Anthony VanArsdale - Art and Illustration

Painting of Juliet

2012-02-07T10:20:00.001-06:00

On the Easel

2012-01-28T14:24:00.000-06:00

A recently completed oil painting on board. Thanks to my cousin Paige who modeled for me.

Angel Head Study

2012-01-05T20:40:00.000-06:00

Adding Some Color

2011-12-29T19:00:00.001-06:00

When I was younger I used to shade a drawing with colored pencil, getting the layers pretty thick, creating a wax like support for subsequent acrylic washes. This keeps the paper from wrinkling and gives a fun painterly look. I was playing here with different costume designs.

Feliz Navidad

2011-12-21T18:30:00.002-06:00

Illustration Update

2011-12-19T13:57:00.000-06:00

I recently did this illustration for the Choice Eats tasting event in New York. You can swing by the Shannon blog to read more about it. I also updated the ole portfolio with a few of the pieces I've had here on the blog. Check it out.

The image below is a snippet from another I can't show in it's entirety just yet. Trying to go for the retro look.

Sketchbook Scan - expressions

2011-11-22T18:33:00.000-06:00

I've had a big project that I've been working on the last few weeks. I've gotten a lot of practice drawing with my arm instead of my wrist, and using the side of the pencil more than the tip. It helps with speed, fatigue, and proportion. I can't show any of what I've done until sometime next year, so I sketched this stuff out. Mostly wanted to play with expressions. Happy Thanksgiving to all those in the States, and a great weekend to everyone!

Sketchbook Drawing - Ringwraith

2011-10-16T18:52:00.001-05:00

Recent Illustration

2011-10-11T09:18:00.002-05:00

I still need a better photo of this one, but I thought I'd go ahead and put it up. I painted this for my portfolio and after some editing and cropping hopefully for the blog header above. It's roughly 17" by 9 1/2" oil on board.

All You Need…

2011-10-07T08:56:00.002-05:00

Sometimes all you need is a Great Helm and a two handed Iron Mace!

This one is acrylic on illustration board. It's been some time since I got my hands in the stuff, and even longer since I've done a senseless bit of something for myself. Brought back a few childhood memories!

A few months ago I finished this piece. It's not one of my favorites or my best I think, but it looks much better than it did when I painted it in 2008. And no, I do not have the courage to show that one to you. It looked like a face on a shovel (really bad neck anatomy). I had tried to paint over it and actually posted a close up back in January 2010. You can click here to see all the posts on this one… sketches and stuff.

As I've said before, there are a few other paintings in the works, but the year seems to be picking up pace, not slowing down. Hope to post them soon.

Update

2011-09-17T19:26:00.000-05:00

Very random stuff drawn while waiting for a delivery.

Big thanks to everyone who has offered support here on the blog and in emails. Your encouragement is greatly appreciated!!! To sum things up without going into too much detail, it's always difficult when you have doubt in the things you were sure of (directions in life, plans that were made). Everybody goes through it one time or another. You just have to keep moving forward!

Random Sketches To Preserve My Sanity

2011-08-23T20:26:00.000-05:00

The Wager

2011-08-08T19:57:00.001-05:00

A night shot in the rain… Better place your bets!

I've been having a rough time lately, so I'm not sure when I'll be posting again. I am however in the preparatory stages of a painting I'm anxious to share. It's hard fighting back the urge to post my progress. Maybe I'll do something closer to the painting's completion.

Climbing the Family Tree

2011-07-29T21:11:00.004-05:00

The Cianachta or Clan Cian! ("Race of Cian") At least that is what has been found in recent family history digging. This genealogical research started back in January after my grandmothers 80th birthday, which went very well fortunately. My mother being the prime historical investigator, uncovered a few fun things. Actually more than any of us thought possible. Much of it appears to be accurate, but for myself I like to just imagine a bunch of blue faced celts living and surviving in a time that I'm glad I didn't live in, except in my overly fantasized imagination.

Alright, time to start the weekend! Oh and the genealogy breakthrough name? It was Carroll. Finding the relatives coming to America in the late 1800's was the hard part - another century I'm glad I didn't live through. Weekend!

Sketchbook drawing - Warrior

2011-07-27T13:41:00.001-05:00

A lot going on right now, and since I need to post something, here's a sketch for part of a painting I was doing… and still might do. It's important not to desire vain things in life, but man I wish I could carry that look!

More from the sketchbook

2011-07-10T19:16:00.001-05:00

Been watching Errol Flynn movies the last few nights; The Adventures of Robin Hood (one of my absolute, all time, ever since childhood favorites!) and Captain Blood. In addition to the above pages, I wanted to get a few good sketches from the movies, but it didn't happen. Maybe next time.

Sketchbook Scan - Romans and Gauls

2011-07-06T07:39:00.002-05:00

To the left is Vercingetorix the Gaul, who gave the Romans serious trouble until the battle of Alesia in 52 BC. To the right, a Roman soldier and a Gaul in forbidden love.

Travels of the Game Warrior!

2011-07-05T10:21:00.001-05:00

I'm glad I didn't have this game when I was a child, or else I never would have gone outside. I spent this past weekend breaking heavily from any thoughts of work (first time in a long time), and submersed myself in the virtual, medieval world of…

Mount & Blade - War Band!

