Artist: Teo Alfonso

If you're a regular guest of my blog, you know I'm writing an erotic romance called ALL IN. It's to be the first of a series published by Ellora's Cave. One of the main characters, I.C. Tucker, is a professional poker player. I also love art and try to feature it here once a week.

Well, guess what! I found an artist who paints poker pictures! (Dig my alliteration, baby.) How awesome is that?!

Teo himself says, "I’m drawn to the range of emotions experienced in playing cards, from the fire and passion of a winning streak, to the cool calm of laying low and not giving away your hand. These emotions inspire me to create art for other card lovers who share the same passion, to decorate their homes or card rooms and maybe even bring them a little bit of luck!"

Here are a pair of pictures that showcase the name of the game that I have been studying and finally understand. I even watched two hours of the World Poker Tour the other night and was able to follow the action. It was surprisingly exciting. The no-limit rule allows the tables to turn on one card.



















ALL IN is set, of course, in Las Vegas, and here is a depiction of that famous sign.


And finally, he had a painting that really appeals to me, because of the heart. He most likely meant it to be the suit of hearts, but it doesn't matter. I like the colors and the vibrancy and hearts will always say LOVE to me.