howy's new artwork thread

[666MasterOfPuppets]

The blue pencil sketch is pretty sloppy, and that wasn't at all deliberate. I had some trouble laying down steady ink lines, too.

Out of practice...

Matters not. The final product is awesome.

[davidbovey]

You show alot of range and versatility as an artist. I'm really digging the pencil work for Powergirl and this new Olds piece. Good stuff!

[howyadoin]

Thanks, guys. Here's the latest on the Dr. Oldsmobile piece:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/DrOlds_03.jpg

The text on the lefthand side is ad copy from the early 1970s. Very over-the-top stuff.






And hey, 1,000 posts in this thread. Woohoo.

[howyadoin]

So I've been trying to ink this damn thing over the past day or so. Fortunately I didn't ink right over the pencils, 'cause the first attempt was an unmitigated disaster (first time using a crowquill in about 10 years).

Not sure how I feel about the second try just yet. I figure I'll leave it alone for a day or so and look at it fresh then.

[howyadoin]

Another one begun:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/George_Dickel_01.jpg

[howyadoin]

Step Two:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/George_Dickel_02.jpg

[Roquefort Raider]

Nice color scheme on the background.

Have you considered an exhibition of all your bottle images? They look great individually, but I'm sure they' d have a synergistic effect when shown together.

Cheers!

[JadeDragon]

I really love the way you paint up your backgrounds. I try to do that sometimes using photoshop trickery but nothing can come close to actual real paint.

Sweet work, Howya!~~~Patrick

[howyadoin]

Nice color scheme on the background.

Have you considered an exhibition of all your bottle images? They look great individually, but I'm sure they' d have a synergistic effect when shown together.

Cheers!Thanks. I was just talking about that very idea last night with a friend of mine. I figure the best place to have it would be in a bar.

I really love the way you paint up your backgrounds. I try to do that sometimes using photoshop trickery but nothing can come close to actual real paint.

Sweet work, Howya!~~~PatrickOh yeah, there's nothin' like the real thing.

[Jaye]

Ah, this one is SO CRISP.
I love it!

-Jaye

[howyadoin]

Step Three:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/George_Dickel_03.jpg

[howyadoin]

Two variations:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/George_Dickel_04A.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/George_Dickel_04B.jpg

Not sure which I'll go with, just yet.

[howyadoin]

So here's the treatment I came up with with:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/George_Dickel_05.jpg

Next step is to work on the label.

[howyadoin]

This might be finished:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/George_Dickel_06.jpg

[Pro]

Nice work Howy, very distinct style, great use of texture

[Roquefort Raider]

This might be finished:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/George_Dickel_06.jpg


Another happy smile brought on by a finished bottle!

It looks relly good, with its velvety background and the fiery content of the bottle itself. From the colors to the composition, from the supple line to the masterful rendering, it's perfect.

Great job, Howy!

[howyadoin]

Thanks, guys. Much appreciated.

[clayholio]

So here's the treatment I came up with with:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/George_Dickel_05.jpg

Next step is to work on the label.

The texture on that background is so freakin' good. I want to reach out and touch it...

[howyadoin]

The texture on that background is so freakin' good. I want to reach out and touch it...Thanks, man. It's just layers of gouache built up over a base of India ink.

[howyadoin]

At long last, progress?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/DrOlds_04.jpg

Man, what an uphill battle this thing has been so far. Turns out that for me, the crowquill will never, ever be a precision instrument.

Anyhow, got a long way to go yet...

[666MasterOfPuppets]

But it's coming along nicely, nevertheless. Keep up the great work.

[Roquefort Raider]

Looking good. Is the background gouache? That's a very vibrant color.

I really like the plans under the engineer's arm. They remind us of the precise nature of car designing, while the fellow's incredible mustache points to the creative and whacky side of the process.

[Winslow]

At long last, progress?

I'm digging it. *thumbs up*

Man, what an uphill battle this thing has been so far. Turns out that for me, the crowquill will never, ever be a precision instrument.

I don't know how some inkers use it either. But my line art abilities are so poor, I've decided to draw over everything digitally.

[howyadoin]

Latest developments:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/DrOlds_05.jpg

Oh, and thanks, guys.

[howyadoin]

I really like the plans under the engineer's arm. They remind us of the precise nature of car designing, while the fellow's incredible mustache points to the creative and whacky side of the process.That's Dr. Oldsmobile, from the late 60s/early 70s ad campaign. He was the zany mad scientist who supposedly created Oldsmobile's musclecars.

