Random illustrations

These two works are part of an abandoned book project I started, retelling Snow White.
Both are watercolor & ink on illustration board.

Click on pictures to enlarge.

My Thursday Morning Wake Up Call.

The dawn last Thursday arrived with a CRASH!

Things I learned that day....
- The IMac is a very sensitive computer.
- Yet the Epson scanner bed glass is the strongest in the world.
- Always save new work to a disk everyday.
- All the help numbers at Apple and nothing surprises them.
- The hourly rate for a computer tech to make a housecall.
- Stud finders can lie to you.
- How many hairs I can pull out of my head in one fist full.

and most important of all...

- How many Star Wars action figures it takes to exceed an Ikea shelf weight limit.

Vickie Howell's Not Another Teen Knitting Book

I recently did several small spot illustrations for a new knitting book.

It's on sale now. Run to your nearest bookstore and tell 'em: "I want that new knitting book with the small spot illustrations by Dave Lowe"!

You might have to mention it's called Not Another Teen Knitting Book by Vickie Howell.

After you buy the book, cut out my drawings and hang in your house, hold on to the rest of it because it has some ok knitting projects you might want to show some friend who might be into that stuff.

A little room accent.

One afternoon I was looking at the brain in a jar and electric chair in the corner of my studio/office. It felt a little dark and drab.


It needed something to lighten things up. What though...curtains... throw pillows? Then it hit me...a nice happy plant. A sunny little Venus fly trap to give a dash of color!


The before...a boring old brain in a jar.

The after...what a difference a plant makes.

Now that I think about it, the pot is a little plain. Here's an idea....

Now, where did I put that spare skull of mine?

Stylelicious set design

Stylelicious is a new show I designed the set for airing on the DIY network every Thursday at 11:30 am PST and 2:30pm EST. Stylelicious focuses on handmade wearable art projects for funky and fabulous creative people. It's hosts are rotating founding members of the Austin Craft Mafia .


Below is my first approach to the set, an artist's loft feel in true "how to" show set design style. Upon seeing this my executive producer gave me a direct order... "No brick!"


There's a good reason I and other designers go with loft themed sets for studio based "how to" shows. They have to be large spaces that give multiple cameras room to move easily, let demos be pre-set unseen in various locations and the lighting be consistant. A loft theme allows this and the wide open space still looks inviting and natural.

Almost every other "how to" show has a loft feel with brick (painted or bare) in the design and some variation of factory windows. I did know I was not thinking different but was very happy I had the O.K. to try and break the norm.

After a few meetings, the practical needs of the set were established. I researched the host's work and was leaning twords a retro feel. They all have thriving cottage industries and an artistic edge to their work that reflects their own lifestyles. My supervising producer suggested a "vintage" clothing store look to the set.

It was a good idea. I took a day or two visiting all I could find. After 15 or so different stores I noticed (atleast here in Los Angeles) none were any more different than a Salvation Army store with pretty paint on the walls. Nothing unique or inspiring in overall architecture and interior design.

However, It did cement my the strong retro inspired feelings as all the stores had it. I decided to approach the design with an old made new feel. I imagined a victorian home with elegance in architecture contrasted by unique and funky decor. To me this represented the Austin Craft Mafia's work...hip, artistic design with traditional handmade attention to detail and quality.

Below is a first attempt with the needs of the set in mind. I knew manniquins would be a important part of the show displaying finished work. I wanted "built in" alcoves to showcase. From here many idea's evolved. The overall look began to come together. The basic floorplan worked.


I wanted to have a general audience acceptable new fun look to the "demo" areas different from a traditional "how to" show. I proposed, although a little cliche... a hipster, cocktail culture bar and retro kitchen table area. These idea's were approved both "in house" and by the network.

Below is the first really tight design idea. You can see my wanted victorian elements.

I pushed the bar idea further by putting supplies/tools in Mondrian influenced shelves framed as large art pieces to the left and right. I felt this would help sell it as a fun workspace and not just a cocktail bar. I also added a large iconic route 66 billboard art piece... no real reason... I thought it looked cool and gave a small nod to Austin, Texas.


