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Hey everyone finally finished my first pin-up. My galactic temptress who has now become a space pirate. I entitled the piece "X Marks the Spot".
I am quite pleased with how it turned out I think I learned a lot about where I want my style to go. Also I think It is very successful as my first ever sci-fi piece.
As always the finish was done in Corel Painter. I hope everyone likes this piece as much as I do. Expect my updates on my snake lady very soon.
Galactic Temptress: COMPLETE "X Marks the Spot"
Steam Punk Apocalypse: Reference Stage
Serpent Mistress: Final Drawing
Cyborg Ferocity: Reference Stage
An Elegant Universe: Reference Stage
Angelic Beauty: Reference StagePunkish Self-indulgence: Reference Stage
As luck would have it I was recently asked to teach a Corel Painter workshop at Syracuse University. It will be on two consecutive Saturdays Oct 17th and 24th, from Noon -3:00 PM. As you can see by the poster I uploaded.
The workshop will consist of a tutorial of the program followed by a demo. The students will then practice the first day painting a still life or portrait to familiarize themselves with the program.
They will then have the next week to create a full finished piece, with time to work on it on the 24th. We will then finish up the day with a class critique.
I am really looking forward to this workshop. I think the students will create some great images. If possible, after the workshop I'll see about uploading some of my students work to share with everyone what they did.
I worked out some colors for my space pirate in Corel painter. I ended up testing out both warm and cool palettes. While I do love some areas in the cool palette, especially the purple nebulae and the turquoise glow at the bottom of the planet, I ended up choosing the warm study. The warm one gives a nice contrast against her green skin and there are areas where I find it easier to move colors around, more so than the cool palette.
I have already started the finish and it should be done by this week.
I hope everyone is enjoying the process of this piece. I really enjoyed the feedback that I have been receiving. I got a lot of great comments via Facebook.
Also I have been meaning to scan in my sketches for my other piece, but fear not it's moving along I am currently working on the final drawing.
Galactic Temptress: Finish
Steam Punk Apocalypse: Reference Stage
Serpent Mistress: Final Drawing
Cyborg Ferocity: Reference Stage
An Elegant Universe: Reference Stage
Angelic Beauty: Reference Stage
Punkish Self-indulgence: Reference Stage
I decided to do some more value studies for my space pirate image. And thus here they are.
There are parts in different ones that I like more than others so I am having a bit of trouble deciding which way I should go.
If you wish to share your opinion, please go right ahead and comment. Your feedback will be quite welcome.
My galactic temptress piece has changed quite a bit. I nixed the iron work-like windows and just went with a larger planet behind a moon, while she just rests on a free floating plate. I also turned the steps to give more movement to the piece.
Also, instead of just being an alien she has become a space pirate. So I added some appropriate accessories like pirate boots, and eye patch, and a Jolly Roger tattoo.
The image at the top is the finished drawing and the one at the bottom is a rough value study I did. I also have some color sketches but since the composition changed so much I basically had to scrap them and start over. However, they did help give me some ideas of where I want my palette to go. I should have the color sketch uploaded soon.
I have also been working on my serpent mistress piece and will scan in some sketches of it soon.
That is all for now.
Galactic Temptress: Color Rough/ Finish
Steam Punk Apocalypse: Reference Stage
Serpent Mistress: Sketch Stage
Cyborg Ferocity: Reference Stage
An Elegant Universe: Reference Stage
Angelic Beauty: Reference Stage
Punkish Self-indulgence: Reference Stage
I did the first rough sketch for my Galactic Temptress piece. The bottom image is the full drawing I did. While I liked all the environmental components there are, I realized the image would be much better cropped, thus the top image. It brings the attention fully to the figure while I believe still keeping the elegance of the full image. However even though the proportions work better now it will still need some slight modifications for the final i.e. a third step, more of the planet, the metal work needs to be smaller, and I want to add in some more space ships so they can create a curve to help move your eye through the piece.
Currently I started to work on some color studies for this piece which when I get done I will post.
I have also been sketching out some ideas for my Serpent Mistress piece. I'll probably have those scanned in to post about the same time as the color studies for this one.
Those be the updates for now, keep a look out for updates soon.
Galactic Temptress: Color Studies
Steam Punk Apocalypse: Reference Stage
Serpent Mistress: Sketch Stage
Cyborg Ferocity: Reference Stage
An Elegant Universe: Reference Stage
Angelic Beauty: Reference Stage
Punkish Self-indulgence: Reference Stage
Finally got a chance to upload the scanned in version of my elf girl drawing. That's it for now, short post this time.
As of late I have had a great desire to do some pin-up art. I decided to do an extended project consisting of seven thematically different sci-fi fantasy pin-up images. This may take me awhile so I will systematically update the progress. I have already started collecting inspiration and taking reference photos.
Following is a list of the different images done in my usual progress fashion.
Galactic Seductress: Reference Stage
Steam Punk Apocalypse: Reference Stage
Serpent Mistress: Reference Stage
Cyborg Ferocity: Reference Stage
An Elegant Universe: Reference Stage
Angelic Beauty: Reference Stage
Punkish Self-indulgence: Reference Stage
These names are more of placeholders for now, just used for description. I have become more interested in this project so yes some of my older ones will wait a bit longer than intended. However, I think this project will turn out amazingly.
