State of the Artist 11/7/2011

View halloo, peoples!

It's Monday, which means, it's that time again... time for a State of the artist update!


Weekly Words

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.
- Pablo Picasso, 1881 - 1973

We are born as blank slates, such creativity encapsulated in the mind that doesn't know "those things aren't real," or "you're not supposed to be able to do that." The challenge, I think, is to retain that creativity and imaginative spark as we go through life being told "that's not real" or worrying about rent, food, bills, all the trappings of being an "adult," without losing sight of the joy of being childlike.




Current Project


Aside from commissions and an unrelated, ongoing project, still taking up the bulk of my time and energy, I'm working on my Holiday Card art... and rejecting most of it. *heh* Such is the way of the creative mind, right?

I thought I'd give you a couple of the sketch ideas I've rejected... although elements might reappear in the finished product.

Clicking on the thumbnails will take you to the full size image!



I find it interesting that I live in a tropical region where it rarely drops below 65 degrees, even in the "dead of winter" (if we're LUCKY) and yet I'm drawing images of snowflakes... O.o I really need to experience a more traditional northern hemisphere winter one of these days.




*** If you didn't see last week's State of the Artist update, you missed the open call for Holiday Card requests. If you'd like to receive a Holiday Card (featuring brand new original artwork) please REPLY ONLY TO THIS LINKED POST.

All replies to the linked post are screened for privacy, and only I will be able to see them. Please, even if you've received a card from me in the past, leave your mailing address in the comments ONLY to the post linked above. I do not keep addresses after the holiday cards have been mailed out. ***




From The Archive




Forest Throne
Completed: 9.2006
Media: Graphite, 9x12"

Since I posted rejected sketches above, I thought it appropriate to post more pencil work here. Although this piece was completed five years ago, I am still very much enamored with it in nearly every way. I love trees, particularly atmospheric photographs of large stands of leafy trees (the kind we don't get where I live,) but I don't particularly relish drawing them, so this piece was more of a personal challenge.

The figure seated in the throne-like tree trunk came first, rather floating in the center of the page until the tree-throne actually grew up around him, rather organically.

I was then left with the challenge of what to fill the resulting blank space with... I actually spent a few hours combing through my morgue of tree/forest photos before settling on something Aspen/Birch-like, with a heavy-dose of "making it up as I go along." :)


Original (9x12" archival paper, graphite): $150
Prints (8x10" giclee): $12

*please note if interested*




Near Future

Convention season is over for me for the year (unless I find some random new venue to attempt,) so it's time to buckle down on the (still) remaining commissions in my backlog and my Holiday Card art project, before posting a new commission queue for those of you who have sent me notes asking when I'll have new slots open. I thank you all so very much for your patience and understanding regarding ongoing commissions and future commission slots, it means the world to me in what has been a rather difficult and stressful year!

Convention season starts again for me come February where I will have a table at MegaCon in Orlando, Florida, the weekend of February 17-19.

I do hope to start up Sketch-A-Day again in January, although it's primary purpose was to make sure I had enough to start the Work-A-Week project in February so I'd have at least 4 new pieces by MegaCon.... however, MegaCon is early next year. So, who knows, maybe Sketch-A-Day will start in December this year.... we shall see!


Thank you all for joining me on yet another State Of The Artist update! I do hope you enjoyed this week's offerings. As always, feel free to leave comments below!



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State of the Artist 10/17/2011

View halloo!

So, it's been a bit of a busy week on a personal level here on Planet Kit! No surprise there, right? But, here we are, another Monday and another State of the Artist update!


Weekly Words

Perhaps the day may come when we shall remember these sufferings with joy.
- Virgil, 70 - 19 BC

We each have our struggles, hardships, trials and tribulations; some we share with the world, some we share with friends or family, and some we keep to ourselves. But, whatever our struggles, we each of us hope one day we can look back and say we are stronger for them.



