The Twirling Dragon

"Fadeth Not Away"

2012-01-26T01:46:00.000-08:00

Been internalizing this whole concept of the fall painting. I wanted to go deeper with this one. More personal. This is about how I feel at this point in my life. Also wanted to explore the flat pattern and texture juxtaposed with more rendered flesh. This is rough. Trying to place shape and value more abstractly. The palette is feeling right for the moment. I'll see what Rebecca says.

Next Tuesday is my last day with this mentorship. I have so enjoyed it and have gleaned so much from both Rebecca's expertise and her push to explore new directions with my art. I will truly miss it as well as the weekly contact with the other students. I'll post the last assignment next week after the critique.

Clary Fray...again.

2012-01-24T23:12:00.000-08:00

Trying again with the City of Bones characters. Slightly more realistic. Here's Clary. Again.

TLC Workshops

2012-01-22T16:45:00.000-08:00

My friend Tara L. Chang has begun a new workshop series with some awesome artists. I attended her very first one in November 2011 featuring Greg Manchess. The classes are small, providing some awesome one-on-one teacher/student interaction. I'm really hoping to get to Justin Gerard's if things work out here. I would attend all of them if I could. Seriously, a wonderful lineup of instructors held in a charming artsy village-like setting with fun stores and eateries. I highly recommend it. Click on the link below for more info.

2012 Professional Art Series

Holes Book Cover - Color Application

2012-01-15T21:26:00.000-08:00

Printed the sketch out on watercolor paper after making the critique changes. Mounted it on a panel using acrylic matte medium and then put a transparent gesso on top. Sanded once and then started with washes of gouache. Felt it needed the complement of violet in the sky. I let that dry and then lifted out the lighter areas. Trying out colored pencil on top to pull out highlights and deepen shadows. Experimenting.

Jace and Clary Finals

2012-01-10T23:02:00.000-08:00

Made a few changes here and there with Jace

Needed to make Clary look more frightened (and a tad more trendy).

Jace Wayland Study

2012-01-09T13:48:00.000-08:00

Here's a rough study of Jace Wyland. I'm trying to keep these fairly stylized. Not sure it's working but it's fun to loosen up a bit.

Clary Fray

2012-01-07T16:47:00.000-08:00

Study for a character from City of Bones by Cassandra Clare.

Portrait Sketch

2012-01-05T21:23:00.000-08:00

About every other month, I like to draw something as accurately as I possibly can without the use of tracing, grid or transfer. Just good old fashioned eye-balling. I have many good photographers in the family and this photo was taken by my son, Mike. I love the lighting on her sweet, pensive expression. I worked an hour here, an hour there...taking breaks from my assignments and commissions. I could refine it more but I think I'll leave it the way it is.

New Assignment: Book Cover for "Holes"

2012-01-03T16:13:00.000-08:00

This month, our assignment came from Susan M. Sherman from Charlesbridge Publishing. We have been asked to design a book cover for Louis Sachar's Holes. It should be fresh and graphically strong. I thought it was interesting that she selected a book that was vastly popular as was its movie adaptation.She really challenged us to stretch and think about how to illustrate this story differently.

I began with the lizards because I'm a reptile lover but just couldn't get anything to work right. I tried it with the holes "raining" down on Stanley with a hot desert sun blazing down on him. Didn't read clearly. About 1:00 am, I started doodling after looking at some of the artists that inspire me and came up with this sketch.

Played around with some filters in PS to make him look sort of mirage-like. As an after thought I added the lizard (which I need to redo).

Mentorship Continues- Autumn

2011-12-27T21:44:00.000-08:00

Trying to catch up on blogging. I related that I've started an online mentorship with Rebecca Guay. I meet with her, along with two other students via Skype once a week for 2-2 1/2 hours. We've had assignments each month but we also try to sneak in personal projects that have been sitting around either in our studios or our heads, gathering dust (and cat hair, in my case). Here is one I have posted on before. And here is the typical process one of my amateur sketches goes through under Rebecca's professional hand.

There are other aspects to this painting that have emerged for me since it's conception. It has taken on very personal expression that Rebecca will help me convey. But for now...here is where it started and where it's going.

Fireflies and Moonlight Final

2011-12-26T10:53:00.001-08:00

Not the best photo but it is done.

Blog Award

2011-12-04T13:10:00.001-08:00

First off, I want to thank Carrie at Windsongs and Wordhoards for passing on a Liebster Award. Carrie creates lovely colored pencil drawings and has been posting some awesome work from her young daughter.

SO, here are the rules: this award is to be passed on to five blogs you enjoy, each with fewer than 200 followers. Upon receiving one the idea is to:

1. Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you .
2. Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.
4. Hope that the people you’ve sent the award to forward it to their five favorite bloggers.

Here are my five picks:

Silver Apples of the Moon - Tara L. Chang is a wonderful artist and cook and gardener and music appreciator. She's also organizing some awesome workshops like the Greg Manchess one I recently attended.

Kim Harris Thacker:Writer - Kim is an aspiring writer and is simply full of enthusiasm for story telling. She posts wonderful reviews of books and has some terrific links on her site for other writers who are trying to get their first big break in the publishing world.

Inside the Studio of Rose Dall - Rose is an exquisite artist who has tremendous color sense and strong design skills. Her spiritually based work is infused with emotion and conviction. And that color!! Oh, if I could be so bold.

earth angel art - Amanda Clark has a distinct style that I love. Plus she has wonderful music playing on her blog. I've discovered many new musicians just from visiting. There's a warm feeling I get when I click to her spot on the web.

