Kosar's work in IMAGINATIVE REALISM Show

I have my mini "Smokey Joe and the Inferno" in the IMAGINATIVE REALISM art show at the Yellow Springs Brewery in Yellow Springs, OH that is opening tomorrow Saturday October 4th from 6-9pm! This awesome show is curated by Travis Lewis and contains the work of a collective of amazing artists including Travis Lewis, Allen Williams, J Anthony Kosar, Fred Fields, Mark Poole, Chris Seaman, Dan Chudzinski, Alessandra Pisano, Tom Taggart, Matt Tisdale, Jacob Walker, Aaron B Miller and others.  If you are in Ohio this weekend, be sure to visit! Show runs through November 2nd, check it out!

Art in Imaginative Realism image © their respective artists.  

Mini Smokey Joe and the Inferno © J. Anthony Kosar.  

Photos of Mini Smokey Joe and the Inferno by Bear McGivney.

Face Off Episode 507 Critique

As we are gearing up to watch tonight's episode of Face Off, here it my critique from last week's episode 7 of season 5 on Syfy.com.

In this episode, the one and only Mistress of the Dark, Elvira drops in for the Foundation Challenge in which artists had to create a younger, hip, edgy version of herself.  I feel that Roy was the only one who met all aspects of this challenge, and I fully agree with his victory.  I also really liked Laura's foundation challenge, and felt is was beautiful and should have been on the cover of a fashion magazine, or walking down a runway.  Even though I really liked Laura's, there was nothing "Elvira" about it.

For the Spotlight Challenge, the contestants had to create a character that can live within an iconic art movement: Cubism, Surrealism, Pop Art, Expressionism, or Constructivism.  This is a challenge based on what I love: Art History.  Personally, I feel about half of the artists did not understand the particular art movement they selected.  For instance, Alana's character could fit better in the world of Cubism rather than Constructivism.  Eddie selected Expressionism, yet chose Van Gogh, a Post Impressionist to influence his character design.  The victor, Laura, understood her art movement, and created a stunning character with bold shapes and colors that looked like it walked right out of a Cubism painting.  As an artist, though I do not like Cubism or Picasso, I loved Laura's character and would say that it is my favorite character make-up Laura created in both her Season 3 and thus far Season 5.  I also want to note that I really enjoyed Frank's character as well, and felt his not only should have been in top looks, but would have been a close second to Laura's make-up.  Frank's character not only fit the theme and his art movement, but he was the only artist to create a background attached to the model, so that his make-up was not just a figure on a blank white canvas, it was a full composition filling the frame.

Overall, I feel most of the make-ups were amazing, and it was a fun challenge to watch.  I definitely wish we had a challenge like this on my season!

Be sure to send in your viewer questions for me to answer during these web critiques on the Face Off Facebook page HERE, and watch me critique all the odd numbered episodes of Season 5, returning to critique episode 9.  Also, during the episodes all season long on Tuesdays at 9/8c, tweet LIVE with me on Twitter @KOSARTeffects to show our support of the contestants and cheer them on as we all watch together!

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.

Kosar's FRANKENSWINE in SPECTRUM 19 & at Live Show!

After entering Spectrum over the past few years, I finally got a piece in!  Boaris Frankenswine, my life-size monster pig sculpture was accepted into SPECTRUM 19: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art!!  This annual book features the best of the best, artists who I have long admired and studied their work.  I am so incredibly honored and humbled to be included amongst such talent!  As I do all forms of art, many of my paintings and illustrations have received recognition in various international and national competitions, but it is very encouraging that my sculpture now has been recognized.  Thank you so much to Spectrum and all the accomplished judges for this honor!  Be sure to order your copy HERE!  And thank you Bear McGivney for the beautiful pictures he took of my Boaris!

Back in Spring 2012, I exhibited my work at the Spectrum Fantastic Art LIVE in Kansas City, and had Boaris Frankenswine on display.  So far, it was my favorite of all conventions and trade shows I have been to as I had a blast bumping shoulders with some of the finest artists in the industry.  Boaris received a warm welcome from artists and fans alike, and many visitors to the show said Boaris was one of their favorite pieces they saw all weekend!  There is nothing better than having artists like Boris Vallejo, Julie Bell, Thomas Kuebler, Tim Bruckner, Travis Louie, Michael Whelan, and more stop to see my monster pig!  Here are some pictures from the event (click to view larger):

Boaris guarding my booth at Spectrum Fantastic Art LIVE 2012.

With legendary artists Boris Vallejo & Julie Bell.

With the amazing artists Brom and his wife Laurielee.

With master painter Donato Giancola.

With internationally renowned artist Iain McCaig.

With Spectrum Grand Master Michael Whelan.

With talented illustrator Mark Nelson of Grazing Dinosaur Press.

With Bobby Chiu, Kei Acedera, and Peter Chan of Imaginism Studios.

Bobby is holding my Squiddles mask with a custom paint job, given to Bobby at the show.

