Happy New Year's, Everybody!!!

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New Hand Painted iPhone Case

I painted this a few weeks ago, but wasn't able to post it because it was done as a Christmas present for somebody. I'm stoked with how it came out.

I'm pretty busy for the first month of 2010, but I am still taking commission work for iPhone covers if you're interested. As long as the cover is that of the hard plastic variety it should work just fine.

Right now the price for a handpainted iPhone cover is $65. If you have one you'd like me to paint let me know.

You can check out some other ones I've painted in the "Commissions" section of my flickr page.

As always, thanks for looking!
- Jeff

Someday I Will Actually Finish A Painting

I started the above painting about a week ago and finally had a little time last night to work on it. It would be nice to finish it before the new year. However, painting has been fighting a lot with my reading time, so we'll see what happens. In an effort to paint more I actually brought a painting to the gallery to work on. I've tried this before and I end up getting distracted too much, but I'm willing to try it again. Here's the one I started yesterday in the gallery.




Just the background for now. I might end up making this a horizontal painting as opposed to vertical. Oh, the details...sorry to bore you.

In other news. I have A LOT of projects in the works. Stay tuned!

Oh, The Potential

Last Chance!

Hello all!

It is now set in stone. Or at least it's set in "Georgia" Font on the template I use to write these emails. The Gallery will NOT be open on Christmas Eve. If you're looking to purchase artsy gifts for loved ones this Christmas from The Claassen Gallery today will be your last chance. I will be open from 12pm-6pm.

The Gallery will be closed from December 24 - December 28.
I'll be open again December 29 and 30. And closed again December 31 - January 1, 2010. On a sidenote, that was the first time I have typed "2010". As I typed that I couldn't help but think that a full decade into this "new" millenium has gone by in a blink. Wow...this is a good reminder that I need to slow down and appreciate more of the little things. Anyway...

Hope to see you soon!
- Jeff
www.jeffclaassen.com/blog

The Claassen Gallery
785 Marsh
San Luis Obispo CA 93401<
805.391.0361

Gift Idea #3 - Win Her Love With A Smelly Sea Creature. I Mean "Cute" Sea Creature.

Here are some gift ideas for those you know that love sea creatures. Particularly fish, but I also have a seahorse and an octopus piece, which have been popular so far.


"Mating Call"
5.5" x 5.5", limited edition of 50
$40, plus shipping. For more info or to purchase click here.





"Demetri The Curious Octopi"
5.5" x 5.5", limited edition of 50
$40, plus shipping. For more info or to purchase click here.





"Meet Me In The Middle"
5.5" x 11", limited edition of 40
$60, plus shipping. For more info or to purchase click here.





"Meet Me Halfway"
5.5" x 7", limited edition of 50
$50, plus shipping. For more info or to purchase click here.





"Lovesick Sea Creatures"
5.5" x 8.25", limited edition of 50
$50, plus shipping. For more info or to purchase click here.




At this point if you order online I can't make any promises that your order will arrive before Christmas. However, all the prints shown here are in stock, which means I'd be able to ship it out as soon as possible. Then we just cross our fingers. If you're a SLO local and would like one of these then please come by the gallery. I'll be open this week Monday - Wednesday, 12pm-6pm.

The Claassen Gallery
785 Marsh St
San Luis Obispo CA 93401
www.jeffclaassen.com

Thanks for looking!
- Jeff

The Big Day Is Just Around The Corner. Give The Gift Of Artsy.

Wow! It's been six months since my last email. You'd think with this being December and all I'd be emailing everyday about awesome Christmas deals. But no, in typical artist fashion I wait until the last minute.

In all honesty, it's been a super busy month and I just haven't been able to make the time to write an email, which is why I am finally sitting down to do so at 4:30am the Sunday before Christmas.

So, what does The Claassen Gallery have to offer this holiday season? Quite a bit, actually! Here are a couple of lists I've compiled to give you some artsy gift ideas.