John Deininger's Illustration - John work is filled with life and personality. He has interested blurbs on his blog as well as W.I.P'.s
SO, there you go. Check them out and thanks again, Carrie for the award.

Assignment for November

2011-12-01T10:30:00.001-08:00

I am woefully behind on blogging. This mentorship has been keeping me very busy. And attending the workshop put me behind (no regrets and if you follow that link, Tara has given a great overview). I've been doing this online class for two months now. The assignment for November was from a guest professional, Rubin Pfeffer. He asked us to produce a rough 32 page book dummy of a story written by Ann Whitford Paul and then develop one of the full page spreads as a sample. The story is titled, "In Animal CIty". I can't disclose any of it since it's copyrighted but I can show you some of the roughs and my final color study for the sample page

New Face on Website

2011-11-16T12:55:00.001-08:00

I have so much to post about. Attended a workshop taught by Greg Manchess. Tara L. Chang organized it and was so kind to let me stay with her. Been trying to catch up on my assignments from my mentorship with Rebecca Guay as well as finish up on the finals for the children's book I'm working on.

But first, I've redone my website. Rebecca went over each of our websites and didn't hold back on what she felt needed to go. So, I've taken her advise and cleaned the whole site up. (That sure takes time). I also redid the home page. This painting of Kvothe probably gets more hits than anything else on my blog. I have also found him in various and sundry place on the web (without credit or permission) and Rebecca said it was time to clarify who drew him and put him out there with my name next to it in BIG LETTERS. I'm also in the process of changing things here on my blog, so stay tuned.

Mentorship Continued

2011-11-05T09:36:00.000-07:00

Final Sketch of Moonlight and Fireflies

Watercolor Applied

Been gone visiting our daughter and her family in Michigan. Weather was pretty dreary but we had a wonderful time. Continuing with the mentorship with Rebecca...the top image is the final sketch. I printed it out on Arches WC paper and applied watercolor in the second image (it's a photo so the colors are slightly skewed). I have now sealed it with acrylic matte medium and will start applying the oils on top of this.

2011-10-31T08:31:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

IMC 2011 Student Work

2011-10-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: Over at Muddy Colors, they just announced a scholarship to attend IMC 2012. Anyone considering attending should submit. Deadline is December 1st.

All the 2011 student's work is now posted on IMC's website. There is some wonderful work there. What I like to see is what some of the students achieved in their piece, after viewing the initial thumbnail in the critique session. It shows how much they learned and gleaned from the teachers during the IMC week.

Unfortunately, I won't be attending next year, but if you are wondering about going, fly on over to James Gurney's blog. He has posted a brief, yet concise synopsis of the week.

Mentorship With Rebecca Guay

2011-10-14T21:49:00.000-07:00

This month, I started a mentorship with Rebecca Guay, along with 5 other students. We meet online every Tuesday for a couple of hours and receive instruction from her on our assignments. I am taking advantage of her expertise by pulling out some projects that frankly have sat in my studio because I didn't know how to move forward on them. I was either lacking skill or confidence or both to take them to completion.

Here is the first one on the pile. I won't go into the background on this one. It is beyond embarrassing how long it has taken. The study above is a combination of sketches I have drawn for it (notice the fairies from an earlier post).

Rebecca took it and moved the moon, made it bigger, taking advantage of its strong design element and pop! For me, that made all the difference. The picture has taken on a more magical feeling already. She tilted the girl back so she doesn't look like she's going to slide down the branch.

She added wings but they were changed to look more subtle. Added some Spanish moss instead of my clunky leaves. Rearranged the fairies.

This is the second week. Mine is above. Rebecca's below. I love how she treated the Spanish moss. Very Kay Nielsen-ish. I also really like how the moon comes through the branches behind her. Worked on value, trying to keep the focus on the girl's face. That's been a challenge with all the little lights and fairies and fireflies.

I'm almost ready to transfer it to the board. Next post.....PAINT! Scary. No, Kim....paint is your friend.

Imagine FX and IMC

2011-10-08T17:11:00.000-07:00

For the past 4 years, ImagineFX has chosen 10 students from IMC to be featured in one of their issues. Not too sure how I got in, but here I am. I knew there was a possibility because the staff writer had sent me some questions about IMC, but you never know if you'll make print. I'm grateful to be featured along with some of the top notch students. My little butterfly girl sort of looks out of place with these more powerful works...yep, a tad anemic. But hey, no complaints. I bought the very last issue at B&N. Due to the Star Wars special, it went super fast.

DONE!

2011-10-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

Had the hardest time photographing this with the galkyd finish but this is the best I have for now. Honestly, I'm so tired of looking and accessing and redoing that I'm sort of numb when I look at it. I feel good about completing a goal but not sure how successful I've been in communicating my feelings through the painting.

Here is the explanation for "Antiphon":
An “Antiphon” is a term used for a “call and response” style of singing. Its application here expresses the spiritual interaction between God and His children through prayer. This antiphonic duet becomes a continual harmonic exchange when both heed the supplication of the other, including God’s call to make known His wondrous “song of redeeming love”. The woman is portrayed both singing as well as listening. With eyes closed, the worldly distractions that would deter her from hearing God’s response are diminished. The stained glass represents the veil separating us from our Creator. The distortion of the glass obscures our vision but God’s light illuminates our paths to truth.

On to the next project.

