Philadelphia Flower Show 2024 and Hudson Valley Seed Co

Last week, I took a trip from Orlando to Philadelphia to experience the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show – a massive horticultural event featuring stunning displays by top floral, garden, and landscape designers. It turned out to be an amazing journey filled with beautiful illustrations, breathtaking flowers, and an unexpected favorite spot.

One of the coolest parts of my trip was seeing my illustration on display at the Hudson Valley Seed Company booth. It featured on their Ruby Moon Hyacinth seed packet, and working on this project was a personal favorite. It felt surreal and rewarding to see my work showcased alongside other stunning creations.

Walking through the show was like entering a floral wonderland. The displays from the world's best designers were impressive, showcasing nature's beauty and human creativity. From vibrant colors to intricate garden landscapes, the Philadelphia Flower Show lived up to its reputation as a top-tier horticultural event.

Surprisingly, my favorite part wasn't a flower display but the butterfly garden. Stepping into this magical space, surrounded by fluttering butterflies and vibrant colors, was a highlight. It added an extra layer of magic to the entire experience, making it more than just a flower show but an immersive journey into nature's wonders.

If you're ever in Philadelphia, I highly recommend checking out the Philadelphia Flower Show. Whether you're into horticulture, art, or just want a break surrounded by natural beauty, this event offers a little something for everyone. It's a journey that promises not just flowers but a celebration of nature's artistry.

Preparing for the Philadelphia Flower Show 2024

This week has been crazy busy! Charlie and I just got back from a 2 week trip to Colombia and we are now getting ready to leave once again for Philadelphia and then NYC.

We will be attending, for the first time ever, the amazing Philadelphia Flower Show. A little backstory on this beautiful event:

The Philadelphia Flower Show is an annual event produced by The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and traditionally held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in early March. It is the oldest and largest indoor flower show in the world, attracting more than 250,000 people annually.

Can you believe it’s 195 years old?

I’m looking forward to the immersive floral experience, seeing all the plants, meeting new artists, the food, and networking! I will make a vlog from this experience.

I took the entire afternoon to prep for our trip. I will be bringing some of my marketing materials and I made my first art vlog so you could see a little bit of behind the scenes. Enjoy! :)

Book #1 of 2024

Just finished my first book of the year. The Greatness Mindset by Lewis Howes.

A great book to understand what self-worth means and why it’s never too late to become the person you envision in your mind and dreams.

Some great takeaways:

“We are sold this unrealistic and unhealthy fixation and obsession with happiness. And most people don’t understand that we are not evolved to be constantly happy. You want a species to be perpetually perturbed. You want us to always strive to always want more, to always be discounted so that we fix things.” - Nir Eyal

“The shortest, most guaranteed path to the easy life is to do the hardest parts of things as soon as possible.” - Rory Vaden

“Challenge yourself. Challenges give you consistency in your life, encourage self-reflection, and build confidence. Always have two challenges, one under your feet and one queued up to tackle next.” - Lewis Howes

✨ Merging Art and Augmented Reality

The merging of art with new media, such as augmented reality, opens up a world of possibilities for both artists and audiences.

One of the most exciting things about this merger is the way it allows art to break free from the constraints of physical space. With augmented reality, art can be experienced in entirely new ways, such as by being layered onto the world around us, or by being experienced through different perspectives. This allows artists to create interactive, immersive experiences that blur the lines between the physical and digital worlds.

Another advantage of merging art with new media is the way it allows for greater accessibility. Augmented reality and other new technologies make it possible for art to be experienced by a wider range of people, regardless of location or mobility.

Moreover, the ability to layer digital art over real world enviroments can create a unique and creative way to tell stories and convey messages through the context of the physical spaces. This is useful for many commercial industries such as tourism, real-estate, and entertainment, creating a way to engage audience with a more interactive and memorable experience.

There are also huge opportunities for emerging artists in this area. With the accessibility of new technologies, it is easier than ever for artists to experiment with and create digital art, opening up a new realm of possibilities for their work.

However, it's worth mentioning that with any new technology comes the question of preservation, some forms of art that are created with digital technology may only be accessible by certain software or devices, and if these are not maintained they may be lost.

In conclusion, the beauty of merging art with new media is its ability to open up new possibilities for artists and audiences alike. With the help of augmented reality and other technologies, art can be experienced in new and exciting ways, be made more accessible, and provide a new means of storytelling, while this technology also brings challenges and opportunities in the field of preservation.

What’s your take on the merging of art and augmented reality?

Augmented Reality Influencers — 25 You Need to Know (Feature!)

I’m excited to share that I was featured on IZEA’s 25 Augmented Reality Influencers You Need to Know List! Very cool!

Augmented reality is changing the game for marketers. The ability to put digital images in physical spaces opens up a whole new playing field for advertisers and brands to create content engagement experiences for consumers no matter where they are. This new reality is also fueling a new breed of influencer: augmented reality influencers. They’re pioneers in this space and work with brands to showcase the new medium and grow the industry. Is your brand ready to dive into augmented reality and the metaverse? Check out the top augmented reality influencers that you need to know.

