Friday, October 31, 2014

An Evening of Bluegrass


This was an image commissioned as part of a poster for An Evening of Bluegrass, a bluegrass show featuring several different bands that will take place Dec. 5 at Southgate House Revival. You can find out more about the show here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1498031757114022/permalink/1498031760447355/

Memento Mori Show Opening On Halloween

 Ursula Roma curated this show in honor of her brother.

Her statement:

25+ Artists visualize death. Memento Mori - Remember your Mortality. Join over 25 artists and illustrators as they share their versions of death, remember deceased loved ones and celebrate life! Benefit show - half of the proceeds go to my brother, who lost his possessions in a fire recently.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1554802624752746/

Here is a wee painting I did.

Dia De Los Gatos Muertos by Christina Wald


Thursday, October 30, 2014

Ruff Ruffman in Cincinnati


We are very happy to announce that a project we have been working on with WGBH Boston, for PBS KIDS, has launched!

Ruff Ruffman stars in these YouTube-friendly, animated comedy shorts called Ruff Ruffman: Humble Media Genius, in which he shares information about media and technology. This brand new resource from PBS also provides families and teachers with important information for our ever-changing digital lives.

The series has been spearheaded by Senior Executive Producer, Bill Shribman and EMMY-winning writer Gentry Menzel, has been funded as a pilot project by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and was produced by Cincinnati's Flaming Medusa Studios Inc.

Watch them Here! And share some pretty art here :)

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Graphic Novel Author/Illustrators Raina Telgemeier and Kazu Kibuishi at Joseph Beth October 30th


 Joseph Beth October 30th, 4:30 PM

 From the website:

The companion to Raina Telgemeier's #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling and Eisner Award-winning graphic memoir, SMILE. Raina can't wait to be a big sister. But once Amara is born, things aren't quite how she expected them to be. 

In AMULET: ESCAPE FROM LUCIEN, by bestselling author/illustrator Kazu Kibuishi (also known for illustrating the new Harry Potter paperback series), Navin and his classmates journey to Lucien, a city ravaged by war and plagued by mysterious creatures, where they search for a beacon essential to their fight against the Elf King. Meanwhile, Emily heads back into the Void with Max, one of the Elf King's loyal followers, where she learns his darkest secrets.

https://www.facebook.com/events/557620654274402/

Friday, October 24, 2014

Jeff Smith Discussing Will Eisner October 30th

This looks like a great talk! If you cannot make it, the Will Eisner exhibit is up until November 30th.



From the event page: 

WILL EISNER: 75 YEARS OF GRAPHIC STORYTELLING

The exhibit, curated by Caitlin McGurk and Jared Gardner, will be open for a public reception from 6 - 7:30pm

Following the reception, join us at 7:30pm in the Jean and Charles Schulz Lecture Hall for WILL EISNER'S LIFE AND LEGACY - Jeff Smith, creator of the best-selling graphic novel Bone and friend of Will Eisner’s, will discuss Eisner’s career and its impact.

"Eisner is a mentor, a teacher, and a hero to generations of cartoonists. His innovations as a visual storyteller helped define the grammar of modern comics and open up new possibilities for the form that are still being explored today. Among Eisner’s many
students, Jeff Smith stands out not only for carrying on the traditions Eisner championed in graphic storytelling, but also for continuing Eisner’s lifelong mission to elevate comics as an artistic and literary form. And as a pioneering self-publisher, Smith has continued Eisner’s work in teaching young cartoonists the importance of understanding not only the technical aspects of their craft but the economics as well.”
-Exhibition Co-Curator and OSU Professor Jared Gardner, on the impact of Will Eisner.

THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC


For more information on the exhibit, visit http://cartoons.osu.edu/events/will-eisner-75-years-of-graphic-storytelling/


https://www.facebook.com/events/849864391702095/

Poe project

For the past week I've been doing a (nearly) daily illustration of an Edgar Allen Poe short story, going in order in which they appear in an old Poe anthology I have. This is just a personal project, to get me drawing something other than editorial cartoons and commissions. The goal is to do each illustration in about 2 hours or less, so I'm not taking up too much of my time. I'm flying by the seat of my pants on each one, doing maybe one or two quick thumbnails, but usually I'm just diving in with my Wacom, pushing pixels around until I find an interesting shape, and then running with it. I probably should have started this earlier in October, but oh well. Here are the six I've drawn so far.