My brother downloaded the game just the other day. He started and grew to be a count. I started as a female warrior (to see the variation of game play) and turned out to be a joke. I'm one of those, "do this and see what happens" people, so the results were a bit funny. The game play is awesome! You get to:

Receive encouragement from your men!

Vanquish enemies!

And meet old friends…

The game is more for teens with the blood sprites and stuff (you can disable that). If you're interested in this kind of thing you can check out their website at Tale Worlds.

Sketchbook Scan

2011-06-27T16:34:00.000-05:00

I may add to this page later, but wanted to go ahead and post now. I've put this little book down for far too long. Bad habits you know - drawing on envelopes and paper found on the floor. Hey, I'm sure you do it too!

Fancy Mouse animation

2011-06-14T20:11:00.005-05:00

Because it had to be done…

Don't Stop!

2011-06-11T16:22:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately due to work schedules, I haven't had a chance to pull out the oil paints in a few aggravating weeks, so I've tried to clear my head and pass the little free time I have creatively. I finished an old page I had started months ago for the space comic I was working on. I put it up over at the other blog.

Hey, if you stop drawing you die! If you stop laughing, well… it gets even worse!

Click Here!

Nice to see green.

2011-06-08T08:47:00.000-05:00

I had the pleasure last night of hearing distant thunder and rain falling on the roof - a frog singing his joyous song under the window, grateful for the wet stuff. Sky water has been terribly scarce here so it was welcomed. Not so to the north I know. Strange how not far way things are being wiped out by storms and floods and here things are being destroyed by the sun.

Here are a few garden photos. I don't think I'll ever grow to dislike tomato sandwiches, but with so many coming in, I'm sure it will be a good test. Yesterday we discovered a Mockingbird nest in the hedgerow by the garden, and after taking this photo, I realized just how mean these baby birds beaks look! Good reminder that momma is probably not far away.

And here's a glimpse at a few designs I've worked on in the last few weeks. More soon, hopefully.

Here's some paper with graphite on it!

2011-06-06T18:22:00.006-05:00

No awards for creative writing here. My mind seems to be seriously overloaded with what I have going on right now (plus the added physical stress of this infernal heatwave). Maybe in the next few days I can get something up here that looks like an intelligent adult put it together.
Here are a few robot character studies, some are quite old.

These sketches were just to clear my head after last week. Amy Android hides from some thuggish mechanical villains!

And a few more sketches of robot designs. I don't know if this is your kind of thing, but I've always loved robots.

Oil Sketch

2011-06-06T13:36:00.000-05:00

Whew I'm worn out! The heat has really set in here and weeks seem to be running together. Above is a small unfinished head study of a young girl. I fully intended to have several paintings finished before Summer rolled around, but apparently God had different plans.

It's only thirty thousand feet...

2011-05-14T21:28:00.000-05:00

Books

2011-05-14T21:25:00.000-05:00

I have no idea what happened with the order, but my Christmas present finally arrived the other day. Almost in time for my birthday - go figure. I've watched this movie about four times now, enjoying it the last time from an artistic perspective, studying the compositions, colors, and expressions. I love how the very subtle gestures can communicate so much, which is something very important for the illustrator as well as animator. Anyway, if you don't have the book, Get It! Great artwork by many talented artists.

And while you're buying the Art of Tangled, be sure to add to the cart Ben Hatke's latest graphic novel, Zita the Spacegirl. Fabulous book and a job well done, Ben. I'm looking forward to the sequel. Check out Ben's blog while you're at it for interviews and other cool stuff.

This blog has been slow…

2011-04-13T21:51:00.000-05:00

…but life has not. Sorry for lack of activity here. I'm working on a few paintings right now, and should have something in the next couple of weeks.

Just posting this sketch I did today because it had a nice flow to it, and I think she's cute.

New Sketchbook Scans

2011-03-16T22:04:00.001-05:00

The drawings range from Slam Dunking Minotaurs to Nineteenth Century French soldiers.
Hope you like…

Prehistoric Suspense…

2011-03-03T18:30:00.000-06:00

Actually just drawings from the grocery store parking lot.
For some reason I keep imagining the T-rex reading an Ellery Queen novel.

My good art bud, Joe Sutphin kindly shared his sketchbook with me not long ago, and I felt inspired to try and bring up my own sketchbook awesomeness level by purchasing a Moleskine and attempting a sketch a day. Usually I'm too afraid of messing up a clean new book and often draw on scrap paper so we'll see how this goes.

Click on his name to swing by Joe's blog and check out his work.

Random Ink Drawings

2011-03-01T07:36:00.001-06:00

These weren't done on very good paper. Just for fun and practice.

Something with a little color…

2011-02-28T10:51:00.000-06:00

Oil Head Study

2011-02-23T08:23:00.001-06:00

Did this small oil on canvas study Monday afternoon. It's a head sketch of my brother. My brother… my brother! I'm starting to talk about him so much on here you'd think he's my… brother!

Sketches for no reason

2011-02-22T15:10:00.001-06:00

This is pretty much what I accomplished with some late night free time about a week ago. Wish I had a little more of that!

A Go-Rilla!!! and a winged lion… bet you're surprised! And below a nineteenth century French Cuirassier reprimanding his horse. Now I've got to give credit to my brother for coming up with this character, and admit I've been drawing him a lot lately. Quite a fun fellow.

