My new phone

Ok, so I've had it for a few months. I am really enjoying my G1 from T-Mobile. It runs on an open source OS called Android and has a full QWERTY keyboard and touchscreen. I just got a new app called "Face Melter" and had some fun with it...

Ok, so it's been awhile...

I have been in a funk lately. Not producing much artwork I want to share, or photos of the fam. I think I am going to start a separate blog about personal stuff, family, etc, and make this one art only. Not to get too confusing for my loyal few. I'll let you know when I do it. If ever...

Meanwhile, here is a sketch I did today while waiting for my machine to render. It sure would be nice to have a more powerful computer. This isn't "of" anybody, I just wanted to draw a cartoony expressive dude. I have a hard time simplifying the shapes of the head much more than I did here. I admire guys like Stephen Silver and Joe Olson for their ability to convey and translate so much into so little.

Miles Plays Hockey!

I find when I'm drawing kids that they end up looking a lot like my own. Here is a piece I did last week for practice, though I'm not sure how much I actually benefited from it - I had a vision MUCH different from where this ended up! I probably need to just spend more time getting the sketch right.

Madden 10 Wii

We worked very hard on the new art style in Madden 10 Wii. Although the reviews are mixed, I think we were successful. Please check out the game and let me know what you think!

Here are a few stadium style guides I did for the game. The goal was to wonkify and simplify while maintaining each stadium's personality and unique features.

These were done in Photoshop and took roughly 4 hours each. It was a fast pace, but lots of fun! Lots of Lasso, Line and Gradient use.

Been Busy

Dear Loyal Readers,

I am sorry it has been so long since my last post. I've been quite the slacker on documenting my ultra-interesting life. Honestly, not that much has been going on except lots of freelance and family stuff taking up the majority of my time. I haven't done any personal projects in a little while, and have missed it.

The other day, though, my daughter showed me a drawing she did of me. As a vampire. How cool is that? I'll post it as soon as I dig it up off of the ol' memory card.

I have also been craving good Chinese food.

I can't turn off italics now.... bear with me.

Here's another few blogs that have made my mouth water:

This one makes me miss Taiwan. A lot. Though I suppose I should be able to find just as tasty food in NYC or LA. Unfortunately, I am near neither....

Those of you in Provo must go to this place and tell me how it is. We did, however, go to a pretty good Korean BBQ place (although only about half of the Koreans I know think it's ok) and have a Dim Sum lunch scheduled for Friday. I have faith that with enough time, we can find the best restaurants in Orlando for authentic food. I'll be sure to report!

Sincerely,

Your Pal

So, it's been awhile...

Today was $5 admission to the Orlando Science Center, courtesy of Walmart. We could only spend a few hours there, but I think we had a good time. I need to learn more about photography...the lighting in there was annoying! I really like that out of focus photo of Abbie, though.

The kids had fun uncovering fossils, learning about Mr. Potatohead (?!), and playing with water. The orange picking and processing area was another favorite! Abbie looks grumpy in all of these photos because she now despises having her picture taken...

My Son, the Artist

All of my kids love the Magna-doodle. It's a great toy, too, I just wish I could keep every drawing they do on it! My son started complaining of an ear ache, and is actually on his way back with Mom from the emergency pediatric place.

We discovered this after dinner. It's an exploding ear...Looks painful!

Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure

I play this game whenever I have time. It's challenging, rewarding, hilarious, and fun! My pal Jay Epperson art directed it, and posted some of the great work he created for the game here, here, here, and here.

I would've linked to him before, but I think he posted his stuff after I put mine up... so please Check it out! Oh and he's extremely talented and looking for work...

Henry Hatsworth in Stores Now!

I had the honor of contributing artwork to a game from EA Casual, called Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure. The team was awesome, and they really poured their heart and soul into this great game. I think it's extremely entertaining! Go check it out!!

Here are a few pieces I did for them.

Last of the Mohawkians

Fat Chin!

Joe Bluhm Caricature

I was inspired by seeing Joe Bluhm do caricatures at MegaCon. I worked this sketch up in just over a half hour. I need to work on making more interesting shapes...

Super Ultra MegaCon!

MegaCon is a comic book / anime / gaming convention here in Orlando. Since I can't travel much, the other side of the city is about my limit these days. Sad, huh? I read that Joe Bluhm was going to be there, so I used that as an excuse to drive down there and see what's up. Since my friend Pat introduced his work to me, I've been a big fan. You can see Joe's work on his website. I got him to caricature me, and also watched him draw several other people. It's really fun to watch another artist work, especially a master like Joe. It was great meeting him, his girlfriend, and the ultra-mysterious Dan Hay (holding his book). I bought Dan's book, "Blubber Lubber", and Joe's infamous "Rejects" book. I REALLY wanted to get his sketchbook, too, but my wallet was already yelling at me. You can order these as well as several other great art books at Joe's publishing site, Art Squared Publishing.

When did conventions become costume parties? I went to the Chicago ComiCon back in the mid '90s and I really don't remember seeing anybody dressed as their favorite character. I don't really see the point, but whatever. I wanted to see more artists, but I guess we're too far from New York, L.A. or San Francisco for that... One of these days I might make it up to NYC, tho. It'd be sweet to do a figure session at Society of Illustrators or something.

I snapped a candid photo of the Ex-President of the Colonies, and tried one for Tricia Helfer but was intercepted by the Camera Police. Lou Ferrigno looked a little desperate, which was sad and reminded me of the scene from The Wrestler where the old has-beens are sitting at tables waiting for some fan to pay them $10 for an autograph.

You can view all my photos from the convention on my Flickr site.

ZBrush Sketch

Did this the other night. Loving my new power machine...

All Growed Up

As some of you may know, we're looking at making the step towards real wealth. Since the housing market has dropped down to being affordable to us poor people, we're proceeding with a home purchase in Lake Mary, FL. It's a modest 1691 sq ft 3/2.5 with some great features:

- new high-efficiency indoor and outdoor A/C units with heat upgrades
- new windows in all but 4
- plantation shutters to really tell you you're in the South
- a grapefruit tree
- bike path behind the backyard
- hot tub

Now, let the home improvement projects begin! Painting, light fixtures, kitchen, bathrooms....sigh

Another Landscape Sketch

Done from photo ref. Someplace in China, I think. A couple of hours in Photoshop.

Boba!

The other day, Anna was trying to explain the treat we had to her Preschool teachers. Boba, or bubble tea, is something I was introduced to while in Taiwan. When I was strapped for cash, sometimes a large cup of papaya milk boba was all I had for lunch. I've found the uncooked packages of the stuff that I can get quite easily at most Asian supermarkets. The kids giggle as they eat the boba, although I don't think Miles likes it very much.

If you live in the Seattle, California, NYC, or Texas areas you may be able to find Boba tea houses with great drinks. You can usually get it without tea, although a lot of places might give you a weird look. I've become partial to boba in chocolate shakes...

Alchemy

I've heard about this tool before, but just tried it after reading my friend Nick's blog. Turns out, it's pretty cool! Check out a demo by the one and only Android Jones. I am gonna do some more tutorial watching and see what comes of it. Here is what I had fun doodling while checking out different features of the program (click to view larger).

You can go to the Alchemy website here.

Oil Studies

I had planned to do a lot more than this, but just slacked. I have all sorts of excuses, but I know in my heart of hearts they don't matter. These are about 3.5" x 2.25" and done from photo reference.