Tag Archives: art

Milton Glaser Autograph © Greg Betza

Milton Glaser

Milton Glaser Autograph © Greg Betza

I had the privilege of attending the Milton Glaser lecture last night at the Society of Illustrators in NY. What struck me most was that I and the members of Studio 1482 approach our work and careers with a very similar philosophy to Mr. Glaser. He spoke about how an artist moves toward failure as a means of achieving success. A series of successive failures leads you on a path to understanding and ultimately success…but then it is time to start that process all over again. Keep moving forward, don’t master something and stop. Hearing those words inside the walls of an institution that promotes 1-style illustrators was quite an interesting juxtaposition of ideologies.

He also spoke of drawing and creating art as the only times when we are truly attentive. Paying attention to something rather than letting it, like life, pass us by. I’ve often thought about how many drawings I’ve made and what that experience is like and how millions of people have never made 1 drawing and never felt that sensation.

Lastly,  he spoke of the computer and what it has meant to art and the world in general. What sticks with me is that he said he will always be better on the computer than anyone working now as his “sense of form came about from sources other than the computer.”

It was a great experience listening to someone with his experience and success and his words reminded me very much of words I’ve heard from other very wise people I have known.

Milton Glaser © Greg Betza

drawing of M. Glaser by Greg Betza

Jazz at Lincoln Center © Greg Betza

JAZZ at Lincoln Center

By way of a friend, my wife Despina and I were granted access to reportage a performance at JAZZ at Lincoln Center. An opportunity like this doesn’t come along often so we really went for it. The performance by Wes “Warmdaddy” Anderson, Marc Cary, Neal Caine, and Jeff Tain Watts took place in Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola , a space acoustically designed for jazz. It was an unforgettable experience and I feel like, considering the limited light and space, the work I produced is strong and tells the story of that evening. Thank you to everyone at JAZZ who made us feel very welcome and especially to Susan who made this all possible.

Here are a few of the drawings I made that night.

Jazz at Lincoln Center © Greg Betza

Jazz at Lincoln Center © Greg Betza

Jazz at Lincoln Center © Greg Betza

Jazz at Lincoln Center © Greg Betza

Jazz Lincoln Center © Greg Betza

Jazz Lincoln Center © Greg Betza

Jazz Lincoln Center © Greg Betza

Jazz Lincoln Center © Greg Betza

Jazz Lincoln Center © Greg Betza

St. Louis Magazine | Greg Betza

St. Louis Magazine

These were fun illustrations to do. AD Kevin Goodbar commissioned the 4 spots after receiving one of my postcards (who said postcards don’t work!!). I love wine as a subject for illustration (not just drinking it). It’s a rich subject…just look at these 4 different topics I had to illustrate:

St. Louis Magazine | Greg Betza

Screwcaps have become more preferable than corks

 

St. Louis Magazine | Greg Betza

Classes about wine are great

St. Louis Magazine | Greg Betza

The exclusive I.V.V. (In Vino Veritas) wine club

St. Louis Magazine | Greg Betza

How to buy wine as a novice

Destination Weddings & Honeymoons | Greg Betza

Destination Weddings & Honeymoons

Recently I completed this series of illustrations for the Gown Gallery issue of Destination Weddings & Honeymoons Magazine. When AD Michael Goesele asked me to work on these he let me know that I would have a tremendous amount of creative freedom, and that all he required was that they be beautiful. (This is what you want to hear from all of your clients). I’ve been looking to add fashion illustration to my portfolio and to have the opportunity to do it my way was amazing. It’s a pleasure to work with an art director that can see the potential in your work beyond what is in your portfolio. I’m very pleased with these illustrations and I’m excited to do more. Great working with you Michael and DW&H.