Nearing The Finish Line

2011-10-02T14:14:00.000-07:00

Haven't posted for some time. Been sort of consumed with this and other projects. After some deep reflection and honest appraisal of my other idea for this, I ended up starting from scratch and doing it using the mediums I feel more confident with. I simplified it too and closed her eyes, hoping, by so doing, I have conveyed the feeling that not only is she singing; she is listening too.
After sketching it out, I put down a layer of matte medium. On top of that I started putting down opaque gouache washes of the general color masses. Then I put down layers of Prismacolor Nupastel, lighting and darkening the shapes. Then on top of that, I started putting in the details in with my old faithful Prismacolors. I have now put down two layers of matte medium and will follow with oil glazes. Must be finished by Thursday.
For some reason, using colors that I can see right before my eyes, removes the "mystery" of color mixing and it's application. I wonder if something is wrong with my brain.

Faerie Sketches

2011-09-18T21:21:00.000-07:00

And two brownies.

Another Illustrator Treasure

2011-09-09T21:47:00.000-07:00

This is Rebecca Dautremer. What originality. Such style. So...French

How I wish I could afford her art book so I could look closer at her technique.

Back Inside the Treasure Trove

2011-09-07T07:51:00.000-07:00

Enough of my amateurish attempts.

Back to the Treasure Trove....this time, some illustrators I've happened upon.

Today's treasure is Svetlin Vassilev. Isn't he wonderful??

Antiphon Continued

2011-09-04T17:52:00.000-07:00

Here is the painting with all the highlights lifted out of the gouache.
Looks kinda wacky but there's something liberating about this. You simply ignore the lines.

Next, you lay down oil glazes, contrasting warm and cool colors.

Lift the oil out. This goes much faster than the gouache phase.
Now on to the opaque part. Finger's crossed.

Antiphone: Take two

2011-09-02T10:56:00.000-07:00

My oil painting was going no where...boring. Zzzzzz. It was not capturing what I wanted to say about that moment in one's life when you become aware of God's presence in your life and the life-long melodic exchange that begins at that pivotal event. Began again after watching a video by Robert Barrett.
Already, I like the life that this approach has infused into my humble attempt at this concept. I should have watered the gouache a tad more but I'm going to continue and see where it takes me.

From the Treasure Trove

2011-08-31T15:33:00.001-07:00

Lotus Lilies

Charles Courtney Curran

Lush. I feel like I'm on the boat with them.

From the Treasure Trove - Jean-Baptiste Monge

2011-08-30T08:54:00.000-07:00

To gaze at Jean's paintings, is to step into another, enchanted world. Meeting him at IMC 2010 was one of those celebrity moments. I have admired his work for so long. I just wish his books were available here in the US. Hopefully, that will come soon.

From the Treasure Trove

2011-08-29T21:23:00.000-07:00

"Lamentation"
Martha Graham
A photograph today. Look at the emotion in every part of her gesture.
I've determine that in my next life, I will be a dancer.
One of my favorite quotes is by her.

“There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, not how it compares with other expression. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open".

From the Treasure Trove

2011-08-28T22:24:00.000-07:00

Beth
by Sergio Martinez
Sergio uses this wonderful technique using both sides of vellum and charcoal, solvents, and Caran d'Ache Neocolor Crayons. He's able to achieve amazing luminosity which I love. But the subtle tones in this portrait are stunning. Such expression.

From the Treasure Trove

2011-08-27T23:46:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Zimmerman

by Rose Frantzen

Antiphon - First Layer of Oil

2011-08-27T16:18:00.000-07:00

Excuse the glare. This is very rough. I'm trying to be aware of temperature changes as the light travels across the planes of the form. I'm also hoping this painting can be less tight. Want to be freer with the application.That's the plan.

From the Treasure Trove

2011-08-26T22:21:00.000-07:00

A Summer Morning
by Rupert Bunny
Delicious high key serenity.

From the Treasure Trove

2011-08-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

The Piano Lesson
by Joseph Roderfer Decamp
The subtle body gesture of the teacher that says VOLUMES, the soft edges and muted tones... an homage to all the piano teachers of beginning students.

Antiphon

2011-08-25T16:41:00.001-07:00

Work up for painting due in Oct. I did the sketch, scanned it in and then played around with different backgrounds and values.

Drew sketch on to gessoed 24"x 30" panel. Will do under painting in acrylic and then apply oils. This is when the sweaty palms commence. Blast!

From the Treasure Trove

2011-08-24T23:22:00.000-07:00

Red Dragonfly
by Chen Yan Ning
Complementary colors never looked so good.

From My Treasure Trove

2011-08-23T23:28:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite Jeffrey Jones who died earlier this year. SO, so lovely.

Random Visual Treasure

2011-08-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

Woman in the Wilderness
Alphonse Mucha
While working on these deadlines, I'm going to post a random picture I have in my inspirational treasure file. I gather these to simply gaze at, learn from, aspire to. I've responded to them for one reason or another. . . enough to want to have access to them on my computer. So here goes...first up...Woman in the Wilderness by Alphonse Mucha (yes, THAT Mucha).
Look at the bleakness, the despair...the acceptance of eminent death. You have to really look for the wolves but there they are on the left...in no hurry. They know they have her. Wow.

Hobbity Sketches

2011-08-16T19:59:00.000-07:00

BOFUR

I added another layer of oil. I'm using Holbein's water soluble oils with their fast drying medium as well as linseed oil. These are so much better than the other brand (Winsor and Newton). Much closer to regular oils. Still not done but will get back to her in about a month.

BOMBUR

I have a big project deadline so I have to put these experiments aside. Have done alot of sketches but these two dwarfs from The Hobbit movie were fun to do because their distinctive faces. I don't think I will ever keep these 13 guys straight.

Progress

2011-08-07T00:32:00.000-07:00

A Greater Journey

2011-08-06T19:45:00.000-07:00

I've been listening to a wonderful book by David McCullough, entitled,
The Greater Journey, Americans in Paris.
(Yes, I do read non-fiction occasionally)

Seriously, it is one of the best books on art history I've read in a long time. Give is a try and see what you think.

