The today show, with: ROHAUN

BriteStep

2011-12-30T08:52:00.000-08:00

South Canadian countryside drawing.

2011-09-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

My trip through southern Canada allowed me to take in scenic views of the countryside. I was inspired to sit in the open air and create something to remember my visit. I was able to obtain pastels and cardboard to draw on, while using my car as an easel. I was out in the field with my Kennth Cole leather zip ups, and fitted banana republic slacks. I probably wasn’t prepared, but I wanted to be spontaneous.

The field was filled with butterflies, maybe millions of them. I was able to find a discrete area, and take a snap shot of what I was going to draw. I sat on the heated hood of my car, and endured the pain just to capture the full frontal view of my landscape. The bumblebees, and dragonflies were constantly aggravating me; I guess their way of telling me to go. I eventually created something I felt captured not only the landscape, but the feeling as well. It was almost surreal, the butterflies made the field move. They are the only element I never included in my drawing. I think they will be next.

Otherwise as an artist, I want to take in everything. A quote that made so much sense today said, “get up and live, before you sit down and blog!” I am livin, and I hope it sparks something inside you. >>BUY MT ART<< लोल

2011-08-31T07:59:00.000-07:00

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New work, Adding into my new series "The saints of music."

DELTA S.O.T.O - Something out the ordinary

2011-07-13T22:42:00.000-07:00

New Time Pieces

2011-06-17T11:42:00.000-07:00

Two new watch designs. Way more to come soon, check back to see more. They are for sell, but you gotta email me to get a price. Rohaun@gmail.com

Delta by Rohaun - Contemporary Time Pieces with (enamel painted face)

2011-05-29T18:38:00.000-07:00

My greatest design @Rohaun. Hand made, Custom designed watches that house my miniature paintings. This first set I wanted to designed around some of my favorite artist. Hit me up for more info.

Beyonce ft Rohaun - Flaws and All (freestyle painting)

2011-05-22T17:10:00.000-07:00

This song represents a struggle to be great, but falling short at times exposing your flaws. Most of all, how the people in your like except you regardless. I appreciate those people, and realize how we help each other become great by working through it all. Had a great time making this video and hope you enjoy it.

And I toiled away trying to figure "it" out. Trying to understand what will bring me to that place we all fight so hard to get too. Its not easy, and you we will make alot of mistakes. When they say its about the journey and not the destination, I feel they mean you should stop and appreciate all the things that make you who you are. because when you finally arrive, you want to be able to recall past memories to accompany your new place and status. If it weren't for those past experiences then the destination would be hard to enjoy because you will always be searching for the things you should have had along the journey. Maybe im rambling on?

But basically along my journey I see a million flaws within my self. My fondest memories will be of the people who chose not only to except me unconditionally, but also motivated me even when it seemed I wouldnt be going far. My determination is stead fast, and I hope to accomplish something one day. Slowly it begins to make sense, and I realize its less about what I think and more about what I do.

Swizz Beatz Feat Rohaun - Everyday (freestyle art) Remix

2011-05-15T21:41:00.000-07:00

We all love music videos. They are an art form all in thier own. My vision is to add another element of art to the video. When I started to freestyle art, I realized how liberating and exciting it is. I have the ability to absorb the energy from the room and put it into the canvas. This new song, swizz beatz created, was really fun to freestyle in. Going deeper into swizz beatz life, I realize we have alot of similarities. The most interesting was his interest in time pieces. He was able to partake in a tour of the piaget watch workshop. For those of you that dont know much about the watch industry, its closed and guarded, there isnt alot of public information. So I guess im living vicariously through swizz beatz visit to switzerland. This was a one of the most exciting works for me. Got alot more coming up next. Take care!

Thanks for the lovers, and sorry for the haters.

Planning, preparing, creating, reflecting, feeling, waiting, risking, designing, and painting.

Painting with an Airman

2011-04-30T23:52:00.000-07:00

"Take a painting lesson from the airman. He doesn't have a formal education in art, but he does have permission from the united states Gov. to carry a paint brush. Any one and every should and can create. Laugh, cry, enjoy! The arts doesn't have to always be so serious."

Take it with a grain of salt, I am pushing for creative freedom, something ive only recently been able to enjoy as an artist. Clients and life will suck the fun outta of the job, but i love'em anyway! I guess over all I just want to release some of the weirdness trapped inside me...lol.

