State of the Artist 12/23/2013

View halloo!!

Christmas is almost upon us, as is the end of the year, and what a year it's been! Personally, I'm looking forward to saying goodbye to 2013, and welcoming the new opportunities of 2014.



Weekly Words

You can't help getting older but you don't have to get old.
- George Burns, 1896 - 1996

As we see the passing of another year, it's important to remember that, while things may be tough, we're only as old as we feel, and there is always something of joy and wonder to be found. I'll admit, this is a challenge for me, but certainly something to pin up somewhere I can look at it every day and strive to find the positive, no matter how dark, gloomy, depressing, or hopeless things may seem.



Current Project

The Current Project on my plate is holiday preparation! Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, or Noche Buena. In our house we celebrate Christmas with both Cuban and English traditions. So, in effect, we get Christmas twice... and the food is definitely the best thing about it! Christmas Even is celebrated with Cuban roast pork, black beans and rice, fried yucca and plantains, and either a flan or rice pudding. Christmas Day is celebrated in the English fashion (although we skip the goose... not easy to get in Miami, you know. ;) with standing rib roast or lamb, roast potatoes, and Yorkshire puddings, which, I have to say, I've actually gotten pretty good at! Dessert is apple pie, since no one makes trifle like my Nana used to, so we don't even try.

That said, I've only got one doodle for you this week, just something random, as I'm also getting ready for commissions, a new year of the Monthly Postcard Project, and the launch of the 2014 Sketch-A-Day Project!





Monthly Postcard Project

The 2013 Monthly Postcard Project started out as a 12 month experiment, just to see if I could do it, and if people enjoyed the project. The response was enthusiastic and had such a good time exploring the possibilities and just having fun with how random the project could be, I'll be doing it again for 2014.

The goal of the project is to put original and random art postcards in people's mailboxes, wherever they may live to make sifting through bills and junk mail just that little bit more rewarding. I don't know about anyone else, but when I get random letters or postcards sandwiched between my monthly bills or junk mail, it always puts a smile on my face.

If you'd like more information regarding the Monthly Postcard Project, to sign up (there are 12, 6, and 3 month domestic US and international subscription options) or to give a subscription as a gift, please check out the info page: HERE!



Near Future

As mentioned above, I'll be launching the 2014 Sketch-A-Day Project come January 1st, and I'd love to hear your suggestions! I've got 31 days to fill, so if there are themes you'd like to see, please go ahead and leave your suggestions in a reply!

I've got two commissions on my plate for the beginning of the year, along with new, personal pieces, and the next 4 pieces in the Comic Nouveau series to get done... hopefully, all before my first convention appearing in mid-March.

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 12/2/2013

View halloo, all!


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

In the realm of "when it rains, it pours," I have been sidelined on the couch (or in the bed) with a pinched nerve right smack between my shoulder blades. As such, I've been slowed down by some pretty restricted movement. I'm getting stuff done, I'm just a lot slower than I prefer to be, especially at this time of year. that said, the December Monthly Postcard has already been finished and ordered, so those are already on their way!



Weekly Words

If you cannot find peace in yourself, it is useless to look for it elsewhere.
- François, Duc de La Rochefoucauld, 1613 - 1680



Current Project

Right now (since the December Monthly Postcard was actually finished a little early YAY!) the current project on my plate is working up the 2013 Holiday Card.

The request post is still open HERE and will remain open until Thursday, December 5th, 11:59pm Eastern Time. So, if you'd like a card and haven't put in your request yet, there is still time!

Requesting a card is simple, you must leave your mailing address in the linked request post ONLY as the comments there have been screened for privacy. If you've requested a card in the past and would like one this year, please leave your address in the linked post.

Please, be aware, there will be NO unsolicited cards mailed. The comment count in the request post allows me to count how many cards I need printed and where they will be mailed. Last year's project resulted in over $180USD in postage *alone*, and the count for this year has already passed last year's record of 350+ requests. (Definitely a surprise, given how I shortened the open request post time!)

Given the sheer number of cards requested and the increasing cost of this project, this will be the LAST year I undertake this project without a required payment or a crowdfunded kickstarter. While I am immensely pleased so many people out there enjoy receiving original art postcards for the holidays, I'm sad to say, that I simply cannot afford to keep doing this out of pocket.

