Joshua Hoffine - Horror Photography Book

Less than 55 hours left to pre-order the JOSHUA HOFFINE Horror Photography book via the already successful Kickstarter campaign! My friend and frequent collaborator, the world renown horror photographer Joshua Hoffine, is releasing an epic horror book collection of all his career of amazingly dark photography through Dark Regions Press, many of which feature the makeup and FX work of Yours Truly! 

 

If he gets to $45K, he will do not one but TWO more horror photograph collaborations with Kosart Studios both utilizing Joshua's frequent model Bob Barber who we turned into the Boogeyman for his short film Black Lullaby! The photographs will be Devil's Mug Shot, and with the $45K stretch goal, the second will be Nosferatu!!  Concepts for both photos are below.

  
What also makes it special and why he needs $45k to do both of these photos is because it will be Bob's final time modeling for Joshua due to Bob's health. So let's make Bob's swan song something special by turning him into Nosferatu, and making him into something terrifyingly awesome one last time!

 

Go to Kickstarter.com and pre-order your copy of the book TODAY to make Joshua's and Bob's NIGHTMARES come true! You can support the KickStarter campaign HERE

 

Thanks again for your continued support!

KOSAR at MASK-FEST Sept 6-8

Visit me at MASK-FEST held at HORRORHOUND Weekend from September 6-8 in Indianapolis, IN at the Marriott Indianapolis East Hotel.  I will have several of my masks and sculptures for sale, as well some prints of my artwork available.  PLUS, traveling with me is my one and only BOARIS FRANKENSWINE!  So come and meet me and Boaris in person! I am really excited to attend my first ever Mask Fest.  There will be many amazing artists in the industry there as well, including the amazing Jordu Schell, Ed Edmunds, Robert Kurtzman, and my Face Off friends House, Becky Ingram, and Autumn Cook.  Hope to see you there!

 

Mask Fest poster image courtesy Mask Fest.

Boaris Frankenswine Design & Sculpt © 2011 J. Anthony Kosar & Kosart Effects Studios, LLC.

Boaris Frankenswine Photo by Bear McGivney.

Happy New Year from KFX!!

For class dates and times, visit KosartAtelier.com

Smokey Joe and the Inferno © J. Anthony Kosar.

2nd Annual MALEFICIUM Dark Art Exhibition RECAP...

With such a huge response after the inaugural event at Kosart Effects Studios & Gallery, the First MALEFICIUM Dark Art Exhibition, this year we went BIGGER!  The Second Annual MALEFICIUM Dark Art Exhibition includes the nightmarish art of 36 award-winning artists of all media!  I am really excited about the list of artists we have participating this year, and it is truly an honor to be able to put on a show and exhibit with some of my favorite artists!  View the art online HERE.  Read artist bios HERE 

Kurt Andersen - Kyle Bice - Tim Bruckner - Brian Busch
Peter Chan - Melita "MissMonster" Curphy - Dave Dorman
Jason Edmiston - Aron Gagliardo - Noel Gonzalez - Joshua Hoffine

Tom Herzberg - Douglas Klauba - Rich Klink - J. Anthony Kosar
Richard Kryczka - Joseph Lester - Travis Lewis - Darick Maasen
Matthew McCarty - Barrett McGivney - Aaron Miller
Blake Packard - Jim Pavelec - Vincent Proce - Bill Reinhold
Linda Lessmann Reinhold - David Richardson - Alex Ross
Chad Savage - Jordu Schell - The Shiflett Brothers
Tim Shumate - Jill Thompson - Ivan Unwin

 
On November 3rd, we held the Exhibition Opening & Artist Reception, and the place was PACKED all night!  Many of the Maleficium artists were in attendance!  Check out the pictures in the slideshow below:

 

Having trouble viewing? View them on my Flickr HERE.

We held a raffle with awesome prizes donated by the artists, and all the proceeds went to Little Friends, Inc, a private, non-profit organization serving children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.  Based in Naperville, Illinois, Little Friends operates 11 dynamic programs including three alternative schools, family support and consultation services, vocational training programs, community-based residential services and the Little Friends Center for Autism.  With everyone's contributions we were able to raise $650 for Little Friends.  Be sure to check out what they do and support this great organization HERE!  Here we are presenting Little Friends with a check for $650.

We have been having quite a few appointments to the gallery to see the show, including a group of 20 senior citizens from the Devonshire of Lisle, and a group of 40 art students from Lyons Township High School!  It is so much fun to share the work of such great artists, and help change the perceptions on what art can be, especially to the youngsters who may one day make a career in art!  Interested in bringing your class or group to tour Kosart Effects Studios & Gallery?  Field Trip Info HERE

If anyone is interested in seeing the art show, please schedule an appointment HERE, or come to the Closing Reception this Saturday December 15th from 7pm to 10pm which is free to the public and open to all! After the 15th, you will still be able to view the art online HERE

Maleficium © Kosart Effects Studios.

Photos © Bear McGivney, and other Respective Photographers.

Artwork © Respective Artists.

Sponsored by The MONSTER MAKERS!

Kosart Effects Studios is proud to add THE MONSTER MAKERS to our list of sponsors for our FX Classes!!

