Showing posts with label Halloween. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Halloween. Show all posts

Friday, May 29, 2015

KOSART at MHC


Stop by Kosart booth #335 at Midwest Haunters Convention this weekend!  Meet Face Off Season 4 Champion and Season 8 Coach and Award Winning Artist J. Anthony Kosar, along with Face Off Season 8 Contestant Jamie Leodones!  Get their autographs and FREE photo ops!  Ben Peter from Season 8 will also be hanging around the booth!  Watch our LIVE Make-Up FX Demo on Saturday!  AND we will be selling Make-Ups and the Kosart Phantom Pro Airbrush, along with J. Anthony Kosar's art prints!  Ask about our FX Classes!  Don't Miss the FUN!

More info at MHC Website HERE

Photos © 2015 Kosart Studios, LLC.  
Midwest Haunters Convention Logo © its respective owners.
All Rights Reserved.


Friday, October 3, 2014

FREE MONSTER MASK GIVE-AWAY


Enter the FREE Kosart Effects 2014 Halloween MONSTER MASK GIVE-AWAY!  4 Masks, 3 Social Networks, 4 Chances to WIN!  One Mask raffled off each week from now until Halloween!  Masks Signed by Mask Designer / Sculptor / Face Off Champion J. Anthony Kosar!  Win LION on Twitter ending 10/10.  Win SATANIC PANIC on Facebook ending 10/17.  Win BITE YOUR TONGUE on Instagram ending 10/24.  Win GARGOYLE on Facebook ending 10/31.  Here is how to enter in 3 simple steps:


RULES:


STEP 1:  Follow / LIKE page @KOSARTeffects on Specified Social Network: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.

STEP 2:  Like / Favorite this Contest Image Post on Specified Social Network.

STEP 3: Share, ReTweet, or RePost Contest Image to your Friends / Followers and be sure to Mention @KOSARTeffects and Tag post with #KosartMaskGiveAway

Winners selected at random by searching the tag #KosartMaskGiveAway on the specified Social Network.  One winner selected from Twitter on 10/11 for Lion Mask.  One winner selected from Facebook on 10/18 for Satanic Panic Mask. One winner selected from Instagram on 10/25 for Bite Your Tongue Mask.  One final winner selected from Facebook on 11/1 for Gargoyle Mask.  You can enter ALL four contests on all three social networks, or you can just enter one. It’s up to you!




Masks designed and sculpted by J. Anthony Kosar for Zagone Studios.
Masks © J. Anthony Kosar & Zagone Studios, LLC. 

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

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 

 
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.

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.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

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.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

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) 



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.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Winter ART & FX Classes NOW ENROLLING


____________________________________________________

   
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)

____________________________________________________

 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)



 ____________________________________________________

 
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) 



  ____________________________________________________ 


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.
 

Friday, October 21, 2011

EXTREME FACE-PAINTING Demo at Blick TONIGHT 10/21!

Come visit me TONIGHT Oct 21st from 5pm-7pm at BLICK ART MATERIALS in Wheaton, IL where I will be doing an EXTREME FACEPAINTING demonstration... not just your pretty little butterflies, hearts, and rainbows... we are talking MONSTERS!!!  Blick will be having a DOUBLE DISCOUNT EVENT all weekend Oct 21-23rd with various demos, so be sure to stop by! Here is the coupon... (click to enlarge and print)



I HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!

Dick Blick Art Materials®, Blick®, Blick Studio®, and Artists Pick Blick®
are registered trademarks of Dick Blick Holdings Inc.
© Copyright 1999-2011 Dick Blick Holdings Inc. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

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:



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.

Fantasy Costumes Open 24 Hours for 10 Days before Halloween!


Be sure to visit Fantasy Costumes, Chicago’s COSTUME SUPERSTORE, featuring the largest selection of Halloween costumes, Halloween masks, make-up, costume wigs and accessories for all ages. They also offer a large selection of rental costumes, mascot costumes, theater costumes, women’s human hair wigs and men’s hair pieces. One stop shopping for ALL your Halloween needs!!  Visit their website HERE





Also, please vote for Fantasy Costumes to be named BEST COSTUME SHOP on Fox Chicago's Mojopages!!  If you write a review, you will receive 10% off your next purchase or rental on their page!!  Voting ends in 4 days from this post!!  So VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!!!  Vote HERE

Kosart Effects Studios is proud to have Fantasy Costumes
as a sponsor of our FX Courses, . . .
so please patronize our generous sponsor!!


Logo © Fantasy Costumes HDQ: www.fantasycostumes.com

Friday, October 7, 2011

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


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.

Dance of the Demented images


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.

