Bits and Pieces

Creative Thoughts About Sketching

2012-01-21T07:32:00.000-08:00

Sketching is one of those essential tasks that I try to do everyday but time doesn't always permit or I become distracted for one reason or another. I usually start the day with a cup of coffee and listen to NPR news to get the body warmed up and the brain functioning. When I enter the studio, I inspect my surroundings as I left the previous evening. The computers are all warmed up and humming, so I check my e-mail for messages or unanswered e-mails to send. After about five minutes on the internet I look for whatever sketchbook, pencil and kneaded eraser are within easy reach. I sit down and stare at the blank page and wonder what I will conjure up today. On some days this is easier than others. If I need to, I will start with some simple doodles that gradually lead to more complex sketches. I really enjoy the tactile feel of the pencil on paper because so much of my finished work ends up on the computer. When I have a day when the muse is speaking to me, I continue drawing until it is completed. I don't want to loose my momentum because it isn't always easy returning to this ideal state of sketching.

Lacking inspiration is something all artists go through. This has forced me to develop an attitude how to handle these moments. I have a series of steps I go through before sketching. I may go through my reference files to see if anything sparks my imagination. I generally think of sketching as a series of steps applied. If I am just doodling I let my mind wander and the pencil freely create images. I look for something I can possibly latch onto and develop. I will also try a more structured approach. Picking up an anatomy book or photographs I attempt to sketch the images. This doesn't hurt because at some point I will us these exercises in future sketches. One of my favorite books is "Bridgman's Complete Guide To Drawing From Life." A fine addition to any library collection. Check out for purchase at: http://amzn.to/wI2EgU. I may sit there with pencil and paper and try to conjure ideas for future illustrations and sketch them. This can be very challenging because I am forcing the noodle to think. If I feel I am not being productive I take a healthy walk to overcome the draught and return to my drawing state.

Creativity for me involves the process of pouring amounts of energy into the drawing process. I find sketching very exciting because I never know what will appear. I do encourage you to take the time and sketch. You can either sign up for drawing classes at the local art school or adult centers. Take your pencil and pad downtown or favorite location and try sketching people as they walk. You will discover things you never really saw before. As the great illustrator Walt Stanchfield said, "Sketching is to the artist what shadow boxing is to a boxer; keyboard practice is to a concert pianist; practice is to a tennis player, or a participant in any sport." Make some time or maybe your New Year's resolution and start sketching.

If you have any thoughts or comments about this article send them my way. Tell me how sketching affects you. I would like to hear your thoughts on the subject. Send me your comments so I can respond or include in my next blog article.

2012-01-20T08:47:00.001-08:00

Creative Thoughts About Sketching at
http://bit.ly/wAixgm

Holiday Illustration

2011-12-22T08:15:00.000-08:00

Wishing everybody a fine holiday season and a fabulous New Year.

2011-12-12T08:47:00.001-08:00

New Christmas Designs for t-shirt company:
http://ping.fm/Thv0s

Christmas Designs for T-shirt Company

2011-12-08T19:53:00.000-08:00

I recently created some Christmas designs for "might tees" a seattle base t-shirt company that I
encourage you to visit for your next t-shirt purchases.
When I work on new assignments I turn on the jazz music and let my mind wander. I work on several sketches before I scan my selections into Adobe Illustrator CS5. The sketches were a great way to work up some ideas and complete the coloring with Adobe Illustrator CS5.
Feel free to leave your comments or contact me for your next illustration assignment. Visit my website for more samples at http://www.paulweiner.com

(Click on image to enlarge)

2011-11-23T15:36:00.001-08:00

http://ping.fm/IEMd7 a fine Thanksgiving Day!

Wishing Everybody a Fine Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T15:23:00.000-08:00

Swag and Sway...

2011-11-04T10:34:00.000-07:00

Latest illustration showing a challenging urban roots home boy. It's not the motion but the swag that keeps me with the sway.

Bugs invading the yard...

2011-10-17T20:51:00.000-07:00

I am glad the summer is over because these are the kinds of bugs I had to deal with this summer in the backyard...

One of my favorite holidays is just about here...

2011-10-04T17:07:00.000-07:00

I am at the point where I am designing my costume for the big occasion. This is so exciting planning the stages of development and putting the costume together. When I am finish I hope to display the outfit but this will depend on the comments at the costume party in New Your City. Let's see what happens!

