Paintings by Retoyman

Serenity in Ink: A Minimalist Bathroom Drawing Inspired by @_licheng_ling

2025-03-20T15:52:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, the beauty of life lies in its simplest moments—moments like fresh flowers in a bathtub or the soothing quiet of a well-loved space. This India ink drawing is my interpretation of such a moment, inspired by the stunningly serene photography of @_licheng_ling.

I wanted to translate the peaceful vibe of this minimalist bathroom scene into a hand-drawn artwork. Using Japanese calligraphy paper, I carefully composed this piece to highlight the quiet interplay of natural elements and clean design. The flowing lines of the towel, the subtle texture of the flowers, and the minimalist bathtub come together to create a piece that feels both personal and universally calming.

Whether you're drawn to the beauty of everyday interiors or looking for artwork that embodies tranquility, this drawing is a perfect fit.

This is part of my ongoing series of ink drawings inspired by Instagram creators whose work speaks to me. Follow along as I continue exploring this medium, blending my love for art and design into pieces that celebrate creativity in all its forms.

Original India Ink Drawing of Woman with Noodles Inspired by @wastedyouthinlove

2025-03-20T15:45:00.000-07:00

This drawing is part of a series inspired by Instagram creators, where I transform intriguing snapshots into timeless hand-drawn ink art. The series captures fleeting, relatable moments that resonate universally, giving them permanence through India ink.

In this piece, I’ve illustrated @wastedyouthinlove in a striking kitchen scene: sitting confidently on the counter, holding a bowl of noodles. Her poised expression and the intricate detailing of her outfit create a bold focal point, while the textured backdrop of the kitchen adds depth and character.

What drew me to this moment was the mix of strength and intimacy. The pose and setting evoke a quiet power—balancing everyday life with artistic elegance. By working in India ink, I aimed to preserve both the simplicity of the scene and the complexity of the story it tells. The stark monochromatic lines emphasize the contrasts between boldness and delicacy, detail and space.

This artwork celebrates the connection between online storytelling and traditional mediums, blending modern inspirations with timeless techniques.

Unique Ink Portrait on Japanese Paper – Inspired by Creator _terry_ellis

2024-11-25T14:22:00.001-08:00

A Unique Drawing Inspired by @_terry_ellis

The pandemic changed the way many of us connected with the world, and for me, it also reshaped the way I connected with art. During this time, I found myself drawn to the vibrant and creative community on Instagram, where artists and creators were sharing pieces of their world. One of these creators, _terry_ellis, consistently shared engaging fashion moments that resonated with me with his taste making selections of functional art. Inspired by their work, I began a series of original India ink drawings, using these fleeting moments as a foundation for my own interpretations.

The artwork featured in this post is one of those drawings, a hand-drawn India ink portrait created on Japanese calligraphy paper. The piece depicts a figure standing against shelves filled with miscellaneous objects, a quiet and reflective scene that combines both simplicity and detail. The minimalistic strokes, achieved using a Japanese ink brush, bring an intimate feel to the illustration while capturing the character and essence of the original scene shared by _terry_ellis.

Using ink on traditional Japanese paper allows for a unique, textured quality in each piece, where every line is carefully considered, every shadow thoughtfully placed. This approach honors the tradition of ink drawing while infusing it with a modern, narrative aesthetic—something that anyone who appreciates minimalist art or unique wall decor can connect with.

If you’re looking to add a one-of-a-kind piece to your collection, or simply want to bring a piece of reflective beauty into your space, this original ink drawing might be just what you’re searching for. Each of my pieces is inspired by creators who have helped foster a sense of community, even in challenging times.

Explore this handmade India ink artwork and see how it can add depth, history, and a touch of meditative calm to your home.

This one-of-a-kind ink drawing is now available on Etsy. I’m excited to share it with you, visit my Etsy shop to learn more, see a video of the piece, and bring this unique artwork into your own space. Click here to view the Etsy listing and make it yours.

Original India Ink Landscape on Japanese Calligraphy Paper Inspired by @_chuwong

2024-11-25T14:13:00.000-08:00

During a time when our worlds felt confined, I found myself turning to art as a way to explore and connect with the world around me. Instagram became a source of inspiration, offering glimpses into the beauty others were capturing in their daily lives. One account that resonated with me was @_chuwong, This ink drawing is part of a series that emerged from that admiration.

