KOSAR at IlluXCon Sept 11-15

Come visit me at IlluXCon in Allentown, PA this week at the Allentown Art Museum, and see one of the largest displays of original Fantasy / Imaginative Realist art in the world!  I can't tell you enough how honored I am to be included in this elite group for international artists, the best of the best!  I have my sculptures, including Boaris Frankenswine, and Smokey Joe & the Inferno, and others, as well as a few new pieces.  I have been juried into the Main Show that takes place all week, one of 4 sculptors selected (one of 54 artists total).  There is also the Weekend Salon, which includes 36 additional artists on Saturday and Sunday, and Friday night Showcase featuring 80 additional artists for one night.  I have only ever seen pictures of this show, but to see it in person and the scale of these original paintings and sculptures is overwhelming and inspiring.  My tables are between the amazing Thomas Kuebler and Vincent Villafranca.  I just got here yet I can't wait to get back in the studio to create, I am so inspired!  As fantasy art and special effects go inspire the creation of each other, today, Thursday September 12, from 1pm to 4pm, I will be doing a Make-Up FX demonstration, transforming Orbit Art Driector Lauren Panepinto into an Evil Sorceress before she does some portfolio reviews!  More info on IlluXCon HERE

Pictures courtesy IlluXCon, and copyright their respective artists.

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 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.

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.

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.

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!

Kosar's Artwork Featured in Creative Painting Guide Book

Three of my paintings ( Never Known, Never Forgotten; Second Thoughts; and Wrong Chord ) are featured in The Complete Photo Guide to Creative Painting. I had the priveledge of meeting one of the authors, Geri Greenman at the Norris Gallery's WATERCOLOR 09 Art Exhibit where three of my paintings were on display.

This book is a comprehensive how-to book about all aspects of creative painting. It serves as a reference and technique guide for painting with all types of craft and fine arts paints, including acrylics, oils, tempera, watercolor, and pastels. The organization provides easy access to information with step-by-step directions and 700 full-color photos for clear understanding. Galleries of artwork by a wide range of artists offer the reader examples of what can be done with each of the painting categories and inspiration to pursue the hobby for themselves.

Read an article about this book HERE

Buy this book HERE

Here are the pages my art is featured:

About the Authors:

Paula Guhin is a former educator, visual artist, photographer, and the author of the ever-popular Glorious Glue, Art with Adhesives (J. W. Walch) and Can We Eat the Art? (Incentive Publications). Articles have appeared in School Arts, Instructor, Teaching Today, and many more periodicals. She is also a contributing editor for Arts and Activities magazine.

Geri Greenman, a high school art teacher for thirty years, was honored with the Outstanding Achievement Award by her colleagues. She was a finalist for the Delores Kohl (International) Outstanding Service in the Field of Education award, a nominee for the Golden Apple, and listed in the Who's Who among America's Teachers. Geri Greenman has been writing for Arts and Activities magazine for 24 years, a contributing editor for 10 years, with 100 articles published.

Never Known, Never Forgotten ; Second Thoughts ; and Wrong Chord © J. Anthony Kosar.

All other art © the respective artists.

Book & Pages © Creative Publishing International, Inc.

Book Info & Author Bios from Amazon.com

All Rights Reserved.

"Satan's Murder Machine" wins Bronze!!!

Satans Murder Machine 7.3" x 10.85" Photoshop

I just received an email from the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles that my illustration was selected to receive the Bronze Award in the Graphic Novel / Comic Book category in Illustration West 49! This digital painting is the front cover for a graphic novel/novella adaptation of Norvell E. Page's epic SPIDER story (Satan's Murder Machines) retold as The Spider: The Iron Man War that is to be released in April by Moonstone Books! I am doing 33 illustrations total for this trade paperback, including front and back covers, a pin-up, and 30 interior illustrations. The SI-LA Illustration West 49 Show will open at Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra, CA on January 21, 2011 and will be up through January 31st. The show will also be online for viewing on the SI-LA website. Right now, I am not sure if I am able to travel to California for the show, but my painting will definitely be there!! I am so excited as last year I received the Gold Award in Illustration West 48 for my Spider illustration The Hunt, and this year I have another Spider illustration that placed!! This is a great way to start the New Year!!

Illustration © J. Anthony Kosar
Comic Book © Moonstone Entertainment, Inc.
Spider Character © its respective owners.
SILA Logo © Society of Illustrators.

DAILY WARM-UP 12/17/10: Giant

Today's daily warm-up is a man-eating giant with beady little eyes... spent about 2 hours on him.... Here he is in grayscale ...

...the painting process ...

... and here is a detail ...

Also view on my website HERE


Artwork © 2010 J. Anthony Kosar.

DAILY WARM-UP 12/14/10: Wild Thing

Today's daily warm-up is a wild-thing ape creature. Spent about 3 hours on him; I got really carried away by his facial details and texture. He went through some changes while designing him, but I am happy with how he turned out. Here he is in greyscale...

Here is the process... you can see the changes he went through...

...And here is a detail...

Also view on my website HERE


Artwork © 2010 J. Anthony Kosar.

More Art for The SPIDER: The Iron Man War

Master of the Machine 11.5" x 17" Photoshop

Here is my recently released pin-up art for Moonstone Books for their graphic novel/novella adaptation of Norvell E. Page's epic SPIDER story . . .

The SPIDER: The Iron Man War

. . . scheduled to hit comic shops and book stores April 2011. I will be doing front and back covers as well as all the interiors!! ... A total of 33 illustrations all together!

Originally meant to be 3 separate issues, this piece was to be the cover for the 3rd and final issue. But instead, it will be released as a single graphic novel! This piece will now be used as a pin-up inside the book. The 2nd issue cover being used on the back cover, with the original 1st issue cover illustration remaining on the front cover. Here is an article from Newsarama.com before the three issues became a single graphic novel HERE (the black and white painting used in the article isn't one of mine...My black and white illustrations will be posted when the book is released)

Here are some details of the painting (click image to view larger):

Art and Details can also be seen on my website: HERE

Story: Norvell W. Page, Howard Hopkins
Cover and Interior Art: J. Anthony Kosar
Moonstone Books 66pgs, greyscaled painted b/w, squarebound, $7.99

A HISTORIC UNVEILING!

A story so action packed, that it wouldn’t be fair to have anyone wait to read it as separate issues! A Wide-Vision graphic novel by award-winning painter J. Anthony Kosar, based on the novel published in the Dec. 1939 issue of THE SPIDER!

THE SPIDER—cloaked, fanged nightmare in black—delivers swift justice with a pair of .45 automatics. Midnight shadows cast doom over exclusive Sutton Place—under attack by new evil in terror warfare—a sinister criminal mastermind in power armor named The Iron Man!

Read the story (originally The SPIDER: Satans Murder Machines) that Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster used for a 1940 SUPERMAN comic strip and that Stan Lee/Larry Lieber used for the 1963 story in TALES OF SUSPENSE #39!!

Make sure to read the interview at Newsarama.com!!

Artwork by J. Anthony Kosar.
Comic Book © Moonstone Entertainment, Inc.
Article © Newsarama.com
Characters © its respective owners.