nolanwoodard.com

"Irredeemable" #34

2012-02-01T17:23:00.003-05:00

Quibit, who might be my favorite character in 'Irredeemable', shows us what his plan is with Plutonian. Yup. Crazy. He best know what he's doing. It's out this week, written by the amazing Mark Waid, line art by Diego Barreto and Damian Couceiro, and colors by yours truly.

Roll over for original line art by Diego Barreto!

Fake Cover for "Irredeemable"

2012-01-24T22:30:00.004-05:00

One of the classes I'm teaching this quarter is a graduate level course on digital design and processes for comics. Their first job was to create a cover for a comic or comic anthology whether an original book or otherwise. It's primarily so I can gauge each student's skill level and start them out learning how to use Photoshop. I found myself with time in class while students worked and didn't need my guidance so created this fake cover for "Irredeemable", one of the titles I color monthly. This took about six hours all together. It's been far too long since I've drawn rather than just colored so this was primarily an exercise in brushing off a thick layer of rust. Overall, pretty happy with it even if it's not the most original of concepts.

"Incorruptible" #26

2012-01-22T23:21:00.003-05:00

The last chapter of the "Redemption" cross-over is out this week in "Incorruptible" 26. Let's just say it explains Max Damage 200% and makes his turn from evil not only completely convincing but utterly heartbreaking. If you've ever questioned Max's motives this will end that and give the entire series more weight as a whole. Waid shows why he's one of the best yet again.

Roll over for original line art by Marcio Takara!

"Irredeemable" #33

2012-01-04T12:29:00.006-05:00

I couldn't find a preview for "Irredeemable" #33 on CBR or elsewhere so this might be the only one online! There's six pages instead of the normal four or five since these pages do recap previous events it doesn't give anything away. It's out this week and further dives into Plutonian's background and where he got the idea to become a superhero and the specific type of training it took. You think you know what I mean but you sooo don't. Again, it's almost enough to make you feel sorry for him. Almost. So get a copy as the "Redemption" cross-over continues!

EDIT: CBR just posted up their preview but only five pages. Enjoy the sixth one here!

Roll over for original line art by Diego Barreto!

"Incorruptible" #25

2011-12-28T10:37:00.005-05:00

I've been a fan of "Incorruptible" since the first trade, even before I became the colorist, and always enjoyed it with one exception: I never completely bought Max's turn to good. Issue 25 ended that. Mark Waid explains Max's choice with new insight to his past and how it's tied to the Plutonian. It makes the entire series all the more powerful and poignant. If you've never read either "Irredeemable" or "Incorruptible" you need to jump on with the "Redemption" cross-over! It's a great read and a great place to come on board.

Roll over for original line art by Marcio Takara!

"Planet of the Apes" #9 cover

2011-12-22T23:42:00.002-05:00

While I'm no longer coloring the interiors for "Planet of the Apes" I'm still doing a cover here and there. This is for #9 cover C. As far as I've seen this cover comes without any graphics just as you see here.

Roll over for original line art by Damian Couceiro!

"Irredeemable" #32

2011-12-06T16:05:00.004-05:00

The "Irredeemable/Incorruptible" crossover, "Redemption", begins in this issue. We finally see how intertwined Plutonian and Max really are. And I'm the lucky guy that gets to color the entire event for both titles! If you enjoy superhero books with great characters, action, psychology, theoretical psychics, and depth you need to be reading these titles. Mark Wait spins one hell of a story. Check out the preview below!

And it looks like I'm staying on to color "Irredeemable" full time! It'll be so good working on both titles at the same time each month. Stay tuned for more awesome.

Roll over for original line art by Diego Barreto!

MTV Geek loves "Incorruptible"

2011-11-28T11:35:00.002-05:00

MTV Geek ranks "Incorruptible" as number five on the Top Ten Comic Books of 2011! I've been coloring this series since 2010 so I hope that means they love my color too. It beat out the powerhouses "B.P.R.D." and "Uncanny X-Force", both of which I read and feel humbled to even be listed with, amongst others. I'm so happy I could go color another issue of "Incorruptible"... which I'm doing right now! WOO HOO!!!!

Peter Krause's Batman

2011-11-22T17:27:00.004-05:00

About a month ago Peter Krause tweeted this sketch and I just had to color it. Finally found the time late last night to play with it and here are the results. Hope everyone, especially Peter, enjoys it!

Roll over for original sketch by Peter Krause!

"Incorruptible" #24

2011-11-21T12:16:00.003-05:00

The latest issue of "Incorruptible" comes out this week with #24 written by Mark Waid, line art by Marcio Takara, letters by Ed Dukeshire, edited by Shannon Watters, published through BOOM! Studios, and colored by me. Max's past is hunted down while he is confronted by two groups for control of Coalville. Who the hell is stupid enough to challenge the only man to beat The Plutonian? I believe this ends Volume Six and leads us directly into the cross-over with "Irredeemable". Get yourself a copy!

Roll over for original line art by Marcio Takara!

"Planet of the Apes" #8 covers

2011-11-18T12:18:00.002-05:00

Even though I won't be doing interiors for "Planet of the Apes" anymore, I'll still be coloring the covers. For issue eight I did two of the three. Check them out!

COVER A

Roll over for original line art by Carlos Magno!

COVER B

Roll over for original line art by Damian Couceiro!

"Planet of the Apes" #8

2011-11-15T08:56:00.004-05:00

"Planet of the Apes" #8 is out this week. This post is bittersweet because it's also my last issue of POTA I'll be coloring. It's been a great book to work on and I learned so much working on Carlos' line art. Originally I was brought onto the title by the amazing Ian Brill who sought a replacement after the colorist on issue one quit. In time I also got to work with Dafna Pleban who has been a joy and am happy to say is still giving me covers to color for POTA! I've been very lucky to work with these amazing people on this title and I hope everyone has thoroughly enjoyed it. #8 is the end of volume two and the war is about to begin. Pick yourself up a copy this week!

Roll over for original line art by Carlos Magno!

"Planet of the Apes" #7 cover B

2011-11-10T10:01:00.004-05:00

Believe it or not but I am STILL not caught up on all my posts!

I colored all three covers for issue 7 of "Planet of the Apes". Cover A can be viewed here. Not sure I'll be posting C up or not. This cover is where I finally figured out a good tool preset for some new crunchy brushes that are really cool. This issue is out now so go get one!

Roll over for original line art by Damian Couceiro!