This original India ink landscape drawing, created on Japanese calligraphy paper, reinterprets a natural scene shared by @_chuwong. I used an ink brush to capture the essence of the rugged hillside, delicate trees, and the sense of depth that makes the piece both calming and evocative. The simplicity of black ink on paper brings out the natural textures and patterns, creating a minimalist but profound landscape that invites quiet contemplation.

Each stroke is intentional, reflecting both my respect for the original scene and my desire to infuse it with my own artistic voice. This artwork embodies the spirit of traditional ink drawing while feeling fresh and contemporary. If you’re a lover of nature-inspired art or minimalist wall decor, this piece offers a unique way to bring the tranquility of the outdoors into your space.

Owning this one-of-a-kind ink landscape means more than just adding to an art collection; it’s about connecting to a shared experience of finding beauty in unexpected places, especially during challenging times. I hope it brings you the same sense of peace and reflection it brought me while creating it.

This unique artwork is available now on Etsy. Each piece in this series is a personal reinterpretation inspired by creators like @_chuwong who have shared their personal life with the world. Visit my Etsy shop to see more, explore additional details, and consider making it yours. Click here to view the Etsy listing.

Portrait of Kristina Salinovic 2010 from Fashion Week Castings

2024-10-22T11:18:00.001-07:00

In 2010 I had the opportunity to document the creative process of fashion collections from start to finish. This work allowed me to observe the evolution of designs and styles up close, while also photographing models and the creative team behind the scenes. The experience deeply influenced my own artistic work, inspiring a series of ink wash fashion drawings that I've been developing for over 12 years.

Ink Wash as a Medium in Fashion Illustration

Many people associate fashion illustrations with vibrant color palettes or sharp, bold outlines. However, I’ve found that ink wash fashion art—with its subtle layers and monochromatic tones—offers a unique and timeless way to capture the elegance and intricacy of fashion. By layering ink wash over pencil sketches, I’m able to create depth and texture that highlight the personalities of the models and the designs they wear. The result is a collection of fashion art pieces that speak to both simplicity and sophistication.

A Closer Look at Process

Kristina had an androgynous look with her pompadour hairstyle and half Windsor knot tie accessory, she embodied the intersection fashion and casting style with a bit of flair (for castings models are expected to wear simple black or white outfits). This portrait began as a pencil drawing and evolved into a layered black and white fashion sketch, completed with detailed ink wash brushwork. This technique, though underutilized in the fashion world, offers a dynamic and expressive way to showcase both the garments and the models who wear them.

These drawings not only document a specific moment in time but also serve as a lasting representation of the elegant fashion artwork that goes beyond the runway. Each drawing is a study of the model's unique features, style, and energy, captured in a medium that allows for both spontaneity and precision.

Purchasing Original Fashion Art

Now, after years of creating and refining these works, I’m making them available to the public. Each original fashion model ink drawing is created on 9x12 paper and is an accessible entry-level piece for collectors. Whether you’re a fan of fashion, art, or both, these drawings offer a unique perspective on the world of fashion illustration.

Purchase this drawing

By sharing these pieces, I hope to provide collectors and fashion enthusiasts with a window into the world of runway fashion personalities while continuing to explore my own artistic journey.

Middle School Slang Collection now live on Etsy

2024-07-29T14:00:00.000-07:00

Middle School Slang Collection

You have heard teenagers and soon to be teens say “you sold!” or “Gyatt” or even “Bruh, you got Ohio Riz”. It’s the slang of Gen Alpha and cusp Millennials. You might have even said “that’s cap” when you know someone is making things up and telling white lies. For these designs I decided to use Canva and Adobe Photoshop as the design app instead of Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. The trendy graphic design and mixed typefaces are a perfect match for the slang thrown around like the graphic tees sold for seasonal designs at departments stores. I personally feel like kids wearing That's Ohio would be wearing it for the eye roll and LOL factor for their friends. (If you are wondering what That's Ohio means- you probably have older kids- but short answer is- it means that's weird, strange, and possibly uncomfortable).

I created a shop category in Esty called Middle School Slang. Updating more shortly.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/RETOYMAN?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&section_id=50170401&sort_order=date_desc

I hope you enjoy them.

