State of the Artist 12/16/2013

View halloo!!

It's yet another Monday here on Planet Kit, and so it's time for another State of the Artist update!


Weekly Words

A child's attitude toward everything is an artist's attitude.

-Willa Cather, 1873 - 1947



Current Project

Current project, now that the Holiday Cards are in the mail (on their way to me) is gearing up for January's Sketch-A-Day project, and some tiny thumbnail doodles for two commission projects.

But, I do have a small doodle that I worked up while sitting in the doctor's office waiting room.



I'd started the lines for this doodle a while ago, but never got around to finishing it, but sitting in a waiting room is the perfect place to get half-done doodles finished! I was also delighted when I met the new Physician's Assistant, before seeing my doctor, to find he was a huge comics/sci-fi/fantasy fan... and during the routine Q&A and taking vitals and all, we watched movie trailers on YouTube on the exam room computer. I love my doctor's office. :)




Shop Silvertales

Christmas is right around the corner, and there's still time to take advantage of the deals and discounts available on Zazzle for products featuring original artwork! Pick up a Coffeeeee Zombieeees" mug for a friend, or a Polar Bears in SPAAACE tshirt for yourself, all for 15% off!

Use code LASTCHANCE15 at check out to take advantage of the offer, valid through 11:59pm, Pacific Time, December 16th.

Shop Silvertales



Monthly Postcard Project

The December postcards for the inaugural year of the Monthly Postcard Project have all been mailed, and so that marks the end of the first year of the Monthly Postcard Project experiment! Whew!

I enjoyed the project, and had some wonderful feedback from subscribers, that I'll be continuing the project for 2014.

If you'd like more information, or to sign up for the project, please check out the info page: HERE. Subscriptions are available in 12, 6, and 3 month options, both domestic US and international.



Near Future

We're coming up on the end of another year, and so, as we approach January, that means I'm preparing for the Sketch-A-Day project for 2014! There's 31 sketches in 31 days to get done, so if you have any themes you'd like to see me try to tackle, please leave them in the comments!



Well, I think that's all for this week's State of the Artist update here on Planet Kit.

I thank you for joining me again this week! Feedback is the food which fuels the creative discussion between Artist and Audience, please, feel free to comment or leave suggestions for new projects!


If you enjoy seeing posts of new or in-progress artwork, please consider a donation.

Become a patron of the arts!

Feel free to post links to this journal/community if you feel there might be interest in my artwork!

State of the Artist 12/9/2013

View halloo, all!!

Yet another Monday, here on Planet Kit, and so it's time for another State of the Artist update!


Weekly Words

The end is nothing; the road is all.
-Willa Cather, 1873 - 1947



Current Project

Sorry to say that my general level of productivity has been somewhat sidelined by a few recent medical issues, and work on the holiday card art which pushes everything else to the background this time of year. But, the Holiday Card artwork is DONE and off to the printer, woot!

I haven't done much this past week except doodle and reject ideas for the holiday cards until I figured out what I wanted and then getting that done, but I do have one little doodle.



Pencil, white pencil, white ink, gold ink on toned gray paper.

Random head shot of a woman, somewhat inspired/influenced by the clothing and traditions of the Bedouin tribes of Saharan Africa.



Holiday Cards

Whoooeee.. the 2013 Holiday Card Project request period is over, and the total count for requested cards has been tabulated... this year, we top the count EXACTLY 500 cards. *falls over*

Due to the sheer number of cards, I went ahead and included a message on the reverse instead of leaving it blank for a handwritten note. The cards will all be signed by hand, but there just isn't any way to write personal notes to everyone this year, and for that I do apologize!

Unlike previous years, where I've ended up with around 20-25 extra cards because they come in certain count batches from the printer, there will be no extra cards this year... which I usually sell in sets at conventions the following year.

As always, to help offset the cost of production, or in this year's case, the overwhelming postage, donations are always welcome! There is a donation button at the bottom of every State of the Artist post.



Monthly Postcard Project

The December monthly postcard was mailed out this afternoon, and with that, the first full year of the Monthly Postcard Project is COMPLETE! *happy dance* It's hard to believe that in November/December of last year, I first floated the idea for this project, to some great responses.

THANK YOU so very much to everyone who believed in this project and signed up to show your support (and get goodies in the mail!) There's been some fantastic feedback with regards to the project. I enjoyed this experiment immensely, and will definitely be continuing into 2014. Unlike the Holiday Card project, there is no time limit to sign up. Subscriptions are available in 12, 6, and 3 month options, both domestic US and international.

If you'd like more information on the Monthly Postcard Project, to start a new subscription, or to renew your subscription, please check out the permanent info page, here:

Monthly Postcard Project FAQ



Shop Silvertales

Seeing as it's the holiday season, Zazzle is having some absolutely Ah-May-Zing discounts on products sitewide. Nearly every day there is a new set of sales and discounts. The current deal is 75% off cards, 40% off cases, 30% off mugs, and totes, 20% off tees and hoodies, and 15% off everything else.... no matter the store!

This is a great opportunity to pick up some holiday cards to mail out, a Polar Bears in SPAAAACE tee for a friend or yourself) or oodles of other goodies featuring original artwork!

This particular Zazzle deal is valid through December 10th 11:59pm Pacific Time, and to take advantage of it, use code ITSWONDERFUL at checkout.


Browse other gifts from Zazzle.




