10 posts tagged “scales”
I'm starting to work bigger, and I like it! The only problem is that I can't scan it at home, so for now, enjoy some photos. I might not get it scanned until it sells, or I get a job and can go somewhere to get it scanned.
I really like it -- I'm tentatively calling it ocean scales because it reminds me of the water, and maybe some under sea plants. The colors were chosen based on that analysis of the final drawing, as well.
It's the usual prismacolor marker and archival ink, but I decided to throw in a little watercolor to keep things interesting, though the paper I used was not watercolor paper but bristol board, and it didn't take to watercolor that well. I shall have to experiment on some of my cotton rag paper next! I love cotton rag paper... it's wonderful for watercolor and other liquid mediums. It has a real weight to it, with great texture (not too rough, but not too fine either).
Here are some closeups:
I actually had a really good time experimenting with this... I'm thinking I will have to do some more painting! I thoroughly enjoyed it, which is a shocker because I have not really been a huge fan of painting aside from liquid acrylics and watercolor. I sort of like oil, but I hate the fact that it takes so long to dry... what can I say? I'm impatient! Plus the cleanup is a disaster -- I've ruined some nice brushes this way (I am careless sometimes, sigh). Acrylics, however, are so easy to clean up with (just add water!)... I think I am in love :) Anyway, let me know what you think! I have it for sale on Etsy, for anyone who is interested!
Now this particular one is nothing too special -- mostly just creating different elements. This is not quite something I would send to the printer, but it's showing me different possibilities and generally familiarizing myself with Illustrator more. Of course, I've been using it a lot in my client work lately, but I'm continually trying to improve my skills to make me an even more versatile artist and designer.
I found an art show coming up December 8th on craigslist while I was looking for some new clients. They are looking for some artists and I really wanted to do it, but they needed me to come help out and put my art up December 1st, which, unfortunately next weekend I'm making a business trip (don't I sound all official like?!) to Jacksonville with John, and we won't be coming back until the late afternoon on Saturday, and then attending our friend Tim's birthday get together. I'm a little disappointed but I'm not sure if I'd be able to get enough work framed in time anyway.
I'm working on a new website for my art. It's going to have a gallery, plus a little shop where you can purchase original art, prints, and a few other items with my art on them. Make sure you bookmark the site, I'm hoping that it will be up within the next two weeks.
Today I finally bought some film for the Vivitar Wide and Slim I bought awhile ago. I've only snapped one of my 24 exposures, but I'm hoping that tomorrow I have a chance to get outside in the daylight and take some more. There's something about film cameras, I don't know. It's like opening a Christmas present -- you have a good idea what it is (according to your wish list) but you're still not entirely sure how it's going to turn out. It could be bad, embarrassing, or fabulous. Yeah, paying for processing the film kinda sucks, but it's a fun hobby anyway!
I have it up for sale (the original) in my Etsy shop here, along with it's cousin Lotus No. 1, where they are $50 a pop. I can also do some unmatted and unframed archival prints (actual size or larger) with any of my art if you're interested. Please note that the smaller pieces print best no higher than 11x14, and I would recommend no larger than 8x10. If you want a large print (20x30) I would recommend a piece around 9x12. Approximate pricing (without shipping):
5x7 - $15
8x10 - $30
11x14 - $55
16x20 - $100
20x30 - $175
Just contact me if you're interested in placing an order :)
Since I've put up a free quote form on my website, I've gotten a few requests. It's a modest number so far, but it's building, which is definitely a good thing. I am working on a new design though, with more advanced search engine optimization to (hopefully) grab more random customers from the world wide web. The biggest reason for the change, however, is the fact that I was really not very happy with the portfolio. It was just too cluttered for my tastes. The new one is better, though it still has some issues that I need to work out. I may just put it out there anyway because I'd really like to get the new design up and it's fully functional is it is, I just need to finish adding things to the portfolio. My next project is the creo ingero redesign, since it still has information on there about web and graphic design. I have moved the design aspect of my business back over to ingero for about 3 months now... creo ingero has just been on the backburner, really. But anyway, the point is, I'm encouraged by the quote requests coming in and I hope that these projects are promising, as that I need some more work!