Plunkett's Hamlet Vader

2011-11-10T02:12:00.004-05:00

Decided when I can't sleep and melatonin isn't working I'll do fun stuff; i.e. it looks like 'work' to some but doesn't pay the bills yet invests in the soul. There's a folder on my desktop chock-full of black and white sketches I collect from the internet perfect for some quick coloring fun. So I give you Killian Plunkett's unused cover for Dark Horse's "Star Wars Tales" #6 colored by moi. I hope to do this kinda stuff and originals more often.

"Irredeemable" #31

2011-11-09T16:39:00.004-05:00

Continuing even more updates as I fell way behind I got so busy. I pinch-colored a few pages for "Irredeemable" #31 that is out now. Not that big of a deal so was happy to help. It is always a challenge though to match up with the other colorist so it has continuity and doesn't become a "Samuel L. Jackson". (My students know what I mean.) Hopefully I did well. However, I'll be coloring fulltime for #32 and 33 during the big Irredeemable/Incorruptible cross-over! I am crazy excited! I'm coloring #32 right now. It's tense and disturbing and wish I could share with everyone. You'll just have to make "Irredeemable" one of your regular books to pick up. #31 is out now and after that THE SHIT HITS THE FAN!

Roll over for original line art by Damian Couceiro!

"Planet of the Apes" #7

2011-11-08T09:02:00.002-05:00

Continuing to update my backlog of news today with "Planet of the Apes" #7. The board is almost set for the players to make their first moves in the one thing apes and humans will always have in common: war.

Roll over for original line art by Carlos Magno!

"Incorruptible" #23

2011-11-07T16:54:00.004-05:00

I've been so swamped I'm over a week behind updating. "Incorruptible" #23 came out last week. It's a pretty sharp looking issue and begins the battle between The Plutonian and Max Damage! The following issues of "Incorruptible" and "Irredeemable" will be a big cross-over as Mark Waid explores the history behind the two and their ultimate clash. Plus, I get to color the entire event! So look for my work in the next two months on both titles. It's going to be a great ride.

Roll over for original line art by Marcio Takara!

Constantine and Epiphany...

2011-11-04T10:17:00.003-04:00

... sitting in a tree. S-M-O-K-I-N-G.

A student of mine recently asked me if I could draw as well as color. My initial reaction was insult but within milliseconds realized they couldn't be blamed for asking since it has been forever since I'd drawn anything. So I took it as a sign it was time to dust off the pencils and inks and now am thankful the student asked me.

Last night I drew Constantine with Epi, his new bride, from "Hellblazer". I'm a long time reader (since '95) and really am enjoying the title's current direction. I SOOO WANT TO COLOR "HELLBLAZER"! MAKE THIS HAPPEN, INTERNET! And I'm hoping they actually take a large amount of time to explore their relationship in the title. It's a huge opportunity to give Constantine depth as he's been rather same-ol' for awhile and Epi is, so far, rather interesting in her own right. I'd like to see more of both for years to come. No flash in the pan, 'celeb' marriage here, please!

I really need to email Shelly Bond, bad.

"Planet of the Apes" #7 cover A

2011-10-14T17:36:00.005-04:00

I've colored three covers for issue 7 of "Planet of the Apes" and just received my comps for it today. It looks amazing! Best issue yet! I'm getting more comfortable doing more with less and it's paying off. Can't wait to show interiors in the next couple of weeks.

Roll over for original line art by Carlos Magno!

"Incorruptible" #22 cover

2011-09-30T23:42:00.004-04:00

Got to get my hands on another "Incorruptible" cover and it offered some challenges with lots of washes in the inks but also made me create some new brushes to try and compliment the washes. I hope it turned out alright! This issue should be on the stands now. Plutonian vs. Max! Wait until you read issue #23!

Roll over the larger versions for the original line art.

"Incorruptible" #22

2011-09-28T13:45:00.003-04:00

Plutonian is back in Coalville and he's out for Max's blood. Do you really need more incentive than that?! This is the beginning of what we've all been waiting for for over two years! Written by Mark Waid, line art by Marcio Takara, and colors by me. Out this week!

Roll over to see the original line art. I'll be posting up cover B I colored for this issue soon too.

"Planet of the Apes" #6 covers

2011-09-21T17:37:00.004-04:00

First, I'M A DAD! Second, that's all the personal stuff you'll see posted on my blog but if you're a friend check out my Facebook account for loads of digital-daddy-wallet-photo-sharing. However, for obvious reasons I had to take a month off from coloring the interiors of POTA so issue six you'll only find my color on the covers. I'll be back coloring issue seven. Until then, don't miss a beat and pick up issue six this week! Roll over the larger versions for the original line art.

COVER A

COVER B

"Planet of the Apes" #5

2011-08-30T17:30:00.003-04:00

This is the week the first TPB and issue 5 from BOOM! Studios' "Planet of the Apes" comes out! It has received rave reviews and takes place between the original movies and the new "Rise of the Planet of the Apes". It's a great stand-alone story but compliments the franchise beautifully. That is due to the amazing talents of writer Daryl Gregory. As always, the amazing Carlos Magno graces the pages with his incredibly realistic line while I am on board for colors. I feel with this issue I finally found my voice in his line. So make sure you get out and pick up this issue and the first trade. You won't be sorry!

Roll over to check out Carlos' original line art:

Issue 6 will be colored by someone else since my wife just gave birth to our son. I'll be busy figuring out fatherhood but will be back on #7. See you in two months!

"Planet of the Apes" #5 cover C

2011-08-28T16:59:00.005-04:00

Another cover for "Planet of the Apes"! I love doing covers. It lets me work on an even larger variety of artists and stretch my legs a little. This is also for #5 and will be out for the amazing price of $1 along with the first TPB. Check back for my post on the interior preview in a couple days.

And for the customary roll-over to see the original color and inks:

"Incorruptible" #21

2011-08-19T13:02:00.005-04:00

A new story arc begins and the slow boil continues in "Incorruptible" #21 out today. Max is building something and draws some unwanted attention. Written by Mark Waid, line art by Marcio Takara, and colors by me. Get one!

Roll over the images for Marcio's original inks.

Declan Shalvey's "X-Force"

2011-08-09T14:36:00.008-04:00

Been a long while since I've been able to do some coloring purely for fun and am really lucky to be able to say I had a chance to recently on an amazing X-Force piece by gentleman artist Declan Shalvey. I'm very happy with the way this turned out and hope for more chances in the future to have such fun!

Rollover the image for Declan's amazing, original inks which you can own now to help support the Delarosa Family here!