The 1933 federal arts endowment and the black tail prairie dog of the great plains

2011-04-29T16:59:00.000-07:00

As I view this painting I created years ago, it reminds me to never regret and to learn from my mistakes. With the fear mongering presented by the news about the failing economy, and the prairie dogs emerging from their underground winter homes scattered around base, triggered a random correlation within my mind. This story shows how closely things are related, how I should learn from my mistakes, and how I should keep creating no matter what.

"The 1933 federal arts endowment and the black tail prairie dog of the great plains." By Roahun

How cruel of me to fill this prairie dogs hole. I stood before her, with her beady lil black eyes set far apart on the head. I bet she could spot me from clear across the field. Ive been curious about these small animals for some time, so I did what every self respecting young scholar does, hit up wikipedia! First article that came up, "the decline of the prairie dog, and its ecosystem." Apparently the prairie dogs are an important part of the ecosystem of the great plains, BTW the area that grows the majority our of food! Reading even deeper, it states that around the time of the great depression the dust bowl occurred as well. The dust bowl is directly related to the destruction of the prairie ecosystem from over farming. The prairie dog being a very important contributer to this ecosystem was forcefully killed because of its large numbers, and destructive behavior. The prairie dog helped replenish the soil with water and nutrients. With out the dogs, the the soil would be harshly effected especially with the intense agriculture taking place.

The banking system is tied directly into this problem as well.

With the advent of new consumerism, and the extension of the first ever lines of credit, people were able to buy cars on credit, houses on loans, and even radios in installments. New banks opened to take advantage of this credit sweep, and the federal reserve was busy keeping bank reserve full. But wages were still meager compared to the debt accumulating. The fed was reaching its maximum lending limit as well.

Governmental policy had not changed very much to accommodate these new changes, and this would be part of weak link in the chain of events that caused the recession, eventually turning into the depression.

As the Dust Bowl started its effect, small rural banks failed due to the farmers defaulting on loans. Speculators pulled money from banks in fear of loosing to a bank failure. The federal reserve reached its lending limit to early, so bank reserves couldn't be replenished. Large banks closed lending because of the chaos in the Fed and small banks. The prices of food comodities started to rise due to a decrese in supply. house holds couldn't afford to pay for food and their new lifestyle, because credit was either withdrawn or the interest tripled. With a decline in spending, business slowed and jobs were lost due to reduction in consumption. The government had no policies in place to deal with the failing banks and businesses, so no bail outs followed. Banks failed, companies failed, jobs lost, lively hoods lost, food was short, prices were high, and the government seemed to do nothing. So many systems failing at once crippled our society. This failure not only showed the interconnectedness of the economy, but also proved as a lesson in power and responsibility. Everyone had to hold fast in poverty until the government and the fed could revamp policy (sound familiar?). And somehow the little prairie dog played a big part in this whole process. And this very process sparked the new deal for the arts and kept a lot of us out of poverty ourselves!

As stated on the NARA website: " The New Deal arts projects provided work for jobless artists, but they also had a larger mission: to promote American art and culture and to give more Americans access to what President Franklin Roosevelt described as "an abundant life." The projects saved thousands of artists from poverty and despair and enabled Americans all across the country to see an original painting for the first time, attend their first professional live theater, or take their first music or drawing class. " National Archives and Records Administration 2011

Before this, the arts were reserved for those who had money. It was a status symbol to enjoy the arts, to see a real painting in a public museum. Today art can be enjoyed by anyone anywhere. So as you sit there painting away, remember how easy it is to loose. As an artist I must understand the history of how things became, to understand what they will become.

The Evolution: visions of color and shape.

2011-04-23T20:04:00.000-07:00

It was a long and hard road to become the artist I am today. The transition was complicated because I had to many ideas. The nights were long because I could not sleep until I figured "it" out. I didn’t stay up and paint all night like some, or become a deranged lunatic, wandering the streets looking for truth and meaning. I simply lived my life, and dealt with the growing pains. I went through phases and periods in which I had to learn different aspects. I had to sit alone with my self, and get closer to my individuality. I didn’t have a mentor, I didn’t go to school for art, I didn’t have a clue. All I had was visions of colors and shapes.

I started out my art and design path with clothing and graffiti style painting. I grew up inside a box of my minds creation. I had no idea about music, fashion, or the world for that matter. When I look back at it, I think that my work was directly linked to my state of mind. While I always had ability to create, I was never passionate about anything to make the effort. Money became the first factor, which I pursed when I was introduced to art and fashion. I approached design problems from an analytical standpoint because of the nature of the art; it was about function not just form. I was less concerned with content, or message, and more interested in style and color. This helped me develop a stylized method of painting. It grew and I completed over 1000 different designs. I received a sense of satisfaction from this, but it just wasn’t enough.