He had a bunch of wacky sidekicks, too. I tried finding photo reference so I could work them into the picture as well, but no dice.

[clayholio]

At long last, progress?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/DrOlds_04.jpg

Man, what an uphill battle this thing has been so far. Turns out that for me, the crowquill will never, ever be a precision instrument.

Anyhow, got a long way to go yet...

It might be the paper that you're using. I use a crow-quill quite a bit, and on some papers it's an utter and complete disaster. Your line-work looks pretty smooth, though! Looking good!

[Winslow]

Looking sweet!

That's Dr. Oldsmobile, from the late 60s/early 70s ad campaign. He was the zany mad scientist who supposedly created Oldsmobile's musclecars.

He had a bunch of wacky sidekicks, too. I tried finding photo reference so I could work them into the picture as well, but no dice.

My dad (who worked for Oldsmobile for 25 years) has a Oldsmobile history book at home. I wish now I would have grabbed it and scanned some pics for you. There are some pics of Dr. Oldsmobile in there. Dr. Oldsmobile apparently developed the Rocket 455 (cubis inch) 4 bbl. engine. :D

You captured the image pretty accurately.

[howyadoin]

It might be the paper that you're using. I use a crow-quill quite a bit, and on some papers it's an utter and complete disaster. Your line-work looks pretty smooth, though! Looking good!I've been using it on bleedproof marker paper, and illustration board (the smooth stuff - can't remember offhand whether that's hotpress or coldpress).

The linework you're seeing now, though, is marker. After three disastrous attempts with the crowquill, I moved on.

Looking sweet!

My dad (who worked for Oldsmobile for 25 years) has a Oldsmobile history book at home. I wish now I would have grabbed it and scanned some pics for you. There are some pics of Dr. Oldsmobile in there. Dr. Oldsmobile apparently developed the Rocket 455 (cubis inch) 4 bbl. engine.

You captured the image pretty accurately.Glad to hear you're still happy with it. It's mutated a fair bit from how I originally intended it to look.

And if you've got access to the book, I could still work some of the other characters into the piece without too much effort.

[clayholio]

I've been using it on bleedproof marker paper, and illustration board (the smooth stuff - can't remember offhand whether that's hotpress or coldpress).

The linework you're seeing now, though, is marker. After three disastrous attempts with the crowquill, I moved on.
The illustration board could work okay - I usually don't try to use a crow-quill on anything less than bristol board (2-ply, at the very least). The problem is that the quill picks up paper fibers and clogs pretty quickly, so I end up inking with the pen in one hand and a tissue in the other (to clean the pen, of course :D ). Even if the marker paper is supposed to be bleed proof, you'd still likely pick up paper fibers as you're drawing.

Anyhow, blah blah blah. Quills are a pain, I admit it!

[howyadoin]

Inventory sales at the art store are a beautiful thing. I just picked up 4 12x24 canvases, 3 12x12s, and a 12x36. Plus some extra coarse nepheline texture gel and a couple tubes of paint, all for $75.

[howyadoin]

It ain't much to look at yet, but give it time:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/PinaColada_01.jpg

[elheffe]

Wrap your lips around this, eh?

[howyadoin]

Wrap your lips around this, eh?C'mon, there's nothing dirty there! She's just enjoying a peñis colada.

Er, I mean...

[howyadoin]

Phase Two:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/PinaColada_02.jpg

[howyadoin]

Phase Three:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/PinaColada_03.jpg

[howyadoin]

Workin' on the opaque highlights before I paint the dead layer:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1118/733165427_b783562d22_o.jpg

[howyadoin]

Refining the lighting more:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1274/744677647_9fecbe3b9d.jpg

[666MasterOfPuppets]

Looking good, howy. Looking forward to the finished job.

[cable guy]

Nice Lips...

[howyadoin]

How I spent my weekend:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1129/757606905_ac7ff1cf35.jpg

[Roquefort Raider]

How I spent my weekend:


Obviously time well-spent!!!

[Solaris]

How I spent my weekend:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1129/757606905_ac7ff1cf35.jpg

Wow.

I just wanna know one thing:

How did you get Angelina Jolie to pose for you? :D ;)

Really cool piece, Bret. I love the bubbles, too.

[howyadoin]

My thanks. This has been a pretty educational process so far. I should be finalizing the details of the dead layer (i.e., the grayscale painting you see so far) tonight, and after that we start the colour glazing on top.

[howyadoin]

Okay, here's the finished dead layer:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1241/766571865_395b0c3706.jpg


Tomorrow, we glaze.

