TRUNKS ART is BUZZING about this latest article in the Ventura County Star News!

I know...just when you thought there couldn't be another story behind my recent selection as one of 1800 Tequila's Essential Artists for 2009. Jenni Mintz of the Ventura County Star Newspaper was wonderful to work with and I'm really happy with what she put together from the interview. Joseph Garcia is the man behind the cool photos you'll see - he also works for the Ventura County Star. To read the story, just go to the Ventura County Star's website by clicking here.

"You Got A Problem?" is part of my "In-Focus" Series. It's available in various sizes on paper or canvas as limited edition prints (75). To see more of my work, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com.

TRUNKS ART Press Release from The Acorn Newspaper!

This is a really nice article written by Daniel Wolowicz of The Acorn Newspaper. Mr. Wolowicz does an excellent job of telling the story behind my recent selection as one of 1800 Tequila's Essential Artists for 2009. To read the story, you can go to the press page on my website by clicking here, or to the Acorn's website by clicking here.

"You Got A Problem?" is part of my "In-Focus" Series. It's available in various sizes on paper or canvas as limited edition prints (75). To see more of my work, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com.

TRUNKS' "You Got A Problem?" art work is a NATIONAL WINNER!

"You Got A Problem?" is part of my "In-Focus" Series. It's available in various sizes on paper or canvas as limited edition prints (75). To see more of my work, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com.

Perfect Art? Maybe. Perfect Match? Definitely! New TRUNKS ART release!

I can't believe I'm going to admit this but I actually think the only way to meet someone these days is to do it over the internet. I know…that sounds totally weak! But what's the alternative? Loitering around Trader Joe's? Trolling local wine festivals? Believe me, you'll hear a stern "Sir, is there something I can help you with?" way before hearing a fantasy like, "You're right. These tomatoes really do look outstanding. Can I give you my number?" Yeah, right!

Whether meeting someone on-line, in a dog park or at a backyard barbecue, the same pitfalls await the uninitiated within any budding courtship. In this composition, I tried to convey the biggest stumbling block of all – not being honest about who you really are. Are the two gushing corporate types revealing their true selves or are we merely seeing how they make each other feel at the moment? I'm going to take the high road on this one and say they're a "Perfect Match."

"Perfect Match" is part of my "A Okay" Series. It's available in various sizes on paper or canvas as limited edition prints (75). Licensing of this image is available as well. To see more of my work, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com.

New Trunks Art Release: "Ally Biz" joins my 'Girls Only' Series!

I hope you like those statements that begin with "there are only two kinds of people in the world" because you're about to read two more categories – those who feel rejuvenated and energized by constant interaction with friends and colleagues and those who feel like they're being slowly buried with black death by the mere thought of having to peruse the "updates" on their Facebook or Twitter accounts.

Since I'm pretty sure any image with black death would be a major bummer, "Ally Biz" pays tribute to those on-line mavens who never seem to lose their smile while doing the all important networking that keeps us feeling not only connected and informed but listened to and understood.

"Ally Biz" is part of my Girls Only Series. It's available in various sizes on paper or canvas as limited edition prints (75). Licensing of this image is available as well. To see more of my work, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com.

TRUNKS ART is here to STAY - at least for this guy! LA based musician and composer gets "Skull of Rock" as a tattoo!

Most people are satisfied seeing the work of their favorite artists on their walls but there are those special few who can't stand doing anything conventional - at least not this guy! Even though this person is an LA based musician and composer, I can't divulge his name because he also holds down a high profile corporate position that requires boardroom meetings, ties AND long sleeve shirts!

"Skull of Rock" is part of my A La Art Series. It's available in various sizes on paper or canvas as limited edition prints (75). Licensing of this image is available as well. To see more of my work, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com.

"Skull of Rock" looks great on canvas!

Thanks to my long-time art publisher, Jim Brent of Museum Quality Framing in Camarillo, I have a really nice looking and economical way to offer one of my more popular images. Jim came up with a really cool way to "wrap the canvas" giving it a fitting 3-dimensional effect. Pictured is a 14x21 print but sizes can go larger.

"Skull of Rock" is part of my A La Art Series. It's available in various sizes on paper or canvas as limited edition prints (75). Licensing of this image is available as well. To see more of my work, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com.

TRUNKS ART gets ready for Halloween: "Skull of Rock" is my latest work!