Paint on decorative fabric:

The search goes on. I’m back in that place of unrest and my satisfaction is decreasing. I was seeing a lot of colors, and feeling the need to be grand. In this paintings you can see bold color combination that seem to never end. I tried to include any and every combination that I could find. It was honestly uncontrolled energy, and misdirection. The painting is grand, and consumed me as I stood facing it. The idea of the painting can only be presented with words, HIP-HOP! But the painting its self could mean anything. Where am I to go next, what am I to do to make sense of this? This conglomerate of colors and words!

Giant mural exploring color combinations

Color and random objects, exploring color, material, and objects.

I have all ways had a fascination with the human face, so naturally it was the next transformation. What is it about the human face that is so complex but yet delicate. Learning to paint is a laborious task. The details transcend just line and formal geometric shapes. The face is organic and deep. The changes in shape create an entire new person. I wanted the colors and shapes I saw to mean more, to have an identity. I wanted to explore the most basic aspects of the face. So I started off with black and white.

Henry Kissinger study, BW on huge vinyl canvas:

Then there was color! Wild and untamed color. Wide stokes and hard shadows. Colors contrary to the original image. It was almost as if I had a mental imbalance that would not allow me to paint in the "normal" color range. Every time I tried I would almost feel overwhelmed by the urge to include more! The main thing is, I was able to communicate the intensity of the mans face. The passion began to burn within me to go further every time I would view this painting.

Old man on board with frame

Lets try to control that color and form. In this painting, the internal structure is more controlled, the colors transitions are less intense, and the painting its self is more human.

But it isn’t enough I need more! I need to feel life and energy. I need this painting to grow on its own even if I have to sacrifice some control. Even with painting free form, live, and in front of an audience I still had restrictions. I managed to solve each problem as it came. I built a fold up display that was 6 feet tall. This allowed me keep a large size while being portable. I experimented with different materials to create favorable condition to maximize my performance. But, there were unsolved problems starting out! The thing is, to move colors that fast you must have an extreme understanding of your subject and your materials. So I had to start off with black and white again! It was a new era in my path to become. It was like the grinder, where your talent is born in the fire of instant judgment and competition. I never imagined the whirlwind that would come from this step.

Black and white live painting on vinyl canvas.

When I finally made an attempt at color, I had to recall my ability to process color and shape quickly. The key was memory and layers. I had to remember anywhere from 3 to 10 different color and layer positions at the same time. And I had to recall these position fast to complete a painting in the time. The energy was intense, and the results were undeniable. I was performing mental acrobatics in painting on a weekly basis, and for some time was satisfied. The response to the paintings was tremendous. But as time went on, the urges came back, and yet again I was not satisfied, and even more lost and confused.

Color live painting

I wanted to extend the concept beyond the normal usage. The predictable placement of colors, the familiar painted face, etc. These forms are the foundations of painting, but yet they were restricted. Was there a way to paint life I ask? Can I paint in free form and have all the familiar aspects that come along with it. That began my tour with body art.

Free form body painting

Why was I limiting my self to just body? How about the body into the canvas? It seemed right to perform these operations together.

More complex in its execution, causing a further exploration of the subject. Still missing something. Time passes...

Even more complex completed canvas, along with completed body

Combing faces, free flowing colors, words, and concepts from my earlier work. I was curious about the outcome of live painting on decorative fabrics with elaborate backgrounds, and various textures. Starting first in the black and white. Finally, I was breaking from my confusion, and starting to gain light. I have been free form painting, body painting, Dealing with fashion and decor, color/shape, and random objects. But yet, I am still encountering problems dealing with design and execution.

This is the hybrid form of everything from the past. This painting, this simple painting includes so much you wouldn’t believe. I realize the journey that I have been traveling exposed me to each and every process for a reason. I wouldn’t have known how to combine these concepts in a functional manner if it had not been for years of working with them. I have a deeper understand of how the creative process works because of this journey. I can see with clarity, my future work and how I will create it.