Destination Weddings & Honeymoons | Greg Betza

Destination Weddings & Honeymoons | Greg Betza

Destination Weddings & Honeymoons | Greg Betza

Destination Weddings & Honeymoons | Greg Betza

Destination Weddings & Honeymoons | Greg Betza

The Scientis Magazine | Greg Betza

The Scientist

This month I have an illustration in The Scientist magazine. The article is an opinion piece with 2 views on the much debated healthcare reform. After reading the article a few times I knew I had to illustrate the confusion over how the restructured healthcare system is going to use our money. So my idea was to turn the US Capitol into a Rube Goldberg invention that works yet has no outcome (as we don’t). I have to tell you that I have a whole new respect for Mr. Goldberg. I’ve never attempted anything like this but it was really an enjoyable challenge to create practicality out of nonsense (hey, maybe I have attempted to do that!) So this is what I came up with…

The Scientis Magazine | Greg Betza

citifield jackie robinson rotunda © Greg Betza

A Great Job

A few months back I was contracted to create preliminary drawings of 10 new spaces within the new home of the New York Mets, Citifield. This is the type of job that doesn’t come along very often. I was given a tour within the new stadium (a privilege given very few) in order to get an idea of just how massive it truly is. And believe me, it was impressive. I have a new respect for the amount of planning and complexity that goes into a project of that magnitude. It was quite an experience to see the stadium unfinished and one that I doubt I’ll ever have that opportunity again.I’ve posted 4 drawings: The Jackie Robinson Rotunda, the Left Field Club Restaurant, the Sterling Lounge, and a rendering of a luxury Suite. Make your way to Flushing this spring and see it all come together. Love to hear what you think….

citifield jackie robinson rotunda © Greg Betza

citifiel club rest  © Greg Betza

citifield sterling © Greg Betza

citifield suite © Greg Betza

Giants Stadium | Greg Betza

NEW Giants / Jets Stadium

Over the Thanksgiving weekend I was finally able to get out and do a bit of drawing. I live near the Meadowlands (home of Giants Stadium) and have often driven by the construction of the new stadium, which will open in 2009. Each trip past I was gripped with the fear that I would not have the opportunity to get out there and draw. Well last Wednesday I put those fears to rest. I hope you enjoy what I’ve come up with. I spoke with one of the workers who told me the cranes should be up until March, so I hope to do quite a few more.It was cold out there, but you can get very close to the action. I recommend it if you’re in the area.

Giants Stadium | Greg Betza

Giants Stadium | Greg Betza

Giants Stadium | Greg Betza

AAA Traveler | Greg Betza

AAA Traveler

This illustration was a great assignment. A bit of research to do, but it is always great to learn something during an assignment. This piece for AAA Traveler magazine was basically an ad for great ‘festivals’ around the world. They include: The Westminster Kennel Club Dog ShowNew Orleans’ Jazz & Heritage Festival,  The Kentucky DerbyPushkar Mela, and Christkindelsmarkt.   Basically, it was a great job. I wish they could all be like this!

AAA Traveler | Greg Betza

Harley Davidson Dark Custom | Greg Betza

Harley Davidson Dark Custom

Harley Davidson Dark Custom | Greg Betza

Last December I was contacted by Carmichael Lynch to be 1 of 7 illustrators contributing toward a custom promotional booklet announcing the launch of the Harley Davidson Dark Custom Motorcycle. The art producer on the project, Andrea Mariash, has recently posted the job to her weblog, and I thought it would be a great time to show the drawings. It was an interesting assignment, a new one for me. I was asked to act as a biker, out on the road, doodling (with ballpoint pen) in his little black book. It was interesting to be asked to do what I would do if I was someone else. The first illustration is the road snaking into a dragon or serpent, and the second, a night on the town with the Dark Custom. Anyway, I’m happy with the illustrations,and I’d love to hear what you think.

Harley Davidson Dark Custom | Greg Betza

Time Square | Greg Betza

Traffic-Free Times Square Reportage

As the weather has been beautiful and the cars have been banned, I’ve taken full advantage and have been out drawing every chance I get. These drawings are from a few weeks ago on a Saturday in Times Square. It was a real pleasure to sit in the heart of the center of the world on a free chair at a free table and draw. I highly recommend it!

Times Square | Greg Betza

Times Square | Greg Betza

Times Square | Greg Betza

Times Square | Greg Betza

Times Square | Greg Betza