Moby Dick

Retro modern inspired abstract art illustration. See more at Billoneil.com

Abstract Nightmare

My latest creation — part cubism, part nightmare. And it all made sense earlier today. Get the mouse pad.

Finding Cubist Painting Inspirations

I've been thinking about painting, but doing other things instead. I'm really not procrastinating, I just haven't built up the inspiration critical mass yet. I do have a showing coming up at Cafe Lulu really soon though, although I think I'm going to do some kind of print show.

Anyhow this weekend instead of painting, I dug out my old Nikon CoolPix 995 digital camera, and even though I have "better" cameras it's really more fun using this one. I recently picked up a new wide angle lens for the camera and was anxious to experiment with it. So I did a little photo field-trip with the family at the Milwaukee Mitchell Park Domes. I think about half the people there also had camera, and as I imagined us all desperately hoping to get a unique and memorable shot it filled me with futility, and sucked the originality and joy from my idea. We strolled around anyhow. Amateur photographers jostling out of each other's way.

Personally I like the desert world the most, I don't know that I even fully understand why. It just makes me feel at ease. Nearing the end of the desert dome we parked ourselves in the little gazebo, and I abstractly started pointing my camera in different directions snapping random shots when I realized there was some amazing stuff above the gazebo roof. A massive cactus that had a wonderfully organic cubist feel. I guess it was a reminder to myself to be observant and aware.

Modern Art Painting: Mysterious Island

Abstract painting "Mysterious Island", acrylic painting on gallery canvas, 24" x 24", 2009. Inspired by trying to creat a loose fluid cubist style.

Painting at the ArtBar

I did the "Open Canvas" live painting show at ArtBar in Riverwest on Sunday, and did some improv with a little cubist and graffiti fusion. Thanks for everyone that came out!

Painting: Cubist Madonna with Child

I've always had a passion for cubism and cubist paintings so I tried exploring cubist themes a little. This was inspired in part by a Picasso cubist painting of mother and child. I like surprising myself with new paintings.

Dreaming of Fairytales

These whimsical illustrations were inspired by the avant garde Soviet constructionist style of children's books from the 1920's and 1930's --- although this illustration was intended to be more playful and energetic!
I remember loving the woodblock prints in children's fairy tales more than the stories themselves – the chaos, subtle hidden elements, the mystery and action. And how every time I would look at them I would find something new.

These cubist inspired limited edition prints are available for purchase at Etsy.com

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