If you'd like to make a donation to help fund the production of the 2013 Holiday Card Project, please click on the donate button at the bottom of this post. Thank you!



Monthly Postcard Project

The October Monthly Postcard Project original is now available for purchase!



October's suitably spooky original is ink, marker, white pencil, and white ink on toned paper, measuring 5.5"x8.5" and is available for $30USD + shipping ($6USD domestic / $9USD international.) Please email silvertales[at]gmail[dot]com with "October 2013 Monthly Postcard Project original" in the subject line if interested.



Near Future

The Near Future sees me scrambling to finish my Holiday Card original (eep!) and getting everything ready on the homefront for holidays with the family, which means lots of food and lots of general Cuban craziness! :)

There's also pre-planning for January's Sketch-A-Day project (yikes, where does the time go?!)



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 11/11/2013

View halloo, all!

Just going to jump right in with the fact that today is Veteran's Day here in the States, or Remembrance Day/Armistice Day, if you prefer. In 1954 Armistice Day became Veteran's Day in the US and the concept expanded to include veterans of all conflicts in which US troops had served.

The saying is true, freedom isn't free, and the sacrifices made by the men and women who have served, currently serve, and their families, should never be taken for granted. Coming from a long line of military service members, my thanks, my eternal gratitude, and my undying respect for all you do to protect the lives and freedoms of those at home and abroad.



Weekly Words

Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.
- John F. Kennedy, 1917 - 1963




Current Project

I feel rather silly posting this SotA at all, really, since the the Current Project is the Holiday Card artwork, which I don't reveal until after Christmas... O.o I know I promised the Holiday Card Request post was coming...and, it IS... I'm just trying to figure out a way to make sure it doesn't become a financial burden I can't handle. If anyone has any ideas, I'm all ears!

BUT... here, have a random elf doodle! :)



Truly random elf doodle, on toned gray paper with white pencil for highlights. The more I work on these toned papers, the less I work on plain white sketchbook paper anymore!



Near Future

I PROMISE, the Holiday Card Request post IS coming....

As a result, the Near Future consists of:

-the request post
-finishing the Holiday Card artwork
-mailing out November's Monthly Postcard when it arrives this week (fingers crossed)
-completing December's Monthly Postcard
-making headway on the second set of Comics Nouveau pieces
-making headway on the newest personal art piece on the drawing board. (Pics to come!)


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 11/4/2013

View halloo!

A bit later than my usual Monday postings, I know, but it is still Monday here on Planet Kit, so I'm not late! :) I know I said I'd have the Holiday card Request post up before this week's State of the Artist, but that just didn't end up happening. There's been a whole raft of maintenance issues on the Home Front to take care of over the last week. It's almost like everything in the house decided to go on strike all at once! I plan to have it posted this week, however, so be on the lookout!

That said, let's get on with the update, and it's going to be a woefully short one this week!



Weekly Words

From the body of one guilty deed a thousand ghostly fears and haunting thoughts proceed.
- William Wordsworth, 1770 - 1850



Current Project

While my Current Projects include working on the November postcard image and getting things set up for the Holiday Card Request post, I do have a new personal piece in the works... sort of.

Unfortunately, there are no images, as I'm having difficulties with transferring my original sketch to a suitable substrate without altering the original sketch lines. I PLAN (and I say plan loosely, as plans change once they go from concept to practice) to complete the newest piece in watercolors, but it's larger than I usually work in this medium.

Ordinarily, I would run the paper through my printer to transfer a washed out scan of my original pencils to the surface... however, I'm working on hot press illustration board that is too wide for the printer and is a much thicker, more rigid surface than watercolor paper.

Any of you out there have any suggestions for another transfer method, please let me know!



Monthly Postcard Project

The September Monthly Postcard Project image is available for sale to the general public!



The September image is 5.5"x8.5" ink and watercolor on watercolor paper, $25USD + shipping ($6USD domestic US/$9USD international.) If interested, please send an email with silvertales[at]gmail[dot]com with "September Monthly Postcard Project original" in the subject line.



Near Future

As mentioned, the Near Future brings the November postcard original, along with the plans for the Holiday Card request post. I also hope to have the next four pieces in the Comic Nouveau series done before Christmas! *fingers crossed*

As, I'm now officially done with convention appearances for 2013, hopefully, there will be more time to work on new personal art and open up a few commission slots, as well!



