An ongoing drawn out story...

I'm blogging within a blog!!

2012-01-01T21:20:00.001-08:00

It's kind of like Inception!

Maybe.

http://10000peeps.blogspot.com/

Hey now!

2011-12-30T01:49:00.000-08:00

Well, it's almost 2012. A whole new year, with a whole new list of resolutions to forget about...
Figured I'd start a week early on my list.
So, here I am back on the blog train! Picked up a new "toy" recently that I've long wanted. And, finally, after all these years I finally picked me up one of 'em fancy Wacom tablets. It's dreamy!
Here are a couple of sketches I did, moments after powering it up for the first time.
First up, are the ninja turtles. Man, I love these guys. Waaaay before all the "cowabungas", pizza, and a ninja April O'Neil.
Eastman and Laird's comic are on the list of big influences in my childhood days of wanting to be a comic book artist. I remember the day my mom helped me order the big compilation book of all the early issues. I must have read over that book for weeks.

Felt good to sketch 'em up again...

Next up, are a few drawings I did with the original True Grit movie playing in the background.
John Wayne's just a badass. Damn good storyline, too. I'm a fan of both versions...

Muppett Rawk 3: The carving!

2011-10-20T22:52:00.000-07:00

Muppett Rawk 3 sure came up fast. I decided to try something a little different. I chose the album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. I thought about going to painted route, but then I thought, why not replicate the school desk and actually carve on it? Something different that I've never done before; Wood carving.

There aren't a lot of female muppets on the roster to choose from... Miss Piggy, Janice, Camilla the chicken and maybe a couple of more obscure muppets. Then, I remembered a muppet who was created for the new generation of kids: Abby Cadabby. She was a the best choice for the cover, especially with the fact that she goes to a fairy school kind of tied in with the album title.

So, I picked up a 4 dollar piece of a broken shelf at Ikea. And, with the help of my buddy, Tate and his plethora of power tools, he helped me cut the shelf to the shape of a school desk. I asked if he could add the pencil holder, too!
The one thing that made me nervous the most, was the fact that this was my only canvas. If I screwed up, well... it wouldn't have been good.
So, this took a little more planning. I sketched out Abby, the album title, took a sheet of Saral transfer paper and retraced everything onto the wood. First, Abby. I decided to save all the lettering for last. I figured I'd have learned a little more control and accuracy carving lines...
Each night for the next few days, I spent a couple of hours using my 10 dollar wood carving set to nick away at the pine. Each time, building more confidence at this new craft. There were a few times where more wood was picked off that I had wanted. But, hey... "there is no accident", right?
Eventually, it got to the point where I was ready to stain it. Back to Home Depot I went, and picked up a can of antique red, a brush, and a piece of tarp to work on.
I'd also forgotten to add something to the back to help, not only hang it on the wall, but in a way that left some space in between and give it a shadow. The strongest wood glue was also acquired. The one thing I failed to notice was the 24hr drying time it recommended.
Did I mention that this part happened on the evening before the show?
A slight panic attack occurred while I searched my place for a piece of wood I could use for my last minute plan. Luckily, I had some leftover 5x5 wood "canvas". With the help of a lot of tape, a ruler and a somewhat accurate measurement to center the piece of wood, I added on my backing. A lot of glue was used. And, tape, to help hold it in place. A lot of tape was used.
Nap time. I think I passed out for a few hours.
The next morning, I still didn't want to take a chance at staining the piece. The wood I glued on seemed to hold steady.
Did I mention that this part happened on the day of the show?
It wasn't until I got to the gallery to begin the staining process. I had the sun on my side to help speed the drying time.
Within a half an hour, stain had been applied and dried. A couple of hours to spare. Whew.

It was about this time, I had forgotten to pick up a pencil for the pencil holder. Sigh.

Anyways, here are some pics of the progression! Enjoy!

-Law

Dabble dabs...

2011-09-22T03:39:00.000-07:00

Kenny called me out.

Man, it's been a while. In a blink of an eye, months fly past. Fast, like a hungry cat hearing the first turn of a can opener.
But, getting back to it... Coining the phrase, "like riding a bike". Babysteps.
So, here are some warm up portraits. No one in particular... just random faces that I see in my head. I mean, why not? I hear their voices... O____o

And the rough...

2011-05-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest layout for the page... Still might change towards the final. But, I'm liking the direction it's taken.

catching up!

2011-05-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

Focus sure is a tough thing to do when there are so many distractions. Thought I'd share a sneak peek of another Alice page I'm putting together for the Alice's Adventure in Wonderland project. I had a lot fun working on the last one, I had to do another... despite the other art projects I need to finish. :OP

Here are a few sketches:

The final piece!

2011-05-10T19:52:00.000-07:00

oh by gosh by golly!

2011-05-10T19:50:00.000-07:00

It's been a while! Lots has gone on since I left for a Paris getaway. There's been art that's been done since that time. It's just a matter of posting 'em I suppose.

I'll start out with the latest. It's a project I stumbled onto while browsing one of my fave sites, Super Punch.

The name of the project is, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Here's a description of what it's all about:

With 'What is the Use of a Book without Pictures?', each paragraph of 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' will be given a full page of artwork, and were that not enough, we will then create additional pages to fill-in any missing story elements and help transition the viewer from the events in one piece to the next. The result will be a 500-1000+ piece collection which will cover the entire story without a single word of text.

