Don Wood: Illustrator and Fine Artist

2012-02-06T19:10:00.000-08:00

Sketches 2/6/12

This is actually my first post of this year. Oops. Enjoy a few sketches I did tonight.

Autumn Watercolor/ pencil sketch

2011-10-29T10:52:00.000-07:00

A few weeks back we went hiking at a nature preserve outside of the city; here's a sketch and a small watercolor piece that came from that outing.

Scenes From The Sketchbook 10/10/11

2011-10-10T19:30:00.000-07:00

I have said it many times that I sometimes love working on the roughs of pages more than the actual finished page. This is fun and helpful in working out problems, but sometimes it can be an excuse to never finish a project ( or start it!).

Here's a selection of sketches from the last few days. The thumbnail pages on the top are done on 4x6 blank index cards, and the rest are from 9x12 sketchbook.

Recent Sketches " Shade/ Mephisto and Obsessive Heart characters

2011-08-29T18:48:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted much, but I have been sketching away. Here's a buncha faces looking back atcha!

Mephisto, Shade (kind of on a kick with this character lately) and some warm-up sketches I thought were pretty cool.

Shade The Changing Man

2011-08-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

I've always been a big Ditko fan; and oddly enough I've not drawn too many of his odder character creations. This is a more modern version of Shade, the 90's Vertigo version,which I thought was a great series.

Any way, here's a quick pencil sketch of Shade The Changing Man.

Crusher Creel

2011-07-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

I have always liked the Marvel villain The Absorbing Man. He went toe to toe with Thor, The Hulk and the Avengers. One of my favorite Avengers stories is one by Roger Stern and John Byrne. All Creel wants to do is escape and find some peace and the Avengers thwart him at every turn. "Damn you eyes!" he cried. Always stuck with me. Great character, will probably revisit it later and make a full blown piece of art with Creel.

Darkseid just thrown in for good measure. All sketches done with Noodler's Ink.

Batman Sketch

2011-07-16T15:26:00.000-07:00

Cheri gave me a bottle of Noodler's Ink and I did some sketching with ink and brush today. I like it so far. Rich and black and delutes well w/ water to make nice, flowing washes. A+!

Watercolor Landscape Painting 7/2

2011-07-02T10:31:00.000-07:00

It has been wayyyy too long since I painted a landscape painting. Been focusing too much on one aspect of my art lately. Trying to keep in mind what my Fundamental's teacher at the Academy said constantly, cheesy as it was, it was true "variety is the spice of life and the spice of the artist".

Watercolor Sketchs/ Dr Strange & Invisible Choir's David

2011-07-02T08:27:00.000-07:00

We went toDick Blick the other day and found a bonus buy on some 4x5 watercolor sheets in a 25 pack. About 10 cents apiece when it's all said and down. So I wanted to play around and see how the paper held up. Not bad.

Dr. Strange is done on cold press and that other character is done on hot press.

Sketch Bonanza!

2011-05-31T19:27:00.000-07:00

Just a buncha scribbles in Manga Studio. I like the pen and pencil tools.

Tapeworm!

2011-05-31T18:36:00.000-07:00

In a time when all the heroes took all the cool names and claimed the nifty powers, a hero is realized. The Tapeworm! Fueled and led on adventures by the Mysterious Clam the Tapeworm is ready for adventure. He's ready for life. And a hot meal.

( This image was done with Manga Studio in mere minutes)

B & W sketches 5/30

2011-05-30T09:18:00.000-07:00

Some Obsessive Heart character sketches done in Manga studio.

Sketches 5/3

2011-05-03T19:08:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I posted anything here. Here are some warm-up pencil sketches from Obsessive Heart.

Quick Joker Sketch

2011-04-03T10:09:00.001-07:00

Done in Manga Studio

C2E2 2011/ Artist Alley

2011-03-17T06:12:00.000-07:00

I will be in artist alley at C2e2, the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo at McCormick Place March 18-20. My table is D9. I will be sharing a table with Chicago artist and fellow American Academy of Art alum, Kyle Bice.

I will be selling all my self-published books( One Man Show, Pipin' Hot Sampler and Obsessive Heart; Preludes) at half-price all weekend. And I will have 5x7 watercolor sketch cards, pencil sketch sketch cards and b&w ink sketch cards all for ten bucks each. I will also be taking commission requests.

Come check out C2e2 in it's sophomore year here in Chicago and drop by to say hi and chat a bit!

The Goon Watercolor Sketchcard

2011-03-16T17:51:00.000-07:00

I really like Eric Powell's "The Goon". It's one of those rare comics that has it all; humor, drama, great storyline and characterization. And amazing artwork and imagery! Here's my version of the Goon pummeling a zombie.

