month's issue of Tikkun magazine to illustrate a cover story on "Queer Spirituality and Politics." I'm honored to have my work included in the national publication, even though the author does take issue with the piece, noting that it lacks representation of "queer immigrants, homeless trans youth, poor and working-class gays and lesbians, and LGBT inmates." I guess you can't please everyone! But don't I at least get credit for including Bert and Ernie?

Special thanks to my friend Kittredge Cherry for helping me make the connection. The publication is available in most bookstores nationwide.

Noah's Gay Wedding Cruise, oil painting on canvas

Uncovered 2

2010-07-15T04:31:00.000-07:00

Last year, I held a contest called "Uncovered" and many of you helped select The Hired Man as the first novel cover giclee print offering in my online store. And now I'm feeling indecisive again. This time, I have four cover illustrations for you to choose from. Decisions, decisions! And one lucky voter will randomly be chosen to receive the first print in the series as well as the corresponding novel/novella courtesy of Dreamspinner Press. Yay! So go cast your vote HERE.

I introduced the contest and shared many of my recent illustrations as well as process pics on Elisa Rolle's site today: PAUL RICHMOND: UNCOVERED 2.

Covering Up!

2010-07-06T04:27:00.000-07:00

It's been forever since I shared any of my novel cover illustrations for Dreamspinner Press. I love working on these! Here are a few of the latest:

Keep Your Shirt On

2010-07-02T06:44:00.000-07:00

Sure, it’s embarrassing to get caught with your pants down — just ask any of my Cheesecake models. But it would be even worse to get caught without your very own Cheesecake shirt! Now you can have your cake and wear it too! Order yours HERE.

Getting Cheeky

2010-07-02T04:30:00.000-07:00

There's a nice feature by Kendrick Daye in Art Nouveau Magazine about my Cheesecake show. Check it out here: Paul Richmond Gets Cheeky in New Series of Paintings. Here's an excerpt:

Artist and Illustrator Paul Richmond was raised in a conservative, Roman Catholic home but you couldn’t tell from his paintings. Take for instance his Cheesecake series of work created for his solo exhibition of the same name. The show opened June 4 at Halsted Gallery in Chicago to rave reviews.

Gaylebrity Series

2010-06-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

If you’d like to start your Cheesecake print collection but can’t pick a favorite, why not have them all? The Cheesecake Gaylebrity Series in my online store offers 13 9” x 12” prints from the show. Check it out HERE.

Alive

2010-06-17T17:40:00.000-07:00

I did a Q&A with Columbus Alive columnist John Ross, and the article was included in this week's Pride issue. I love the photo by Jodi Miller shown above.

Check out the interview online HERE, where you can read all about my love of Lawrence Welk, cake, and the three things I can't live without!

CHEESECAKE Recap

2010-06-17T06:49:00.000-07:00

The opening reception for my CHEESECAKE exhibit at the Center on Halsted in Chicago was a huge success, and I’m so grateful to all of the friends, family, and pin-up aficionados who came out for the evening’s festivities.

Here’s a shot of the gallery showcasing some of our beautifully-hung Cheesecake Boys:

And here are some pics from the opening:

Me with Maria and Brooke, my "back-up singers"

Me with David Joseph, curator for the Center on Halsted

Me with my childhood mentor, Linda Regula

Me and my man

If you would like to see ALL of my pics from the show and subsequent Chicago escapades, check them out on my Flickr site HERE.

The exhibit will run through July 7, so if you plan on being in Chicago during that time, be sure to stop in to the Center on Halsted and take a peek. The other show that is running concurrently on the third floor, “Queer Voices in Comics,” is also a must-see!

