Cincinnati Illustrators Blog

Happy Groundhog Day

2012-02-01T19:31:00.011-05:00

It’s been quite some time since I posted, but I hope to do better in the near future. Among other projects, I’m currently putting the finishing touches on a 90 page graphic novel titled “Midnite Matinee Comics” that uses public domain films in a fumetti-style approach. My intent was to recreate the movie-going experience of the fifties and sixties that includes a cartoon, Rickey Rodent, a chapter of a serial, Commander Bolt Uprite, ads inviting you to go to the lobby and buy snacks and the main feature, Island of Lost Gorillas. All rewritten in new and strange ways. Along with these there are several movie previews, including this one. It originally comes from an old Christmas special that has very little to do with Christmas, as it takes place in February and is narrated by a groundhog.

Enjoy! And have a wonderful Groundhog Day!

Interview: Chris Sickels/Red Nose Studio on Illustration Mundo

2012-01-31T20:51:00.001-05:00

Great interview with Chris Sickels on Illustration Mundo's blog.

Check it out!

http://illustrationmundoblog.tumblr.com/post/16844952463/chris-sickels

Retro Spring

2012-01-29T20:05:00.000-05:00

A drawing for "retro spring", which I branded with my graphic design business, Fill Creative. The flowers are our brand colors. And hand-drew our logo. We have a space in our studio that we would like to hang posters that we change out every so often. So, I could see this being a quarterly/seasonal poster for that purpose, or used for mailers/email blasts.

Recent junk

2012-01-28T17:52:00.002-05:00

After seeing the terrific art being produced by Justin, I feel a little sheepish about posting this stuff. I thought I'd wait until these recent ones were finished and put them all up at once. Here they are.

1st Cover - 'The Hobbit'

2012-01-27T16:15:00.008-05:00

Hey, guys, here is the in-prog work for my first portfolio cover piece. I am doing 11 covers to various books. I have supplied the first sketch, sans reference (I still need to shoot pics for this whole thing), along with a colour study featuring where I would like the text to be placed. Any feedback would be much appreciated. The cover will be in oils, but I am doing most of my process work in the computer. Thanks, folks!

J.D.R.

P.S. As I worked with this image, I was very unsure of how to proceed. There are some images I don't mind filling the whole cover. Others just don't seem to fit the bill. I also kept thinking, 'Even if I liked this painting, I would not pick this book up off the shelf. I started thinking of all the books I like and what is aesthetically pleasing to me. This final cover layout will change, somewhat, but this is pretty much it. I'll likely do my own text, probably based off of the writing on the map inside the book. Or I may just do something based off of this type-face. I really enjoy it. As for the back cover, I knew I wanted something designy, but related to the front cover in some way. Smaug likely won't break the frame in the final, but this is what I was thinking, in a nut shell. Smaug curled around his pile of gold, his smoke and tail (or maybe just the smoke) curling around the border. Either way, the back image will be bound by the same border as the front. Also, not too keen on the black I used for the text and border around the front cover image. I'll probably choose something more subtle.

'In the Spirit of the Year of the Dragon'

2012-01-26T06:48:00.003-05:00

Here are some sketches for you guys. Christina had mentioned if anyone else had been so inspired by this year's patron beastie. I guess I have been because my sketchbooke has been quickly filling with writhing tails and gnashing teeth and gouts of searing flames (not to mention maidens in distress :P). Enjoy! Smaug, the King of dragons, is a disgarded cover concept for 'The Hobbit'. The other Smaug is an element included in the final cover layout I chose. The other image is just a sketch.

Cover Design-a-palooza: Time to Vote on Wordsworth!

2012-01-25T12:00:00.000-05:00

I am working on a joint venture with author Scotti Cohn on her cool YA novel, Wordsworth and the Dragon. I have done 6 cover sketches and we have a poll set up. Vote on your favorite at the link below.

Vote here: http://wordsworthdragon.blogspot.com/p/cover-art.html

Interesting Article: Where have all the book illustrators gone?

2012-01-24T09:11:00.000-05:00

"Charles Dickens enjoyed close collaborative relationships with the illustrators of his novels, but now it's rare to find a picture outside the world of children's books. Is drawing a lost art, or could we be on the brink of a new golden age?"

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/where-have-all-the-book-illustrators-gone-6291792.html

What do you all think? I know some people who order the British editions of certain novels because they have better cover art where the US edition had a typographic solution or a cover they did not like as well. But wouldn't it be cool if more adult books had illustration including interiors?

More Year of the Dragon

2012-01-23T17:26:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned on Chuck's post, I finished this sketch for my blog just as his amazing sketch popped up on our site. You cannot beat dragons... (Well you can, but they would toast you...)

Was anyone else similarly inspired? Anyone born in the Year of the Dragon?

Happy New Year!

2012-01-22T19:40:00.006-05:00

Had a little time for doodling this afternoon. I've always wanted to sketch my own version of a Chinese Dragon. Now I just want to create more.

Tonight ends the year of the rabbit and begins the year of the dragon —the luckiest symbol of the zodiac. In Chinese tradition, dragons are charismatic, aggressive and succeed at everything they do.

almost everything.

---------

Update Jan 23, 15:26

Typically, when I post, I put art up and then move on, but in the spirit of fun, I've decided to make this an ongoing project and continue posting dragon sketches until Chinese New Year ends on Feb 6. —or until I get tired.

Jan. 26

Christina's dragons are sweet and cuddly, Justin's are strong and awesome. Mine are cynical curmudgeons. Hmmmm.

