Watercolor Life-Drawings...

90 Second Warm-up Poses (click to enlarge)

45 Minute Long Pose (click to enlarge)

30 Minute Long Pose (click to enlarge)

These are a few life-drawings I did in a class at the Elmhurst Art Museum which I took for practice. I'm not used to working this fast,... I have been spoiled by the American Academy of Art's 2 hour per day, four days a week life-drawing long pose (which I took advantage of the extra time). The charcoal was going pretty slow for me for this class, so I decided to use wet media to cover as much of the paper as possible in the short amounts of time per pose. It is definitely a lot looser than my regular style, but I feel it is kind of freeing, and helps to train the eye by moving fast and blocking in the shapes and shadows. I am hoping that this practice will help me get faster when I work on my tighter gouache paintings. For those of you who really know my work, I'd love to hear your thoughts on these pieces.

Meeting Thomas Blackshear...

Photos courtesy of American Academy of Art.

On Monday, September 8th, 2008, renowned artist and American Academy of Art Alumnus Thomas Blackshear visited the Academy as a guest speaker. Though I had graduated this past May, Rich Kryczka, the Illustration Chair and my Professor and friend, called me to attend. To my surprise, another renowned artist and American Academy of Art Alumnus, my friend Douglas Klauba was there (pictured in third image). Doug was kind enough to introduce me to Thomas Blackshear who honored me by looking at my portfolio. Rich, Douglas, and Thomas are very inspirational artists, check out their work by clicking on their names above.

Gargoyle Mask Production Line...

Today I was at Zagone Studios painting three versions of my latest mask for their 2009 line. I cannot share the new mask until it is officially released by Zagone Studios, but I will release the images as soon as I am able to. Instead, I will share a photo taken today of my Gargoyle Mask from the 2008 line. It is so humbling to see my mask on the production line, . . . I never get tired of seeing it! These masks are waiting to receive the rest of their hair in the back. Look for the Gargoyle Mask this Halloween at your local costume shops! I'm not sure which shops around the country will be selling them, so keep your eyes on the lookout!! Keep posted for the three new 2009 masks!