Near Future

We're rapidly approaching the end of the year, and with the exception of waiting for the Holiday Cards to arrive and then mailing them out, I'll be busy working on new art and a brand new commission into the New Year.... AND... another launch of the Sketch-A-Day Project for the month of January!

If you've got suggestions for the Sketch-A-Day Project for 2014, please leave them in the comments!

My first scheduled convention appearance will be:
MegaCon in Orlando, FL March 21-23 2014.

There should be art appearing at other conventions nationwide between now and then, but those details haven't been finalized just yet. When they are, I'll definitely post to let you know!



Well, I think that's all for this week's State of the Artist update here on Planet Kit.

I thank you for joining me again this week! Feedback is the food which fuels the creative discussion between Artist and Audience, please, feel free to comment or leave suggestions for new projects!


If you enjoy seeing posts of new or in-progress artwork, please consider a donation.

Become a patron of the arts!

Feel free to post links to this journal/community if you feel there might be interest in my artwork!

State of the Artist 10/14/2013

View halloo, all!


It's been a rather crazy week here on Planet Kit, so many Real Life interruptions! But, it's Monday again, so that means it's time for another State of the Artist update!


Weekly Words

A good night's sleep, or a ten minute bawl, or a pint of chocolate ice cream, or all three together, is good medicine.
- Ray Bradbury, 1920 - 2012



Current Project

There's not much to share on the Inktober front this week. As I said above, there have been a number of crazy Real Life events going on, but what little I've gotten done this week, I will definitely share!

* * *

TOP LEFT: Every now and then I'll go on a dragon drawing binge, where I'll just doodle dragons for days. They're usually very serious, regal-looking dragons. So, a comment from a friend prompted this cheerier little guy!

TOP RIGHT: My second sketch cover ever! This one for The Walking Dead issue #109. I've never drawn zombies, and they're pretty far outside my comfort zone, but So Much FUN! I've also discovered that doing stylized portraiture is so much harder than full-detail, hyper-realistic portraiture. >.<

The Walking Dead sketch cover is for sale for $30USD + shipping. If interested, please contact silvertales[at]gmail.[dot]com with "Walking Dead sketch cover" in the subject line.



Monthly Postcard Project

October's postcards arrived in the mail Saturday afternoon, so they'll be shipping out Tuesday, as today is a postal holiday.

If you'd like to receive original artwork postcards in the mail every month, or just learn more about the project, please visit the info page, here: Postcard FAQ.



Shop Silvertales

I just couldn't help myself, so I put my Walking Dead zombies on a mug for the extreme coffee lovers amongst us! Introducing Coffee Zombies!

COFFEEee... zombies Mug by silvertales
Create unique personalized coffee cups at Zazzle

Zazzle's current promotion celebrates Columbus Day by taking 14.92% off all orders all day Monday, October 14th! Use COLUMBUSSAVE at check out to redeem this offer.

Shop Silvertales



Near Future

This weekend sees me sharing a table with MCA Hogarth at Necronomicon in Tampa, FL. Come say hi, pick up a book, or some prints, or commission some original artwork!

Necro will be my last convention appearance for 2013. Once it's over, I'll be in the planning stages for convention appearances for 2014, hoping to add a few new cons to the schedule.

I'm also planning for the Holiday Card Project Request Post, so stay tuned if you'd like to receive a holiday card in the mail this year!

The next set of Comic Nouveau pieces (Marvel's Phoenix, Gambit, Wolverine, and Storm) are also on the schedule for completion, along with a new original piece!

Well, I think that's all for this week's State of the Artist update here on Planet Kit.

I thank you for joining me again this week! Feedback is the food which fuels the creative discussion between Artist and Audience, please, feel free to comment or leave suggestions for new projects!


If you enjoy seeing posts of new or in-progress artwork, please consider a donation.

Become a patron of the arts!

Feel free to post links to this journal/community if you feel there might be interest in my artwork!

State of the Artist 10/7/2013

View halloo, all!

It was an overcast day here on Planet!Kit, but a productive one! It's Monday, and that means it's time for the State of the Artist update, so, let's get to it!



Weekly Words

I am, as I am; whether hideous, or handsome, depends upon who is made judge.

-Herman Melville, 1819 - 1891

And, I will always be my harshest judge.



Current Project

So, I've embarked upon Inktober this year (well, sort of...) The Inktober Project "officially" has 2 options: The Long Run (one inked drawing every day for the month of October,) or The 5K Plan (one inked drawing a week for the month of October.) I'm not doing either of those options. I'm sort of making it up as I go. I know, typical Kit. :)

I'm working on the "whenever I have the time/inclination/impetus/inspiration to churn out an inked doodle" plan. Out of the 7 days of October so far, I've done 4... so, I figure I'm ahead of the curve for the 5K Plan, so I'm in good shape.

I'm sort of hacking these out in between working on the 2nd set of Comics Nouveau pieces, setting up a new 11x17" personal piece I hope to have done soon, the October Monthly Postcard Project artwork (which is technically an Inktober piece, but you won't see it until November unless you're a Monthly Postcard subscriber,) the plans for the 2013 Holiday Card Project, and prepping for Necronomicon next weekend.

But, enough blabber... the four completed Inktober pieces:

* * *

TOP LEFT: Inktober #1 is just a simple 3/4 ink doodle of a woman in a bustle dress.

TOP RIGHT: Inktober #2, a Baron Samedi-painted VooDoo priestess.

