Orange County Tapestries

Greetings from Orange County, California - Vintage Large Letter Postcard

Orange County is the third-most populous county in California and the sixth-most populous in the US. It was part of Los Angeles County until 1889. I drew this map around 2010.

Orange County, CA \/\/\/\ Retro Typography Design

Orange County Capital

Orange County is often divided into just two regions, North and South County. South County is typified by gated, master-planned communities. North Orange County, on the other hand, is a collection of vibrant, highly diverse, post-World War II communities. I made this map and a primer of the region for my series, "California Fool's Gold." https://ericbrightwell.com/2012/12/05/california-fools-gold-a-north-orange-county-primer/

Orange County is typically divided into just two regions, North and South counties. South County is largely composed of gated, master-planned communities and other red tile suburbs. I painted this map and wrote a primer for my series, California Fool's Gold, in 2013.

I explored the North Orange County community for my series, "California Fool's Gold," in 2010. Among Costa Mesa's attractions are the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, an Isamu Noguchi sculpture garden, and a very popular shopping mall.

Fullerton is a suburb of North Orange County widely recognized as the birthplace of several major punk bands, including Social Distortion, Agent Orange, and the Adolescents. I explored for my series, "California Fool's Gold," in 2010. https://ericbrightwell.com/2010/10/25/california-fools-gold-exploring-fullerton-the-education-community/

Santa Ana is the county seat of Orange County. It's known as "Orange County's Downtown" and is one of the few cities in that county that can truly be characterized, in part, as urban. I explored it for my series, "California Fool's Gold," in 2010. https://ericbrightwell.com/2010/08/11/california-fools-gold-exploring-santa-ana-downtown-orange-county/

Huntington Beach is a coastal suburb in North Orange County. It's known for its surfing and is nicknamed "Surf City." I explored it for my series, "California Fool's Gold," in 2011. https://ericbrightwell.com/2011/07/09/california-fools-gold-exploring-huntington-beach/

Orange is a city in North Orange County. Unlike most of Orange County, it boasts a variety of attractive homes built in several eras and architectural styles. It is particularly notable for its Eichler tracts. I explored it for my series, "California Fool's Gold," in 2010. https://ericbrightwell.com/2010/12/07/california-fools-gold-exploring-orange-orange-countys-plaza-city/

Garden Grove is a suburban city in North Orange County. It's home to Little Seoul, part of Little Saigon, and Little Arabia. I explored it in 2010 for my series, "California Fool's Gold." https://ericbrightwell.com/2010/11/22/california-fools-gold-exploring-garden-grove-the-city-of-youth-and-ambition/

When you think of Romeo and Juliet...

A hand-drawn map I made of Anaheim, which I explored for my series, "California Fool's Gold," in 2015. It is the most populous city in Orange County and best known for being the home of Disneyland. It's also home of the Little Arabia district, a large Moreton Bay Fig Tree, and other attractions. https://ericbrightwell.com/2015/01/30/california-fools-gold-exploring-anaheim/

San Clemente is the southernmost suburb of South Orange County. At its core is a charming, Spanish Colonial Revival planned community that would be walkable were there more sidewalks -- which were intentionally left out in areas in order to help keep out riff-raff like me. I nevertheless mapped and explored it for my series, "California Fool's Gold," in 2013. https://ericbrightwell.com/2013/10/11/san-clemente-the-spanish-village-in-oc/

Vintage Postcard Design - Greetings from The Hudson Valley New York, Orange County.

Irvine is a master-planned community in South Orange City. It is famous for being one of the safest cities in the country. It's less boring than one might expect, however, due to the presence of the University of California, Irvine. I explored in a borrowed car (there's zero emphasis on walkability) in 2013. https://ericbrightwell.com/2013/01/13/california-fools-gold-exploring-irvine-orange-countys-city-of-innovation/

ReX OrangE CountY

ReX OrangE CountY

I moved to Southern California in 1999. I couldn't find a map of all of the communities and neighborhoods of Orange County. I set about making my own -- exploring the vast county on foot and mass transit. Along the way, I drew maps with ink and painted them in watercolors and oil paint -- or some combination (including correction fluid). As a lefty converted to a righty, my handwriting is terrible and my maps are sometimes hard to read when reproduced or reprinted -- and so I've made these clean, digital versions for people who prefer that sort of thing.

Agent Orange - Orange Peel. A design inspired by the band, Agent Orange.

Orange County California travel poser in a vintage style.

Alexander James O'Connor (born 4 May 1998), known professionally as Rex Orange County, is an English singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. O'Connor rose to prominence in 2017 following multiple features on Tyler, the Creator's Grammy-nominated album Flower Boy, including the single "Boredom". NPR Music journalist Zoë Jones has described O'Connor's music as "a bright blend of hip-hop, jazz, and bedroom pop”

ohh nice pun

Like the old school baseball tees.

Orange County California Travel poster in a vintage style.

Rex Orange County - Corduroy Dreams

Famous Cali burger menu

ReX OrangE CountY

Sometimes I Need To Be Alone & Listen To Rex Orange County

Based in Anaheim, Orange County Speed Shop opened its doors in 1949 as the post-war hot-rod craze was gaining momentum and quickly became one of the top sources for go-fast goodies on the west coast. They not only had a full-service retail business, but were quick to get into mail order and wholesale as well, distributing all the top brands to shops throughout the SoCal area.

Featuring some of the most iconic Real Housewives moments (that took place at a table), this original art piece is drawn by Mike DiFrancisco. Represented cities include: Potomac, Orange County, New York, Beverly Hills & Altanta.

Defunct Orange County Rhinos Football Team

Rex Orange County - Tour Edition Design

Ink and collage illustration inspired by Vicki from the Real Housewives from Orange County.