Read the full article here: https://izea.com/resources/top-augmented-reality-influencers-25-need-know

Unboxing My Texas Poster

I received my poster of my Texas Augmented Reality Botanical Map in the mail today and I immediately decided to record a video to explain the best way I have found to unroll the map so it stays flat before framing it. Once I finish the edit of the video I will post it here and on my site and socials. These prints are just so lovely and I am excited about sharing these with people. One is going to be displayed soon at the South Texas Botanical Gardens! I will share photos once I get them.

Today was a sort of rainy, dark day and perfect for drinking tea while doing some reading. One of the books I am currently reading is Supernatural by Dr. Joe Dispenza.

:)

Full Moon

We had a gorgeous full moon this week. I took a walk around my neighborhood to try to get some decent shots in low light conditions with my iPhone. Pleasantly surprised though! We had some cooler weather for a few nights which is always a welcome change to our balmy South Florida weather.

I have been doing such long hours, non-stop, for the past several months. I’m currently hyper-focused on planning and executing my USA map project. So far 3 states have been completed, currently working on the 4th one (California!), and already planning the next batch.

Hope you are having a really nice week, full moons, lots of work, and all!

Texas Botanical Map Illustration | Real-Time Art Process Video Series

There is so much value in the process behind any work of art. Documenting the process behind art is probably just as valuable (maybe even more!) than the final result. Here are three real-time videos for the creation of my Texas state botanical map. The first is the sketch, the second is the ink, the third is the color.

I will be publishing the shorter version (an art recap) of the entire process on my YouTube channel tomorrow. The next step will be to create the augmented reality portion of this illustration. Once that is done I will post a quick video showing that and I will launch the prints in my store.

I Finished the Inktober 2021 Challenge!

October just ended and it was just busier than I ever imagined. One of the projects I was able to complete is Inktober 2021! It’s first time in my art life that I have completed every single prompt of a drawing challenge and in the given time frame!

I decided to join Peggy from The Pigeon Letters’ version of Inktober called Bloomtober where we draw the world’s most poisonous plants. So fitting for this time of year!

I created my drawings on Procreate and filmed real-time art process videos for all of them. The YouTube playlist below has all 31 videos if you’d like to watch them.

Mexican Sunflower : Coloring an Illustration on Procreate

I can’t believe it’s the last day of September! I’m getting ready to start working on Inktober. I will reveal my theme in my next post. But for today, I wanted to share this new video I just uploaded on my YouTube channel.

Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia) - a quick recap of my coloring process on Procreate.

🌼

Howling Monkey Art Process

I love watching other people draw because I always seem to learn something new. We all do things in so many different ways! I hope you can learn something from my way of illustrating, that is the ultimate goal really. Here’s an art process video of my Howler Monkey illustration on Procreate. 🐒

Subscribe to my channel! I will be uploading art videos frequently :)

How to Become an Augmented Reality Artist

❓I often get asked by artists what is the best way to get started in Augmented Reality Art. Here are some tips, but like everything, your process will be different than everyone else’s. It has taken me several years to grasp the concepts but once things click it’s really fun and easy!

1️⃣Download the FREE software. I use Spark AR to make my filters. You can make filters for both Instagram and Facebook using Spark AR. Visit www.sparkar.com for more info.

2️⃣YouTube is your best friend. There are literally hundreds of creators posting well-crafted tutorials and offering the best information in exchange for nothing. Take advantage of this. YouTube is the BEST university.

3️⃣Join the Spark AR Creators group on Facebook. The community is growing and very generous. You can ask questions, see what projects people are working on, and get inspiration.

4️⃣Don’t copy other people. I know we draw inspiration as artists by taking references from existing works…but try to digest the tools properly so you can better apply them to your own style. Learn by copying but never publish work that is not yours! 

5️⃣Have fun. Learning is not a linear process. There will be days where you are going to feel that you haven’t learned shit. Take a break and then come back. You will notice progress but you have to give it time. 

These are my very basic tips regarding the tools to just begin. I will be posting some tutorials and more specific information soon! I hope it inspires you and happy creating!

Florida Botanical Map Coloring Timelapse on Procreate

I am about to add the finishing touches on my second map of the United States Botanical Map project which is Florida! This is piece is super lush and layered…wait until you get to see the augmented reality version! I’m super proud of this one.

This means that only 48 more maps to go to finish the first set! HA! I will be creating a full map of our country once I finish the states. Yay! 🇺🇸

I only got video of this part of the process because I have been working on this piece only during bits of moments I have been able to carve out during the last couple of months. I added a really nice and mellow jazz playlist to the video, so if you get tired of watching you can just listen along! I really hope you enjoy watching it.

What is augmented reality art?

Ever since one of my TikTok videos went viral, I have had tons of people asking me about what AR is and how it works.

I want to briefly explain what it is, how it works, and how I am applying it to my artwork to create dream-like versions of my illustrations.

Augmented reality is basically an interactive experience of a real-world environment.

Augmented reality works by combining an existing artwork with a platform that will allow the AR component to work. In my case, I use an Instagram filter to make my stickers and postcards come to life.