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 10/28/2013

View halloo, all!

Sorry about the lack of update last week, Monday was spent mostly driving back from Tampa, and once home, dealing with home maintenance irritations like the A/C and a leaky dishwasher. Oi. If South Florida actually HAD an autumn, the A/C wouldn't have been such a big deal, but as it was 90+* inside the house... that definitely needed to be taken care of!

Can you believe this is the last post for October already?! We're almost at the end of the year! O.o



Weekly Words

Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence.

- Henry David Thoreau, 1817 - 1862


Current Project

Well, as I mentioned earlier, last weekend was spent in Tampa, FL at Necronomicon with author and long-time soul-sister, MCA Hogarth. Necro is more of a social con for me, as it is *very* small and *very* quiet. I spent 4 lovely days with MCA Hogarth and her family, along with other very good friends I don't get to see often.

I did a few Inktober pieces over the weekend, and, unfortunately, I haven't done any since! >.<
* * * *

TOP LEFT: Inktober 18 = A little coffee dragon warming in the cup. As you can see, he is not a fan of decaf! :)

TOP CENTER: Inktober 19 = Skull island! I had originally planned to put a ghostly pirate ship on the horizon, but I neglected to pencil it in, so once I started laying down the inks, I ended up forgetting all about it! Oops! (Although, it's certainly not too late to put it in in white pencil.... )

TOP RIGHT: Inktober 21 = DRÜL!! *hee* I started doodling him at the table during Necro, but had no clear plan. I ended up finishing up while MCA Hogarth and I enjoyed a leisurely Monday afternoon art session at a local cafe before I left Tampa on Monday. He was supposed to be for Inktober, but I got a little carried away. I'm definitely going to have to do something with him! :)



Near Future

That's it! I am officially DONE with convention appearances for 2013!

From here until January 1, 2014, the Near Future will consist of completing the November and December Monthly Postcard originals, the 2013 Holiday Card, and a few random new, original pieces. I may be opening up a few commission slots, so if you're interested, please keep watching this space. (IF you are interested in commissions, please feel free to let me know what type of project you have in mind... I've gotten some kraft brown cover Moleskine notebooks lying around that I will probably offer before the end of the year.)

Be on the lookout for the upcoming Holiday Card Request post, that should go up around next week's State of the Artist post, too!


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 9/30/2013

View halloo, all!

Wow, this will be the last State of the Artist update for September... where does the time go?!

Be that as it may, it is actually a SUNNY Monday here on Planet Kit, for a change! It's definitely a good thing, as I was starting to feel rather waterlogged here. Anywhoodles, on with the update!



Weekly Words

The search for happiness is one of the chief sources of unhappiness.
- Eric Hoffer, 1902 - 1983



Current Project

It's on to Round Two of the Comic Nouveau Project, and so, the first batch of Marvel characters are on the drawing board!

***

*

TOP LEFT: Storm. Ororo Munroe, resident weather goddess. This is her Earth-616 costume and 'hawk hair.Storm has been through a boatload of costume/hair changes over the years, but if I wasn't going to do the 90's cartoon costume this is the one that appealed to me the most. There still needs a little tweaking before I'm 100% satisfied, but these are early stage sketches for the finished pencils.

TOP RIGHt: Phoenix. Jean Grey, telepath and telekinetic. I haven't decided on whether this will be the red-and-gold costume or the green-and-gold... either way, she was a much stronger character from a development and storytelling standpoint as Phoenix than as her otherwise perpetual second-fiddle role as Cyclops' wife.

***

*

TOP LEFT: Wolverine. Logan, adamantium-fused skeleton, short, grumpy, and chain smokes cigars like they're going out of style. Resident Canadian. I struggled with Wolverine a great deal. I've long been a fan of the X-Men (well, certain incarnations of the title) and, as such, had a concrete headcannon regarding Wolverine and none of the sketches I was playing with were making me happy. I think I went through 7 iterations of Wolverine before I ended up here (which is actually the FIRST sketch of Wolverine I produced, with a handful of tweaks.) I'm still working on refining the costume, so this rough sketch is no where near ready to be cleaned up for final pencils.

