Client Re-Design - Local Artist

I designed this guy's site about two years ago, and since I have had a lot of design experience and want to give him a re-design. Were have more of a friend relationship than business, and he just flew off to NYC to do a gallery of 4 of his pieces, so I dont plan on charging him. He's helped me out with a few carpentry projects, so this is my way of saying thnks.

heres the older design

And the new (very simple ) Design

I know theres not much now, but feel free to c&c / Also, does this layout look farmiliar? I created it and all, but it looks like I have seen something like it before and dont want to be rippin' anyones styles and not know it.

THANKS

Shane

NICE

That clean vector look really helps showcase his work. Kinda 'minimalist' without losing it's functionality, as minimalism tends to do.
And I haven't seen this design anywhere else.

shweet, I hope he likes it ( You know us artist types, we like it OUR way :D )

Oh, um, I think that the nav bar text should be white, and grey on the page being presently viewed. That's the only thing that stood out to me though.

I liked the new one better also. Much more cleaner than the last. And the old intro was quite... uneccesary in my eyes.