"The Pink Panda" another painting for Wonder Con

“The Pink Panda” 6” x 6” by Sandra Fremgen

The Story:

Panda and the Girl are hanging out in Palm Springs! It's a sunny afternoon and they are driving down the desert road heading towards their next mission.

The Back Story:

I was inspired to create this painting after my husband and I went to Palm Springs. Every time we visit Tom's family in Palm Springs, I always appreciate how open the land is. There are no sky scrappers, excessive billboard signs or tacky strip malls that block your view of the desert and its mountains. Many of the buildings, especially the ones in downtown Palm Springs, still have their 1950's charm. In the middle of downtown Palm Springs is a giant sculpture of Marilyn Manroe posing in her signature blowing white dress. At night, the stars are always out and the air is so clean. For us ladies, it is easy to spend a day in Palm Springs with a beautiful headscarf and glamorous sunglasses.

The color palette of bright pink, silver, yellow orche, turquoise and gray is mid century modern. The silver geometric pattern in the background is atomic space age. Panda is wearing a 1950's cardigan. The Girl's outfit is a mix of 1950's and throwback fashions I have seen on the fashion runway.

This painting is on sale in my shop!

Panda Squares- tiny 4" x 4" paintings for Wonder Con

For the month of March I have been preparing for Wonder Con. Most of the merchandise sold will be Panda 8” x 10” prints and necklaces, but I wanted to have some original pieces as well.

Hence, I painted two 4” x 4” “Panda and Me” Squares!

“Panda Square” 4 “ x 4” by Sandra Fremgen

The Story about Panda's square:

Panda is suited up and ready to mingle! As you can see by the space age wall paper, Panda is hanging out at a mid century modern home. What kind of trouble is he getting himself into?!

The Back Story:

This painting is inspired by my love of mid century modern. The Popsicle orange, sea blue and silver are cheerful and optimistic. The background pattern of floating shapes and lines was inspired by the “Space Age” patterns of the 1950's. Since I am a pattern designer in my day job, I wanted to integrate those elements into my personal work. All of these loves were reinforced by a recent trip to Palm Springs when we went to visit Tom's family. I wanted Panda to look suave like Frank Sinatra.

“Fez Monkey Square” 4 “ x 4” by Sandra Fremgen

The Story about “Fez Monkey” :

Fez Monkey is one of Panda's many villains. He is the world's best jewel thief and steals more for the sport of it. He is a hipster and has taken over a year to grow his huge beard.

The Back Story:

This painting is inspired by my love of mid century modern. I kept the colors cooler (compared to Panda's bright and cheerful oranges) because Fez is a villain that wouldn't want to spread joy. The “Space Age” patterns in the background are more subdued than Panda's background design. I love the idea of patterns reflecting the mood of the characters.

Both of these paintings can be found in my etsy store! 

Panda will make his debut at Wondercon 2014!

I am so excited to share that Panda will make his debut at Wonder Con this year! Wonder Con is a smaller version of the San Diego comic con that takes place in Anaheim CA.  As soon as my friend Andy snagged a table (he was on the waiting list), I jumped at the chance to share it with him. This is the first con for the both of us, and we're excited to get everything together in less than a month. 

Andy and I met in the transfer student dorms at UC Berkeley in 2003. It was fun having someone on my floor who was also an art major as well.  Like most art students, we both worked hard and worried about what our futures would be like outside of school. It's funny how things work out because Andy ended up publishing two graphic novels while I landed in the stationery/gift industry.  Ten years since our graduation, we are collaborating once again for Wonder Con AND writing a book together about art advice for high school students. I'm grateful for still being in touch with someone who went through the artistic transformation with me!

Check out some of Andy's work:

Gilgamesh Graphic Novel

Peaceful Warrior Graphic Novel

Andy Winegarner's official website

Andy (on the right) visiting Tom and I in our apartment in West LA. Do you see my hello kitty collection in the background? :)

Andy and I visiting the Chagall art show at the San Francisco Museum of Art in 2003. Back in the day when we were art students and had so much free time!

"Panda and the Tiki's Emerald" 8" x 10" Acrylic, 2014

"Panda and the Tiki's Emerald" 8" x 10" Acrylic, 2014. By Sandra Fremgen

For the month of February, I completed two paintings that explore more of the Panda universe. Since Panda is a dashing super spy, he crosses paths with many enemies and allies around the globe.

STORY:

The first of these two paintings is "Panda and the Tiki's Emerald." Panda and Skunk Boy are on a chase to find Fez Monkey, the master jewel thief who wants to steal all of the Tikis' sacred gems. Skunk Boy is the unpaid intern at the CIA who idolizes Panda and wants to follow in his footsteps. Fez Monkey has stolen millions of dollars worth of gems all over the world. He never leaves his house without his signature fez and hipster beard.

BEHIND THE SCENES OF THIS PAINTING:

I've been itching to introduce Panda's allies and enemies for a long time! As with any good action flick, the hero always has to have a completely devoted side kick. Hence the invention of Skunk Boy. For his enemies, I wanted to invent some twisted villains with a sense of humor. I've been watching a lot of Dr. Who lately and love the idea of a strange man traveling the world and wearing a fez. That's how Fez MOnkey came about.. I love the Tiki culture (whether it's hula dancing, knife dancing or the art of Tikis!) and wanted to explore that more! A Polynesian setting is a great backdrop for stories. I can't wait to work the Girl Back into these story lines. 

Also, I am in LOVE with the color scheme of this painting. I used Phthalo Blue to capture a luminous green blue glow throughout the painting. Since Phthalo blue is such a transparent color, it works well as a glaze. The yellow was expressed through Cadmium Yellow Light. That mixed with white provided the brightest spots on Panda, Skunk Boy, the emerald and the moon.

Overall, I love painting spark. I want to find excuses to put more sparkling diamonds in my work because I love painting the gradations of light.