Animated Video

2012-01-18T21:28:00.005-05:00

Nice to see so many at today's lunch.

I completed this video a few weeks ago for the company I work for. It's my first foray into animation, and it made me realize two things:

a) Animation is fun; and

b) I still sound like I'm in 7th grade.

Enjoy!

What CoupSmart Can Do For Your Business from CoupSmart on Vimeo.

Illustrator News: Troy Brown

2012-01-18T13:38:00.000-05:00

Troy Brown appeared on fox morning show for a drawing demo, below is the link. The segment was to promote workshops he is doing in collaboration with the Cincinnati Public Library.

http://www.fox19.com/category/195974/video-landing-page?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=6624071

Cartoon Succotash!

2012-01-17T15:24:00.004-05:00

Hi everybody.

I've started a blog which I probably should have done years ago.

I have a few opinions as most of you already know!

Anyway it'll be about a lot of different things, depending on my mood/anger level.

Feel free to stop by and leave a comment if you're so inclined.

I miss everyone, and hope to return to you sometime sooner rather than later.

http://www.cartoonsuccotash.com/

2012-01-16T01:43:00.003-05:00

In the spirit of the Toy Hunter Cincinnati show tonight, my meager stash is safe...hard to get it flat on the scanner (scanned through the clear plastic cover) - ca.1977

Best Magazine: The Artist Issue

2012-01-15T17:40:00.006-05:00

Check out this article about Loren Long in the Best Magazine, Cincinnati.

C.F. Payne did the cover portrait:

http://www.bestmagazinecincinnati.com/Issue_21_Just_Published.html

Here is the article link:

http://www.bestmagazinecincinnati.com/Issue_21_Just_Published_files/Best%200112%20Artist%20Long%20ver2.pdf

While you are on the site, they also profile some other great artists:

Gail Morrison of Anderson twp., still life and landscape painter

Jimmy Baker of Northside, contemporary painter

Ted Gantz of Prospect Hill, sculptor and decorative artist

Matthew Kotlarczyk of Norwood, sculptor

Carl Samson of East Walnut Hills and Milford, portrait artist

John Ruthven of Mariemont, wildlife artist

Toy Hunters on The Travel Channel

2012-01-14T11:31:00.001-05:00

Many local illustrators, sculptors and designers have worked with Kenner (now owned by Hasbro) over the years, so this should be an interesting show.

I tried to find a promo clip but was unsuccessful. If anyone has a link let me know...

11PM Toy Hunters

Toy Hunters

Jordan Hembrough travels to Cincinnati and Miami in search of rare vintage items to sell at the New York Comic Con. He strategically maneuvers around reluctant sellers and an abating budget to land a big-ticket item for Comic Con. TV-G, CC

From the Enquirer:

"Collectible toy expert Jordan Hembrough goes searching through Cincinnati area garages, basements, attics and warehouses for vintage and rare Kenner/Hasbro toys on “Toy Hunters” (11 p.m. Sunday, Travel Channel).

It’s a one-hour pilot by Sharp Entertainment (“Man vs. Food Nation”) for a potential series — though some involved here worry about the possible audience for the show at 11 p.m. on a Sunday night. So set the DVR.

Hembrough of Hollywood Heroes.com looks for old Star Wars, Thundercats and other vintage Kenner toys at the homes of former Kenner/Hasbro employees Rob Meyer in Anderson Township, Ron Boyle of Withamsville and others, plus Queen City Comics, for him to take to the New York ComiCon, Boyle said."

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/tv/2012/01/12/toy-hunters-debuts-sunday-night/#more-14267

Dude, where have I been?

2012-01-10T10:36:00.008-05:00

I finally got some internets, so I'm going to be around more :P Just thought I'd come over, throw something up, and see what happens :P This is the cover for my brother's Christmas present. I made him a role-playing game. This is sans text, pencil drawing with digital overlay, and eventually printed.

Hope you're all doing well :)

J.

Cool Gallery Show: Charley Harper: A Bird's Eye View

2012-01-09T09:52:00.000-05:00

This looks like a great show; reception this Thursday.

DAAP Galleries in collaboration with the Charley Harper Studio present for the first time, a retrospective view of Charley Harper's career. Many never before seen works will be on view, beginning with his childhood and tracing a path throughout his career, providing a unique insight into the development of the icon maker we know today.
Reception: Thursday, January 12th, 5-7pm
Exhibition runs: January 9th through February 16th
Hours: Sunday - Thursday 10am to 5pm

http://daap.uc.edu/galleries/reed_gallery.html

Location

DAAP Complex, 5th Floor
West/Main Campus, UC
513 556 2839

Inspirational Artists: Richard Estes

2012-01-07T17:22:00.000-05:00

This is a good way to start the year, talking about our favorite artists.

In the vein of urban landscapes, but not futuristic ones, is Richard Estes. I am sure you have all seen his paintings, but I have really been getting into his work lately. Such amazing stuff... I am in awe when I look at them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Estes

His book is a must have for the collection:

http://www.amazon.com/Richard-Estes-Paintings-Prints-Chameleon/dp/1566404517

Blade Runner Sketchbook

2012-01-06T12:18:00.001-05:00

The almost-impossible-to-find Blade Runner sketchbook has been scanned to the internet for us nerds to devour! Full of amazing sketches by our beloved Syd Mead, it's sure to inspire anyone who likes anything related to sci-fi!

http://issuu.com/futurenoir/docs/bladerunner_sketchbook/71

Check it!