Current Project


*click for larger image*

Long-delayed commission for a good friend. Requested back during AFO in August, this is Mizuho Kazami from "Read or Die." Thankfully, he is extraordinarily patient and understanding. But, it's now in the mail and on it's way to him, so I do hope he'll enjoy it!

Nothing else to post from the backlog of Current Projects I'm working on, as I'm clearing them off one at a time and so devoting what little time I have at the moment to each project individually.




From the Archive


*click for larger version*

Blood Tears
Completed: 6.2008


A commission completed in 2008. One of a series of requested characters from an original work of fiction, this is Michael. I cannot deny a thing for redheads. :)

Original: Not Available
Prints (8x10", giclee): $12

*Please note if interested*




Near Future

Not much going on in terms of conventions for the rest of the year. This time of year is pretty quiet for me until February, when I'll be appearing at MegaCon in Orlando. Until then, I've still got a commission backlog, an upcoming print sale I hope to post details for, holiday card request post I need to get to work on, hopes to open a new commission queue before too much longer, and another project I've taken on.... O.o

With a friend coming in from out of town for the weekend, it promises to be a very busy Near Future!


So, that's all for this week's State of the Artist, thank you all for joining me! As always, feel free to leave questions or comments below!


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State of the Artist 10/10/2011

View halloo!

I'm sorry for the lack of update last week, it was rather hectic on Planet Kit, and I didn't have anything new to share, but welcome to a new State of the Artist update and thank you for joining me!


Weekly Words

The more I know, the more sure I am I know so little. The eternal paradox.

-James Clavell, 1924 - 1994



Current Project

I did end up getting a final scan of the portrait commission I was working on of Nakeisha, so I'll be posting the final pencil.




There are some small tweaks and adjustments to the curves of her cheeks and the slope of her nose that probably aren't noticeable if you're not looking at the original, but they were little things that were bothering me as I was working on it. Due to the extremely personal nature of this commission, I just wanted to make sure it was as close to perfect as I could get it.

My only hope now is that her mother can look upon this portrait and see only the joys in her daughter's life, and not the sorrows she could no longer fight.



From the Archive

More Than Meets The Eye
Completed: February 2008



I found myself struck by the desire to do some fanart for the first Transformers film that was released, but since I'm not a big fan of technical drawing, I decided to reboot the 'bots into how I envisioned them in human bodies given their personalities. From left to right: Ratchet, Jazz, Bumblebee, Optimus Prime, Ironhide. (No prizes for guessing my favorite Autobot. ^.^)

This is actually not a single image, but a composite of five separate inked and traditionally-colored drawings.

I really need to draw men more often.

Originals (A4, ink and marker, 5 separate character drawings): $60 each
Prints (8x10", giclee, composite image): $12


Near Future

As of this update, the only upcoming convention that will be showing my art is:

Necronomicon: Tampa, FL October 21-23

Right now, I've got 3 commissions still sitting on my plate to clear off before I can open up the queue to take new commissions of work on personal pieces I still have sitting on the drawing board. Those of you who have asked about upcoming commission slots, I thank you for your patience, and I promise to announce here when I open up the queue!

So, that's it for this week's State of the Artist update, thank you for joining me!


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

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State of the Artist for 9/26/2011

View halloo, peoples!


Ok, another week another post, right? So, let's get on with the State of the Artist update!


Weekly Words

The apple cannot be stuck back on the Tree of Knowledge; once we begin to see, we are doomed and challenged to seek the strength to see more, not less.
- Arthur Miller, 1915 - 2005



Current Project

So, I'm still working on a personal commission project and coming up against a hard and fast deadline. ACK!

Please remember this piece is still a work-in-progress, and due to the nature of the deadline coming up, will probably be the last scan I have of this portrait.





Nakeisha, I can only hope this portrait does you justice. I fervently hope and pray that your soul is now at peace after such a long struggle. I know all who knew you will remember you with joy in our hearts. Be at peace.

