My Patreon is Now Live!

Finally got the last few details in, and officially launched my page. I will be offering free content for the first two weeks to give people a chance to see what I will be producing. Right now, the videos may not be top notch but I intend to improve that as I go along.

I would love if you would join me in this venture!

My first piece of content is just a basic overview of the tools and supplies I use.

 

Here is My Patreon. Check it out, and please know that I’m definitely open to feedback and ideas if you have them. Leave any thoughts in comments below.

Thanks!

 

 

Putting The Word Out

I have yet to officially publish my Patreon page, but it shouldn’t be long before it’s ready. Here is my introduction video to get you familiar with the ideas behind what I’m doing. I will post the link when ready soon. Keep your eyes on this spot.

Some Of My Favorite Artists

Before I get to some of the artists I enjoy, I wanted to let everyone know that I’m building a Patreon for my work. My goal is to provide more interactive content than I can provide with just a blog, as well as other perks that come with membership. I’m working out the details now, but I will be aiming to offer something unique for people who offer support. I will post as soon as things are ready to launch, so please keep a look out.

In the meantime, I wanted to make time to share the work of other artists that I admire. A great deal of art types has influenced me over the years, and also mystifies me in how they are created. I can’t imagine how long it must take to complete some of these pieces, but they were all well worth the effort.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/38/f0/fa/38f0fabeb279b03e3fe5b48f862d3d46.jpg

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/f8/92/41/f89241995c1878cdf5ea0de687234cd1.jpg

Josephine Wall’s artwork is both mesmerizing and inviting in a way that draws you in to every detail. I have a calendar with her work in it, and I’m hoping to get another for next year. Not only are there a myriad of animals, but often gorgeous environments and mythical gods and goddesses.

Out of respect to the artist, I will not post images here, since I see no disclaimer stating whether or not it’s permitted.

However, Alex Ries has been one of my favorites on Deviant Art for a few years now. I absolutely love science fiction, and the artwork and concepts this artist creates are truly and wonderfully alien. Please check him out here

This amazing 3D experience was created by Android Jones. It is some of the most intricate work made using software. It’s a combination of drawing with three dimensional elements blended. It is psychedelic and spiritual in nature, so don’t be too surprised if you get a chill when watching the video. There are prints, apparel, tapestries & holograms available through his site here http://androidjones.com/

https://cdn.pastemagazine.com/www/articles/imageedit_49_8566043172.jpg

Masamune Shirow’s “Ghost in the Shell” manga will forever be one of my favorite pieces of artwork. I own most of the issues released by Dark Horse back in the 90’s. I bought them around 1996 when I was about 14, and the concepts and details of this story have stayed with me ever since. The animated movie is also another great masterpiece which sticks faithfully to the source material. I loved Shirow’s style, and cherished the few full color pages that graced each issue. The black and white illustrations are also beautiful, and even the silly slapstick moments between characters draws you in. It makes me really appreciate the artist’s humor breaking through in those scenes, especially in something of such serious subject matter. Aside from the visual end, it’s definitely the idea of redefining what it is to be human that appeals to me so much.

Related imageRelated image

 

I got an art book by Boris Vallejo  & his wife Julie Bell on a whim at a Barnes & Nobles many years ago, and I was quite impressed by their work. I believe they both do mostly fantasy work, and use oil paints. I love the realism and detail in the work, and the use of vibrant color. You can visit their site here http://www.borisjulie.com/

Image result for boris vallejo mermaid

Related image

 

Until next post, see you later.

Newest Turtle Artwork & Videos

I recently finished up two 8″ x 10″ pieces of two North American species, and have made drawing process videos of them as well. When looking at the average algae covered pond turtle, it’s easy to forget just how colorful some of them can be. The Wood Turtle is a great example of that, with their bright orange skin. So too are Spotted Turtles, with orange to peach scaling on their front legs, and many pale yellow spots.

I wanted to capture these two turtle species in their native habitats, so they are as described below.

The Wood Turtle is not strictly aquatic, often venturing out on land half of the time. However, in the artwork I have one swimming through a creek (or river) accompanied by a small school of minnows. A stand of trees in the woods shows just at the water’s surface.

The Spotted Turtle swims under aquatic plants and their hanging roots. The water is shallow and tinged yellow with tannin from dead and decaying trees.

Here are the process videos!

And here are the links where you can shop for products made with these pieces printed on them!

Sell Art Online

Photography Prints
 

I’ve developed a soft spot for turtles over the years, from both becoming enamored with local pond residents and rescuing injured or disoriented turtles. I now have two of my own as part of my family. Both were adopted from the Mid-Atlantic Turtle & Tortoise Society, whom I connected with through the wonderful Turtle Forum. Through them I learned about just how many turtles are abandoned and cast off as if throwaway items. I also learned how unique and personable turtles can truly be. No, they are not animals who are soft and cuddly, nor do most of them care for much handling. But they do interact with their owners, they have favorite foods, and some even enjoy a good shell scratch (They do get itchy, especially during a growth spurt). There are even some who actually want to be pet, or held, but it depends on the turtles disposition.

I have also met wonderful people who love them just as I do, and have expert knowledge on their care. A pet turtle or tortoise is a serious consideration as a pet, not just in terms of care, but also in longevity. Some are capable of outliving their owners, especially tortoises.

So, in appreciation of my artwork, I hope that people will also see the importance of the species depicted, both wild and captive, whether they be pets or wildlife that needs protection.

Here is a list of some great links about turtles. Stay tuned for more!