If you’d like to read more about CHEESECAKE, including some interviews that I did about the show, the following Chicago-based publications ran great stories about the exhibit:

MINT MALE
EDGE
TIMEOUTCHICAGO

Stop, Shop, and Drop, Starring Dale Levitski

2010-06-02T17:03:00.000-07:00

The countdown is on for my CHEESECAKE show in Chicago on June 11. All of the paintings are finished and ready to be unveiled! I’ve added a Cheesecake section to my online store HERE (although I am keeping a few secrets up my sleeve for those of you attending the show in person).

My newest addition to the lineup is Top Chef alum Dale Levitski, channeling his inner pin-up girl after a trip to the grocery store in Stop, Shop, and Drop, Starring Dale Levitski

First Pride

2010-05-31T17:04:00.000-07:00

I’m excited to be participating in a group show called First Pride which takes place in Chicago next week. My painting “The Dollypop Guild” will be a part of the “queer multi media arts extravaganza” which also features one of my favorite artists (and recent Cheesecake model) JASON DRISKILL. The gala takes place at the Chicago Creative Lounge on Tuesday, June 1. Click HERE for more details.

Cheesecake Trio: Jack Mackenroth, Bobbie Burlesque, and James St. James

2010-05-24T14:11:00.000-07:00

I have three new Cheesecake Boy paintings for your viewing pleasure!

First up, the fabulous James St. James becomes the star of his own freakshow with the help of a rebellious sea monster and some loose trousers. Giclee prints of "Sideshow Attraction, Starring James St. James" are available HERE.

The next one, "Size Matters, Starring Jack Mackenroth" portrays fashion designer and Project Runway alum Jack Mackenroth measuring a client’s inseam while struggling to keep his own pants on. Feel a draft, anyone? Prints are available HERE. And visit Jack's BLOG for his recap of the Cheesecake modeling experience.

And how do you embarrass a burlesque dancer? See for yourself in "Pants on the Ground, Starring Bobbie Burlesque." Prints are available HERE.

I've added a Cheesecake section to my Etsy store HERE where you can see all the boys in their pantsless glory and make sure your collection is complete. I'm finishing up one more this week and then I'll be sending them off to the curator for my June show at the Center on Halsted. Jack, James, Bobbie and all the rest will be unveiled (literally) at the opening reception in Chicago next month. Join us for a revealing evening at the Center on Halsted Friday, June 11 from 6:30-9:30 pm. Click HERE for more details.

Jack Mackenroth in progress

2010-05-15T10:54:00.000-07:00

Here's a pic of my painting "Size Matters, Starring Jack Mackenroth" in progress:

Many thanks to Jack for the awesome photo reference that has made my job especially easy on this one!

"Size Matters" and a host of other Cheesecake Boy paintings will be on display in Chicago this June in my solo exhibit "Cheesecake" at the Center on Halsted. The show opens June 11 from 6:30-9:30 pm. Click HERE for more information.

Presentation at the Chicago Public Library

2010-05-15T07:32:00.000-07:00

I'm looking forward to doing a presentation at the Chicago Public Library on Saturday, June 12 (the day following the "Cheesecake" opening). I'll be talking about my development as an artist and how it was affected by my coming out story, as well as how my identity as a gay man influences my career today. The presentation (with lots of visual aides) will be at 1:00 pm at the Sulzer Regional location, 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue. Click HERE for more details.

Freakshow!

2010-05-09T05:40:00.000-07:00

My studio is turning into a bit of a freakshow thanks to my latest Cheesecake model, James St. James. Here's a sneak-peek at the painting in progress:

Show Stopper, Starring Del Shores

2010-05-08T04:09:00.000-07:00

My latest Cheesecake Boy is Del Shores, writer/director of one of my favorite movies, "Sordid Lives." Long days on the set can take a toll, so it’s no wonder he has let a few things slide — including his pants! While filming a sexy scene from his tv series, Del suddenly finds himself stealing the show. And now, with his skimpy skivvies in full view, even the naked actors can’t resist checking out their fearless leader in all his glory.

Giclee prints of "Show Stopper, Starring Del Shores" are available HERE.