* * *





From the Archive

Mad Hatter
Completed: 8.2005



Another preliminary costume design from a few years ago, that, while a pain in the butt to actually make, was quite fun to wear! Unlike last week's Thera, this costume is actually fun and not too terribly dreadful in the FL summer heat... but, she was retired after a year.

That said, I need to get to designing something for next year's convention season!


Original: SOLD
Prints (giclee, 8x10"): $12

*please note if interested*



Near Future

Due to the past few weeks health and personal issues, my artwork will be missing from a number of conventions I usually send to. The next show I should have my artwork at is:

Necronomicon: Oct. 21-23rd, Tampa, FL


If you'll be in town, or attending the convention, do stop by and check out the Art Show!


So, that's all for this week's State of the Artist update! Not much, but it's been a rather trying month and I'm really just working to get this project done so I can clear the other commissions off my plate and get back to some personal projects and consideration for this year's Holiday Card!



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

Become a patron of the arts!

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State of the Artist for 9/19/2011 (9/20/2011)

View halloo, peoples! So, the Monday SoTA is actually Tuesday...


I am so tremendously sorry about my long absence from updating the State Of The Artist, and social media in general. Without getting into too much detail or delving too much into personal issues, it has been a difficult time recently, both in terms of health scares and issues and personal/family issues.

Many of you kindly reached out while I was "hibernating" recently, and it was much appreciated and a welcome respite from events of the recent past. I thank you all very much.

That said, on with the post!


Weekly Words

Keep your feet on the ground, but let your heart soar as high as it will.
- Aiden Wilson Tozer, 1897 - 1963


Again, many thanks to everyone who reached out over the last month or so, it really did make a difference and it is much appreciated. I am grateful for the online community I have been welcomed into, it is an amazing thing to realize just how many connections are made that otherwise would never have come to pass otherwise.



Current Project




A pending commission worked up during my hibernation, for a dear friend. She asked for 2 characters, ink, playing out the idea of the "Spider and the Fly," with just a few specifics for either character.

I had fun with this, it was open, leaving me a lot of room to play around, which I like.

* * *

I'm sorry there isn't more to upload and share, but it has been a pretty rough month or so. With luck, I'll be able to get through the pending commissions I have relatively quickly and get back to work on more personal projects, or open up another queue and take on new commissions soon.



From the Archive


Thera
Completed: 7.2004



A lot of random pieces start out as costuming ideas for attending conventions or even just "hey, I feel like putting together some random outfit-type thing." So, a lot of pieces are preliminary sketches for things I plan to/attempt to sew or construct.

"Thera" is one of those pieces. In fact, "Thera" is the first of those pieces.

The idea behind this costume was a red vinyl, shortened kimono with "maiden" sleeves, a black leather obi, red and white striped stocking/boot-things, and a bun cover, complete with highly stylized Kabuki-esque makeup.

So, once the design was finalized, I did, in fact sew this entire costume... and let me tell you, vinyl... a colossal PAIN to work with. Not to mention HOT in the Florida summer heat and humidity. Needless to say, while this costume was a success, it was retired after one appearance.

Original (A4, mixed media): SOLD
Prints (8x10" giclee): $12

*Please note if interested*





Near Future

As mentioned above, most of the near future consists of getting pending commissions completed.

There may or may not be a progress post for the current commission on my plate. I'm currently working (on a deadline) on a commission for a friend of his good friend who committed suicide earlier this year. We all worked on the same project together 2 years ago, and the final piece is for the young woman's mother to be given on her deceased daughter's birthday.

I'm honored to be working on such a personal piece, and I only hope I can do Nakeisha justice.


Again, thank you all for joining me for another State of the Artist update, and with luck, they'll be back to being far more regular from now on!



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 for 8/15/2011

View Halloo, peoples!

I do hope you'll excuse my extended absence over the last few weeks. Between travel, conventions, recent illness, and preparing for upcoming surgery, I've been more than a bit distracted and have sadly neglected this journal. I am sorry, but now that the travel convention season is over for me, I can get back to regular sketching and updates.

