It's for the articles....

Sorry, I probably should've posted this earlier as June is almost over. My contribution to the current issue of Playboy. And guess who else in in there..... Donato! How cool is that:) What? I'm still allowed to nerd out every now and then. I mean, I'm surrounded by beautiful, young, naked women all the time. ALL..THE...TIME. I rarely have the opportunity to be featured in the same magazine with Donato. Admit it. It's kinda cool.

La Planete Sauvage

"La Planete Sauvage" is a french animated film also known as "Fantastic Planet" in english. This animated feature has been around since 1973. I've seen this cover on vhs tapes at the local video rental store for years and yet I never took the time to watch the film. On a recent visit to my parents house my brother randomly brought up the film and we sat down and watched it.

At first I noted the very dated look and primitive style of animation. However, the film's strangely surreal imagery and odd portrayal of humans had such a profound affect on me I knew I'd most likely make a post about it. I probably relate to the film more now than I would've ten years ago. However, the content seems as relevant and disturbing as ever. If you haven't had the chance or haven't heard of the film til now I figured I would share it HERE

As a bonus the sound track is also quite good and I thought complimented the imagery perfectly. For anyone into hip hop you may very well notice some samples used from the film on some classic hip hop trizacks.

ps I always say "expectations" can kill a good film. So to prep myself prior to any movie I feel myself getting my hopes up for I repeat these three phrases. "Worst plot ever. Worst special effects ever. And Worst acting EVER." This usually sets me straight. You may hate this film ;)

New Work in Progress

Here's a piece I'm hoping to wrap up within the next week. I thought I would go through my process a bit here. I may seem redundant at this point. However, even I finding myself unknowingly cutting corners sometimes and wondering why something isn't quite working out the way I wanted or why I can't seem to move forward.

Of course here's my initial sketch followed by a color comp.

After spending a lot of time looking up different types of trees, taking pictures of some trees around town, and taking photo reference of my figure I was ready to do the final drawing. After a loose transfer of the sketch I use my reference to create and refine my final drawing right onto the watercolor paper. Doing a final drawing and then trying to transfer all of that detail is a bit tiresome to me and it also tends to loose some freshness which needs to be recreated. There are usually areas in the drawing that I don't want too finished as it can restrict some spontaneity later while I'm painting. When it comes to the figures however, I try to make them as tight as possible.

Now it's ready for some paint. I usually start off with some large washes to fix the drawing and tone the paper overall. Knowing I wanted the center of the figure to be highlighted I lifted out the paint while it was still wet with a paper towel. From here on I'm slowly building up the value and color and beginning to refine some shapes within the piece. If you compare the figure's skin tone in image 5 with image 6 you'll notice it appears to have warmed up. Most likely, this is due to all the cool tones I've added to the background. I actually like the more muted skin tone so at some point I'll have to adjust it. There's always some back and forth, push and pull of this nature the further you get into a painting. I actually think that's the fun part.

Atmosphere is also important here. Besides the focal point of the piece I don't want my edges to be too sharp or contrasting. In the last image presented here I'm just starting to have a little fun refining the branch above her head. And that's where I'm at with this piece. I'll be sure to post more when it's finished and I get a good reproduction.

Final Drawing ...Live Painting at Rivet Gallery

This piece is ready for some paint. This is a bit last minute but if you live in the Columbus area and are out and about at Gallery Hop stop by Rivet Gallery for their 4th year anniversary. I'll be working on this piece and another for the evening.

"Rivet’s turning 4 and we want to celebrate it with you! Come out for an evening of live artist demonstrations as you have the opportunity to glance into the window of an artist studio.

Meet some of these artists who have worked with Rivet throughout the years and see their techniques at work.

Reception will be held Saturday, June 4th from 7pm to 10pm

Live Artist sessions presented by: Amanda L. Spayd, Andy B. Clarkson, Angela Matteson, Clinton Reno, Eric Fortune, Jason Tharp, Maxe Smith, Sharon Dorsey and Troy Stith."