As I was digging through my sketches, I realized that Alex has the ones I'm looking for. I'll post those later. The woman is a pirate in disguise and the Arab gentleman is a friend of the protagonist. I've been pushing for more energy in my drawings so…

Ferocious Dino Doodle

2011-02-12T10:54:00.001-06:00

Painting in Progress

2011-02-03T10:14:00.001-06:00

This one is nearly there. I've put a lot of paint on the palette and have tried to work using bolder brushstrokes. They say to use a brush one size larger than you feel you would be comfortable with. It makes each stroke more deliberate, and prevents you from overworking it.

Lately I've been using an Artists' Retouching Varnish on my completed paintings. This offers a good protection quickly after the paint surface is dry to the touch. It allows the oil paint to breath and continue drying for six to twelve months until you can apply the final varnish, such as Conserve Art.

Oh and about this piece, it's just an old one I never finished… or should I say never put down.

Revisiting An Old Portrait

2011-01-25T16:35:00.001-06:00

To keep the blog posts coming, a photo of my workspace from today.

Just a quick one…

2011-01-19T12:48:00.000-06:00

This year is really off to a fast start. Hardly time to put together a post. So many things in different directions.

I wanted to throw in this WIP real quick… a sketch for a t-shirt design. I was in the process of painting it when I got sick last month (shudder!). Will be posting another painting soon. I've got to collect some photos first.

Gesture Sketch - Cold Weather

2011-01-14T20:36:00.000-06:00

Catching Up

2011-01-14T17:09:00.000-06:00

Alright! To catch up on the last few months. I really should have been blogging all this time, but I started a habit of blocking most things out to focus on work.

I reproduced a larger more complete painting of the young woman with the sword, titled "Resolve" (36" x 28" oil on canvas). I think it turned out pretty good. My dog was growling and sniffing it cautiously, so that has to count for something.

Also if you're in need of a larger easel, I highly recommend the Best Classic Santa Fe II (pictured above). It's one of the most excellent purchases I've made.

There's more to come… stay tuned.

Don't grow your flowers near the Royal Stables!

2011-01-10T11:40:00.000-06:00

A little part of an unfinished sequence of sketches. I've spent the last three months painting in oils so drawing again feels good.

I'm having fits now with this blog post auto-saving my mistakes to I'm going to publish it before I loose everything.

New Year?

2011-01-08T12:29:00.001-06:00

Well I hope everyone had a happy holidays. Things weren't so well for my family and me during the month of December, with flu and pneumonia I was only good for moaning and watching strange movies on the Retro Network - such as Hercules vs. the Moon Men and Teenagers from Outer Space. It can give you even stranger dreams when you have a fever, and cause people to worry when you mumble phrases like, "The light from your moon will help…"

Anyway, it takes a bit of practice using a pencil again after being down for several weeks. So today I'm going to post some doodles to get back into blogging. Hopefully 2011 will be a good year.

My little brother had an idea to draw huge shirtless musclemen with magic swords and helmets so that's what we did for a few days, until I moved on to the Hulk and Telly Savalas (just to explain some of this).

Then there's the Hulk! (Lou Ferrigno)

This sketch came from me wondering why no one figures out that David Banner is the "creature," even if they're handcuffed to him during his transformation. I don't wish ill on David, but it's kinda frustrating seeing people be so stupid.

Well this is the end of my senseless post. I'll be back soon to talk about what's been going on these months I've been a slow blogger… I mean that now!

Disgruntled Fairy

2010-11-14T09:11:00.000-06:00

Here's a sketch from lunch the other day.

I just finished a big painting commission that's had me busy for the last few weeks. More on that and other projects soon!

2010-09-18T17:23:00.000-05:00

I may not be posting for a bit… many things happening in many directions. So here's a small drawing from this morning. Ciao!

Young Queen Painting

2010-09-11T08:15:00.002-05:00

This painting's completed - for now anyway. It didn't turn out quite the way I expected. I wanted to use more washes and transparent layers, but my planning wasn't so good and the underpainting was too rough. It's not very big - about 11" by 15". This of course is oil on canvas.

I'm not too crazy about the title. She looks more like a peasant than a queen. Perhaps she's in disguise.

Although it is not meant to be Tolkien's character, this painting was inspired by Éowyn from The Return of The King. You can click on the label below to see the painting in it's various stages.

Pencil Studies

2010-08-31T08:02:00.000-05:00

Two head studies for a painting that flopped a couple months ago. I was going for a classical look, but never got around to posting them.

'Nother Monday

2010-08-30T12:38:00.000-05:00

I knew I should have been more diligent in my high school Latin studies. I just found that you can purchase Asterix and Obelix comics in the "dead" language. Who would have thought! Wish I had it when taking my classes.

Here's a sneak peek of an illustration done recently. Snarling wolves can be tricky to draw.

And trying to get it right can lead to some involuntary face cramps that went something like this for me.

Making It Back

2010-08-23T17:55:00.003-05:00

Have you ever had a creative dry spell? It seems, starting a few weeks ago I couldn't draw anything to my satisfaction. I thought of renaming my blog "Don't Slip On The Eraser Shavings!"