"Planet of the Apes" #5 cover B

2011-08-07T10:28:00.003-04:00

This month "Planet of the Apes" #5 comes out with three covers. Two of these covers I colored starting with B shown below. This issue will be sold for $1 with "Planet of the Apes" Vol. 1 TPB on the same day so it's a great way to get your damn, dirty ape fix! I'll post again with a preview of the interiors the week they both hit the shelves.

And here's a cleaner version of the colored artwork as it will look in print (sans graphics) and you can rollover the image to see Carlos Magnos' original inks.

"Irredeemable" #28

2011-08-02T10:47:00.006-04:00

If I'm able, I usually help out when asked and that's what happened on "Irredeemable" #28. The credits will tell you I colored pages 11-22 but I actually colored pages 5, 11-13, 15-21. Zac Atkinson did the rest and previous to me. When I pinch color to help with a deadline I try to make my own rendering and palette match the other colorist's so the difference in the pages is not jarring (so I must have done pretty well to fool whoever incorrectly credited us on who colored what pages). That is always a challenge to do!

And this issue is the last from Peter Krause whose work will be missed on the title. He has had a hell of a run on the entire series. (More from about his departure in an interview here.) It was an honor to color his work and help him, I hope, go out on a high note.

Normally I post up the entire preview but since only page five in the preview was mine that's all I'm showing so as not to give anything away I'm not supposed to or take credit for work not mine. You can see the rest of the preview here on CBR. "Irredeemable" #28 is out this week so go get one!

Rollover the image for the original inked page.

"Incorruptible" #20

2011-07-27T18:00:00.005-04:00

"Incorruptible", written by Mark Waid and line art by Marcio Takara, is another book I color that has a new issue out today. Things have come to a slow boil that won't stop with this issue. This is also the issue I colored a cover for so pick up my variant and enjoy!

Rollover the images for the original inked pages.

"Planet of the Apes" #4

2011-07-27T08:52:00.004-04:00

Daryl Gregory has done a great job writing this series and its pacing is fantastic. Frankly, there are a lot of expectations for the new movie and this comic is raising that bar even higher. It's the toughest book I've ever colored but so worth it. It's out this week at comic shops so get your fill of some dirty apes now! A war is coming. Rollover preview below!

"Incorruptible" #20 cover

2011-07-26T11:25:00.002-04:00

I've started coloring the covers as well as interiors for both "Incorruptible" and "Planet of the Apes". Here's one of the first I did for on "Incorruptible" on #20 which is out this week. I'll post up preview pages soon so check back!

"Incorruptible" #19

2011-07-05T16:48:00.007-04:00

I've been so busy there was no time to post this last week. "Incorruptible" #19 came out so get your Max Damage fix! Roll over the images for the original inks by Marcio Takara so you can see how the color works for the pages.

"Planet of the Apes" #3

2011-06-21T08:28:00.013-04:00

The third issue of "Planet of the Apes" from BOOM! comes out this week. I thought I'd do a little something different when posting pages this week. Rollover the pages to see Carlos' original line art. It'll give you an idea what I do for this title. I'm pretty happy how #3 turned out too. It's a challenge and I've learned a lot. So get ready for some gorgeous pages as the tension between apes and humans continues to build. Get you one!

"28 Days Later" #24

2011-06-13T19:09:00.009-04:00

Fade to black, this is the last issue of "28 Days Later". I only got to color the last eight issues but what a great eight issues to color! It's been a pleasure to work with Ale Aragon and Ian Brill at BOOM! Studios on this title. I really felt the story was engaging, entertaining, and kept me excited each month. That says a lot about the writing talents of Michael Alan Nelson and am thankful for his mastery of the craft.

I'm really quite sad to see this story come to an end but that's how it was meant and how it was best told. The ending is extremely satisfying and delivers you directly into the time frame for "28 Weeks Later". I remember reading years ago there were plans for "28 Months Later". Maybe, just maybe, if that doesn't happen for the movies we can bring this team back together to make it another great title at BOOM!.

"28 Days Later" was also my big seller at Heroes and had more fans of the series than any other ask for autographs. That speaks volumes. Thank you for all the love and support readers! We're so very happy you all enjoyed the ride. Hope you enjoy the end as much as I do.

HEROES 2011

2011-06-07T18:01:00.005-04:00

Had the most wonderful time at Heroes this year. It was my first where I had my own table and, even considering I'm a newbie and a colorist, did really well! It was satisfying that I wasn't competing with any other colorist for a color commission since I was doing my own original commissions in the form of sketchcards. Next year I hope to have more than a little print to offer the auction and do a workshop too. While this is all great news, the best is getting to know a whole lot of new people. Everyone at Heroes was absolutely wonderful, especially those running the show. In fact, if I met you, you were awesome. Thank you. Looking forward to 2012 already!

And here are the sketchcards from Heroes. As always I document them and create this sheet for collectors. It's always nice to get a chance to do some actual drawing again.

From top left: Plutonian, Max Damage, Ace Frehley, The Flash, Lady Sif, Fear Agent, Galactus, Darth Vader, Darth Maul, Husk, Tali, Thane, Major Kusanagi, Spider Jerusalem, Wonder Woman

"Incorruptible" #18

2011-06-01T23:42:00.005-04:00

Not sure how I missed its release last week. I've been busy but didn't think I'd miss one of my books hitting the shelf. "Incorruptible" #18 is out! I'm really rather proud of this one too. My rendering is starting to tone back and I'm relying more on simple palettes. It felt like a huge leap forward. There's a huge lettered preview at Newsarama here too. Get you one!

HEROES June 3rd-5th

2011-05-30T16:15:00.003-04:00

I'll be at my favorite convention of the year this coming weekend: HEROES! You'll find me in Artists Alley at table AA-726 with floppies and TPBs at discounted prices of my color work. I'll also be doing convention sketchcards for $10/card and taking commissions. If you've never been to HEROES you are missing out on one of the largest, if not The, comic artist conventions in the world. It's also very family friendly and super comfortable unlike many other conventions. Hope to see many of you there! Look for my banner.

Artists Alley table 726

"Irredeemable" 26 cover colors

2011-05-28T14:05:00.004-04:00

BOOM! Studios is really good to me. They are wonderful to work for. Recently, they've been throwing a ton of covers my way and I've eagerly colored all of them. I've done more than half a dozen now for three different titles and loving the opportunities. For "Irredeemable" #26 I did three different versions. The one below is cover A and I believe one of the other versions will be cover C. If you've not read "Irredeemable", which is the companion book to "Incorruptible" which I color monthly, you really need to pick it up. It's superhero but unlike anything you're familiar with. #26 comes out this week. Get you one!