After emailing the crew involved with the project, I was sent a paragraph along with it's context.

And the fun began!

Here are a few sketches I did to warm up... (er... not many people knew that Astroboy made an appearance in Alice in Wonderland. heh)

Up next...
The final piece!

speedy...

2011-02-26T23:45:00.000-08:00

One of my good buddies, Mike, and his crew at the old gallery have reorg and will be reborn a new gallery named The Piranha Shop. The old name was Ouch My Eye.

The combination of the two names put an image in my head that I just had to paint out. And here we have it...

It's at the printers!

2011-02-25T11:30:00.000-08:00

So, here's the final lineup of miniprints that will be available for you at next week's comic con.
Heather and I had fun working one these and can't wait to see the final printing.

Onward and upward...

2011-02-25T10:18:00.000-08:00

Not literally...

But, I am going to try something different. Something sort of new.

Next week, I'll be participating in another group show. And the theme: Coffins.

50 artists were given a small coffin to paint up however they want.

I think I'm going to cut it close, but I finally had an idea of what to do ,and I hope it all works out.

I decided to make the coffin, itself, a character.

This is the angel of death seeks the souls of lovers meant to be together. Even into the afterlife.

Unlike her sibling Death, known for his black and brooding attire. She is seen robed in white, believing it symbolizes the innocence and purity of love between the two souls she collects. In fear of tainting the souls and their love at her touch, she had Death cut her limbs, she rely on her minions of fallen cupids to do her deeds. And, in exchange, they can continue to exist by feeding from her own soul.

Here are some sketches and the start of production...

La Mort des Amants

Nous aurons des lits pleins d'odeurs légères,
Des divans profonds comme des tombeaux,
Et d'étranges fleurs sur des étagères,
Ecloses pour nous sous des cieux plus beaux.

Usant à l'envi leurs chaleurs dernières,
Nos deux coeurs seront deux vastes flambeaux,
Qui réfléchiront leurs doubles lumières
Dans nos deux esprits, ces miroirs jumeaux.

Un soir fait de rose et de bleu mystique,
Nous échangerons un éclair unique,
Comme un long sanglot, tout chargé d'adieux;

Et plus tard un Ange, entr'ouvrant les portes,
Viendra ranimer, fidèle et joyeux,
Les miroirs ternis et les flammes mortes.

— Charles Baudelaire

*Translated

The Death of Lovers

We shall have beds full of odors, light
Couches deep as tombs,
And strange flowers on shelves
Blossomed for us Under more beautiful heavens.
Exercising at will their last heats,
Our two hearts will be two immense torches
Which will reflect their double lights
In both our minds, those twin mirrors.
One evening made of rose and mystic blue,
We exchange a single flash,
Like a long sob, charged with farewells;
And later an Angel, opening doors,
Will revive, faithful and joyful
The tarnished mirrors and the flames died.

-Charles Baudelaire

and maybe one more...

2011-02-18T14:17:00.000-08:00

WIP, but I'm really happy how it's coming together from the magic that his Heather!

What's the scoop?

2011-02-18T14:09:00.000-08:00

a sneak preview in the lastet collab Heather...

To be continued...

Tables are turned...

2011-02-14T09:44:00.000-08:00

Another sneak preview!

This time Heather had drawn out one of her fave characters for me to paint up. I'm still working on the finishing touches... still a ways to go, but getting close.

More to come...

The latests...

2011-02-14T09:36:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

Just wanted to share the latest collaboration between me and Heather on our pieces for the upcoming Emerald City ComicCon.

This dude I hold dear to heart, as he is one of my fave characters in the comic book universe.

Morning warm ups: The Saturday Edition

2011-02-12T09:47:00.000-08:00

The demons that hide in our shadows
and the epic battle forthcoming...

Rewind. Another warm up moment.

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

The image of this particular person had been stuck in my mind for some time. It came back to me this morning when i was thinking up an image to paint up.
I saw him a while back during a trip to Vancouver, BC. The first time I saw him was at a bus stop. He was this big, intimidating fellow who donned a black trench coat, with a huge wound on his head above his eye. I could only guess that he was in some sort of skirmish.
The following morning, I spotted him again. Although, this time, he had an guitar with him. He sat down on a chair off to the side and out of the way of everyone walking. The music he was playing was brilliant. Surprised the hell out of me for sure. He played a range of blues to rock, not even looking up to the people passing. This mysterious musician lost in his own musical world.

I walked by an hour or so later and he was standing off to the side, having a smoke. He'd let another person pick up his guitar and play while he took a break. But, the new guy strummed something less dynamic. In fact, I remember it to be a bad rendition of Jimi Hendrix...

Next at bat...

2011-02-08T08:28:00.000-08:00

I just picked this up last night. I'll be participating in a group show sometime in March. Might be the same weekend as the comic convention.
Basically, it's a custom coffin show.
I've a vague idea of what I want to do. On top of everything else going on, I just hope I can get it done on time.
I guess this is where having insomnia becomes a good thing, no? hahahayeah.
The funny thing is I don't want to do anything death related... too cliche'.
Hopefully, something clever will come to mind. So, stay tuned.

Things are happening...

2011-02-08T08:20:00.000-08:00

To say that I've been keeping busy feels like an understatement.