First and foremost, I am running an art gallery so here is what I have in the way of artwork that would make any loved one hug and kiss you like a new puppy.

As of this typing I have 24 limited edition prints in stock that range in price from $30-60. Check out this slideshow I put together to see all the prints. In case the video doesn't show up in this email you can follow this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiS0iSqdFC0.



New within the last 3-4 weeks are matted prints. I have about six different images available in this format.



These matted prints range from $20-$60, based on size and if they are framed or not.

I also have some original paintings available. Some HUGE ones as well as cute small ones. This one here is a personal favorite from the "huge" section.



And a favorite from the "cute small" category.



That's it for "traditional artwork". Next up is what I like to call "functional artwork". These items fall into the $12 and under category, which include coaster sets (set of 4 for $12), pocket mirrors ($6), bottle cap opener key chains ($5), buttons and magnets ($1-3).



Enough about me. Let's move on to all the fun non-Jeff items. For the creative art makers on your list here are some ideas for you. Montana Spray Paint ($6 a can. Currently 54 colors in stock), Krink Markers ($8), sketchbooks (various sizes $14-17), Screen Print Kits ($60-95), and an assortment of markers and ink ($2-15).



Other items available now in the gallery are an assortment of art books, t-shirts, wallets, and I'm sure a few other random tidbits that I can't think of at the moment.

The gallery hours this week are Sunday - Wednesday, 12pm-6pm. As of this typing I am not planning on being open Christmas Eve. If for some reason I change my mind I will send another email Wednesday night or in the wee hours of Thursday morning to let you all know.

I hope you are all enjoying this holiday season!

See you soon!

- Jeff

The Claassen Gallery
785 Marsh St
San Luis Obispo CA 93401
(805.391.0361)
www.jeffclaassen.com

Holiday Gift Idea #2 - Art For Bird Lovers

I am just full of blog ideas today! I will attempt to post some "themed" blogs for holiday gift ideas. This first one I had in mind is art for Bird Lovers. Allow me to present you with all of my art pieces that feature a cute little winged creature. Enjoy!



"Wistful Desires"
5.5" x 7.25" - limited edition of 50
$50, plus shipping. For more info or to purchase click here.





"Sing To Me"
5.5" x 5.5" - limited edition of 50
$40, plus shipping. For more info or to purchase click here.





"Let's Fly Away Together"
5.5" x 5.5" - limited edition of 50
$40, plus shipping. For more info or to purchase click here.





"I Own This Town"
4" x 5.5" - limited edition of 20
$30, plus shipping. For more info or to purchase click here.





"The Bird King And His Little Planet"
5.5" x 5.5" - limited edition of 50
$40, plus shipping. For more info or to purchase click here.





"Cahoots With Me"
5.5" x 5.5" - limited edition of 50
$40, plus shipping. For more info or to purchase click here.




The above are all limited edition prints, but I also have some original bird pieces available. And here they are.




"Corn On The Cob"
6" x 9" - original painting
$30, plus shipping. For more info or to purchase click here.





"Living On Eggplant"
6" x 9" - original painting
$30, plus shipping. For more info or to purchase click here.





All these pieces are currently available in the gallery as well. If you are in or around SLO come on by and see the work in person.

The Claassen Gallery
785 Marsh St
San Luis Obispo CA 93401

Thanks for looking!

Holiday Gift Idea #1 - Coaster Sets

Coaster Sets!



















I now have eight different coaster sets available! All of these are available at

The Claassen Gallery
785 Marsh St
San Luis Obispo CA 93401

And online at jeffclaassen.etsy.com

They are available in sets of 4 for $12. If you can make it into the gallery you can mix and match them as much as you like. For online orders it's only set up as matching sets. If you can only order online and ask extra nice (say pretty please) then we can probably work out a mix and match set for you.

Thanks for looking!

In Progress Drawing

I just found this drawing in a drawer the other night. I started it back in March. By the looks of it, I've got a lot of work to do.