Another Experiment

2011-08-02T10:18:00.001-07:00

This is ready for a layer of Galkyd, but will try a layer of slightly yellowed acrylic matte medium. It's not shiny and safer to breathe. I'll then follow with oils.

Fall Books

2011-07-30T20:31:00.000-07:00

I'm going to insert a post on some books I'm looking forward to this fall since it seems to be the time many anticipated sequels and such hit the shelves. It's a rather random list but here goes.

I have a love of junior fiction. When I worked at the library, I was usually the go to person if an adolescent boy came in looking for something good to read. Kenneth Oppel's Airborn series is one my favorites. Right up there with Ranger's Apprentice and Artemis Fowl only full of fun steampunkery. He has a new novel coming out next month that has me chomping at the bit to read. Until now, I had no idea it was being made into a movie either. It's called" This Dark Endeavor" and it's about Victor Frankenstein. Has me intrigued. August 23rd.
"A Flight of Angels". Illustrated by Rebecca Guay with short stories by Holly Black and others. It's a graphic novel. After seeing the original images for this book at IMC, I was sold. November 8th.
I really enjoyed "I Am Number Four" and so am looking forward to it's sequel, "The Power of Six" by Pittacus Lore coming out August 23rd.
Maggie Stiefvater never disappoints. Love her voice and quirkiness. "The Scorpio Races" comes out October 18th.
I know...it has the trendy one word title and there's the typical maniped photo for the cover but come on, she's a dragon....sort of. Draki to be exact. I liked the first, Firelight, though it was rather Twilightesque. But...there's dragons! The sequel, "Vanish", comes out Sept. 6th.

[I'm the only one in my family who hasn't read "Matched" by Allie Condie, but "Crossed" comes out Nov. 1st.]
I love Brandon Sanderson's writing. When I pick up one of his books, I'm guaranteed a good, original read. I loved his Mistborn series so when I saw this, "The Alloy of Law" I did a happy dance.
Okay, this is horror. Yep. But it's horror with fantastic writing and wonderful characters. Will Henry's apprenticeship continues in this third book, "The Isle Of Blood" on Sept. 13th.
Yes, I love dragons. I especially love it when humans and dragons work together. I loved Christopher Paolini's "Eragon". I own one of the self-published copies and have met Chris a few times. There was something about his first book that captured me. The subsequent books in the series haven't grabbed me in the same way but there's still enough magic there that I want to see the series to the end. "Inheritance" comes out Nov. 8th.
Scott Westerfeld's "Goliath" is the third in a great series. Inventive, steampunky, alternative history with two engaging characters. Sept. 20th.
SO HAPPY THIS IS BEING REPRINTED!!! This is a must have book for any artist. His figure drawing book was reprinted this spring and this one is following on Oct. 10th.
Laini Taylor is a delight. Her new book, "Daughter of Smoke and Bone" sounds so unusual and given her powerful style of writing, I'm confident it will be a winner. Sept. 27th.

Another graphic novel pairing Rebecca Guay with none other than Jane Yolan. "The Last Dragon" comes out Oct. 11th. And yes....it has dragons.

Well, that's a very incomplete list. Have any suggestions I need to add?

Technique Experiment.

2011-07-26T19:35:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights at IMC was sitting down with Rebecca Guay and watching her work her magical technique from start to finish. It was one of the first things I wanted to try when I returned home. Though she began with a photo of her daughter, I figured it would work just as well on a sketch. So I pulled out this sketch and began.

In Photoshop, I built up light layers of color, keeping them fairly muted. After that, I "ghosted" the image with a layer of white and printed it out on a 13"x 19" sheet of watercolor paper. (This is darkened so you can see it better).

Next I wet down the paper and taped it to my board. After allowing it to dry completely, I applied a coat of acrylic matte medium. On top of this I started painting with Holbein's acryla gouache. Though the colors are opaque, you can water them down to a watercolor transparent-like consistency. I also strengthened the lines with a brown Verithin pencil.

This painting obviously went through many changes. Tried a couple different backgrounds, hair shapes and skies. After I thought it was ready, I photographed it and the problems were glaringly there before me. First, the weight of the trees in the background was too heavy on the right as well as crowding the bird.

Next was the sternomastoid (circled above...no, it's not a giant earring). Way too severe. Edges way too hard. So I softened it and will soften it some more with the oil layer.

I know there are other minor things wrong, but I decided to commit and move forward.

(This is an experiment after all).

Next, I put a layer of Galkyd on it. This warms up the colors with it's clear amber hue and seals the paint underneath. Once it dries, I will begin the transparent oil glazes on top.

Rebecca made this all look so easy when she demonstrated it. She uses watermarks to her advantage and wields her brush with such a deft hand. I have too many layers of paint on this, losing much of the transparent look she achieves with her work. But it's a start.

IMC Report - The Assignment

2011-07-15T20:21:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, my daughter and her son returned to faraway and with heavy heart, I ventured down to the studio to unearth all my IMC trappings. As Fate would have it, the day before she left, an email from Rebecca Guay announced that our assignments from IMC were due at midnight on Thursday if we wanted to be considered for ImagineFx's article. (Each year, they select 5-10 IMC students to be highlighted in their awesome magazine). Needless to say, I was facing an all-nighter if I was going to finish. As I have posted before, the assignments were divided into three catagories: fantasy, comics, and children's books. I picked the latter. I chose to do a page from an idea I've had floating around about children's blankets and all the things kids do with them with their imagination. My illustration is about the blanket becoming butterfly wings.