TOP RIGHT: Gambit. Remy LeBeau, resident Ragin' Cajun. Out of the plethora of Marvel characters, Gambit is my absolute favorite (another character TPTB insist on %*%&$ing around with... mostly with regards to the disastrous relationship with Rogue they keep insisting on pushing. It's truly painful and keeps messing with his characterization.) This is the second sketch for Gambit. The first one was ok, but just didn't have that Gambit *feel* for me.



Monthly Postcard Project

The Monthly Postcard Project is still going strong, new artwork produced every month for delivery to people's mailboxes! The August Monthly Postcard Project original is available for sale to the general public!



This piece is 5.5x8.8" on toned art paper completed in ink, white ink, and marker. The original is available for $30USD + $6USD for domestic US shipping or $9USD for international shipping.

Please reply here, or send an email to silvertales[at]gmail[dot]com with "August Monthly Postcard original" in the subject line if interested.


Near Future

Aside from working on October's Monthly Postcard Project original, the 2013 Holiday Card Project original, and round 2 of the Comic Nouveau Project, the near future sees me preparing for a convnetion appearance at Necronomicon in Tampa, FL October 18-20 with MCA Hogarth!

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.



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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 9/16/2013

View halloo, all!

It's yet *another* soggy Monday here on Planet Kit... yes, summer is the raining season for South Florida, but this is ridiculous. I swear, it's been raining nearly every day since mid-April. -.-;;; But, be that as it may, though it's a little late, it's time for the State of the Artist update, so here we go!



Weekly Words

It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.

-Herman Melville, 1819 - 1891




Current Project

So, last week, I posted the line art for the first set of the "comics nouveau" series I've started. There's been a number of Real Life interruptions, that precluded them all being done by now, but, I'll have the finished 4 posted for next week's State of the Artist, after PalmCon this Saturday.

* * *

TOP LEFT: Batman in his full grayscale "glory," as it were. For all 4 I decided to go with the DC's New52 costume redesigns, and I'm not entirely sure why... O.o

TOP RIGHT: Nightwing in New52 color... I have to admit, I had a thing for the pre-boot Nightwing's shoulder stripes, so I know that's why I went with the latest redesign for Nightwing. Thanks to Brett Booth for bringing back the fingerstripes... even if they are red this time around.

***

* * *

TOP LEFT: Superman's New52 redesign (by Jim Lee)... which looks a bit more structured than his previous renditions. Clark has definitely got his whole Primary Color Scheme going on, though.

TOP RIGHT: Wonder Woman's New 52 redesign (also by Jim Lee,) still keeping the shorts and bustier.

I've been poking at the next three for the series: Gambit, Storm, and Wolverine (Marvel) and I've got a couple of starting sketches I think will work well... if I could just get Wolverine to cooperate, then everything would be fine. -.-;;;

If there is interest, I'll take print orders for these after PalmCon.



Near Future

Well, the very Near Future sees me manning my Artist table (#16) at PalmCon this Saturday, September 21st at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. It's a one day con, and it will be my first appearance at this convention, so if you'll be attending, please come by and say hi!

October sees me appearing at Necronomicon in Tampa, FL, October 18-20, where I'll be sharing a table with MCA Hogarth for the weekend! The trilogy I did the covers for will be available for purchase at her table, along with many, many other titles, most of which feature her own artwork on their covers! Come by and say hi!

In between these conventions (and afterwords) I'll be working on expanding the Comic Nouveau series, along with continuing the Monthly Postcard Project and gearing up for the 2013 Holiday Card Project. I should be posting the open request for the Holiday Card Project in mid-October, and keeping it open through mid-November. So, be on the lookout for information about that project!


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: 9/9/2013

View halloo, all!

Posting late, I know (but, it's still Monday!) It's been a rather busy day on Planet Kit. My great aunt celebrated her 101st birthday today, and as such, there was much food, much music, much crazy Cuban chatter and arm-waving... it was all good. :)

But, it's time now for the State of the Artist update, so let's get to it!



Weekly Words

Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, or a new country.
- Anaïs Nin, 1903 - 1977



Current Project

Yay! Today, I'm posting the WIP series of images for the book covers completed for author MCA Hogarth's Jokka trilogy completed during the month of August! This was another abstract acrylic project, and very exciting for me! Maggie and I have known each other a long time, and I was thrilled to be asked to produce new covers for her expansive Jokka universe trilogy.