[howyadoin]

Please delete.

[howyadoin]

The first layer of the colour glazing:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/PinaColada_08.jpg

Excuse the crappy photography.

[Roquefort Raider]

The first layer of the colour glazing:

Man, you never cease to impress me with your versatility. It looks as if you excel at every technique.

If I may inquire: is the glazing you refer to the same as what we use on walls?

[Albert]

Those lips give new meaning to the term "bee stung". Very, very impressive, sir.

[Winslow]

The first layer of the colour glazing:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/PinaColada_08.jpg

Excuse the crappy photography.

An ignorant question.

Glazing? What is glazing? A polyurethane coating?

[howyadoin]

Thanks, guys. Glazing is basically just building up thin, transparent layers of acrylic. You can thin it with water, or mix it with any number of acrylic media - self-levelling gel, glazing medium, or gloss gel.

[howyadoin]

Latest developments on the Piña Colada painting:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1423/815831084_85428bbf79.jpg

Finally starting to get the hang of the glazing.

[Gene M.]

That's some damn fine grisaille. I love richness it gives the color.

[howyadoin]

That's some damn fine grisaille. I love richness it gives the color.Thanks. I'm pretty impressed with the depth and richness, too. Still having a hard time putting down even coats, but I'm hopin' that once I've built up enough layers it'll all even out.

[Gene M.]

Thanks. I'm pretty impressed with the depth and richness, too. Still having a hard time putting down even coats, but I'm hopin' that once I've built up enough layers it'll all even out.
I usually try to keep the layers of paint as thing as possible. What are you using to thin it out?

[howyadoin]

I usually try to keep the layers of paint as thing as possible. What are you using to thin it out?Liquitex Glazing Medium.

It's only a problem on the face, now that I think about it. And I've only put 2 layers down there so far.

[howyadoin]

Sharp-eyed viewers might be able to guess what this is for:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/DSCF1151.jpg

[howyadoin]

Oh, and this one's finally finished, too:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/Liquor%20Bottles/George_Dickel.jpg

[Jaye]

The lips are coming along AWESOME!

[zuludelta]

Mighty impressive stuff you got there.

[howyadoin]

Thanks, folks. Wish I could say the same for this piece:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/DrOlds_06.jpg

But much as I hate to admit it, I have no idea where this one's going. Feelin' a little lost at the moment - I've strayed so far from the original concept that I'm toying with the idea of scrapping everything and starting again.

[Albert]

Fantastic work, Howy. That Piña Colada painting is just exquisite.

[howyadoin]

Fantastic work, Howy. That Piña Colada painting is just exquisite.Thanks, buddy. I'm learning a lot from that one.




Oh, and I'm definitely going back to the drawing board for the Dr. Oldsmobile piece. I think the answer is to use a pencil for the linework. Inks just weren't meant to happen.

On the plus side, this'll be my 5th time drawing this car, so it oughta be easier this time around. And once that's done, here's the sketch of my next acrylic painting:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1102/843424773_b34c4faa1c.jpg

[zuludelta]

Oh, and I'm definitely going back to the drawing board for the Dr. Oldsmobile piece. I think the answer is to use a pencil for the linework. Inks just weren't meant to happen.

I dunno man, the Oldsmobile piece looks pretty solid to me in its current state. Instead of starting over and losing all that work, maybe you should just put it aside for a while... re-visiting it at a later date might help you find a direction to take it in that's not presently evident to you right now.

[Winslow]

Oh, and I'm definitely going back to the drawing board for the Dr. Oldsmobile piece. I think the answer is to use a pencil for the linework. Inks just weren't meant to happen.

I'm cool with the way it's turning out.

But if you you're not happy with it I understand.

[howyadoin]

I dunno man, the Oldsmobile piece looks pretty solid to me in its current state. Instead of starting over and losing all that work, maybe you should just put it aside for a while... re-visiting it at a later date might help you find a direction to take it in that's not presently evident to you right now.Thank you. But the thing is, I had a pretty clear idea of what I wanted in the first place, and I just keep moving farther and farther away from that. The way I look at it is, everything up till now has been a series of colour and texture studies. Or something.

I'm cool with the way it's turning out.

But if you you're not happy with it I understand.Thanks for your patience, my friend. I could probably live with it, but right now it's not something I'd want hangin' on your wall with my name on it.

[Albert]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1102/843424773_b34c4faa1c.jpg


I can't wait to see this one in acrylics. Do you have a color scheme in mind? Or is that too far down the pipe at this point?

