Showing posts with label Random Updates. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Random Updates. Show all posts

Thursday, August 8, 2013

2 Shows, 1 Weekend: WIZARD & FLASHBACK


Be sure to stop by for the DC Comic JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #16 featuring my winning Super Hero Make-up Design from Face Off Season 4, THE INFERNAL CORE!  I will also have some signed prints, original sketches, t-shirts, sculptures, and other goodies!  Also, ask about our ART OF FX Classes taught at Kosart Atelier!



Face Off photos by Brett-Patrick Jenkins and Nicole Wilder-Shattuck, courtesy of Syfy.  
Infernal Core Comic Art courtesy DC Comics.
Wizard Logo & Flashback Logo © their respective owners.
Kosar Headshot © Kosart Effects Studios, LLC.  

Monday, December 10, 2012

Featured in BLICK Fall Catalog & Blood on the Plain!

Recently, my work was featured in the Blick Fall printed catalog, encouraging artists to "Try Something New" ... and in this case, they are talking about molding and casting.  Featured is the work I did in 2011 on the short film Blood on the Plain by Watercooler Productions where I created the indigenous creatures that slaughter the students at a High School dance.  Check out the feature online HERE and see some of the process of creating these monsters, as well as what materials you can use to create your own!! 

Blick has always been a big supporter of my work, thanks to my friend and fellow artist Kevin Sandstrom!  I used to work at the Blick in Wheaton during college when I would never take home a paycheck (I was buying art supplies to experiment and perfect my craft)!  I have been fortunate to be invited to do demos and appearances at the Blick store and the Blick booth at Wizard Comic Con and C2E2 over the years.  Blick is also one of the sponsors of my FX Classes and Workshops I teach at my studio.  So, I can definitely confirm what their slogan says, "Artists pick Blick!"

For those of you interested, you can watch BLOOD ON THE PLAIN on YouTube HERE
 


And see more pictures of the Making of the
BLOOD ON THE PLAIN Monsters on my website HERE


Sculpt & Process Pictures © J. Anthony Kosar.
Blood on the Plain © Watercooler Productions.
Blick Website image courtesy of Blick Art Materials.

Blog gets a Face-Lift!

Hey everyone.  My apologies for my lack of posts in the past year.  It was been a crazy year, and unfortunately, in my line of work, I can not always share what I am working on until it is officially released by the client.  But be sure that I intend to keep this blog updated with my personal projects from now on, as my personal art is what my main focus is as of late.  So please stay tuned!  Also, to energize my blog posts, I figured it time to give my blog a face-lift, making is nicer, cleaner, neater, and more organized.  Plus, as I have also been creating a new website for Kosart Effects Studios (you can still see the old site HERE), I have been making sure that all my sites have a similar look and feel.  So within the next month, I will introduce you to the new website for Kosart Effects Studios!  All that said, what do you think of the new blog layout?

Image © J. Anthony Kosar.

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.

Friday, March 30, 2012

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
12" x 5.75" Digitally Painted in Photoshop 

 
BRONZE AWARD
Run for your Life
12" x 5.75" Digitally Painted in Photoshop 


HONORABLE MENTION
March of the Machines
11" x 17.5" Digitally Painted in Photoshop 


Monster from the Watergate Lagoon
7.3" x 10.85" Photoshop


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

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.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

My Sister On Happily Divorced - Premieres Tonight 6-15-11 10:30/9:30c


Be sure to tune in to the premiere of the new TV Land sitcom Happily Divorced tonight, Wednesday, June 15th 10:30/9:30c. The show stars Fran Drescher (The Nanny) and is based off her life with her real ex-husband. My sister Melissa Kosar has been working on this show as a director-in-training since the pilot episode WHICH AIRS TONIGHT on TV Land!! Plus, she will be in front of the camera in tonight's pilot episode as a background actor at the concert scene sitting just two seats away from Fran!