I began with thumbnails and selected this one.

Developed it further and reversed it.

Here's the development of the little piggie.

Reworked some more, especially the little girl and here is my final sketch. I darken it here but when I printed it out on watercolor paper, I put a ghost layer over it in Photoshop to lighten the pencil.

First and second wash of watercolor.

Third and final pass on assignment. This was as far as I got at IMC. I felt like I was losing something in her expression (especially her eyes). The initial color on her wings was too dark and I discovered that Lanaquelle wc paper doesn't allow for the lifting of color too well. I figured I would start over at home, although I was fairly pleased with the flowers.

But I didn't get a chance to begin again. I tried to fix the major problems. Added more watercolor throughout and then started with the colored pencils on top of that.

And, the final piece.

IMC Report - The Students

2011-07-07T10:22:00.001-07:00

Now on to the students. My hope in posting this isn't to include everyone's work. It's to show that the students at IMC are at all levels with a myriad of approaches to their work. There are some students that are so good they could be one of the instructors (hello, Justin Gerard). But most of us are simply people who love art and are trying to further our knowledge of the craft and decided to take the risk and justify the expense to come to this incredible workshop, known as IMC.

Charles Santoso

April Solomon

This is Sue Cornelison. She was one of the few students who finished and began a second.

The awesome Tara L. Chang with her ill-mannered trolls. Check out her blog for some wonderful coverage of this year's IMC.

This is Vicki Sheridan, a lovely woman from my native state (CA) talking with Irene Gallo.

We stay in dorms (Morris Pratt) the whole week. Simple living. I try to get on the third or fourth floor so I can get some exercise climbing the stairs a couple times a day. I admit, at the wee hours of the morning, I drag myself up them.

Here are some of the other assignments. Just two of my favorites. Bree Haxell from Australia (above) and Jonny Duddle from the UK (below).

Another Brit: Aly Fell.

One of Rebecca's lovely assistants, Julia.

This is Tony Palumbo, an IMC 4 timer

Here is Tara talking with Klaus (sorry, couldn't find the last name). He came all the way from Denmark.

Jada's whimsical piece.

This is Jada Rowland, already an established children's book illustrator and an absolute delight. (so sorry about your faerie)

Ev Shipard from down under.

Funny Mark Helwig. He created this dragon maquette to help him with his painting.

Garrett's piece.

IMC definitely exposes you to many, wonderful people. I didn't know any of these good folks until this year, but something pulls us together the very first night as we dine at this awesome restaurant called Jodie's. The smiling mug in the front is the youngest guy attending, Garrett Bouslough. Fresh out of high school, but he came. So whether you are in your teens or looking at 60, IMC provides an overall awesome, artistic experience, no matter what your level.

And yes....we have a lot of fun too.

John Deininger taking flight.

(wings by Renae Taylor)

IMC Report -The Teachers

2011-06-30T21:13:00.001-07:00

Finally posting about IMC 2011. Rather than break this down day by day, I will summarize with a post on the teachers, then the students, and finally, the assignment. So here goes:

The League of Extraordinary Artists

IMC 2011 Faculty

This is the last day...teachers are as exhausted as the students. Starting from the right and working back, Dan Dos Santos, Donato Giancola, Boris Vallejo, Julie Bell, Adam Rex, Scott Allie, Scott Fischer, Greg Manchess, Irene Gallo, Jeff Mack, Rebecca Guay, and Iain McCaig.

Here's Rebecca, working on her demo. Her lecture about creating an emotional impact with your painting was a highlight for me. Always ask yourself, "what's your point". "If you don't know what emotion you want to convey in your work, your viewer will feel....NOTHING".

I didn't interact with Jeff Mack much on a one on one level. That's okay. You tend to gravitate to those teachers you feel a connection with. I love this painting of Jeff''s and he was a tremendous help with those students who had a book dummy with them.

Iain McCaig did a spontaneous watercolor demo at midnight during the week. Using two of our UK students, he came up with this version of Gandalf. He gets these wonderful colors using only two colors, ultramarine and Indian red. He didn't get to finish it but from what I understand, you apply transparent glazes to either warm or cool the planes of the face.

Didn't get to see a whole lot of Scott Fischer but his lecture(s) were very informative. He's such an imaginative and versatile artist. Just a few points he stressed: Understanding connective lines in your drawing. Utilizing computer along with traditional, such as scanning in a sliced cabbage for awesome texture in a ruffly sleeve on a woman. Also talked about having ownership of your painting.

Here's Irene Gallo, the Art Director at Tor.

"Be in control of your style"; "Label your images online...embed your name"; "She hires artists to think for her. Not the other way around".

This guy with the wacky ringlets (all natural) is Scott Allie. He was the comic book artist and though I didn't have any one on one interaction with him, he was extremely helpful to those who selected that assignment. His lecture was very informative, especially about the importance of "tracking" throughout the page with an object or color.

Here's Dave Palumbo (helped with the portfolio review with Night Shade AD) along with Greg Manchess. Greg presented his "Talent is Crud" lecture and as usual, wowed us with his "secret" painting demo. Always so motivating and positive. "Thumbnails...do more than you need. Overlap something. Don't hesitate to show your influences in your work"

This is Peter de Seve at the bottom of the stairs. Hilarious lecture and slightly evasive afterwards. There were a lucky few who got sketches in their books by Peter.

The very energetic, Mo Willem. Even Trixie was there from "Knuffle Bunny". His lecture had so much info and I forgot my sketchbook. I gave up trying to write on a grocery receipt from my purse. Waiting for my friend (hi Tara) to pass them on to me. I did learn how to draw a pigeon with sound effects.