With the "Sculptor of the Bizarre" Thomas Kuebler.

With master sculptor Tim Bruckner.

With monster artist Travis Louie.

With fellow Presidential Monster artist Jason Edmiston.

With my dad, my right hand man!

If you missed the first Spectrum Fantastic Art LIVE, be sure to mark your calendars for Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 2 in Kansas City May 17 to 19, 2013.  More info HERE.  I will be exhibiting there again, bring along a whole new body of work consisting of original sculptures and paintings.  And who knows, Boaris may make another appearance... we'll see ;)

Boaris Frankenswine © J. Anthony Kosar.

Boaris Frankenswine Photo by Bear McGivney.

Spectrum 19 © Cathy Fenner and Arnie Fenner / Spectrum Fantastic Art, LLC.

Artwork in pics © respective artists.

KOSAR in SPLASH 13: The Best of Watercolor!

I am so honored to have had my painting Never Known, Never Forgotten accepted into SPLASH 13: Alternative Approaches.  This annual features the best in watercolor, and includes so many beautiful works of art from so many talented watercolorists!  They say that painting with watercolor is the hardest form of painting as it is an unforgiving media.  Mistakes can not be covered or painted over like other forms of painting due to the transparent quality of watercolor, and once the white of the paper is lost, you can never get it back.  Most watercolorists allow the water to do its thing.  As a hyper-realist, I like to be in complete control of the watercolor.  I feel that controlling watercolor is like controlling the uncontrollable, and that challenge is why I love it!  Thank you to F+W Media, and North Light Books for this honor! 

Be sure to get your copy today HERE.

Never Known, Never Forgotten

by J. Anthony Kosar   14"x11" Watercolor & Gouache on Illustration Board

Looking for a gift for the holidays?  If you are interested in purchasing a pack of greeting cards or a limited edition, signed and numbered giclée print of Never Known, Never Forgotten, please email studio@kosarteffects.com

Never Known, Never Forgotten © J. Anthony Kosar.

Splash 13 © F+W Media.

Featured in Portes Magazine!

Over the summer, I was featured in the first issue of Portes Magazine, a biannual "a celebration of the Best of Everything Greek. Everywhere. Open Doors."  I have always been proud of my Greek heritage, as I am 50% Greek on my Mother's side, and feel honored to be included in the first issue of this beautiful bold magazine!  Thank you to my friend Anthe Mitrakos for an amazing article!  Check out the Portes Magazine website, and if you are Greek, or just love Greek culture, be sure to get a subscription, you won't be disappointed!

Here is my 4 page Article:

(Click images to Enlarge)

Artwork © J. Anthony Kosar.

Portes Magazine & Article © Portes Magazine.

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.

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.

Live-Sculpting at WildClaw Theatre Gala Benefit!

Be sure to reserve your ticket for WildClaw Theatre's First Annual MASQUE of the RED DEATH Gala Benefit THIS Monday, October 10th!!  Come see me sculpting live during the evening!!  Also featured is their special guest Doug Jones, creature actor for Pan's Labrynth, Hellboy, Adaptation, and more!  There will also be artwork on display from Clive Barker, Dave Dorman, Tony Akins, Ray Frenden, and More.

Here is all the info:

Monday, October 10, 2011
Mars Gallery † 1139 W. Fulton Market, Chicago
6:30pm until the sounding of midnight upon the clock

PURCHASE TICKETS

WildClaw Theatre cordially invites you to our voluptuous scene, the First Annual Masque of the Red Death Gala Benefit. Come revel amidst members of Chicago’s own Horror Theatre. There will be buffoons, beauty, bounty and drink; amazing artists; musicians; and our special guest, actor Doug Jones (Pan's Labyrinth, Hellboy, Adaptation and more).  Food will be presented by Sazon Chicago!

Witness grotesque delights and dark spectacles, including: music; silent auctions; live horror sculpting by J. Anthony Kosar; and original art from Clive Barker (courtesy of Packer Schopf Gallery), Dave Dorman, Tony Akins, Ray Frenden and more. Commence your Halloween season with a grand fete featuring drinking, eating, dark art, tricks, treats and horror in support of WildClaw Theatre’s mission to bring the world of Horror to the Chicago stage.

• Dark attire is welcome, but not required.

• All art will be available for sale or auction.

TICKET OPTIONS:

Advance Tickets: $100 ($120 at the Door)

VIP Advance Tickets: $125 - Also includes:
• Ticket to WildClaw Theatre’s Fourth Annual DEATHSCRIBE: Festival of Radio Horror Plays on December 5, 2011 at the Mayne Stage.
• Ticket to the World Premiere of Scott T. Barsotti's KILL ME, opening February 13, 2012 at the Athenaeum Theatre.

More Information and

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

 
Images & Artwork © WildClaw Theatre and/or the respective artists.

New Site Launched for KOSART GALLERY!