Here is Melissa with Fran Drescher, and Melissa's mentor Lee Shallat Chemel who directs this sitcom, among many others:(picture taken by G. Lurssen)

Read more of Melissa's Experience on her blog HERE and check out some of Melissa's filmwork on her WEBSITE and BLOG

Happily Divorced Photo copyrighted to respective owners at Happily Divorced/TV Land.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Blue Bunny Facepaintings!

I had an early call time yesterday morning at 3:30am for a very interesting and fun job: 8 face-paintings for Blue Chip Marketing Worldwide for a guerrilla marketing campaign throughout the hot spots in Chicago promoting Blue Bunny Ice Cream which is new to the Windy City and is available at Jewel. Eight improv actors from Chicago's Second City were wearing giant Blue Bunny Ice Cream carton heads created by limebarb.com and roaming various locations in Chicago spreading the word at Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo, Water Tower Place, Wrigley Field, Ogilvie Transportation Center, Millennium Park, and other places in Chicago. One of the characters even got on NBC morning news! Each face-painting took about 30 minutes.

Here are the two NBC 5 News Clips
(He totally startled the news anchors in the first clip!!):





Below are some pictures from the face-painting applications. I hope to get pictures of them in action on location soon.
(Click images to view larger)



See more pictures on my Facebook Page HERE


Sunday, May 8, 2011

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.

Kosar's Face/Body Art in Imagine FX

Last year, I did some face and body painting for Full Body of Horror & WildClaw Theatre's "Monster Draw" event that they hold periodically throughout the year. In the May 2011 issue of Imagine FX magazine, there was a plug for the Monster Draw event that featured my face and body art on artist and model Sophia Rapata. Check it out here:


Face & Body Painting © 2010 J. Anthony Kosar.
Artwork © the Respective Artists.
Photos in Imagine FX by WildClaw Theatre, courtesy of Charlie Athanas.
Bottom Full Body Photo by Kosart Effects Studios, LLC.
Magazine Content © Imagine FX.

A New Door Opens...

As I am slowly relocating my studio to my first commercial gallery/studio/workshop, I get geeked out by every little addition to the space. I now have my company name "Kosart Effects Studios, LLC" on the business directory marquee for the business park, as well as on the front and back door! Here is a picture of the signage on my front door taken by my sister:

And here is my studio "skull" key in the lock. The key is nothing less than "BAD ASS," a present given to me by my sister!

Photos by Melissa Kosar.
All Rights Reserved.

Live Sculpting at Blick's 100th Anniversary Follow-Up

On Wednesday, April 27th, I sculpted live at Blick Art Materials' 100th Anniversary Event at the Blick store in Wheaton, IL. Blick is one of my sponsors for my FX Classes. There were a lot of people who came out to wish Blick a Happy 100th Birthday, and I really enjoyed sculpting and promoting my classes. The mask I was sculpting at the event was the sculpt I started as a sculpting demo for my inaugural mask course in April. Just like the C2E2 Hulk bust, this sculpture has to take a back seat to my real projects, but I will hopefully finish this creature soon. Here are some pictures from the event:


Artwork, WIP Sculpt, and Masks © J. Anthony Kosar.
Photos by Kevin Sandstrom.
All Rights Reserved.

C2E2 2011 Follow-Up

As mentioned in my previous post, I have been a little behind on my blog entries due to all the projects I've been working on. C2E2: Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo 2011 turned out to be a great show. I was the featured artist at the Blick Art Material's booth, doing a sculpture live all weekend. Blick is one of the sponsors for my classes I am teaching out of my new studio, and was there promoting the classes, generating a lot of interest. As is any convention, it is fun seeing friends and colleagues, as well as meeting fans and making new ones. All weekend, I was working on a sculpted bust of the Hulk based off a concept sketch I did, that still is a work in progress. Soon, once my projects slow down, I will have to come back to him and finish the sculpt. A special thank you to my friend and fellow artist Kevin Sandstrom, the General Manager at Blick in Wheaton, for including me at the event! Here are some of the pictures from the show:

Artist Diosdado "Dodie" Mondero and I at my booth.

Artwork, WIP Sculpt, and Masks © J. Anthony Kosar.
Photos by Bear McGivney, Diosdado Mondero, Kevin Sandstrom.