There is a free program called Spark AR that allows users to build and upload filters to both Instagram and Facebook. The AR community is extremely active and helpful and you can find a myriad of resources, including tutorials, to get you started on your augmented reality journey if it’s something that interests you..

I think the applications of augmented reality on art are going to be endless and it’s a portal that will lead us, artists, to explore things we have not even dreamed of before! It’s an exciting moment, there’s a huge interest and sense of awe with this technology, and it feels great being able to partake in it.

Do you currently merge your art, illustrations, or paintings, with augmented reality?

New Interview with Shoutout Miami

I am so happy to share this brand new interview with you! I talk about what drives my creative side, art, the Grateful Dead, and even chai!

Click here to read: https://shoutoutmiami.com/meet-catalina-villegas-illustrator-and-multimedia-artist/

Bee the Universe - Motion Graphics and Illustrations

This is a very special video and I will briefly tell you the story. There was a call for art for Time Square last year and I became obsessed with the notion of having my work displayed in the screens for millions of people to see. I called my good friends at INFOCUS, an amazing audiovisual production company, and we agreed to embark on this journey together. We created a collection of little illustrated universes and brought them to life with the power of After Effects. The premise behind the story is to show the importance of bees in our ecosystem, and how fragile our lives are because we depend on them so much. If we wipe them out that means our human race will not last for too long. It's a beautiful reminder to protect and take care of these little creatures. We did not make the final cut for the Time Square Arts project but are very happy to have this gorgeous video as a result. We hope you love it too!

Augmented Reality Illustrations and Instagram Filters

I have created a video about the art process for my first Augmented Reality illustration which was exhibited for the first time last month right at the start of this Coronavirus craziness. I talk about the concept behind this piece - a visual response to a poem written by a man while in confinement, as part of the Free On The Inside Program at the Everglades Correctional Institution here in Florida. You will also get some insight into my process as an illustrator and the steps I had to take to bring this project to its fruition. It's not very specific about the augmented reality portion, but more of a global artistic process. I think some of you might enjoy this. :)

My First Augmented Reality Illustration - "From The Inside" Group Exhibit

Proud to announce that I will be part of a new group exhibit called "From The Inside" that will take place at Bailey Contemporary Arts Center in Pompano Beach, Florida. Join us this Friday from 6:00 pm to 10:00 for the opening reception. This project is quite special because it's first time I have ever had the chance to participate in something like this, interpreting a poem created by a man in a Correctional Institution and creating a piece of art to bring his written words to life. I am also particularly excited because this will be my first public Augmented Reality artwork. The attending audience will be able to activate a special Instagram filter to bring the artwork displayed on the wall to life.

From the Inside highlights the men who participate in the Free on the Inside Program at Everglades Correctional Institution. Created by Sharonda Eccentrich Richardson, this program is designed to introduce, educate and cultivate the positive impact of poetry in the prison system. These programs are specifically designed to awaken moral responsibility, positive and effective communication skills, self-awareness and positive outlets to incarcerated men and women.

"This exhibition will display original poems and visual art based on the poetry From the Inside writing program allowing natural energy, true emotion and support flow from the inside out!”

More info at https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/program/inside-exhibition-opening-reception

Bailey Contemporary Arts (BaCA)

41 NE 1st Street, Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Rainbow Library

Life has been chaotic lately (when is it not, right?) and amidst all of this change and transition I have been experiencing on a deep and personal level, there are small practices that I do that definitely soothe my spirit. I am currently traveling a whole lot, our rental contract will be done mid-July, and I will probably still be living out of a suitcase and a garage stuffed with boxes in the meantime. I can't wait until our new home is ready. In the meantime, I am finding solace in organizing my little batch of books (I have the rest lovingly tucked away in the garage in boxes) in R O Y G B I V. Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet. I have always wanted to try this and I LOVE IT!!! So this will surely the way to organize my entire library once our new place is ready.

How to Rotate a Video on your iPhone

Hi guys! I recently discovered how to flip a video (either horizontally or vertically) on my iPhone without the need of any additional apps or computer software and I honestly though it would be rude of my part not sharing this with you. I use my phone to create the majority of my social media content as an artist and had always struggled with flipping videos directly on it. I had to export the video file to my computer, open on Premiere, rotate it, export it, ya-da ya-da.

There's a simple and super quick way of doing this with just the Photos and iMovie app. SO EASY.

Ready? Here we go:

Step 1: Open your Photos app, then tap on the video you want to rotate. Tap on the “Edit” option on the upper right-hand corner (I am highlighting these points with a yellow circle).

Step 2: Tap on the icon with the circle that has 3 dots in the middle.

Step 3: Tap on iMovie.

Step 4: Pinch the screen (using your thumb and index finger) and rotate both fingers to either the left or right, until your video flips to the desired side. If this step is confusing you can watch the short video tutorial I made here.

Step 5: Tap on Done (upper right-hand corner) to export and save your video. It will be automatically saved to your Photo reel. Wait for it to export before leaving the app. It will save the original video, meaning it will not create a copy. But do not worry, you can flip that same video back to the original side it was on. Ta-da! Easy as pie, right?

If you are still stuck go ahead and watch the video tutorial down below.