“Waterfall” by Jon Klassen
I dig Klassen’s pattern-rich style. (And also his priceless wit; evident in a lot of his other work.) The above piece is available as a print from Gallery Nucleus.
“Productive” by Jonathan Edelhuber
A weird acrylic painting I can’t help but like. For whatever reason, I’m really attracted to art that incorporates faceted or crystalline elements.
One must always draw, draw with the eyes, when one cannot draw with a pencil.
“The Third & The Seventh” by Alex Roman
Incredible video looking at architectural art from a photographic point of view. And, did I mention, it’s full CG? (Very few exceptions such as sky backgrounds.) Crazy good, I had to watch the compositing breakdown to believe it. The music is beautiful as well. Watch in fullscreen HD to truly appreciate it.
“Treasure Island” book illustration by N.C. Wyeth
I’ve neglected blogging thanks to my crazy Winter Break and the new Spring semester starting up. As tough as it is to get back into a routine, it’s good to be back in school and making art again. I’d really like to start posting more regularly here my inspirations and also finally put up some of my own work.
I may be drawing a pirate for an upcoming illustration project and found the above image while browsing N.C. Wyeth’s illustrations for Treasure Island. Wyeth’s dramtic compositions and lighting always inspire me to create better work. He’s undoubtably one of greatest American illustrators from the Golden Age of Illustration. Found via Golden Age Comic Book Stories (a great website for excellent book and comic illustrations).
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Up until a family emergency (which we’re still coping with) I had a great Christmas. You know you’re an art nerd when you put artist books and supplies on your list! I recived some lovely gifts and can’t wait to try out my new set of gouache, sketchbooks, two new art books, and more.
Gifts are a perk of the holidays but of course they aren’t the most important part. The love of family and support of faith is what really matters. This Christmas, more than ever, have I been reminded of that.
Here’s to hoping 2010 brings strength, healing, and peace.
“Peasant Girls” by Prokudin-Gorskii
If you haven’t figured it out by now, I love photography. Especially vintage photography from bygone eras and foreign countries. I was following links (via Francis Vallejo) and ended up at the Library of Congress’ collection of photos by Sergei Mikhailovich Prokudin-Gorskii taken in the Early 1900’s Russian Empire. In addition to the extraordinary photos, there’s an interesting explaination on how the images were recreated in color from Prokudin-Gorskii’s original negatives.
I have discovered through teaching that the most important thing you develop in school is not technique but PROCESS: a way of working that allows you to operate within the confines of Art Direction but still leaves you psychologically free to create work that is fresh and stimulating.
“Jibibuts” wooden blindbox series by Noferin
Noferin is one of many designers becoming more environmentally conscious. Their delightful new Jibibuts series of toys is created using sustainably harvested rubber wood. Noferin gives insight into their choices (via NOTCOT):
We chose to use wood because we wanted to expose a traditional material in this new scene of designer toys. Wood has a weight to it, a true sense of solidity. Wood is living. It has grain, pits and pores and is a beautiful medium to work with. We wanted to create a set of figures that would stand the test of time - something that is cherished and passed through the generations.
I dearly miss buying designer toys. (Unfortunately, rent and bills comes first these days.) I have a number of vinyl toys in my collection but I’m definitely interested in seeing how this new trend in natural materials affects artists and designers.
I’m ecstatic to be engaged! Alex, my boyfriend of over six years, proposed on Wednesday evening. The ring is too beautiful not to show off. It’s a conflict-free diamond (nearly half a carat) in a titanium tension setting.
My busy Fall semester at Ringling just ended and I’m glad to have an opportunity for relaxing, spending some time with my new fiancé, and seeing my family when I head home next week.