[howyadoin]

I can't wait to see this one in acrylics. Do you have a color scheme in mind? Or is that too far down the pipe at this point?Got some ideas in mind texturewise, but colour's still kinda up in the air.

Update on the Piña Colada painting:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1392/882676457_071b405b19.jpg

This thing is almost impossible to photograph since it's so glossy.

[Ben Morgan]

Wow, nice work howy!

[Albert]

Just gorgeous. Surreal and sensual at the same time. Some amazing translucency to some of the bubbles/foam there. I can just imagine all the glossiness makes photographing it a real pain.

[Roquefort Raider]

Really nice... It really pops out from the canvas plane.

What size is the painting, if I may ask?

[howyadoin]

Thanks, guys. This glazing process is pretty cool; I know I'm just scratching the surface of what I can do with it so far. In some areas I've probably got 6 or 7 layers of glaze built up, and I'm starting to wonder just where the limits are with that. Given that I've done acrylic works in the past where the paint was more than a quarter inch thick, I'm guessin' I've got a ways to go yet.

Oh, and this particular piece is 16x16 inches. I'm itching to do something a lot bigger before the year's out.

[Joe Rice]

The cold blue straw in the middle of all those warm colors is interesting.

[zuludelta]

This thing is almost impossible to photograph since it's so glossy.

If you haven't tried it already, try putting some black curtains/blankets behind and on the periphery of the painting to minimize unwanted glare when you take a photo.

It's looking good, BTW.

[StarsAndGarters]

Got some ideas in mind texturewise, but colour's still kinda up in the air.

Update on the Piña Colada painting:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1392/882676457_071b405b19.jpg

This thing is almost impossible to photograph since it's so glossy.

That's really awesome, Bret. Everything just pops off the canvas.

[666MasterOfPuppets]

Superb job, Howy. I wholeheartedly agree with StarsAndGarters. The whole thing almost looks 3D.

[howyadoin]

Thanks, fellas. Appreciate the input.

And here's the basic layout for another piece:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/EverythingLouder_01.jpg

[Gene M.]

Motorhead!

[Pro]

Nice work on the latest painting Howy, the glazing works particularly well on the lips and cherry.

[howyadoin]

Motorhead!Yeah, I've been thinkin' about this one for awhile now - the lettering will look like it's punched into slabs of metal, and it'll be filled with blood.

Nice work on the latest painting Howy, the glazing works particularly well on the lips and cherry.Hey, thanks. The glazing's pretty time-consuming, but the result is definitely worth it.



Oh, and here's one I started last night:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1247/931871024_b43bf6bf15_o.jpg

[howyadoin]

Finally transferred this one to canvas today, and started building up texture:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1078/945064135_6e7f035216_o.jpg

[howyadoin]

More on the Model T:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1158/959362651_83f859187f_o.jpg

[Albert]

I see your Muse hasn't been quiet. Its fascinating to see these pieces progress.. its like seeing all the gears and cogs under the clockface. The text project with the pitted ace sounds like it will be bad ass.

[howyadoin]

I see your Muse hasn't been quiet. Its fascinating to see these pieces progress.. its like seeing all the gears and cogs under the clockface. The text project with the pitted ace sounds like it will be bad ass.Hah. My muse is wiiiiide awake these days. And workin' on a whole bunch of stuff at the same time is always fun, and always gives me new ideas.

[StarsAndGarters]

Thanks, fellas. Appreciate the input.

And here's the basic layout for another piece:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/EverythingLouder_01.jpg

I love this one. It's the kind of thing where I realized there were letters, but I was struck enough by the font, layout, etc. that it took me a minute to focus on what it spelled. The design really compliments the phrase, I think.

[howyadoin]

I love this one. It's the kind of thing where I realized there were letters, but I was struck enough by the font, layout, etc. that it took me a minute to focus on what it spelled. The design really compliments the phrase, I think.Thanks. The two white circles in the middle of the spade are Lemmy's warts, of course.

[howyadoin]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1169/990975360_e848812ed4_o.jpg

[zuludelta]

That Model T's shaping up real nice. Is it based on a specific Greater Vancouver-area vehicle? I've been seeing a lot of classic cars (including a number of Model T's) in the White Rock/Crescent Beach locale all summer long.

[howyadoin]

That Model T's shaping up real nice. Is it based on a specific Greater Vancouver-area vehicle? I've been seeing a lot of classic cars (including a number of Model T's) in the White Rock/Crescent Beach locale all summer long.Thanks. No, it's nothing specific. I saw a T with a 32 Ford grill in a magazine and I really liked the stance and the attitude. So I used that for a jumping-off point, but I distorted the reference photo a lot in Photoshop, then changed the grill and a few other details (like the velocity stacks).