Interview with the Biographer of Caravaggio

2011-12-28T13:42:00.001-05:00

A bunch of us heard this interview with Andrew Graham-Dixon about his biography of Caravaggio called Caravaggio: A Life Sacred and Profane on the Diane Rehm Show today before lunch. Really interesting stuff... I will have to read the book now. Check it out.

http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2011-12-28/andrew-graham-dixon-caravaggio-rebroadcast

That Time of Year Again!

2011-12-27T11:11:00.000-05:00

Illustration Annual Submission Deadlines:

Communication Arts: Deadline: January 6th http://www.commarts.com/competitions/illustration

Spectrum: Deadline: January 27th http://www.spectrumfantasticart.com/entry_info.php

The X-mas Card That Wasn't

2011-12-25T13:51:00.003-05:00

Every year, for Christmas, we spend a weekend baking gingerbread cookies, and another weekend rushing out the standard photo Christmas card from Wal-Mart with a picture of the girls —usually taken on summer vacation.

This year, I thought I'd tie the two chores together with a single fishy theme. The cookies would be starfish, dolphins, seahorses and turtles, and for the card, I planned to create some custom art showing the household as a a family of fish. We got the cookies done, and I even got Anne Marie to approve the sketch above for the card. But sadly, that's as far as I got.

Maybe next year.

Christmas Card Gnome Illustration

2011-12-24T12:32:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas!

Happy Holidays!

& Happy New Year!

The Batmobile Lost Its Wheel

2011-12-24T11:34:00.006-05:00

I can never shop for my dad and brother. So this year, I decided to take them both to go see the new Batman movie when it comes out, and buy them dinner.

Here are the cards I made for them.

I hope everyone has a beautiful and loving Christmas day tomorrow!

2011-12-23T16:38:00.003-05:00

A quick (and late, of course) little painting for Nate's graduation announcement this year...now going out with Christmas cards...sorry to have missed the shindig at Slatts - looks like a good time was had by all. Have a wonderful Holiday everyone!

Ornaman and Ornama'am

2011-12-23T11:36:00.002-05:00

Happy Holidays one and all! I handed these out at the Christmas party, but not sure everyone got one.

Debby saves me from Nightmare in Photoshop

2011-12-21T19:50:00.002-05:00

I spent most of the morning & afternoon before the Christmas party battling new glitches in Photoshop. All my selection tools turned to the "feather" setting, so I had to laboriously erase everything from around any element I wanted to copy and set into my holiday card. Then when I shrunk things down to 4 by 6 for printing, everything digitalized.

Luckily, I sat next to Debby at the Christmas party, and she told me to Google "selection tool problem with feather setting in Photoshop." I did, and it turns out it's a permanent problem d/t a glitch in Photoshop, but you can eliminate the feather effects by going up to Select, then choose "Refine edges", and set “feather” to zero, and set contrast up to 100%. Debby also described how to avoid pixilation when shrinking images by making sure resolution is set at 300 pixels/inch when you change "image size", and choosing the bottom option under bicubic (“sharper best for reduction”)

So yesterday, I was able to make a much better version of the 2011 Holiday Shark Card. Anybody who got a lousy blurry card from me Sunday night can get one of the new ones from me if you come to the lunches.

Thanks so much Debby!

Christmas Party 2011-The Evidence!

2011-12-20T09:42:00.000-05:00

It was nice seeing everyone at the party this year. Daryll and Jerry got a lot of great pictures!

Jerry has more on his blog...

http://web.me.com/kenstewartphoto/DOWLING_2/Dowling_Blog/Entries/2011/12/20_HO_HO_HO!.html

The party starts with dinner and then the restaurant lets us lay out or art from the year on tables. I am glad they got good pictures because mine were all blurry.

I will bring my good camera next year and we will get a big group shot! Happy holidays everyone!

Sketchy Sketches

2011-12-19T23:25:00.009-05:00

'ello again.

It was nice seeing everyone at last night's Christmas party. Lots of new faces. New to me, anyway. Then again, maybe I'm the new face.

Anyhoo, I thought I'd follow Chuck's advice and post some pics for your peepers.

These are preliminary sketches I did the night before last for a friend who's writing a book about not being a slacker during your post-graduate years. Ironic she chose me, huh?

Hope you enjoy them. Have an awesome Christmas, Flag Day, or whatever you celebrate.

Here's to 2012; may the Mayans be wrong!

Breaking the Ice: Holiday/Christmas Cards

2011-12-19T05:52:00.000-05:00

Hopefully this will encourage others to post their cards. *hint*

I was really short on time this year so did this quickie ink drawing I colored in Photoshop. Next year, I hope to do something more elaborate...

I am painting a lot of animals in snow right now, so Arctic foxes were on the brain (although I was painting wolves when I did this).

Showing tonight of "No More Blood" at the Esquire Tonight

2011-12-17T09:44:00.001-05:00

The movie Woody did the credits and art for "No More Blood" is showing tonight at the Esquire at Midnight. Check it out!

More info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/243212539075680/

Here are the credits using Woody's art animated by Joe Busam:

Justin's back!

2011-12-15T08:48:00.003-05:00

This is another illustration (mostly graphite, with the wagon and most of its passengers borrowed from the cover painting) from the last book in the Shaker Kids series. It shows Colonel Barker seen from behind, left foreground. As blog-spotters will recall, Justin posed in several layers of historic costume in 90-degree heat to give me the resource photos for that sleazy character. This is not to say that Justin is a sleazy character: au contraire, BEAR! Justin’s own character is totally sleazeless. Thanks again, Justin.
-Pam

This Week's Illustrators Lunch: LeBoxx December 14th

2011-12-12T09:24:00.000-05:00

Join us this week on Wednesday, December 14th at 11:30 am for lunch at:

Le Boxx Cafe

(513) 721-5638

Downtown

819 Vine St
Cincinnati, OH 45202

Across from the library downtown...