Thoughts About Online Creative Exposure, pt. 2

2011-10-02T09:00:00.001-07:00

Linkedin
One of my favorite social media websites is Linkedin. This site differs from Twitter and Facebook because it is a site solely for professional and business community. On Facebook you can have a personal page for your friends and fan page for your business but not so easy
to setup. Twitter has no distinction between personal and business and you can tweet to both. I find it easy to use. Linkedin is for the professional person so it's best you keep your personal comments to yourself and on a business level. Linkedin has a very good research tool for contacting other companies and professionals for possible job positions. You are able to post your profile, experience and have a portfolio with images.

Limit Your Time Online
You need to decide what is a fair amount of time for using the internet and when to return to other business activities. There are times when I loose track of my time while surfing the web and should probably be working on my creative projects. I usually set a certain amount of time for online stuff and decide when to return to my business activities and being creative. I enjoy being creative and using my social network to contact my social contacts about my latest art projects.

Remain Positive and Productive
To be a successful artist takes more than just talent. It requires a lot of hard work especially during an economic downtown. You need to know yourself very well and decide when things are not going right and when it's time for a break. You might take a walk around the block or to your favorite park to clear your
head. Once you are recharged and have a fresh outlook return to your goals with a positive outlook. For a lot of creative professionals starting out takes patients especially with all the social media promotion, website advertising and business activities you pour your energy into. I have realized after many years that I wasted not just my energy but was very impatient. I gradually realized that there is a lot about the creative profession that is out of my control. I am now using my time effectively while I pursue my interest and love for the illustration profession. Remember to be patient and strive to be creative.

Fall My Favorite Season

2011-09-22T11:40:00.000-07:00

The autumnal equinox starts the beginning of fall. Good-bye summer!

2011-09-02T10:37:00.001-07:00

Paul's new blog post, "Thoughts About Online Creative Exposure."

Thoughts About Online Creative Exposure, pt. 1

2011-09-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

My online presence and success has improved since I started
using internet resources available to the creative community.
Placing a blog on my website makes it possible to be actively
involved by displaying articles that other creatives should find
useful. Joining social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook
have professional benefits. These websites have increased my
networking with colleagues, increased my knowledge about
business aspects and increased sales. I send out e-mails with
attachments periodically that keep me in touch with my database
clients. I recently started sending out my first newsletter using a
site named,"Your Mailing List Provider". The web site provides an
easy and convenient way to store my clients information. I really
enjoy another feature that lets me input my html newsletter code and send directly to my clients stored
on my database. Creatives should also consider exploring the variety of free and inexpensive websites
that exist on the web. I am currently a member of Jacketflap.com, CreativeShake.com and
IllustratorsInk.com. I find it exciting experimenting with these websites and discovering the possible
benefits. The point I want to make is creatives need to get their work out in front as many viewer as
possible.
Use Your Website
Having an online website is very important and unless you promote it no one will know you exist. If you
read the above information, you already have some ideas. I am continuously reworking my website with
new images, new links and blog articles to stand out from my competition. Exploring the internet is a
great way to find new professional groups to join and interact with. I search out blogs to leave my
comments and opinions on sites. You should make an effort to interact with your peers so that it
increases your exposure as a professional.
Offer Your Help
It has been my experience that "What goes around comes around". What I mean by this statement is
that we should be willing to offer our advice without expecting something in return. You will find when
we offer our assistance our efforts probably will be returned in kind. We are all in this together and as
a creative collective we need to enrich and keep our creative community growing.
.

New Photoshop Illustration

2011-07-16T08:46:00.000-07:00

I was exploring Photoshop CS5 and created another in my series for dinosaurs.

Are You Familiar With Adobe's CS5 Width Tool?

2011-05-31T13:33:00.000-07:00

Adobe Illustrator CS5 has some amazing tools worth exploring and improve your illustration skills.
One of my favorites is the width tool. This tool created the figures to the left. I will explain below
how this was done.
Using my mouse I selected the pen tool with my mouse and drew a vertical black line. Any color will do depending on what you are after. Refer to sample (A) below.
I select the width tool with my mouse and mouse over any part of my drawn vertical line a point immediately appears. Refer to samples (B) and (C) below. Pressing down with my mouse and dragging to the opposite direction or dragging inward a shape begins to appear. If I press down on my mouse and slide along the vertical line the shape changes. The more points I establish the more shapes will be created. Refer to sample (D) below.