"Planet of the Apes" #1 2nd Print cover colors

2011-05-21T10:04:00.005-04:00

I'm starting to get some cover work! "Planet of the Apes" #1 sold out so they wanted a 2nd print cover and I got to color it. Guess this went over well with 20th Century Fox because now I'm coloring at least one cover each month for POTA plus some "Incorruptible" covers all for BOOM! Studios. They are so much fun and can't wait to do more. If you didn't get your copy of POTA #1 you'll be forgiven if you pick up a copy of the 2nd print with the cover I colored. Don't make me send the White Troop after you!*

* - POTA comic reference only awesome people will get. Are you awesome?

"Planet of the Apes" #2

2011-05-21T09:13:00.005-04:00

When BOOM! originally asked me to do test pages for "Planet of the Apes" I was in the middle of buying a house and simply didn't have the time. I was pretty crushed. Then I found out the colorist who did the first issue wouldn't be returning and was asked to do test pages again. At that point we had just moved so my schedule had become slightly less hectic and jumped at it. A few days later I was the new colorist on this monthly title!

Carlos Magno, the penciler/inker, has some of the most gorgeous and dense pages I've ever seen. He's a challenge to color. I can see room for improvement in how I color him (and am making it in huge strides on issue three right now) but am happy with how this turned out. I'm really looking forward to where the story goes too. It takes place before the original movie when the Lawgiver was still alive, but not for long, and humans weren't yet cattle so this is considered a prequel. If you ever loved some damn, dirty apes you should be reading this title. POTA #2 comes out this week. Get you one!

"28 Days Later" #23

2011-05-14T08:09:00.001-04:00

Guess who is back in "28 Days Later"? The infected! Long time, no see, but the story and development of Selina and Clint have been so good I've not really missed them. With only one issue to go, the comic and the beginning of "28 Weeks Later" start to coincide closing the gap between the movies. It comes out this week. Get you one!

HAPPY STAR WARS DAY

2011-05-04T00:57:00.003-04:00

"Incorruptible" #17

2011-04-24T18:31:00.004-04:00

I've never been busier! It's crazy! My last full day off was in November but it's all been good busy. I have a new studio in a new house and am loving ever second of it. This issue of "Incorruptible" was the last I colored in my old office so there's a bitter sweet memory of it for me. Anyway, we finally see Max meet Mr. Bellamy and get some new digs. There's a bit of foreshadowing for future issues in here too but I'm not telling what it is. #17 comes out this week. Get you one!

Chris Schweizer Sketchbook

2011-04-18T18:14:00.004-04:00

A good friend and colleague, Chris Schweizer, recently honored me by asking if I'd color the covers to his upcoming sketchbook. Hells yes! I've not had opportunity to color him before and am rather happy with how it turned out. Pretty sure it still feels like a "Schweizer" book yet the color still has my voice too. He's planning on making it available through Amazon and Diamond. Chris is as crazy talented as he is crazy prolific so this puppy is coming in at a whopping 184 pages! That's a ginormous sketchbook! Check out his blog post about it for more information and make sure you get one!

front cover

back cover

"28 Days Later" #22

2011-04-16T23:39:00.004-04:00

"28 Days Later" is starting to wrap up and that means Selina has to finally face her past. This issue tells her story prior to the movie and what changed her from timid clerk to bad ass infected killer. Alejandro Aragon is back on issue #22 which comes out this week. Only two more issues after this. Get you one!

"Incorruptible" #16

2011-03-29T12:10:00.003-04:00

This issue is my favorite I've colored for "Incorruptible" so far. I am so obscenely happy with how it turned out I've been wanting to post these pages since I finished them last month. I just wish I could share more because, while these pages are great, it gets better and better later in the issue! Marcio Takara's line art continues to wow, Mark Waid keeps the story and characters evolving, and I love love love to work on this title. This issue comes out Wednesday. Get you one!

"Incorruptible" & "Farscape: Scorpius" TPBs

2011-03-16T12:22:00.006-04:00

This past month two TPBs have come out with my color work! The first up is the second and final TPB for "Farscape: Scorpius". It came out almost one year to the day when I began my coloring career with this very title. This sort of brings me full circle and makes me feel all the luckier to have had the opportunity to work on this book. I love Farscape and I hope it showed. The entire "Scorpius" mini-series is now collected into two TPBs. Get them both!

Also out, "Incorruptible" TPB #3. Andrew Dalhouse colored the first of the four issues this collects but my color is the other three. I was a fan of "Incorruptible" and "Irredeemable" even before I got to color it so working on this title is fan-boy-heaven! If you're not reading these titles go out and pick them up now!

"28 Days Later" #21

2011-03-16T12:00:00.006-04:00

It's hard to believe there are only three issues left of "28 Days Later". I'm really going to be sad not to have this title to color every month. The story has been really engaging, even for someone like myself with an aversion to zombies/infected gore. And this issue finally sees... oh, I can't tell you. #21 is out at stores today with fill-in artist Pablo Peppino completing the line art. Get you one!

2011 HEROES Guest

2011-02-25T12:05:00.007-05:00

I've been to quite a few conventions over the past twenty years but none of them have been as wonderful as HEROES. So you can imagine how happy I am to be a guest at the 2011 HEROESCON, June 3-5! I'll have a table with issues and TPBs of my color work and will be available to do convention sketch cards. I've been asked about doing a panel and/or tutorial so when I've more information that'll get posted up too. Really looking forward to it! If you've never been to HEROES and love comics it is a MUST! Hope to see everyone there!

"Incorruptible" #15

2011-02-22T22:40:00.004-05:00

After getting to color the Paradigm in "Irredeemable" #21 I was really happy to have a few of their members (including my favorite, Qubit!) showing up in "Incorruptible". Once again Marcio Takara does his magic with the line art and keeps my job easy. This issue really looks solid and is a major turning point for two of the characters... or is it?! It'll be out this week at shops. Get you one!

"28 Days Later" #20

2011-02-15T09:44:00.004-05:00

Seems hard to believe I've been working on "28 Days Later" for five months already. This is the fourth book with Ale Aragon I've colored for this series. It's been getting good reviews even without the infected playing a big role and I've figured out some new tricks for coloring it. These pages only take between 45-90 minutes now once flats are done and I'm loving every second. #20 is out at stores this week. Get you one!