James St. James

2010-05-02T08:17:00.000-07:00

Here's the sketch for my Cheesecake Boy painting of James St. James:

On Display, Starring Michael Breyette

2010-04-29T18:18:00.000-07:00

Michael Breyette is one of my favorite artists, so I was honored that he agreed to be the subject of my latest Cheesecake painting. In a classic case of life imitating art, On Display, Starring Michael Breyette finds the artist with his pants on the gallery floor, creating a whole new focal point for admirers of his work.

Check it out HERE, where you can order a limited edition 12" x 15" giclee print.

Many thanks to Michael for the super-cute reference pic:

What's Happening

2010-04-29T17:59:00.000-07:00

The May issue of "What's Happening" magazine hits newsstands in Florida tomorrow, and it includes an interview about my recent work written by L. Rickert. Dolly and I even made the cover! You can view the complete issue online HERE.

And if you'd like to see a compilation of Cheesecake, check out the feature Mike Ruiz Caught in a Cheeky Moment on Ethansays.com.

I'm a Narcoleptic Date!

2010-04-24T09:56:00.000-07:00

Turnabout is fair play, so when my friend Brian Williams asked me to model for one of the paintings in his upcoming LA exhibit "Narcolepsy Date," I was all about it -- especially when I learned that would involve plunging my face into a big cake.

Brian's concept is to show figures who have fallen asleep in unusual situations, which isn't much of a stretch for me given the number of times this month that I've fallen asleep at my easel. However, since Brian and I have a long history of cake-appreciation, we decided to go that route for my pose. Here are a few of the lovely results of last night's photo shoot:

And here's the composition Brian worked out for the painting. I love the cute detail of the hearts in the coffee!

Michael Breyette Cheesecake in progress

2010-04-19T21:16:00.000-07:00

I'm working on my Cheesecake painting of artist Michael Breyette and wanted to share a progress pic. I'm having so much fun re-creating some of his amazing artwork for the background, including the sexy, gas-pumping fellow below.

Michael's a big inspiration, so I hope I did his work justice! The only change I made was to adjust the figure's eyes so that he could better enjoy the view.

Here's the sketch so you can see what's left:

After Michael, I have some other exciting pin-up prospects on the horizon. Jack Mackenroth and Bobbie Burlesque both recently sent me reference pics for their paintings, and I must thank them for making my job very easy! These photos are amazing!!

Jack Mackenroth (fashion designer, Project Runway alum)

Bobbie Burlesque (burlesque performer)

If you would like to be first in line to see the completed painting of Michael Breyette, and all of the other fabulous Cheesecake Boys to come, sign up for my e-mail newsletter HERE.

And if you'd like to come check out these pin-up boys in person, please join us for the Cheesecake opening reception on Friday, June 11 at the Center on Halsted in Chicago. Get all the scoop HERE.

Peeping Perez, Starring Perez Hilton

2010-04-14T20:03:00.000-07:00

Blogger Perez Hilton exposes the secrets of the stars. Now, as the subject of my latest Cheesecake Boy painting, he gets caught exposing his own!

While spying on Lady Gaga in search of a headline, her dog takes matters into his own teeth -- making quick work of his pants. Poor Perez is left with nothing to protect his "disco stick" from the world except some smashing bright pink, star-patterned undies.

Here's a link to order limited-edition giclee prints of Perez in all his glory: Peeping Perez

Check out all of the Cheesecake Boys to date in a feature on Ethansays.com HERE.

If you would like to be first in line to see the new pieces created for this exhibit, sign up for my e-mail newsletter HERE.

Rosy Cheeks, Starring Bobby Trendy

2010-04-02T21:06:00.000-07:00

Interior designer Bobby Trendy knows how to dress up a room, but in my latest Cheesecake Boy painting, he has some trouble staying dressed himself!

Check out Rosy Cheeks, Starring Bobby Trendy HERE, where you can also order a limited-edition giclee print.