I want to go see Stardust, but I probably won't see it tonight. I caught the previews on TV yesterday and thought it looked like a really good film a la The Princess Bride (only my favorite 80s movie EVER), so I'm looking forward to it. I'm not sure what showing we're going to and when or who we are going with exactly. I'll let everyone know how awesome it is (or not) after I see it! thought we were going to go to Stardust tonight, but alas, we aren't. There's this going away party we're going to make an appearance at and then we'll watch Pirates of the Caribbean, which we rented because I *gasp* haven't actually seen that movie yet. I know, I know... the thing is, I went to go see it in the theater for free (one of my friends worked at a movie theater) but it was sold out, so I had to go see SWAT instead... which sucked. AT any rate, I am looking forward to getting out of the house for a little bit, or doing something other than working.
I've also been working on a new piece of art over the past few days. It's really lovely using lotus flowers and mandalas incorporated into my scales series... really fun, vibrant, colorful, and extremely detailed (like anyone would expect any different, right?). I can't wait to show it off! ;) Actually, I do have the line art scanned. Check it out:
EDIT - I have the 8x10" print available on Etsy here.
I just thought I'd wrap up a few loose ends that have been sitting in my journal for a bit. The first of which would be the finished version of "Year of the Pig", alas, I am not sure if I will be putting it up for sale because when I was taking it off of the watercolor block, the white border around the piece got ripped. I suppose if I got it matted, then I could sell it... but I also have some boo-boos in it, so I'm sure that would kind of decrease the value a bit. Like, when I drew the outline over the pencil drawing, I waited a bit to erase the pencil line, but still, when I started erasing, whenever there was a dot it would smear. So, I tried to "smear" it in the direction of the line to make it look somewhat like I did it on purpose but still, it makes me a little less satisfied with it. I may do another one since I really love how the pig's colors came out, but I'm not sure. Let me know what you guys think! :)
And the second issue I wanted to resolve involves my merchandise (wheee). I have received the magnets and mirrors I discussed 2 posts ago, and they are available in my shop... yay for consumerism! So, if you enjoy both my art and enjoy functional applications then may I suggest a creo ingero pocket mirror and a set of magnets?
I'll admit, I am a little impatient with sales, but come on! Aren't these the most awesome thing you've seen all year? I'd rather have a set of these magnets and a mirror than a Louis Vuitton designer bag! Seriously!
I mean, how many LV bags do you see out there? I probably see at least 2 a day and I don't get out much since I work at home and all. Those things are like the plague. Whereas, with my art, you could actually have something unique and wonderful!
My photos aren't the best, but I should get a better camera and a lightbox or something.
"Year of the Pig" is a request from quornflour (who will be using it as the cover for her offices new year party on Feb 18th) however the original and reproductions will be selling in my shop once completed. That said, there is still a bit more to be done with it, but I thought I'd put it up for her to see, as well as show it off to anyone who's looking!
Consequently, it is also available for purchase in my Etsy shop. I also have some 8x10 prints available for $20 (plus shipping) if you love it but can't afford the original!
waves of dragon
scales series
Let me know what you guys think... I'd be happy to hear! :)I am continually honing and developing my style as an artist. One thing that has become definitively "mine" is the scales series. So far, all of my work has been largely abstract and though this may still fall under that category, "Waves of Dragon" takes one cognitive step forward.
This piece is largely conceptual, loosely based on the idea of mystical creatures and mythology. Here you find a dragon breathing fire to form the sun. The colors chosen for this piece provide a warm/cool contrast with the focal point as the dragons head. I am very inspired by japanese kiminos, which bares a testament to it's intricate patterns and rich colors that give it a textile feel.
"Waves of Dragon" features black micron pens (archival), yarka watercolors and prismacolor markers on 9x6" 140lb cold pressed watercolor paper. There is approximately 3/4" white border. Actual drawing size: 8 1/4 x 5 1/4". Though this piece is small, it is definitely a powerful presence and a treasure to own.
I'm one of the many "artists" out there trying to make a buck (or three) on their "gift" (I say with quotes, because I'm no DiVinci or Picasso). Here's my latest masterpiece incorporating a bird into my "scales" series. I've been making "scales" pieces for oh, I don't know, at least a year now, and I really enjoy working with the intricate detail. I keep trying to introduce new elements to it in order to keep it fresh and challenging. This time I chose birds. Not only are birds severely trendy right now, but I've always loved them. I remember going to my uncles house on a lake in Minnesota and watching all kinds of birds, including the beautiful hummingbirds (and some squirrels) come to the bird feeders. Or, listening to the birds sing after the sun rose and I was on my way to school. Occasionally you'll come across a bird that you just want to throw a shoe at, but for the most part, they are graceful creatures (albeit a bit dirty, but what wild animal isn't? or animal PERIOD!).
birds & scales no. 2
(the first was the same thing, but an ACEO)
