Jeff Claassen Art Blog

Aww...I Feel So Loved. I Think.

2009-07-09T20:43:00.001-07:00

Sweet! I got my first love letter in the new gallery today. It's from two guys, so I'm a little bit worried, but what the hell? Bring on the love (and orgasms), people!

Come Kick It!

2009-07-09T19:32:00.000-07:00

Things are still coming together in the new space. I feel like the bulk of the work is done. Today marks day four of being open for biz. A lot of new faces have already come through the door. People that never saw my shop in the three years on Morro St. (one and a half blocks away) are now finding me. I'm completely amazed at what a difference it makes to be on a major street as opposed to a little side street. Here are some photos from day one and already some things have been moved around since these were taken.

When you're in downtown SLO come check out the new spot at:
785 Marsh St
San Luis Obispo CA 93401

I don't have official posted hours yet because I'm trying out opening and closing at different times to see what will make the most sense. To play it safe your best bet for now is to come by between 12-6pm, tues. thru sat. If for any reason I happen to be closed just call and harass me. I'm most likely at Jamba Juice getting an Orange Dream Machine or at the post office mailing out goodies.

California Music Fest - Ventura California - Pacific Art Collective

2009-07-04T01:21:00.000-07:00

I Apologize for the late notice, but I'll be in Ventura CA for the 4th Of July painting with The Pacific Art Collective at The California Music Fest. A good time WILL be had by all. For more info please visit the PAC site at http://pacificartcollective.com/events.htm

Because You're Not Sick Hearing About The Damn Move Yet.

2009-06-29T22:55:00.000-07:00

The old gallery space is EMPTY! We'll be setting up the new space over the next couple of days and we don't have phone or electricity yet, but if you need some goodies that won't stop us. We can ring you up the old fashioned way...with a calculator and cash. So, come on in! Just don't pay attention to the mess. We should have the store all set up and pretty in time for Farmer's Market on Thursday night, which is 6-9pm. Also, we are running around a lot, so there is a chance we might not be in the new shop when you come by, so feel free to give us a call at 805.391.0361 to make sure we're there before you drive 30 minutes out of your way to check it out.

Also, we have plans for an "official" grand opening in early August, unless we can get pull it off earlier.

We'll see you soon!

- Jeff

Is That A Wallet In Your Pants!?

2009-06-29T22:01:00.000-07:00

Dayler now has 32 designs available in their line of handmade wallets! Here are a few to whet your pockets appetite. For all 32 designs check out the entire line at http://dayler.etsy.com.

Etsy: Your place to get Dayler Handmade Wallets
dayler.etsy.com

Thanks for looking!

Twitter Is My New Best Friend.

2009-06-28T20:29:00.000-07:00

For all you twits out there, I am finally updating twitter on a regular basis, so if you'd like to follow me there please feel free. You can click the photo to get there or just go to www.twitter.com/jeffclaassen.

Eventually, when I get enough followers I'd like to have twitter contests and other twit specific festivities.

Photos!

2009-06-28T18:48:00.000-07:00

Not much time for typing, but I thought I'd post these photos to show how good I am at making the new gallery a big giant mess.

Can You Say "Ridiculous"?

2009-06-26T13:43:00.000-07:00

If money can't buy happiness it can certainly buy useless things you don't need. For instance, these $185 leather mirror covers for your Dodge Viper.

I was just walking into the gallery and this Viper was parked out front. The first thing I noticed was these silly mirror covers and I immediately thought, "You've got to be kidding me." But no, they weren't kidding me. Those things are for real.

Check out the following AMAZING description from the website.

"Viper Mirror Covers -
Custom snakeskin without the bite.

Excellent side mirror protection.
Whether it’s direct exposure, front wheel spray or parking lot mishaps, side mirrors can take as many hits as the nose of the car."

You know, I can't help but wonder if the owner of this car will throw a fit about the fine they will have to pay if they get a ticket for parking in the loading zone.