I'm in Imperial Trouble

2011-02-02T17:52:00.011-05:00

A couple of friends of mine really like to nerd it up from time to time (that's equivalent to every other second) and last night they invited me to broadcast with them. Jason Pierce Mallory of Scene Missing Magazine and Sam Mitchell of The Police Box run their independent blogs but when they get together (sorta like Voltron) they form the Imperial Trouble Podcast. We hit upon so many subjects it was ridiculous and had so many tangents "Family Guy" would be proud. Star Wars, Mass Effect, strippers, and zombies were just the highlights. What's scary is after the podcast we kept talking for hours. I'm hoping to be back and wax nerd-etically once again with them in the future since we definitely had a ton of material for it. It was crazy fun. Check out Episode 11 with yours truly and listen to new episodes every Wednesday!

"Incorruptible" #14

2011-01-28T11:55:00.003-05:00

The world of "Incorruptible" and "Irredeemable" has been more or less ransacked by the Plutonian. Now that he's gone the world can celebrate their freedom. I decided this issue needed to get hit with some saturated colors all over. Usually I've reserved it for high-action or sfx to make those things really pop out of the issue or off the page but this is world-wide-party needed more. Ideally, if you were to put this issue next to all of the others its palette alone will hopefully make it stand out as a moment of celebration in the wreckage. "Incorruptible" #14, line art by Marcio Takara, colors by moi, is out this week. Get you one!

"28 Days Later" #19

2011-01-17T17:46:00.002-05:00

This story arc directly ties into the original movie "28 Days Later". They've been really smart with how the comic and movies related. This title continues to be a huge surprise for me too. I absolutely love coloring it. "28 Days Later" #19 will be out this Wednesday. Here's the CBR preview. Get you one!

Star Wars Galaxy 6

2011-01-12T10:21:00.000-05:00

December is always way too busy. Well, this December was also eight days shorter than normal due to holiday plans made after I had already scheduled work for myself. So when I did the latest batch of "Star Wars" sketch cards I went primarily with ink only to save time and stay on deadline. Even that is more than what is required. Granted, I still colored a few. I love coloring these cards and wished I had had time to do so. Still, they turned out alright and I really pulled in some obscure characters for this round. See if you can name them all!

Star Wars Galaxy series hit stores in February 2011. Get you some and hope you snag some sweet sketch cards!

"Irredeemable" #21

2011-01-11T09:58:00.004-05:00

When you've got an opportunity to stretch some color muscle on a different title and it helps out the other artists and your editor, you go for it! So between coloring pages for "28 Days Later", I managed to pinch-color pages 8-17, 21, and 22 for "Irredeemable" #21. BOOM! had me use a style similar to Andrew Dalhouse (the regular colorist who did the rest of the book which can be previewed at CBR) so there was more continuity in the art. At first I wasn't so hot on the airbrush technique but I made it my own and ended up being very happy with the results! So here are a few of my pages from "Irredeemable" #21. I'm quite proud to have worked on another of Mark Waid's amazing titles at BOOM! Studios especially at such a moment in the title's story. It's at comic shops now so get you one!

Christmas (Sketch) Cards

2010-12-27T09:09:00.002-05:00

As one of their many gifts, I drew sketch cards of my nephews' favorite characters for them for Christmas. See if you can name them.

"Incorruptible" #13

2010-12-18T11:30:00.000-05:00

Also out this week is "Incorruptible" #13 with my color over Marcio Takara. And "Incorruptible" TPB Vol. 3 is also out for you collected issue readers/collectors. Get you one... of each!

"28 Days Later" #18

2010-12-17T20:11:00.004-05:00

Been so busy with coloring, sketch cards, the convention, and holiday whatnot I completed missed this week's books! "28 Days Later" #18 is out with my color over Ale Aragon's line art. Shouldn't be long before the next TPB with my color is also out. Get you one!

Wizard World Atlanta Sketch Cards

2010-12-14T11:29:00.006-05:00

Wizard World Atlanta had its inaugural con about two weeks ago. It was a little slow being brand new but was still the best comic convention I've been to in this city and I've been coming to conventions in Atlanta since 1995 off and on. I was really happy to hear they'll be doing it again next year and I know it'll only grow. While I was there I did some sketch cards. Here's the sheet.

If you'd like to commission a sketch card my rates can be found on my commissions page. Be seeing you at HEROES and WWATL next year!

Wizard World Altanta Dec. 4-5th

2010-11-24T14:05:00.002-05:00

Come out to the Wizard World Atlanta comic convention on December 4-5th at the Cobb Center! I'll be there with copies of the "Lady Deadpool", "Farscape: Scorpius", "Incorruptible", and "28 Days Later" issues and TPBs I colored and my original Star Wars sketch card returns from TOPPS for sale. There will be a catalog of my personal work you can order prints of too. If you'd like your own original convention sketch card or a commission come on by. More than likely I'll be busy working on Star Wars Galaxy 6 sketch cards while not doing commissions at my table so if you'd like to see my process with PITT brush markers and Zebra pens feel free to stop by and check it out.

For more information check out the official Wizard World info page here. When you're there, look for my banner in artists alley at Table 1303. See you there!

"28 Days Later" #17

2010-11-23T15:31:00.000-05:00

The second book coming out this week with my color is "28 Days Later" #17!

For those of you that know me, it may be a surprise to find out I'm the new ongoing colorist for BOOM! Studio's "28 Days Later" series due to my aversion to zombie and zombie-like things. However, it did surprise me how much I absolutely love coloring this title. It's all about texture and crunch and since I'm so anal-retentive this has been a great way to loosen up and relax. I imagine impressionistic painters feel the way I do when I color this title. It's so freeing and fun. So much that I've been sitting on these pages for over a month wanting to share them since day one! If you're a fan of the movies then you'll thoroughly enjoy this series. Check out this MTV Geek interview of writer Michael Nelson back when #16 came out (not my color). Check out #17 this week at stores and get you one!

"Incorruptible" #12

2010-11-22T20:31:00.004-05:00

I have two books coming out this Thanksgiving week. First up, "Incorruptible" #12! I'm coloring #13 right now and #12 is really about building a foundation of trust between Max and Alana. The wonderful Marcio Takara on pencils/inks, my color, and more drunk Headcase in tight leather. What more could you want? Get you one!

There's a huge, lettered preview here.

Scorpius #7

2010-11-15T16:17:00.004-05:00

"Farscape: Scorpius" is a wrap! The final issue comes out this week but the story will continue in the main "Farscape" book. It was the first title I colored with the intent on becoming a professional colorist so this is a little bittersweet. However, I've moved on to some other great titles and will always look fondly back on this book as the beginning of my career. "Scorpius" did a great job bringing my favorite "Farscape" character back into the main story arc and setting up the biggest thing to happen in the franchise since John originally left Earth. #7 comes out this Wednesday. Get you one!