FREE Shipping! Offer ends in two days!

Free Shipping on all items from the DAYLER shop!

This offer ends December 7, 2009 at 11:59pm.

Dayler currently has 35 handmade wallets to choose from! Great for Christmas gifts (wink wink). Check out the entire line at dayler.etsy.com

For some ideas here are the top three selling wallets. If you're an Elliott Smith fan or know somebody that is then this one is right up your alley.



For more info about the Elliott Smith Memorial Wallet or to purchase click here.


Coming in at a close second is the Space Guns wallet.
Perfect for any nostalgic toy buff.



For more info about the Space Guns Wallet or to purchase click here.


In the last year the third top seller is No Reason, which is super awesome because it's a limited edition wallet done in collaboration with one of my favorite artists, Kendra Binney. Only 40 of these were made and each one is signed and numbered by Kendra.



For more info about the No Reason Wallet or to purchase click here.


To see all the designs available visit dayler.etsy.com and be sure to order before midnight on December 7, 2009 to take advantage of the free shipping offer.

Thanks for looking!

Do You Have Wistful Desires?

Finally...I have a new print available!




"Wistful Desires"
5.5" x 7.25" - limited edition of 50, signed and numbered on wood with an epoxy resin coating over the top

$50 each, plus $4.95 shipping.


To order call The Claassen Gallery at 805.391.0361
or online from my ETSY SHOP


As always, thanks for looking!

The Boys Are Back In Town.

The New Montana Pocket Cans are back in stock! We now have black, chrome, and red. 150ml of awesome MTN paint. $4.50 each at:
The Claassen Gallery
785 Marsh St
San Luis Obispo CA 93401

An Alternative To Cave Painting

"An Alternative To Cave Painting"
48" x 48" - mixed media on canvas
$1195, plus shipping


I just realized that I never posted the completed version of this painting online. It's a collaboration with my friend Nic Rodriguez, who's artwork I think is super awesome. I think we started this painting in July 2008 and I'm such a typical slacker artist that I didn't finish my portion of the job until January 2009.

This painting actually has a little bit of history in its short life. For starters, I've had to strap this thing to the roof of my car more times than I can count. Drive it to Nic's house. Drive it to my house. Drive it to the gallery. Drive it to a film studio for a commercial (which you'll have the chance to see in a minute). Walk it up three flights of stairs. Drive it back to the gallery. Drive it to a one night art show. Drive it back. Drive it to another art show where it was on display for three months. Drive it back to my gallery. One of these days I will drive it to a collector's house and I will never have to drive it anywhere again.

Here are a few behind the scene photos of the painting in progress.














And here's the commercial it was featured in. You'll see it four times. The opening scene as well as at the eight second mark, fifteen second, and fifty three seconds.

imwithchris.com - 60 sec Spot from Flicker Films on Vimeo.

Somewhere I have more photos of this paintings adventures being strapped to the roof of my car, but it's late and I can't seem to find them at the moment. Anyway, If you're interested in purchasing this please don't hesitate to let me know. I have yet to ship a painting this size, but I'd be willing too. I'm guessing the shipping cost would be in the $120 range for something this big. However, if you live close I'd be more than happy to strap this thing to the roof of my car one last time.

Thanks for looking!
- Jeff

And One Night I Decided To Write A Children's Poem.

"Sing To Me"

Oh little bird won't you sing me a song
or tell me a tale?
I see that crown on your dome
are you a king back at home?
Did you win it in a battle
against a snake with a rattle?
Or swipe it off a hawk during flight
too busy to fight?
Back at home are you missed
by the loved ones you kiss?
Oh little bird,
I long to hear your sweet melody.
Sing one to me,
before you fly home to your tree.




"Sing To Me" is a limited edition print available here. I made the original painting a couple of years ago and just the other night thought it would be fun to write a little poem to go along with it. Enjoy!