Julie Bell and Boris Vallejo were there and I regret that I missed their lecture, which was fantastic from all reports.

Donato Giancola's Joan of Arc. His work ethic is so exemplary. "Do it well until you get it right. No matter who your client is, knock them dead with the quality of your work".

Here's our critique group (Julie, Greg, Rebecca, and Iain) having too much fun while we're shaking in our shoes.

Here's James Gurney. He presented two lectures. One on Color and Light and the other on Composition which concentrated on how people actually look at pictures. He encouraged us to "invite and delight, be clear of intentions, and write down the word you want to convey".

Dan Dos Santos's Wheel of Time painting.

Dan: "Have clear goals. Without a specific destination, you will waste a lot of time taking detours. Being passionate is critical to success"

Adam Rex....funny man. His lecture was so entertaining, as well as touching. His reasons for illustrating children's books was so tender. Plus he GAVE me one of his books, "Pssst!" which is quickly becoming a new favorite here with the grandkids. Watching him paint this octopus was mind blowing. It went from flat paint to 3-D-about-to-jump-off-paper-it's-so-alive. The painting is from a book he is illustrating for Neil Gaiman. Adam read my story (gulp) and gave me some great advise (start over) and helpful suggestions.

How, oh how do I try to condense this man...Iain McCaig? Gave two lectures. Basic Drawing and then Storyboarding 101 where he gave us the 7 Deadly Skills. He compared art to any language we must first learn through copying. (I've often compared this process to that of the language of music). He talked alot about living in your drawing. Living the story. During my critique he talked about the rhythm of my drawing and the problem of breaking that rhythm with her legs. He fixed the issue so quickly with a few strokes of his pencil. He also did a spontaneous Creature demo that I missed. This man doesn't stop. EN ER GY! and he really liked my flying pig.

So there you have it. Little tidbits from each teacher. Next: The Students.

IMC Report

2011-06-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

Well obviously I didn't get very far with my documentation of IMC. I managed to make it to day 3 and then dropped off. You simply get so carried away with the instruction and networking and socializing, as well as painting that there's not a drop of energy left to do anything else but drag your tired carcass back to the dorms and grab a few hours of sleep before the next day. I will attempt to relay all that was IMC this week. I'm still recovering and adjusting to regular life. For now I will post the drawing I did for the interior of Rebecca Guay's sketchbook as a thank you for all her efforts in creating and producing this wonderful week of instruction. The students gave each of the faculty a personalized moleskin/sketchbook and then Tara Chang who organized the gifts, asked certain students to draw a picture on the front page. I was both honored and intimidated to do Rebecca's. She seemed to be happy with it. This is her daughter.

IMC 2011 - Day 3

2011-06-13T22:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm not too sure where day 2 went, but it's gone and it's almost day 4. So let me squeeze day 3 in before I forget what my name is. Yesterday was spent making the corrections on our sketches after the critique. The teachers are available to offer guidance on your piece. Sometimes, you get conflicting comments from the teachers but it's all good advise. In the end, it's up to you but I've usually gone with most of the suggestions since, well... they are the professionals. Here is my revised sketch.
I printed it out on 140 lb. Lana watercolor paper. Have wet it down and stretched and taped it. It will be ready come the morning.
Mo Willem gave a hilarious lecture today, plus he had some fantastic advise on writing children's books. This man understands the mind of a child. James Gurney delivered his fantastic lecture on Color and Light. But the highlight for me was Peter de Seve. Great speaker. So funny. His art truly speaks to me. I got the giggles so badly looking at his process and work. Tomorrow, James Gurney will deliver a lecture on composition. I'll post some pictures tomorrow.

IMC 2011- Day 1

2011-06-10T22:31:00.000-07:00

UGH! This hasn't started out ideally. Having delayed flights throughout the day put me at the hotel in Hartford about 3:00 am. Got up and shuttled to Amherst with a fine group of fellow students with Steph at the wheel. Checked in early then walked and explored stores in the area. Ate a wonderful Beet Salad at Jodie's. Been working on this assignment in preparation for the critique tomorrow...well, technically, today. (My body has no idea what time it is).
I didn't allow enough room on my vellum and need to allow for more space around the girl. But you get the idea. I also put in a little sidekick...a stuffed pig for her to share adventures with and for children to find on each page. I'm done for now....come here fluffy pillow. Time for Dreamland.

IMC 2011

2011-06-07T19:33:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like you are trying to spin too many plates? How I wish I had another week to work on this but such is life.

I reworked this to face the other direction. I read that with children's books you should try to keep the movement within the page working toward the right so that the viewer will want to keep turning the pages. I've worked on the study for the little girl and think I have her the way I want. I've also posted her wrapped as the cocoon.

Portrait Commission

2011-06-02T20:39:00.001-07:00

This is a commission I've been working on, along with my assignment for IMC. The client only had access to three old photos of this man so I was worried about coming up with a likeness that was accurate. I hope she will be happy with it.

And Yet Another Try

2011-05-30T11:53:00.000-07:00

I keep going from page to page, hoping something will feel "right" to develop more throughly for my assignment for IMC. I'm liking this one the best so far. I've included the text from the page.

This is just a very rough work up of her wings. I will continue adding the fabric patterns and colors throughout her wings to match her Doo-dah.

Taken out of context, it probably doesn't make much sense. On the preceding page, the little girl in the story has taken a nap wrapped up tight in her "Doo-dah" which becomes a cocoon in her imagination.

I must have slept a little bit.

I wake from caterpillar dreams.