The Tale-Tell Heart

The Masque of the Red Death

The Cask of Amontillado

Metzengerstein

The Pit and the Pendulum

The Fall of the House of Usher

Monday, October 20, 2014

Greenacres Guild Artist Documentary/Interviews



While getting information for the previous post, I found a link to this really interesting compilation of local artist interviews from the Greenacres Artist Guild whose members include C. F. Payne, Loren Long, Will Hillenbrand and Bruce Erikson. There is some great stuff in here!

Their latest exhibition is up until November 15th. More details on their evens are here: http://www.green-acres.org/index.php/events/

Here is Loren Long's interview:


Sunday, October 19, 2014

Loren Long and Will Hillenbrand at Greenacres October 25th

Loren Long and Will Hillenbrand be at Greenacres Saturday, October 25th from noon until 5 for Children's Illustrator Day. There will also be tractor rides!

Details here: http://www.green-acres.org/index.php/event/childrens-illustrator-day/

Friday, October 17, 2014

Cincinnati Bengals cartoon


And here we go again, with Cincinnati Bengals cartoons. This one was kind of a no-brainer. It was actually a real joy studying Schulz's shapes and line work and trying to duplicate it as best I could.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

“Luminosity--The Art of David Michael Beck” Opening November 7th in Charleston, SC


“The Last Golden Mouse”
From 5 pm to 8 pm on November 7th, the public is invited to the opening reception of “Luminosity--The Art of David Michael Beck” at Mary Martin Gallery, 103 Broad Street.


Mary Martin Gallery, 103 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401

From the press release:


Beck’s successful illustration career spanned over forty years. Working for major publishers and advertising firms, his art was published in magazines, as book covers and in countless high profile advertising campaigns for companies such as: Coca-Cola, Warner Brothers, Universal Pictures, Anheuser-Bush, Dow Jones, Harper Collins, Simon & Schuster, Sony Entertainment, Hasbro Toy Company, and United Airlines

After years of executing the ideas and concepts of others he now paints subjects that are of his own many and varied personal interests.  In “Luminosity--The Art of David Michael Beck” Beck brings many extraordinary painted riches from his diverse new collection to Charleston.
Best known for painting light and his striking use of color, Beck’s work covers a very broad spectrum of imagery from the traditional to the contemporary in style. “The Last Golden Mouse” and “In the Valley of the Blue Oak” are two paintings in the exhibit which depict the more fanciful end of Beck’s collection of works.

Comment from David Michael Beck “The Last Golden Mouse” A year ago I started posting my artwork on Facebook for reasons of self promotion.  In doing so, I quickly became aware of the sheer number of cat videos posted by other felinophiles.  Mine is a family of cat lovers, and so I thought I would do a painting dedicated to these inquisitive, independent, sneaky, hairball spitting, heart endearing companions of mankind.  Thus I give you “The Last golden Mouse”

Much of Beck’s imagery is derived from personal experience and interest in the narrative intended to provoke thought and often to entertain. Paintings in this exhibit successfully do just that.   “Luminosity--The Art of David Michael Beck” will be on display throughout the month of November.

“I draw inspiration for my paintings from many places.  Regardless, each piece is executed in traditional painting technique with attention to constructing order with shape, form, tone, color and rhythm to create a palpable reality.  I work to make technical skill and emotion inseparable to inspire and bring joy”, states Beck.

Beck’s original artwork hangs in the private and public collections of such notables as George Lucas, Jerry Garcia and Mickey Hart of The Grateful Dead rock band, Donald Rumsfeld, Bill Cosby, Hugh and Christy Hefner, and the American Italian Museum.

This award winning and widely collected artist generously shares his knowledge by lecturing and teaching artist workshops around the country, and currently teaches materials and technique at the Art Academy of Cincinnati.