Above is an attempt I made to fill my sketchbook with cool things! Usually for me that means breaking out the paints for a little color. I've got a Strathmore hardback sketchbook with a slick black cover, and although the paint wrinkles the pages a bit, it's still fun. At least the noise the crinkly paper makes when you turn it gives the impression that there's something substantial inside!

Here's some of my latest work on my Intuos pad. I dug out an old comic skit from about a year back and took it to the drawing table for another go. Hope you get a kick out of it... (you may have to click the image twice to enlarge it)

This was fun to do and as things have eased up a bit, I'm going try again in the direction of a Sci-fi humor comic. The other site is currently under construction.

And a few other sketches. Gotta run... somebody's calling my name.

Quick Note: Check out Ben Hatke's blog to pre-order his new graphic novel Zita the Space Girl! Ben has all the blog posts labeled, which is something I never can manage to remember. Congrats Ben! on the book I mean.

Beaming Cowgirl, and Really Miniature Horses

2010-08-04T19:33:00.000-05:00

From a sketch session the other day - just to post something quick before turning in.

And here's a link to a fitting video that gave me a good laugh. I like how the announcer continues ignoring the little guy while some try their best to catch him. Click here for the video!

Wood Nymph - From the Sketchbook

2010-07-22T16:07:00.000-05:00

Click for full image

Here's a quick watercolor sketch - first time in weeks I've had a chance to sit down and "relax/draw." Better get back at it!

Busy · Busier · Busiest

2010-06-30T07:52:00.000-05:00

Here are a few sketches I did after work. Of course this is from The Lord of The Rings, specifically The Hobbit. I picked it up the other day and then sketched these to get loose.

I just received a big commission that will keep me preoccupied for the next few months. Also I'm in a rush to finish a few projects before October, a deadline I've set for myself for a reasons regarding work, so I'm not sure how many "illustrations" I'll be posting. For fun I may even digitally tint some of the sketches I do post along the way so this blog will not be devoid of all color! Sketches can get pretty bland.

New book's out! This one's from a couple months ago.

And a few interior illustrations.

The Call of the Wild is available through Magic Wagon, a division of the ABDO Group or your educational wholesaler.

I've also been meaning to post about the Gulf oil spill. As one who lives on the coast, it's not easy I can tell you. Economically things were bad enough before this happened, but with much of the local industries dependent on the water, things quickly went from bad to worse.

Jimmy Buffett's sister Lucy has been doing what she can to help and is promoting a T-shirt to raise money, something I've been involved with over the last few weeks (life can be adventurous in strange ways). Lucy has a restaurant near the coast, LuLu's at Homeport Marina - you can check out her website and more about the shirt by clicking here.

Sketch Page

2010-06-18T16:24:00.000-05:00

Oil painting WIP

2010-06-15T21:21:00.001-05:00

I know better than to do this (I really do!) but since I have nothing new to post...

Here is what I have so far on my current oil painting. I'm about halfway there and need to repaint the mouth and chin. She also needs a pair of ears, something she seemed to do fine without in the sketch, but I feel it would look better in the final piece. It's been a ton of fun to work on so far and I hope it works out to the finish.

Young Queen

2010-06-04T09:52:00.001-05:00

This drawing has been affectionately known around my house as 'knife girl.' I've been trying to push 'Young Queen' but it won't stick. The image is graphite on paper, and is slightly darkened digitally to appear as charcoal. Gives better tonal values when going to paint. I'm not very good with charcoal.

Messy Drawings - Messy Mind

2010-06-02T14:41:00.000-05:00

I can't exactly explain my absence from the blog for the past few weeks, except... Life. It's just the way things have been going. I will catch up on my current activities in the coming days but for now a quick post of sketches.

The early stages of a painting, particularly the rough sketches, are a window into the mind of the artist. You can look around the craftsmanship of the final piece and see how the artists thinks - what works and doesn't work. Mine always tend to be a mess for some reason with drawings on top of each other, but someone said I should post this. Perhaps I don't like it because I can see the struggle.

Oil Portrait

2010-03-24T07:53:00.004-05:00

Well I have one painting down, and need a better photo of it before it leaves my hands tomorrow. I don't think I took into consideration while planning my 2010 calendar that I would actually have to work! I found a note on my computer of things to accomplish for the year - it's not much, but it's not done either. By this time I really thought things would be coming along faster, but anyway here's the painting.

Real soon I'm going to talk about a site I found and post some sketches. Lately I've been drooling over old Disney animation cels and animated movie stills. Anyway, until then!

Rip Haywire! by Dan Thompson

2010-03-22T08:25:00.007-05:00

Check out my little brothers art over at RipHaywire.com!

Then swing by and checkout Dan Thompson's adventure comic, Rip Haywire! It's the perfect action packed way to start the morning... Thanks, Dan!!!

sketch

2010-03-18T19:49:00.002-05:00

Just a quick sketch to keep myself loose during an insane schedule. It didn't work, but I think the sketch looks alright.

Go Irish!

2010-03-17T10:01:00.003-05:00

The Last of the Mohicans

2010-02-26T06:54:00.007-06:00

Here are a few more illustrations that didn't make it into the portfolio. Each of these took about five or six hours to draw.

The Last of the Mohicans is available through Magic Wagon, a division of the ABDO Group or your educational wholesaler.