That is all for now, but be on the look out for the first sketches.
Yeah so I made another site even though I said I wouldn't, but like a friend of mine said we artists do need all the exposure we can get. So I made a gallery page at Concept Art. There are only a few images there now but I will update it like all my other sites.
Also, I did open something else today. I started a cafe press account. Once I get some time I will start making merchandise. So look forward to some fun things like mugs, posters, and possibly t-shirts. I will make sure to inform everyone of that as soon as I get it going.
Sadly, I don't have access to a good scanner right now so I can not really show most of what I have been doing. I did however decide to take a photo of my latest sketch, this way I can at least show everyone a small piece of what I have been up to.
I used a friend of mine, Jen, as the model. Instead of just doing a straight up portrait I decided to make her an Elven type creature. Yay Elves, fun times. Other than that the image is self explanatory. I will upload a better quality image once I get to a good scanner.
Also, I know I said I wouldn't do this again but I made another portfolio site. This one is at Imagine Fx's site. Same deal as always this link will be added to the top of my blog in case you want to see.
That would be all for tonight, but I shall have more sketchbook goodness soon.
Well I went ahead and made ANOTHER gallery site. This time at CG Hub. So if you happen to have one you can now find me there as well. And as per usual it's level20artist.cghub.com.
So I have made another site for my work. I made a Deviant Art account. I plan on using it for a special set of drawings that I will have just there. It will be unique to my other art sites. So go forth link, fav, follow, watch, and other things of that nature. That is if you wish. I would greatly appreciate it.
That is all for now but look forward to some new art very soon.
Hey everybody. I have been quite busy on the interweb today. If you look at the top right of the page you can see all my new links. Three new and one old, which yes does indeed mean 4.
There is of course my website in which I just updated my gallery today, so it is now current.
My new portfolio page at CG Society. Which is a great art site so check it out.
The interview I mentioned the other day.
And finally, yes my brand new facebook. It took me this long to make one but there it is. So if you wish, become my friend.
I am now done with all my late posts. So, now back to the grind for more art. I'll post again soon with an updated list of my projects once I get them organized.
Well I finally got a chance to put these pics up. These are from my trip to New York City. When I was there I got to meet up with a few well known artists Donato and William Seccombe.
Donato (the one in the bottom picture) is an extremely successful fantasy artist. If you aren't familiar with his work I recommend clicking his name and seeing it, it is fantastic. I hopefully will be able to visit his studio sometime soon. Unfortunately my trip was too short and event filled for me to do it then, but next time.
William (the one in the top picture) is a great figurative painter and graphic designer. He also has a great blog wseccombe.blogspot.com. So go check it out, read his stuff and follow his blog. Believe me it is worth it. He updates often and shows some great demos.
Well that be it for now, I shall bid thee farewell. Goodnight to some and good morning to the rest.
Hey there folks. Awhile ago I was contacted by a website called whohub.com. It is apparently a site where professionals answer interview questions. They wanted me to answer questions related to illustration. It seemed like good fun so I decided to do it. I figure it lets me answer specific questions that don't get brought up here. So if you are interested check it out and enjoy.
http://www.whohub.com/level20artist
Yet another oil painting I did awhile back. This one is of a guy who works at the local music store. This was his first time modeling and despite his issues remaining still and answering his phone while modeling, the painting turned out quite well. I wanted to get a feeling of loneliness and solitude in the piece. Originally the background was empty but I added the windows to help activate the space. For a simple portrait I think it turned out well. I do especially like the blue lighting in the area around his shoulder.
And fun note I actually painted this on masonite. I did a drawing of him first then scanned it into the computer. Placed a flat neutral brown under painting behind the drawing in Photoshop. I then printed it out at a height of about 44 inches. Finally I matte mediumed it to the masonite and then started painting.
Well I have posted quite a bit today. I think I may get some sleep now but I still may post more later today. Look forward to my picks from my trip to NYC, the interview I am doing, and some new fun website things. Night for now..... or morning.
Here is one of my latest self-ports. It is done in my water based oils. I was trying to capture my joy of finally being back in the north where there is snow. as opposed to Florida were they do not even have seasons.
I liked what I did with this, especially the slight color variations in the hair and on the face.
I had shown this to the well known fine artist Jerome Witkin, and he had given me possibly one of the best compliments I have ever received. When he saw this piece he told me he quite liked it. That it was very poetic and that it reminded him of a Victorian Age painter Arthur Rackham. Mind you Rackham is one of my favorite illustrators of all time, and for an artist of Jerome's caliber to compare a piece of mine to him was a truly great honor.
That's it for this post, still only halfway done with the stuff I need to post.
NOT MY ART
Well I finally found sometime to finish my movie review. It's been awhile since I went and saw DBE and my anger of the movie has died down so this won't be as extensive of a rant as I had before. This could also be due to the fact that it was exactly as terrible as I expected.
However, I did just recently see Star Trek for the second time, and for how bad DBE was Star Trek was that good. So I decided to talk of that as well.
