Spectrum Live 2

 I am heading to my very first show this Friday. 

Because of the generosity of  Muddy Color's Rising Star contest  my work already has a place there at the Spectrum Live 2. At first I wasn't going to attend due to some conflicts here at home. Once those conflicts were resolved I confronted my demons with the help of friends and family, decided to gather my courage and GO.  Housing isn't a problem due to two kind offers to share hotel space (thanks Tara and Christine). Plus, Muddy Colors is providing the winners complimentary three day passes to the event. I know many people from IMC so I will be among friends and acquaintances. SFAL will be the perfect introduction to the Sci-fi/Fantasy Art Convention for this Con neophyte.

Though I have sold prints, I haven't tried to sell an original piece of art before. Knowing my painting will be hanging with the incredible work of Dan Dos Santos and the other pros at Muddy Colors is reward enough.   

I will have various prints for sale there and tried to offer a variety of

sizes and prices. I've also thrown in a few original sketches. 

We will see what the weekend brings.

Things I'm Anticipating in 2013

I know, 2013 is in full swing. Should have done this in January. Story of my life right now, as you can tell by my lapse in blogging. SmART School finished last week and I will miss it terribly. Some of the students are trying to stay in touch with critique groups so we can motivate and encourage each other...keep the momentum going.

I haven't blogged about books too much but here are a couple I am looking forward to reading. 

The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stievfater

This is the second in the Raven Boys series. Maggie has a distinct voice that I've come to love. Her book,  "Scorpio Races" is one of my favorites. Sept. 17th. 

This is already out and my daughter took it to read so I wouldn't be tempted to start reading instead of working. Quintana is the conclusion of the Lumatere Chronicles I raved about in an older post. It is the carrot at the end of the stick after I finish the children's book finals.

A lot of buzz about this one by Rick Yancey. It's going with me on the airplane to Kansas City next weekend. (More on that later).

A Facebook friend recommended this trilogy to me. It begins with the Prince of Thorns. I almost stopped reading but was rewarded at the end. Excellent writing. Unpredictable. A complex character I'm still not sure about but definitely invested in. Aug. 8th

I've clamored on and on about Mr. Yancey's Monstrumology series. This isn't for everyone but I'm so glad I gave it a chance. This concludes the story of dear, Will Henry and I fear for him. Sept. 10th.

There are many movies I'm looking forward to but Ender's Game is at the top of the list. If they botch it, I will throw a tizzy fit. November 1st. Get ready Jake. You know where you and Grams are going to be on your birthday. 

How about you? Any books to pass on? Movies? Events?

Muddy Colors Rising Stars

I was so shocked yesterday to received a call from Dan Dos Santos from Muddy Colors telling me that I had been selected as one of their Rising Stars. What this is all about can be found here but basically, these generous professionals are hanging our work at their booth completely free of any expense. AMAZING! I am so grateful to be selected, especially after seeing all the incredible work that was submitted. I now have to select which one to send which basically comes down to a choice between an original or a print.

I didn't get into Spectrum this year and was quite bummed. Rebecca gave me a wonderful pep talk and basically said that there is no time in one's art career that disappointment and rejection aren't part of the job. You just have to pick yourself up and keep trying. Thank you to Muddy Colors for this opportunity. You are the best! Congratulations to the other participants as well.

EMP Museum Exhibit

Back in October of 2012, I received an email from the EMP Museum in Seattle, WA. They wanted to license my Kvothe (The Minstrel) image for an educational interactive exhibit about fantasy characters that would include the Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss. The exhibit is set to run for 5 years. I wasn't sure about the copyright issues with Pat so we emailed him and received his complete endorsement (this man is so awesome). Well, last week, I was sent the link for the exhibit's opening this month. From what I've heard from my friend Tara who lives in the area, it's a popular place that caters to the sci-fi and fantasy genre. Hopefully, sometime in the next 5 years, I'll be able to visit and see it in person.

Bad Blogger

It's been a month since I last blogged. Between working on the children's book and assignments for SmART School, St. Patrick's Day and Easter, it's been a busy month. Plus I built a new website, this time without paying anyone to do it for me. If any of you have been thinking of taking the next step and putting your work out there beyond a blog, I highly recommend Weebly.

After completing "Barcoded", Rebecca wanted me to create another pretend book cover with the same character, as if this one was a sequel. This assignment has been a great exercise of "stepping into your illustration" and understanding the character you've created. As usual, it has been a slow and torturous process that has become my 'method'. Nothing comes easy. I knew I wanted her on a journey and in this second cover, Rebecca asked that I show a secondary figure, even if it's a mere hint. I had to show more of her body too.

 I did several trial illustrations with her holding the staff, which I had designed with aboriginal symbols. For some reason, she looked too stiff holding this very diagonal, straight object. It just wasn't working for me. I then put her in a more organic setting with a sort of misty atmosphere, losing some edges here and there. This face is taken from a very obscure photo I found on the internet. I found some others but they were poor quality, but I did my best.

I have two versions and I think I'm preferring the sepia one over the grey. I like her gaze looking directly at the viewer. We will see what Rebecca thinks come Monday. 

Society of Illustrators Website

I posted back in December about being accepted into the Society of Illustrators of LA exhibit. It was my very first time entering so for those of you hesitating to try, just go for it. On Friday, March 8th, they launched a new website with the accepted works and winners. Such a vast array of styles and subject matter. I feel honored to be included with the likes of Greg Manchess and Rebecca Guay. Also, one of my favorite former teachers, Hala Wittwer (now Swearingen) is one of the Bronze winners. Check it out.

"Barcoded" Final

"Barcoded"

Oil and Colored pencil

Decided to go back to the original title of "Barcoded" since it implies more of the human cataloging concept I wanted to convey.