Terence Ulrich: Good Boy

My Blog Has Moved!

2010-06-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Visit my new and improved blog at: http://www.terenceulrich.com/blog. While you're there, check out the new paintings in my portfolio.

For feed subscribers, if you feed hasn't automatically redirected, please update your subscription with this address: http://feeds.feedburner.com/TerenceUlrichGoodBoy.

This version of the blog will stay online for now, but any new updates will only be posted to the new blog.

Thanks for visiting,
Terence

TERENCE ULRICH, Feature Artist at STONEWORKS STUDIOS

2010-04-16T17:26:00.001-07:00

TERENCE ULRICH, Feature Artist at STONEWORKS STUDIOS

Terence Ulrich
For information: http://www.terenceulrich.com or
Contact: terence@terenceulrich.com

SPRING ART WALK PARTY at STONEWORKS STUDIOS
April 17 1-10 p.m. and April 18 12 -5 p.m.

300 N. Ventura Ave. (Corner of Park Row and Ventura Ave.)
Ventura, Ca. 93001
Additional parking at Catholic Charities Parking lot across the street.

Stoneworks Studios is having an Art Party, featuring 60 plus artists exhibiting a variety of mediums, 20 musicians in an open air studio, galleries and garden. Come enjoy a 2 day celebration of the Arts, a hot cup of organic French roast coffee…and homemade treats.

New Site

2010-03-31T08:36:00.000-07:00

I've been having some issues with my present blogger site, so I'm switching blogs relatively soon. New paintings will soon follow. Thanks, Terence

Valentine's Day Cards

2010-02-05T11:00:00.001-08:00

Valentine's Day cards for sale in sets of four. The pack runs $15.00 dollars. Each card is blank inside. Designs for each card are shown here. Email me if you'd like a pack. terenceulrich@terenceulrich.com

Be A Saint

2010-02-04T20:50:00.000-08:00

I was picked to participate at the Sylvia White Gallery Valentine's Day auction, here in Ventura. The event is taking place Sunday, February 14, 6-9pm. My piece, "Watering Can" was selected to be auctioned off. If you like art this is a great way to buy some work since the bids start at 25% of the retail value. More information is available at Sylvia White's website: http://artadvice.com/

Watering Can

2010-01-12T16:10:00.000-08:00

Watering Can, 12"x16" acrylic on canvas...2009

Sketchy

2010-01-08T09:04:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T22:52:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year. My nearly 17 month old daughter is starting it out w/a cold, but she is on the mend.

oldie moldies

2009-11-16T09:19:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is upon us and I dug up an old illustration for the VC Reporter's Last Minute Gift Guide. Done around 2004, acrylic on paper, 11"x17". Another illustration for an article about food storage for the winter. This one is called "Birds and Nuts". The original is at Anacapa Brewery until January 8th.

Showing at Anacapa Brewing

2009-11-10T10:52:00.000-08:00

I've got some old stuff showing at Anacapa Brewing here in Ventura. The paintings will be up until January. Anacapa is located at 472 E. Main St. in downtown Ventura.

Harvest Artwalk

2009-10-19T14:36:00.000-07:00

I'll be displaying some of my work at my wife's studio located at The Bell Arts Factory. Come check it out. I'll have original art, greeting cards, posters and t-shirts available for sale. See you there. Ionia Design Studio, Bell Arts Factory 432 N. Ventura Ave Studio 35

Chocolate Cake Face!

2009-08-10T08:31:00.001-07:00

The aftermath of a 1 year old enjoying her chocolate cake!

Santa Barbara Sandcastle Festival Poster

2009-07-26T21:42:00.000-07:00

A little project I worked on this past weekend. I modeled the baby's face after my daughter, Emma. Graphite, acrylic paint on paper 11"x 17".

Cats Alway Hide Their Claws

2009-07-10T09:49:00.000-07:00

High quality giclee prints on archival paper. "Cats Always Hide Their Claws" is #1 in my "American Proverbs" series. I only have 5 (of 10) of these 18"x 22" prints left. $200 dollars includes shipping and handling!

Kris Kristofferson

2009-05-23T18:29:00.000-07:00

3 different versions of Kris, don't know which one the AD will pick for publication, but he liked all 3 versions.

Beauty Queen

2009-05-11T16:26:00.000-07:00

I just did an illustration for an article about beauty pageants and children. The piece turned out ok but I had to make some major changes. I also wish I could have painted the illustration instead of coloring it in Photoshop but, I was under a half day deadline. A real rush job. The finished illustration. Because of the weird dimensions (13.6"x 5.5")I had to drastically alter the original concept. My initial sketch for the illustration:

Updates!

2009-04-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

The Ventura Art Walk is this weekend. Yesterday, (Saturday) I sold a lot of gift cards and prints. My biggest priority has been my daughter, Emma. She is nearly 9 months old now and most of my time has been devoted to her. I can't seem to remember what life was like before she was born, and now I can't imagine life without her. Watch this site for a lot of updates. Thanks for looking 4 months old at Christmas 5 months old doing the "airplane" around 6 months old, watching Barney and 1 week old,

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-18T21:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays from my family to yours!

Babe for Obama!

2008-11-15T21:33:00.000-08:00

Senor Gomez

2008-08-12T11:59:00.000-07:00

The Life Of The Party

2008-05-15T22:05:00.000-07:00

My new piece, finished this year, called "The Life Of The Party". The painting is 36"x 48" Acrylic on Canvas. It is part 4 of my Bukowski Bunny series. Thank you for the photo, Gary.

