Through the Eyes of a Painter

I put together a slideshow showing the progress on my Tiger painting. I have found that taking photos along the way really helps me to figure out what is working and what isn't in the composition. Plus it is nice to see the progress unfold. 

"Star Wars" designer Ralph McQuarrie dead at 82 - CBS News : 'via Blog this' A phenomenal artist, illustrator and human being Ralph McQuarrie has passed away at the age of 82. Most notably remembered in the Sci-Fi community for his concept art for Star Wars, McQuarrie contributed his vision to many of the ground breaking science fiction classics of the 70's and 80's such as Battle Star Galactica, Back to the Future, E.T.  and Close Encounters to name just a few. What many may not realize is that his work was not relegated to that of just Science Fiction but also Science Fact. During the Space Race McQuarrie worked with NASA on the Apollo Missions. "I was very happy to have contributed to the  Apollo  missions. I worked on paintings used in the animated films, to show the rocket streaking through the sky with flames jetting out, the stages and boosters dropping, altitude changes, and coverage behind the moon where TV transmission was blocked...

Moleskine Star Wars Pocket Plain Notebook (3.5 x 5.5), MoleskineUS : 'via Blog this' This is the new Star Wars Moleskine and it is awesome. I am totally adding this to my wish list. Here is some detail from the Moleskine website: Join Luke and the Rebel Alliance with the Moleskine Star Wars Large Plain Notebook. Emblazoned in metallic bronze, the dramatic cover features the classic Star Wars logo and iconic title crawl phrase from Episode IV, surrounded by white faraway stars. The paper band dazzles with a full-color X-Wing image. Inside the front cover is the unforgettable quote “Man your ships. And may the force be with you.” Enjoy all the traditional Moleskine features with an added bonus – tucked away in the rear accordion pocket, you receive a print (6.25” x 8.75”) of the original 1977 movie poster

TOM HUSSEY Lifestyle Advertising Photography New York / Dallas : When you look in the mirror who do you see looking back at you? Do you see the man or woman you are today or the youth of yesterday? As one grows older there are many reasons why we look back to our past. Whether to remember the strength and independence of our former self or the promise of the future story yet to be written. Tom Hussey captures so many emotions in his series of photographs called "Reflections". The body of work is truly moving. I believe the most poignant is the woman in the nursing home or hospital who sees her younger self as a nurse. Someone who spent so much time taking care of others now must submit to the care of another. Please take some time to look over this wonderful series of photos. 'via Blog this'

 Well here are a couple new shots of my pal the Tiger.  As you can see I am still working on the underpainting stage. This first one is from a couple days ago. I am spending a little more time on this stage to build up the layers of shadow. This should pay off when I get to the oil stage. The second picture below was taken earlier tonight. I am still working on the position of his paw. I have moved it a couple times. I think I am finally done moving it.  I like the sense of motion this has now. I've also feathered in some suggestion of grass and weeds. I think he is coming along pretty well.

"Tiger, Tiger burning bright in the forest of the night..." William Blake I know its been a while since I've posted. Life has been kinda crazy but this past weekend I got some time to start working on a new painting. Here is a sneak peak. " The Tiger" by William Blake is one of my favorite poems and for some reason it has been going through my head over and over so I have taken this as cue for my next painting.  This is the very early stages I've got the main features sketched on the canvas and have begun the under painting. To start I have prepped my canvas with a Gray Gesso. I will complete the under painting with black, white acrylics. Once I'm done with this stage I will add the color with Oil. This style of painting works for me and I think it is because I spent so much time drawing with pencil. Starting out in shades of black, white and gray and working with shadows to build the contours. In a lot of ways dry brushing the acrylic on to the ...

Ok this series of photos shows the President testing Joey Hudy's Marshmallow cannon. I have to say I love his reaction. All right you see that spot next to the old piece chinaware Holy Crap  Did you see that???  Barack Obama uses marshmallow cannon at the White House youth science fair | News | National Post : 'via Blog this'