Dragon Sketch

2010-02-17T16:52:00.009-06:00

Here is a dragon sketch from a few months back. Again not a part from the story, just some experimental concept work. If I can get this dummy together with everything else going on, it will surely be worth a celebratory toast of some kind! But it's happening.

I can't share at this time the work I'm doing for other projects, so it makes the blog a little slow.

This blog gets less use than Charlie Brown's mailbox

2010-02-11T15:15:00.009-06:00

Okay, so time's flying right along. Almost a month since I posted last. In that time it seems the Heat Miser has temporarily vacated the deep south. We've had snow! Amazingly enough, two days later we were back in short sleeves, but that's how it goes.

Here I am disguised as a bum. Actually I don't know who this is...

A southern snowman stands a staggering seven inches tall! Try saying that real fast...

And Sugar...

Artwork coming...

A Little Bit of Everything

2010-01-18T16:19:00.029-06:00

I've learned a few things recently. That Pro was better than College Football this season (until late in the Playoffs), and that I can't draw with a non-photo blue pencil to save my life. I've simply got to come back over it with the trusty mechanical HB before inking. I discovered this while hurriedly drawing the big red eyed guy one morning last week. It's one of those times when you're in a rush to finish before starting the daily grind. I was royally messing it up when I had to break, and was harassed by the thought of my failure all day. Yet another motive for procrastination.

There are various styles here, which is kinda neat. I went for a more animated film look on the character sheet up top (again that's a comic story idea that's coming together), and here are a few medieval style drawings intermingled with other dragon character sketches. I've resumed work on that story after overcoming a slight case of writer's block. Writing... hmm... Now there's something I will be working on this year!

By the way, the dragon sketches are random and do not feature parts of the actual story. There is no swordplay or archery or theatrical violence of any kind.

(pause)

Don't tell me you're disappointed!

Want to brush up on your writing skills?

2010-01-18T16:16:00.014-06:00

Well take a look at the intro for Plan 9 from Outer Space, often referred to as the worst movie ever made. This film makes mediocre writing look great! I managed to watch the whole thing just to say I did... you know like skydiving or something.

Here's the Wikipedia article on the film. The mistakes are worth reading about if you can't watch the movie.

Painting with Oils

2010-01-08T09:32:00.028-06:00

Just a quick post today. I recently put the finishing touches on the face in my latest portrait. You'll have to excuse the glare to the left and center.

I think I'm finally starting to settle with a painting technique I'm happy with. After I rough in the painting I apply thin layers and then accent tones with a coarse brush on the wet paint. You can see the effect better in the unfinished* painting below. It's a scan of an old piece I scraped down and repainted a few months back. I had hoped to post the whole image one day, if I'd just get around to finishing it. I haven't even put the epaulets on Col. Mustard yet!

*unfinished: this is how I escape saying I didn't catch the mistakes.

Well here's a little something...

2009-12-30T09:52:00.020-06:00

Hope everyone is ready for the new year, because I know I'm not. January 1st always feels like an approaching Monday to me.

Does anyone remember the Goat comic I talked about some months ago? (I just checked and can't believe that was in May!!!) Well this is page three of a short story. I inked this awhile back as I was listening to a football game (I don't recommend that) and I feel I've learned a bit since. Below that is the old character and color test.

And would you believe me if I said I've had a graphic novel story idea developing since college? Six years of work is finally starting to come together... characters, plots, subplots, action, and most importantly to me, humor. Sketches of the various characters are hidden throughout my latest entries. I've even gone so far as to purchase a website domain name, so am I serious about this? Yessiree Bob!

A new year is coming folks. Let's have a bright outlook and go get 'em!!! (grimace)

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-20T18:17:00.011-06:00

In case I don't make it back before the holidays, here's a quick sketch from this afternoon.
Have a very Merry Christmas everyone, and a Happy New Year!

Art and Links, or... Links to Great Art!

2009-12-15T10:40:00.037-06:00

The Tree is up, and the Vince Guaraldi CD is on repeat, spreading Charlie Brown Christmas music throughout the house. I really wish I had something to show right now, but I haven't been too happy with personal sketches lately. I don't think I'm every happy at all come to think of it, except at that moment when I have an idea, and rush for pencil and paper. After that I struggle and bumble along and employ every trick I know to make it look as good as I can. Creative process I guess.

The images here are old, except for the Santa girl. I thought about not posting her since I had a complaint (not exactly) that my girls were sometimes too hot. I don't know what they're talking about...

moving on...

Anyone who knows me, knows that animation is tops on my favorites list - particularly pencil tests. I love character sketches that show movement, which is something every good illustration should have. And thank heaven for the internet, because I easily found some! (Warning: I am running the risk that you will leave my blog and not return for the rest of the day, there are so many cool things over there... Check out the blog links below to see more.)

One blog features the art of Glen Keane. The video below is a thumbnail animation, at least I think that's what the pros would call it. Heck I don't know the terms, who am I kidding! I've watched it about six times and the expressions achieved by using merely a few lines floors me.

And here's da links...

The Art of Glen Keane, by Raul Andres

Pencil Test Depot, by Jamaal Bradley

And just because it's a precious well of inspiration:
Harald Siepermann's portfolio

I'm going to get some good stuff here soon folks. Some of my latest posts have been a little "blah!"