Baby Bump

2008-05-11T19:47:00.000-07:00

Here's a photo from the Artwalk a couple of weeks ago. My wife, Ionia, is sporting the baby bump (nearly 6 months) and my Bukowski Bunny is sporting the Beer Belly Bump.

An elephant paints a self portrait!

2008-04-25T07:56:00.000-07:00

I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't seen it:

Spring Artwalk

2008-04-10T08:10:00.000-07:00

It will soon be here, the Spring Artwalk in Ventura. I'll be showing some new pieces at Stoneworks Studios. There will be lots of changes accompanying this Artwalk, live bands, "after parties", kids activities and more tours then you can shake a stick at! April 26th and 27th in downtown Ventura, see you there.

The Mary Mitchell House

2008-04-08T22:58:00.000-07:00

I did another cover for the VC Reporter. The Art Director, Enrique Candiotti, asked me to do something different. Thanks E! The illustration is of a historically important landmark in Ventura. It's a house called the Mary Mitchell House. According to the San Buenaventura Conservency Website:

This house is known as the Mary Mitchell House and is part of the Mitchell Block Historic District established in 1977. The two-story brick masonry structure is a combination of Queen Anne and Eastlake Victorian with the decorative wood detail under the front gable and the spindle and spool decoration on the porch and balcony. Of unusual interest and whimsy is the square tower with the crenalated parapet, which is reminiscent of medieval Gothic towers. Built in 1890 by the Mitchell Brothers, who were bricklayers, this residence was given to Mary Mitchell, daughter of Ed. L. Mitchell. The houses at 670 and 692 are the only remaining examples of brick houses constructed prior to 1900 in the city of Ventura.

My Illustration: My reference photo from the day before:

New Cover: 'tis the season for stealin'

2008-03-29T08:04:00.001-07:00

I recently completed a new cover for the VC Reporter this week and it really turned out great thanks to Christy Sisneros, the Production Manager at the paper. Concept sketch and finished cover below.

A Sandwich with a Mug of Apple Cider

2008-03-21T07:47:00.000-07:00

An illustration for Sunset iCafe in Ventura.

War Begets No Good Offspring

2008-02-24T22:36:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day Illustrations

2008-02-08T08:43:00.000-08:00

Some Valentine's Day Illustrations I did recently for a restaurant guide. There were little categories for the different types of restaurants. Best place to impress your date, best place to don your leather and park your hog. And, best place to mangia with your mate, lady and the tramp style.

Photos I took last week

2008-01-30T20:34:00.000-08:00

My wife and I went to Oceanside, California last week. We took a stroll on the beach, and shot some pics of surfers from the pier.

Dali on TV

2008-01-02T08:04:00.000-08:00

I found this little gem of Salvador Dali appearing on the old game show "Whats My Line" on YouTube the other night. After watching this I had to ask...What modern painter could appear on a game show in today's world and be instantly recognizable? Where people a little more culturally aware in the 1950's?

It's Been a While!

2007-12-30T10:09:00.000-08:00

So many things have happened this year which is my excuse for not blogging for the last few months. There have been some disappointments and some milestones, which make it a Good Year! So many people to thank and so many new ideas running through my head, I can't wait for 2008! My beautiful wife and I on our wedding day. I hope everyone reading this has a safe and fun new year celebration! By this time next year I will be a father!

Dali's Secret Life

2007-09-27T22:01:00.000-07:00

“The Secret Life of Salvador Dali,” published in 1942 against the backdrop of spectacular world events including World War II, the Sino-Japanese War, the Wannsee conference in Berlin which opened the doors to the Holocaust - to name but a few, Dali wrote a manifesto of sorts aptly entitled “My Battle” which wasn’t fought with the Allies against the Axis powers of Germany, Italy and Japan but was fought against conformity in any spiritual, philosophical or aesthetic form. It was one man’s fight against the Nine Muses or any Muse for that matter that threatened to level the battle field to a match nul. "Self-Examination"

Ventura: State of the Arts-Sept./Oct. 2007

2007-09-20T10:29:00.000-07:00

Artist Profile - Terence Ulrich At a recent gallery opening, a woman stopped in front of one of Terence Ulrich's painting. After a brief pause, she commented "not very uplifting, huh?" Overhearing this, Ulrich took the opportunity to share one of his favorite quotes from filmmaker John Walters: "Good art can make people insane". A part of LA's "low brow" art scene, his work has a weathered, edgy feel influenced by urban folk art, graffiti and vintage circus art. It's not uncommon for figures in his paintings to have a deformity or two. "I usually have people doing things, telling a narrative, but often with something off kilter, slightly perverse, and always a little humorous." His technique involves multiple layers of color and different kinds of paper (from newspaper to Chinese wrapping paper), often painted separately, then glued downed before laying down an image on top. "I want it to look like they're aged under newspapers for sixty years," he says "I'm trying to make something old kind of new again." Recently his work has evolved, "it's a bit more subtle and surreal now." Originally from Indiana, Terence grew up drawing, "It's just something I've always done, I was the kid who drew comic book covers for everyone in class." He went on to attend the Art Institute of Chicago, around the time of the Dred Scott flag controversy, "the environment there was very confrontational and in your face". Upon returning to California, he met his wife while doing a mural project and started showing in local galleries like La Luz de Jesus. Surfing was his introduction to Ventura and he moved here four years ago. "The LA art scene is really competitive, every man for himself - there's a real sense of community here in Ventura and a willingness to help each other out." Besides selling in Portland, Seattle and San Francisco, he has shown at Nathan Larramendy's Ojai gallery and was selected to participate in the Cultural Affairs Division's Streetscape Mural Project. He noted that long-time local artists like Michelle Chapin have very enthusiastic and helpful to him, "Ventura audiences have been very receptive to my work and I really appreciate that."