It wasn't till last week that I saw an old drag car with exhaust pipes like that in Hot Rod, and that detail was the clincher for me.

[howyadoin]

Latest developments:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1430/1023927732_e860f69b7d_o.jpg

[howyadoin]

Meanwhile, almost 2 months later:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1058/1430932496_7284fa8a33_o.jpg

[Jaye]

Cool, and yeah, long time. Been too busy?

[howyadoin]

Cool, and yeah, long time. Been too busy?Thanks, Jaye. Yeah, first I was outta town on vacation for like 3 weeks, and then came the deluge of work when I got back, plus there were a lotta social obligations.

Things finally seem to be leveling out now, though.

[joh james]

You are ridiculous, Howya! The level of artistry and mixed medium work is simply off the scale! You're a force to be reckoned with, no doubt. Damn your Sith Lord Dressup!! Damn him to hell!!

[howyadoin]

You are ridiculous, Howya! The level of artistry and mixed medium work is simply off the scale! You're a force to be reckoned with, no doubt. Damn your Sith Lord Dressup!! Damn him to hell!!High praise indeed. Thank you, sir.

[howyadoin]

A little quasi-legalese to clarify a few things. I'll probably reword it once I've consulted my team of lawyers, but for now, here's the scoop:

All artwork ™ and © Bret Taylor. All rights reserved. Any reproduction without the express permission of the artist is prohibited. You have been warned.

[zuludelta]

Hey, an update on the Model T! Looking good howy!

[Winslow]

Here's my legalese suggested modification:

All artwork ™ and © Bret Taylor. All rights reserved. Any reproduction without the express permission of the artist is prohibited. And if you neglect this warning and do use it without permission, fuck you. Yeah, I'm talking to you Greg Land.

[howyadoin]

Hey, an update on the Model T! Looking good howy!Thanks, buddy. Here's another one:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1004/1451438436_4b3a70c822_o.jpg

Still a long way to go, obviously. Most of what I've done on the car is just blocking in base colours so far. Once that's done, it'll be time to do the lighting.

[jmringuet]

Excellent work Howie.

That Charger on the first page is badass!

For some reason I can't see your latest posted pics... are you linking them from Flickr or something?

I'd like to see that Model T!

[howyadoin]

Excellent work Howie.

That Charger on the first page is badass!Thank you, sir. Your cars are pretty sweet, too.

For some reason I can't see your latest posted pics... are you linking them from Flickr or something?

I'd like to see that Model T!Yeah, the photos of the T-bucket are hosted in my Flickr account. I'll throw one of them in my Photobucket account later, though.

Can you not see Flickr links at all?

[howyadoin]

Hey, this one's posted from my Photobucket account:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/T-Bucket_07.jpg

[howyadoin]

First update for the day - the piña colada piece is nearly done:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2087/1571553489_cbecc3aa51_o.jpg

Still got some fine-tuning to do - little details here and there. I may add a layer of self-levelling gel over the face, to flatten out that texture.

[howyadoin]

Second update: latest developments on the Model T:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2270/1571855953_89dc28b82d_o.jpg

[zuludelta]

The chrome's looking very nice. Neat how you incorporated your signature in the grill by the way (I didn't notice it before).

[howyadoin]

The chrome's looking very nice. Neat how you incorporated your signature in the grill by the way (I didn't notice it before).Thanks. I almost considered not doing it, but then ego prevailed.

[666MasterOfPuppets]

Everything's looking neat, howy. Great great job.

[howyadoin]

Everything's looking neat, howy. Great great job.Thank you, sir. Much appreciated.

Oh, and here are a couple of macro shots to show the texture:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2073/1683191283_febd82506d_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2408/1683196729_741e7c1653_o.jpg

[howyadoin]

Coming down the home stretch here, I think. Finally starting to feel like my batteries are charged up again.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2161/1711960284_e770f38269_o.jpg

[howyadoin]

I think this thing might actually be finished:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2020/1801851591_970bf66309_o.jpg

[jcgrandem]

Sweet work, man.

[666MasterOfPuppets]

Bravo, howy. The chrome effect is really nice.

[chizel man]

Very nice, I love the texture of it.

[howyadoin]

Thanks, guys. Much appreciated.

[zuludelta]

It looks great... for some reason, it gives off a "Commercial Drive" vibe to me.