And for note I wanted to repeat my stance on my review; "Now, is my opinion one that should be held in high regard? Are my views so eye-opening that anyone who reads this will regard my comments as genius?.... HELL NO. However, I do wish to express my opinion, as this is my blog I want to add a bit of personal flare and insight into my tastes."
I do give warning now this will CONTAIN SPOILERS.
Where to start with DBE? How about the characters? Chichi, she was at best bland. She just didn't matter, she was the stereotypical love interest who is there just for the sake of, well, being a love interest. She added nothing and had almost no personality. The Chichi from the old show, while on many occasions irritated me greatly at least was unique, the one in DBE could have been easily replaced with a card board cut out.
Bulma, Yamcha, and Piccolo were pretty bad as well but I want to try and make this review not too long. So lets look at Goku....ohh dear God Goku. It was as predicted he was a dumb angsty teen. He actually asked his grandfather if he could teach him something useful like how to get girls. Are you kidding me? What made Goku so endearing in the old show was that he was blissfully ignorant to the outside world and just cared about training. They took the uniqueness of the character and made him the same crappy-cookie-cutter-cutout as every modern day lead male role. Ha I think I like that crappy-cookie-cutter-cutout.
At least Roshi had moments of perversion, so that was a nice touch.
Lets see story/writing issues. Kind of vague I basically am just going to vent on what I found...... unpleasant. First of all the main part of the story takes place in 2 weeks. During this time the moon changes phases about 12 times. Apparently whoever made this movie never bothered too look out side their window too see that the moon takes a bit longer than that. Considering the moon is SUPPOSED to be important you think someone would look it up.
There was also this scene with what I assume were supposed to be saiba men in an underground lava pit. These creatures for some reason are almost invincible but fortunately can be destroyed in lava, boy that sure is convenient. Since the dragonball they were trying to get to was surrounded by lava and unreachable I thought this is where Goku would be able to fly, however, instead he makes a bridge out of Saiba men bodies and hops across the lava. I assume how dumb this is needs no further explanation.
Then there is Piccolo, most of his issues I find are in his story. He was captured and sealed in some artifact blah blah blah but the he escapes. Nice and typical. But wait how did he escape? I have no f'ing clue. They don't ever bother to mention which I guess normally wouldn't be relevant except for the fact that they were making a new artifact jar and planned on trapping him...... does anyone see the flaw in this? Perhaps he may ESCAPE again.
There is also the graphics. Dear god the end with the flying car was so badly green screened, it made 15 year old Sci-Fi channel original movies look like Lord of the Rings by comparison.
And finally Goku's abilities. He for some reason is the Avatar for he is an air-bender. He learned to use the Kamehameha which is an air-bending technique???? Which he is learning to use to light candles, as part of his training. Wait what? Why does an ability that uses air light things on fire? At least it's not like someone used it later as a form of CPR to bring someone back to life... ohh wait yeah they did. Hooray logic.
Then in the end Goku learns he was an evil minion of Piccolo as a giant monkey. And now the big finale, he transforms because of the solar eclipse... won't even get into how wrong that is. So, this must be where that large budget went right, huge gorilla? Yeah about that. He transforms and is a terrifying enormous.... 7 foot gorrilla, Ok? Then to top it off when he transforms back his clothes are perfectly intact. Wow, just wow has no one ever seen the hulk when clothes rip they stay ripped... arrggg the amateurish nature of this film is painful.
And with the wish of the dragonballs Goku wishes to bring back to life his Master Roshi who was killed by Piccolo. Yeah that makes sense he brings back the random pervert he knew for 2 weeks instead of his grandfather, who was all the family he had, yeah that makes sense.
Well fortunately after the abortion of a film that was DBE i got to see the glory that is Star Trek.
STAR TREK
warning this will CONTAIN SPOILERS
Since my rant on DBE went a bit long I'll cut this one down a bit, that is of course if anyone is still reading at this point.
Wow this movie was amazing. The cast was great great. Sylar was a perfect Spock and Simon Peg was hilarious, as well as who ever it was that played Chekov. Every character was true to their original self, it was a thing of beauty.
The plot basically was about some angry Romulan workers who travel back in time and mess up the universe. Now what this did was create some large differences between this continuity and the original. In this world Planet Vulcan is destroyed, Kirk's father is dead, oh and yeah there are two Spocks, one being the great Leonard Nimoy.
What this does is create a universe with characters that are so true to their original intent but set up more movies for brand new stories and adventures. I wouldn't be surprised if in one or two sequels we get to see borg. Something that the original story did not have.
So as remakes go these two films are on polar opposite sides of the spectrum. While one was poorly made with lack of faith to the original or any sense of creativity the other went above and beyond to create a truly fantastic piece of cinema.
As I said before these rants are just my opinion please do not take it seriously or with any malice.
Well that's all for now look forward to more posts coming very very shortly.
This post will be short and sweet. I am back. After the long absence of my computer I have it back and thus the posting shall resume in great amount. First up my silly movie review.
Hey everyone finally finished my first pin-up. My galactic temptress who has now become a space pirate. I entitled the piece "X Marks the Spot".