Despite sounding like a disguised tribute to my favorite Jack Black movie, "Skull of Rock" is a composition that captures my favorite things to do in L.A. around Halloween – activities I could never do growing up in suburban Philadelphia. With the summer heat lasting deep into the Fall and kids packed into classrooms, I’m free to climb rocks around "Skull Rock" in Joshua Tree National Park and to enjoy near empty beaches with a boogie board strapped to my wrist!

Even after 20 years, I still miss the spectacular autumns of the North East, but listening to the sounds of desert silence and sharing waves with dolphins and seals more than makes up for it! Happy Halloween!

"Skull of Rock" is part of my A La Art Series. It's available in various sizes on paper or canvas as limited edition prints (75). Licensing of this image is available as well.

To see the entire image of "Skull of Rock", please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com.

TRUNKS ART: Now on 1800 Tequila Bottles!

Earlier in the year, I was choosen as one of the winners of 1800 Tequila's Essential Artists Campaign for 2009. The "You Got A Problem?" piece from my USA Series was selected out of over 15,000 entries. Thank you to Proximo Spirits for this awesome distinction! Before the bottles hit the shelves all over the U.S. next month, I thought you might like to see this nifty video that showcases the winning entries. Enjoy!



To watch it on YouTube's website, please click here.



The above clip is just the "Trunks" portion...nice job guys!


Pictured Above: "You Got A Problem?" on 1800 Tequila's cool bottle.

From 1800 Tequila:1800 proudly introduces 12 new limited edition artist designed bottles. Featuring 11 user generated designs and 1 design from a celebrity artist (Shepard Faireys Studio Number One) 1800 Tequila's Essential Artist series celebrates work that is vibrant, unique and essential. For more information and where to purchase, visit www.1800tequila.com/essential.

To see and read more of my art work or to contact me about creating something unique for you, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com.

TRUNKS ART creates a new version of "Morning Buzz!"

I've had such a successful reception to "Morning Buzz" that I decided to create another version. I don't think "Wide Awake" is better than the original - it's just more dramatic (which is good for my growing presence in the device skin market).

To see all my device skins that are being offered through DecalGirl, Gelaskins and Skinit, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com (under licensing).

"Morning Buzz" is the latest release from TRUNKS ART!

You’d think I wouldn’t need to stand in line at Starbucks after two hours of early morning boogie boarding but that’s what I end up doing every time I go to Malibu. What’s up with that? Frigid rip tides and punishing surf aren’t enough of a jolt to wake me up?! Or maybe it’s my pathetic, subconscious need to spot incognito (and not so incognito) celebs standing in this painfully slow line with me? In any case, the soul-crushing wait allows me to indulge my keen eye and to ponder the subject of my next art composition.

“Morning Buzz” is what happens when a perfectly good subject (like coffee) gets influenced by a recent trip to some place other than a beach. Remember the spinning tea cups at Disneyland? Even with such an iconic reference, this piece offers an approving nod to all those who not only start their day with a hot cup of coffee but with the thought that it’s going to be a great day.



*"Morning Buzz" (42x32) is part of my A La Art Series. It's available on paper or canvas as limited edition prints (75). Licensing of this image is available as well.

To see and read more of my art work or to contact me about creating something unique for you, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com.

'Just Peachy' gets an 80's make-over!

I was recently asked to create a retro piece depicting an 80's activity - and what could be more 80's than roller skating? I (like totally) hope you fancy this make-over of "Just Peachy" - to the max of course! Here's the story behind this creation:

“I want my MTVVVVV….” Back in the eighties, teenage distractions consisted of things like Pac-Man, Rubik’s Cubes and of course – MTV. Fascinating stuff at the time but not addicting enough to have driven us into the abyss like we’re seeing with so many of today’s kids – but to be fair, we didn’t have Play Stations, Twitter pages or YouTube. We couldn’t even…gulp…text each other!

“Just Peachy” is about how all these distractions, though fun, can lead to an unpreparedness when it comes time to focus on achieving independence. With such a harsh wake-up call looming around the corner, will she be able to overcome the pull of the rabbit hole? Chances are she will. If we managed to get somewhere in life, so will she – even if MTV is now a podcast download.

To see and read more of my art work or to contact me about creating something unique for you, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com. Or email me at chuck@chucktrunks.com.

TRUNKS ART: The Website Has a New Look!

I hope you like the changes I made on my website. I didn't go crazy or anything since I still like the format and overall structure. Mainly, the changes were focused on the home page to improve navigation; but, I did manage to add a new licensing page and a publications link on the about Chuck page. Even the art products page has updated information. Lastly, I added thumbnails to the press page so it functions similarly to the photos page. That's basically it. Even though the changes were relatively small, this kind of programming work can be pretty tough - that's why I still work with my original webmaster, Andrew Howell, owner of A to Z Studio. To see his portfolio, just go to my website and scroll down to the bottom - you'll see his link.