Problems on Pollutron!

2007-09-14T07:51:00.000-07:00

Last week my wife and I were asked to participate in a movie. No, not that kind of movie, actually it's more like a public service/informational video about recycling and environmental issues. Our neighbor is the Environmental Director for the City of Ventura and makes these videos for schools and broadcast on public access channels. His latest film is called "Problems on Pollutron". It's the story of an earthlike planet that used up it's natural resources without a recycling program in place. My wife and I were asked to be citizens of the planet, Pollutron. With no natural resources left, Pollutron has become a planet devastated by pollution. The great Pollutronian hero; Robertron, is asked by the citizens of Pollutron to set out in a space craft to find help for Pollutron.

Sketchbook

2007-09-01T09:20:00.000-07:00

A couple of quick pencil drawings I've recently completed.

Funhouse Pics from the Ventura Artwalk

2007-08-29T20:45:00.000-07:00

Gary and I found a Funhouse Mirror at the Artwalk

Pictures from the Ventura Artwalk (summer)

2007-08-24T08:53:00.000-07:00

A couple of pictures from the Summer version of the Ventura Artwalk. My dear friends, Gary and Pierre Silva made their debut in Ventura at the Artwalk. My wife and I knew them when we lived in Los Angeles but we lost touch with after we moved here. Then about a year ago they contacted us and told us they had moved to Ventura too. I had a great spot all to myself. There was tons of great feedback and a lot of nice, interesting people.

Queen Itch 2007

2007-08-20T08:09:00.001-07:00

Feliz Cumpleanos!

2007-08-14T13:10:00.000-07:00

Or Happy Birthday to you english speakers! This is another moldy oldy I found slides for. I believe this was done around the year 1999 and is in the collection of my good friend Raymond. 9"x 12" mixed media on paper

Ventura ArtWalk (summer edition)

2007-08-14T13:06:00.000-07:00

What are you doing on August 18th, 2007? The City of Ventura is having the summer edition of the ArtWalk on that day. There will be 150 Artists from Southern California showing their work in 60 downtown locations. I'll be showing at Michelle Chapin's Stoneworks Studios which is located at 300 N. Ventura Avenue. The cross street is E. Park Row. If you've never been to Stoneworks Studios you have to come see this place to believe it! There's an open air studio, a garden with vendors (my good friends Gary and Pierre Silva will be showing their photos), food and live entertainment. You could easily spend hours exploring this one location. August 18th from 1 to 9 p.m. Free! I hope to see you there! http://www.venturaartwalk.org

New Illustration

2007-08-07T07:19:00.001-07:00

A new illustration for a sushi place in Southern California called Hanami's.

Less than 2 weeks away...

2007-08-06T08:45:00.001-07:00

The Ventura Artwalk is less than 2 weeks away. August 18th to be exact. I'll be showing at Michelle Chapin's Stoneworks Studio on E. Park Row and Ventura Avenue. I displayed some work there during the Spring art walk and I met some really fun, cool people. This one is going to be bigger and better with a lot of new work and prints of older pieces too. for more information; click the link: Ventura Art Walk

"Wally's Gone Fishing"

2007-07-17T07:25:00.000-07:00

I'll have a better pic when I get this piece shot professionally. Right now this is all I have for you to see. "Wally's Gone Fishing" 2007

A new member of the family!

2007-07-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

This is Doodles and he is the newest member of the pack! He's a smart puppy and since we have 2 olders dogs he is learning doggy etiquette almost right away. Being a puppy is a tiring job! "Cuteness Supreme"

Something just isn't right!

2007-07-03T07:56:00.000-07:00

So I'm working on the background for the Wall-eyed Walleye piece and I hate the background. It's just not doing "it" for me. It was too busy with too much going on which I felt was distracting from Walleye. So I basically spent the last week painting over what my previous work. Ugh! I think it looks better now. Oh well, here's a bit of Walleye's cane pole and a dragonfly buzzing around to keep him company.

Handkerchief...

2007-06-21T09:28:00.000-07:00

A close up of Wall-eyed Walleye's handkerchief.

Balboa Volleyball Team

2007-06-18T08:13:00.001-07:00

Here's a project I've been working on for a few months for Balboa Middle School in Ventura. There are two designs for the two teams from the school. This was a challenging project because most of my work is not focused on doing an individual's likeness. The drawings had to resemble the players so some of them had to be re-drawn a few times to get it right. I would like to thank Coach Mike for the opportunity to work on this project.

Reflections...

2007-06-18T07:58:00.000-07:00

Reflections in the water. Wall-eyed Walleye's jug floats gently in the pond.

Starting...

2007-06-12T21:48:00.000-07:00

Ok, it's been a while, I was gone for nearly 5 days on a little surf trip to Mexico. Came back and just haven't had a lot to say really. But, it's time to get back to work! Finished the piece I had been working on (pics will be coming) and decided to start this one, which has been percolating in the back of my brain for a while. For the time being the working title is:"Walleyed Walleye". I normally don't show a piece on the internet until it's finished and I have good, clear image to show. But I'm gonna break tradition and record the progression of Walleyed Walleye. The start...a pencil drawing and thin layers of acrylic in transparent washes over the pencil marks. Day 2, added some darker colors in the foreground and filled in Walleye's face a little more, also changed his body structure some of the color on the water: A close up of Walleye:

A moldy oldy...