Watercolor Sketchcards-Daniel from Sandman/Batman

2011-03-15T18:02:00.001-07:00

Some more 5x7 watercolor sketches for C2e2.

Elric Sketch

2011-03-15T14:05:00.000-07:00

Just a quick 5 min doodle of The White Wolf using Manga Studio.

Watercolor Sketchcards

2011-03-14T19:23:00.000-07:00

As I ready for C2e2, the Chicago comic and entertainment convention this weekend I am doing a slew of 5x7 sketchcards of popular heroes and villains. Here's a handful of cards I've done the lastfew days.

Sketches of the day- Spirit and Moon Knight

2011-03-08T18:17:00.000-08:00

A couple of familiar characters, The Spirit and Moon Knight. 5x7 sketchcards

More sketches...2/27

2011-02-27T13:35:00.000-08:00

Sketches for a scene in Obsessive Heart. Daddy's got troubles and finds the tools to deal with them...

Sketchcards-Mysterio and Merv Pumpkinhead

2011-02-27T10:48:00.000-08:00

I'm working on 5x7 sketchcards for C2e2, an upcoming convention here in Chicago. Here's a couple examples of what will be available for purchase at my table.

Joker warm-up sketch

2011-02-27T09:19:00.000-08:00

A warm-up sketch in Manga Studio using the pencil tool.

Daily Sketch Pt 3 Batman

2011-02-22T19:03:00.000-08:00

A quick sketch of Batman in Manga Studio

Daily Sketch Pt 2 Lackluster World's Farenheit

2011-02-22T18:34:00.001-08:00

This is another sketch done in Manga Studio. It's a character from my friend, Eric Adams' comic book Lackluster World. Just having a little fun.

If you get a chance check out LL at http://www.lacklusterworld.com/ . Great comic!

Daily Sketch pt. 1 The Wanderer.

2011-02-22T18:26:00.000-08:00

Here's another character I created when I was a teen. I called him The Wanderer, he was a Dr Strange or Phantom Stranger type character. I did a lot of walking and daydreaming and felt disconnected from the world back then, and he being my main character , I filtered those attributes through him.

This sketch was done in Manga Studio.

Death Warrant

2011-02-21T19:04:00.000-08:00

This is a character that I created in Jr High named Death Warrant. I drew him a lot, yet I don't recall any specific storyline. I have wasted a few braincells since then, so who knows there may have been an epic story that avoids recollection. Oh well, it was fun to revisit the old character( thanks to Dave S. for the suggestion!)

2/19 Today's Sketch-Darkseid

2011-02-19T12:33:00.000-08:00

Sketch of day returns

2011-02-17T17:59:00.000-08:00

I am restarting my commitment to posting a sketch of the day again. Here's a sketch I did for Nicholas P Myers' forthcoming trade collection of his webcomic " The Precarious Adventures of Newton Von Brisby. " I suggest checking it out online, it's a fun read. http://www.anacomics.com/

Virgil from "Harijan"

2011-02-13T13:31:00.001-08:00

Before I started on the finished pin-up for Harijan, I started with a piece with another character, Virgil. I do like the sketch, but the character in the book is much younger than I drew him.

Harijan Pin-up

2011-02-13T12:25:00.000-08:00

This is a pin-up I just finished for Nicholas Myer's forthcoming TPB collection of his self-published comic book, "Harijan". You can check out Nick's work at this link http://www.anacomics.com/ or check out his blog http://floatingislandstudios.blogspot.com/ . Harijan single issues are available at indyplanet.com

Creepy kid sketch

2011-02-12T14:45:00.000-08:00

I'm walking the dog this afternoon and this creepy teenage kid was walking down the block with a chunk of ice. Nana, our dog, get's excited and barky whenever anyone passes. She sounds like a beast, but really just wants to play. This kid wouldn't pass even though I had a tight rein on the pup. This was what he had to say. Creepy fucking kid. I told him to piss off and he wandered off with his slab of snow. Parents must be real proud of junior.

Mysterio and Spidey Manga Studio Sketch

2011-02-12T13:51:00.000-08:00

More Manga Studio fun...

Playing in Manga Studio

2011-02-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

Been awhile since I've posted here. I've been messing around with Manga Studio ex lately. I'm starting to learn the tools and am really digging the results. Here's some pencil sketches I did this morning.

First Sketches of 2011

2011-01-02T16:50:00.000-08:00

How exciting a new year to draw pictures in! Here's some doodling I did today. Been a lazy weekend and I figured I'd break out the sketchbook.