Within weeks from each other, I'll be three shows, plus taking part at this year's Emerald City Comic Con.

I've been getting work together for a sketchbook (which my sister's been awesome about helping me put together), and some new prints to put out on the table. These are a sneak preview of what's to come.

This idea actually hit me a few days ago and I've been collaborating with my friend, Heather. She's an incredible artist and will be painting up my sketches.

The series is the Justice Little League. Where, I depict our favorite superheroes holding balloons.

I know... I know...

It's a little far outside the box. I'm going to blame it on lack of sleep.

Anyhoo, the balloons, at least, will reflect the characters.

Not sure how many we'll get done for the convention. But, we're having fun putting them together. And, we hope you will enjoy them, too.

Here's a sneak preview, beginning with the original sketch to final drawing. Heather had sent me the painted up version, too. And, she did an amazing job...

The last sketch shows who's up next on the lineup.

Morning throwdowns

2011-02-07T09:12:00.000-08:00

Warm up for the day. Saw this kid while waiting for light to turn. When I first spotted him, he was jumping around and kicking about. He must have realized that people were watching because he suddenly stood still.

For my good friend, Tom...

2011-02-06T09:42:00.000-08:00

Inspired by the poetic phrase, " Sh*t's about to get real " and loosely based

on not so real events between the hours of 5:oopm and 6:oopm.

Morning throwdown

2011-02-04T11:04:00.000-08:00

Been a while since I posted... feeling a little guilty...
More to come... it's going to be a busy weekend of getting more
art done for the convention.

...hopefully.

These are just a few morning warm up sketches.

Breakthrough and progress...

2011-02-03T03:08:00.000-08:00

It's been a while now since I posted the latest of the oil painting I started a... damn. The one I started a couple of months ago. I didn't like the direction it was heading. Then, between doing the past digital paintings, staring at the canvas and doing some more digitals...

I finally found a groove and started painting over the previous version.
I hope I don't screw this version up now. Still some layers to throw down, but at least I'm happy with this direction.
I'm loving these water based oils. As weird as it sounds, these oils are really making it fun to paint.

Anyways... here it is so far. First pic: Redid the hair Second pic: Face... some more to go.
Part of me wants to get some sleep... the other wants to see how it comes out in the end.

Ugh. I should probably get some sleep. In a couple of hours...

A quickie...

2011-01-28T10:56:00.000-08:00

Morning warm up pic...

I just had to draw this dude...

2011-01-26T16:28:00.000-08:00

Out of curiousity, I looked up worst superheroes. Ever. And this guy made the list:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8CaRkDCnFJc/TOWFaiJE76I/AAAAAAAAE0U/55tYUYDExLY/s1600/Superdupont.jpg

It's so bad, I think it's cool. So, I started doodlin'.

Progress post...

2011-01-26T01:46:00.000-08:00

Eyes are feeling like lead. Throwing in the towel... calling it a night.

Thought I'd post the current state and you can see how f'd up everything at the moment.
Starting to clean up shapes and paint in the details. Just... need... sleep...

Symbolism...

2011-01-25T23:06:00.000-08:00

The Phoenix. One of my fave mythological creatures. I remember when I first read about it and it's ability to resurrect itself from fire and ash.

I was in awe.

As another evening of painting begins, I started out sketching a bird to warm up. Next thing I knew, it became a Phoenix. I've had this feeling that a lot of changes are to happen this year. So, maybe this is just a sign of things to come...

Weird...

2011-01-25T11:15:00.000-08:00

I thought I already posted this...
Something old. Something quick....
Think it was a speed painting of sorts.

For James...

2011-01-25T10:53:00.000-08:00

...because he had a great idea.

Quick draw...

2011-01-25T09:43:00.000-08:00

The next what...

2011-01-23T23:58:00.000-08:00

A while back I had injured my knee playing ice hockey. I'm almost at the stage to a full recovery: Physio.

One suggestion I got from my mom, who happens to be a nurse, is to go to a swimming pool and strengthen the muscles of my knee and do some kicking exercising underwater. I guess that idea locked itself onto my subconscious. Because, while taking a nap later in the day, I dreamt up something crazy. And, this early drawing of the next painting depicts an image from that particular dream.

just a couple of fun drawings for myself and my sis...

2011-01-22T04:48:00.000-08:00

Subtle?

2011-01-21T11:51:00.001-08:00

Here's a "director's cut".

Time to move on...

2011-01-21T11:41:00.000-08:00

and start a new painting. Lots of changes on this one. I'd do some more... but, I want to pick up speed and get some more paintings done. Maybe come back and make some tweaks. I dunno...

Anyways, I got rid of the branch on the foreground tree... actually broke the branch instead. Figured that'd add some character to that one tree. Seems of late, I've been having a lot of branches in the foreground and thought I should do at least one thing different.

I also added a couple of more trees to overlap the white wolf. It was pointed out to me how odd the wolf just stood there. At least with some objects in the way, it would add depth and make it look like she's sneaking behind something. Hmmm... there's an idea I think I'll throw on really quick and post that following this one. I'd be curious to hear about the slight change and your reaction to it.

I think it'll add to the story and some humor into the scene.

Other things I added were more detail along the path and a little squirrel. Now there's two little brown creatures in fear. So... um. Yeah, here it is...

more progress

2011-01-20T18:51:00.000-08:00

filling in the deets, making some changes, and adding more color. Hoping to finish tonight and move onto the next project...