 
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.


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

Monday, September 26, 2011

Enroll in the ART OF MASK MAKING - 4 Day Course!!!

Mask Class Testimonials - Mitchell and Martos on Black

Create and wear your own mask this Halloween! In this intense 4-Day HANDS-ON 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.

Art of Mask Making Course Schedule:
All classes will be scheduled on Sundays from 10am to 4pm with a lunch break.
First class begins October 2, and continues October 9, October 16, and October 23.

ENROLL BY FIRST DAY OF CLASS:
Sunday, October 2nd - At Door


Enrollments accepted at the door on first class date of Oct 2nd, however, this class is filling up quick, so enroll now and reserve your seat!!

ENROLL TODAY, CLICK HERE!!

See pictures from the April and June 2011
Art of Mask Making courses HERE and below:







View the June 2011 slide show on the KOSARTeffects Flickr page HERE






View the April 2011 slide show on the KOSARTeffects Flickr page HERE

Photographs by Kosart Effects Studios, LLC, unless otherwise stated.
All Mask Designs Copyright their Respective Artists.
All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Kosart Effects Studios at FLASHBACK WEEKEND!!!

Come visit me at FLASHBACK WEEKEND CHICAGO HORROR CONVENTION from August 12 to August 14, 2011 at Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare! Yes, it is the same weekend as Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, BUT RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET!! So come on over and have a scary good time with tons of Horror celebs! See me sculpting a creature mask LIVE! Be sure to ask us about our Kosart Effects FX Classes and Workshops, and see a preview of the latest collectors masks from Kosart Effects Studios, to be available later this year! Also see my masks that I designed and sculpted for Zagone Studios!

Flashback Weekend is an annual horror-themed convention held in Rosemont, IL, just North of Chicago near O'Hare Airport. FBW also owns/operates the Midway Drive In and does special genre-related events throughout the year.

More info: Flashback Weekend

Zombie Photo © J. Anthony Kosar.
Flashback Weekend Logo © Flashback Weekend.
All Rights Reserved.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Presidential MONSTERS at SDCC!

About a couple months ago, I did a project for a new action figure toy line, Presidential MONSTERS! These figures are a hybrid between the classic monsters and the American presidents. They are fully pose-able, with real clothes, and styled like the vintage Mego figures. They are being officially released at San Diego Comic Con this weekend July 21-24th 2011 at the Presidential MONSTERS booth #3449!


I was brought on to do three of the seven character illustrations for the packaging cards: Richard Nixon as "Monster from the Watergate Lagoon," George W. Bush as "Zom-Bush," and John F. Kennedy as "The Phantom of the White House." The images were painted wide to fit the back of the card as well as the front.

Here is the art:
(click pictures to view larger)


Here are some details of the art:
(click pictures to view larger)


As each character has a theme color, the theme color for Nixon "Monster from the Watergate Lagoon" is orange, so the original approved colors of the final illustration were adjusted by the packaging designer for continuity of the set between artists. You can see the package version of Nixon and Zom-Bush below which you can also get as T-Shirts:


I had a very tight deadline for this project as the art had to go to the factory in order to be printed on the packaging cards in time to have everything ready to be released by this weekend at the San Diego Comic Con. Plus, I was working on these illustrations when I was finishing the creation of 3 creatures for the film Blood on the Plain, but luckily I was able to complete these 3 creatures as well as the film's 3 creatures in time! They started off as traditional gouache paintings, but once I was about 50% finished, I completed painting them digitally in Photoshop in order to meet the deadline.

Here are what the toys look like:
(click pictures to view larger)


Here is the whole line:
(click picture to view larger)


They even are making MINI Presidential MONSTERS:
(click picture to view larger)


If you are going to be at San Diego Comic Con this weekend July 21-24th 2011, be sure to stop by the Presidential MONSTERS booth #3449 where you can be the first to own these monster presidents and t-shirts featuring my artwork!! The booth is right next to the Mezco Toys booth. Also be sure to visit booths Heroes West Coast #729 and Toy Tokyo #5437! I unfortunately will be unable to attend SDCC 2011 to see the offical Presidential MONSTER release, but if you go, send me some pictures of the Monsters!!

These toys will be hitting the shelves at various national retailers, toy stores, and novelty shops very soon. Also, some REALLY BIG news about this haunted toy line is also coming soon, so keep posted!

Monster Nixon, Bush, and Kennedy Illustrations by J. Anthony Kosar.
Photos of Toys and Logos courtesy
Heroes In Action Toys.
Presidential Monsters, Toys, and Art © 2011 Heroes In Action Toys, LLC.
All Rights Reserved.