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-21T18:56:00.000-08:00

Probably won't post on the blog until after Christmas- so I want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday. Here's a classic sketch of my character Old St Nicotine.

Partial Pencils for Obsessive Heart Webcomic

2010-12-16T17:08:00.000-08:00

I'm just in the beginning stages of putting together my webcomic, Obsessive Heart. I should go live with it by Feb 1st. I will share bits an pieces of the process here and there as I work on the pages. This is the first step of pencilling the story. I like to jump around, working on bits and pieces of a couple pages as I work on a story.Tthat way I don't beat pages up by trying to complete one page at a time.

Thumbnails for O.H. Webcomic

2010-12-05T16:14:00.000-08:00

I'm playing around with the landscape format for the webcomic. I like the grid method; going to use that for the majority of the strip. At first I was intimidated with changing the story from vertical pages to horizontal, but was instantly comfortable with it.

Delving into Webcomics

2010-12-03T18:05:00.000-08:00

For a long time I was hesitant to even post artwork on the web, I just felt like people would steal it. I also have struggled with the whole web comic thing. I enjoy webcomics that I have found, but still am partial to printed materials. I'm just a tactile person.

I have gone back and forth trying to decide whether I wanted to dive into that world. I've just recently come to the conclusion that the most important thing for me as a comic creator is for folks to find my work and enjoy it.

So, I will begin working on a webcomic version of Obsessive Heart. I will start posting it early in 2011. I want to get a chunk of pages done and iron out the technical part of things before I announce an actual post date.

Stay tuned...

Obsessive Heart thumbnail page (NSFW)

2010-11-14T14:07:00.000-08:00

I've been pretty busy working on comic pages, as a result I haven't posted much work here. I haven't had much time to do any sketches just to post here for fun. And it's too early in the project to start showing finished work. Just a little sneak peek of the preliminary sketch for page 9 of Obsessive Heart.

Panel detail/Test page.

2010-11-07T13:57:00.000-08:00

This is a panel detail on a test page for "Obsessive Heart". Trying out that fancy Strathmore paper that is supposedly approved by comic artists. I like the paper, responds well to the ink.

Deskshots 1

2010-11-03T19:10:00.000-07:00

Here's a few shots of some rough layouts I'm working on. Haven't posted much lately, but I'm on the job. I didn't edit the photos-sorry.

Buzzard (from The Goon)Watercolor sketch

2010-10-25T15:55:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite comics right now is The Goon. And since we are nearing Halloween , I thought that The Buzzard fit in with the creepy creepers roaming around.

Also, I'm trying out various 4 ply bristol board to see what I like best. I'm painting Obsessive Heart and I want a paper that can hold up to watercolor and don't want too much tooth showing up in printing. Hot press watercolor paper is too slick and cold press wc paper too bumpy. I did like the way the bristol reacted to the medium.

Halloween Heads (Brush and Ink sketches)

2010-10-20T06:55:00.000-07:00

Just to be in the spirit of the season, having a little fun with some quick creature sketches.

Figure Drawings 10/18

2010-10-18T19:37:00.000-07:00

Here's some figure sketches from this past weekends drawing session. Blame the scanner for cropping the leg on one piece, I didn't draw it off the page:) My past teachers would have my head... Most drawings range 10-25 min poses.

Scenes From The Sketchbook PT 1

2010-10-10T09:25:00.000-07:00

Here are some sketches of my own characters from "Obsessive Heart" . Just fleshing out some expressions as I work on preliminaries for final pages.

Scenes from The Sketchbook PT 2

2010-10-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

Some recent warm-up sketches of Batman and foes, and Darkseid and D'esaad.

John Lennon sketches.

2010-10-09T13:55:00.000-07:00

I did some sketches of John Lennon in the sketchbook today. Hard to believe he would be 70yrs old today.

These are quick sketches, don't judge the likeness too harshly:)

Figure Drawings 9/26

2010-09-26T09:26:00.000-07:00

Here's some quick sketch figure drawings from this weeks session. Times vary from 5min-25 min poses. Had some difficulty this week with some foreshortening challenges, but am mostly satisfied with the drawings after looking at them with a fresh eye.

When I do shorter poses, I generally do not go back and erase any "mistakes". I go with most of the original marks I've found or I find the "right" line, and leave the rest. To me, gestural drawing is about training the eye to capture the information and draw it in the moment. It's not about making a complete drawing, it is about responding to what you see and putting it down on paper.

Figure Drawings 9/18

2010-09-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

These sketches were all done in 20-25 minutes.