2007-05-26T15:18:00.000-07:00

...found! I sold this piece to a guy in Oslo, Norway about 7 years ago. He took pics and sent me the negatives years ago...but I just found them today! It's my very 1st monkey painting called F.U. I think I got the title from listening to a lot of Howard Stern in the 90's. For those of you who don't know; you can't say FUCK on TV or the radio in America. I know it's just a word but you still can't say it on public airways even though everyone does in public or privately. Notice the monkey in his death pose with the shamrock gripped tightly in his tail, while flipping the bird with his monkey feet! The styles changed a bit since then but it's not too bad of a piece.

Focus on the Masters (press release)

2007-05-18T17:06:00.000-07:00

4th Annual Ventura Studio Artist Tour Local Ventura Artist Terence Ulrich will be displaying various art pieces at the Bell Arts Factory, 432 N. Ventura Ave. Ventura 93001, during the 4th Annual Ventura Studio Artist Tour weekend, May 19-20, 2007 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Presented by Focus on the Masters, the Tour provides local and out-of-town art aficionados with a once-a-year opportunity to visit with Ventura artists in their studios. Originally from Indiana, Terence Ulrich now resides in Ventura, California. He has illustrated articles and covers for magazines and newspapers across the United States and his fine art hangs in private collections around the world. Terence also completed earlier this year a mural for the City of Ventura's Streetscape Mural Project. His style he feels can be summed up in three words "urban folk art" which he developed after living in Los Angeles for six years. Folk art is commonly defined as art made by common folk during the course of their days. When: May 19-20, 2007 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m Where: Bell Arts Factory, 432 N. Ventura Ave. Ventura 93001 Contact: Terence Ulrich Phone: 805-667-2296 For information: http://www.terenceulrich.com or Contact: info@terenceulrich.com

Drunkeness is an egg from which all vices are hatched

2007-05-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

Drunkeness is an egg from which all vices are hatched. 8.5"x 11" graphite and colored pencil on newsprint. Part III of the Down and Out Rabbit series, and another piece in my continuing "American Proverbs" series. Is this the end for our bunny friend?

Gotta Light?

2007-05-09T08:02:00.000-07:00

Poor Easter Bunny, he gets no respect. Just what is an Easter Bunny? No one knows and neither does he. Hey, it's a job and it pays the bills! Acrylic paint, colored pencil, pencil, masking tape, tissue paper on newsprint and mounted on wood-2007

Pictures From the Ventura Art Walk

2007-04-30T21:32:00.000-07:00

Michelle Chapin and I. Michelle asked me to be in the Ventura Art Walk when she saw one of my business cards. Michelle has one of the most amazing studios I have ever seen. Michelle's website The corner that I got inside Michelle's garden. A few of my gift cards that I had for sale. I still have plenty left if anyone's interested. Pig Lucky Charm. Crossed Fingers Lucky Charm My wife and I...what a freakin' glorious day!!!!

Ventura Art Walk

2007-04-26T07:49:00.000-07:00

I'll be at Stoneworks Studios, 300 N. Ventura Ave this Saturday with 30 other artists for the Spring Art Walk. It's April 28 from 1-9 p.m. Stop in and say HI if your so inclined! www.venturaartwalk.org "Hi, I'd like another" 2007 by Terence Ulrich

A Blue One-Eyed Cat

2007-04-23T16:12:00.000-07:00

Hang 20

2007-04-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

Drawing While Driving

2007-04-17T11:34:00.000-07:00

Well, I wasn't driving but I was drawing. Duke was sitting on my wifes lap so I just had to draw that face. A face only a mother could love, and she might be lying too (thanks BB King). Like most dogs Duke only has squirrels or food on his mind.