I started to think color from here.


Knowing the "bar" area was approved I used it to explore various themes so I knew I left no stone unturned...

The 50's wood paneling family room concept.


The Donny and Marie 70's Variety Hour concept.

Here's a version with some of the of both with blatant Mondrian art colored shelves.


I also played with a "rock a billy" thing. Here's an Airsteam trailer inspired window with a Fridgadaire bookcase.


I went ahead and merged all my above random idea's into this proposal below. I knew it would not pass but you never know what other's might like. I had fun with my Tim Burtonesque diamond pattern on the wall.


With the overall layout of the set approved, I went ahead and did a down and dirty foamcore model of the design as I was still thinking out specific decor and color.


Although only 1/2 inch scale, taking pictures from potential camera positions helps me to imagine the set as it might be. It's always amazing just how accurate this is (provided I did my math right) and really helps to trouble shoot any problem issues early on.



We now fast foward past many renderings, sketches, proposals, meetings, conference calls and e-mails. All concerned have opinions, notes and idea's...the director, lighting designer, hosts, network and production staff.


My artistic ego must be buried. This is the way it is on any production. On this project I was told "too distracting" in regards to ... the victorian detail, manniquin alcoves, the frames around the bar shelves and all idea's for patterns on wall or floor.

In the end the set becomes a amalgim of everyone's imput. It must also be within budget. The production manager often could care less what it looks like as long as it's cheap. Below is the approved final design.


Plans are drafted and the building begins at The Scenic Route, a shop here in Los Angeles.
Below the construction is near done, but all work halts as the color and set is approved by producers while there is still time to make any changes. It's thought the green is too bright and then repainted a shade or two darker.


The budget is tight and a few set pieces must be made in my small garage workshop. Pictured below is my talented assistant art director and friend, Andri, upholstering the bar rail.


In the design process came a requested important set element - the style stash- a place where our hosts would spontaneously go to get materials when inspired during a project as scripted.

As drawn.

The before... an cheap IKEA item.
We added some moulding, gave it ornate hardware, replaced the plexi glass panels with wire mesh and painted it with a worn look in bright colors.

The after. Not too bad looking and under budget.
You'll see alot of IKEA stuff in all your favorite decorating shows, network dramas and major films. It's inexpensive and stylish. The Burbank store is also within fast driving distance from all the major studios in town. No matter how big budget the production, every dollar counts. I've even noticed a IKEA item in Disney's PIRATES OF THE CARRIBBEAN movie . No joke! Look carefully. I won't tell you where, but is easy to spot if your an IKEA shopping veteran.

Below are pictures of the finished set.

Memorial Day 2006

Saturday at Disneyland

Yesterday, We took my girlfriend's Brother and Nephew, Lorenzo and 8 year old Matty, to Disneyland. They are visiting this weekend from Baltimore. We saw the big parade first...

Here's Matty on Lorenzo's shoulders watching the Pinnochio float.

Then came the Little Mermaid float.

The Little Mermaid is a true Disney classic and Ariel is a great character.

The design and colors of her costume are terrific.

The attention to detail is amazing. The sculpted lines of Ariel's bottom fins eased into her shimmering long green tail as it waved up and down welcoming all.

The curves of her hip scales lead my eye to perfectly rounded and firm sea shells. Her red mollusk encrusted hair glowed in the mid-morning light as it cascaded down her shoulders.

Here's a picture of my BEAUTIFUL AND WONDERFUL GIRLFRIEND!

The camera somehow broke after this shot. My unexpected bloody nose and bruising made me miss going on Autopia with everyone next but I was able to do all the rides later once the swelling went down.

My Sister Monica's Wedding

My baby sister Monica got married to a great man and friend, Kirk last Saturday.

I was also honored that they asked me to help decorate the affair.