“In the Valley of the Blue Oak”

Illustration for Earbud Theater: The Sounds Below


This is my third illustration for the audio play podcast Earbud Theater. The play is called "The Sounds Below," a little horror story about a man's deepest fears. I've not really done any horror illustrations before, so this gave me a chance to really go beyond editorial cartoons and illustrations for family-friendly publications. And yes, I'm both the hand and eye model.

Indie Animation Feature Screening in Cincinnati TONIGHT only!

“Rocks In My Pockets” is a story of mystery and redemption. The film is based on true events involving the women of my family, including myself, and our battles with madness...

This is nuts how cool is this image
Tonight is the last night of screenings in Cincinnati for the independent feature "Rocks in my Pockets" by Signe Bauman. You guys NEED TO GO TODAY.

Why? It's an indie feature and we need to support each other, But aside from that this is an animated film that deals with topics like depression and sanity which means it is definitely interesting and worth watching- this is the kind of film we need more of!

What is even going on here I am dying to find out!!!??
It is Playing at the Mariemont Theatre and it ends TODAY- there are several showtimes throughout the day, You can find times on the Mariemont Theatre website  and there is more info, art, and trailers on the film's website www.rocksinmypocketsmovie.com

"'Rocks In My Pockets' is a story of mystery and redemption. The film is based on true events involving the women of my family, including myself, and our battles with madness. It raises questions of how much family genetics determine who we are and if it is possible to outsmart one’s own DNA. The film is packed with visual metaphors, surreal images and my twisted sense of humor. It is an animated tale full of art, women, strange daring stories, Latvian accents, history, nature, adventure and more.
The idea for 'Rocks In My Pockets’ came from my stream of consciousness. Like most people I think about a wide variety of things, some fantastical, some mundane, but my mind keeps coming back to thoughts of “ending it all” and the ways I could go about doing it. Why? Why do I think this way? And why I am still alive despite such thoughts? I find the fragility of our minds fascinating. Life is strange, unpredictable, sometimes absurd and I try to see the humor in it all." - Signe Bauman


I would love to hear what you guys think after you see it- since I am out of town I can't see it until next week so  I'd love to hear your reviews!

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Local Illustrator Receives Writer's Residency in NM


Taos, New Mexico has been known for years as a destination that appeals to artists and writers alike.  Cincinnati based artist and illustrator Amy Bogard has been taking students to Taos as part of her Illuminated Travel Journal workshop each summer.  While there this past June, Amy applied for and was granted a residency opportunity to return to Taos next winter to work on some of her own projects outside of teaching.

It's been a life long goal of Amy's to create children's picture books for publication and this Writer-In-Residence opportunity at the historic Mabel Dodge Luhan House will afford her the time and space to focus on two book ideas she has had brewing for some time.  Amy's intrepid traveling hamster character Ginger Small has had a small but devoted fan base for some time and these weeks in Taos will help pull years of images and ideas into a solid story.

The other story features some of Amy's whimsical sheep and a small rabbit who counts them.
Amy is accepting donations to help offset the cost of the trip.  Lodging and a small stipend have been graciously offered by the folks at the Mabel Dodge House, but New Mexico is a far away place!  You can read more about Amy's plans and see more of her work at her website: www.amybogard.com 

Monday, October 13, 2014

Illustrator News: Steve Harpster at Blue Manatee Saturday, October 18th

Join cartoonist Steve Harpster as he leads a workshop on drawing zombies, monsters, and other creatures that go bump in the night. Daring artists will get to know The Haunted Creeps and Ghastly Ghouls of Spiderbite--his latest drawing book! Mwahahahaha!

-Please bring a drawing pad or paper, and your favorite drawing utensils.

-Best for ages 6+

FREE, but please call 513.731.2665 to register by Friday, Oct. 17th.


1-2 pm October 18th at Blue Manatee.



Get additional info here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1497243400553358/

Illustrator Spotlight: Dawn – An Original Comic Book by Cincinnati Locals

(covers of Dawn Issues 1 and 2, from left-right: Issue 1 special addition, Issue 1, and Issue 2)

Dawn is a comic book series created by Hamster Bomb Studios, an up-and-coming independent comic publishing studio made up of three local artists: John McCoy, Alex Healey, and Kim Wallin (Art Academy of Cincinnati, Mount St. Joseph University, and University of Cincinnati respectively).