***

* * *

TOP LEFT: The oddly popular "Polar Bears in SPAAACE" that was prompted by a comment on my FB page over the weekend. (By popular demand, this image is available in my Zazzle store on t-shirts, cards, and laptop skins. If you'd like to see this, or other designs, on other merchandise, please let me know!)

TOP RIGHT: Random DRAGONS! Who doesn't love dragons, right?

***



Shop Silvertales

As mentioned above, the Polar Bears in SPAAACE is available in the store:

Tees:

http://www.zazzle.com/polar_bears_in_space_shirt-235763135769617108


Cards:

http://www.zazzle.com/polar_bears_in_space_greeting_cards-137525469958405193


Laptop Skins:

http://www.zazzle.com/polar_bears_in_space_decals_for_13_laptops-134839244334652541



Near Future

Near Future sees more work on the second set of Comic Nouveau pieces. I've got the enlargements done, so they're sitting at 11x17" ready to go!

I'm sure there will be more Inktober stuff this month.

The Holiday Card Project is approaching, so I'll be opening up the request list for cards soon, along with details about this year's project.

Next weekend (October 18-20) sees me in Tampa, FL, sharing a table with MCA Hogarth at Necronomicon on campus at USF!



Well, I think that's all for this week's State of the Artist update here on Planet Kit.

I thank you for joining me again this week! Feedback is the food which fuels the creative discussion between Artist and Audience, please, feel free to comment or leave suggestions for new projects!


If you enjoy seeing posts of new or in-progress artwork, please consider a donation.

Become a patron of the arts!

Feel free to post links to this journal/community if you feel there might be interest in my artwork!

State of the Artist 9/23/2013

View halloo, all!

Yet *another* soggy Monday here on Planet Kit... I swear, there *have* been a handful of sunny days between last Monday and today, really! I know that July-September is the rainy season in south Florida, but this has just been nuts....

But, it's Monday, and so, it's time for a new State of the Artist update!



Weekly Words

He who builds walls to create exclusion for others builds walls across his own freedom.
- Rabindranath Tagore, 1861 - 1941



Current Project

I am DONE with the first set of characters for the Comic Nouveau Project as it has come to be called. Yay! *much Muppet-flailing*

* * *

TOP LEFT: Batman. I went with a cool-toned background of the Batcave, layering tones to create the illusion of depth, and pulled the yellow from his belt for the text banner arching over his head.
Final: 11x17" ink and marker on bristol
Original: $300 + shipping
Print: $15 + shipping

TOP RIGHT: Nightwing: the Original Recipe Robin, Dick Grayson (and my personal favorite comic canon character, regardless of how badly DC screws around.) Given the acrobatic nature of the pose, I went with a flattened, almost more deco-leaning cityscape background, again in cool blues, pulling the deepest red from his costume accents for his text banner.
Final: 11x17" ink and marker on bristol
Original: $300 + shipping
Print: $15 + shipping

***

* * *

TOP LEFT: Superman. I asked for suggestions for the background for this piece, and a cityscape of Metropolis, with a visible Daily Planet, was the overwhelming response, and so, here it is! I used a series of mid-toned yellows for the deco-leaning cityscape for a sunrise-over-mirrored-buildings kind of feel. I pulled the deepest reds from his costume for the banner over his head.
Final: 11x17" ink and marker on bristol
Original: $300 + shipping
Print: $15 + shipping

TOP RIGHT: Wonder Woman. For this piece, I went with a warm-toned Themyscira background to highlight her origins. The banner uses the lightest of the red tones from her costume, so it is a few shades lighter than the reds used for Nightwing and Superman.
Final: 11x17" ink and marker on bristol
Original: $300 + shipping
Print: $15 + shipping

***

Inquiries about purchasing the originals and/or prints can be sent to silvertales[at]gmail[dot]com.

Shipping rates will vary depending on location, so a flat rate is not provided, but will be quoted upon inquiry. Originals will be shipped flat, while prints will be shipped rolled.

Up next will be the first 4 of the Marvel series: Gambit, Wolverine, Storm, and Jean Grey.

I have taken down so many character suggestions for this project, and I'll be working on this series in batches.



Shop Silvertales

Zazzle has been having a series of rather impressive sale offers on products site-wide over the last week. The latest offer is 30% off t-shirts by using code FALLSTYLES30 at checkout. Any shirt from any store in the Zazzle arrays of store is now 30% off now through September 30th!

So, check out the Gentlecephalopod:

A Perfect Gentlephalopod T-shirts by silvertales
Look at more Octopus T-Shirts at zazzle

or, the Kitten Line

Kitten Line Shirt by silvertales
Create one-of-a-kind custom tee shirts on zazzle.

and many more, all available in mens, womens, and kids cuts!

Shop Silvertales



Near Future

I have one more convention appearance for 2013, and that is Necronomcon in Tampa, FL October 18-20 where I will be sharing a table with the awesomely multi-talented MCA Hogarth!

Around the same time, I'll be opening up the Holiday Card Request post for this year's cards, so keep an eye out for that if you're interested in holiday cards. I'm not sure if there will be a change to the project just yet, as every year finds me paying more and more out of pocket for the surprising sudden increase in interest and requests, but I'll definitely post about it when and if I do make changes.


Well, I think that's all for this week's State of the Artist update here on Planet Kit.

I thank you for joining me again this week! Feedback is the food which fuels the creative discussion between Artist and Audience, please, feel free to comment or leave suggestions for new projects!