"Incorruptible" #11

2010-10-26T14:50:00.004-04:00

"Incorruptible" #11 was a fun to color. The scenario gave me a chance to let the night get deeper and darker as Max and Alana argued and fought and in the end, when the sun rose... well you'll have to read it. It comes out tomorrow on the 27th. Get you one!

Scorpius #6

2010-10-14T10:10:00.003-04:00

There's only one more issue left of "Farscape: Scorpius" after this. Scorpey has finally discovered not just someone but an entire species his superior. If you know the character that's almost as good as killing him. This series has been a great ride and can't wait to see it completed! Volume 1 collecting issues 0-3 is also out now. Here's a preview of #6. Get you one!

Mark Waid's "Incorruptible" #10

2010-10-01T15:15:00.003-04:00

My editor on BOOM! Studios' "Farscape: Scorpius", Ian Brill, has been really good to me. When another editor came asking for a colorist on Mark Waid's "Incorruptible" he passed my name on and I received a color test. I passed and was honored to color issue 10 of the series! This may be my favorite comic I've colored yet. Something just really clicked. BOOM! must have thought so too because now I am the official colorist on "Incorruptible"! At the moment I'm coloring #11 and working on two more titles for BOOM! and can't wait to share them all. There's a preview at CBR with these pages lettered here. "Incorruptible" #10 comes out 10/3. Get you one!

Scorpius #5

2010-09-07T11:35:00.003-04:00

"Farscape: Scorpius" is a must for any Farscape fan. Not saying that because I'm coloring it. I'm saying it as a fan myself. Scorpius is my favorite character from the story and his mini-series is starting to wrap up. Working on coloring the next issue right now so I'm excited to see what happens! Only two issue left and #5 comes out tomorrow. Get you one!

Star Wars: Rise of the Bounty Hunters

2010-09-07T09:59:00.007-04:00

TOPPS has a new "Clone Wars" trading card series coming out in October. I had thought I'd be too busy to do these again but got lucky with a slow week of just doing some flats in prep for the next issue of "Farscape: Scorpius". Had some fun doing 50 (+3 returns) sketch cards for "Star Wars: Clone Wars: Rise of the Bounty Hunters". These should be out in October and I'll be selling my returns from the last three series in December at Wizard Atlanta.

June Brigman's Wonder Woman

2010-08-25T13:35:00.004-04:00

I'm lucky enough to work with some amazing artists. June Brigman is a fellow professor at SCAD-Atlanta in the SEQA department. When she posted this sketch I knew I wanted to color it. She was kind enough to send me a high res scan of it so I could do just that.

Pencils by June Brigman. Color by me.

Captain America

2010-08-24T13:32:00.006-04:00

Been sitting on this one for awhile. I designed this Captain America uniform almost a year ago basing it off of Marine Corp BDUs they currently employ. I figured if it was good enough for our boys Cap would figure it good enough for him! He is after all a symbol and morale booster, not just a super-soldier. Anyway, coincidentally the scale mail signature armor of Cap's is actually almost exactly like the real-life armor called Dragon Skin so I happily kept it. Then I pulled other design elements: modular straps and belt, (modified) Enhanced Combat Helmet, and desert color the US military has become known for. It still feels very "superhero" but more updated and practical. I had hoped they'd think in the same direction for the movie design (if for nothing else but to respectfully nod to our hard working troops) but sadly they went the clichéd, cheap, made-in-China plastic look you see in every superhero movie now (including Thor). Anyway, finally colored it and played around with some other techniques. Pretty happy.

And here's Gunnery Sergeant R. Lee Ermey checking out how it's made then shooting more than twenty AK-47 rounds and over 150 9mm MP5 Navy rounds into the above mentioned Dragon Skin armor. It can take a serious pounding and who doesn't like watching Ermey in his element. OOHRAH!

PS - It doesn't need to be a holiday for you to thank a serviceman. They bleed so you won't have to. Looking in your direction pacifists.

Cyborg Maul Color

2010-08-24T00:34:00.005-04:00

Somewhere along the line I starting rendering in my color to a high degree. When it works really well, like on "Farscape: Scorpius", it's great but other times not so much. Coloring cyborg Darth Maul was an opportunity to exercise simple back into habit. This is primarily just gradients and soft cuts on the focus. The only brushwork is in the clouds and dust. Any SFX you see are done as a general application to keep myself from getting too specific. Frankly, I don't think it's lost anything due to the simple rendering. In fact, it may read even better.

Darth Maul cyborg

2010-08-20T18:47:00.004-04:00

Ever since the Star Wars Visionaries one-shot came out featuring a very much alive but cyborg Darth Maul hunting down Obi-Wan Kenobi on Tatooine I've wanted to draw this version of him. If you've not read it it also contains General Grievous' back story. Very cool comic. Pretty happy with it and feel like there's something new in my inks for some reason. Now can't wait to color it.

Outlaw Territory Vol 2 Pre-order

2010-08-19T17:03:00.003-04:00

So about two years ago my friend Val Mayerik and his buddy Mike Baron were brought in to work on "Outlaw Territory" Vol 2. They needed a colorist and I got the call. It was my first coloring job but it never occurred to me to follow coloring as a career until about nine months ago. Dunno why. It's so freakin' fun. But this volume has been waiting patiently and is finally available in Previews for an October release! I had posted up a preview awhile back when I discovered the Outlaw Territory blog had posted it up. I'm honored Val asked me to color his work and honored again to be published in this volume along with some very talented artists I respect. Check out the credits and get you one!

Adam Freeman, Andy Kuhn, Dan Duncan, Daniel Lafrance, David Marquez, Dean Motter, Dustin Weaver, Francesco Francavilla, Greg Pak, James Patrick, Jeremy Barlow, John Whalen, Jorge Coelho, Josh Wagner, Joshua Ortega, Kathryne Immonen, Marc Bernardin, Michael Woods, Pete Doree, Rafael Albuquerque, Rich Johnston, Robert Kirkman, Saskia Gutekunst, Sean Chen, Sean Phillips, Shannon Denton, Stuart Immonen, Tom Fowler, and Werther Dell'Edera.

Scorpius #4

2010-08-11T09:29:00.003-04:00

Have I mentioned lately how much I love science fiction? No? Well, not like I needed to with my portfolio and blog design. But I do. Love science fiction that is. And I love coloring "Scorpius"! This issue surprised me how well it looked once completed. Could be the best yet. But I'm coloring #5 right now and it looks even better! So I feel like we're improving with each issue. That's fantastic because this series is already fun and only becoming more so.