Winter Weather, Paints, and Portfolio Updates

2009-12-01T20:06:00.030-06:00

Trying to put a few layers on my latest painting before I start on my next book. I hope everyone is enjoying the beginning of this holiday season. Thanksgiving was terrific for me, and my family and I are really looking forward to Christmas. Below is a work in progress of the newly appointed Archbishop of Mobile, the Most Reverend Thomas Rodi. I've worked on it for two days now and have made some pretty good headway. These are the preliminary layers... lots of detail to come.

Here is a small oil study from a few weeks ago I painted for future reference. I went so far as to make a couple sculptures for this one to help with the lighting. Unfortunately they didn't turn out very well but they did serve their purpose.

And if you get a chance, check out my updated portfolio over at Shannon Associates. Most of the peices added I have shared here already, but there are some black and white illustrations from the Last of the Mohicans that are new.

I have a blog?

2009-11-20T20:50:00.032-06:00

No seriously... It's been difficult getting my thoughts down as I've been devoted to my art heavily these last few weeks. I'm up to my eyeballs in paintings - oil studies and roughs. It's the first time in awhile that I've had success, or at least fun, painting with oils. I've expanded my palette by several colors which I think has made an improvement.

And I know if I don't start posting more, I shouldn't be surprised if I have no visitors at all to this blog! So here are some insanely diverse sketches. Many irons in the fire right now.

The Last of the Mohicans

2009-10-29T19:16:00.024-05:00

It's tough finding time to blog these days. In this post are a few of my illustrations from the book The Last of the Mohicans. It will be available January 2010 through Magic Wagon, a division of the ABDO Group or your educational wholesaler.

The book offered a great opportunity for some rather dramatic images.

I like how the angles turned out in this one. Originally I was going to have the party viewed completely from the side, and was about a quarter of the way into it when I had the idea for this composition. It was worth the extra work to change it.

This was the second illustration I worked on (finished it right before I went to the beach a couple months ago) and is one of my favorites - I love the tension and Cora's rigid posture. She's not taking any guff!

Over the next few weeks I'll share more illustrations and some of the roughs and prelim sketches. Stay tuned!

Colonel Mustard I Presume

2009-10-12T08:12:00.017-05:00

Several weekends ago, I took a trip to the beach with family. Overall it wasn't bad, but I came back more tired than ever. While at the condo, we played a few rounds of the board game Clue. It was the first time my brothers had ever played it and they caught on rather quickly. Andrew however seemed to have the notorious problem of rolling ones and twos, making his trek across the board slow and arduous. Each time he played as Colonel Mustard, and I had the idea for this painting (still unfinished). He is known for giving people "that look." Below is an example of how game conversation would often go.

Colonel Mustard: I believe the crime was committed by Miss Scarlet with theeeeee.... Revolver!

Professor Plum: Where?

Colonel Mustard: In the leg.

Mr. Green: He means what room?!

Colonel Mustard: In the Conversationary.

Professor Plum: You mean the Conservatory?

As for the painting, there are about three layers on the face. Probably could use a few more but I've already spent more time on it than I thought I would.

maquette

2009-10-03T14:36:00.014-05:00

Here is a small head sculpture made using Super Sculpey. I started it a few weeks ago and for what seemed like an eternity, she sat there bald and earless (creepy) until I finished her today.

The model was based on my sketches in the colonial post from two months ago, and was a big help while working on the book. Some of you may remember the male head maquette I made last year. These are great to have around when you can't get that sketch just right.

yo birdie

2009-09-30T07:49:00.005-05:00

I painted this last night for a charity auction that is to be held Thursday. Talk about last minute! But it was my fault. The proceeds will go to help a local hospice.

Work in progress

2009-09-28T10:45:00.011-05:00

Just to post something quick. It already feels like it should be Friday... long week ahead.

More Coming Soon...

2009-09-17T22:22:00.021-05:00

Don't give up on me folks. I've been a real bum for not posting, I know. The last three weeks have been spent finishing up illustrations for a book coming out in a few months. More on that later.

Here is a quick sketch I did experimenting with different techniques.

New artwork is on its way. Stay tuned!

Foot Study

2009-08-10T09:02:00.006-05:00

There's a lot I could say about this quick oil study I did last night. Like how I had to eat 5 pickles to have a jar for my brush cleaner. Very sad!

I was reading Saturday about different color palettes over at Matthew D. Innis' blog, and after looking at all the beautiful work collected there, I had to bring out the oils. To answer the question some of you asked, digital painting is not the same as the real thing. Mixing the oils and preparing the canvas is an experience all to itself, and I love it (when I feel the painting has good results). Also James Gurney mentioned over at his blog in a 2007 post the benefits of painting from the masters.

This study is from Bouguereau's The Bohemian, as seen on the cover of the book below. There is room for improvement, but that's the whole reason for the study! I feel like I learned something from this exercise and look forward to trying it again sometime soon.

Gator Labels

2009-08-08T13:47:00.027-05:00

Working through yet another weekend. I'll catch up one day! These two "festive" gators were done for some packaging labels. Originally they were to be vector, but the client wanted to go for a more realistic effect.

You know what I'm going to do? I've got a plan! Every birthday from here on out will be my eighteenth birthday, and I'll simply ignore time. When I die, I'll be eighteen and everyone will say "he lived his short life to it's fullest!"