If you enjoy seeing posts of new or in-progress artwork, please consider a donation.

Become a patron of the arts!

Feel free to post links to this journal/community if you feel there might be interest in my artwork!

State of the Artist 8/26/2013

View halloo, all!

Sorry about not having a State of the Artist update last week on the 19th, but I spent most of my Monday driving back from Tampa in some pretty epic rain. What should have been a 4-hour drive was, in actuality, a 7-hour drive due to the horrendous weather. Oi!

But, it's a new Monday, and so it's time for a State of the Artist update!



Weekly Words

I must govern the clock, not be governed by it.

- Golda Meir, 1898 - 1978



Current Project

Well, not so much current, as a week overdue, but... last weekend I attended AFO in Orlando, FL where I had an Artist Alley table. I always enjoy that convention. It's a smaller convention where I usually end up being commissioned by repeat customers and get to see some great, fun artists I only see at AFO.

That said, this year's convention was extremely slow and disappointing. The convention changed venues this year due to the previous venue being under renovation and reconstruction. Perfectly understandable, and while the new location was a nice hotel (Renaissance Sea World) it had a few distinct downsides... mostly being the $20 parking fee for non-hotel guests. NOT, as generally understood, $20-a-day, either, but $20 Every Single Time you came and went. Ouch. Most attendees at AFO are locals, and the exorbitant parking fee kept many away.

So, it was a slow convention, but I did end up taking a few commissions (unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures of the two pencil sketch commissions I took!)

* * *
LEFT: A grayscale commission of Uruha from the Japanese Visual Kei band Gazette
RIGHT: A full-color commission of a human paladin in full armor from World of Warcraft

While both of these were fun, World of Warcraft armor is FUSSY! Wow... also, difficult to work from 2x3" 72dpi printed reference photos, but I'm glad I had them, as this would have been impossible to do without references!



For giggles, I ended up drawing this cartoony octopus Sharpie tattoo on artist friend Dana Corrigan's friend Daniel on Saturday. On Sunday, I put him back (after he'd rubbed off) complete with top hat, monocle, and handlebar mustache.

I think the highlight of the weekend, however, goes to having dark chocolate fondue and alcoholic coffee with MCA Hogarth on Sunday night in Tampa after the convention was over. Her coffee, a Nutty Irishman, was the winner.)





Shop Silvertales

Zazzle is having a site-wide sale on back-to-school merchandise!

60% off notebooks & notepads, 50% off mugs, magnets, and mousepads, 40% off cases, sleeves, and skins, 30% off clothing and bags!

Use code BACK2URSTYLE at checkout (through August 28th 11:59pm Pacific) to take advantage of the sales across the entirety of the Zazzle website.

Today is also the last day to take advantage of the 20% off ALL ORDERS site-wide by using 20ZAZZLEDEAL at checkout. (Zazzle offers cannot be combined, so choose wisely!)

Shop Silvertales



Near Future

I'm currently at work on the series of Art Nouveau-inspired DC comic heroes I posted the poll for a few weeks ago, and I'll start posting WIP pics if anyone is interested. Please let me know in the comments if you'd like to see those!

(I'm also taking suggestions for more to add to the series [I've got Batman, Superman, Nightwing, and Wonder Woman so far from DC, and I'm planning to add Gambit, Wolverine, and Storm from Marvel... please don't suggest Rogue. I don't like Rogue, I haven't liked her since before the trial in Antarctica if you follow comics, and I've never liked movie!Rogue])

I'm hoping to start posting WIP pics of a series of painted book covers done for MCA Hogarth's epic Jokka trilogy. Those would be the series of abstract acrylics I mentioned on and off over the last few weeks. I've had a number of people express interest in the process of my abstract acrylics (all TWO of my previous paintings! :D,) so, if you're interested, they'll start showing up once I've spoken to the author about releasing the cover images.

I've got PalmCon coming up on September 21st. It's a one-day convention West Palm Beach, FL, so if you'll be in town, stop by and say hi!

After that comes Necronomicon in Tampa, FL (October 18-20) where I'll be sharing a table with MCA Hogarth for the weekend!



Well, I think that's all for this week's State of the Artist update here on Planet Kit.

I thank you for joining me again this week! Feedback is the food which fuels the creative discussion between Artist and Audience, please, feel free to comment or leave suggestions for new projects!


If you enjoy seeing posts of new or in-progress artwork, please consider a donation.

Become a patron of the arts!

Feel free to post links to this journal/community if you feel there might be interest in my artwork!

State of the Artist 8/12/2013

View halloo, all!

It's finally a SUNNY Monday here on Planet Kit, yay! We have quite an extensive rainy season here, but this year's has just been ridiculous, so I'm very glad to have the sun out for a while. But, it's Monday, so it's time for another State of the Artist update!



Weekly Words

Myths and creeds are heroic struggles to comprehend the truth in the world.
- Ansel Adams, 1902 - 1984



Current Project

I've been spending most of my time this past week working on this painting commission project, and after a panic-inducing moment of "Ack, what did I just DO?!" I am back on track, happier with the paintings now, and set to finish them before leaving for this weekend's convention in Orlando.

Yay!

That said, I've got a couple of doodles that I've sketched out while waiting for paint to dry. :)

*

LEFT: Random head shot with a floating antler-crown-thing? No, really, I have no idea....
RIGHT: Vaguely inspired by the Tibetan pika, mostly the ears... have you seen these things? They are so ridiculously cute...