I’ve noticed that selecting the command key, option or shift key on the Mac or control or alt keys on Window’s will affect the points therefore your shape. The control key will bring up a menu of options such as “undo with point change, redo width point change, etc. If you select a point along the edge of the shape and select the command key, the shape will expand on both sides. When I select the option key only one side or point will expand and change the shape.
Once I am satisfied with my shape I will embellish it with additional elements from the pen tool. I will touch-up the shape with the paint brush tool to create features for the face or added details for the clothing items. Refer to sample (E) below. I would encourage you to explore and experiment, discover how many unusual shapes you can create.
I would like to hear from you about your own creative possibilities. Send me some comments.

New Children's Artwork

2011-05-16T21:02:00.000-07:00

Hot off the palette. New Children's artwork with radiant colors.

Illustrations Created for Yow Canada Inc.

2011-04-23T07:38:00.000-07:00

I completed a series of electronic illustrations for Yow Canada Inc. The illustrations will appear on their website about "Work Place Violence and Harassment. Adobe Illustrator CS5 is an exciting application to use to create vector graphics.

Width Tool in Illustrator CS5 Creates Figures

2011-04-22T15:03:00.000-07:00

This sample piece was
created with Adobe Illustrator
CS5 (width tool). An explanation
will be supplied shortly how
these figures were created.

2011-04-12T07:44:00.001-07:00

Paul adds new artwork to website gallery
Check-it out: http://ping.fm/D1YAR

Children Book Illustration Videos

2011-03-21T08:02:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago I received an
e-mail notice from Dani Jones
(Illustrator) who was plugging a free
weblink to a video on instructional
drawing techniques by Will Terry. Will is a well known childrens book
illustrator who is offering a number of video instructions on topics about his own tehnique as a childrens
book illustrator. His free video demonstrates his drawing techniques viewers will find very informative. After
viewing his video I decided to explore his blog and website portfolio. His web site is filled with exciting colorful illustrations. I especially like "Sledding".
I decided to view his video on "Digital Painting in Adobe Photoshop". I was very curious how he uses Adobe Photoshop and achieve the colorful style when he paints. The amount is a modest fee for $29.99 and well worth the money. After making my payment to Paypal I started viewing. Will begins his lesson by offering tips on using Adobe Photoshop using only the applications tools he needs to accomplish his work. He mentions setting up his image size and what modes he prefers to use. He demonstrates his next step and brings his sketches and thumbnails together. This finished grayscale image is scanned and placed on a separate layer. I did enjoy the section about using brushes and what he does to adjust the size, opacity and paint flow. His two main modes are normal and multiply making it possible to see the color above without affecting the grayscale image below. Will explains his method for creating his textured brush. He starts by using a house paintbrush and gel medium and applies this medium to the paper. He lets the painted paper dry and applies another layer of gel medium to bring out the peaks and valleys. Once the paper has dried he scans this into the computer and saves it so he can use and turn into a textured brush. Will continues and selects "Define the Pattern" to save the texture as a brush.
There are a number of illustrators on the web who explain how they achieve their own textured brushes. I encourage you to explore and experiment to achieve your own textured brushes. He goes through a series of steps to composite his sketch so he can scan and place this sketch on a separate layer in Photoshop. Another layer is added so he can paint over the grayscale image. He quickly adds paint on this layer and fills in as much of the blank area's as possible. I discovered that Will's paintings are created painstakingly slow. He adds color here and there or may decide to eliminate an entire area of color he just painted. I won't explain everything Will's video has to offer so viewers can discover for themselves what he has to offer.
His years of experience have given him the knowledge and patience to achieve the amazing work that he does.
Will Terry is not an Adobe Photoshop power user but he doesn't have to be, he knows just enough about Photoshop to complete his work. He may use the same circle brush for coloring, maybe change the size or hardness and thats all he needs to do and complete his work. I found watching this video was worth the time and money. I strongly suggest that you explore his videos as well. You can view all his videos at
http://willterry.com/coursesamples.html

Creating Illustrations for Canadian Company

2011-03-07T13:37:00.000-08:00

Paul is creating several electronic illustrations for Yow Canada.
The illustrations will appear on the companies occupational health
and safety web site as well as in advertisements. The illustrations
will reinforce the text and assist those who are committed to
occupational health and safety issues. Yow Canada established
in 2001 provides high quality occupational health and safety
training and materials to aid Canadians. The group of electronic
illustrations will depict "Work Place Violence and Harassment.
I will post some of the illustrations once I have clearance from
the client.