It's on for Etsy again- Featuring There is Crying in Fashion Poster, Canvas Bag, and T-Shirts

2024-06-24T17:58:00.000-07:00

I have worked in the fashion industry 25 years as a photographer and as a Creative Director. It’s an industry that can give you a feeling of doing something so unique, so exciting that you stand taller and think of yourself as larger (your ego grows) even though no one will know your name or what you have created- but you will see people on the street or in your social feed that will be wearing or carrying what you have imaged that gives you immense sense of pride and accomplishment.

The fashion world- especially retail sales, designing, fabricating, and styling for fashion- can be a cruel place to work in. Many people in leadership positions consistently talk down to those that report to them. They speak awful, crude, racially charged, weight shaming, age shaming, gender shaming jokes and comments. There are employees and freelancers who work 10-12 hours without any extra benefits, and it’s expected because of understaffing. Large parties are thrown- that as an employee you must work but do not get paid for- because the reward is going to the party. I have been personally yelled at and cursed out for petty things and I was expected to take it without showing any emotion.

The safe places in fashion are the photo studio and restroom. It is within those walls you can complain, get upset, and cry. In the movie A League of Their Own, There is the line that Tom Hanks delivers to Bitty Schram , “are you crying? There is no crying in Baseball!” I created a text piece many years back at the start of my Retoyman project “There is Crying in Fashion”. I just recently updated that text piece and added Some overt symbolism in this reimagined piece. I have included a single blood tear from the word crying. I want to this to be easily sharable, so I created posters, canvas bags, and tee shirts to show my pride for surviving in fashion and show solidarity with my fashion community.

Canvas bag

T-shirt

Poster

Yermin Ko

2017-09-07T18:13:00.000-07:00

I haven’t made fashion model portraits in a long while but I wanted to make one of Yermin Ko http://yerim-ko.tumblr.com/ to put a spot light on a rising runway star. I have worked with her in past and she is an amazing talent and I look forward to seeing more of her on the runway and advertising. 9x12 acrylic on Bristol paper.

Previsualization Speed Paintings For 2017 Hot Topic LIlo and Stitch Fashion Collection

2017-08-10T18:38:00.000-07:00

Part of my role as a Photodirector is to plan out photo shoots. Often, Art Directions pull tear sheets or "swipe" from editorial shoots already published. I am making a conscience effort to create my photoshoots more like film storyboards, creating shots beforehand to use as outline for the shoot. The paintings above were done quickly to show the look and feel of the shoot. I was able to have access line sheets of the clothes and photos of the location for reference. Below are the final images from the shoot.

Portrait of Pixel

2016-11-29T13:41:00.001-08:00

Retoyman Portrait of Pixel 9x12 ink on Bristol Paper. Commissioned Chihuahua portrait. DM with inquiries.

Portrait of Rodney

2016-11-29T13:36:00.000-08:00

Retoyman Portrait of Rodney 11x14 ink on Bristol paper. Commissioned piece of a wonderful Boston Terrier. DM for inquiries.

Portrait of Starbuck

2016-11-29T13:18:00.003-08:00

Retoyman Portrait of Starbuck ink on 9x12 Bristol Paper. Sweet and lovely Pitbull portrait. Commissioned piece. DM with inquiries.

SS17 fashion trends, high waisted, belted, and crop tops. A Detacher Look 9, Tibi Look 6, Altuzarra Look 11.

2016-09-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

Retoyman SS17 fashion trends, high waisted, belted, and crop tops. A Detacher Look 9, Tibi Look 6, Altuzarra Look 11.

Portrait of Ginta Lapina From SS11 casting

2016-08-25T13:24:00.000-07:00

@retoyman Six years ago I photographed casting, style out, and runway shows at NYFW ss11. That experience gave an insight on the industry on multiple levels. At night in my hotel room I started a series that keep returning to- portraits of the models from the behind scenes candids I shot during the day. The human and imperfect beauty is what I want to convey in paint. Hopefully my audience sees their vulnerability and strength simultaneously through my fashion portraits.

Portrait of Ginta Lapina From SS11 casting. Acrylic on 11x14 Bristol paper. Ginta has a very strong modeling career and continues to create great work. Recently she’s appeared in Harper’s Bazaar Spain by Guy Aroch (May 2016) and Elle Uk (July 2016) by one of favorite photographers and legend Gilles Bensimon.