Figure Sketches 9/20

2010-09-20T05:33:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple of figure sketches from this past weekend. I believe they are either 2 minute or 5 minute sketches.

Pics from Chicago Comic Con

2010-09-15T17:15:00.001-07:00

The folks at the American Academy of Art sent along a photographer to Chicago Comic Con last month, to take pictures of alumni that were participating in the show. I had made some half-assed attempt at taking a few pictures myself, but these are better view of my display.

New Direction

2010-09-14T17:11:00.000-07:00

I took some much needed time off from work last week. I had been pretty busy most of the year with a busy work schedule, 3 conventions, and putting together my 80pg compilation "One Man Show".

I took the time on my "staycation" enjoying some quality time thinking about what had gone before with the conventions, doing the self-publishing, working on original artwork for the cons etc. And I had some choices to make. The cons have been a mixed bag, I've had positive feedback from other comic creators, met some nice people and learned a great deal about what's out there in the comic community.

I've been focusing a lot of time and energy preparing for the conventions. This took away from working on my personal project, my graphic novel "Obsessive Heart". I used the conventions and my busy work schedule as an excuse to avoid the real work. And it's time to focus on that project entirely. I don't want to look back and regret not having created this project.

I decided that I will not be tabling at any conventions until 2012. I will be focusing my artistic energy into working on the fully painted "Obsessive Heart". I will be posting bits and pieces here on the blog as the project grows. When I get a certain amount of it done, I will bite the bullet and start seeking out a publisher for this thing.( And saving money, seeking grants in case I need to do it myself). Going to be busy times ahead. But I've been avoiding this too long and it's time to get off my ass and do something I should have focused on long ago.

Thanks for indulging me, and hopefully you'll stick around to see this project as it is created.

Batman's Femme Fatales/watercolor sketchcards

2010-08-28T14:20:00.000-07:00

Last week at Chicago Comic Con a nice lady picked up the male villains of Batman sketchcards and commisioned the females to match them. Here's the results of that commision. Gotham girl power!

Batman watercolor sketch

2010-08-25T18:29:00.000-07:00

Here's a 5x7 watercolor sketch I did while tabling at Chicago Comic Con this last weekend. Later this week I'll post some sketches of Batman's femme fatales that were commissioned by a con-goer. Now that I said that, I hope I didn't jinx myself.

B&W Hellboy

2010-08-06T18:06:00.000-07:00

I know I just posted a Hellboy sketch. Screw it, I like this one better. Sometimes you gotta keep drawing a subject 'til it feels better. I've trying to loosen up on the brush more when inking, get more of the watercolor feel to it. My new ongoing challenge to marry the two mediums. For some reason I've always separated them in my mind, and I am trying to break that mindset.

Ragman Sketch

2010-08-02T18:29:00.000-07:00

I keep coming back to this character. Don't really care what is being done with him in modern times. Love the old Kubert series from the 1970's.

The Shade

2010-07-31T14:56:00.000-07:00

I've always liked the Starman villain, The Shade. Figured I'd have a little fun and do an ink drawing of a him. I also seem to be drawing a lot of characters with hats lately,funny because I always hated drawing hats on people. It's harder than it looks to make that work.

Question/Dream Sketches

2010-07-29T19:46:00.000-07:00

A couple of quick brush sketches. The Sandman is a preliminary sketch for a larger piece I'm working on. The Question is just for fun.

Hellboy/Hulk Sketchcards

2010-07-25T14:57:00.000-07:00

Having some fun in the studio with a few sketchcards I whipped up...

Figure Sketches 7/25

2010-07-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

Breaking in my new Moleskine watercolor book with a quick figure sketch. Also warmed up with a few pencil sketches. Been trying to get back to basics, build back my discipline a bit. Best way for me to do that is go back to drawing the figure. Also been focusing too much on superhero stuff.

With all the Comic Con coverage this weekend, figured I would post something to break away from the hype for a moment.

Batman Sketch

2010-07-21T19:11:00.000-07:00

A quick watercolor sketch of Batman. Been a been absent from my desk lately, so I'm trying to get there each night even if it's just a quick little something. Slowly working toward the old discipline.

Shadow Sketches

2010-07-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

Been awhile since I've posted here. I've always liked The Shadow, but haven't drawn him. Here's a pencil and watercolor sketch I did tonight. I would like to return to the character at a later date and do a more finished composition.

Sketches 6/6

2010-06-06T13:57:00.000-07:00

These are preliminary sketches for 3 watercolor paintings I am planning. I will post those as they are completed. I've always been a big Sandman fan. Here are two incarnations of the same name. Morpheus and Wesley Dodds. Also included here is Ra's Al Ghul along with his muscle Ubu.