* * *

TOP LEFT: Stage 1 - freshly-primed canvases with heavy gel medium for texture. The concept behind the covers was to have a textured "keyhole" design on each cover (for a medallion to be placed in each cover's center) with a textured streak to indicate where in the series the book falls: book one has one streak, book two has two, etc.

TOP RIGHT: Stage 2- Adding depth and tone by applying a thick layer of flat black acrylic paint over the top 1/3rd of the canvas and the (now dry) texture medium and thinning with a light application of water from the very top of the canvas, letting it run down the length. This method thins the black paint unevenly, which is what I'm going for here.

***

* * *

TOP LEFT: This is known as the "Royal Mess" stage... when the paintings are looking their most dubious. The first applications of color. Book One: yellows, oranges, reds. Book Two: blues, greens, yellow. Book Three: greens, yellows. I'm keeping my brush strokes broad and messy to preserve texture as I continue to apply thin layers of paint, both to build up color coverage and intensity.

TOP RIGHT: Building up the color. Most of the tonal variations under the bright colors are getting lost as I keep building the acrylic layers, except for where I've placed my textures. I'm building up layers to deepen out from the keyhole design elements.

***

* * *

TOP LEFT: Adding brighter, deeper, more intense yellows to the center of each keyhole.

TOP RIGHT: I realized what I'd originally planned for these covers wasn't going to work unless the textured areas were the same bright yellows as the center of the keyholes. So, I obliterated my tonal tinting and covered the texture with the same bright, flat yellow... which I fine-tuned in the next stage. (This project actually went through a few "Royal Mess" stages... but, that's kind of the joy/frustration of traditional media!

***

* * *

TOP LEFT: Yay! Tonal tinting restored to the textured areas, to provide depth, pulled the deeper colors from the lower corners of the paintings in closer to help set off the yellow poured element on each textured streak, elongating them through the body of the painting.

TOP RIGHT: To give the paintings a bit more expansion, I edged each canvas in the darkest shade used all the way around. There are least 6 different, independent, colors of paint in each painting, plus adding Dioxazine Purple or Payne's Grey (depending on the canvas) to deepen the darkest edges. (This picture was taken before increasing the yellows to the textured areas on the canvases.)

***

* * *


TOP LEFT: The Jokka medallions for the keyhole element on the paintings. I did these independently of the paintings to allow Maggie to align the paintings whichever way she felt worked best for her covers, instead of restricting her to any specific layout in case the initial idea (keyhole on the front, streaks wrapping around to the back) didn't end up feeling right. Good thing, too, since that's not what ended up happening!

TOP RIGHT: (Photo courtesy of MCA Hogarth) the completed, printed, ready for purchase covers! Cover layout is 100% MCA Hogarth and she ended up flipping the paintings "upside down" (if abstracts ever really have a right side up,) which put the keyholes at the bottom! Given her text arrangement, this ended up working beautifully!

There is something viscerally satisfying about seeing your work on the cover of a book.... This project was a wonderful collaboration, and working with Maggie is never like work, it's always a fun exchange of ideas that feed off each other. I got terrific and enthusiastic feedback from Maggie as I set her the progress photos from my kitchen table at all hours of the night over the course of the project. I was very happy I managed to complete the paintings in time to deliver them in person when I saw her for a short visit after AFO.



Near Future

The Near Future sees me continuing work on the Comics Nouveau series I posted the line work for in last week's State of the Artist update. I've started scribbling out the lines for the second set of Marvel's Storm, Wolverine, and Gambit, but I hope to have the first four (Batman, Nightwing, Wonder Woman, and Superman) done in time for PalmCon on Sept. 21.

After PalmCon, I'll be sharing a table with MCA Hogarth at Necronomicon in Tampa, FL October 18-20.

Necro should be my last convention appearance for 2013... and while I'm already set for MegaCon (March 21-23) in Orlando, FL, I'm hoping to add Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle, WA (March 28-30) to my convention roster... and possibly Chicago Comicon and Entertainment Expo in Chicago, IL (April 25-27,) but I'm not 100% sold on C2E2 just yet.


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!