A compromise

So I was debating whether or not to post my paintings when they're in progress, and decided it couldn't hurt... after all, I love seeing the WIP of other artists.

For those who don't know already, this is a photograph of a painting I've been working on for an upcoming art show/fundraiser.  The photo was taken when it was just in the early phase of roughing out the figure.  It caught a little glare on the left side due to the fact that it was very wet (oil paint).  I will post the finished piece in the next few days.

Also, I started with the idea of having her holding a tiny seed, which later evolved into having an apple and the addition of a snake.  But... that felt too sinister (i.e. eve & the forbidden fruit), so I settled on a compromise of keeping the apple and losing the snake.  This way it reads, at least I hope it reads, as an offering.

So... it started with a seed, but became an apple.

There's something scary and a little exhilarating about making changes to a painting when it's near completion, but sometimes paintings will talk to you and let you know what they need.  That's what happened here.  I just wasn't feeling this piece, so I made a last minute decision to make some adjustments to it.  And so, this is a peek into the changes I've made to a painting I've been working on for an upcoming exhibit (due December 2nd).  You'll notice that I've turned the seed into an apple, as well as added a snake.  What's not in the sketch (that is in the painting) are the subtle silhouettes of tree leaves behind the figure.  You can see my initial sketch version here.  Was it a good decision?  I think so.  I'm feeling much more happy with it this way.  The painting will be posted shortly after it's finished, so please stand by.

Ogre

Yup, that's an ogre... in profile.  :P

Daphne sketcheroo

A sketch of Daphne (from Greek mythology) as she turns into a tree.

It starts with a seed

This is the sketch of a painting I've been working on for an upcoming exhibit.  The idea came to me from a few places.  The first comes simply from the fact that all life has a small and fragile beginning, which needs to be nourished and cared for in order to survive and grow.  The second being the mustard seed as a metaphor.  Because it is among the smallest of seeds, it has been used in many cultural stories.  The one I chose comes from its representation as mankind's knowledge of universe in relation to the scale of the universe and all it contains.  This is meant to teach humility, which is something I feel we all need a little of, and what many people seem to be losing sight of - especially around the holidays.

A portion of the sales will be donated to a local food bank to help those in need.  The opening is December 5th, and I will be sure to post the finished painting around that time.

Flying serpent

Let the sleeping dog lie...

I haven't been able to get much done in the last few days artistically speaking, so here's a quick doodle of my dog, Wolfgang, sleeping.

Hurakan challenge - Part 5

Part 5 of the Hurakan book cover challenge taking place over on ArtOrder.

Due to the fact that I primarily work in traditional oil paint, I am unable to scan at this time.  So, in lieu of scanning, I had to resort to taking a photograph.  It's not as good as a scan would be, but it does the trick in a pinch.  Keep in mind that this is still a WIP.  the finished piece will be up next week.

Lounging dragon sketch

Just something I plan to paint someday.

Pretty woman, wailing down the peat...

Here's a rough sketch I did earlier today of a banshee.  Recently, I've become aware of the fact that I have a tendency to sketch things in profile, (which isn't necessarily a bad thing - I do love profiles), but they are not always as interesting as a 3/4 view can be.  Having said this, I have gone ahead and drawn her in profile.  Stubborn?  Perhaps.  However, I did consciously work on several various perspectives, and decided that, in this case, a profile would be the best angle to capture the stretched out gesture and flow of the character.  :P

Pegasus painting - color rough

Okay, so it's not the best picture, but I thought I'd post some color on here for a change.  This is only my start... about an hour into painting.

I've currently got three paintings in the works right now (all of which are being done in oil on masonite - my favorite medium.)  This one is 9"x12", by the way - I'm sure you've noticed my finger tips in the shot.

To see the pegasus in sketch form, click here.

Warhorse sketch

Just for kicks (pardon the pun), I've included the rough structure I made before rendering the horse below.

Hmm, and now that I think about it... I think the head should have been a little larger.  :/

A little inspiration from 1977

My sketch for today was inspired by the faces of these guys (orcs?) from the 1977 cartoon, The Hobbit.

Today, inspiration lay at my feet

Dedicated to my dog, Wolfgang... because I swear he thinks he's a person.  And if he was, he'd be a wise and noble one.

Kirin sketch

The Kirin, (sort of the Asian equivalent of the Western European unicorn), is said to be a peaceful mythical beast... a good omen that brings serenity and prosperity.

That which is nameless...

Not sure what you'd call this guy, but I don't think I'm quite done with him yet.  It was originally going to be a zombie, but evolved into this birdlike humanoid instead.  Funny how that happens.  Probably due to the fact that I get a kick out of making anthropomorphic type creatures.

Pegasus

Witch Doctor

Hurakan challenge - Part 4

This is the B&W cover sketch and the (very) rough color character study with color palette (though I'm thinking of adding a few more greens and blues) for my submission to the Hurakan art challenge taking place on ArtOrder.

I think I'm happy with the B&W cover sketch's composition.  I think of Hurakan as this chaotic diety who wreaks havoc as he dances wildly across the sky.  The sketch has a few kinks, but that will be easy enough to fix in the painting process.  Hmmm, one thing I'm noticing is that I think I need to raise him a little higher on the picture plane.

Providing a color palette for the color rough is something sort of new to me.  I've always painted with a palette in mind, of course, but never really 'laid down the law' so to speak on color choices.  Much of my painting process seems to come intuitively as I work.

Blues and greens are what this cover is going to require, so even though this rough gives samples of what colors I'll be using, I would hope that I will be able to incorporate a bit more variety within those color ranges.  Anyway, that is my hope for this color rough's purpose... to provide a color example of what the finished piece will be (nothing locked down at this point).