Seriously, do we live long enough to accomplish the many things we want to achieve? If you are one of those people who do, I salute you.

Stay tuned. More to come!

Colonial America

2009-08-03T21:50:00.043-05:00

Over the last few weeks I've been researching 18th century America for a new project I'm currently working on. The images in this post are a few resulting character studies. Hope you enjoy them!

New Study Shows...

2009-07-25T19:11:00.036-05:00

This rough digital painting is based on new scientific evidence showing that some dinosaurs were friendly, and looked the part. [citation needed] A few prehistoric reptiles showed a "kind demeanor" and "gentle disposition" which was often confused for lack of intelligence. I mean, who could be scared of this guy?

For over three weeks I've been wanting to play with my new Intuos 4 pad (which underwent neat design changes by Wacom since my December post). It's difficult for me to use the tablet when drawing directly into the computer, but it is great for digital painting. The buttons are now on one side and the pad is ambidextrous.

Oh and the painting program was Photoshop. The layers can be seen below.

Arrivederci Roma

2009-07-15T19:44:00.034-05:00

In finishing a few projects, I've recently had the pleasure of once again seeing my work in color. Drawing roughs and sketches so long I thought I would never paint again! I can't show any of it here but I do have a few old pieces to post. The following painting was from a brief trip to Rome in the Summer of 2003.

I would love to go back, but the city that really captured my heart during my short stay was Assisi. Such a beautiful place (less graffiti and more rolling hills)! My photo album was misplaced during a house remodel so unfortunately, no photographs at this time.

And I'll throw this in too. Above is a quick compilation of roughs, character studies, and facial expressions. Some of these are a few months old, and looking at them now, I think were inspired by various Golden Book artists. Gustaf Tenggren is one that I do recall. I need to dig through my old references again.

Here are a few cool links from ASIFA-Hollywood Animation Archive:

Tenggren - Little Trapper
Genesis of the Golden Book Style

Oh and thanks to all those contacting me through Facebook. I haven't been faithful posting there either, but will try to put more up in the near future. Life has been fun and this Summer has been even better!

More coming soon!

circa 1920

2009-06-26T20:08:00.014-05:00

Above are recently drawn character studies (and my attempt at 20's fashion). No details about it now - just these sketches.

Gathering Sticks

2009-06-24T06:55:00.005-05:00

Marker and Ink Wash Sketch

2009-06-11T16:45:00.019-05:00

Playing with some new Faber-Castell brush pens.

The funny thing about this picture is that while drawing it, I could hear on my stereo, Yo-Yo Ma performing Bach (Prelude), and this followed by Mozart (Violin Concerto No. 3). Not exactly fitting music for this sketch. Perhaps that explains his somewhat calm demeanor.

Any suggested names for this guy?

dino doodles

2009-06-08T11:08:00.018-05:00

Six prehistoric lizards, and a hip beach bash cave mammal.

Another Sketch

2009-06-04T08:08:00.008-05:00

I know this is a lousy excuse for a post - a sketch on lined paper - but I will try to post more regularly on the blog in the future. I can't share most of the work I'm doing right now, and not much time is left for personal drawing.

By the way, she's wearing a life preserver.

Late Sketch

2009-05-29T22:41:00.012-05:00

Listened to Beyond the Sea by Bobby Darin, one of my all time favorite songs and then made this. Now it is late. Here's to sweet dreams of distant places.

Goats

2009-05-23T14:20:00.046-05:00

I was going to post something, but now I can't remember what it was. Oh well... I'll post these strange pictures I found buried in my iMac's hard drive instead. A few months ago I did these sketches of a crime fighting miniature goat who had incredible powers, thanks to the experiments of a bumbling professor.

They were fun, but I think the following video is way better than the drawings! Have you ever heard of a "fainting goat?"

I particularly like the bleating sound added every time a goat topples. My favorite is the goat near the end of the video. He seems to pass out from excitement right before catching up to his friends. You can buy one of these little guys off the internet - "Guaranteed to go down!" Amazing!

Going Back

2009-05-08T15:03:00.052-05:00

Things have been really crazy lately, and I haven't had much time for blogging. I thought I might show some old work of mine... really old work. (Click on the small sample to see the full image)

Do any of you remember the cartoon Dino Riders that aired in the 80's? I must have done this when I was five or six. I had my drawing desk next to my dad's and I would crank out these epic battle scenes on paper. It's pretty obvious that I wasn't too concerned with composition back then.

Here's one from high school - the love for dinosaurs undying. I've stepped up a notch from Dino Riders to Jurassic Park. Intense. Get it in gear Muldoon! Get it in gear!

The drawing to the left inspired this post. Joe made a comment on the last entry that reminded me of reading the novel Shane when I was thirteen or fourteen. There were a few more sketches of this brawl that were a little off. I think I misunderstood the description of the fight since the drawings looked more like interpretive dance gone terribly wrong.

And now ladies and gentlemen, the pièce de résistance! A pencil rendering of that master of evil, Darth Vader! You must be shaking in your boots right now.

I did this for a 4th grade book report. Seeing it now I wonder why I kept going.

Welp... that's a glimpse into my past. Hope your having a wonderful weekend and enjoying the beginning of Summer!