Doo-dah's magic has worked it's spell;

I now have butterfly wings!

And Finally...#15!

2011-05-27T23:48:00.000-07:00

Our youngest daughter gave birth to her first baby today (the 27th)...a little girl.

All is well. So thankful. Life is good.

Elsa Jane. 6# 7oz

Daddy and daughter getting acquainted.

Auntie Audrey with her younger sister.

She took some beautiful photos I hope to post in the future.

Another Angle

2011-05-27T22:38:00.000-07:00

This children's book concept for IMC is about a little girl and her special blanket and all the wonderful things it becomes to her in her imagination. Here is another angle with her looking into a mirror and seeing herself with long flowing locks. What we see is her with the blanket over her shoulder but in the mirror I will portray her how she sees herself in her imagination....a princess in a castle sitting on a throne.

Magic Doo-dah Carpet

2011-05-26T20:11:00.000-07:00

Still working.

Another Attempt

2011-05-25T11:06:00.001-07:00

Trying to get her younger looking. Added bigger bows. Switched a few things up. Will keep at it.

IMC 2011

2011-05-23T20:38:00.001-07:00

This will be my 4th return to the Illustration Master Class held on the Amherst College campus in MA. This year, it has been organized slightly different from previous years. Like in the past, we are given the choice of assignments but this time we have to let them know which one so that the studios and faculty can be organized accordingly. This year, along with the fantastic lineup of core faculty, they have added Adam Rex and Jeff Mack as children's book instructors, as well as the return of James Gurney for a day, plus Mo Willem and Peter de Seve. Of course, along with these greats, Iain Mc Caig and Scott Allie will top off the fantasy/comic book instructors.

I've chosen the children's book assignment...in a way. I won't be using the title they suggested but bring a project I've had on the back burner for about 5 years. It's a perfect opportunity to develop the idea further and get professional advise on both the artwork and the story. I've been trying to develop a style for this book....somewhere between realistic and illustrative, captivating life and energy of my subject. Here is my first attempt. I think I need to work on making her look younger, but I'm somewhat happy with her character. I think I might leave the oils home this time too and use my trusty watercolors and colored pencils. My title for the book is:

"My Magic Doo-dah"

Ain't No Sunshine

2011-05-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

Drip, drip, drip little April showers have turned to hail and snow in May. When will spring have it's day? I'm determined to shed some warmth on the web with a revised blog in a yellow palette. Anything but grey. Take that rain clouds!

Joaquin Sorolla

Childe Hassam

Frank Weston Benson

Birds in the Belfry

2011-05-19T16:47:00.000-07:00

Note to husband: You know #3 on that Honey-do list? Yeah, the one about putting a cover on the outside heater air vent? Well, I think it's too late. If you listen carefully, you can hear a family of baby birds chirping away in the ceiling (or floor depending on where you are in the house) and while the sound is very naturesque, it's driving the cats nuts. (Plus, I hate to think what that vent will look like after the summer is over). Sigh...maybe next year.

I Am Number Four

2011-05-16T22:01:00.001-07:00

UPDATE: She's home and has a name!

Macie June

Our son and his wife had their fourth child, a new daughter today. Born on the same day as their first, only 8 years later. She is 8# 4 oz. Grandchild #14.

Until they decide on a name, she is:

I am Number Four

Welcome to the world #4.

We are so grateful to have you here.

Final Curtain Call

2011-05-15T17:32:00.001-07:00

Well, yesterday was the last performance of "The King and I" and last night we ended with a cast party. Though I will miss seeing everyone involved, we are all ready to move forward with life. The musical was successful on so many levels but on the top of the list for me was getting to know so many new and talented people in the community.

For me, the Uncle Tom's Cabin dance sequence was the highlight of the show.

Here is the makeup for the "bloodhounds".

This is the part when the angel is sent from Buddha and is blowing on the river to make it freeze. You can see the backdrop alittle bit in this one.

The King and Anna

"Buddha has called out the sun"!

Topsy

Now I look forward to two new granddaughters who are due to be born in the next two weeks and preparing for IMC. This year, I've chosen to do the children's book assignment. I'll have more on that in a later post.

Still Alive. Just Detained

2011-05-04T23:49:00.001-07:00

I'm not dead. Just busy painting the backdrop for a musical production of "The King and I". It's the biggest thing I've ever done. Bigger than the Death Star. 44 x 16 FEET!! What was I thinking? Should be done this Friday and hopefully, the Force will be with me once again and I can get back to painting normal sized stuff.

Finally!

2011-04-12T13:58:00.000-07:00

I can't even remember how long I've had to keep this silent but it's been at least a year. I was contacted by the folks at Hanchett Book Group to submit some of my fanart from the Twilight series. I had to sign a non-disclosure contract because this was super secret. Well, The Twilight Saga: The Official Illustrated Guide came out today and two of my drawings made it in...I think. I still haven't seen a copy but my book is on it's way. I was so surprised to be contacted in the first place and again, fan art has proven to be a good luck charm for me.

Reoccurring Themes or Ditto Drawing

2011-04-04T09:49:00.000-07:00

Had a strange drawing experience this weekend. Was refining my Autumn sketch (yet again), just letting it unfold and not thinking too much about why I was inserting different things. When I stood back and looked at it I felt this jolt. I had just drawn the exact pose I had used in another painting I did back in 2008, not to mention a past Christmas card. Completely different subject matter but the same position as well as a bird. What's that all about??

My friend Tara asked if there was something significant about the bird. There is something about holding something so fragile and that something so timid trusting you enough to remain. But the reason I put the bird in this painting is to suggest the need to leave nests behind and fly to safer harbors before the earth is blanketed in winter's cold.