DM me For commissions or purchases.

Portrait of Tanya Dziahileva during SS11 casting

2016-08-25T12:39:00.000-07:00

Portrait of Tanya Dziahileva during SS11 casting. Acrylic on 11x14 Bristol paper. Tanya was a star and favorite on the runway and in campaigns. According to her official Wiki she has continued in the fashion industry by studying Fashion design.

DM me For commissions or purchases.

Portrait of Mirte Maas In Casting From SS11

2016-08-25T11:57:00.000-07:00

The human and imperfect beauty is what I want to convey in painted portraits. Hopefully my audience sees their vulnerability and strength simultaneously through my representation.

Portrait of Mirte Maas In Casting From SS11. Acrylic on 11x14 Bristol paper. I really liked how casual and carefree her hair is tucked into her shirt. Mirte has a very strong career and I enjoy the new work she has been featured in. Check her latest Karate Cool for Self Magazine by Jason Kim.

Mixtape for the America July 2016

2016-07-11T17:36:00.000-07:00

Retoyman text art

(misspelled title of track 2 corrected below)

Mixtape for the America July 2016

Side A

1. 30 Cops or More- Boogie Down Productions

2. 57 Channels (And Nothin’ On) Bruce Springsteen

3. Fear of a Black Planet- Public Enemy

4. Street Fighting Man- The Rolling Stones

5. Keep Your Head Up- Tupac Shakur

6. Cop Killer- Body Count

7. (Don’t Worry) If There’s a Hell Below We’re All Going to Go- Curtis Mayfield

Side B

8. What’s Going On- Marvin Gaye

9. Everyday People- Sly and The Family Stone

10. God Only Knows- The Beach Boys

11. Dancing In the Streets- Martha and the Vandellas

12. Say It Loud- I’m Black and I’m Proud- James Brown

13. (To Be) Young, Gifted and Black- Nina Simone

14. Man in the Mirror- Michael Jackson

Retoyman text art. A list of the members of the Rolling Stones including their proto groups.

2016-06-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

Retoyman text art. A list of the members of the Rolling Stones including their proto groups. All information was gathered by their official Wiki. Ink on 9x12 Bristol paper.

Retoyman Decorative Art. Cat Burglar or Cat with Bandanna

2016-06-29T13:52:00.001-07:00

Retoyman Decorative Art. Cat Burglar or Cat with Bandanna 9x12 Ink on Bristol Paper. Drawing made for background art for a photoshoot I just completed.

Retoyman Decorative Art: Feathers

2016-06-29T12:04:00.000-07:00

Retoyman decorative art. Another piece I made for a photoshoot. I collected these Crow and Cooper Hawk feathers from our home in Los Angeles. I saw a very nice drawing of feathers on my tumblr feed and decided that I should make one for the shoot I was working on. 14x 17 ink on Bristol paper. This piece is sold. For commissions direct message me.

Retoyman Decorative Art Symbol and Rose Window

2016-06-27T17:54:00.000-07:00

Retoyman decorative art. Ink on butcher paper 22 x 34. I made this piece for background art on a photo shoot. I used a rose window reference diagram and Masonic graphic symbol for this one. For commissions direct message me.

Retoyman decorative art Rose window diagram

2016-06-27T17:47:00.000-07:00

Retoyman decorative art. 22 x 34 ink on butcher paper. Rose window diagram. Second piece made for background art. For commissions direct message me.

Retoyman decorative ink drawing geometry and insect

2016-06-27T17:38:00.001-07:00

Retoyman decorative ink drawing. I made this using rose window and insect diagrams. This was created for shoot to be background art. 22x34 ink on butcher paper. For commissions direct message me.

Text Art now available on Tee Shirt :George Harrison Roger McGuinn Paul Weller Mike Campbell Johnny Marr Peter Buck 12 String Electric Rickenbacker

2016-06-27T17:27:00.001-07:00

Text Art now available. George Harrison Roger McGuinn Paul Weller Mike Campbell Johnny Marr Peter Buck 12 String Electric Rickenbacker

https://retoyman.threadless.com/

Now at Threadless, Self Medicating Through Art Tee Shirt

2016-06-27T15:49:00.002-07:00

Text Art now available

https://retoyman.threadless.com/