Monday, March 29, 2010
No. 27
It was my (and my dad's) birthday yesterday. Here two gifts I got: A projector to replace the hulking old one I have, and a ukulele. One gift for work, one for fun.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Spectrum!
!!! ... I think it deserved a few more exclamation points.
I got into Spectrum 17! Spectrum is the leading annual of fantasy/sci-fi art, and apparently they got about 6,000 entries this year. I was pretty bummed the past few years when I didn't get in, but this makes up for it. I was so used to not seeing my name after John Jude Palencar, Anthony Palumbo and Dave Palumbo, that when I actually saw my name, I nearly did a double take.
Other than the great honor, its good advertising to get into the book. Plus, I might have an opportunity to display my work at the Society of Illustrators in NYC.
I don't know which piece(s) got in, but I'll find out soon enough.
I got into Spectrum 17! Spectrum is the leading annual of fantasy/sci-fi art, and apparently they got about 6,000 entries this year. I was pretty bummed the past few years when I didn't get in, but this makes up for it. I was so used to not seeing my name after John Jude Palencar, Anthony Palumbo and Dave Palumbo, that when I actually saw my name, I nearly did a double take.
Other than the great honor, its good advertising to get into the book. Plus, I might have an opportunity to display my work at the Society of Illustrators in NYC.
I don't know which piece(s) got in, but I'll find out soon enough.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Hello again.
It's embarrassing how long it's been since my last post. I haven't been sick or out of town. Just apparently very neglectful of this blog.
On Easter weekend I fly out to Houston once again for the Houston Grand Prix. I still have to make a few more prints and organize my setup, but I'm pretty much ready.
A few weeks ago, I visited Dan Dos Santos at his studio to seek out advice. He was very helpful. I learned a lot and also learned how much I still have to improve my skills.
I'm staying busy, trying to stay ahead of the bills. Filing my taxes didn't help my bank account. That self-employment tax is a real killer. I mailed out two illustrations for Magic a couple weeks ago, and submitted sketches for new ones this week. I'm currently waiting to hear back. I'm finishing up two new portfolio pieces. As soon as they are varnished and photographed, I'll post them here and on my website.
I could really go for a big assignment right now. Fingers crossed ...
On Easter weekend I fly out to Houston once again for the Houston Grand Prix. I still have to make a few more prints and organize my setup, but I'm pretty much ready.
A few weeks ago, I visited Dan Dos Santos at his studio to seek out advice. He was very helpful. I learned a lot and also learned how much I still have to improve my skills.
I'm staying busy, trying to stay ahead of the bills. Filing my taxes didn't help my bank account. That self-employment tax is a real killer. I mailed out two illustrations for Magic a couple weeks ago, and submitted sketches for new ones this week. I'm currently waiting to hear back. I'm finishing up two new portfolio pieces. As soon as they are varnished and photographed, I'll post them here and on my website.
I could really go for a big assignment right now. Fingers crossed ...
Friday, February 26, 2010
New book cover illustration!
My new project was completed two weeks ago: an illustration for the cover of a book to be published by Sourcebooks. My first real book cover. Here's how it went:
Started with my initial sketch. Printed it out and threw some paint on it to test the color I was thinking of using.
Made notations of the colors so I wouldn't forget the combinations when I actually started painting.
Photo reference came next, using props I either made or bought.
Drawing on the canvas.
Finished drawing.
Laid down the initial color layer, using the same colors as my test, but thinned with solvent. I use Gamsol, as it has the least amount of odor.
Started blocking in the face, using the established color, but in thicker applications. I like to start with the face since it sets the mood for the rest of the piece.
The pattern continued down the body; blocking in color in thin applications, then finishing off one area at a time.
With half the body done, I moved to the background. Since the top half of the body was going to blend into the background, I needed to establish both areas first so I could blend the two together on the lower half of his body.
The ground was next, followed by the feet. I then moved upwards to merge the two halves of his body.
Let it dry and varnished it. Photographed it and sent it off to the client. Click the image for a slightly larger view.
Started with my initial sketch. Printed it out and threw some paint on it to test the color I was thinking of using.
Made notations of the colors so I wouldn't forget the combinations when I actually started painting.
Photo reference came next, using props I either made or bought.
Drawing on the canvas.
Finished drawing.
Laid down the initial color layer, using the same colors as my test, but thinned with solvent. I use Gamsol, as it has the least amount of odor.
Started blocking in the face, using the established color, but in thicker applications. I like to start with the face since it sets the mood for the rest of the piece.
The pattern continued down the body; blocking in color in thin applications, then finishing off one area at a time.
With half the body done, I moved to the background. Since the top half of the body was going to blend into the background, I needed to establish both areas first so I could blend the two together on the lower half of his body.
The ground was next, followed by the feet. I then moved upwards to merge the two halves of his body.
Let it dry and varnished it. Photographed it and sent it off to the client. Click the image for a slightly larger view.
Ouch!
A couple hours after my last post, I was cleaning dried paint medium off an old palette. I was scraping away using a palette knife. I hit a hard spot in the medium and pressed a little harder. Then the fleeting thought went through my head, "Maybe this isn't a good idea."Too late. The knife slipped and sliced the thumb on the hand that was holding the palette. Six stitches later, I was back to work. Lesson learned. When you think you're being stupid, you probably are. I'll have a nice scar on my thumb to remind me.
I finished up my Magic cards and sent them out today. I'm pleased with how they look. Now I have to bear down and work on more portfolio work in this upcoming lull. Here's one that I just photographed today:
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Fingerpainting
I usually don't care about things like this. There are always those media-proclaimed "kid geniuses" who can paint well. Frankly, a 6 year old who can paint abstract paintings isn't all that impressive to me.
However, a 3-year-old with drawing chops? That's a different story.
I'm not going to call this kid a genius. Art is different than music. Early talent doesn't indicate a future career. A toddler can play Mozart or Bach on the piano, but a toddler can never paint like Caravaggio. But his understanding of light and shadow and his brush work (finger work) is pretty great. Plus, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are cool.
However, a 3-year-old with drawing chops? That's a different story.
I'm not going to call this kid a genius. Art is different than music. Early talent doesn't indicate a future career. A toddler can play Mozart or Bach on the piano, but a toddler can never paint like Caravaggio. But his understanding of light and shadow and his brush work (finger work) is pretty great. Plus, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are cool.
Monday, February 8, 2010
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