That said, let's get started with this week's State of the Artist update.


Weekly Words

We all wear masks, and the time comes when we cannot remove them without removing some of our own skin.
- Andre Berthiaume



Current Project


To be honest, my current project consists of trying to kick being sick in time for surgery... and splitting my time between 3 commissions so I can get them off my plate. However, since it has been 3 weeks since I posted anything to this journal, I should post some of the things I worked on at the recent conventions I attended.

Please forgive the camera phone!


Otakon:








AFO:




These are not all the at-con commission projects I took on at the last two conventions I attended, but they are the ones I could find the picture files for. *heh*





From The Archive

Chosen Blade
Completed: 4.2008




I'm rather fond of this piece, although I seem to be the only one. I like the arrangement and depth of field, and concept. Although, I do have to say, with markers, it's a bit harder to get that nice translucent fade that is easier to achieve with a wetter media like watercolors.

Original (A4, mixed media): $100
Prints (8x10" giclee): $12

*Please note if interested*



Near Future

As mentioned above, first thing on my plate is clearing off the booked commissions and trying to get rid of this Con Crud that has left me wiped out on my couch making friends with NyQuill and Kleenex for over a week now.

I will not be having artwork at AnimeFest or Anime Weekend Atlanta this year unless I can find agents willing to take my work for me, as I will not be able to make the mail-in deadlines. I'm rather sad and amazed by this seeing as it will be the first time in over 5 years that my art won't have a presence at either convention.

Hopefully, once the brain fog of being sick clears, I'll have a more coherent State of the Artist update next week!

Thank you for joining me for this update. As always, feel free to leave comments on this or any post in this journal, I love feedback!



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 for 7/18/2011

View halloo, peoples!

It's Monday, and that means it's time for another State of the Artist update, so let's get started!


Weekly Words

You have to live spherically—in many directions. To accept yourself for what you are without inhibitions, to be open.
- Federico Fellini, 1920 - 1993


We are who we are, the sum of our experiences and the people who have traveled through our lives.


Current Project

I've been fiddling with some doodles from Florida SuperCon (over 4th of July weekend) to see if, perhaps, they might be expanded into completed pieces.


So, I took a commission at FSC that I didn't post last week because I couldn't get the photo I took off my phone until now. *heh* It was a commission of a steampunk time traveler, and I loved the resultant pencil work and concept so much I asked the client if I could expand it. Luckily, she was happy with the final work, too, and said yes! :)

This is the initial pencil commission:



And I've got a couple of ideas on where to take it from here. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to work on it over the next few weeks.

* * *

Another doodle from FSC that I've been tinkering with on and off over the last few days, in between Real Life Drama.



As you can see, she's clearly not done... as she's got no top on, but I've got most of an idea of where I want her to go... I think.




From The Archive

Opium
Completed: 9/2006



Yet another image for the "To be redone" pile. I am rather enamored of the poppies in this piece, and even the strange, splattery green background... the figure on the other hand, needs work. I will probably tackle this in a traditional medium whenever I get back around to this redoing this piece, as I've been spending most of my efforts on traditional media works. I like the idea of there being a traditional media original.

That's not to say I don't like working digitally, or like digital work in general. On the contrary, I DO! I find, though, that I tend to waffle between periods of working entirely in the traditional and periods of working entirely digital.

Original: N/A
Prints (8.5x11" giclee): $7

*please note if interested*



Near Future

The Near Future brings a week-long stay with some wonderful friends in the DC/Virginia area before heading to Baltimore for Otakon. So near, in fact, that my flight leaves Thursday morning! Ack!

There may or may not be an update for Monday, July 25th, depending on access to a scanner or being able to upload any photos of artwork to my webserver. But, there will definitely be a post-Otakon update when I return on Monday, August 1st.

Otakon is also followed immediately by AFO in Orlando the weekend of August 5-7. So, it's going to be a busy two weeks!


Thank you for joining me for another State of the Artist update! Please feel free to comment on this, or any post!



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!