Spectre Sketches 5/30

2010-05-30T11:06:00.000-07:00

These are some preliminary sketches I'm working on of The Spectre, a DC Comic character, for a painting I have in mind. Just fleshing out the character since I've not drawn him that much in the past.

Sketches 5/29

2010-05-29T18:03:00.001-07:00

It's been awhile since I posted anything. Seems like I've been in limbo this last month. Here's some sketches I worked on today to shake of some of the rust.

FCBD 2010

2010-04-30T16:11:00.000-07:00

It's that time again kids! Free Comic Book Day! Come down to Vigilante Press tomorrow May 1st and get some free comics.

I will be there along with local comic artists Andrew Kudelka, John Ashton Golden, Pat Doran and illustrator Alan Close. We'll be doing sketches, chatting with comic loving folks and hanging out with the Vigilante folks sharing our love for comics.

One Man Show

2010-04-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

I recently finished compiling my first two self-published books, "Pipin' Hot Sampler" and "Obsessive Hearts:Preludes" Into one snazzy package. Also included in the book is some previously unpublished work and a sketchbook section. A 80 page collection of b&w work.

The book is work from the last three years as I've been bold (or crazy enough) to try selling comics I've made at conventions and local comic shops. I did this edition to compile the work in a nicer, more professional book. The previous two books suffered because of my lack of design skills (I'm a painter and illustrator and haven't done much in the way of design). I had hoped to correct this with the collection and am for the most part pleased with the end result. i thank my friend Eric Adams for helping with some tips and design ideas.

The book is available here for sale, just click on "store" button.

Why do I self-publish?

2010-04-07T19:00:00.000-07:00

I have asked myself countless times, "why do I self-publish comics?" Sometimes it's not so easy to answer. I've only done small print runs selling them in local comic shops and setting up shop in artist alleys at various comic conventions. Lost amongst aisles of colorful comics and banners and dreamers like myself , as seemingly endless droves of people drift by without a second glance at my work. It's because I have no choice. As an artist I am compelled to create and put myself out there for the world to see.

I have never sent a sample to a big comic company. At times I've lacked the confidence to do so. I also don't see my personal vision in line with what they are selling. So given that lack of a choice, I figured I do it myself. So in the last 3 years I have put together work, printed it up and joined the artist alley fray.

I've made my mistakes with the first two books, the choice of covers was lacking and the printing not up to the quality that would grab attention. Or do my work justice.

This time out, I was deadset on taking both old and new work and putting it into a better package. I have taken advice from other creators with presentation and bumped it up a notch.

Today I got my new book from the printer, and for the first time since I started this crazy adventure, I looked at my printed work and felt a little pride.

I look forward to getting out there and sharing my work with the world. Even if only a few people stop and check it out at the conventions, it will be with pride that I share it with them. I have stories to create, and to share. That's why I self-publish.

Upcoming Conventions/C2e2/S.P.A.C.E

2010-04-05T18:14:00.000-07:00

April is a busy month! I will be in artist alley at C2E2 in Chicago and at S.P.A.C.E. in Columbus Ohio.

For those who are unaware of C2E2, it's a comic and entertainment convention that is premiering in Chicago this year. It is put on by the folks that are behind the New York Comic Con. All the big names in comics will be there along with a great representation of the Chicago comic scene.

This is also the first year that I've ventured to S.P.A.C.E., and I'm really looking forward to mixing with folks that are self-publishing their own work and share a passion for work that is outside the mainstream.

I have spent the last few months putting together a compilation book entitled " One Man Show" The book includes my previous two self-published comics " Pipin' Hot Sampler" and " "Obsessive Heart:Preludes". Also collected in 1MS are fifteen pages of previously unprinted comic stories and a twenty page sketch book section. A whopping 80 page book! I will be unveiling the book at C2E2.

I will have original sketchcards, watercolor paintings and a bunch of sketches available.

Also, I will be sharing table space with my wife, Cherilynn. She will have original artwork, sketchcards along with her "Animal Kingdom" sketchbook.

C2E2 is April 16-18 at McCormick Place in downtown Chicago. Check their website for show info. http://www.c2e2.com/

S.P.A.C.E (Small Press &Alternative Comics Expo) is in Columbus, Oh. April 24-25. Check their website www.backporchcomics.com/space for show and creator info.

My table assignment for C2E2 is E1 and for S.P.A.C.E. table 86.

Hope to see you there!