Society6 Submission for the "US AND THEM" Collaboration: They Have Weapons

2011-12-08T22:50:00.000-05:00

I've been putting some drawings on Society6. They do "collaborations" and self-publish a zine from time to time. The most recent one is themed "Us and Them". Below is my take on it.

To Do or Not Do a Christmas/Holiday Card and Cool Podcasts

2011-12-07T08:40:00.000-05:00

2009 Edition

It comes down to the wire every year... Whether or not to do a card. I am planning on something quick and simple and will post soon.

Do you all do one every year? Are you just emailing them or printing them?

Post your cards if you do them....

In Other News...

I know a lot of us listen to audiobooks and podcasts while working. I recently stumbled on this new one by Sam Weber last night and it is pretty good. It is just starting; so the show is still working out the rough edges (like so many podcasts).

http://yourdreamsmynightmares.com/episodes

He basically sits down and talks with different illustrators and art directors each Wednesday. It is part of the lineup for WSVA (a radio station for the School of Visual Arts in NYC) but anyone can listen.

Another excellent podcast is the series on Escape from Illustration Island. http://escapefromillustrationisland.com/podcast/

It has 80 episodes so far and includes interviews with Scott Hull, Drew Struzan, Brian Despain, Elizabeth Dulemba, Anita Kunz, Dave McKean, and many others...

The Hungry Housewives Finally Finished!

2011-12-05T21:09:00.001-05:00

The series is finally finished! It will be in the Slam Bang Comic Anthology Femme Fatales issue in 2012. (I will have a link up soon.)

It is the Hunger Games meets The Real Housewives in a series I would so watch on television. The Real Housewives show has an almost Othello quality where everyone is the character of honest Iago.

Also, kudos if you get the sci-fi movie reference on page 3...

The jokes just write themselves... Yes, my dream is to be a writer for the Simpsons or work for Mad Magazine...

The Hungry Housewives, Page 1

The Hungry Housewives, Page 2

The Hungry Housewives, Page 3


The Hungry Housewives, Page 4

This Week's Illustrators Lunch: Chi-natti's December 7th

2011-12-05T10:42:00.000-05:00

Join us this week on Wednesday, December 7th at 11:30 am for lunch at:

Chi-nnati's Pizza

7980 Hosbrook Road

Cincinnati, OH 45243-1720

There is a Half Price Book Store next door, just saying... Re the discussion on gifts for illustrators, they often have great art books!

Illustrators Gift List

2011-11-29T13:09:00.001-05:00

I am compiling a list of must have books for illustrators for the holidays. Any ideas? Feel free to add to this post:

I am starting with:

Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter

by James Gurney

http://www.amazon.com/Color-Light-Guide-Realist-Painter/dp/0740797719/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322589721&sr=8-1

Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn't Exist

by James Gurney

http://www.amazon.com/Imaginative-Realism-Paint-Doesnt-Exist/dp/0740785508/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1322589721&sr=8-2

Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art

by Scott McCloud

http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Comics-Invisible-Scott-Mccloud/dp/006097625X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1322590027&sr=1-1

The Mad Art of Caricature!

by Tom Richmond

http://www.deadlinedemon.com/

The Goose Down the Street

2011-11-26T16:08:00.000-05:00

This is the goose that lives at a house down the street from us. They rehabbed it and now it won't go away. It cracks me up every time I see it roaming the property. They have a little kiddie pool for it, and a fenced area with straw. When the humans are outside hitting golf balls or throwing a football, the goose it right there with them, like a pet dog. I know they want it to go away, but I think there is mutual love.

Justin Suffers for My Art

2011-11-22T09:37:00.003-05:00

I want to thank Justin for all that he went through to give me some great resource photos for a sleazy character in the children’s book I just finished illustrating. Several months ago I picked him up downtown to take him to his place to photograph him as “Colonel Barker.” I had a tire blow-out on 75 North and just barely managed to get the car all the way over from the left lane into the shoulder on the right. We watched the perfect sunlight conditions disappear while we waited for Triple A, mere inches from the traffic zooming by us.

Then, weeks later, he posed outside in front of his house, in 90 degree weather, wearing his own long-sleeved white shirt with cuffs & collar, a tight fitting dress vest and a tight-fitting dress jacket made out of some kind of fleece.

The pics are: One of the photos of Justin in the ill-fitting historical costume, my pencil and paint drawing of his head (age-progressed and made somewhat villainous), and the final illustration. Thanks, Justin!
-Pam

Does the Inkling Really Work?

2011-11-22T06:45:00.002-05:00

I have hear a lot about this new Wacom Inkling product lately. Has anyone used it?

The video looks impressive:

But it is a marketing video so it is hard to tell what its practical user experience is like. I hate to sink money into it if it is something I will use a couple times and then abandon.

It could even be a very good idea but the tech needs work. I read a couple reviews, but would like to talk to someone who actually bought and used one.

One more thought: What is the best stylus for the iPad out there?

Blog Rennovation

2011-11-21T09:40:00.001-05:00

I don't know if anyone noticed, but I did a little tinkering to the blog layout. Let me know what you all think.