Street Scenes: Local Artists Beautify Bus Stops

2007-04-17T07:26:00.000-07:00

From the VC Reporter: The unveiling of Ventura’s Streetscape Mural Project on March 23 drew artists, members of the public and city representatives. The project also inspired comparisons to President Roosevelt’s public works projects. Bringing to mind Depression-era subsidized public arts programs that installed sculptures and murals in federal buildings, the Public Art Commission’s project began as an open call, welcoming artists of varying experience levels. Proposals poured in from single artists and collaborative groups alike, enabling Buena High School and Cabrillo Middle School, as well as the Ventura County Rainbow Alliance, to take part in the citywide beautification effort. When private goes public The murals’ subject matter ran the gamut from landscapes to public awareness. For Mayor Carl Morehouse, who was present at the ceremony, the murals reflect the unique perspectives of over 62 artists who live in the community. For Morehouse, the pieces encourage “civic engagement,” meaning artwork previously relegated to private collections, galleries or personal doodles has now become part of the public landscape. “It’s a value to every person’s public everyday experience,” Morehouse stated. To Morehouse, the murals each preserve a moment in time. He characterized the 12 pieces as conversation starters, as well as contributions to smart urban planning. Referring again to New Deal-fostered artwork, the mayor reflected that citizen art is an important part of democracy, one that nurtures a legacy within the city. With the stated purpose of softening “hard infrastructure,” the Public Art Commission decided to transform several citywide bus stops into art installations while maintaining their functionality. The Commission hopes improving bus stops on an aesthetic level will encourage Ventura residents to reconsider alternative modes of transportation. The mural message Photographer Stephen Schafer’s contribution encourages such an interaction with bus commuters, the only passers-by who might be able to “get” the full extent of his message. Schafer’s mural is a stark and eye-catching imitation of an optometrist’s chart, with large block letters of decreasing size spelling out his thoughts on Ventura. On the other end of the spectrum were murals that eschewed text. Buena High School’s mural was inspired by American music of every imaginable genre and shows a variety of the industry’s movers and shakers: Gene Simmons butts up against Joni Mitchell and Ray Charles; Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix cast their influence among other legends. As the mural’s statement reflects, music is an all-inclusive art form. The Rainbow Alliance made use of a simple black-and-white scheme to broadcast their theme, “I Know, Do You?" which refers to an international AIDS (and HIV status) awareness campaign. Using anonymous but emblematic figures of all ages, genders and sexual orientation, the piece becomes a show of solidarity for Ventura County’s population. Christopher McMakin goes more abstract, with a mural that shows his transposed doodles and the cast of endearingly deranged cartoon characters who inhabit his psyche. Looking at McMakin’s piece, private becomes very public, and the surrounding area seems the better for it. The mural-making process Local artist Terence Adam Ulrich reflected on his experience producing a larger-than-life painting that will be seen by thousands. The seasoned painter and illustrator, whose work often appears in the Reporter, labored without knowing where his painting might end up. He was provided with the necessary materials and found that his production experience was, like his mural, emblematic of Ventura: From receiving the four panels to completion, Ulrich suffered considerable setbacks due to January’s cold snap (he works from a studio in his garage). Although he is no stranger to working on a large scale, Ulrich found the commission-sanctioned paint — acrylic latex — provided him with a crash course in a new medium. “They wanted it to last due to the exposure it would be receiving,” explains Ulrich. “It took me about three days to figure out how I could work with this paint. It doesn’t work like usual acrylic. It’s made to sit on top of a surface — really durable, almost like elastic. It’s made to just sit on top of wood and not just sink in. I would paint a layer then let it dry. I painted these little intricate designs, then I painted over that. Then I took my electric sander, sanded the top layer off, the designs came up from underneath.” Describing the scene shown in his mural, Ulrich said, “We moved up here to surf, and so for me the symbolization of Ventura is the ocean and the hillsides and the islands. That’s what I wanted to show.” The Streetscape Mural Project is the first of a two-part project for Ventura’s streetscape.

Artist Links

2007-04-11T09:37:00.000-07:00

Check out the artist links on my site. Lots of great stuff there, tell 'em "T" sent ya!

Compost is your friend!

2007-04-09T22:44:00.000-07:00

From www.howtocompost.org: Composting is the transformation of organic material (plant matter) through decomposition into a soil-like material called compost. Invertebrates (insects and earthworms), and microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) help in transforming the material into compost. Composting is a natural form of recycling, which continually occurs in nature. Plant those gardens and get composting!

Ojo de Chango

2007-04-02T10:35:00.000-07:00

Ojo de Chango which in english translates to "eye of the monkey". This piece is 18"x24" mixed media on wood. If you would like to bid on this piece click here.

Queen Itch

2007-04-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

8 1/2"x11" acrylic on canvas paper. If you would like to bid on this click here.

Have you seen my love? (blue face)

2007-03-31T07:58:00.000-07:00

I'm going to start auctioning my pieces online. Just to see how this works out. This piece is a few years old. It's 8"x10" acrylic on wood. If you would like to bid on this piece click here.

Nuclear Ballet

2007-03-29T08:04:00.000-07:00

I started and finished this piece around the time of the 20th Anniversary of the Chernobyl Disaster. I recently sold this piece and they buyer wanted a statement from me regarding the concept of Nuclear Ballet. The following is what I wrote for the buyer: Nuclear Ballet I started my painting Nuclear Ballet, just a few days before April 26, 2006 which was the 20th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster. The entire week before April 26th I had been closely following the coverage and reading about the environmental, health and cultural impact this disaster has had on the world. The nuclear meltdown provoked a radioactive cloud which flew over Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, but also the European part of Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Lithuania, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Poland, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Ireland, France and the United Kingdom. Surprisingly, many species of wild animals and birds, which were never seen in the area prior to the disaster, are now plentiful, due to the absence of humans in the area. Which is why I included a robin and a duck (although it is a rubber ducky) in the picture. Nuclear Ballet also references the nuclear tipping points we still live with. Although now it is no longer Russia and the United States playing the MAD (mutually assured destruction) game (or the dance) but other participants as well. Namely, Pakistan, India, N. Korea and others. The ballerina in the painting is from a print of an actual ballerina with 1 1/2 arms. It's a large print and it hangs in my wife's office. When we bought the print we were told the ballerina was Russian, which reinforced my concept that exposure to radiation causes radical deformities and health issues. The decay in the painting symbolizes the end of one era and the beginning of another. Which could include the end of man and the reinstatement of nature's superiority over man's self-conceived dominance. Even something so terrible as a nuclear disaster cannot stand up to nature's desire to reclaim the earth. Terence Ulrich

Wormtongue

2007-03-27T07:47:00.000-07:00

2005 Terence Ulrich collection of Wendy Bandurski-Miller and Patrick Miller.

The Streetscape Mural Project, the last little bit.