Cover for "One Man Show"

2010-03-06T17:44:00.000-08:00

This a painting for my newest collection of comic stories. I am collecting 3 books worth of comic art. Some old work, some new stuff and a sketchbook section. I will have the book ready for my upcoming comic conventions in April (C2E2 in Chicago, April 16-18 and S.P.A.C.E. in Columbus OH. April 24-25.

This is just the wraparound painting, text will obviously be dropped in later.

2/28 Pentel Brush pen sketches

2010-02-28T16:55:00.000-08:00

Wow. February flew by and I realized that I hadn't posted once this month. I have been doodling with my new toys, I bought various pens from Jetpens.com. They have an amazing selection of different pens and brush pens. I picked up a Pentel pocket brush pen and have been playing with that this week. I had used their color brush pen since back in high school ( they just call that one a brush pen now). I think I like the pocket brush pen better, smaller handle and ink flow are some of the better improvements that it offers.

These are sketches of two of my one creations and Ra's al Ghul, a great Batman villain.

I'll try to post more this coming month. We have been busy with our new puppy, she took over our home, hearts and attention these last few weeks. She's also trying to take over the kitchen. Hopefully she can be a quieter companion in the studio as she grows older.

Nosferatu sketches

2010-01-29T16:48:00.000-08:00

Lately it seems that vampires have become angst filled , skinny teens and not the scary monsters they use to be. I could snap any of the new characters from "Vampire Diaries" or "Twilight in two myself. That's only after I wipe their little blood soaked tears off their weepy little cheeks.

Here's a couple of brush pen sketches of a vamp I wouldn't mess with. Or invite to the prom. Nosferatu.

Black and White sketches 1/27

2010-01-27T18:24:00.000-08:00

A page of pen and ink sketches done with my lovely new manga zebra pen. Fun to play with and make lots of lines!

More B&W sketches

2010-01-22T15:15:00.000-08:00

Dr Strange Pen and Ink

2010-01-22T08:08:00.000-08:00

Quick pen and ink sketch of Dr Strange.

Pen and Ink doodles

2010-01-22T07:18:00.000-08:00

Haven't messed around with pen and ink in awhile. Picked up some new Zebra/manga pen nibs and am trying them out. A page of warm-up doodles here.

Quick Pen and Ink Sketches

2010-01-21T07:12:00.000-08:00

Been under the weather this week. Here are some quick pen &ink sketches I mustered up the strength to do.

John Constantine: Hellblazer Watercolor

2010-01-12T16:15:00.000-08:00

Here's a watercolor illustration of John Constantine of DC Comics' fame. Just having a little fun with a character I haven't painted before. I've liked this character ever since his first appearance in Swamp Thing. Haven't followed him in awhile though.

Various Sketches 1/4

2010-01-04T19:06:00.000-08:00

These are some sketches and scribbles from the last week. Really just some quick sketches of characters trying out different techniques. I'm making a commitment to myself this year that I will post more sketches, artwork and paintings here. Each of these pieces are quick, raw drawings that are done in a short time. I'm posting them despite the fact I find flaw in them. I'm posting them warts and all.

First Watercolor of 2010

2010-01-03T13:03:00.000-08:00

The holidays are over and it's time to get refocused on art. Here's a piece I did today. Guess I'll call it "Back to Roots' just for fun. Happy New Year everyone, time to make some art!

Mage Watercolor/Ink sketches

2009-12-13T10:50:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite comics growing up was "Mage". It was one of the first of the independent comic books that I found when a comic shop opened up in the small town where I lived.

Mage was a great story about everyman Kevin Matchstick who was about to discover that he was the reincarnation of King Arthur. His Excalibur was a glowing baseball bat too!

Here's both the preliminary ink drawing and watercolor of Kevin Matchstick.

Weapon X Sketch and watercolor

2009-12-06T11:02:00.000-08:00

When I was in high school, I was a huge Barry Winsor Smith fan. One of the coolest X-Men stories of the time was when BWS did a Weapon X story. It was really the first glimpse fans had into the Logan mythos. I also credit Smith for being among the comic artists that piqued my interest in watercolor.Although, that particular story was a 4 color comic, his work was heavy on the watercolor/ink side at the time.

Captain America and The Red Skull

2009-11-27T14:51:00.000-08:00

Too quick watercolors of arch-foes Captain America and Red Skull.

Character Sketches 11/21

2009-11-21T10:43:00.000-08:00

These are a couple of preliminary sketches for some watercolor illustrations I am planning. Batman and Galactus w/ The Silver Surfer. Hope to be putting the brush to work on them shortly. Will post when done, so check back!