[howyadoin]

Finally back on track with this piece, I hope:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2110/1895379184_34b5e6e33a_o.jpg

[chizel man]

Lookin good.

[howyadoin]

Lookin good.Thank you, sir. Glad to hear it, 'cause my first couple attempts at this piece were an unmitigated disaster, and it's still pretty hard to look at it in any kind of positive light.

[howyadoin]

Movin' right along:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2015/1914902868_6be023e5d2_o.jpg

[666MasterOfPuppets]

WOWZA! This one's looking neat, howy, and it's not even finished.

[Winslow]

*thumbs up*

Is it water color? Or digital coloring that looks like water color?

[howyadoin]

WOWZA! This one's looking neat, howy, and it's not even finished.Nowhere near finished. Thanks, though.

*thumbs up*Glad to hear it.

Is it water color? Or digital coloring that looks like water color?The only thing digital is the photograph, actually. So far it's just watercolour and pencil on Canson paper, but I'll be using pastels, coloured pencils, gouache and ink as well, most likely.

[chizel man]

Water color is my favorite medium, and the piece is lookn real nice.

[howyadoin]

Water color is my favorite medium, and the piece is lookn real nice.Thank you, sir. I'm a big fan of it as well, but I'm a little rusty at the moment.

It'll come back to me though, I'm sure.

[Ben Morgan]

Been a while since I've been here, love your work Howy, really nice

[howyadoin]

Been a while since I've been here, love your work Howy, really niceThanks, buddy. Kind of you to say so.

And in the meantime, here's where the Dr. Oldsmobile piece stands:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2159/1972007999_69be15c568_o.jpg

[howyadoin]

Two new pieces underway:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/gargoyle_thumbnail.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/mask_thumbnail.jpg

[Ben Morgan]

Thanks, buddy. Kind of you to say so.

And in the meantime, here's where the Dr. Oldsmobile piece stands:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2159/1972007999_69be15c568_o.jpgExcellent, I think I saw you post that in Ritas earlier

[Roquefort Raider]

Two new pieces underway:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/mask_thumbnail.jpg

I love this already. African art is underrepresented on these boards.

[howyadoin]

Thanks, Ben. I've now got three new ones underway today:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2382/1980562507_a9e7b61895.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2110/1981363706_1134e35ef9.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2295/1981356364_525343798e.jpg

I may have lost my mind.

[666MasterOfPuppets]

I may have lost my mind.

And dude, that's GOOD. Becuase these latest projects of yours look very, VERY pomising. :D

[chizel man]

Man I love those blues.

[howyadoin]

As always, thanks for the input, fellas. Here's the latest progress on the tribal mask piece:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2242/2030215596_4df4b4605e_o.jpg

[howyadoin]

Progress:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2380/2039925984_9a1045c4dc_o.jpg

[howyadoin]

More:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2242/2039161775_8709d8be42_o.jpg

[zuludelta]

Interesting pieces, especially that mixed-media mask... I've always been into ethno-cultural iconography myself.

[howyadoin]

Interesting pieces, especially that mixed-media mask... I've always been into ethno-cultural iconography myself.Thanks. It's pretty fascinating stuff, isn't it? Something I'd definitely like to do more research into.

[howyadoin]

Work on the mask continues:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2107/2043696141_aa9234613d.jpg

[howyadoin]

And... I'm thinkin' this one is done:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2054/2052688951_c0f562db64_o.jpg

[howyadoin]

Movin' right along with the gargoyle piece:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2245/2054318900_f5d23a60c1_o.jpg

[howyadoin]

The past couple days' progress:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2024/2060596620_9eb9a45cd4.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2185/2059816029_1e498052e3.jpg

[666MasterOfPuppets]

These pieces are looking fantastic, howy. Ten thousand thumbs up.

[Jaye]

Oh man, I still have your other gargoyle on here on my wall (took it down from my office when I left and now its hanging in my living room).

Love this new one, too.

Nice work.

Jaye

[howyadoin]

These pieces are looking fantastic, howy. Ten thousand thumbs up.Thanks, man. That's a whole lotta thumbs.

Oh man, I still have your other gargoyle on here on my wall (took it down from my office when I left and now its hanging in my living room).

Love this new one, too.

Nice work.

JayeGlad to hear it. The first one was done for my brother, and this one is, too.

Hoping to finish these two up in the next couple days. I've started another tonight - a snowman for my sister. Not exactly a typical theme for me.

[chizel man]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2185/2059816029_1e498052e3.jpg

WoW!:eek: Thats really nice.

[howyadoin]

WoW!:eek: Thats really nice.Thanks, dude.