2007-03-23T18:32:00.000-07:00

So today we had the official dedication ceremony of the Streetscape Mural Project. The mayor; Carl Morehouse spoke about each of the artists and their pieces. The artists and their friends stuffed themselves on cupcakes, iced tea and cokes. It was a warm day with lots of great art and happy, friendly people. Here I am with a picture of the poster the City made for the occassion. My family drove a couple of hours to be here and watch the ceremony, which I thought was really cool! Friends from LA and Ventura also showed up, some even took off work to be there! This is my friend John aka Preacher Herb, who performed the marriage ceremony for my wife and I last year! It was a great day and I want to thank each and every artist involved for their support and kind words!

Featured in today's local paper

2007-03-23T18:25:00.000-07:00

A nice little article about me in today's local paper. How cool is that???? Mixed media with folk flavor By Nicole D'Amore, Correspondent March 23, 2007 Urban folk art is how Terence Ulrich describes his work, so it's fitting that he is one of the artists chosen to participate in the Ventura Streetscape Mural Project. Ulrich's four-part mural, titled "Surfer's Point," can be seen at Ventura Avenue and Main Street, near the Museum of Ventura County. It is a colorful representation of people enjoying the beach — surfing and flying a kite — with some larger-than-life birds added to the mix. Ulrich's paintings come from his imagination and often feature unusual elements. Color is bright and unexpected, limbs might be missing, animals wear human clothing. He did a series on Catholic saints as Mexican wrestlers, with titles like "Santo Domingo de Guzman." He did another series on American proverbs, inspired by a book in his studio. "When I don't know what to do, I take a proverb and make a picture around it," Ulrich said. "I'm influenced by early carnival art, banner art, circus sideshow stuff, turn-of-the-century mural art." In his garage, recently converted to a studio in Ventura, Ulrich has shopping bags full of items he has collected to be incorporated into his mixed-media pieces: Chinese paper, old pieces of wallpaper, wood in various sizes, lucky charms, telephone pole nails. He has been influenced by such artists as Jose Posada, Manuel Ocampo and Michael Ray Charles. His bookshelf includes autographed copies by the pop surrealists Mark Ryden and Robert Williams. Ulrich was born in Indiana and started drawing before he was 7, he said. "I used to try to duplicate characters in my comic books," he said. He started painting when he was about 15. His family moved to California when he was 14, but after graduating from high school he went back to the Midwest and studied at the Art Institute of Chicago from 1988 to 1990. He returned to California and worked at various office jobs for several years, occasionally doing murals for people. "I went to Platt College to learn design, to get out of the office," he said. He does illustrations for newspapers and magazines and for American Apparel in Los Angeles. It was his wife, Ionia, who inspired him to get back into painting, he said. "She saw my old sketchbooks and said, ‘You have to get out there and paint,' " he said. "She kind of disciplined me, whipped me into shape. She is my greatest supporter." Before moving to Ventura, Ulrich and his wife lived in Los Angeles for six years, where his art was influenced by the urban environment. "We lived one block from Skid Row; we were smack-dab in the middle of it," he said. "I would see a billboard with old advertisements, layers and layers peeling like an onion, and I would wonder about that," he said. "I saw a blank canvas with my imagination as the unifying element to put the story together. "I experimented on canvas, wood and other found objects and applied a system which mimicked my surroundings," he said. "Like most folk artists, the process and labor becomes part of the final product. There is a lot of gluing, cutting and sanding in my paintings." He has exhibited paintings at La Luz de Jesus Gallery in Los Angeles, was in a group show at the Nathan Larramendy Gallery in Ojai in 2005, and was one of only three California artists asked to participate in the "James Brown – Soul of America" exhibition in Georgia last summer. He also does commissions for private collectors. The mural project is sponsored by the Ventura Public Art Commission with the objective of making art accessible to the community while encouraging bus transportation and discouraging graffiti. Murals are at bus stop shelters throughout the city. In addition to nine artists, participants included Buena High School, Cabrillo Middle School and the Ventura County Rainbow Alliance. A dedication ceremony for the mural project will be at 11 a.m. today at the California Mini Park at Santa Clara and California streets. Mayor Carl Morehouse will speak and refreshments and complimentary bus tokens will be provided. For more information, call 658-4736. For more information about Ulrich's art, visit his Web site, http://www.terenceulrich.com.