Shop Silvertales

Zazzle is having a 15% off ALL orders, site-wide, today only!

To take advantage of the sale, enter code: 15MONDAYDEAL at check-out!

Shop the Silvertales store!



Near Future

This coming weekend sees me manning an Artist Alley table at Orlando's AFO! If you'll be at the convention, or in the area, come stop by and say hi!

Still waiting for news about a table at New York Comic Con, but I will definitely post if and when I hear news. It would be a new con for me, and I'm excited about the possibilities! (And the guests! My current favorite comic artist/writer team will be in attendance: Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo, the team on the current Batman run, along with Gareth David Lloyd and John Barrowman of "Torchwood")



Well, I think that's all for this week's State of the Artist update here on Planet Kit.

I thank you for joining me again this week! Feedback is the food which fuels the creative discussion between Artist and Audience, please, feel free to comment or leave suggestions for new projects!


If you enjoy seeing posts of new or in-progress artwork, please consider a donation.

Become a patron of the arts!

Feel free to post links to this journal/community if you feel there might be interest in my artwork!

State of the Artist 8/5/2013

View halloo, all!

It's another soggy Monday here on Planet Kit, but it's time for another State of the Artist update, so let's get started! :)


Weekly Words

Friendship is one of the sweetest joys of life. Many might have failed beneath the bitterness of their trial had they not found a friend.

- Charles Haddon Spurgeon, 1834 - 1892



Current Project

I'm working on a series of three abstract acrylic paintings for an upcoming project that has me so ridiculously excited, it's kind of crazy. But, I've got a good momentum going and I'm making pretty good progress. My client has plans for this project, so there will be no WIP photos of the paintings until I get the release from them, but I thought I'd post my preliminary palettes.

I'm at the canvas "staining" stage right now, laying down color to get the preliminary tones in, if not the values.

One plate for each canvas (my tools are very high-tech, you know.):



But, I have been doodling a bit while waiting for paint to dry (which, like the saying goes, is NOT much fun to watch... go figure,) so I thought I'd include them here!



They're not related to any project or plan, just random doodles concepts.



Shop Silvertales

Zazzle is having a site-wide sale on bags and t-shirts now through Wednesday, August 7th!

If you'd like to have my art on bags or t-shirts, be sure to check out the store and use the coupon code BOGOSHIRTBAG during checkout!

Check out the store!



Near Future

The weekend of August 16-18th, I will be manning an AA table at AFO in Orlando, FL. If you'll be attending, come stop by and say hi!

Still waiting for news about an AA table at NYCC, but I will definitely post here if and when I hear, for anyone who might be attending!

Today is the last day to vote in the DC comics poll from last week's State of the Artist post. If you haven't cast your vote, I'd appreciate a moment of your time:

Please vote here!


Well, I think that's all for this week's State of the Artist update here on Planet Kit.

I thank you for joining me again this week! Feedback is the food which fuels the creative discussion between Artist and Audience, please, feel free to comment or leave suggestions for new projects!


If you enjoy seeing posts of new or in-progress artwork, please consider a donation.

Become a patron of the arts!

Feel free to post links to this journal/community if you feel there might be interest in my artwork!

State of the Artist: 7/22/2013

View halloo, all!

I'm terribly sorry about not having a State of the Artist post last Monday, or last week at all. I was busy working on a project, and there were a few other Real Life things going on. But, the project is done (it will show up in an upcoming State of the Artist update) and said other Real Life things are still churning away, but that's just the way it is, right?

So, all that said, I am overdue for a new State of the Artist update, and it's Monday, so here we go!



Weekly Words

Computers are like Old Testament gods; lots of rules and no mercy.
- Joseph Campbell, 1904 - 1987

Woe be unto ye if you run afoul of your computer... for it will, in no uncertain terms, make life extremely difficult. The most important rules I've learned when dealing with computers?

Backup. Backup. Backup.

I backup files often and have multiple redundancies... particularly finished art files and WIP files. Whoooboy, that was a lesson learned the hard way many years ago. >.<;;; Current Project

As I said, the most recent finished project will show up in a future State of the Artist post, probably next week's, so right now I'll post the *very* preliminary sketches of what I'm hoping will be a series of pieces completed in time for NYCC.

* * * *

From left -> right are DC Comics's Big Three: Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman.
(Please forgive the somewhat blurry camera phone pics)

Like I said, I'm hoping to have a series of both DC and Marvel pieces done in time for NYCC later this year (or next year's MegaCon, if I don't get a table at NYCC.) I'm not sure how many pieces this series will eventually contain, but I do know there are a handful of other DC characters I'd like to include before I'm done. (Nightwing is a guaranteed character... I can't possibly do a series of DC comic art without drawing my favorite character!)

If you all have any suggestions for other DC or Marvel characters (I already plan on Wolverine and Storm) for the series, please let me know in the comments! :)



Shop Silvertales

The Zazzle store is having a 50% of ALL device cases sale today (Monday only,) so, if you've ever wanted a sleeping baby dragon case for your Kindle, iPad, iPhone, or the Gentlecephalopod on a device case, head on over to the Zazzle store and use code: MONDAYCASE72 during the check out process!

Shop Silvertales



Near Future

As I mentioned above, I'm hoping to pass the jury selection process and secure a table at NYCC this October, but in the meantime, I'll be appearing at the following conventions:

AFO: Orlando, FL 8/16-8/18
PalmCon: West Palm Beach, FL 9/21

If you'll be attending either event, come by and say hi!