Back Home To The Sugar And Spice

2009-06-23T16:53:00.000-07:00

I just posted two new original mixed media pieces on etsy. For more info check out my etsy shop at http://jeffclaassen.etsy.com

"Sugar And Spice" - $75
for more photos and info click here.

"Back Home" - $75
for more photos and info click here.

Bamboo, Keys And Taking A Nap On The Dusty Floor

2009-06-22T19:10:00.001-07:00

I got the keys to the new gallery space today. This amazing little bamboo is the first thing to take up residence in the new space and it couldn't make me happier. Here are a couple of shots of the inside.

This view is from the center of the front window looking in. This next shot is taken from standing in the middle of where that little hallway begins.

And here I am laying on the ground. Too tired to do anything except carry one little cute bamboo plant.

Featured At Fiona Bleu

2009-06-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

I finally remembered to take my camera to Fiona Bleu Gallery yesterday. Here are a few photos of the fancy schmancy "Claassen Wall" in their space.

They currently have a pretty large selection of my work. These photos were taken before they hung up an additional ten pieces I dropped off yesterday. You'll find a lot of my limited edition prints and about ten originals. I'm looking around my shop right now and there is a good chance that they have more of my originals than I have in my own gallery. If you're on the Central Coast I'd recommend taking a stroll through Morro Bay. There are a lot of shops to check out, a bunch of places to eat and of course...Fiona Bleu Gallery. Their address is 900 Embarcadero.

Lions And Tigers And New Gallery, OH MY!

2009-06-19T19:54:00.000-07:00

So, it is now OFFICIAL! I signed the lease today for my new gallery space. I'll still be in downtown SLO, but at a much bigger and easier to find location. Starting July 1, 2009 my new address will be:

The Claassen Gallery
785 B Marsh St
San Luis Obispo CA 93401

I hope to be open for biz no later than July 10. It'll be a busy couple of weeks, but I will try my best to keep you updated so please check the blog and if you have any questions don't hesitate to leave a comment.

As for the current space I'm in. I will do my best to keep my regular hours until the end of the month, but I will also have a lot of running around to do. If you need something and I'm closed just give me a call and I can probably meet you within 10-15 minutes. If you're coming from out of town just call before you leave and let me know what time you'll come by. I have no problem at all meeting you at the gallery.

Thank you ALL for your continued support! This move would not be possible without all of you.

Hugs and Kisses!

- Jeff

to make an appointment call 805.391.0361

FREE ART SHOW IN TWENTY MINUTES!

2009-06-14T09:36:00.000-07:00

GUERRILLA ART SHOW

2009-06-12T17:46:00.000-07:00

for more info or to participate visit http://www.jeffclaassen.com/shows/2009/free_june/info.htm

This is amazing.

2009-06-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

Battle Of The Salons!

2009-06-05T02:33:00.000-07:00

I was recently invited to be a judge for "Battle Of The Salons". Wednesday was the first battle and it was an awesome show. These salons went all out and a good time was had by all.

Allow me to introduce my fellow judges.
Dave from Salon Lux.
and Devon from Central Coast Mag.

This is my view of the runway from the judge's table.

Here I am posing like a nerd, but very proud to be representing some sweet gear from Beige Apparel.

Niites documented the festivities and made us all feel like celebrities.

To check out photos of the models doing their thing on the runway visit album 1 and album 2.

This battle will be happening every Wednesday until July 8, 2009. Check out Native Lounge for more info and reserve a table early so you can be treated like a king.

Stoked On New Furniture

2009-06-04T16:12:00.000-07:00

Super stoked on this new display case we found at a local thrift store! Big thanks to my dad for helping me pick it up with his trailer. And much thanks to my buddy Justin for happening to be at my shop when we were trying to unload. Your muscle came in quite handy.

Now, I just have to fill it with delicious goodies.

New Videos, New Spray Paint And Envelope Art

2009-05-27T17:37:00.000-07:00

For those of you not signed up on my email list here is a mass email I just sent out.