Night Out

2011-01-31T11:59:00.000-08:00

This past Friday evening I was in need of a break and decided to visit the South End in Boston. I ventured over to an art exibit opening at Space 242 titled "Good vs Evil". I didn't realize what to expect until I arrived to a packed gallery with an assortment of local artists and admirers.
The show consisted of paintings, three dimensional pieces, photographs and a series of animations. The overall style of artwork was heavily influenced by pulp magazines and retro-comicbooks from the last thirty years. The exhibit probably doesn't appeal to the general public but for those of you who appreciate an alternative to the visual arts this is your exhibit. The show displayed all sorts of surreal bizarre images that can only come from the fertile imagination of todays young visual artists.
I don't have time and writing space to give credit to all those who participated so I will mention just a few. Alyssa Adams has a painting titled" Mosquito Man". Her painting is unusual and strange with a large green mosquito crouched with a homely face holding what looks like a glass of blood. There is a black silhouette of a mosquito floating off to the right side. Alyssa uses color with lots of tone and this adds to this strange world she has created.
Allison Blackwell is another artist who created three pieces of art titled, "Star Jammer", "Super Roller Girl" and "Blue Streak". The female figures dominate her work and show boldness and strength. She uses pen and ink with a brush to define each woman that causes each figure to jump out towards the viewer. In each of Alyssa's paintings she has a solid area of bright color balance her black and white brush strokes and create a visual balance.
The last work of art I will mention is a three dimensional piece by Tom Torrey. He creates a Batman/Spiderman character sitting on a blue finished boat with an out-of-order sign placed to the left side. The superhero figure looks so amusing as he sits in this boat looking forward maybe thinking about his next cape crusade. He uses a fair amount of black mixed with his colors. Tom's colors have more tone and doesn't have the same brightness as in Alyssa's paintings.This creates for a far different mood for the viewer.
For those of you living or visiting the Boston area and looking for an alternative visual experience I suggest you visit the gallery Space 242. This exhibit will transfer you to another dimension and most importantly give you a well deserved break.
Visit Space 242 / 242 E. Berkley St.,2nd fl. / Boston , MA 02118
Check out the gallery att: http://www.space 242.com

Lighten Your Day with "SteamBoat Willie"

2011-01-10T11:15:00.000-08:00

There are so many great animations from Walt Disney's early
days but one of my favorites is "SteamBoat Willie". I love all
the sound effects especially the scene with the goat eating
the music sheets and the guitar. The amusing clever animation
frames synchronized with the music,"Turkey in the Straw" is so clever and entertaining.
Check out this short animation to lighten up your day at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TPbpvP-okM

Cheerful Holiday Greetings!

2010-12-27T14:04:00.000-08:00

I just finished this Christmas illustration before this month expires.
Everybody enjoy the holidays.

A New MFA Addition

2010-11-30T10:34:00.001-08:00

For those of you who rarely visit museums you just might want to consider a trip to the MFA's new addition "The Art of the Americas". I took advantage of "Community Weekend" for a tour of the Shapiro Family Courtyard and the impressive "The Art of the Americas" exhibits. I am not one with strong feelings for colonial art but the rooms which contain some of these masterworks certainly made me enjoy the settings where these exhibits were placed. My interest is more with the twentieth century artwork on the third floor. If you have a passion for colonial art the interior settings is an added benefit. I suggest you take advantage of the discount days held at the museum during the week or discount passes at libraries to qualify for a reduced fare; otherwise you need to pay the maximum fee just to enter the museum. Select this link if you would like your very own virtual tour narrated by our very own Malcolm Rogers, director of the MFA. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMb8prTLhK8

Spooky World

2010-10-31T10:13:00.000-07:00

Some illustrations for friends to celebrate one of my favorite holidays.

Alternative Reality

2010-10-13T11:03:00.001-07:00

When I am not working on commercial projects I will explore another style using photographs altered in Adobe Photoshop. I did a series of art pieces that incorporate sketching photographs in a very loose style. Once I feel the sketch is completed I scan it directly into Adobe Photoshop with separate layers. One layer for the pencil sketch and a separate layer above for coloring. I enjoy exploring the brush capabilities that Photoshop offers to alter my brushes. I am able to change the size for my brush or even create my very own by selecting the brush menu and selecting expanded view. My color selections involve complimentary and supplementary color selections. Exploring the mode feature on the top of the menu to the left and altering the menu bar in the layers feature gives me a greater latitude altering my use of color with my selected brushes. I even change the modes I work in moving from Duotone, RGB and Multichannel to alter the affect of colors within my image. When I reach a point where art piece is complete I save the file and make several prints. I will make any further adjustments before the image is finished. Enjoy!