And a note on posting, feel free to post any new or art that you want to share. This blog is for all of us, so do not worry that you are posting too much. Ideally, a blog gets more traffic when it has more frequent updates so the more the merrier!

While I was tinkering, I also redesigned my personal blog. Stop by and let me know what you think!

http://christinawald.blogspot.com/

(Frankly, I was working on my blog design and then started messing with our blog design before I forgot where to change things in the templates...)

Illustrator News: Maurice Mattei's CD Release Party

2011-11-19T08:35:00.006-05:00

Maurice says: Dave "DELUXERIDE" Miller has just posted a video for a song off the Tempers upcoming LIVE CD "THE TEMPERS CHRISTMAS SHOW". It's our version of the great Chuck Berry song "RUN RUDOLPH RUN" and you can view it here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/deluxeride

The CD RELEASE SHOW is on BLACK FRIDAY, November 25 at the lovely YORK STREET CAFE. We all hope you can make it because it will be a rockin' good time

Slam Bang: Portrait for Comic Anthology

2011-11-17T09:13:00.001-05:00

I am finishing up a little 4-page comic for my friend Allen Freeman's comic anthology Slam Bang.

This is the first color volume and the theme is "femme fatales"; so for the bio page, I did this self-portrait.

The story is called "The Hungry Housewives" and is The Hunger Games meets The Real Housewives and hilarity ensues... (I hope...)

This is the comic title type...

Christmas Party 2011-Date Finalized: December 18th at 5:30 pm

2011-11-16T17:57:00.001-05:00

OK, the date is set for December 18th at 5:30 for the Illustrators Christmas Party!

Once again Slatt's will host the party. They are really good to us and let us take over the restaurant after dinner to look at art.

This year, we are simplifying and not having a gift or sketch exchange so that we can have more time and room to socialize and look at art. (If there is a strong desire for reinstating this, we can...) Spouses and children are welcome!

Please RSVP by December 12th so I can give them a heads up.

Hope to see you there!

Caravaggio versus Hals

2011-11-16T13:21:00.003-05:00

I was talking to Christina today about an article I was reading in the NY Times last Sunday. It compared two paintings of similar subjects by Caravaggio and Franz Hals. Here is a link to the article:

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/11/06/arts/design/20111106-caravaggio-hals.html

I have always been smitten with Caravaggio's work and really like the painting in this article titled, "Boy Bitten By A Lizard"

New Website Launch - Brain To Page

2011-11-16T13:09:00.004-05:00

Hi folks,

Just thought I'd leave this here for you:

http://braintopage.com

Would love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks!

Christmas Party 2011

2011-11-14T18:20:00.002-05:00

It is that time of year again! The Christmas Party is fast approaching.

It looks like the tentative date is December 11th. I just need to confirm with Slatt's. (They are really good to us every year, for a variety of reasons if you have ever tried to book a party of 30+ people.)

Any feedback? I would love to hear thoughts about last year's party and how to make this years better.

Frankly, I am thinking of ditching the gift exchange and sketch exchange so there is more time to socialize and look at art. Is that a crazy idea?

You can post here or email me privately.

Illustrator News: Two Handed Mikey

2011-11-14T12:35:00.000-05:00

Two Handed Mikey has a game he illustrated that just came out called Cargo

Check it out!

Doodle butterfly

2011-11-14T09:58:00.002-05:00

Many of you saw the doodles I brought to a lunch last year. I've been playing around with some of them in Photoshop. So far I must have at least 100 variations, but haven't been sure what to do with them. Mostly, I've just been happy that my wrists are back in good shape. Anyway, finally decided to try this-using the butterfly mask I designed for Pam Dixon. Comments very welcome!

Interesting Article about Howard Pyle

2011-11-13T15:35:00.001-05:00

Interesting article on Salon about Howard Pyle and his influence on how a lot of things in pop culture are still visualized.

Couple good lines:

"How much do you know about the 19th-century American illustrator whose work left Vincent van Gogh “dumb with admiration”?"

"Sometime around the turn of the century, illustration got written out of the history of art. For lots of reasons: its commercial associations, the advent of photography. Illustration got sidelined as kind of a poor, younger sister to the fine arts. So the premise of the exhibition is to suggest that despite the fact that Howard Pyle is normally only looked at as an illustrator, he was as aware of — and as much a participant in — the art of his time as any of the fine artists."

http://www.salon.com/2011/11/12/pirates_patriots_and_paladins_the_lush_visions_of_a_master_illustrator/singleton/

Wish I could see the exhibit; but I did see a large collection of his work at the Brandywine a couple of years ago.

"Observed" and "Consumption" at Manifest

2011-11-11T21:36:00.004-05:00

Manifest Gallery opened two new exhibits this evening, and I was so impressed, I thought I'd spread the word:

Observed is a juried show of artwork drawn from life. Many of the pieces are meticulously crafted still-lifes, but there are a few noteworthy exceptions, such as this oil painting by Derek Wilkinson:

In the 3rd gallery is Consumption, a small collection of sculptures by Alysia Fischer. I won't let on what these objects are made of (finding out is half the fun), but her serendipitous and inventive treatment of commonplace materials take on a variety of surprising new forms.

Both exhibits have such an emphasis on craftsmanship and so many of the pieces are representative works in traditional media, I thought it would appeal to a lot of the illustrators in the group. It's well worth a visit.

Norman Rockwell Exhibit at Dayton Art Institute

2011-11-11T04:58:00.001-05:00

Dayton Art Institute is hosting an exhibit of Norman Rockwell's work containing a decade-by-decade installation of 42 original artworks, as well as a complete set of 323 Saturday Evening Post cover sheets spanning 47 years.