Hello All!

This might be a long message so I'll tell you the main points here and if there is something interesting to you then you can scroll on down the screen and read more about it. Here we go.

- two new videos have been uploaded to the site
- submit your art to "The Envelope Art Project"
- new shipment of art goodies

So, I'm really getting into this video thing. I'm not making anything fancy and there are no big budget summer blockbusters I'm working on, but I'm having fun making videos of artwork and product testing. One new video features some random drawings I've found hidden in drawers at my house. The other video will show you a little about the screenprinting process. Check out both videos on my site at:
http://jeffclaassen.com/frameset.htm

The Envelope Art Project is something I started awhile ago. Basically, you draw on an envelope, mail it to me and I post it online. You don't have to claim to be an artist to do this. It's just a fun thing to do. Plus, getting snail mail always puts a smile on my face. Send your artistically enhanced envelopes to:

CLAASSEN GALLERY
1118 MORRO ST
SAN LUIS OBISPO CA 93406

Keep in mind that anything goes. Visit my Flickr page to see all the submitted envelopes that have been sent in so far.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sxtyfoursquares/sets/72157607350379753/

For you art makers out there I recently received a HUGE order of Montana Spray Paint. Currently I have 59 colors of MTN Hardcore available. I also have some super cool glow in the dark spray paint along with spray adhesive and a big variety of spray paint caps for different effects. Keep in mind this paint isn't only for art applications. I now have customers that are using this paint for their custom bicycles, furniture, picture frames, etc. Before you rush to the hardware store to buy a watered down cheap paint come by the gallery and check out the plethora of amazing colors that are available.

Also, a shipment is scheduled to arrive on May 28 that will include a good selection of Sakura Solid Markers, Smash Ink, a couple of new graffiti documentary DVD's, and a few other goodies.

Thanks for reading!

Jeff

Random Drawings Done While Working At A Dead End Job

2009-05-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

Just a little clip of some random drawings I found floating around some abandoned drawers in my house. They range in date from about 1999-2006 if I remember correctly. Some were drawn with the intention of being framed, hung and sold. Others were simply doodles done while sitting in boring meetings when I had a dead end day job as a "customer service" rep at this company in Los Angeles.

Nerdy Screenprint Video And New Tote Bags

2009-05-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I screenprinted some new delicious tote bags. Each one is essentially an "original" because the layout of the prints is different on each bag. Enjoy the video. And here are some photos of the completed bags.

Champagne & Hotdogs!

2009-05-15T07:20:00.000-07:00

And Here Comes The Self Promotional Tid Bits - Three New Prints

2009-05-13T07:17:00.000-07:00

I have three new limited editions available now. Each one is a signed and numbered edition of 50 on wood with a clear resin coating. Here are some better detail shots of each one.

A Gaggle Of Lovesick Loners

Keeping Secrets

Lovesick Sea Creatures

All three new prints are available in my etsy shop. Simply click the title of the piece under each photo for more info or to order. Please keep in mind that I do not keep an inventory on etsy. I only list one item at a time, so if you try to purchase one and you are taken to a page saying that the item is no longer available, please just let me know and I will relist the item. The other option is to give me a call between 12-6pm and I can take your credit card number over the phone, 805.391.0361

http://jeffclaassen.etsy.com.
Thanks for taking a look!

Drips, Splatters, And Good Times In The Late Night

2009-05-12T23:17:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a big painting for an upcoming art show. There is still a lot of work to be done, but here are a couple of in progress shots to take a look at.

I will post a flyer for the show with all the important info later tonight or tomorrow.

There Are Enough Social Networking Sites On The Internet To Choke A Donkey.

2009-05-12T22:24:00.000-07:00

Visit Indiepublic

I'll take runner up! No problem.

2009-05-09T17:06:00.000-07:00

It looks like I'm making my mark in this little town. Thanks people of SLO and The New Times for taking such good care of me.