"Farscape: Scorpius" #4 comes out this week. Get you one!

Playing Around

2010-08-03T15:37:00.005-04:00

Did a quick self-portrait (which never turn out serious) to try some techniques to see if I like them or not. It's using tools that I avoided like the plague as a retoucher and for photo comping. So far when it comes to digital coloring/painting, me likey. It's what I tell our students, you have to play with the tools to really learn them and you will be learning for the rest of you life.

Wonder Woman

2010-07-23T12:17:00.004-04:00

With the recent redesign of Wonder Woman's outfit, which is nicely polished but lacks her character, I thought I'd do a sketch. I prefer the design that nods to the classic but adds more Greek/Amazonian flavor.

Lady Deadpool sketch

2010-07-20T13:30:00.004-04:00

Been rather a long time since I've posted up one of my sketches. Hoping to do more of them for Wizard Atlanta. Planning on offering sketchbooks full of them for sale. There are a bunch of other ones in my ORIGINAL FUN slideshow on the right. Take a gander!

mmmmm bacon

Scorpius #3 UPDATED

2010-07-10T17:34:00.006-04:00

Just finished coloring issue #4 but here's a preview of Scorpius #3 out at comic shops now from BOOM! Studios. Color by me. Get you one!

UPDATE - Found an official review containing more pages so I'm posting them up too.

Lady Deadpool #1

2010-06-24T18:25:00.004-04:00

Coming out July 21st! This is my first book colored for Marvel. Pencils by Ken Lashley and it's a ton of fun to color. I'm hoping to do many more as this is just a One-Shot. The official preview for the issue is here at Marvel.com but it seems the color is always uber-saturated in previews so I'm posting up a clean color preview here. Enjoy!

Marvel Try-Out

2010-06-11T10:13:00.007-04:00

About two months ago Axel Alonso gave me a coloring try-out for "Deadpool: Wade Wilson's War" #1 over Jason Pearson. This was all because of Shawn Crystal who I, again, can never repay enough for believing in me and network help. I was on cloud nine! Sadly, the same day they sent me files, Paul Mounts, a contracted colorist, came up available for the job so he got it. Can't fault that. Especially since Axel was as good as his word and still allowed me to try-out as a colorist at Marvel with the same pages. Once again, cloud nine... only I've not left this time! They really liked what I did on my try-out pages and wanted to give me a coloring job. (I just found out what comic earlier this week *giddy* but you'll have to wait for a future post on that.) For now, I'm posting my try-out pages for you to enjoy because I'm really happy with them. "Deadpool: Wade Wilson's War" #1 came out this week so if you pick it up and see this post, give me some feedback and let me know how you feel I did!

Scorpius #2

2010-06-10T13:56:00.002-04:00

Out today is Scorpius #2 from BOOM! Studios, colors by me! Go get you one!

Ghost in the Modern World

2010-05-26T23:49:00.003-04:00

Been needing to draw more and I'd like to have a sketchbook for conventions next year. Going to try and do a full-color sketch each week (or more during the summer) to cover both. This one is a little dense but I've some new Zebra pens and am giving them a run. So far, I love them!

This is Major Mokoto Kusangi from Ghost in the Shell. Usually people play up her sex appeal. I decided I wanted to play up her yearning for peace in a modern world. This is also my attempt to make her look Japanese because, well, she's Japanese yet never looks it. Gonna have fun coloring this!

Mike Thor on Homes

2010-05-24T21:16:00.010-04:00

My wife got us into watching Holmes on Homes. For those of you not familiar with it, it's a Canuck production that's been running for years and is just now showing up in America on HGTV. He goes to people who have had horrible problems with their homes from bad renovations to inspectors being jerks to reoccurring issues and more. More or less, he guts what he needs to and rebuilds the part of the home needing attention. His catch phrase is "MAKE IT RIGHT".

Anyway, Laura Martin recently mentioned in jest he should play Thor in the upcoming Marvel movie. This became talk of doing a sketch amongst some people, including the amazing Pat Bollin (who I can't wait to see what he does for this). I thought why not get in on this action since we love the guy too! So, I present you Mike Thor and his DeWALT Mjolnir.

Scorpius #1

2010-05-11T20:48:00.005-04:00

Scorpius #1 from BOOM! Studios will be out this Wednesday so go pick yourselves up a copy! You can read more here. Here's some sneak peaks minus dialog.

ESB Sketch Cards

2010-04-16T09:32:00.008-04:00

TOPPS has been good to me so I've been trying to be good to them. In May they are releasing a line of 3D widescreen cards to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of Empire Strikes Back. This time around I did 106 sketch cards! Check them out!

When I receive my returns back from this set I'll have 12 cards to sell and will be posting them on here and Scoundrel Art.

busy busy busy

2010-03-30T23:41:00.006-04:00

Long time, no post!

This spring quarter I am teaching three new courses pushing my total number of courses I have now taught to twenty-two. That means I have averaged two new courses each quarter I have taught over the past three years. It's alot of material!

Coloring for BOOM Studios on the monthly title Farsape: Scorpius has been fantastic and my editor, Ian Brill, continues to be a great guy to work with. I hope to be able to share with you a sneak peek of the next issue shortly!

Been able to touch on the graphic novel for Oni too. The planning takes forever but is so worth it in the end. The pages this summer should fly with all this preliminary work getting done.

And I've been busting out 100+6 new sketch cards for TOPPS' release of Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back trading cards. Let me tell you, between Scorpius and Star Wars I'm in geek heaven! Check out my next post to see the final cards!

Outlaw Territory: Wild One

2010-02-16T16:44:00.005-05:00

So I was surfing some other comic artists' websites and ran across a blog about the western anthology I worked on last summer with Val Mayerik and Mike Baron. To my surprise, what is at the top of the blog but one of the pages I colored from our short "Wild One"!

Val is a big western fan so we wanted to make sure it felt like it belonged in the era when western art was popular and using a palette influenced by that very art felt very right. Between his brush work and my color I think we succeeded. This will be in "Outlaw Territory" Volume Two!

Star Wars Galaxy Five sell sheet

2010-02-14T23:30:00.005-05:00

One of my sketch cards made the TOPPS sell sheet for the Star Wars Galaxy Five line!