Yawn...

2011-01-20T04:02:00.001-08:00

Earlier I had posted pics from my walkabout the zoo and wrote a bit on the encounter with a white wolf.

I'm taking a break from sketching out comic book stuff and started painting up an "artist's depiction" of what happened... kind of.

I drew myself as a kid in this one. Since that's how I felt when that white wolf appeared on the hill

before me.

Here's the progress thus far:

to be continued...

Whooo, what, where, 'n why the hell not?

2011-01-18T05:52:00.000-08:00

I drew up this evening.
I stumbled onto the website for a contest listed here:

http://www.sketchoholic.com/Talent/member/my_contest_items.php?ContestID=992

I like the artist that inspired the contest. I think that was one appeal. The simplicity. The style.
So I came up with a character and setting... and some sort of story. But, with hours to spare,
I did what I could to put something together. A good challenge, I guess...

I don't know why I chose an owl. Pretty amazing looking birds and their depiction of being wise. So bold. I can't imagine what thoughts would go through their heads when they fly home to see it's been clearcut. Perhaps a lot of big bird words that'd you'd need a bird dictionary to flip through to understand any owl speak.

Anyways, this is my post for the evemorning.

Feel free to vote for me on the link!
Thanks...

Takin' back old skool...

2011-01-16T23:30:00.000-08:00

Tonight was another night at Dr Sketchy's. Decided to leave the laptop at home and picked up some graphite sticks, black markers, a big ass white Sharpie marker, and of course, my fave pens.
I was wanting to go a little abstract this time around. But, I kept going back to my usual ways and felt pretty rusty. It's a little tough when you don't have "control z" to undo the errors.
A couple of cocktails later, I started loosening up. Maybe slightly too much.

The last drawing was a little contest they held at the end. You had to put a boat somewhere in the picture.

Instead, I chose to go with those 'ol rubber inner tubes that look like animals. Or, in this case, a Loch Ness Monster. I guess I'm happy with some of them. I'll get 'em next time.

I heart westerns.

2011-01-14T02:06:00.000-08:00

There's a part of me that believes I was a cowboy in my past life. A badass cowboy. Maybe even the one that inspired the character portrayed by Clint Eastwood in all of Sergio Leone's spaghetti western movies.
Probably not true. But, I'd like to believe it is... so, there.

I went and saw True Grit a couple of weeks ago. Amazing remake. Hats off the Coen brothers for another great production. Ya done good.

There was a shot that stood out to me. No particular reason, other than pose, costume. Just the way Jeff Bridges portrayed Rooster... Pretty damn cool.
I had to sketch it out.

What'd the five fingers say to the face?

2011-01-12T09:24:00.000-08:00

I missed out on a post last night because I passed out on the sofa. Woke up from a weird dream and this is what I remember of it. It's not often I can recall what I dreamt about. And, of all things, why couldn't it have been something a little more on the pleasant side?

Oof...

2011-01-11T03:54:00.000-08:00

Last one for the early bird...
Went a little sci fi this time around. I would like to build a big robot to commute to work.
My work would be delivering pizza.
Pizza bot.

G'nite...

When there's a bat, a cat's cuts it close...

2011-01-11T02:11:00.000-08:00

pose for Catwoman print...

the afterthought...

2011-01-10T23:57:00.000-08:00

Or further thought? I looked back at the pic I did last ni... this morning and wanted to make a couple of changes. For the better? I dunno...

But, I think I like the results.
I added a couple of more foreground branches to lead into the pic.
And, a little more detail here and there.
And, now I just realized that the little me on the tire swing is almost in the center of the pic.
ALMOST. But, it's not.
Anyways, I added a little bird for symbolism.

One little brown dude that wants to fly...
Another that can.

no reason in particular...

2011-01-10T04:15:00.000-08:00

...sometimes you just find yourself going someplace seeking serenity.

g'nite, blog world.

stick ninja.

2011-01-10T02:04:00.001-08:00

Because Heather said to draw stick figures.

Supah chics

2011-01-10T01:40:00.000-08:00

Aside from the larger format prints, I'm also doing a series of character prints. Something I don't do often. Which is odd, being a longtime comic book fan.
Here's a couple of sketches of Powergirl and X23.

What is... focus.

2011-01-10T01:07:00.000-08:00

The funny thing about ideas... there's just too many. All you can do is throw 'em down on paper and hope that each one comes to life into some shape or form, ya know?
Paintings, video games, animated show or movie, action figures, statues... the list can go on and on.
Good or bad... just gotta pencil it out. Believing that even the worst ideas can grow into something amazing. The beauty of art, isn't it? There is no eraser.
Grilling lead onto paper, one drawing after the other. I forget how meditative it can be. True escapism.
With the new year, I thought I'd be a better blogger and share my progression with the whole bloggin' universe. What's one more task to take on, eh?
No, I'm not going to call this a resolution. That would just make all my efforts categorized under "annual cliche's" to fade into the forgotten.

One of the prints I'm aiming to finish for the con features a couple of my fave characters.
Batman. Captain America. In a way, it's kind of like Batman vs Superman. But, unlike Supes, Capt. America isn't immortal. Anyways, I had an image in my head of the two heroes duking it out. Both, with sidekicks to assist. Here are a few rough sketches I've done so far to get my head into the look of the characters.