If you want to check out the opening, It is November 12th at 5pm.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=144563755622933

More info: http://www.daytonartinstitute.org/art/exhibitions/upcoming-exhibitions/american-chronicles-art-norman-rockwell

It is organized by the Rockwell Museum in MA, which is a little inconvenient to get to from here so it is great some of his work is coming to us! Looks like a great show!

Website in the works...please critique

2011-11-03T18:50:00.001-04:00

Hi! Wondering if I could get some opinions on my website:

www.stephaniesmithcreative.com

This isn't the final design of it, but if anyone could comment about the content that would be great.
There will always be a page that shows thumbnails. Then when you click on the thumbnail, the entire image comes up. It's not the best navigation, but will do for now.

As a body of work, what do you think? More is in the works.

I appreciate the critiques!!

Illustrator News: Craig Boldman Teaching Cartooning Class for Kids

2011-11-03T09:27:00.000-04:00

Location: The Fitton Center for Creative Arts in Hamilton

https://fittoncenter.org/classes.html

CARTOONING
Cost: $60 members $80 non-members
9-13 years old

Work with Archie and Jughead comic book artist, Craig Boldman, to create and develop your own cartoon characters and utilize them in telling gags and stories for panels, comic strips and comic books. Animation will not be covered. Great for beginners but advanced artists will also pick up new techniques. Imagination required!! Recommended supplies: pencils, pens and a supply of your choice of drawing paper.

Session: 11/7/2011 - 12/12/2011 (6 Classes) Day: Monday Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM Instructor: Craig Boldman Contact: 863-8873 ext 110 Location: Studio Room Number: 104

Manifest Studio Wall

2011-10-28T16:41:00.007-04:00

It's been awhile since I last gave a plug to Manifest.

One of the things I like about the drawing studio is the way artists are encouraged to pin up their art. While I'm drawing, there are always numerous examples of great work looming over me that inspire and otherwise bolster my efforts by setting the bar very very high.

These photos were taken at the old studio in the Essex building. The artwork on the walls was accessible to the public whenever the Essex hosted one of their Friday night Artwalks.

About nine months ago, Manifest moved the drawing studio to its current location in Madisonville. The art is still pinned up and frankly, it just gets better and better. The only problem is, without a regular open house event, there is no way to view the pieces unless you sign up for drawing sessions or take a workshop. To remedy this, Manifest has created a virtual studio wall on its website. You can view samples of the artwork done in the studio over the years.

This feature is in the early stages and hasn't been getting a whole lot of action. I thought I'd help by spreading the word. I have a couple of watercolors there, and plan to post more as time allows.

In the meantime, I'm still posting recent work (like the one at the top) on my blog.

update: 1/27/12

I've found a photo of Manifest's current studio in Madisonville. I think it's a beautiful environment to work in.

Books By the Banks 2011

2011-10-27T13:12:00.004-04:00

Jared Lee, Jerry Dowling, Christina Wald, Jeffery Ebbeler at the Reception Friday Night

John Maggard and C.F. Payne signing books and posters

Me and The author, Carole Gerber, of Annie Jump Cannon, Astronomer

Judy Collins Signing

Jerry's way cool, caricature of Judy She even signed it!

Jerry has more pictures and commentary here: http://web.me.com/kenstewartphoto/DOWLING_2/Dowling_Blog/Entries/2011/10/23_BANKING_ON_THE_BOOKS.html

Here are some images Jerry and my friend Scotti took. There was a really good crowd this year. I bought a fair amount of books myself. I regret I did not get pictures of all the illustrators though...

CityBeat cover

2011-10-24T16:17:00.004-04:00

Once upon a time, I worked for CityBeat. I drew a weekly editorial cartoon, several covers, and then a weekly sports cartoon. After a two year hiatus, I finally was asked to do this week's cover (with a little reminder from me). Here it is. Sans Dirty Rat!

2011-10-24T15:48:00.005-04:00

Hey Everyone,

Christina said I could post about our appearance on Fox 19 Tomorrow. Not really Illustration....but kinda, sorta in the family...lol

We will be doing our annual appearance on Cincinnati's Fox 19 morning show around 8:45am showing our Halloween makeup. Our guest artist Jodi Byrne http://www.jodibyrne.com will be showing some cool Kids makeup. We will post some stuff later in the day about our appearance on our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/anythingairbrushedplus.

Hope you will tune in....Hopefully I'll make lunch Wednesday also.

Illustrator News: Jeffrey Ebbeler at Blue Manatee October 29th

2011-10-24T09:53:00.000-04:00

Saturday, October 29 · 10:30am - 11:30am

Address	3054 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45209 · Get Directions
Phone	1 513.731.2665
Website	http://bluemanateebooks.com

Illustrator Jeffrey Ebbeler will do a story time and signing for his newest book, Haunted House, Haunted Mouse. A Halloween-themed craft project will follow.
Free event, ages 2 and up

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=112768705500173

Jerry Dowling: Visit to COVINGTON CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL-Photos!

2011-10-24T09:32:00.000-04:00

As promised, some pictures of Jerry at his visit to COVINGTON CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL during his talk to Craig Cleveland's class.