To see and read more of my art work or to contact me about creating something unique for you, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com. Or email me at chuck@chucktrunks.com.

ZUMA BEACH: Now Available on Bamboo Paper!

"Zuma Beach," a limited edition 20x16 on bamboo paper, mounted on museum quality foam board, includes abstract and certificate of authenticity.

Let's face it. Nothing beats the POP of an embellished canvas - but it's important to have a high quality paper option that's easy on the wallet AND retains the color POP that defines my work. That's why I've opted to use Bamboo paper. As you can see in the picture above - it stays true to the original colors. Believe me, nobody is pickier than me - just ask my art publisher!

To see and read more of my art work or to contact me about creating something unique for you, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com. Or email me at chuck@chucktrunks.com.

Ventura Family YMCA adds "RACE DAY" to its' newly renovated Teen Center!

Pictured above: Chuck Trunks, Amy Bailey (Sr. Director of Marketing and Programs), Margo Byrne (Executive Director), Kate Bucey (Director of Administration Services), Rich Gross (Director of Heath and Wellness) and two actual YMCA members! Not pictured: Jacob Munyon (Director of Childcare).

I guess timing is everything. I pretty much finished "Race Day" right about the same time that the Ventura Family YMCA was putting its' own finishing touches on their newly renovated Teen and Childcare Center. Since the colors, mood and theme of this piece matched up with what the YMCA was looking for, all I had to do was create an extra large reproduction and customize it per Jacob Munyon, Director of Childcare Services. The best part of doing this for the Ventura YMCA was delivering the piece to such a friendly group. Despite functioning as fast-paced as a supermarket right after an earthquake tremor, the YMCA is staffed by people who have as much fun as the members who go in and out of a lobby area that could double as a rush hour subway platform! Seriously though, the facility may be busy but it's highly organized. And as for the staff, they're welcoming and willing to earn your patronage.

To visit the Ventura Family YMCA and see my work in the Teen Center, just drive over to their facility at 3760 Telegraph Rd., Ventura, CA 93003. For directions, here's a google map.


Pictured above: Chuck Trunks putting the final touches on a customized reproduction of "Race Day" for the Ventura Family YMCA.

To see and read more of my art work or to contact me about creating something unique for you, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com. Or email me at chuck@chucktrunks.com.

New TRUNKS ART Release: "Wine Boggling!"

Is it me? Or is it more stressful to buy wine than mutual funds? I started thinking about this when I noticed that my mouse will hover over the 'buy fund button' on my broker's web page for about 3 minutes versus the 30 minutes or so I spend in the wine aisle trying to decide what I'm going to bring to the dinner party. Choose the wrong mutual fund and you'll just have to wait a little bit until the market turns around; choose the wrong wine and you could seriously jeopardize your social standing: "Egads! Who brought this vile rot?"

To get the help I needed, I first had to stop judging self-proclaimed wine lovers as just another version of the childhood story, The Emperor's New Clothes. "Oh my...the bouquet on this Pinot is to die for!" All that used to make me sick to my stomach until one of these connoisseurs bravely invited me to join her and her friends for some wine tasting. After only 10 minutes of trying this wine and that wine, I not only learned that it's good to have friends that know something about wine, I discovered that the emperor really does look sporty in his new getup! "Wine Boggling" is part of my "A La Art Series" and promises not to pass judgment if you happen to enjoy wine from a box.


*"Wine Boggling" (24x32) is part of my A La Art Series. It's available on paper or canvas as limited edition prints (75). Licensing of this image is available as well.

To see and read more of my art work or to contact me about creating something unique for you, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com.

Simi Valley Town Center selects "Pop Star" out of 400 entries for their June Calendar!

As reported in the Simi Valley Acorn Newspaper on March 20th:

Simi Valley Town Center announces the featured artists selected for inclusion in the mall's monthly calendar. More than 20,000 Simi Valley Town Center calendars are distributed to Simi Valley and Moorpark households. They are also available on-site at the mall. The glossy, fullcolor calendar highlights all Town Center events, including a monthly fine art show and sale and a weekly farmers market. The selected artwork will be featured in the interior of the calendar, and the name of the artist will be listed on the front cover.

