Palek Studio and Gallery

10/07/2024

Some murals I did in an old gangster themed bar back in the 90’s. This was before Google so all my research and image searches was done in the library.

10/07/2024

A couple of old banners and backdrops for clients over the years.

09/24/2024

Check out my new Etsy page. I have my Authors on Literature books on there. If they sell well, maybe I’ll put some more s**t on there. Please share with your friends and other book lovers. But no haters.

Shop items by PalekArtisan.

09/24/2024

Check out Shawn Palek's Authors On Literature series on Etsy:

Shop items by PalekArtisan.

08/16/2024

Friday morning in my booth.

08/15/2024

Come see Shawn at the Cultural Center 2nd Floor, Iowa State Fair. 8/8-8/18/24 9am-8pm.
Shawn transforms literature by airbrushing character portraits onto
book covers.
Here are five facts about Roald Dahl:

1. **Roald Dahl’s Unique Writing Space**: Roald Dahl wrote many of his famous stories in a small, cozy hut at the bottom of his garden, where he sat in a worn-out armchair with a wooden lap desk.

2. **Inventor of New Words**: Dahl loved to play with language and invented hundreds of words in his books. The most famous example is "Gobblefunk," his unique language full of whimsical and creative terms.

3. **A Flying Ace**: Before becoming a celebrated author, Dahl was a fighter pilot during World War II, flying in the Royal Air Force and earning the title of flying ace.

4. **Inspired by Real Life**: Many of Dahl's stories were inspired by real-life experiences. For instance, his love of chocolate, stemming from his childhood, inspired the creation of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."

5. **Champion of Children**: Dahl's stories often feature young protagonists who triumph over evil or oppressive adults, resonating deeply with children and inspiring them to believe in their own power.

**tsforsale

08/13/2024

Come see Shawn at the Cultural Center 2nd Floor, Iowa State Fair. 8/8-8/18/24 9am-8pm.
Shawn transforms literature by airbrushing character portraits onto
book covers.
Here are five facts about Maya Angelou:

1. **First African-American Woman to Write and Recite a Poem at a Presidential Inauguration**: Maya Angelou made history in 1993 when she became the first African-American woman to write and recite a poem, *"On the Pulse of Morning,"* at Bill Clinton's presidential inauguration.

2. **Author of the Iconic Memoir "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"**: Maya Angelou’s 1969 memoir, *"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,"* is an acclaimed piece of literature that vividly portrays her early life and the struggles she faced growing up as a Black woman in America.

3. **Civil Rights Activist**: Angelou worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X during the Civil Rights Movement, using her voice and writing to advocate for equality and justice.

4. **Award-Winning Poet and Author**: Maya Angelou received numerous awards throughout her life, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, one of the United States' highest civilian honors.

5. **A Talented Renaissance Woman**: Beyond her writing, Maya Angelou was also an accomplished singer, dancer, and actress. She starred in the 1977 television mini-series *"Roots"* and recorded albums of spoken word and music.
**tsforsale

08/13/2024

Come see Shawn at the Cultural Center 2nd Floor, Iowa State Fair. 8/8-8/18/24 9am-8pm.
Shawn transforms literature by airbrushing character portraits onto
book covers.
Here are five facts about Maya Angelou:

1. **First African-American Woman to Write and Recite a Poem at a Presidential Inauguration**: Maya Angelou made history in 1993 when she became the first African-American woman to write and recite a poem, *"On the Pulse of Morning,"* at Bill Clinton's presidential inauguration.

2. **Author of the Iconic Memoir "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"**: Maya Angelou’s 1969 memoir, *"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,"* is an acclaimed piece of literature that vividly portrays her early life and the struggles she faced growing up as a Black woman in America.

3. **Civil Rights Activist**: Angelou worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X during the Civil Rights Movement, using her voice and writing to advocate for equality and justice.

4. **Award-Winning Poet and Author**: Maya Angelou received numerous awards throughout her life, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, one of the United States' highest civilian honors.

5. **A Talented Renaissance Woman**: Beyond her writing, Maya Angelou was also an accomplished singer, dancer, and actress. She starred in the 1977 television mini-series *"Roots"* and recorded albums of spoken word and music.

**tsforsale

08/12/2024

Come see Shawn at the Cultural Center 2nd Floor, Iowa State Fair. 8/8-8/18/24 9am-8pm.

Shawn transforms literature by airbrushing character portraits onto
book covers.

Here are five facts about Isaac Asimov:

1. **Prolific Author**: Isaac Asimov wrote or edited over 500 books and approximately 90,000 letters and postcards, making him one of the most prolific writers in history.

2. **Father of Robotics**: Asimov coined the term "robotics" and introduced the famous Three Laws of Robotics in his short story "Runaround," which have influenced both science fiction and real-world robotics.

3. **Scientist & Science Fiction Pioneer**: Besides being a science fiction giant, Asimov was a biochemist and held a Ph.D. in the field. He often combined his scientific knowledge with his storytelling.

4. **"Foundation" Series**: His "Foundation" series, which explores the fall and rise of a galactic empire, won the prestigious Hugo Award for "Best All-Time Series" in 1966.

5. **Advocate for Education**: Asimov was a passionate advocate for science education and believed that knowledge should be freely accessible. He wrote numerous popular science books to make complex subjects understandable to everyone.

**tsforsale

08/11/2024

Time for some Author’s on literature time, at the Iowa State Fair!

Here are five facts about Charles Schulz:

1. Charles Schulz is the legendary cartoonist behind the beloved comic strip *Peanuts*, which first debuted in 1950 and went on to become one of the most influential and widely syndicated comic strips in history.

2. The character **Charlie Brown** was inspired by Schulz's own experiences of feeling shy and insecure during his childhood, making the character relatable to millions around the world.

3. **Snoopy**, the iconic beagle from *Peanuts*, was inspired by Schulz’s childhood pet dog named Spike, who was known for his quirky personality and strong bond with Schulz.

4. Schulz produced nearly **18,000 Peanuts comic strips** over 50 years, never once allowing anyone else to draw the strip, a testament to his dedication and passion for his work.

5. Despite his immense success, Schulz remained humble, famously saying, "Happiness is a warm puppy," a phrase that captures the simplicity and joy he brought to readers worldwide through *Peanuts*.

Shawn paints the Authors or sometimes characters on the respective books.

01/03/2024

The first two paintings of the year and the last painting of last year. Thank you for all your support!