More images on his blog here:http://web.me.com/kenstewartphoto/DOWLING_2/Dowling_Blog/Entries/2011/10/22_GIGS.html

Portfolio Sites Revisited

2011-10-23T06:20:00.001-04:00

I did a talk at Books by the Banks today about illustration. I mentioned portfolio sites and thought I would post some resources:

Guide to some free portfolio websites:

http://escapefromillustrationisland.com/2009/11/19/9-free-online-portfolio-sites/

Carbonmade
Coroflot
deviantART
Flickr

Good pay portfolio sites:

ChildrensIllustrators.org
Directory of Illustration
Hire an Illustrator!
The iSpot
Workbook

Good Illustration Resources:

Escape From Illustration Island: http://escapefromillustrationisland.com/

SCBWI (Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators): http://www.scbwi.org/

Imagine FX

Concept Art: http://www.conceptart.org/

Feel free to add any links you guys like. What are your favorite portfolio sites?

Halloween Holiday

2011-10-19T19:18:00.006-04:00

Great seeing everyone today at Habit's. I hope to make the weekly lunch meetings well, a habit.

Yeah, yeah, I hear your groans.

I created this for a newsletter for the company I work for. I was able to add a little homage to Maurice Sendak in there.

Just a friendly reminder that there's only 66 days, five hours, and thirty-four minutes left to shop!

Books by the Banks: A Working Pop Up!

2011-10-19T09:39:00.002-04:00

My dream of having a working pop-up has come to fruition thanks to excellent illustrator and paper engineer Jeff Ebbeler.

I made several mock-ups that will be at the Books by the Banks show Saturday based on the dies he created. Bellow is a video of his initial working mock up.

By the way, I will be doing a panel with Andrea Cheng at 11:00am on Saturday. The full schedule of panels is here.

Carson Palmer

2011-10-18T11:26:00.003-04:00

With the news that a deal is in the works for Carson Palmer to be traded to the Oakland Raiders, I figured I'd post a few of the illustrations I did of him during my years at The Post. Personally, I'm glad Mike Brown finally relented on this one.

Mr. Cincinnati - Carl Lindner

2011-10-18T09:47:00.004-04:00

Mr. Lindner was one of the first individuals I was asked to draw when I began working at the Cincinnati Post more than ten years ago. This is the illustration I completed for the Reds 2001 special section cover.

Books by the Banks 2011

2011-10-17T08:29:00.000-04:00

Books By The Banks:

Saturday October 22nd, 10am-4pm At the convention center...

A ton of illustrators there this year:

Dowling, Jerry: Drawing the Big Red Machine

    Bowers, Tim:   Dream Big, Little Pig! (written by Kristi Yamaguchi)
    Ebbeler, Jeffrey :   Haunted House, Haunted Mouse
    Hillenbrand, Will:   Sneeze, Big Bear, Sneeze!
    Lee, Jared:   Black Lagoon Series
    Lyon, Tammie:   Olive and Snowflake
    Payne, C.F. :   Lineup for Yesterday
    Reinhart, Matthew :   DC Super Heroes: The Ultimate Pop-Up Book
    Wald, Christina:   Habitat Spy; Annie Jump Cannon, Astronomer; The Wild Life of Elk
If I missed anyone, please let me know...

There are also some panels. I will see what is up and post here soon.

Jerry Dowling: Visit to COVINGTON CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

2011-10-17T08:26:00.000-04:00

Craig Cleveland Says: Fellow CINCINNATI ILLUSTRATOR JERRY DOWLING will be lecturing to my Graphic Design classes at COVINGTON CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL this coming Friday, October 21st (8am-9:30am). We'll be discussing his work, his illustration style, taking questions from the students, and Jerry said he might be able to whip up a couple of caricatures of a few students!

Hopefully pictures to follow!

Liquid Television is Back!

2011-10-11T09:51:00.001-04:00

Since there are a lot of animation fans in this group, I thought I would post this.

MTV has just put a bunch of their old animation on their site from Liquid Television. This show was on in the early 90s before the hideous barrage of reality TV times...

Here is on funny one:

Get More: MTV Shows

Back in Town and New Book Cover!

2011-10-04T19:12:00.000-04:00

Here is a little post on the final cover design for my book coming out in Fall 2012...
It is a wrap around cover and below is the full composition. This one has a really cool concept. For those interested, here is the sketch

I just got back from a vacation in Greece. I did some urban sketching while there I need to scan. In the meantime, a view of Santorini from a bar where mom and I sampled some local vintages.

Poster

2011-09-29T20:43:00.003-04:00

For an old friend who was the lead bassist for the Cincinnati Symphony, now in San Diego after a few years in San Francisco.

Middle Sea Blog

2011-09-28T16:27:00.006-04:00

Hey, guys. I've been out of circulation for a bit. My internet's down. I'm going to post more, starting with a project I'm doing when I have some down time. I'll post my new map, soon, too. TAG's got me working on another project for their Hellfrost setting.

Here's the link to my blog: www.middleseachronicles.blogspot.com (I can't remember how to hot link things, so unless Christina fixes this, please copy and past the link)

The purpose of this blog is to explore lots of ideas and materials and just have fun. It's a place for me to feel no pressure about art and let loose when I need to.

Enjoy, guys! See you at lunch, soon!

J.

And one image from the blog, just so there's some art up in this post :P)

Logo & Illustrations

2011-09-26T15:01:00.000-04:00

I don't believe I shared this logo design with my Cincinnati people. I created this for an online directory of bars, clubs, and events. Click on the image to see it full size.

I'm getting more aware of my audience. Before posting this piece, I lengthened the lady's skirt.

Illustrators Lunches the next two weeks

2011-09-21T19:19:00.002-04:00

Next Wednesday lunch on the 28th is at Chi-nnati's in Kenwood and on the 5th of October it is at LeBoxx downtown.