Months ago Monica, Kirk and I got together and started to discuss idea's. We already knew the wedding and reception was to take place at my other sister Megan and husband Paul's home. They already had a beautiful backyard thank's to nepotism and the show "Outer Spaces" (joking! it was a wonderfull backyard without the show)

Rather than trying to force a decor or theme into the space, Monica and I decided it was best to take the existing contemporary country feel the yard already had and push it further.

Monica chose colors/ideas with a French country feeling that complimented the space and gave the small backyard affair a casual but still elegant feel. After a few evenings sketching and discussing idea's, a practical and good looking design evolved. The final design plan below was created and also gave Megan and Paul a good idea what to expect.

When "Outer Spaces" made over the yard (2 years ago) it included a playhouse I designed and built for my little niece Devin. Since then, it aged poorly. Paint was faded and peeling, the thatched roof had all but dissappeared and it overall looked like a burned out war time bunker. It was the first and only thing the yard really needed to be fixed up. Below is the new look. My 4 year old niece, Devin, was happy to help and more often supervise the process.

The red flower box was a direct request by her to change after I had painted it green to match the door. After all my years working with design divas on occasion, who knew she would be one too.


At this point I must let you know I'm pre-mature in posting this event. There are still pictures I'm waiting on getting that would really illustrate everything better, so look for an update soon...in the meantime.

In designing the ceremony space. We decided it was nice to keep simple. Lavender became the flower/plant theme. Megan and Paul already had a nice area for the ceremony with trellises and flowers. So I made 2 simple lavender planters with a lantern post emerging from the center of each that would make the area special but merge well with the existing space. I added few extra pots with flowers to ground the idea.



The wreath you see on the center arch above was a detail carried through all the decor and tables.


Monica with her own little hands made each wreath for all the tables. I made small "crackle finished" pedistals to go in the center with a mason jar "candle" on top. For the tables we kept the "simple is best" rule and went with natural wood finish chairs, white dinnerware, and a tan table cloth with a lace top cloth.

The mason jars were one of many personal touchs to the event. Kirk's Dad and Mom years ago would make their own perserves and Kirk had over the years inherited them. With so many at hand we made them a design theme. Jars with candles inside were on the tables and hung in the trees all around.

Kirk's Dad passed away little over a year ago. In honor of him Kirk wore traditional scottish dress for the day. In my small way, having never of known him but knowing what a great son he had and soon to be brother in law to me, I thought of Kirk's Dad as I lit every candle. They encircled the yard.





Flowers, as I already mentioned was lavender with allysum accent.We stuffed them into everything, everywhere, outside and inside!





Devin dropped a sea shell in a pot for luck ( I don't know...must be some crazy pre-school tradition I guess) see if you can find in the picture below. She also ran around tieing little bows and hanging cut out paper hearts on everything. When she started to pull out Christmas ornaments it became hard to curb her decorating fervor.


Mom helped create the bridal bouquets...nice huh?

Overall this was a wonderfull time planning and making happen. Everyone in the family got involved and had imput. Dad had a brilliant design idea to a problem area at the zero hour while providing all with coffee and lunch during the day. Mom became the "go to" person for everything from wedding tradition to silverware placement. My brother, Ted spent an afternoon high on a ladder in a tree as I critiqued his xmas light placement.

Sister Megan headed up all the house's interior decor and catering. It became clear early on to just stay out of Megan's path as she would knock you outta the way in making everything perfect for Monica and Kirk. She had her husband Paul painting walls with one hand and moving furniture with the other! Everyone mentioned how great and "on the spot" the Servers hired for the day were...I secretly believe it was fear of Megan as she probably gave them a orientation speech that would make General Patton in WWII seem warm and fuzzy.

There are many other stories to tell and decor details I could mention and will post pictures of soon...but until then it was a great day with great memories.

The ceremony...

My Brother as best man giving a funny and touching toast...

A happy day spent with good friends and family...

Seeing the next generation learn what weddings are really about, CAKE!...


...and seeing my little sister very happy!