Remain Calm Princess!

2009-04-16T09:46:00.061-05:00

You may remember this dragon from previous entries on this blog. I'm revisiting this story in my spare time, and trying to finalize a version I'm happy with.

I think I should note that as I reworked the story I found it necessary to increase the dragon's size. So there is a slight difference from my earlier drawings. If you didn't notice, then forget I mentioned it. :)

Below is a character sheet I finished today. I hope you enjoy these!

The Charging Lion

2009-04-07T07:46:00.021-05:00

I started this drawing last night and finished it this morning. Some inspiration coming from the 1950 adaptation of King Solomon's Mines, starring Deborah Kerr and Stewart Granger.

I wanted to experiment with the use of solid blacks in my work so I had the idea to do this comic style piece.

Update!

2009-04-03T20:08:00.013-05:00

If you get a chance, head over to KidShannon.com to see the new portfolio. Big thanks to everyone on the Shannon team!

Have a great weekend!

Springtime?

2009-03-31T08:15:00.026-05:00

Below is the final gopher painting. In this picture the little girl tells the gophers and moles to stay out of the golf coarse because her uncle who is the grounds keeper is getting ma..... you're not buying it are you. Actually this illustration goes with the animal meeting from a few posts back. I cropped it down.

The full image has a kind of neat transition to nothingness over to the right, but it looks a little odd without text.

And below are some springtime photos. (leave it to me to post an Autumn painting with springtime photos... but hopefully you didn't notice)

Ever wonder where the Bluebirds go during the winter? These photos aren't very good but I thought I'd share the bird in flight.

Hope you're having a nice week! I'm already looking forward to the weekend and it's only Tuesday... not good!

Getting back at it

2009-03-22T16:43:00.010-05:00

Back at blogging I mean. I'll be posting some new pieces over the next few weeks. I intended to post the final of this piece upon completion but felt inclined to post the sketch now. Changes are inevitable but I thought it looked pretty cool.

Blog Award!

2009-03-09T18:23:00.003-05:00

A special thanks to Angela Matteson for the award given to me on her blog! Be sure to check out her marvelous illustrations over at her site, Angelato.

Gators Galore

2009-02-27T09:37:00.031-06:00

Now doesn't this picture look like something out of Jurassic Park.

Did you know that alligators can climb fences? Although this one is crashing through a fence, I've heard that they can do just about anything a green anole can. Jump, swim, climb, and bite... and size in not a deterrent.

If you're ever out at night on the Mobile delta (and I seriously doubt you ever will be!) don't be surprised by the countless pairs of golden eyes shining in your spotlight. Once endangered, these behemoths now inhabit many of the coastal waterways in the South.

I remember (and I laugh so hard when I think about it) when Hurricane Ivan hit about four years ago, there were reporters from all over the country who showed up to cover the damage, and they were all terrified of "Chuckie" the alligator who escaped from a local zoo. "He could be anywhere!" What they didn't seem to understand is that he's not the only one down here. The gator they captured on camera swimming free in the swamp may not have been Chuckie.

Last summer there was an alligator at least ten feet in length (and I say at least) cruising down the river behind my house. I don't know why I've typed all this, but it is fascinating to me that I live in a resort area near the beach, and there are these "dinosaurs" literally everywhere.

I'm Lucky

2009-02-19T10:51:00.023-06:00

That's right! Lucky that I have any visitors to this blog anymore, I post so irregularly! I've been blessed with a lot of work lately and have discovered that I'm a workaholic and a perfectionist... I don't know if that's a good thing or not. I thought I might post some random spare-time drawings from my sketchbook, a few old and new. The odd shaped creatures are monsters, and the odd shaped creatures with joints are robots (kinda self explanatory isn't it)

Isn't this guy cool? This little monster uses his bottom to fasten himself to cave walls and absorb nutrients from the rock. Which leads to the question - Why?

I found the above sketch in a drawer the other day. You know, one of those times when you're looking for something and find something else that makes you forget what you were looking for. I drew this several years ago after watching a documentary on Africa. These hippos would chase away crocs from their sunny spot by merely touching their noses to the crocodiles tails. To be honest I don't think I'd let the hippo get that close in the first place, but that's just me.

Perpetual Fall

2009-01-29T07:55:00.014-06:00

Moderately cool temperatures have kept a fall like appearance in my area. The trees are still quite colorful. These leaves were just plucked from a tree the other day, and I've come to find out that this is actually an average winter for us. Fancy that!

And this is Little Red rockin' her way down the lane, bringing a digital converter to dear old Granny so her television set doesn't "just become a box."

(There may be too much frivolity on this blog for my own good)

Pensive Mood

2009-01-18T19:11:00.006-06:00

We Shall Have Order!

2009-01-18T13:07:00.017-06:00

This image is a little like my life right now, or at least these last few months. Somewhat disorderly! A bad cold AND the flu during the holidays was enough to mix things up a bit, and I haven't completely shaken the stuff.

Do you know that my Christmas tree may very soon become a Mardi Gras tree?! I still haven't taken it down. I need to hop to it!

The picture above is watercolor and color pencil. It took roughly two days to complete. There are some elements I might change, but for now I will take a break from it and start on some other projects.

More Prelim Sketches

2009-01-11T13:28:00.011-06:00