I am on vacation so feel free to post any announcements you have or hear on the blog! Of course, do that even when I am not on vacation too!

Loren Long: Otis In Tattoo Form

2011-09-19T10:03:00.001-04:00

From the Shelf Awareness site... Otis in Ink!

Got this great link today of this event at Books & Books in Bal Harbour, Fla.(Thanks Will!). Click to see more pictures and the story.

http://www.shelf-awareness.com/ar/theshelf/2011-09-19/otis_gets_special_ink_love_at_books_books.html

2011-09-18T16:57:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone!
Here are a couple caricatures I just finished for some friends.
I'll be in town next week, but wont be there on Wednesday..

I'm curious if we can move the lunch to Thursday and I'll be there..

Hopefully I'll see you next week!

Gabe

Will Hillenbrand: Book Signing of Sneeze, Big Bear, Sneeze

2011-09-15T14:46:00.000-04:00

Will Hillenbrand will be signing Sneeze, Big Bear, Sneeze Saturday the 17th at 1:00 pm at BLUE MARBLE in Ft. Thomas, KY.

Location: 1356 South Fort Thomas Avenue, Fort Thomas, Kentucky 41075 , Phone: 859-781-0602 FAX: 859-781-0728

Email: bluemarble@fuse.net

Road Trip: Fantastic Art Workshop with Donato Giancola in Kenosha and Carol Schwartz has a Show In Milwaukee!

2011-09-15T14:43:00.001-04:00

Carol Schwartz (Hi Carol!) sent me this link:

ROAD TRIP!

Fantastic Art Workshop with Donato Giancola

Thursday, October 13 and Friday, October 14, 2011
9 am to 8 pm (there will be breaks for lunch and dinner.)
Class #0620631401 – Open to adults as well as advanced teen artists (17+)
$215 ($190 FOM) Fee does not include supplies or meals. A supply list will be available.

It is in Kenosha (about 6-7 hours away, but it is a bargain (and an excuse to visit Carol up in Milwaukee).

There is also a free art exhibit showcasing: Steven Anderson, Volkan Baga, Edward Binkley, Aaron Boyd, Linda Dockey Graves, Jeff Easley, Bob Eggleton, Marc Fishman, Donato Giancola, Scott Gustafson, Christina Hess, Tim Holter Bruckner, Ingrid Kallick, Kristin Kest, Thomas Kuebler, Don Maitz, Jeff Menges, Aaron Miller, Jeff Miracola, Jim Nelson, John Jude Palencar, Steve Rude, Dave Seeley, Lothar Speer, John Stanko, Matthew Stewart, Vincent Villafranca, Janny Wurtz

More details: http://www.kenosha.org/museum/documents/KPMFantasticExWS.pdf

UPDATE: Carol did not mention that she is in a show in Milwaukee opening today! So if you go to the Fantastic Art Show, stop and visit her show as well!

http://www.wlc.edu/gallery/

Cincinnati Comic Expo

2011-09-12T21:46:00.004-04:00

Reminder that the Cincinnati Comic Expo is this Saturday at Duke Energy Center from 10-5:30.

Here are some of the local illustrators that will be there at tables:

David Michael Beck

Craig Boldman

David Mack

Tim Fuller

Woodrow J. Hinton III

Mike Maydak

Joe Slucher

If I forgot anyone, let me know...

Loren Long: Book Signing of Otis and the Tornado

2011-09-12T20:32:00.001-04:00

Loren Long will be signing Otis and the Tornado Saturday the 17th at 10:30am at Blue Manatee in Oakley.

Location: 3054 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45209

Hope to see you there!

Good news everyone! Loren just found out that Otis is on the NYT bestseller list!

Movie Poster

2011-09-12T11:12:00.000-04:00

My most recent illustration job was a lot of fun to do. "One Day Summer" is a short film being released this month by Piñata Productions. The writer/director, e.E. Charlton-Trujillo, liked my poster for the film "Intangible" but wanted something rougher, younger, and filled with punk rock energy.

The key to the scribbly look of the drawing was to not ink my drawing. The black lines are scans from the original pencils.

The fun came from the client. We met at a restaurant; she talked and I sketched, and we pushed the sketches back and forth across the table until we agreed on a composition and attitude. She trusted me to do the job, and boom - we were both happy with the results. Ideal.

Maurice Mattei: Drawing Classes

2011-09-09T12:05:00.000-04:00

Classes Start Monday, Sept 12th

From Maurice: I teach a drawing class at the Baker Hunt Art Center in lovely Covington, Ky. Today and Monday are the last days to register for my class. The class starts this Monday and continues every following Monday for 12 weeks. Class hours are 1-3pm. If interested, contact Teresa or Rosemary at 859-431-0020 or register on-line at www.bakerhunt.com.

http://www.mmattei.com/urbandwellers.htm

As Promised, Some Sketches for the Poster and Event Photos

2011-09-09T00:53:00.003-04:00

Here we all are with out posters. We look like the Justice League of illustrators!

Ryan Answers a Question

Great night tonight at Joseph Beth! It was great to see so many illustrators in the audience and on the panel.

I brought my mock up of the Cincinnati skyline I illustrated. I hope to have a working one by the show... Any paper engineers out there?

The Discussion Begins

An Earlier Concept

First thoughts on the design. Yes, there is a dragon...

Ursula Roma: Sculpture Exhibition

2011-09-07T20:46:00.000-04:00

The flyer says it all!