Guess it's best not to over analyze but I am curious if anyone else has experienced this.

Almost Finished

2011-03-29T10:37:00.001-07:00

Need to fix a few things here and there. Paint in hair strands. a few eyelets in fabric. I think the likeness is there for the most part.

Progress in Oil

2011-03-23T19:35:00.000-07:00

Trying to paint on a linen board. It soaks up the paint way more than I'm used to. Not sure I like that. If anyone's wondering, that's a shadow coming across her face. Looking pretty harsh at the moment...none too subtle. The paint is not pliable at all on this surface. I keep repeating my motto....this is all about learning.

Here's the progress on the face and background.. Got the ribbon in too.

Grisaille Approach - Part Deux

2011-03-19T16:51:00.000-07:00

Here's the first swipe of oil. I'm trying to use glazes and then work in opaques on the lit side of the picture. I like the fact that the values are already in place because of the under painting and show through the transparent shadowed areas.

Frankly, I don't know what I'm doing but it is fun and I'm not going to worry about making mistakes. This is about learning. At least, that's what I'm telling myself.

Grisaille Approach

2011-03-16T12:38:00.000-07:00

The other day on Facebook, artist David Gray showed several pictures of a painting in progress using the the grisaille method for a under painting using various shades of value mixed with raw umber and white. Yesterday, using a photo of another one of my granddaughters I tried this method. It's sort of like sketching with your brush and it took me awhile to get the hang of it. I will wait for this to dry and then start painting on top.

Sketch Painted

2011-03-16T12:30:00.001-07:00

Miss Olivia Mae

In an earlier post I talked about Melissa Peck and how much I love her work. I asked her permission to play around with her style for portraits of my grandchildren. Here is the sketch from a few days ago painted in oil on panel. I still have a few things to go in and fix.

Sketch

2011-03-14T09:43:00.001-07:00

Wise Man's Fear

2011-03-01T00:51:00.000-08:00

Well, it's March 1st and with two jobs due this week, I can't finish this as planned. Did work more on it and began painting it in Photoshop, but just barely.

The worst part will be staring at the book from across the room, while it taunts me to come and read. No can do until commissions are done.

Countdown to Kvothe

2011-02-26T17:11:00.000-08:00

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss took me by surprise. I didn't know what to expect. Orson Scott Card had given it a huge thumbs up and I was going on his review of the book when I invested in the hardback. Rothfuss had me under his spell with the prologue. Loved the book and like many of his fans, have patiently waited for the sequel. Well, it's almost here. March 1st, Kvothe's saga continues with Wise Man's Fear. This is good storytelling, folks. Great storytelling. Even my sister, who doesn't read fantasy, liked the book well enough to pre-order the sequel. My Austin-loving daughter liked it. Now there's an endorsement for you.

Someday, I hope I can meet Mr. Rothfuss. His book signing tour isn't coming here (no surprise) but I was able to secure a signed copy. Yeah...I'm excited. I'm going to savor every page.

During my "sketch time', in-between the deadlines, I've been doing some fanart, attempting a sort of movie poster version with Kvothe being larger....we'll see if I can make it work. Bast isn't new (lower right-hand corner), but my take on Denna and an older Kvothe is. I've done a younger Kvothe (see above). Thought he should grow up a bit. Goal: have this done by 3-1.

Cinderella WIP

2011-02-23T11:21:00.000-08:00

We have two weeks left before concluding our Fantasy Art Class. I will need that if I'm to finish my assignment in time along with the kids. Here is the first layer of watercolor on Cinder. And yes, I know it looks like she has a "Got Milk?" mustache.

Trek Logo

2011-02-22T19:54:00.001-08:00

Woo-Who! Two posts in one day. This is the first of two logos I've been working on. This is a basic silhouette variety for a Pioneer Handcart Trek. The lettering has yet to be done on the flag and such, but here's the basic logo design.

Horace and Newt Update

2011-02-22T19:48:00.000-08:00

These photos are a little blurry but they show the progress on Newt and Horace. Still have more to do.

Costume Links

2011-02-16T09:50:00.000-08:00

In my search for costume ideas I've come across some awesome sites for anyone out there looking for reference.

http://www.tirelli-costumi.com/en/

http://enchantedserenityperiodfilms.blogspot.com/p/fashion.html

http://demodecouture.com/cinema-overview/

ENJOY!

Fantasy Art Class

2011-02-13T21:43:00.000-08:00

Last year, my oldest daughter asked if I would help her teach an after school Fantasy Art Class to 5th and 6th graders at the charter school nearly all my grandchildren attend. We had fun, even though I felt under-qualified to teach. The kids seemed to enjoy it though and asked for it again this year. Surprisingly, last year the kids had a hard time coming up with an idea for their painting so this year we gave them assignments, all in the fantasy genre. We had 5 ideas for an illustration that they could pick from. I'm really happy with what they have come up with.

We teach them about the importance of thumbnails and that's been the hardest concept to get across...especially the girls who can't wait to put in all the frilly details. Think shape, value, gesture....NO DETAIL!! We then have them decide on their favorite thumbnail, develop it and find photo reference to help them. My daughter and I have each chosen one of the assignments along with them and I took the opportunity to develop my Cinderella sketch further. Here is my developed sketch that is ready for more refining. Because of the fur on the cloak, I want to add more Russian influences in her surroundings and dress. I'll post the progress as we start putting down paint this week.

Newt and Horace

2011-01-26T10:42:00.000-08:00

Newt and Horace are two characters I've had in my head for some time. Trying to develop them in my daily hour of personal project time. Slow going.