Creativity leads to growth

2007-03-16T18:28:00.000-07:00

This article from Business Week, came to me from a friend, regarding the importance of artists in a community. Bohemian today, high-rent tomorrow Creative types are essential to urban and regional economic growth. Here's why artists are an indicator of coming gentrification -- and the 10 cities artists should flock to now. By Maya Roney, BusinessWeek The biggest metro areas with the lowest rents The most expensive suburbs of the biggest U.S. cities Want to know where a great place to invest in real estate will be five or 10 years from now? Look at where artists are living now. Sociologists and policymakers have long touted art and culture as a cure-all to economically depressed neighborhoods, cities and regions. The reason? It has been proved that artists -- defined as self-employed visual artists, actors, musicians, writers, etc. -- can stimulate local economies in a number of ways. Artists are often an early sign of neighborhood gentrification. "Artists are the advance guard of what's hip and cool," says Bert Sperling, the founder and president of Sperling's Best Places, based in Portland, Ore., and the compiler of BusinessWeek.com's list of the Best Places for Artists in America. Creativity leads to growth Artists, because of their typically lower incomes, usually need to seek out cheaper neighborhoods where they can afford the rent. But because of their creativity, they are able to fix up these areas, eventually attracting hip boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Not all artists are starving. Though some achieve success through writing, acting, painting or dancing, others get tired of scraping by as waiters or bartenders and sometimes apply their abilities in more-entrepreneurial ways. Anne Markusen, an economist and professor at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs and a leading researcher on the effects of the arts on regional economics, once profiled an abstract painter whose work is now displayed on ceilings and in MRI machines in hospitals across the country. In Markusen's research, artists have also been found to stimulate innovation on the part of their suppliers. For example, a painter may need a certain type of frame that is not manufactured, forcing the frame maker to create a design that happens to also work well for other artists. Nonarts businesses also use artist contractors to improve product design, help with marketing or even use dramatic theory to solve employee relationship issues. Being a cultural center also helps local businesses attract employees who want to be able to regularly go to the ballet or the theater, hear authors read from their latest books or attend art-gallery openings. Follow the money Due to the individual nature and economics of their work, artists are also some of the most itinerant professionals out there. When relocating, they often look for cities and towns that already have high concentrations of artists and a young and racially and ethnically diverse population. The presence of a nurturing art community in the form of art societies and centers is also essential, especially to young artists. A low cost of living is important, but many artists make financial sacrifices to live near an art-rich urban center or in a cheaper neighborhood. Few struggling artists can now afford to live in neighborhoods like New York's SoHo and Greenwich Village, or even Williamsburg, which once were artistic havens before attracting wealthier residents. Now you are more likely to find New York-based artists in the Bronx, Brooklyn or even Philadelphia. In addition to the presence of like-minded individuals, proximity to wealth is also important. The fact of the matter is that artists can seldom earn a living, let alone become rich, selling to other artists. They need wealthy benefactors to buy their paintings or support their local symphony, which explains why each of the places in the U.S. that we found to be the best for artists are in or near centers of wealth. Los Angeles, No. 1 on our list, is most commonly associated with the film industry. While the city provides great opportunities for actors and directors, there are equally rich prospects for musicians, artists, writers and dancers. Of course, the majority of these people can't afford to live in Beverly Hills -- at least not until they get their big break -- and instead opt for more affordable digs in areas such as Echo Park. Where to go now BusinessWeek.com and Sperling's Best Places came up with a list of the best places for artists in the U.S. by identifying the metro areas that have the highest concentrations of artistic establishments. We also looked at the percentage of people ages 25 to 34, population diversity and concentration of museums, philharmonic orchestras, dance companies, theater troupes, library resources and college arts programs. A lower cost of living played a part in the selection of some cities but had to be overlooked elsewhere because of other very favorable factors. Some of the top 10 are traditional art "supercities." One reason Los Angeles leads the list is because it has 56 artistic establishments for every 100,000 people, a diversity index of 84.2 and an arts-and-culture index of 100 (on a scale of 1 to 100). New York City and San Francisco are also in the top 10. Other places are midsize cities such as hippie havens Santa Fe, N.M., and Boulder, Colo., and country-music nucleus Nashville, Tenn. Smaller, less obvious additions include Carson City, Nev., which ranks third for its high concentration of arts establishments, and Kingston, N.Y., in the Hudson River Valley. Ready to quit your day job and make art your profession? These metro areas are good places to start. With all the economic benefits you'll be providing, they should welcome you with open arms. The top 10 places for artists (click on the links to read more about each locale): Los Angeles Santa Fe, N.M. Carson City, Nev. New York Kingston, N.Y. Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, Calif. Nashville, Tenn. Boulder, Colo. San Francisco Nassau-Suffolk counties, N.Y.

Installation Complete!

2007-03-14T21:32:00.000-07:00

Hello! Remember me? I haven't posted an entry for a while, the past few weeks have been busy beyond belief. I've got lots of news to share but first things first. Ionia and I had a pleasant surprise on the way to the water to surf and walk the dogs today, the bus stop murals were being installed. The guys from the city had finished one and were working on another while we drove by. The location where mine was to be installed was still empty. When we drove back an hour and a half later, the mural was installed and I had a little plaque with the title and my name! To say that I'm stoked would be an understatement!!!! So here's a picture and stuff: Here's my plaque: I think I'm gonna ask the woman on the left to marry me! Wait, I already did!

Completed!

2007-02-23T18:07:00.000-08:00

The Mural for the City of Ventura is complete. I even know where it will be installed. For you locals, you'll be able to see it near the corner of Main and Ventura Avenue, in front of the Ventura County Museum of Art.

This is Cool!

2007-02-20T13:46:00.000-08:00

Ventura is going to treat the mural artists to a dedication ceremony on March 23rd. Here is part of an email from Ventura's Public Art Project Manager regarding the day ahead. "...I am also pleased to share that there will be an official dedication ceremony to celebrate your new works on Friday March 23 at 11:00AM. It will be held at the California Mini-Park on the corner of Santa Clara and California Streets. Mayor Carl Morehouse and a Public Art Commissioner will give remarks. There will also be images of your artwork on display, refreshments, and complimentary bus passes. In the coming weeks, I will be mailing you invitations to share with your friends and family--everyone is invited to attend!"

Panel #4

2007-02-16T17:30:00.000-08:00

Does this look like a hummingbird?

Panel #3

2007-02-08T17:19:00.000-08:00

A detail of Panel #3 for the Ventura Mural Project.