Ten winners were chosen from more than 400 entries from throughout Southern California, including Costa Mesa, Venice Beach, South Pasadena and Santa Barbara County. Chuck Trunks of Camarillo submitted the winning entry for June. Submissions were evaluated according to appropriateness to a public venue, artistic quality of work, reproducibility and general public appeal.

To see and read more of my art work or to contact me, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com.

TRUNKS ART Prints - Now on Bamboo Paper!

One of the drawbacks to printing reproductions on paper (as opposed to canvas) is that you can lose some of the color brightness - and my work screams for its' POP! Although canvas is always the best way to go (because it allows me to add highlights and texture), it's a good idea to offer a 'paper option.' So, I now offer my work on canvas AND paper - bamboo paper, that is.


Here's a shot of a recent print of "Round 2" on mounted bamboo paper. Notice that this type of paper doesn't diminish the bright colors at all. Sweet! In the foreground you'll see that all of my artwork comes with a certificate of authenticity (CoA) along with the associated abstract.


Another good thing about printing art on bamboo paper is that you can mount it, frame it and put that baby under glass. Looks awesome! In this shot, you see another mounted print of "Round 2" on bamboo paper. This time, it's been nicely framed by my official framer: Museum Quality Framing in Camarillo.

To see and read more of my art work or to contact me, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com.

TRUNKS ART has had many "Race Days" of his own...

San Francisco's "Bay to Breakers" - May 1996

Like I've been saying all along in regards to my latest piece, "Race Day"...I spent the better part of the 90's running races all over the U.S. When I came across this photo, I thought it was a perfect reflection of "Race Day!" In this particular race, there were 80,000+ runners - seriously! And I remember that I was near the finish line when this photo was taken - and I'm still in a crowd!!

To see and read more of my art work or to contact me, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com.

TRUNKS ART: Embellishing "Race Day!" Hard work - but always worth it!

Embellishing a canvas print is more involved than you'd think. Adding color highlights is fun ('cause like I'm making it POP even more) but the whole texturing process can be challenging. In the end, it's always worth it because it adds even more color depth and gives it that "just finished look" - forever! How cool is that?

"Race Day" (32x24) is part of my A La Art Series. It's available on paper or canvas as limited edition prints (75). Licensing of this image is available as well.

To see and read more of my art work or to contact me about my embellishing process, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com.

If you like your art to pop, you'll love Trunks' "ZUMA BEACH!"

*"Zuma Beach" (32x24) is part of my A La Art Series. It's available on paper or canvas as limited edition prints (75). Licensing of this image is available as well.

To see and read more of my art work or to contact me about creating something unique for you, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com.

New TRUNKS ART Release: On Your Marks..."Race Day!"

"Race Day" is definitely a slight departure from my usual works. Actually, this fun and lighthearted piece was created in response to requests I've received from various running and fitness organizations here in Ventura County...so...with that said, don't be shocked to see this image on a whole bunch of T-shirts in the near future!

Here's more of the meaning behind this piece:
If you knew me (even slightly) in the 90's, chances were I was just a blur running by. I ran so much that whole life phases came second to weekly mileage, interval training and weekend races. But spending all that time on the roads and trails wasn't always so uneventful. I ran the first few miles of the L.A. Marathon with actor Dennis Quaid, bumped into Olympian Bruce Jenner on the Los Robles Trail and was mistakenly hugged by actress Jamie Lee Curtis in Malibu! I even ran right up to and met former President Ronald Reagan in Santa Monica and did the same thing to former Vice President Dick Cheney in Austin – apparently, I'm not very dangerous looking as I was able to zip right through the Secret Service guys without making one of them put a nervous finger on their ear piece…really?!

Meeting celebs and VIPs was pretty cool, but the real characters were the people I trained and raced with – a bunch of good guys and gals who went from mere training partners to dear friends. “Race Day” doesn't even come close to capturing the cherished hilarity of all these fine folks but the message is clear – getting to know these people was the best part of running – or this image would've been a picture of me hugging Jamie Lee Curtis!

*"Race Day" (32x24) is part of my A La Art Series. It's available on paper or canvas as limited edition prints (75). Licensing of this image is available as well.

To see and read more of my art work or to contact me about creating something unique for you, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com.

TRUNKS ART: Adding Color to Earlier Works to Accommodate Collectors!

As I was developing my signature art style, a lot of my earlier images were black and white. Today, I'm finding that some collectors are interested in these earlier works - but they want me to add color to them. In this photo, I'm adding color to "Straight A's" - per the specifications of the collector. It's a 24x32 canvas piece that's out of my "True Love Series."


To see and read more of my art work or to contact me about creating something unique for you, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com.