Rip Off, Starring Alec Mapa

2010-04-02T03:47:00.000-07:00

Comedian Alec Mapa knows how to leave his audience in stitches. Unfortunately after this performance, the same can't be said for his trousers!

Check out my latest Cheesecake Boy painting of Alec and his cute undies HERE, where you can also order a limited-edition 9" x 12" giclee print.

Flash of Gold, Starring Ari Gold

2010-03-28T21:31:00.000-07:00

Hold onto your hats! Another intimate performance by pop musician Ari Gold is about to become even more revealing in my latest Cheesecake Boy painting. His bling-encrusted belt is no match for gravity in this pin-up scene that would surely make Marky Mark proud. Many thanks to Ari for his enthusiasm and reference photos.

Limited-edition giclee prints are available HERE. And here are a few detail shots:

Del Shores Cheesecake

2010-03-28T10:01:00.000-07:00

I just finished a new sketch for my Cheesecake exhibit. This one features Del Shores, the talented man behind one of my favorite movies/tv shows: Sordid Lives. With his help, I concocted this scenario in which he is shown filming a sexy scene from the tv series and suddenly becoming the center of attention himself as his loose pants plummet to the ground.

Many thanks to Del for providing photo references and input along the way. I can't wait to start painting this one!

Meanwhile, I have two other pantless celebs in the works, musician Ari Gold and comedian Alec Mapa. Here are some pics of the progress on those:

And to recap, the finished paintings to date are:

In Hot Pursuit, Starring Jesse Archer

Say Cheese...Cake, Starring Mike Ruiz

Blast from the Past, Starring Darryl Stephens

If you would like to be the first to see Del and all of his Cheesecake Boy comrades in full painted glory, sign up for my e-mail newsletter here.

Blast from the Past, Starring Darryl Stephens

2010-03-15T18:09:00.000-07:00

Does anyone feel a draft? Actor Darryl Stephens certainly does, as he walks across a subway grate in my Marilyn-inspired Cheesecake Boy painting, Blast from the Past, Starring Darryl Stephens. This piece will be a part of my upcoming exhibit, CHEESECAKE, opening in June at the Center on Halsted in Chicago.

Limited edition 12" x 16" giclee prints are available HERE.

If you would like to be first in line to see the new pieces created for this exhibit, sign up for my e-mail newsletter HERE.

Perez Hilton sketch

2010-03-14T21:23:00.000-07:00

Here's my Cheesecake sketch of Perez Hilton, getting his pants yanked down by Lady Gaga's dog while spying on her. Amazingly, he is all for this idea -- thanks, Perez!

Free Shipping Offer

2010-03-12T18:06:00.000-08:00

I have a promo code for free shipping on orders of my book, Ins and Outs, through March 22. Just use the appropriate code at checkout based on your location:

USD $ promo code: WESHIP
GBP £ promo code: WESHIP2
EUR € promo code: WESHIP3

Latest Cover Art

2010-03-10T14:40:00.000-08:00

I finished a few more covers this week for Dreamspinner Press. Here's a peek:

Darryl Stephens and His Inner Marilyn

2010-03-07T03:52:00.000-08:00

I'm working on my Cheesecake painting of Darryl Stephens (from the series Noah's Arc), and the concept is a twist on Marilyn Monroe's famous scene from The Seven Year Itch. He provided some great reference photos, and I'm enjoying how this one is turning out so far. Watch out for those subway grates if you're wearing something with the potential to billow!

Here's a peek at the work in progress:

Say Cheese...Cake, Starring Mike Ruiz

2010-03-02T17:37:00.000-08:00

Get ready for another heaping helping of Cheesecake. This time, it's photographer Mike Ruiz taking center stage as the latest wardrobe-malfunction victim for my upcoming exhibit at the Center on Halsted in June. I'm portraying gay celebrities in classic pin-up poses, an "exhibition of accidental exhibitionism," you could say...