With the opening of my new studio in April, I am proud to announce the new website for Kosart Gallery.  Please visit the site and be sure to check out the inaugural exhibition from Kosart Effects Studios & Gallery, the First Annual MALEFICIUM: Dark Art Exhibition (opening and artists reception on October 29th).  More info on the Maleficium exhibition coming in a following blog post.

Visit Kosart Gallery - CLICK HERE

Artwork and Logo © J. Anthony Kosar & Kosart Effects Studios, LLC.

All Rights Reserved.

Accepted into IWS 27th Annual

The Confrontation 12x5.75 Gouache on Illustration Board

My Spider painting The Confrontation was just juried into the Illinois Watercolor Society's 27th Annual Juried Exhibition. The show will be held at the The Next Picture Show Gallery in Dixon, IL from June 10th through July 16th, with the artist's reception on June 11, 2011. Be sure to check it out!

Accepted into SPLASH 13!!

Never Known, Never Forgotten 14x11 Gouache & Watercolor on Illustration Board

My most successful painting to date, Never Known, Never Forgotten was accepted into Splash 13: The Best of Watercolor!!! This is my first time entering this competition, and I am thrilled and honored to be included amongst such talented watercolorists, only 115 artists selected internationally! Splash 13 focuses on Alternative Approaches and I am really excited to share my unique approach to painting watercolors to the readers of the Splash books. The tentative publication date is June 7th, 2012, so be sure to reserve or order your copy once it is printed, or pick one up at your local book store! View the winner's list HERE

Never Known, Never Forgotten © J. Anthony Kosar. All Rights Reserved.

A Letter from Sara Karloff...

There was a great article on Trendhunter.com about by Boaris Frankenswine HERE. I can't believe how much attention he has received between online forums and news sites and television news segments! However, of all the attention and feedback, I can't tell you how thrilled I was when I received a letter back from Sara Karloff, the only child of the legendary Boris Karloff, about my Boaris Frankenswine. Here is what she said:

Dear Mr. Kosar:

I loved the photos of your Boaris Frankenswine It is such a creative and original idea and you have executed it brilliantly. I hope it did very well in the auction and with the public…it certainly should have.

Thank you so much for sharing it with me and for selecting my father as your subject.

Sara Karloff

Thank you Ms Karloff for the kind words and validation of my tribute to your father!

Boaris Frankenswine Design, Sculpt, & Paint by J. Anthony Kosar © 2011 J. Anthony Kosar.
Sculpted over “Pigs on Parade” Pig Form by Acme Design, Inc.
Studio Photo of Boaris by Bear McGivney.
Quote from personal letter sent to J. Anthony Kosar from Sara Karloff.

BOARIS FRANKENSWINE Auction Follow-up

I've been a little behind on my posts, so I am just now getting to a follow-up entry on the Havana Nights Live Auction & Benefits and my final farewell to my creation, Boaris Frankenswine. It was already a crazy night, rushing home from C2E2 where I was the Blick Art Material's featured artist sculpting live. I will admit, I was a little tense as I knew what was to come, the auction. Being an artist, and spending so much time on my creations (in Boaris Frankenswine's case: 2.5 months), I do have a hard time giving up my work. I put a piece of myself in every work of art that I create, my heart and soul, and blood, sweat, and tears (in a metaphorical sense of course), pushing myself to out-due all the work I've done previous. This was definitely the case with Boaris Frankenswine, as I not only pushed myself to create what I saw in my head, but I went way beyond the expectations of this project completely re-sculpting the Acme pig-form instead of only painting the pig as did the other artists.


Long story short, and a couple drinks later, Boaris was next on the auction block, in fact he was the first of the pigs up for auction! They said that initially Boaris was scheduled to go last, but they decided to put him first to get the ball rolling, get higher bids for the other pigs, and so that the bidders wouldn't hold out on the other pigs to wait for Boaris. It was a smart move as all the pigs' biddings far exceeded the expectations of the event organizers! Boaris started at $500, and kept climbing higher and higher! With each bid, the crowd went wild, until the McKendry family won the bid at $5,500, one of the highest ticket items for the night! It was such a rush and a relief when it was over. Boaris found a great home at the McKendry house, as Mr. McKendry is a collector of pop culture memorabilia, including comic books, so I know that Boaris will be taken care of. Plus, it feels really great knowing that my creation helped raise quite a bit of money for the private St.Alphonsus/St. Patrick's Grade School in Lemont, IL, and is a contribution that will not only help the current students, but students from generations to come. Definitely a cool growing experience!

Here I am with the proud new parents of Boaris Frankenswine, Mr. and Mrs. McKendry:

Here I am with the organizer of the event and all the piggy-mania, Mrs. Lisa Simone Porter:
Boaris Frankenswine Design, Sculpt, & Paint by J. Anthony Kosar © 2011 J. Anthony Kosar.
Sculpted over “Pigs on Parade” Pig Form by Acme Design, Inc.
Studio Photo of Boaris and Kosar by Bear McGivney.
All other photos by Kosart Effects Studios, LLC.
Other pigs © the respective artists.