Oh, and here's the next one underway:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2191/2072719629_0f0e92eb99.jpg

[666MasterOfPuppets]

Thanks, man. That's a whole lotta thumbs.

Hoping to finish these two up in the next couple days. I've started another tonight - a snowman for my sister. Not exactly a typical theme for me.

Hey, you deserve 'em, man.

Hehehe... I was going to say that the christmas spirit had already reached you, howy. Not a common theme for you indeed.

[chizel man]

Love the way the snow man is designed. Your sister is going to be happy.

[howyadoin]

Thanks once again, fellas. Here's the final of the 5 Christmas paintings underway:



http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2253/2079405111_9ab5019524.jpg

[Roquefort Raider]

Thanks once again, fellas. Here's the final of the 5 Christmas paintings underway:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2253/2079405111_9ab5019524.jpg

Brilliant concept!!!

The great ideas are coming in fast and furious, these days! Well done, Howie!

[howyadoin]

Brilliant concept!!!Thanks, Ben. Here's stage 2:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2210/2083519544_a573c91fb4_o.jpg

The great ideas are coming in fast and furious, these days! Well done, Howie!They pretty much have to be, this close to Christmas. I've got about a week to finish everything off before I fly to Halifax.

[howyadoin]

Latest developments on the two I'm still thrashing out:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2348/2090328283_bfcbd12960.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2197/2090328219_6b5d215c61.jpg

Still a long way to go, obviously. And please forgive the crappy photography; I seem to be getting worse at it all the time.

[chizel man]

Great pieces Howy! I really like that snowman. He's jolley.

[howyadoin]

Progress:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2210/2100943343_58d4e33001.jpg

(The black areas will be green and gold when it's done.)



http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2263/2100943507_a991c2586c.jpg

[howyadoin]

Officially finished:


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2385/2105200466_d406f3caba.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2287/2104421629_e9e18be392.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2091/2104421449_5e002dd6a0.jpg

[666MasterOfPuppets]

Stunning stuff, howy, as always. Looking forward to seeing that margarita piece finished as well.

[mattx110]

Looked back at random pages (there's 77 of them!!!)

The Cowgirl, "Ties that bind", The motorcycle, all favorites. The new stuff is good too. I might try to run through the thread a bit more thoroughly when I have time. You're pretty damn good at this art thing...:D

[howyadoin]

Thanks, guys. Here's the 2 remaining pieces finished:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2287/2106940678_3b7faa244e.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2270/2106940336_340ed74ce9.jpg

[666MasterOfPuppets]

*LOVING* the magarita piece, howy. And I'm sure your sister will love that snowman piece.

*wants to drink a couple of margaritas right now*

Looked back at random pages (there's 77 of them!!!)

The Cowgirl, "Ties that bind", The motorcycle, all favorites. The new stuff is good too. I might try to run through the thread a bit more thoroughly when I have time. You're pretty damn good at this art thing...:D

Howy, good at art? Naaaaaahhhhhhh.... ;)

[zuludelta]

Loving the latest two pieces.

[howyadoin]

The new Phirebrush (http://www.phirebrush.com) is up. You can find three of my recent pieces on this page (http://www.phirebrush.com/issues.php?iid=57&cat=artwork&rs=36&ob=author&obd=ASC).

[howyadoin]

And a new one begun:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2179/2156126125_818cb387e2.jpg

[Jaye]

Hey, one of mine was on that same Phirebrush page. Very cool.
I'd never seen you ship one, I like it.

Happy New Year to you, its been too nuts for me to send cards this year, but I do want to extend my best wishes to you and thanks for all the support.

-Jaye

[howyadoin]

Hey, one of mine was on that same Phirebrush page. Very cool.Awesome. That's a great piece.

Happy New Year to you, its been too nuts for me to send cards this year, but I do want to extend my best wishes to you and thanks for all the support.And likewise to you, my friend.

[howyadoin]

So here's a rough idea of what the new piece should look like:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2216/2160466945_3b49118b83_o.jpg

(The inset photo is just a reference pic for the moment, but it'll be painted.)

[chizel man]

cool! I'm sure your version will look even better.

[howyadoin]

Incidentally, I never did post the final version of this one:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2295/2167559489_73af56b6b8.jpg

[zuludelta]

That's awesome. Definitely my favourite of your recent pieces.

[armandoB]

some really great pieces

[howyadoin]

Thank you very much, folks. I should have an update on the latest piece later today.