The only way I am able to accomplish anything is through growth and self-actualization. This process evolved more than just my art; it evolved me, mentally and physically. I grew up within my work, and now I have a mature concept that was born of the experiences of the past. This is a chronological timeline of work that demonstrates how much it really takes to identify a style that communicates what you want. I feel as if I have traveled to the shore of my imagination and style, where confusion is behind me and an endless ocean of progress is ahead. I feel empowered to create as I want, and the confusion that I use to feel no longer restricts me. I can look past the world of influence, judgment, and games finally to create and communicate as I see. What I have in store next goes to the next level, the place where we began our life’s work.

The CREATIVE process - BACKGROUND Final

2010-08-14T12:17:00.000-07:00

I composed the previous cloud studies to visualizes what i want the background message to finally convey. The clouds in the sky above cascade into the upper portion of the painting naturally as they would in the real sky. I keep content away from being artificial by staying away from inventing patterns that don't naturally exist.

But, the clouds almost create a step motion that draws the attention into the distant background up into the heavens. The clouds also lead you down into the foreground where the illuminated figure will sit in the golden throne, alluding to the power possessed to lead you back into the heavens.

The CREATIVE process - BACKGROUND

2010-08-11T22:01:00.000-07:00

I want the background to convey a powerful message. I want the background to be deep, and bright. I want he background to be dynamic. I want the observer to feel overwhelmed and captured by the vastness and size of the background. That effect places the observer in a position of awe as they have to step back further and further away from the work in order not to feel swallowed deep into its content. The observer becomes lost in the painting at any distance and finds them selves falling forward into the work again, trying to capture and understand every little detail.

Im working on cloud designs for the infinite sky background. I want to create a god like effect on the observer. I want the observer to feel as if they are staring into an endless sky as they peer deep.

As you can see above, Im working with a couple of models that play with simple cloud designs. Clouds have a very organic shape which creates many dynamic shadows once these shapes are composed. A lot of work goes into creating these shapes, while keeping the lightness of the cloud. The difficulty for me comes into play when we talk about creating an infinite sky. The problem is perspective and making sure you create the right perspective in order to achieve the infinite sky effect.

My next illustration will show my finalized infinite sky rendering. Please leave comments and or critiques.

The CREATIVE process - Begining to end

2010-08-11T21:30:00.000-07:00

I was recently inspired to create a giant piece of art work. New inspiration, taking steps through the creative process. Every piece analyzed, designed, redesigned, and made to fit within the work.

I am starting out with the preliminary work, the figures, the measurements, the colors, the subject orientations, etc. All aspects will be covered that comprise the bigger pictures. You can almost call it the outline for the painting.

At every step I post, I would like feed back if possible. I will post a particular section that is under construction, and you the observer can give constructive criticism. (Constructive criticism is giving valid points as to what and why you think something should be or not be.)

This will be a slow and gradual process, but once its starts to come together you will be amazed. Its all apart of the creative process.

Rohaun + Slick Rick

2009-09-29T10:12:00.000-07:00

Rohaun + Slick Rick in Atlanta. What more can i say, i got to meet a master at his game.

Rohaun + I Do Music + ATL

2009-09-10T11:55:00.000-07:00

We back at it again, this time at the loft in atl. "I DO MUSIC", is a showcase for up and coming stars. The crowd was live, the work was flowing, and all was well. Check out the vid.

I know i aint much for talking, but if u got a prob with it then (b.i.o.y.a)....lol just joking...

ROHAUN + HALO + ATL

2009-08-28T14:16:00.000-07:00

Off the wall showing i did in Atlanta at halo lounge.
This place attracted all types of people, Enjoy the vid.
High Points of the night:

1. Was late starting the show after getting lost in the crowd of the art+beats and lyrics concert.
2. Pushing back drinks givin to me from random people
3. Some of the guest were so excited about the painting, they had to put in there own lil stroke.
4. Some chick snatched the brush from my hand and told me "your doing it wrong!"
5. Huff had to restrain another chick because she was trying to assault me about why i wasn't painting a picture of her.
6. Theres more stuff but you will have to hit me up to get the rest.

jazz for justice + Rohaun + Tallahassee, Mayor marks

2009-08-26T13:18:00.000-07:00

This event was great. Met alot of interesting people that entertained me while i entertained them. Had a hour long conversation about Louis Armstrong (funny as hell). I didnt know he was the greatest trumpet player. Anyway Thanks to Mary for the invite, thanks to Dave for the connect, and thanks to Mayor Marks for the donation.

The jazz for justice charity event is a benefit for the Children's Programs at Legal Services of North Florida, a non-profit organization providing no-cost civil legal assistance to the poor. Regional and internationally known jazz and blues performers entertain the guests under the oaks at Tallahassee's premiere French Restaurant.