The Monster Makers was founded in 1986 when owner Arnold Goldman began selling some basic mask making supplies through the back of Fangoria Magazine. Today, almost twenty two years later, The Monster Makers has grown into one of the leading suppliers of three dimensional Special Effects Materials in the Industry.

I am really excited about this!  Though I have always had a love for monsters and movies, and have been heavily inspired by Stan Winston, Rick Baker, Dick Smith, Jordu Schell, and many others, I owe my getting involved with Special Effects to Arnold Goldman of The Monster Makers.  Back in 2002 when I was only 16, I had the crazy idea of making my very first foam-latex prosthetic, The Zombie.  At that time there was little resource for aspiring make-up and fx artists, and the only resource I could find online was The Monster Makers.  I immediately ordered a catalog and was amazed by the various FX materials offered, and Arnold was always available for guidance.  Arnold walked me through the processes over the next 3 months of sculpting, molding, and casting my very first prosthetic, helping me to make a successful appliance on my first time.

In 2004, my senior year of high school, I took a 2 day seminar in Cleveland, Ohio at The Monster Makers which featured Doug Henderson teaching Make-Up FX (Day 1) and Rick Stern teaching Animatronics (Day 2).  It was a great experience to finally meet Arnold, and I learned a great deal of useful techniques in the creation of FX at this seminar that continued to further my growth in FX.

Without Arnold Goldman's continued guidance, I would never have been able to reach the level in FX I have reached today.

Here is what Arnold says of my classes:

"If you are in the Chicagoland area don't miss your opportunity to learn from one of the best artists around. J. Anthony Kosar is the real deal. And so are his classes. Monster Makers offers our highest endorsement and recommendation for these seminars! You can enroll in a high priced fx program, or you can learn from the best instructor around and not go into debt in the process!"

~ ARNOLD GOLDMAN 
(President of The Monster Makers, Sponsor of KFX Classes)

 

The Monster Makers Logo © The Monster Makers.

The Zombie © 2002 J. Anthony Kosar & Kosart Effects Studios, LLC.

Art & FX works pictured in group photo © respective artists.

All Rights Reserved.

3 Awards in SI-LA's ILLUSTRATION WEST 50

If you are in California, be sure to check out the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles ILLUSTRATION WEST 50 Exhibition taking place at Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra, California!  The opening reception is TONIGHT, March 30th 7pm to 10pm.  I have 4 pieces exhibited in the show, and 3 of them received awards: Gold, Bronze, and an Honorable Mention in the Graphic Novel / Comic Book Category!!!  The show will be up until April 4th, so don't miss it!  If you aren't in California, you can still see everything online on the ILLUSTRATION WEST 50 website.  I am really honored to receive these awards, and I thank SI-LA for the honor!

Here are my 4 pieces in the show:

 

GOLD AWARD

Between the Lines

Interior from The Spider: The Iron Man War

12" x 5.75" Digitally Painted in Photoshop 

 

BRONZE AWARD

Run for your Life

Interior from The Spider: The Iron Man War 

12" x 5.75" Digitally Painted in Photoshop 

HONORABLE MENTION

March of the Machines

Back Cover from The Spider: The Iron Man War 

11" x 17.5" Digitally Painted in Photoshop 

Monster from the Watergate Lagoon

From Presidential Monsters

7.3" x 10.85" Photoshop

Illustrations © J. Anthony Kosar 
Characters © & TM their respective owners.
SILA Logo © Society of Illustrators.

Mask Making Student Spotlight: Brian Baity

BRIAN BAITY

(Art of Mask Making - October 2011 Student)

"This would not have been possible without the help of Kosart Effects Studios. For anyone out there that is thinking about taking Anthony's class, go ahead and DO IT! You will walk away with sooo much knowledge." ~ Brian Baity

See Brian's HARLEY QUINN and JOKER masks:

 Enroll in the next ART OF MASK MAKING

by January 22nd!!

 Sundays: Jan 22 & 29 and Feb 5 & 12 

ENROLLMENT DEADLINE: Sun January 22nd

Create, wear, and display your own mask!  In this course taught by artist J. Anthony Kosar, you will learn the professional process on how to design, create, and finish your own latex half-mask, beginning with character/creature concept design fundamentals. Next you will learn sculpting techniques used by FX masters in the industry, how to properly mold your sculpture in stone, and how to cast your mask in rubber latex.  Finally, you will learn various professional approaches to painting and finishing your mask for display, portfolio, and for wear.  This course will consist of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on learning.  All materials included, including a sculpting tool set for you to keep!  Be prepared to take notes. 

Course Fee: $400 (Tools & Materials Included) 

 ENROLL HERE

Harley Quinn & Joker Masks © Brian Baity; Photo courtesy Brian Baity.

Art of Mask Making Image © J. Anthony Kosar & Kosart Effects Studios, LLC.