I've also got a rather large, and exciting, commission project coming up soon, another set of abstract acrylic paintings, so stay tuned for more information on those if you're interested in seeing more abstracts!


Well, I think that's all for this week's State of the Artist update here on Planet Kit.

I thank you for joining me again this week! Feedback is the food which fuels the creative discussion between Artist and Audience, please, feel free to comment or leave suggestions for new projects!


If you enjoy seeing posts of new or in-progress artwork, please consider a donation.

Become a patron of the arts!

Feel free to post links to this journal/community if you feel there might be interest in my artwork!

State of the Artist 6/10/2013

View halloo, all!

For the first time in about 3 1/2 weeks, it's not raining! Don't get me wrong, I like rainy weather (well, as long as I'm inside and don't have to drive anywhere in it,) there's something comforting about the patter of rain, but I'm thrilled to have finally have a sunny day!

And, so, it's Monday, and that means it's time for this week's State of the Artist update!



Weekly Words

Courtesy is the one coin you can never have too much of or be stingy with.
- John Wanamaker, 1838 - 1922



Current Project

Well, now that the abstract painting is out the door, I can post a project I've had waiting in the wings for a while now. This is a book cover illustration worked up for release at the end of the month.



The commission is ink, marker, and white ink at 6x9". I was pretty excited to play around with this one, as my client gave me some great direction, but still let me loose to play. :)



Monthly Postcard Project

June's postcards have been ordered and shipped, so those will soon be at my door and ready for mailing! For my 6 month domestic and international subscribers, this will be your last postcard of the project unless you wish to renew your subscription, which can be done here: HERE.

Thank you for believing, supporting, and taking the step to sign up for this new project!

Also the posting of the April 2013 postcard painting:



The original painting of a lounging dark elf priestess and her fluffy, wolfy avatar is watercolor, ink, and gold ink on 5x8" multimedia paper.

The original is $35USD + $6USD for domestic shipping, or $9USD for international shipping.

If you're enjoying postings of the postcard pieces, please consider subscribing to the project. For the price of one coffeehouse coffee every month, you'll receive a brand new, original and exclusive artwork postcard in your mailbox, with a handwritten note from the artist. There are 3, 6, and 12 month domestic and international subscription options.

If you'd like more information, or to subscribe, please check out the information page, HERE!



Shop Silvertales

Zazzle is having a great Father's Day sale on ALL of their products, site-wide, through Tuesday! If you'd like to take advantage of the Father's Day sale to grab a few goodies for those great dads in your life, head on over to the shop: HERE and enter 15PROMOONALL during the checkout process. Remember, sale ends Tuesday and can be used for orders from any Zazzle store!



Near Future

The Near Future sees me prepping for a couple of pretty big commission projects at the same time as prepping for Florida SuperCon next month, here in Miami, FL over 4th of July weekend.

That's a lot of prepping... and not much arting. Yes, arting is a word. Well... it is on Planet Kit. :)


Well, I think that's all for this week's State of the Artist update here on Planet Kit.

I thank you for joining me again this week! Feedback is the food which fuels the creative discussion between Artist and Audience, please, feel free to comment or leave suggestions for new projects!


If you enjoy seeing posts of new or in-progress artwork, please consider a donation.

Become a patron of the arts!

Feel free to post links to this journal/community if you feel there might be interest in my artwork!

State of the Artist 5/27/2013

View halloo, all!

It's Monday, and therefore, time for another State of the Artist update!

For my fellow Americans, as the last Monday in May, today is Memorial Day. Please take a few moments to recognize this day as it is intended, to remember and honor those who have sacrificed so we may live free. All gave some, some gave all...



Weekly Words

We are the friends of liberty everywhere, but the guarrantors of only our own.
-Thomas Jefferson, 1743 - 1826



Current Project

Not too long ago, I had the pleasure of completing a commission for the lovely Star. She commissioned a traditional media piece of Loki, not Marvel!Loki, but the Loki of the traditional Norse pantheon. She provided oodles of information of how she saw him based on Norse tradition. And, so, I got to work!



The preliminary sketch. This was sent for approval, along with some notations about color and how the wings behind Loki would be more suggestions of wings rather than solid.

* * *



The final piece! Completed in watercolor, ink, and marker. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the way scanners work, it is impossible to make out the detail of the embroidery on Loki's robes, which were completed in metallic inks. Scanners also have a tendency to wash out traditional media, making them less vibrant than they are in person.



Monthly Postcard Project

Next month's card marks the halfway point of the inaugural postcard project, and I'm very excited!

For my domestic and international 6-month subscribers, the June postcard will be the final card you receive in the mail, unless you'd like to sign up to continue your subscription. There are 6 and 3 month options for people who'd like to just get a taste of the project, or 12 month subscriptions if you'd like to receive original art postcards in your mailbox every month for a year!

The permanent info page is located HERE!



Shop Silvertales

The Zazzle store is having a 15% off ALL products sale in honor of Memorial Day, and today is the last day to take advantage of this discount on everything in the store! that includes iPhone/iPad/eReader cases and skins, t-shirts, bags, mugs, even the kitchen sink!

Ok, Zazzle doesn't sell kitchen sinks, but you get the idea....

All the Silvertales products can be found HERE!

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There's also still a number of Sketch-A-Day 2012 and 2013 originals drawings available HERE. If you've ever wanted original artwork, but weren't sure what to commission, couldn't make it out to a convention appearance, or just really liked any of the Sketch-A-Day drawings in particular, here's your chance to own some!