One more thing for the eveni... er, early morning.

2011-01-04T01:10:00.000-08:00

The year so far...

2011-01-03T22:46:00.000-08:00

It's only a couple of days into 2011, and I feel like it's started off on a good note. There's a lot to be done within the next couple of months. And, as challenging as it may be, I'm really looking forward to the resulting accomplishments.

The big news is that I'll be showing work at this year's Emerald City Comic Convention in March. One of my buddies, Jordan Kotzebue was super gracious and invited me to share a table with him. This will be the second time I've displayed and sold work at the convention. As much as I had a lot of fun and met lots of great people, I definitely learned a lot about being an exhibitor. With the big event happening in just a couple of months, it's time to buckle up, put the foot on the gas and get truckin' on the trusty drawin' table.

I'm not going to reveal exaaaactly what I'll have at the Con just yet.

But, I'll for sure be displaying concepts I've done for work, as well as my own character designs.

This year might be the first for me draw some of the more well known comic characters out there, too. ;O)

That, and sexy chic drawings... mehbe. Possibly. haha

What the hell is this?

2011-01-03T22:02:00.000-08:00

Ever since participating in Art Jam 5 a few weeks ago, it's taken me back to painting traditionally. I've too many canvas sitting in my apartment with unfinished paintings that have been staring back at me for some time. I couldn't think of a better way to get them to stop looking at me then to paint over them. Something new. So I found some tubes of water based oil paints and just started throwing down colors. No particular theme. No initial sketches. Something spur of the moment and just go with the flow of whatever direction the brushes would take me.
I'm not used to doing something like that and it felt nice to not depend on concepts; like, drawing thumbnails, sketching poses.
It's all about random shapes, experimenting with layers of colors and textures... dealing with the unexpected. That one brush stroke that adds a particular characteristic to the painting. Dealing with that slight fear of even changing it for the better or possibility of the worse. It's not Photoshop, and there's no control Z or layers to save the painting. Just a paper towel or palette knife to scrape away the last thought.
I'm not sure how long it'll take to finish it. Eventually, I'll dab the last spot of color and call it done. At this point, I'm just having some fun.
Anyways, here a some pics of what I've done so far...

random face for 2011

2011-01-02T23:16:00.000-08:00

grrr... mean ol mang!

Birth of a Wookie...

2010-12-07T01:11:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd throw down some of the prelim sketches of the Chewbacca costume I made for this year's Halloween...
And here are some pics of the final results:

Mo Sketchy stuff

2010-11-21T23:21:00.000-08:00

Maybe it was the chilly evening... maybe it was because I was fighting the chills. But, I sure felt the lazy day eating away at me. Still, I always look forward to going to Dr Sketchy, cut loose artistically and relax a bit. Also caught up with a few art buds and met some new ones. Always a good time. I think this was also the first Sketchy sesh that I didn't drink... haha

Anyhoo... here are some of the sketches.

Something for an upcoming show???

2010-09-30T01:49:00.000-07:00

Not sure if I'll get this piece done in time. But, the fun's in trying, right? What's a few cups of Yerbe Matte to keep the eyes wide not-shut?

The show's hosted by the Bureau of Drawers. A fun local group of artists with the shared passion of creating art. It's Halloween themed with monsters galore!

This is an early sketch of what I might end up doing... maybe. Could be? Possibly....

Doc Sketchy session...

2010-09-28T23:18:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd go digital this last round at Dr. Sketchy's on Capitol Hill, here in Seattle.

Cappy Planet redux!

2010-09-28T22:59:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd give our old pal Capt. Planet a different take...

Some random stuff...

2010-09-28T22:55:00.000-07:00

urgh.

2010-09-03T07:28:00.000-07:00

Didn't get a chance to finish... But, I'm liking the new direction I'm taking with the ship's design.

In the works...

2010-09-01T20:45:00.000-07:00

... but, I'll post it anyhoo. I decided to make some changes at this point. Taking it a different route.

Oooh, the excitement of suspense. What will I do?? Hell, even I don't know entirely. haha

Holy carp! Something new?!?!

2010-08-31T19:56:00.000-07:00

Yeah... Crazy, I know. I drew me a big gun. Sniper type...

Mister roboto

2010-06-20T00:53:00.001-07:00

Dr Sketchy..

2010-04-20T22:58:00.000-07:00

...was a helluva good time.

Still a little rusty. It's been some time since I've done some 'ol fashion pencil sketchin' throw down. And, I gotta say; it felt really good. The cocktail might have played a role in the evening and getting me to relax a bit.

Here are a few of the longer timed drawrins...

Forgot to scan in some of the quicker sketches...

Guess I'll add those later.

But, before that...

2010-04-13T07:13:00.000-07:00

... I did this.

And, it was for this:

http://media.wii.ign.com/media/142/14267360/imgs_1.html

He's somewhere in the game...

I did this...

2010-04-12T20:24:00.001-07:00

...for this:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dungeon-solitaire/id356770949?mt=8

:O)

It's been a while...

2010-04-06T20:39:00.001-07:00

So, I'll post somethin'...

more!

2009-12-21T23:16:00.000-08:00

Sooo... it's kinda been a while.

2009-12-21T21:53:00.000-08:00

But, things are starting to happen!

So I'm just going to begin.