DR Doom Watercolor

2009-11-08T16:35:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning and had one of those moments that artists often have; an image popped into my head. Out of the blue I thought of doing a color piece of Dr. Doom. I was planning on working on other stuff, I even did a quick pencil sketch hoping to get it out of my system and do some work on some comic pages. It wouldn't leave alone. So here it is Dr. Doom in full-color.

Dr Doom and Spidey Sketches

2009-11-08T11:46:00.000-08:00

Here's a couple of sketches for a lazy Sunday, just playing around having some fun drawing a couple of classic characters.

Scenes from the sketchbook 11/7

2009-11-07T16:12:00.000-08:00

Here's some pages from my sketchbook. Fleshing out some characters and playing with some composition.

Sketches 11/1

2009-11-01T15:41:00.000-08:00

Just a couple of sketches that I worked on today. A quick self-portrait and a comp for my next watercolor landscape.

Halloween Heads

2009-10-31T13:36:00.000-07:00

The leaves are blowing about in the cold breeze, the sun has trouble peeking from behind the clouds; it's ascared of the boogeys! Must be Halloween! Here's a few frightful faces to celebrate All Hallow's Eve.

Sketches 10/20

2009-10-20T18:06:00.000-07:00

Some Sketches that I did the last few days.

Recent sketches

2009-10-11T15:53:00.000-07:00

Here's a few rough pages from "Obsessive Heart". The hardest kind of comic pages to work out are the pages where folks are talking or doing mundane activity. These are a few examples of that sort of stuff. I actually like working on pages where people are interacting, you have to tell the story with their facial expression or body language instead of slamming the viewer with action. Like I said, these are roughs, not finished drawings.

Watercolor Landscape 9/20

2009-09-20T15:39:00.000-07:00

Autumn is my favorite season, as many of my watercolor landscapes reflect. I love the changing colors in the trees and the variety of weather. Here's a watercolor landscape I did in anticipation of the coming fall.

Recent Figure Drawings PT 2

2009-09-07T14:54:00.001-07:00

Here are a few more of my recent figure sketches from live model. All 25 minute poses, using a charcoal pencil on newsprint

Recent Figure Drawings PT 1

2009-09-07T14:42:00.000-07:00

Here's a few of my recent figure sketches done from a model. All sketches are 25 minute poses and done with charcoal pencil on newsprint.

I like shorter poses because it forces you to draw only the necessary information, the gesture, the form and the basic blocking in of values. I'm not trying to draw a likeness, and often times I even make very few marks for the face, mostly a breakdown of the values.

Lake Sketch

2009-09-05T19:03:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful summer day, we spent the day downtown Chicago and did some sketching along the Lake Michigan lakefront. This is a quick watercolor sketch from that outing.

Obsessive Heart

2009-08-26T17:10:00.000-07:00

I keep talking about "my graphic novel, Obsessive Heart", the mythical book that is going to spring to life any day now. Well, after years of inhabiting the recesses of my mind and filling my sketchbooks with thumbnails, perfecting character designs, pouring over ever detail of the characters faces, I begin again. And finally.

I did a Prelude book last year, mostly out of cowardice and artistic insecurity, and also to have something quick to sell at conventions since I didn't have the "real book" done. And then I got busy, and distracted, and another year passed before I got back to it. Now I'll devote my energy to getting the book put together. I keep saying graphic novel, sounds fancy that way, but I believe it will be broken down into comic book single issue format. 3 or 4 books. Planning to be a busy bee in the coming months. The deadline I've placed for print of the first issue is March. That's a conservative timeline, since the 4th quarter is the busiest time for my day job. I'm hoping to get a table at the comic convention in Chicago called C2E2, and at S.P.A.C.E in Ohio in April. There is where I will premiere the book. Also may have it available online before the conventions.

I will be posting artwork regularly to share my progress.

Watercolor Landscape 8/23

2009-08-23T08:07:00.000-07:00

I have painted almost exclusively on cold press paper for years, I haven't painted on hot press in years. Always avoided it because of early experiences with it that did not turn out favorably. Cheri pulled a block of hot press paper out last week and was messing around with it. Decided I'd give it a go. I've done several little sketches on the paper this week and here's an example. It was fun!

Matters of Influence

2009-08-16T10:38:00.000-07:00

Often times artists are asked the question; who is your biggest influence as an artist? It's a tricky question to answer because most artists have multitudes of different artists and art that may have influenced them throughout their artistic growth.

My greatest influences as an artist are wide and varied. I like all different types of painting/painters and try to gleen as much as I can from different sources.