Near Future

Whooo, nearly done with the abstract acrylic commission painting, and once it's dry it will be off to my client! I'll definitely be posting photos of the completed painting, as the abstracts seem to garner a great deal of interest. Perhaps because they're so different to what I normally do? I don't know!

I'm having a great time working on these paintings, as it allows for a very cathartic experience, and takes a very different mindset and attitude to work on them. I definitely find myself thinking differently about putting marks and paint on the canvas when there isn't something concrete to represent. I always get such interesting feedback on the abstracts, too!

Near Future also sees con preparation for the upcoming Florida Supercon in over the 4th of July weekend here in Miami, so I need to get on the ball about getting new stuff ready!

I've got another illustration commission on deck at the moment, too, so right now, it's busybusybusy!


Well, that's it for Keeping Up With The Kit for this week here on Planet Kit. Thank you for joining me for another State of the Artist update!! Feedback is the food which fuels the creative discussion between Artist and Audience, please, feel free to comment or leave suggestions for new projects!

If you enjoy seeing posts of new or in-progress artwork, please consider a donation.

Become a patron of the arts!

Feel free to post links to this journal/community if you feel there might be interest in my artwork!

State of the Artist 5/14/2013

View halloo, all!

It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another State of the Artist update (and I'm late!) :)



Weekly Words

Only by investing and speaking your vision with passion can the truth, one way or another, finally penetrate the reluctance of the world.

- Søren Kierkegaard, 1813 - 1855


As people, we are complex creatures with many passions. We share those passions in an attempt to make connections with others. We *need* those connections to expand the human experience: joy, happiness, sadness, revulsion, wonder, disillusionment, the entire range of what we experience, when shared, expands the experience of living.

I share my visions with all of you, some poignant, some silly, some emotionally wrenching, some irreverent, in the hopes that I can connect with you somehow. Most of the time, I founder in the vast white noise of the internet, waiting for that connection to be made or acknowledged.




Current Project


I'm working on another abstract acrylic painting commission, and that's been good for countering the frustration of a lack of emotional release I've been experiencing recently. I noticed with the last abstract I completed, that the very nature of a project that has no concrete or definitive subject, but is simply the capturing of emotional expression, is both cathartic and frustrating in and of itself.

The catharsis is simple to understand. Abstracts are an easy way to let your emotions explode on canvas, let them paint through you. Frustration is a bit harder to explain. Like I said, abstracts are great for that emotional release, and, as such, I tend to want to work BIG for abstracts. But, I rarely finish a painting in one sitting, so the emotion that is at the forefront when I *start* the painting, is not usually present all the time, hence, abstracts (at least for me) require certain moods in order to feel like I'm actually accomplishing what I *want* to as opposed to slapping paint on the canvas for the sake of finishing the commission. The latter is very unsatisfying.

I have no idea if that even makes sense outside my own mind. >.< On a completely superficial note, a snapshot of a personal project I've been toying with for a while:






Monthly Postcard Project

The postcards arrived two whole days earlier than projected this month, so I'll be mailing them out Tuesday afternoon!

If you're enjoying the project, please spread the word! The project has been an interesting experiment so far, and while I'm enjoying it, I'm not sure if it will continue beyond this inaugural year.

The Monthly Postcard Project began as an extension of the annual Holiday Card Project, which was the simple idea of providing a holiday card to anyone who asked, asking (not requiring) only for donations.

This sparked the idea of why not offer people original and exclusive art postcards in their mailbox every month?

If you'd like to know more, or sign up for the project, please read the permanent information FAQ posted: HERE!




Shop Silvertales


There are still a number of the very popular Sketch-A-Day original drawings available for sale! If there was a sketch you particularly wanted for yourself, or as a gift, please check out the remaining pieces HERE!


Shop Silvertales

As I believe I mentioned in an earlier State of the Artist update, the Zazzle store was updated with products featuring the sleeping baby dragon and seahorse pieces from February's Work-a-Week Project, but there are oodles of other art pieces available on all kinds of products from mugs to bags to iPhone/iPad cases, to eReader skins and the list goes on!



Near Future


As I mentioned in my Current Project segment, I've got an acrylic abstract painting commission sitting on my kitchen table, ready and waiting for me to hit my stride.

I've got a small book cover commission in the negotiation stages at the moment, too.

Other than that, I'm tooling away at my personal doodles, in the middle of transferring my Sketch-A-Day 2013, Day 31 sketch to illustration board for painting, and pondering opening up some Moleskine notebook commissions again soon. Please let me know if you're interested in the Moleskine cover commissions!




If you enjoy seeing new project or sneak peeks at WIP photos, please consider a donation!

Become a patron of the arts!

Thank you for joining me for another State of the Artist update! Feedback is the food which fuels the creative discussion between Artist and Audience, please, feel free to comment or leave suggestions for new projects!

State of the Artist 4/29/2013

View halloo, all!

Wow, this will be the last State of the Artist for April... where does the time go? O.o Honestly, it feels like just yesterday I was kicking off this year's Sketch-A-Day Project. Be that as it may, it is Monday (albeit a rather soggy Monday here,) and that means it's time for another State of the Artist update!


Weekly Words

Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has ever known.
- Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)



Current Project

I've just completed a couple of small, quick commissions (the client requested I not post them until the summer, when the project they were done for goes live) so that's actually taken most of my time this past week, hence no new art here, unfortunately.