Imaginary Swim

2010-08-13T08:59:00.001-07:00

I created this imaginary illustration using Micron pens and scanning the drawing into Adobe Photoshop. I have two separate layers, one for the black lines and one for the color. I enjoy using the Micron pens because of the textural feel and desired results I am able to achieve. The computer can tighten the creative process and I like the loose feeling that the Micron pens are able to achieve. Once I finish the black line drawing I scan it into the computer where I create a separate layer above and complete with the coloring process.
Now, if I can only figure out a way to take a vacation and go swimming in the Carribbean.

Golden Age of Illustrators

2010-07-06T10:39:00.001-07:00

Here is a web site I discovered that I suggest you visit. The site consists of purchasing prints from illustrators from the Golden Age of illustrators. Illustrators mentioned such as Harry Clarke, Edmund Dulac, Kay Nielsen, Arthur Rackham and many more. For an easy way to look at some exciting work. Go to: http://www.nocloo.com/home/

Animation Drawing Sample Reference Exercises

2010-06-07T10:31:00.000-07:00

Here is a web site I came across for those who are interested in practicing their basic animation drawing skills,(http://www.animationarchive.org/2006/05/meta-100000-animation-drawing-course.html). The site is part of Hollywood Animation Archives and leads off with information about Preston Blair, one of the finest draftsmen to work for animated film and John Kricfalusi who revolutionized television animation. I consider myself lucky enough to own Preston Blair's "Cartoon Animations" book a great inspiration and reference book in my library. Here are some of my practice samples from the sample pages provided. Check the web site out and view the wealth of animation material.

My Favorite Day

2009-10-08T09:41:00.000-07:00

Pencil Sketches From The Sketchbook

2009-07-20T09:31:00.001-07:00

I thought I would show some images from my sketchbook. Always looking for ways to improve the drawings.

Walt Stanchfield Inspiration

2009-04-15T09:18:00.000-07:00

I recently purchased two books by Walt Stanchfield suggested by a friend of mine. The books offer insight into the art of sketching and drawing. The material mentioned by Walt Stanchfield offer some inspiring thoughts and techniques to any person excited about sketching and drawing. My sketching has fallen by the wayside this past winter season and browsing these books I have found some new motivation and excitement to tackle my next visit to the local studio drawing sessions. Both books "Drawn to Life-20 Golden Years of Disney Master Classes, Vol.1"and "Drawn to Life -20 Golden Years of Disney Master Classes,Vol.2" Each book sells for $24.50 (including shipping) or a total of $49.00 which is a steal considering the wealth of information offered by an exceptional teacher who started his career with Disney Studios in 1937. This collection of reference material offers any illustrator information to improve ones skill and gives inspiring insight for keeping the sketching and drawing process evolving within you. I love reading Walt Stanchfield's humor driven insights and can't wait to apply his ideas at my next visit to the drawing sessions.These books are available at Amazon.com (Volume 1) and (Volume2).

Recently Completed Project

2009-03-18T14:35:00.001-07:00

Some illustration samples created for Pearson Education's reading program. This project was a challenge because I was trying to achieve artwork that was realistic based on reference pictures relating to the American Revolutionary War.

So You Want To Freelance? Some Thoughts To Think About

2009-01-25T09:42:00.000-08:00

Know Yourself Well:
How well do you know yourself because freelancing will require that you can deal with yourself alone for periods of time. This means when no work is coming in or you have a deadline and need to stick with your project and delay your social life.
You Are The Boss:
You will decide when to work or take a break. Decisions are made as you see fit as long as you complete your projects by the deadline. There is a lot of personal freedom to do errands or take a casual walk around the park when everyone else is at work. You are not constrained by working at an office cubicle nine to five. You are able to decide what needs to be accomplished each work day.
Stress And Tension:
There is a price to pay for this freedom and dealing with stress and tension exists as you wonder when the next project will arrive. You learn very quickly how to budget and allocate funds as needed. Do you have enough funds to market and create an effective marketing program?
When working on a project how many late nights or days do you have to work until you complete your project. You wear many hats to accomplish your tasks. You are a skilled psychologist dealing with many professionals(designers, editors, writers, etc.) negotiating to make sure the project runs as smoothly as possible.
There are undefined boundaries between work and personal life that you learn to resolve. Since your home may be your studio, you have to decide with each working hours what to accomplish and when to spend time with family and friends.
Unlimited Growth Potential:
There is a lot of pressure that you face as a freelancer but there is also a lot of opportunity if you create good work, succeed with marketing, work with effective business skills and treat your peers professionally. Your job opportunities should increase as well as your income. You can take on different projects that you feel offer an avenue for personal growth and potential for increased income.

