Silent Night

Merry Christmas!

Sky Puffs

The is a concept of a sci-fantasy creature that floats in a planet's atmosphere; commonly referred to as "Sky Puffs".

Filled with a gas lighter than air, they are carried around by the wind. While they do have wings, they are only good for stability, not propulsion.

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This is the very beginning of visual development for a personal sci-fantasy story. Much more to come!

Fiona

Set in 1780's Scotland, Fiona looks back to see her mill burning to the ground.
Cover for C.A Hope's Novel, New Lanark: Spinning New Lives 

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I enjoy painting simple scenes like this because it allows me to focus entirely on the emotion of the character rather than secondary details. Though, one small requirement was that her shell bracelet be visible. This somewhat dictated the placement of her arm, but I think it works well in this case.

Below is the "sketch" I submitted for approval. When working digital, I've started going full color and paint for these sketches. It really doesn't take much longer than a b/w drawing would, and I rather solve most of the problems at this stage so that after the sketch is approved it's just a matter of making it look good.

Antithesis

The colony needs every ant, but it has no more desire for you!

Alive For Art: Interview

Recently I contributed an interview to Alive For Art. It's a fairly new blog, but it has already featured a great variety of other artists.  Have a look: Alive For Art

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and here's an owl study:

Red

There's a lonesome chill in the air.
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Process shots:

Truth

A contemplative late night sketch after the presidential election.

Mud Hut

Final Catch

study/sketch

A New Fit

As daughter of the royal ambassador, Ariandra was required to wear body armor while traveling in foreign territory.  For several months she endured the traditional plate carapace. It was oversized and bulky in a way that made her look far too much like a palace guard, or as Ariandra lamented, a “bumbling brute.” 

Seeing her anguish, Ariandra's father ordered the services of the kingdom's most famed tailor to design a custom outfit. It was to be both protective and fashionable. 

Finally she would be seen in public, and was eager to peruse the foreign bazaars in style.

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Process:

Tree Sketch

Repose

SCSTA

Marshland Condos

Environment concept.


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Process shots:

There Alone

Let the trees be my company.

Process shots:

Landing

A retreat to harbor.

Alien Concept - Splincer

Splincers are agile alien predators with sharp bone extremities. Although lacking in strength and intelligence, these fiends are extremely fast and aggressive in their pursuit of prey. Using their large protruding teeth and claws, they latch on to the backs of their prey where they are nearly impossible to shake off.
They tend to hunt in large packs, which allows them to overwhelm even the largest of beasts.

If you must enter Splincer territory, it is advisable that you wear heavy slash-proof armor and equip a very large mace. While you should always wear a sidearm, you will find that Splincers are extremely hard to hit with automatic weapons due to their slim figures and swift movement. Some have found success using shotguns, but many unfortunate adventurers have found them far too lacking in ammo capacity.

Please Don't Go

The general's daughter has had a personal bodyguard since the day she was born. "Big Barry" as he is often called, would be considered by most people an odd fellow, being so tall and a bit misshapen. Yet despite his awkward appearance, he is probably the most capable soldier on the palace grounds. Some say he single-handedly fended off dozens of enemy soldiers when the general fell injured in the heat of battle. I suppose that's what it takes to be trusted with the life of the master's only child.

While our general has spent the better part of each year away with the troops, "Big Barry" has spent nearly every hour of every day by the daughter's side. He has become both a close friend and caring father figure. At heart he's a very charming man, who through his joyful humor, shares great wisdom. But for fear of appearance, few have ever discovered his true nature.

Today the captain of the guard was replaced by a most despicable man. He's a short angry fellow, who has not looked kindly upon the large deformed bodyguard. So much was his disgust, that he has just ordered Big Barry to the front lines... a destination from which few soldiers ever return.

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Duel

A duel beneath the falls.
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Process shots:

Shepherd

A shepherd's sunrise view.

sketch

The Wizard's Apprentice

> click here for full size <

It's a joy to finally present this story and illustration which has been occupying my 'easel' for a few months now. Although I typically like to complete an image quickly, sometimes it's beneficial to just let things sit for a while and stare back at me.

This is also somewhat of an experiment, to see how it would work to combine so much text and imagery on a single page and have it viewed from the web. The wide format is certainly unconventional, but I feel it was the best solution for this particular image. It is my intention for viewers to zoom in, and to use the scroll bar to navigate the image. If that is too clumsy, you may want to download the image.

The Royal Passerby

"It was an odd occasion to see the princess traveling alone so far from the protection of the citadel.

Although bandits often patrol the mountain passage, I'm sure a lady is safe when mounted high upon a Ramorock."

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Process:

Imaginary Sand

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My style and subject matter seem to vary wildly sometimes. After getting caught up in the complexities of color and value, a simple line drawing is very relaxing.

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Process:

1. Rough sketch to capture the gesture and general composition
2. Reduce opacity of sketch, draw over with cleaner lines, solve problems
3. Reduce opacity again, draw over with final line work
4. Apply light wash of value and a tint of color

The Predator

They're out there.

Vagabond

Just a fun sketch.

Strawberry Study

Another study from life.

I find that these non-creative studies, which focus on light and color, help me greatly when drawing from imagination. My creativity can then flow, less burdened by technical challenges.

Defend Your Nuts

The bandits had long sought to steal the great swordsman's nuts. The nuts were so grand, in both size and luster, they became famous even beyond the grove. In a forest full of dry and shriveled nuts, they were truly a sight to behold. As individuals, the thieves always failed to lay hand on them. The Blade Master was far too swift, too keen and alert. Now, as Winter nears, the bandits have joined together in a desperate attempt to obtain the precious nuts.

Something silly and fun, created for Gnomon Workshop's monthly challenge "Master of Blades".

Vantage Point

Here's a new piece created for the GnomonWorkshop monthly competition: "Dreamscape"

This was tricky. Hopefully you can see both 'vantage points'. :)

The Tribe Kids

The slim girl often won our foot races,
She would always look back just to see our faces.

Our race this morning was near complete,
when the water began to churn beneath our feet.

She mistook our warning cries for cheers,
A tragedy which left us all in tears.

Mack & Jack

A documentary featuring the life and story of two unlikely heroes. Once ridiculed, now praised.

Japanese Falls

This is a quick painting inspired by the sights and sounds in this very captivating exploration video >YouTube link<

The Blind Follower

The blind follower suffers the fate of their master.  Be wary, lest you confuse a jester for a king.

>>Full Size View<<

Aqueos

Aqueos is a port city surrounded and entangled by an overgrowing forest.

private commission

Berries Study

~30 minute photo study. I'm trying to gain more control of my brush strokes. Here I'm keeping it loose, primarily focusing on soft and hard edges.

Forest Trek

All alone, but in great company.

Lagoon

Inspired by images of the Caño Cristales river in Columbia >link<

Dagna

Dagna is a dwarf who wields the power of earth magic.

This privately commissioned character illustration was great fun! I'm looking forward to more work like this.