Panel #2

2007-01-31T14:20:00.000-08:00

A detail of panel #2 for the Ventura Mural Project. My wife was asking me if the shape below the surfer's right knee was supposed to be Arch Rock out at Anacapa Island. Yes it is, at least my version of it.

The real Arch Rock at Anacapa Island

Speaking of Chalupa!

2007-01-31T14:15:00.000-08:00

Here she is, in my arms my fuzzy, long eared muse; Chalupa!

Next!

2007-01-30T09:03:00.000-08:00

Panel #1

2007-01-30T08:35:00.000-08:00

So for the Ventura Mural Project, I decided to work right to left. The piece shown is the 1st panel I started. The acrylic latex is challenging to work with because you can't really apply it like artistic acrylics, i.e. in thin layers to build depth. This stuff is made to sit on a house through heat, drought, rain, sunshine and expected to look nice for years. It took nearly 3 days of experimenting before I came up with a technique that will let me paint in layers. The skeleton in swim shorts wearing a sombrero is my tribute to the great Mexican illustrator, Jose Posada. He drew the Mexican citizenry as skeletons while riding their bicycles or dancing. My skelton can also be seen as being a representation of the Mexican culture in Ventura who have had a huge impact on the community.

Ventura Mural Sketch

2007-01-25T16:13:00.000-08:00

Hey Hey Hey! In trade for a neck massage, Ionia scanned the sketch I submitted for Ventura's Mural Project. The original sketch was on 4 sheets of 11"x 17" tracing paper. I had to condense the 4 images onto 1 sheet of 11"x 1 7" because of the submission guidelines. Look for updates as I complete each panel.

Good Girl

2007-01-23T09:03:00.000-08:00

This piece is the companion to "Good Boy" and is 5 years old. The basis of this painting was my chihuahua, Chalupa.

Good Boy

2007-01-23T08:17:00.000-08:00

Ventura's Streetscape Mural Project

2007-01-21T14:32:00.000-08:00

Thanks for coming back! My latest project involves doing a mural for the City of Ventura The City has installed shelters at the bus stops on Ventura Avenue and at other locations throughout mid-town. I found out through the Westside City Council, (whose website was designed by my wife: Ionia) where we occasionally attend meetings to stay in touch with Westside agendas, developments and politics, that the City had an open call for mural artists to submit ideas for the new bus stop shelters. Other than my weekly illustrations for the VC Reporter I have yet to make any impact in Ventura. To make a long story short, my proposal was accepted and I became a freelance mural artist for the City of Ventura! On January 3rd I picked up the 4 pieces of primed plywood panels and acrylic latex paint that would eventually become a mural. Does this wood make me look fat? Each panel is mounted along the back of the bus stop shelter. There will be a clear coating with a UV protectant that has to be applied over the top of the completed mural. After that the City will apply a "anti-sacrifical" coating. According to the FAQ paperwork for the project, the coating will help to protect the integrity of the artwork. Surfaces containing grafitti will simply be wiped clean by a special rag without damaging the work. The murals will be on display for 3-5 years, which was the reason for the Acrylic Latex (house paint). Off to work.

James Brown and Visual Soul

2007-01-16T10:59:00.000-08:00

In January 2006, I was asked to participate in a visual (artistic) tribute to the great soul/ funk legend James Brown. The week long event was to take place in Augusta, Georgia and conclude with several musical tributes to Brown on the 2nd to last and last day. I agreed to participate and went about working on some ideas for the event. Besides his hit songs, like "Pappa's Got a Brand New Bag" or "I Feel Good" I honestly wasn't too familiar with his music. To get into the mood I started downloading songs I wasn't familiar with. The 1st song that took me by surprise was "Please Please Please" which was released in 1956 and was the tune that made everyone take notice of JB. I decided to base the 1st piece on that song and used the title and some of the lyrics as text in the painting. I included the traditional draping of the cape over his shoulders but instead of a man carrying the cape I portrayed 2 Swallows done in tattoo style. To the right is the red curtain getting ready to close the show. "Please..." was usually the last song James Brown performed as an encore. That way he could throw the cape off, run back on stage and plead into the microphone "Please, don't go etc.", and the cape would be re-applied, over and over. The title is "Please Please Please" Since the event took place 50 years after his debut, I decided to go another 50 years into the future to see what James Brown in 2056 would look like. I figured he probably wouldn't be alive (little did I know) but his music would still be played. The James Brown Estate builds James Brown Robots as Goodwill Ambassadors to other planets. The title of this piece is "James Brown 2056. The 3rd piece I made with my 12 year old neighbor, Amber Leftwich. An aspiring artist, I asked her if she would like to participate. She said yes and on a Sunday afternoon we spent 3 hours creating the piece shown below which we called "Funky JB". It was a fun piece to make and was a nice way to unwind after working on the other 2 which were so stylistically strict. To learn more about the Visual Soul Festival go to the website, you can also look at the other art while visiting: Visual Soul James Brown Soul of America Music Festival, Art Exhibition

Welcome

2007-01-16T08:38:00.000-08:00

My name is Terence Ulrich and this is my digital journal. I am an artist in the city of San Buenaventura (aka Ventura) in Southern California. 99% of my work is done in acrylic paint on wood or canvas. The painting on the left is called "Cats Always Hide Their Claws". The painting was done in 2001 and is part of my ongoing "American Proverbs" series. I have this huge book called "A Dictionary of American Proverbs" which has proverbs on most any subject you can think of. It's a great source of inspiration for those times when I have no idea what I'm gonna paint.