Scorpius #0

2010-02-10T15:30:00.008-05:00

This is my first foray into coloring fulltime and it's on the ongoing title Farscape: Scorpius for BOOM!Studios! It was my favorite show back in the day and Scorpius my favorite character. According to my editor, this is the first time he's ever seen The Henson Company, who owns Farscape, approve color right away. Not a bad place to start a career as a colorist! I learned alot about simplifying work flow and brevity of application. As a retoucher in advertising I had days to work on a single photo. As a colorist I only have hours (or less) to work on an entire page. That changes alot and I can already see the ebb and flow of success over these colors but knowing it's all uphill from here is really an amazing feeling.

I'd like to thank Shawn Crystal for introducing me to Matt Wilson who in turn introduced me to BOOM!Studios. I'd also like to thank my editor there, Ian Brill, for making the process so easy and supporting me in my new career path. It comes out April 14th so pick yourself up a copy at your local comic shop! The official press release is here.

Oh, and don't think this doesn't mean I'm not also busy teaching while working on a graphic novel and more sketch cards. My plate is full... of variety!

Coloring Shawn Crystal's "Deadpool" 896

2010-01-31T13:09:00.005-05:00

I'm now blessed to post up pages from Shawn Crystal's "Deadpool" issue which comes out this Wednesday! He's been an amazing help during this entire adventure leaving advertising giant Wieden+Kennedy to follow my love of comics as a professor of Sequential Art at SCAD-Atlanta. This has since bloomed into opportunities which would have been much harder for me to come by without Shawn's help and introductions to other amazing people. I can now also proudfully say I am an artist at Oni Press on an upcoming graphic novel entitled "Lion of Rora" and colorist at BOOM! Studios on Farscape: Scorpius. If you've not worked with Shawn, you're lesser for it. If you've not met Shawn, you're lesser for it. I left behind tons of beautiful friends in Portland but found a new one here in Atlanta. So I present you Shawn Crystal's pages for "Deadpool" 896 with colors done by yours truly. This is not the color you'll see in the issue, mind you, but my color for my personal portfolio in the hopes one day I'll be coloring Shawn and other fantastic artists' pages for publication. Check out more at Shawn's blog, INKPULP, the official CBR review, and pick up your copy at comic shops everywhere this Wednesday!

Star Wars Galaxy 5 sketch cards

2010-01-04T15:40:00.008-05:00

Yet another batch of sketch cards for TOPPS on the Star Wars license for the Galaxy line. This line is anything and everything Star Wars, from movies to books to cartoons to comics to video games and back. I'm really happy with the way these turned out. Really happy! And here's a sheet of them I made from scans. The bottom right two are the two backs these cards have. I challenge you to name all of these characters!

Coloring Eric Canete's "Amazing Spider-Man"

2009-12-22T09:03:00.008-05:00

I do too much when I color. This is something I'm currently fighting. Sure, the results are really nice and I love the way it looks but I believe I can make pages look just as good without rendering to this degree. Alot of it is ten years of retouching where you'd spend days on a single image, sometimes more, so you fiddled alot. Alot of it is my anal retentiveness and extreme attention to detail. It's just something I need to get over and I will over the next few months as I concentrate on my color portfolio like I've never done before. Expect to see streamline color from me for pages but until then here's a few pages from Eric Canete's Amazing Spider-Man featuring Deadpool clubbing.

Christmas Card for You

2009-12-15T20:46:00.005-05:00

Sweaters = Borrowed from Parents, $0
Backdrop = Sears inspired Cloud Filter, $0
Pleading Cats = scuffs and scratches, $0
Lame Smiles = If you didn't know we're dorks by now, $0
Wishing you a Happy Holiday = Priceless!

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Year, and whatever else you may be celebrating this season.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T13:14:00.006-05:00

I have so so much to be thankful for it's rather ridiculous. A lovely, intelligent, silly, supportive, and understanding wife. Far off friends, who despite the distance, have remained close and dear. Local friends who support, inspire, and help me in my personal goals. Parents who taught me responsibility, work ethic, and the difference between right and wrong. Brothers who help define "blood is thicker than water". Family that gets me and enriches my life. Cats who bring joy to me daily. A roof. A job(s). A working car. I could go on and on but I may be jinxing myself here. However, I do have one more specific. Since I'm looking to expand my career as a professional colorist in comics I am very thankful to the friendly and talented professionals that I have met who are currently helping me in that endeavor. Some by passing my name on to editors and others who give me pages to color to use in my portfolio. Matt Wilson, Shawn Crystal, Sean Murphy, and Eric Canete, I am thankful for your helping hands! (Edit: Add Chris Brunner to that list! Thanks!) Below is my color on one of the many sketches and pages just Canete has sent me. There will be more to come! I hope you enjoy, have just as much to be thankful for, and have a great Thanksgiving!

Ted.com: Ken Robinson

2009-11-09T21:21:00.001-05:00

Been watching Ted.com alot recently and came across this one. It really hit home with me. Amazing.

Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity | Video on TED.com

Star Wars: The Clone Wars DVD/Bluray release

2009-11-08T17:41:00.005-05:00

With the release of Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Season One on DVD and Bluray, my sketchcards are now out there somewhere in the world. Sadly, the chances of you getting one of mine are slim; something like one out of every 1,000 decks. So I've posted them up in their entirety on my portfolio. Go to my Illustrations page and click on the thumbnail with Captain Rex!

Fullmetal Alchemist

2009-10-31T16:21:00.004-04:00

During life model sessions in one of the courses I'm teaching this quarter I allow music and sometimes play what students bring in. One student had us listening to lots of music from anime shows. Most of it is pretty horrendous. No surprise there. However, it did remind me of Fullmetal Alchemist. It's a strange balance of kiddie and mature. Leave it up to the Japanese! Anyway, I needed to draw something for myself so took the opportunity to do the Elric brothers from the show.

Class Demo

2009-10-12T19:18:00.004-04:00

This is from a class demo on achieving a James Jean appearance (it's a demo so not particularly pretty) but making the file editable rather than destructive with some retouching tricks thrown in for good measure. The first image is the original drawing I did and the second is the digital processed one. Approximately two hours including explaining each step in detail for this. Needs lots of polishing but not bad for it being so quick.

Vamp

2009-10-12T10:53:00.003-04:00

Between the Star Wars: Clone Wars sketchcards and my home computer dying I've not been able to do much digitally lately. This has been good for me! Anyone that becomes to reliant on anything is one who welcomes weakness to breed in themselves. I'm happy to see my old, old marker skills aren't completely gone. For years growing up this is all I would use to draw and it's been a nice revisit to the medium.

For October the Temple of Cartoon Mojo is doing all Halloween themed sketch challenges. Here's my vampire! Not my usual monstrous version but a '50s, well-to-do, housewife vamp. The combination works rather well I feel.