The following are sketches for a piece I did for my good friend Karin's birthday that took place last Saturday. Her hubby, Dev, and sister, Kim, organized a tribute art show in the style of Karin's world of Stumpytown, by all her fellow art buddies. And, I was truly honored to take part of the event!

You can see all the paintings that were done in the Stumpytown link!

The first idea I had was a Stumpytown Chun Li of the Street Fighter fame.

But, while I was working on it, I found myself staring at my He-Man action figure on the shelf and ideas began kicking in for a Stumpytown version of the 80's badass. I had this vision where there were auditions for the part of He-man. Next in line would've been Thundarr and Lion-O.

One of the sketches, you'll find Thundarr memorizing his lines.

The last couple of images are the final sketch of He-man, the castle, and the final painting. Anyhoo... enjoy and Happy Holidays!

Wolfboy

2009-06-23T07:56:00.000-07:00

Early morning. Me done draw somethin'. Need coffee.

grrr...

2009-05-26T00:52:00.000-07:00

some chica...

2009-05-26T00:48:00.000-07:00

Villainous diva with really big hair and lots of scales. I think she's pissed because the fingers on
her left hand are broken. :o(

heads up!

2009-05-25T22:46:00.000-07:00

faces from no places in particular. The mind just happened to wander, as did the pen to paper.

and a couple of more...

2009-03-19T00:57:00.001-07:00

more sketchy moments!

2009-03-19T00:54:00.001-07:00

a few sketches from a recent doc sketchy session...

Something for mom...

2008-12-16T01:43:00.000-08:00

Here's a little sketch for a painting I'm making for me mum.
Yes... there's a meaning to it. Otherwise, it'd be pretty odd for me to give
a painting of some kid sitting on a rhino.
Yeeeears ago... back when I was in fourth grade, my mom and a teacher/parent conference. I didn't find out until a few months later what they'd talked about. But, apparently, my teacher, Mr Orbech was telling mom that he wanted to place me into one of those school for the gifted. In his hands, he was showing mom something I wished I could find again. It was a spiral bounded notebook that drawings after drawings from my Empire Strikes Back movie picture book. I guess you could say that this was the next step towards my destiny as an ar-teest.
Unfortunately, my grades in math wasn't up to par for this particular school.
Anyhoo, during the time I was sitting at my desk while they were chatting, I was crafting together a paper rhino.
If anything, this painting, a memory...

D'oh... a deer. Not a female deer.

2008-12-10T00:43:00.001-08:00

I'm liking painter a lot... pre-bedtime speed paint of a deer dude.

fun with Painter 10

2008-12-05T01:35:00.000-08:00

Uh... title pretty much says it all. I done speed paint me an old school kind of spy. Being sick sucks.

ugh.

2008-12-02T23:26:00.000-08:00

Just coming through a case of the sneezies. Good times. After the last couple of days, I wouldn't be surprised if the stock prices of Kleenex skyrocketed after my investment in boxes of their product. Lost a lot of painting time since I've been rendered almost useless. So, now it's time to get back in biz...
Thought I'd do a quick sketch before crawling back into hibernation...

yet another venture in places long lost seen...

2008-11-26T01:52:00.000-08:00

For the longest time, sitting in the hallway of my living room sat a large framed canvas primed for painting. It glares at me every time I walk past it.
Not too long ago, out of sheer curiosity, I picked up a pack of water based oil paints. I wasn't sure what I was going to paint with it. All I knew was, something was at play upstairs in the right side of my brain. Days later, I finally opened the box of oils. With a no. 6 flathead brush, I dipped it into blue and threw a dash onto the canvas. I made a pact between my conscious and my imagination to trust myself for whatever came to mind. I went straight to painting with disregard to any kind of concept and sketch. Well... almost, as seen in my last post.
I'm still not sure what the end result will be. But, right now? It doesn't matter.

I took a break and captured the progress. Some details are a little difficult to see. But, that'll be taken care of soon...

I wish discovered this new love for oil paints much earlier. Then again, there's a reason why things happen that should be accepted without question.

another nightly sketchy thingamajig...

2008-11-24T01:51:00.001-08:00

playing around with painter, I thought I'd do up a drawrin for a painting I've been working on. Water color oils are awesomeness.
Anyhoo, I kinda promised I wouldn't do any kind of sketch for this particular painting to get myself to paint whatever on the fly....
...but, i couldn't resist. Damn me. DAMN ME!

so... here's a dude.

another sketch... and in color, too!

2008-11-18T02:41:00.001-08:00

G'nite Seattle! Time fer bed, but closed out the evening with another take on the little feller from yeseterday.

sketchy moment.

2008-11-17T01:11:00.000-08:00

'nuff said.

pushing pixels on a rainy day...

2008-11-11T14:19:00.000-08:00

and what fitting character to paint, but Thor.
Here's the rough stuff. Just throwing down colors and playing around with the ArtRage program... but, now it's break time and I'm in need of grub.

early morning drawring drills

2008-09-18T09:29:00.001-07:00

Trying to get in the habit of cranking out a quick sketch at the start of the morn...
This particular series will be of people I met or saw at Totoro Forest Project auction a couple 'o weekends ago.
This gal was running about the auction gleaming as much as I was from all the incredible artwork that surround us. I'm still inspired from what I saw... check out all the goodness that helped raise moolah for a good cause!

http://www.totoroforestproject.org/

It's getting cold.

