Running across the work of Alex Ruiz was quite the discovery. “The Embrace” is an incredible piece of art. Given the time of year, I couldn’t help posting this Nightmare Before Christmas themed piece. It’s a gorgeous example of moldering decay and beauty. Jack Skellington and Sally have never looked creepier.

Alex Ruiz is a highly regarded artist born in Hermosillo, Mexico. He started drawing at an early age. Mr. Ruiz sketched murals on his family and friend’s walls. As the years passed he received a great deal of formal training and education. The Concept Design Academy Pasadena, Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art Van Nuys, and Bridges Animation School Santa were some of the notable institutions he has attended.

The number of developed specialties at Mr. Ruiz’s command is impressive. Environmental Design, Color Theory, and Human and Animal Anatomy represent just a few. This comes across clearly in the wide variety of projects he takes on. Some of the awards he’s won include an Emmy for animation work on the Simpsons; his art was featured artist in Imagine FX Magazine, and he earned a CG Award for his original artwork, “Thoughts.”

As with all artists I feature, I highly recommend you visit his deviantArt gallery. Alex Ruiz also has his own website: conceptmonster.net where much of his work is displayed. “Mind Over Machine” is a collection of artwork he has assebled and currently has for sale for fans wishing to support his work.