The story of Dawn revolves around the humble and unusual life of Don Halliday, a man who actually lives his life out of order. This disorder places him in Binkley Institute, a psychiatric facility in an island city called Cinner’s Cove. There he is cared for by Dr. James Geats and studied by other doctors with less benevolent motives. Many who encounter Don and his frightful episodes are in disbelief about the reality of what is happening to Don, outside of the few who have seen enough to know his disorder is more than mental. Without Don, no one could conceive of the future that threatens the fate of Cinner’s Cove and the whole world, one filled with the disasters of a dragon apocalypse.

Dawn is written by Alex Healey and illustrated by John McCoy. Its first Issue, Memories in Ash, was released on September 5th, 2014 at the Cincinnati ComiCon, where Hamster Bomb Studios attended its second comic convention. Dawn Issue 2, Sirens and Cyclones, is currently in-the-making. A preview of its cover can be seen at the top of this post, to the right, alongside the first issue (middle) and the special addition first issue (left).

Hamster Bomb Studios has released two other comic books: infiREM, a graphic novel exploring the realm of dreams, created solely by Alex Healey (part 1 released 2014, part 2 in-the-making), and R, a time-travel series created by Alex Healey and Kim Wallin (issue 1 released 2013, issue 2 in-the-making). For more information or to order your copy visit hamsterbomb.com

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Poster for "All New People"


This is the third poster I've designed for Clifton Performance Theatre's 2014-2015 season. One of the producers had wanted a recreation of the poster made for the original London performance using the local cast. I obliged, but was able to adapt the image to the minimalist graphic style I've used with the previous posters in this series.

Books By the Banks 2014!


Books by the Banks is Saturday!

This year there will be a lot of illustrators at tables so stop by and say hi!

I love going every year whether I have a table or not. It is great for Christmas/Holiday shopping!


First of all, Caldecott wining illustrator Erin Stead will be there!


Philip Stead and Erin Stead
Sebastian and the Balloon

 And also check out:


Jerry Dowling
Drawing the Hollywood Book of Fame
Jerry's book is amazing! It should be a textbook for caricature!

Programming with illustrators:

Writing and Illustrating Children’s Books
Linda Leopold Strauss, Jeffrey Ebbeler, Michelle Houts, Tim Bowers
Moderated by Blue Marble Bookstore's Dave Richardson

11:00 – 11:30 a.m.     Author Presentation: Philip and Erin Stead

12:30 – 1:00 p.m.       Author Presentation: Adam Watkins

2:00 – 2:30 p.m.        Author Presentation: Marc Brown

3:00 – 3:30 p.m.        Author Presentation: Loren Long

1:00 – 2:00 p.m.        Drawing with author/illustrator Matthew Holm

Illustrators in the show: 



Loren Long
Otis and the Scarecrow
New York Times Bestseller!

Tammie Lyon
Good Morning, God!

Casey Riordan Millard
Shark Girl and Belly Button

Matt Kish
Heart of Darkness
  

Tim Bowers
Memoirs of an Elf


Marc Brown
Marc Brown’s Playtime Rhymes: A Treasury for Families to Learn and Play Together

Jessica Burkhart
Bella’s Birthday Unicorn (Unicorn Magic #1)


Andrea Cheng
The Year of the Fortune Cookie


Jeffrey Ebbeler
Arlo Rolled


Kelli Gleiner
A Day with Monster


Matthew Holm
Squish #6: Fear the Amoeba


Dr. John Hutton
Sleepy Bee

Christina Wald
Macarooned on a Dessert Island

Adam Watkins
R is for Robot


And of course a lot of great authors will be there!

Soapbox Media did a nice writeup here about Books by the Banks:

 
Jeffery Ebbeler's poster from 2013

My (Christina Wald) poster from 2011. I really enjoyed doing this! Marlene Steele, John Maggard, Ryan Osterander, C.F. Payne and Will Hillenbrand have done the previous posters.