2008-09-18T02:17:00.000-07:00

With summer slowly churning to an end, the chilly nights of fall begin.

It's also been tough trying to get to sleep, so I thought I'd do a drawrin of Mr. Freeze...

Cold.... soooo cold.

da bearsh.

2008-09-12T01:38:00.001-07:00

I've been in a bit of a rut the last couple of weeks, trying to piece together the rest of this painting (seen in the past post).
After an inspiring weekend, which I'll have to write about on another post, the ideas have been pouring in and spilling onto paper.
I'm finally getting close to the end... whew. Then, I can start on something a neeeew.
Here's the latest. I'll explain the idea behind this fella on another post, too. Eyelids are getting pretty heavy and I've got to wake up early for the vanpool. woot.
'til next!

Mang.

2008-08-20T02:14:00.000-07:00

Feels like I'm still recovering from the last project at work. It's been quite a ride since April and now it's time to focus back on my own art. At least, now that I have a little more time to do some. heh
So, to get back into things I've joined up with some friends for a fundraising event for Obama. Unfortunately for me, the deadlines tomorrow and I'm still now happy with what I've got. Not sure if I'm going to make it... but, still pushing forward.
I'm about halfway there. A venti sized coffee and a few hours to go...

Here's the progress...

old speedpainting...

2008-08-06T10:02:00.000-07:00

Got a few I've been meaning to post...

mo!

2008-05-07T23:13:00.000-07:00

I heart brush pens

2008-05-07T22:35:00.000-07:00

Yet another fun session at Dr. Sketchy's anti art class!
I picked up a new sumi brush and tried to keep things on the simple side...
It got a little messy towards the end, using the brush on vellum paper. It took a little while longer to dry... whoops. :(

I's done added colorrrrrrsh!

2008-03-28T09:51:00.000-07:00

had a little extra time... some second thoughts. And, now, with the magic of the color blue, ta-dah! More of a mess!

One down...

2008-03-21T17:10:00.000-07:00

...another to go.

"dinosaur from the future protecting it's young".

Went a little faster with this one. Kinda like the way it's turning out, so methinks I'll spend some more noodling it out.

Concept painting...

2008-03-21T10:29:00.001-07:00

" a soldier on horseback confronts a steam powered robot "

Brew-lesque be fun!

2008-03-18T21:42:00.000-07:00

Oh drink 'n draw... a helluva concept.
What better way to spend St Patty's Day than having a brew in hand, pencil in the other, and a stack of paper.
There was also glamourous model by the name of Lucky Penny sitting 18 feet away from me on a colorfully lit stage, dressed in literally layers of personally hand sewn outfits reflecting the green theme of Monday. Each layer was peeled off to a more revealing costume cleverly hidden underneath. A really fun model to sketch!
My bro, Tim and I went to the Rendezvous bar down in Seattle for our first experience of Dr. Sketchy's Anti Art school.
And, I have to say, it definitely isn't your typical life drawing session! I'm already looking forward to the next session.
Though I felt a little rusty, the Guiness helped me loosen up a bit. Maybe a little too much... haha
Here are some of my faves~

Uber post

2008-03-18T21:35:00.001-07:00

Ahhh... breathing room. Nothing like a little bit of time to catch up on a few things. One of those things, would be to post a current blog. Or is it, blog a current post. Or is it just blog..
Anyways, for starters, I thought I'd throw a few more prelim sketches of Secret Squirrel.
Ummm... nothing really anything more to say. They're just sketches... heh

Fin.

2008-03-08T22:05:00.000-08:00

One week later... the aftermath of the show. I'm still recovering, and it all worth the long hours and running around.
Here's a look at the final version of the piece I threw together...

The show I'm referring to, is the same one I mentioned in the previous blog entry:

The second installation of The Saturday Morning Cartoon Show at the Ouch My Eye gallery.

What a night! Before things got really crazy, I managed to take a few shots. Luckily, a couple of friends took control of my camera and helped capture the moments. So big thanks goes out to Amy, Mike and Keridwyn!
You can find the pics here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/plasticbandito/sets/72157604061741952/

I also took pics of all the paintings for everyone who couldn't make it to the gallery. Take a peek at all the
sweet artwork!

Please drop by Augie Pagan's blog, too! Not only was he one of the featured artists at the show, but he was also
our paparazzi. Click here!

One final note... My biggest thanks to everyone who came by the show opening! I really appreciate all your support for the artists in the show and for the guys at the Ouch My Eye gallery. They have more shows planned for the rest of the year and you should really head down and check it out if you can.
Bob, Mike... special thanks and mucho props to the both of you for everything! Couldn't have put on the show without your help and use of the gallery space!
More thanks to give and it's to all the artists that took part in the show. You're all a very, very talented bunch and it were everyone's fantastic artwork that help put together a truly fun and unique show. Mucho, mucho thanks!
Lastly, to the original Saturday Morning Cartoon Show crew! Dev, Karin, Augie, and Suzanne! A brilliant idea for a show and I can't thank you enough for letting me joining in...
Another one down, and more to go!

midnight hour, my a$$

2008-02-20T02:27:00.000-08:00

...hell, I'm waaaay beyond that now.