My greatest influence as far as watercolorists is my teacher at The American Academy of Art, the late Irving Shapiro. Shapiro had such control of the medium and drawing and composition, that I was constantly amazed and humbled by his talent. He also helped me grow as a painter more than any other teacher ever did before or since. I couldn't paint when I walked into his class and when I finished the last semester I had a solid foundation and education in watercolor. This experience has carried me through my painting life.

I have always been a comic book fan, painting didn't always interest me, and it wasn't until I read "Moonshadow" that I really wanted to paint. Jon J Muth's work (along with Kent Williams) really helped me turn a corner on falling in love with watercolor. I had never seen a comic book fully illustrated with watercolor and mixed media. It really started me on the road of wanting to combine comic art and watercolor.

My largest infuence as far as comic book art is Steve Rude. He is a master of drawing, design, composition and knows how to pace a story visually. He is one of those rare talents that will study every detail and every panel before he ever draws a page. He channels Kirby, Romita and Russ Manning, Alex Toth and Andrew Loomis all at once to make his own comic vision.

Although I may never realize the greatness of these influences, they certainly have helped me to achieve a higher level of artistry just by studying their works. Also, all of these artists have a common thread, they all strive to understand the pure nature of drawing and painting in tireless pursuit of being better artists.

Back to the original question, who are my greatest influences as an artist? I just gave you the tip of the iceberg. I love all the Wyeths' work, Kirby, Ditko,Romita, Al Williamson , Steve Hanks, Hal Foster, Will Eisner, Mark Schultz, Alex Raymond,Frank Frazetta, Alex Ross... You get the point .I am influenced by great artists!

Chicago Comic-con recap

2009-08-16T06:54:00.001-07:00

I know this is a little late doing a recap of the Chicago Comic-con; I just had to mull it over a few days.
The convention weekend started off on Thursday morning really. My friend and fellow comic creator, Eric Adams, was in for the show early. He came into the city, along with his wonderful lady Jessica ,where I gave them personal tour of the roasting works of Intelligentsia Coffee. We went to lunch at Sultan's Market, enjoyed some falafel and shawarma sandwiches ,and parted ways to get ready for premiere night.
Premiere night was pretty quiet, as they usually are. Just an opportunity to see who your neighbors are and maybe get a few early bird bargains. I ended up finding a M.W. Kaluta artbook for 5 bucks!
Overall, the convention was pretty good. The whole seen was a bit weird though. As everyone knows by now, Marvel, DC, Dark Horse and a couple other big contenders didn't have a presence on the main floor of the con. On the flip side of that, Top Shelf, Avatar, and artist alley had a lot more traffic, so it worked out well for the other artists and smaller press folk.
The autograph section was a ghetto of wrestlers, tv stars of the past and what appeared to be porn stars. And there was signings with stars of "Twilight"It was weird.
I didn't sell any comics, but did sell some original 5x7 art cards. Also sold my biggest framed piece, a 17x22 watercolor of the Sandman's Endless characters. Was very pleased that the piece found a home.
On Sunday, which is a pretty quiet day to begin with, things where winding down, when Eric Adams showed up at my table to say hi. He also presented me with a gift; he did a drawing of one of my characters, The Tapeworm. He just wanted to give me a little something for the tour of the roasting works earlier in the week. It made my day! I felt like a little kid, it was very cool to see someone else's take on my character. I've posted that pic along with this post.
Eric is the author/artist/ self-publisher of Lackluster World, you should check his work out at http://www.lacklusterworld.com/ very cool stuff! Eric also had a personal record weekend in sales. He ended up selling almost every book he brought and had to ship some orders upon his return to Ohio. Congrats, Eric!
I did talk with a bunch of different creators at the show. I ventured out into artist alley frequently to break up the days of sitting at the table. I really would have stopped to look at more stuff if artists weren't so hell-bent on giving a sales pitch. Honestly folks, lighten up on that crap! Comics are a VISUAL medium, don't need you yelling at us to look at your book. That is probably the worst part of any comic show nowadays, and from talking to friends, they feel the same way. I think that they hurt the other folks in artist alley with this tactic, and make it difficult for the mellower folk, like myself, to engage a potential customer. The second you say hi, they leave.
Anyway, overall, I thought the show was a positive experience. I took a look around to see what creators were doing right, and have been mulling over what will come next for my work. I will be working hard to improve things , such as design, and what my overall look for my work will be. Over the next few months I will be working on new comics and am gearing up for the upcoming comic shows next year. I got advice and encouragement from other creators and have taken it to heart.
I will keep everyone posted as to what those things are. Very excited about what's upcoming...