All Rights Reserved.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Winter ART & FX Classes NOW ENROLLING

Visit our new FX class website: KOSART ATELIER

____________________________________________________

   

Saturday January 14 & Sunday January 15 

ENROLLMENT DEADLINE: Mon January 9th

In this intense 2-Day workshop taught by artist J. Anthony Kosar, you will learn the professional process and techniques on how to take a full-face (half-head) life-cast utilizing alginate and a full-head / shoulders life-cast utilizing silicone.  You will then learn how to cast and clean the life-cast, as well as to prepare it for creating custom prosthetics by creating a corrected positive from the original life-cast.  Students will participate by taking turns assisting the instructor during the life-casting processes of the model.  Finally, students will make a life-cast of their own hand that they get to keep!  This workshop consists of demonstration and HANDS-ON learning.  NOTE: students will not be creating their own head life-casts in this seminar, but will be working together on one model.  Be prepared to take notes.

Workshop Fee: $275  (Materials Included)

 ENROLL HERE

____________________________________________________

 Saturdays: Jan 21 & 28 and Feb 4 & 11 

ENROLLMENT DEADLINE: Mon January 9th

In this course taught by artist J. Anthony Kosar, you will learn the professional process on how to design and create Make-up FX for film, theater, media, and fun.  Beginning with theatrical make-up fundamentals, you will learn how to design character and age make-ups, as well as injury and wound simulation make-ups.  Next you will learn various 2D make-up application techniques and basic "out of the kit" 3D construction make-ups used by FX masters in the industry. Finally, students will learn various professional approaches to acting through make-up and building your Make-up FX portfolio. This course will consist of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on learning.  All materials included, including a personalized Make-Up FX Kit for you to keep!  Be prepared to take notes. 

Course Fee: $425  (Make-Up & Materials Included)

 ENROLL HERE

 ____________________________________________________

 

Sundays: Jan 22 & 29 and Feb 5 & 12 

ENROLLMENT DEADLINE: Sun January 22nd

Create, wear, and display your own mask!  In this course taught by artist J. Anthony Kosar, you will learn the professional process on how to design, create, and finish your own latex half-mask, beginning with character/creature concept design fundamentals. Next you will learn sculpting techniques used by FX masters in the industry, how to properly mold your sculpture in stone, and how to cast your mask in rubber latex.  Finally, you will learn various professional approaches to painting and finishing your mask for display, portfolio, and for wear.  This course will consist of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on learning.  All materials included, including a sculpting tool set for you to keep!  Be prepared to take notes. 

Course Fee: $400 (Tools & Materials Included) 

 ENROLL HERE

  ____________________________________________________ 

Need a creative gift for the Holidays

or a special occasion?

Kosart Atelier Gift Certificates are a great way to show your support for your loved one's creative interests and aspirations.  Purchaser can choose any amount.  Gift certificates are redeemable by the recipient for enrollment into any classes and/or workshop offered by Kosart Effects Studios on the Kosart Atelier website.  More information HERE

  ____________________________________________________ 

Images © J. Anthony Kosar & Kosart Effects Studios, LLC.

All Rights Reserved.

 

First Annual MALEFICIUM Dark Art Exhibition - Opening Reception Oct 29

Kosart Effects Studios and Gallery cordially invites you to the
First Annual MALEFICIUM Dark Art Exhibition

a Halloween Themed Art Show featuring Award Winning Artists of All Media!!  Artist List Below!

Please join us for the inaugural event at Kosart Effects Studios & Gallery:
Exhibition Opening and Artist Reception
Saturday, October 29, 2011, 6:30pm to Midnight
Costumes and Creative Attire Optional.

The MALEFICIUM Exhibition runs
October 29th through December 2nd.
Gallery hours (Oct 30 to Dec 2nd) by Appointment Only.
Please call to schedule an appointment: 630.310.8353


At Kosart Effects Studios & Gallery
760 Burr Oak Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
Click HERE for Directions

Exhibiting Artists in the First Annual

MALEFICIUM Dark Art Exhibition 

include:

Tony Akins 
Kurt Anderson
Charlie Athanas
Kyle Bice
Brian Busch
Melita “MissMonster” Curphy
Dave Dorman
Ray Frenden
Aron Gagliardo
Ashton Gallagher
Tom Herzberg
Douglas Klauba
Kenn Kooi
J. Anthony Kosar
Rich Kryczka
Larkin
Joseph Lester
Darick Maasen
Menton Matthews III
Matthew McCarty
Aaron Miller
Bill Reinhold
Chad Savage
Jason Seiler 
Tim Shumate
Ben Templesmith
Jill Thompson
Bill Ystrom

 Click HERE for Artist Bios!!

The Maleficium Show is sponsored by the HorrorSociety.com

 ____________________________

MALEFICIUM is a Latin term meaning "mischief" and is used to describe black magic and the dark arts.  The name was selected to represent this exhibit as a metaphor for the Halloween inspired artwork.


The Image used (above) for the First Annual MALEFICIUM: Dark Art Exhibition:

Nigredo Two
 by Menton Matthews III

18" by 24" Oil on Wood Panel,
Published in Ars Memoria #1.
This painting will be on display for the duration of the 2011 MALEFICIUM Show.
Image courtesy exhibiting artist Menton Matthews III.

Nigredo Two © Menton Matthews III.

Maleficium Exhibition © Kosart Effects Studios, LLC. 

All Rights Reserved.