Look ma, my art's on tv!

Thrilled to have 7 paintings purchased for the set of Based on a True Story by NBC Universal! You better believe I squealed bananas-like seeing my art on TV for the first (and fifth) time. 

Dear Diary: Pinch Me

Watching a great tv show and squealing when you see your own artwork on-screen will hereby never get old.

If you've streamed Peacock's new original series, Based on a True Story (starring Kaley Cuoco and Chris Messina), then you've seen my artwork on TV which is just bananas-town FUN.

Back in my graphic design days, it was common to see logos I'd made up on billboards around our small town and I shout, "THAT DOES NOT COMPARE." This has extra special juice for sure.

Seven of my paintings were picked up at the end of 2022 for the set of his hilarious comedy thriller. If true crime podcast pokes, chaos, and murder is your thing - like it MAD is ours - then you'll love it just as much.

In episode 1, you'll hear me squeal most as each painting is shown throughout Ava and Nathan's house. You'll see them pop in & out throughout the series anytime we're inside their home.

​Let's break down the squeals.

First Squeal

"Le Sigh" in Based on a True Story

"Le Sigh" part of my Doodle series happily chilling above their record player in the hall of the living room. I love this series of black and white thoughts. This painting was at SCAA Gallery in Old Town Newhall as part of a group show with the Santa Clarita Valley Artists Association when it was purchased.

Second, Third, & Fourth Squeals

"Mother Nature", "Sunny on the Side", "They're Coming" in Based on a True Story

Ava and Nathan are freak-out fighting in the kitchen and 3 of my tinies are standing by with popcorn. Ooooooh. This is such a great example, too, of how impactful these tiny abstracts can be!

​Place them on a shelf or make a small gallery for a pop of color just like this. I am truly impressed by how these are used in the space to match the mood.

Fifth Squeal

"Boo" in Based on a True Story

"Boo" is a beloved personal favorite. So graphic and moody. It's the ABSOLUTE BEST that it looks directly into Ava & Nathan's bathroom...where the Plummer is....I'm obsessed. Some of my favorite scenes (go watch if you have not!!) So perfect. The chemistry these 3 have is top shelf. 

Sixth Squeal

"Golden Hour" in Based on a True Story

Fighting in the living room at Golden Hour. This painting is part of my ongoing Color Pop series; focused on black & white contrast with color pulling tension and freedom. 

Wait. Where is #7?

WE'RE STILL ON THE HUNT! My most favorite painting to date, Franken Feelings, was also purchased from the gallery show but we haven't found it yet on screen! It's either hidden in another room, we've missed it, or they tucked it away for future use.

Soooo, how did this happen?

A couple of artist friends have asked how this opportunity came to be. Here's what went down:

Le Sigh and Franken Feelings were part of a group gallery show with the Santa Clarita Artists Association themed, "Inside Out". Franken Feelings was chosen for the poster art. While the show was open, I had a popup event in town showcasing my artwork at the time. 

While I was working my show, my phone started blowing up. I wasn't answering calls because I was focused on show participants, naturally. HAHA At one point, a very kind man came into my booth and said, "You're Tobi?" He recognized my name and artwork. "The gallery down the street is trying to get ahold of you. I'm buying a bunch of your artwork for a new TV show on Peacock." 

Say what, now. Hmmm?????????

Yup! Turns out, he was originally on his way to shop at this pop up. He took a wrong turn, saw the art show signs at the gallery and Franken Feelings on the poster. He purchased Le Sigh, Franken Feelings, and 1 tiny at the gallery and then the other 4 with me directly at the popup.

INSANE! Bananas. So very cool.

​Moral of the story: GET YOURSELF OUT THERE ANYWHERE AND EVERYWHERE. You just never know!

I'm so thankful to be part of such a smart, funny show!

My experience working with the set decorator and his assistant was 8000% positive. I had so many process questions that they were patient to answer. I am grateful for his wrong turn and for our gallery's street signs!

What an awesome story and memory. Thank you for the PINCH ME moments!!! xo