Using Photoshop To Create An Illustration

2009-01-16T09:13:00.000-08:00

When I begin an illustration the sketch is the first step in completing the artwork. I place the sketch and scan it with my Canon Lite within the software Photoshop. I cleanup the black lines and lighten up the white areas. The eye dropper tool selected from the Window menu in Photoshop assists me in this task and tells me if my blacks are to light or the whites are to dark.

Once I am satisfied with my sketch I will create another layer above the sketch layer. The sketch is on the bottom layer and I create another layer above for the color layer and select multiply from the modes dropdown menu in the layers palette. This lets me color on this layer and not affect the sketch below.

There are many tricks and tips in photoshop and I recommend that you go down to your local Barnes & Noble and head to the computer books section and read the many books about streamlining using Photoshop. I color areas using the black outline layer as a guide and continue until the illustration meets my satisfaction. My brush selection varies so I can achieve either a flat color effect or an airbrush effect. I use the mode, opacity, flow, and width features that Photoshop supplies to adjust my brushes to fit my needs. You will find these adjustments when I select my brush menu with either the F6 key, select the Window menu and scroll down to brushes, or select the Window menu and save my work space and bring up my selection menus already arranged to work with.

When my illustration is finished I save the file and print it out with my Epson printer. If I like what I see I save the file and flatten all the layers; otherwise I rework until I am satisfied. There are many ways to create your illustrations with Photoshop and I hope my suggestions offer some new insights.

Some Illustration Sites To Look At

2009-01-14T10:08:00.000-08:00

If you are having a creative mental block, take a look at
these illustrations sites and relax.

http://www.imaginismstudios.com/port-artist-bob-01.html
http://www.frankwu.com/paul1.html
http://www.donatoart.com

Season's Greetings

2008-12-31T09:10:00.000-08:00

Halloween Time!

2008-10-13T12:46:00.000-07:00

Halloween one of the world's oldest holidays is
certainly one of my favorite times. I enjoy going
to Salem, MA on Halloween night to view the
assortment of costumes and take part in some
of the events that the city has to offer for
celebration.
This year I have created several Halloween art
pieces to commemorate the festive spooks and
spirits of the night.

Photoshop Technique

2008-09-20T09:53:00.000-07:00

Here are some illustrations that I will explain how I was able to show a
transition from color to pencil sketch using Adobe Photoshop. First, I took
my finish pencil sketch and created a layer on top to color using the sketch
on the bottom layer as a guide. I switch back and forth with the multiply
mode to give me an idea as to how the work is shaping up. I don't color the
whole sketch, just enough so I can created a smooth transition with the mask feature using Photoshop.
Secondly, I created a third layer and color the whole background with a tint color. At this point I have three layers. A background flat colored layer, a sketch layer and a colored layer with a partial area of color. Thirdly, I go into the mask mode I select from my tools palette. Once in the mask layer I drag the mask tool on top of my sketch and created a mask. I return to the standard mode and hit the delete key to eliminate the portion of the sketch I desire so color from the top layer or color layer shows through. I exit and return to my third layer or partially colored layer and go through the same process as described with the sketch layer. I should have at this point three layers, two of which have been masked as well as my background tint color. I finish my work by merging all the layers and viola a completed piece of art.

Constellation Viewing

2008-08-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

With all the news coming out of NASA about the discoveries on Mars, I
motivated myself and finished an illustration referring to the night sky.
We are beginning to enter the fall season in which it's usually a good time for me
to visit some of the local observatories in the Boston area.

From Sketch To Finished Art

2008-03-27T09:58:00.000-07:00

When I start an art piece I begin with the sketch. I go through several drafts before I am satisfied with the drawing and scan my sketch on my Canon scanner. I usually scan at about 300 d.p.i. for a four color process; otherwise 72 d.p.i is fine for the web.

