Anybody that's tried their hand at art knows it doesn't take much to get an artist down. Even the great master da Vinci said "Art is never finished, only abandoned.” We walk away because if we continued on, we'd never stop. That's how I feel about my art sometimes. I call it quits more than I call it complete. Don't get me wrong, I love art, but sometimes it's an uphill battle; fought alone at the drawing table with no way of knowing if you're truly making a dent.

I have however been fortunate to receive some very kind words as of late. First off, I received a surprise (but certainly welcome) write up over at Comics Alliance. It's always very interesting to see what pieces resonate with people, and what pieces they're paying attention to. Thanks Brian!

The other day, I also received a nice compliment on this piece by Steve Ogden. Steve and I have been communicating on and off for a few years now, starting with some back and forth on a few forums, some involvement in anthologies that will probably never see the light of day, and some e-mail correspondence. Steve is a renaissance man, dipping in and out of all facets of the arts, from writing, drawing, animating (and even music), all the while making it look easy. Steve makes the kind of art that you picture him drawing furiously away at, tongue sticking out one side of his mouth, smiling all the way. Do yourself a favour and check out his webcomic Moon Town. You will not be disappointed.

Labels: comics alliance, Moon Town, Steve Ogden

I'm not always sure where I get my influences from. It's a questions a lot of artists are asked, and it baffles me a bit. Mainly because I can't honestly see how it matters. I do believe a lot of my ideas about anatomy, setting up a scene or scenery come more from animation than they ever would from comics. Mainstream, superhero type comics have nothing to offer me. I'm certainly not suggesting that they're bad or poorly done; the artists are in a class of their own. It's just that none of it appeals to me. I'm always drawn to more animated artwork, things like the Flight anthologies, or more European style art. I'm digressing though.

In creating this piece, I consciously tried to suss out where I get certain ideas about how things are done, and try to do them a little different. In the construction of the characters, in the colours chosen, the shapes used, whatever it may be. I'm just trying to stay on my toes, put a conscious foot forward in bettering my art, and continue to move forward. Hope you enjoy!

Labels: costumes, disguise, Monsters

I tried to get some colour on these sketches honest, but it was fighting me all the way. I'll try again once I'm seeing it a bit clearer. Sometimes I think I get caught up in trying new things and pushing myself forward, and I will forget the things I'm already pretty good at. It is a continuing cycle I suppose.

This first one is an idea I had an absolute blast with. I think it works as a whole, but may have some parts that could have been a big stronger.


This second one was actually my first idea, but I think it was unsuccessful. There's just too much I see wrong with it, and I found myself falling on some old habits I'm trying to break. Warts and all, as they say.

Labels: disguise, Monsters, punks, suits