Anyway, here it is: Say Cheese...Cake, Starring Mike Ruiz!

And if you'd like to take a closer look, here are a few detail shots:

That second detail shot is extra-classy, isn't it?

Say Cheese...Cake, Starring Mike Ruiz is available as a 12" x 16" limited-edition giclee print in my online store HERE. The original oil painting is also currently available. If interested, please contact me for details.

I have a whole slew of celebrity Cheesecake Boys in the works, so if this is your first time visiting my blog, scroll down for more. And if you'd like to receive my e-mail newsletter and have your Cheesecake delivered, sign up HERE.

New Cheesecake: Michael Breyette

2010-03-02T16:24:00.000-08:00

I just finished the sketch for my Cheesecake Boy painting of the amazingly talented artist Michael Breyette. Here's a sneak-peek:

Michael was kind enough to provide a reference photo, and I think he did a fabulous job of capturing the pin-up girl spirit!

I am honored that an artist whose work I greatly admire was willing to be a part of my Cheesecake show. If you're not familiar with his collection, I highly suggest you head over to his website and check it out.

And if you would like to be the first to see Michael and all of his Cheesecake Boy comrades in full painted glory, sign up for my e-mail newsletter here.

CHEESECAKE Reception

2010-02-21T05:57:00.000-08:00

The opening reception for CHEESECAKE, my revealing new show in Chicago, has been scheduled for Friday, June 11 from 6:30-9:30 pm at the Center on Halsted. Their address is 3656 N Halsted, Chicago, IL 60613.

Let me know if you're interested in joining us for the festivities! It should be a really fun event and I hope to see some of you there!

If you're a Facebooker, here's a link to the event page: CHEESECAKE.

Let Them Eat Cheesecake

2010-02-16T19:32:00.000-08:00

I've been busy cooking up some new Cheesecake today, including making good progress on my portrait of photographer Mike Ruiz, which is titled Say Cheese...Cake, Starring Mike Ruiz.

I like this second photo because it makes it look like Jesse Archer is squealing at the sight of Mike's ass, or, as they would say in art school, "the pieces are having a dialogue."

I also finished my sketch for the Darryl Stephens Cheesecake Boy, which is inspired by Marilyn Monroe's famous scene in The Seven Year Itch. Many thanks to Darryl for providing some amazing reference photos for this.

A Peek at Jason Driskill

2010-02-15T11:42:00.000-08:00

Here's the sketch for my Cheesecake portrait of the incredibly talented artist Jason Driskill:

Jason's work focuses on self-portraiture which led us to concoct this reinterpretation of Norman Rockwell's classic self-portrait (with the random addition of myself and my partner Dennis as a mailman and milkman in the background).

This piece is officially a collaboration with Jason - I'm thinking of it as the "Islands in the Stream" of my Cheesecake exhibit. After all, every album needs a good duet, right? I suppose we'll have to fight over which one of us gets to be Dolly and who gets stuck being Kenny Rogers though.

Cover-ing Up

2010-02-15T11:27:00.000-08:00

I just realized that I've been so busy depantsing celebrities lately that I haven't shared any of my latest novel cover illustrations. For shame! So here's a great big old round of catch-up, all of which are being published by Dreamspinner Press:

And next up on the drawing board:

Prints Galore!

2010-02-13T13:11:00.000-08:00

I'm busy getting my first batch of prints for the Jesse Archer painting ready to send out into the world. If you ordered one already, it will be on its way to you shortly. And if you'd like to order one, they're available in two sizes in my Etsy store HERE.