I've got oodles of notes on new personal pieces I'd like to start that I just haven't had time to actually sketch out. The notes do help, though. If I can't sketch things out, at least I've got my major points for upcoming pieces. I find that even if I can take a few moments to jot down the idea for a project, I'm far more likely to actually start and finish it since there's a record of the inspiration. Often times, I find that when I finally get the time to go back to those notes, I end up being more thorough in their expansion, with a better grasp on what becomes the final product. If that makes any sense...

I don't know, really, every creative has their own process that is unique to them; that organic evolution of idea to rough to finished product. I'll dig some of my note pages up and post them if anyone is interested in seeing how that process happens for me.

I know a lot of people who follow this journal are extremely creative, what's YOUR process?


Shop Silvertales

Oh, goodness! After far too long a hiatus, there are New Products available in the Zazzle shop! *whew*

I've put up new products using some of this year's Work-a-Week pieces, namely the sleeping baby dragon and the seahorse merbabies! There are phone/tablet/ereader skins and cases, bags, mugs, cards, and many other products with these popular images on them!

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Just in time for the upcoming Mother's Day, Zazzle has a 15% of ALL products deal to get your mom (or any mom) something wonderful. If you'd like to take advantage of the 15% off in my shop, or any other, please be aware the offer ends on Wednesday.



Shop Silvertales - the Sequel

A number of the popular Sketch-A-Day pieces from the 2013 project (and 2012!) are still available for purchase. If you'd like to own an original piece of my artwork or give one as a gift, but have never been able to make it to a convention or get an open commission slot, here's the perfect opportunity to take advantage of some inexpensively priced original art!

The pieces still available can be found: HERE! Please, be aware that because these are originals they are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. If you'd like a piece, I suggest you request it as soon as possible. I'm happy to discuss payment plans if you'd like to pick up multiple pieces!


Near Future

The Near Future sees work on personal pieces (including the painting for the popular Sketch-A-Day 2013 Day 31 -otherwise known as the demon woman in the bat-dress) and mail-in convention preparation (for which, I am woefully behind.)

Unfortunately, there will be no Silvertales table at Otakon's Artist Alley this year. The AA is chosen by lottery system, and I just didn't get a table this year, so I am unable to attend. I am very sorry, as I know I meet a lot of you all at Otakon, and it is a convention I enjoy a great deal.

I'm always on the lookout for other convention appearance opportunities, though, so if you've got a favorite convention to attend or suggest, please let me know!

I should be able to open up some commission slots for three more Moleskine covers before the end of May for those who let me know of their interest, so keep an eye out for that!


So, that's all, folks! Thanks for joining me for another State of the Artist update!

If you enjoy seeing new project or sneak peeks at WIP photos, please consider a donation!

Become a patron of the arts!

State of the Artist 4/8/2013

View halloo, all!

It's Monday, so it's time for another State of the Artist update!


Weekly Words

There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer.

-Ansel Adams, 1902 - 1984

In every endeavor, the viewer is always a participant. Your experiences color the way you view the world, and the way you respond to every creative work; your likes and dislikes, your passions, your fantasies and fears.



Monthly Postcard Project

April's postcard painting is done and waiting to ship from the printer! (whew!) Every month subscribers to the postcard project get first crack at buying the monthly postcard project original painting, but now, February's card painting is now open to the general public.

February 2013 Monthly Postcard Painting


Our cheerful satyr coaxes magic from the very air as he plays his flute. The original painting measures 6x8" and is coffee, ink, and watercolor.

The original painting is $35 USD (+$6 for domestic US delivery or $10 for international delivery)


Current Project

Unfortunately, I didn't end up transferring Day 31 to paper for working on the final piece, but between random Real Life running around, making sure my taxes are all in order, and commission work, I was very busy this past week.

The Moleskine commissions I offered two weeks ago were snapped up, much to my surprise and pleasure, and I will definitely be offering them again! The books I'd found were the blank sketchbook type, but if more people prefer lined pages, I'll do my best to scout those out for future book cover commissions. Let me know!

Two of my Moleskine commission clients agreed to let me post pictures of their cover projects before they received them, while my third prefers I wait until she received it in the mail. I can totally understand the desire to be surprised, and as it takes a little longer to reach Australia from my home in the US, I hope to be posting that third and final cover soon.

First cover commission: request for Fili and Kili from The Hobbit (as played by Aidan Turner and Dean O'Gorman)



* * *

Second cover commission: a 50th Anniversary-inspired Doctor Who wraparound cover



I have a series of 6 head/bust shots still on my commission list, but once those are done, it's on to painting Day 31 and opening up a few more commission slots!


Near Future

The Near Future finds the last of my current commission queue under way, along with preparing artwork for mail-in conventions and scouting out possible new convention venues for my work.

If you attend or know of a convention where you'd like to see my work, or think it might be well-received, please let me know! If I can, I'd like to attend more conventions, as opposed to mailing in, as I always love to talk with possible customers face to face and meet new artists!

I know I keep saying there will be a post regarding the sale of Sketch-A-Day 2013 originals, and there will be... promise! Soon! Along with new Work-A-Week 2013 new Zazzle products. So, keep an eye out. :)


Thanks again for joining me for another State of the Artist update!

If you enjoy seeing posts of new or in-progress artwork, please consider a donation.

Become a patron of the arts!

Feel free to post links to this journal/community if you feel there might be interest in my artwork!