A donation for auction was a live art piece which was donated by Art Assist. The artist Rohaun created the work as the crowd enjoys the music by famous jazz artist from around the world.

Donation totaled 750 dollars from the painting, towards Jazz for justice initiatives.

Death to painted tee shirts by: ROHAUN (he looked at his creation and saw that it was good. Then the second day he put them to sleep, there time was

2009-07-30T16:12:00.000-07:00

The is a past project experimenting with tee shirts. It was really hot at the time. Yeah I sold’em and made some money, but I was really trying to expand what hip hop art was when the whole miskeen thing started. Trying to understand the dynamic behind urban culture and art. How in the hell they get 1000’s of people to buy art. DUH! Put it on a tee shirt…lol…So put that to sleep, its time to step ya game up and go to the next level. Death to painted tee shirts, buy a painting or two, get a commissioned piece. Invest in ya future…

ART+ASSIST - The project that gives back through art

2009-07-27T13:53:00.000-07:00

The project that i created to give back to The community...Local charity auction, in which i donated this work that brought a 500 dollar profit for Tallahassee big bend cares. Please let me know if you have a organizations that might need help, We will evaluate and get back to you with a response, Rohaun.com is where other work can be viewed.

What do we have here? saw this in person, its crazy. What do you think of this, tweet me call, email me...

2009-07-26T19:26:00.000-07:00

genesis

2007-05-30T11:07:00.000-07:00

Where within our modern civilization, will there be born unconditional regaurd for our fellow man, not out of necessity, but out of love? We must observe that when this event takes place...(and yes it will be an "event")
When humans of every race and creed show love towards one another,
Shortly after, the human mind will distort to unimaginable degree of alternate realities and possibly crumble your mental bridge to civilization.
Following will be a paradoxical event comparable the classical period directly followed by the dark ages, or more specifically a de-evolution of society.
It would be assumed that this event would cause mankind’s upside down view of the world to be corrected, but alas, Even with this transformation such a sudden occurrence, will only birth pandemonium.
This process is calculated to happen infinite times, only to be prolonged by human innovation every time
My question is when does it end.
Then i go off to say, what the fuck does it matter. With all the money, fine women and clothing there is to be attained on this earth, why worry about the abstraction of the human mind during a time of terrestrial ascension.
This event may not take place for another 1000 years, or it may happen in the blink of an eye. So thru all of this rhetoric and confusion lets cut the fat, human wants, fame, science, religion, physics, economics, and human growth and development, and lastly but not least sex.
What the hell does any of this have to do with each other, let alone what the fuck does it have to do with me. Well my Friend, it has a lot to do with you, for these are some of the basic things that you wake up every mourning and work a 9-5 for (some of us 10-10). Have you ever wondered why you do such a ludicrous activity every day? till you die?
Adam smith wrote a great quote which says, "I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. My sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history, naval architecture, navigation, commerce, and agriculture, in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry, and porcelain." You work so that you, your children and your children’s children can enjoy the arts/entertainment under a free and open society, (whatever that means)
It is a very strange paradigm in which, humans have to fight wars, capture land, build empires and deal with corruption just to be able to come to a period where children are born with the ability to be artist largely due to the fact the nation in which they live in can sustain such a luxury. Here is where a paradox comes into play. Those same artist who are afforded the chance to become famous and wealthy with such a “luxury good” as art, turn to using there art as propaganda to deface there nation due to the depth of corruption festering within. My question is, how is it that the same constructs that afford you pay for your work are the same constructs that you so fervent hate and despise due to their lack of substance.
rich fat oil giants in wealthy nation, will pay a million plus for art work of the day. The very money used to pay for the work, is the same money used to fund terrorism. Artist then turn around and detest the oil giants due to the artist inability to deny the truth about there corruption. (proven throughout history) in which is easily accomplished by peoples of that nation. the irony!
So what is it really, can you play a double agent and have trouble sleeping at night, or will you rage against the machine and starve, or (if you live in a socialist country where there is no such thing as "speaking out against the government, so in term you rather speak out against the current and accepted style of creating) will you reject the style of the time and become a “modern impressionist” and create what you like with the threat of starvation and the false idea of suppose freedom.
Who really know what you will do. The more intelligent person probably chooses life over death, and follows the calls of necessity. What will you do once you can admit the truth to your self?