Mice Templar Pt. 2

This is the finish for my tribute to the Mice Templar series. It was interesting combining rat and man reference, if just because it was a new experience for me. And all in all, I enjoyed the addition of the pencil to the finish. It adds a nice hand done feel. Enjoy.

Update: Mice Templar will be printing this piece in an upcoming issue! I'm not sure which one yet because of printing schedules but I'll be sure to fill you in when I know.

Mice Templar

One of the sketches I did at Wizard World in Philadelphia was based on the Mice Templar series by Bryan Glass and Michael Oeming. It's a great series that ties great art and action to an intriguing history and mythology that lives and breathes amidst the characters. I spoke to the writer in New York and in seeing his excitement over the work, it sparked me to do a piece based off of the series.
I wanted to combine the idea of legend with the characters move within the story. Karic, the main character, stands in a stained glass setting that is strong and mature. I'll post the finish soon. As you can see, the pencil drawing is a bit more rendered that what I normally do, so we'll see how it goes.

Con Drawings

A bit of a delayed post, but I wanted to put up some of the drawings I got done at the previously mentioned Wizard World Comic Con. Apart from talking to people, selling work, and doing sketches, one of the best parts of having a table was having the time to draw. The first one below is actually something related to the Mice Templar title. I had a great talk with the writer back in New York and wanted to show him my appreciation for the kind words and the great work he and fabulous artist Mike Avon Oeming do to make the work. There were a ton of raisins in the group of drawings, of course, but out of it I have a lot of potential for new pieces.

Atlantic City

At last, after a long night, the poster's done. I'm predicting this is a round 1, but AD permitting, this is the final.
~Revised Image 6.9.08

Atlantic City Beer Convention Pt. Deux

Here's the final drawing I'm using for the 2008 AC Beer Festival/Convention. The AD gave me some points in making the poster a bit less reserved and more fun and active. My work, palette, and concepts are generally on the more muted/subtle side so for me to do something kinda wacky and fun I need to go over what I think is appropriate. Kind of overextending in order to reach the actual level.
In any case, the girl is now a lot more fun and riding the beer wave like a roller coaster inside of a glass. Her beer's spilling a plenty and she tossing the cards into the air. I think the golds and ambers in the waves are going to look great with some nice warm greens. I'll be putting up the piece shortly so look here soon.

Chinese Earthquake

Here's the finish for the sketch I had uploaded about the earthquake in China and its effect on how the world view was affected. I originally approached it with a square format but realized half way through that I never really do a vignette and in this way I think the illustration more easily fits into a lot of different publication because of the way the white eats into the piece a bit and adds some texture. I was very focused on the crack and I'm glad that I was able to focus and make it seem one with the statue itself. Admittedly I was a bit wary of those clouds and how they would fit with the rest of the piece but it turned out just fine. Finally, thank you to the long dead Chinese man who painted the original mountain I used for reference during this piece.
In other news, I want to thank everyone who came out to the Wizard World Comic Con here in Philadelphia. I had a great time sharing a table with SM Vidaurri, selling prints, and doing sketches for people. Thanks again everyone.