I save my scanned sketch either as a tiff or eps and place the scan from the file menu into Illustrator CS2. I select the window menu and go to the color menu and adjust the image and change it to blue. I lock this layer so I don't alter it. I name this layer template. I create a separate layer above and start to draw with my customized brushes.

Once the drawing is finished I will print it out with my Epson printer. My next step is to bring the artwork into Photoshop. I place the image on a separate layer and lock it. I name my line art layer template.

I create a layer below the template layer and make sure the background is white. I place a layer above the template layer and select the mode menu and select multiply. I select multiply so I can color on this layer and not affect the template layer below.

I continue to color the artwork until I am pleased with the results. My brush selection varies so I can achieve either a flat color effect or an airbrush effect. I use the mode, opacity, flow, and width features that Photoshop supplies to taylor my brushes to fit my needs. You will find these adjustments at the top menu when you select the brush tool.

Sometimes I create a separate layer above the multiply layer so I can experiment with either the brush and the color selected. When my artwork is finished I save the file and print it out with my Epson printer. If I like what I see it's a keeper; otherwise I rework until I am satisfied. Well, there you have it with some insight, and how I sketch to finished art.

Periodic Sketches

2008-02-22T15:45:00.001-08:00

Sketching is one of those essential things that I try to do everyday but time doesn't always permit or I become distracted for one reason or another. I usually start the day with a cup of java and listen to NPR news events to get the body warmed up and the brain functioning. As I enter the studio, I inspect my surroundings as I left it the previous evening. The computers are all warmed up, so I check my e-mail for possible messages or unanswered e-mails to send. After about five minutes on the internet I look for whatever sketchbook, pencil and kneaded eraser are within easy reach. I sit down and stare at the blank page and wonder what I will conjure up today. On some days this is easier than others. If I need to, I will start with some simple doodles and this gradually leads to more complex sketches. I really enjoy the tactile feel of the pencil on the paper because so much of my finished work ends up on the computer. When I do have a day or reach a point when the muse is speaking to me, I stick with my drawing until it is completed or I just become tired because it isn't always easy to return to this ideal state of drawing. If I am distracted or just not in the mood for drawing I will concentrate on another aspect of my illustration career.

New Project Completed

2008-02-16T09:15:00.000-08:00

I just completed some full colored electronic artwork for Houghton & Mifflin and Pearson Scott Foresman. These projects were exciting and required a colorful style for the publishers. I usually start each project with contacting the client and establishing a way to communicate such as e-mail and telephone. I will send the client two to three roughs before going to finish. I always send an invoice or contract to prevent any future problems. Both of these projects went smoothly except for the rush required for the completed work.

Holiday Time Again!

2007-12-14T11:14:00.000-08:00

The annual holiday for us to celebrate the rebirth or rejuvenation
of ones inner spirit and common respect for those around us. Let
us give thanks and hope that our common regards for others
and energy level last until 2008.

Thanksgiving Session

2007-11-14T10:27:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Day is a day we give thanks for what we have
received or about to receive. I look upon what I have harvested
and give thanks for what my efforts have brought forth. This is
expressed as an expression of gratitude and what I consider to
be an important issue; therefore my personal illustration below.

Anatomy Drawing Session

2007-10-31T22:35:00.001-07:00

Figure drawing requires discipline and practice
when drawing the human figure in a variety of
poses. This has to be one of the most difficult
subjects that an artist can encounter because
of the subtlety with individual body shapes
that combine to form the human figure.
This past week I decided to visit a local artist
studio and challenge my anatomy sketching
abilities. I found this to be quite a task since it
has been a number of years since my last
drawing sessions. I find that as an illustrator,
it is very important to understand the
construction of the human figure and maintain
a looseness when drawing. So much of what
illustrators draw involves depicting the figure
somewhere in their work to assist in conveying
their message. Here are a few of my attempted
results. I hope you enjoy them.

Halloween Time!

2007-10-14T20:25:00.000-07:00

Halloween or All Saints Day is celebrated on the
night of October 31. This holiday gives me a
chance to dress up and pretend to be something
else or dare to be. I really enjoy a chance to invent
a costume and wear it at one of my favorite parties.

CyberArts 2007

2007-05-21T20:55:00.001-07:00

The excitment of viewing the art exhibits at
CyberArts 2007 is at a point just like photography
at the turn of the century. Here is a bold new
expression ready to be explored and justified.