Currently reading this book by Will Eisner- author and creator of the Spirit. Did you know he studied under George Bridgeman at the Art Student's League in New York?

Fantastic book!

Jon

Chuck Norris vs. Godzilla

These companion pieces were a cooperative effort between myself and my wife Sarah McLaughlin. They're a bit tongue-in-cheek, but they were a lot of fun to paint, and they make us laugh.

Jon

Some artwork on display!

So I just met with Chris Holt and his wife Alyssa, who recently became owners of a gallery space in Scottsdale, AZ (art and framing designs). Sounds like the previous owner was more into the framing, and they would like to turn the tide more toward artwork. They also do giclee prints, so there's an option there we may explore for my work as well as Sarah's. They took two of my paintings and SIX of my wife Sarah's paintings to be installed next month. We're all very, very excited and I'll be posting more info and pictures as things come up! Here's the website of the gallery if you're interested in visiting - http://www.artandframingdesigns.com

Cheers!

Jon

Xeric grant is no more

http://www.xericfoundation.org/xernews.html

I had planned on getting this grant to help publish the first printing of my now-in-progress graphic novel. If you've got something in the works, the deadline is February of this year. Better get crackin'!

Check out this blog for more information about self-publishing of a graphic novel and applying for the Xeric Grant - http://larsmartinson.com/how-i-self-published-a-graphic-novel-18/
Very interesting, and tons of good info! I read it over quite a few times while I was building up the courage to write my own story.

Portraits...

Just thought I should post these here. They don't really fit in on my website- not quite as edgy as the other stuff on there, but I'm very proud of them nonetheless.

The first two are a portrait of one of my Dad's friends, who is retiring from Law Enforcement in the BLM. I was commissioned to do a nice painting of Vic in uniform, standing proud in front of an Arizona sunset. Pretty straightforward.

The next is a portrait of a friend's Grandfather who had recently passed. I worked from a photo, but rearranged the composition to be a little more dramatic.

The last one here is actually the cover of (my Dad) John McLaughlin's western novel, "Our Time in the Sun". I had a lot of fun painting this one, as I am deeply influenced my literature in my work. I read the entire book, and we talked about what he wanted out of the artwork - which was a lot, actually. He was very particular about the way the gun and holster would look, the way he held the reins, the color of the horse, and of course, the badge. We finally got all the details worked out, and I think the painting turned out really nice.

Hope you like them!

jon

some new sketches and whatnot

Sorry it's been so long since I posted here - my day job has been keeping me quite busy in California. Just got back, though, and I've got some new art! I drew up some tattoo designs for a friend of mine. These were a lot of fun.

He wanted a big "Viking Guy", so I did a little research and came up with Odin, the Norse god of War.

I drew him up sitting on the throne holding his spear, which I think was a nice pose - very masculine - which exactly what the client wanted. Anyway, he's also got a lot of zombies on his back and a giant grim reaper, so I suggested a few Egyptian Vultures - the ceremonial "death birds" of that ancient civilization to tie it all together.

I drew everything up separate, but Odin will go in the middle, just below the collar, and the vultures will go on either side, with the wings dipping behind Odin. I think these turned out pretty good, what do you think?

jon

Sketch Theatre!

I found a really great website today that I felt like sharing with everyone. Check out http://www.sketchtheatre.com - there's all kinds of cool drawings on there. Featured artists include Michael Hussar and Shawn Barber. Everything must be black and white, original artwork, with no computer tweaks allowed! There are also contests every month, and some neat prizes (tee shirts, instructional DVDs, stuff like that). Check it out! You'll see my work there very soon!!

Jon
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