Jesse Archer Gets Depantsed

2010-02-13T09:43:00.000-08:00

My new painting In Hot Pursuit, Starring Jesse Archer has been popping up in a few places online this week, including a feature on Queerty called Jesse Archer and Friends Cannot Keep Their Clothes On, and my personal favorite headline of all-time from Out in America: Jesse Archer Gets Depantsed by Artist Paul Richmond. Here's the text of the article:

Why are Jesse Archer, Mike Ruiz, Jack Mackenroth and Perez Hilton having trouble keeping their clothes on these days? Because artist Paul Richmond has enlisted their modeling services for his upcoming exhibit of male pin-up paintings called CHEESECAKE. The show, which will feature oil paintings of fourteen gay male celebrities, opens at the Center on Halsted in Chicago this June.

According to Richmond, "It intrigues me that it was almost exclusively women who were depicted as hapless victims of comical wardrobe malfuncions in early pin-up art. Those ladies couldn't even walk down the street without their skirts blowing up or their underwear falling down (or both!). Meanwhile, male pin-ups by artists like Tom of Finland were generally afforded more control over their sexy shenanigans. I believe gravity and other forces conspiring to rob people of their clothing should take an equal-opportunity approach."

And thus, his impressive lineup of Cheesecake models should be prepared for a revealing experience. Paul recently released his first painting for the show, a tribute to slasher flick victims, featuring actor and OUT columnist Jesse Archer as the damsel in distress. He is shown running through a spooky forest with a shadowy, knock-kneed monster hot on his tail. Of course the treacherous branches tear Jesse's skimpy outfit to shreds in the process, leaving him in little more than his skivvies. Archer provided the artist with photo references for the project, and even helped him connect with several other celebrities who will soon be added to the show, including Ari Gold, Alec Mapa, and Darryl Stephens.

"I've never been painted before and it's an honor because Paul is so talented," explains Jesse. "I also love his concept for me. I can't think of anything better than an homage to female slasher victims who can't keep their clothes on!" The painting, titled "In Hot Pursuit, Starring Jesse Archer," is available as a limited-edition giclee print in Paul's online store: www.paulypants.etsy.com.

The opening reception for CHEESECAKE is slated for Friday, June 11, 2010 from 6:30-9:30 pm at the Center on Halsted in Chicago. The address is 3656 N Halsted, Chicago, IL 60613. CHEESECAKE is curated by David Joseph.

To keep up with Paul Richmond's new work for the exhibit, visit his blog and sign up for his e-mail newsletter: www.paulrichmondstudio.blogspot.com. [2/9/2010]

In Hot Pursuit, Starring Jesse Archer

2010-02-08T17:37:00.000-08:00

Ready for a fresh slice of Cheesecake? I finished the first painting for my CHEESECAKE show, and it's a frightfully delicious homage to female slasher-flick victims titled In Hot Pursuit, Starring Jesse Archer. It depicts our hero, actor Jesse Archer, running for his life from a shadowy, knock-kneed monster who has an insatiable appetite for hunks.

If you and the monster have similar cravings, help yourself to a limited-edition giclee print of this tasty morsel available in my online store. It's available in a 10.5" x 14" size HERE and 15" x 20" HERE. Want an even bigger portion of this cheesecake? The original painting is also currently available for purchase - contact me for additional details.

Many thanks to Jesse Archer for not only going along with this wacky project and providing some fantastic reference photos, but for also being enthusiastic enough to recruit additional celebrity Cheesecake Boy models for my upcoming paintings. I'd like to say his generosity would earn him a free pass out of this treacherous forest, but we all know how these slasher movie scenes end. Thanks anyway, Jesse!

Next up: Fresh from his appearance last week on RuPaul's Drag Race, the fabulous photographer Mike Ruiz steps center stage as the model for my next Cheesecake Boy painting...

And if you'd like to join Jesse, Mike, and friends in all their pin-up glory, check out the Facebook event page for the opening reception on Friday, June 11 at the Center on Halsted in Chicago. Click HERE.

Cheesecake Media Release

2010-01-31T08:11:00.000-08:00

Here’s the press kit for my Cheesecake exhibit.
Please download, enjoy, and share (especially if you hang out with Oprah on occasion). :)
Cheesecake