New show coming up that I'm pretty excited to be part of in a very sentimental way.
The show's called, The Saturday Morning Cartoon show. It'll be at the OuchMyEye gallery on the edge of the SODO
area of Seattle on March 1st. Saturday. 8pm.
Yep. That's what's called a cheap ass plug. But, hey... it's gonna be worth going to the show and checking it out. A LOT of great local talent interpreting their fave cartoon characters they watched back in the day.

So what am I doing? Well, ONE of my many faves was this little dude called Secret Squirrel. Not gonna show what the final piece will look like... yet. But, here's a sneak peek at the sketch of him and his partner in espionage, Morocco Mole.

Another glass of wine and back to the drawing board I go...

Happy painting and pleasant dreams. Because it's what makes the world a happier place...

Ooog.

2007-12-20T04:58:00.001-08:00

I fell asleep waaaay too early in the evening. I found myself wide awake in the middle of the night.
I've got the movie Tekkon Kinkreet playing in the background. Movie is genius.
In the meanwhile, I switched on the laptop and played around with ArtRage... it's been a while. Nothing like
a little digital oil painting... wheeee

more sketches of the past...

2007-12-19T01:56:00.000-08:00

it can only push me to move forward. Right? I think... maybe.

The next big change I'd made with the characters in the painting, were the daughters. Originally, as seen in this sketch, I'd only planned on one kid. I had also wanted to attach these giant mechanical wings on their backs to further mimic the look of their beloved crows. That seemed a little much for her... Also, it was a little cliche' to do the whole wings bit. So instead I replaced one of her arms (which she'd lost from a past mission), with a huge blade. The more I looked at it, she no longer fit the crow look. I also tried the split skirt thing to give her a little seductive look... but that would have been another cliche kind of thing. Oh, and I also dropped the gun.

In the end, I stuck with a costume that was consistent with the father's look. I added a large hood to hide their faces in shadows. With their dark black hair it would have blended too much into the color of the robes. So I bled the orange family emblem into the trim and help frame the face of the killers. These assassins wanted you to know who took you down... MUAAAHAHA *cough ahem... yeah. Simplicity. The highly trained killers don't need really fancy outfits. Well, maybe the outfits are made of silk.

The aftermath..

2007-12-16T19:49:00.000-08:00

Thanks for everyone who came out to the BLVD Gallery for the Good vs Evil show opening! It was an incredible show with the walls covered with amazing artwork. I'm glad I got to be a part of it. Thanks again to Jamie and Damion!
I truly left the show inspired and ready to work on the next pieces. The one downside was the fact that I had my camera with me, but didn't take any shots. It was literally too crazy that night... at least, that the excuse I'm going to claim. ;) heh
I'll be heading down again to take pictures of all the paintings sometime over the Xmas break. But, in the meanwhile, I thought I'd post some sketches of characters I almost used in the painting...

Here's the character, Bold, and his original appearance.
I chose not to use this sketch in the painting mostly because I didn't think it was dynamic enough. It explains why he's missing a hand, too. I got that bored with the drawring I didn't want to finish it haha. I do like the expression on his face though. I might use the pose later on in another painting... Now that I'm looking at it, I forgot that I wanted to put spurs on the hero's boots in the final painting. I don't know why I added spurs. Kinda cool I guess... retro's in, isn't it? haha

This big dude is Mr Meurtre, father and leader of the Meurtre family of assassins. Again I didn't think his pose was expressive... The thought crossed my mind, that any character can just stand there with a weapon. It works if it's a character study, but I wanted to convey he's a little more on the crazy side. Also, the sword was a little much. I thought having "powers" to control the crows was a little more out of the ordinary... And, out of the ordinary, insane and leader of an assassins all adds up to a pretty evil character. The other change I made was in the outfit. I kept the look of the cloak and dropped the huge gauntlets that also served as 'bird gloves'. I also took the family crest from the front... seemed a little too, "in your face". I made the logo a little more subtle and placed it on the sleeves, stretching it from the biceps to the hand. I think it had to do with something I once heard about tattoos emphasizing an area of strength of a person. For example, a person who's a hell of a kick-boxer would get a dragon inked onto his leg. Anyways, I figured the last thing that the victims would see from the 'hands that killed them' is the Meurtre crest.

So, that's it for now... Next posting will cover the daughters of the clan and the mother that didn't make the final cut.

'til then, Happy Monday!
Cheers
Law

knock knock.

2007-12-13T23:41:00.000-08:00

It's friggin showtime!
For the first time in a long time, I sat my buttocks down and worked on a couple of pieces for a show that'll be opening tomorrow night in DT Seattle at the BLVD Gallery.

Check out for more info on the show here:
http://www.blvdart.com/blog/2007/12/good-v-evil-opens-friday-dec-14/

It's a helluva group show featuring numerous artists of incredible talent titled "Good vs Evil".
Each of us were challenged to paint a piece to represent the opposing sides. And, the results I've seen so far have
pretty damn sweet. I'm really looking forward to the opening and seeing the rest.
It's a show not to be missed! Special shout out to Jamie Burton and Damian Hayes for reeling everyone together and holding this event.
Here's the important info:
BLVD Gallery
2316 Second Avenue
Seattle, Wa 98121
DOORS OPEN @ 6pm - 10pm.

And, here's the final(at least for the show,heh) versions of the pieces I did...
I'll even have little prints on sale, too!

Hope you can all come down tomorrow!
Cheers,
Law