[howyadoin]

In case I haven't mentioned it already, Flickr (http://flickr.com) has a new group called 2008: A Year in Pictures (http://flickr.com/groups/2008ayearinpictures/pool). Basically, you document your life, one photo at a time, for a year. Here's mine for today:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2300/2169988142_29964c3f75_o.jpg

[jpk]

Incidentally, I never did post the final version of this one:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2295/2167559489_73af56b6b8.jpg

Wow, howy. This is a vibrant piece. Fine job.

I'm late to this thread and haven't caught up. Are you an artist by trade? If not, you should be. If I could paint like that I'd quit my job and make it my business.

[Hellbaby]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2270/2106940336_340ed74ce9.jpg

That's awesome. The red background makes the snowman stick out, which ends up look really vibrant.

[howyadoin]

Thanks, guys. I always appreciate the input. And no, I'm not painting for a living yet, but I'm slowly working towards that goal.

Here's the next step in the latest painting, by the way:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2165/2170201741_80bdd6901b_o.jpg

[Ben Morgan]

I really enjoy that snowman painting

[howyadoin]

Macro details of the new painting:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2030/2173216014_6baef84673.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2396/2173286516_77cfb5cc09_o.jpg

[chizel man]

Man, Howy you always put so much work into your art, and it shows.

[Roquefort Raider]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2396/2173286516_77cfb5cc09_o.jpg

MMmmmmhh.... Bacon...



I'm curious to see where this one is going. The texture is intriguing.

[originalJAM]

Thanks, guys. I always appreciate the input. And no, I'm not painting for a living yet, but I'm slowly working towards that goal.

Here's the next step in the latest painting, by the way:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2165/2170201741_80bdd6901b_o.jpg

Nice work(your paintings)... Color theory you know well! Your skills ROCK!
I'd say painting for a living is and should be your next step my man!

Again nice work Howyadoin! Nothing like real ARTWORK/PAINT/MEDIUM for a change!... (sorry, got carried away!)

JAM,.........................

[howyadoin]

Thanks, guys. Here's the latest:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2359/2180193810_f2c4ef4715.jpg

All that's left to do on the "metal" areas is a drybrush layer of iridescent stainless steel. Then the real painting starts.

[howyadoin]

Here's a detail shot of the corrugated stuff:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2188/2182726118_ff89b70997_o.jpg

In real life it's a shitload shinier, so I may do another wash of sepia over it to take some of that sheen off.

[666MasterOfPuppets]

WOW. This one's already looking great, howy. Looking forward to the finished piece.

[howyadoin]

WOW. This one's already looking great, howy. Looking forward to the finished piece.Thanks, buddy. We're coming down the home stretch now:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2260/2184653712_41c207fc1c_o.jpg

[Ben Morgan]

Awesome, Howy

[howyadoin]

Awesome, HowyThanks, Buddy.

I think the next painting's gonna be a Spider-Man piece.

[Ben Morgan]

Sounds good

[howyadoin]

(Very) rough beginnings:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2336/2184406179_14788a9d0c_o.jpg

[howyadoin]

So I kept trying to go to bed last night, and I kept staying up to tweak one more thing on the Spider-Man piece. Here's where I ended up, around 4:00AM:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2356/2186001122_3dbc950f5d_o.jpg

[666MasterOfPuppets]

Ah, looks very, VERY promising.

[howyadoin]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2082/2185617939_e29cc77b94_o.jpg

[Ben Morgan]

Pretty cool

[howyadoin]

Further developments:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2337/2186453513_617e96da9e_o.jpg

[Josh S]

I don't think I've ever seen you do any superhero stuff before, howy.

Oh, and the piece with the (I assume) oranges, is rad.

[howyadoin]

I don't think I've ever seen you do any superhero stuff before, howy.If you scroll back in the thread a ways, you'll see Deathlok, Green Arrow, Power Girl, Galactus, the Green Goblin, Ghost Rider, Iron Man, Darkseid, and Green Lantern.

Oh, and the piece with the (I assume) oranges, is rad.Thank you, sir.

[howyadoin]

More Spider-Man:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2305/2188825166_6815d3d52b_o.jpg

[zuludelta]

Nice. Wondering if you'll do some more overt "pop-art" flourishes with this particular piece (seems to fit the theme).

[howyadoin]

Nice. Wondering if you'll do some more overt "pop-art" flourishes with this particular piece (seems to fit the theme).Thanks. That's something I've been considering.

[Roquefort Raider]

This Spidey is already looking pretty promising. I agree about the pop-art feel... It's closer to the real spirit of the character than some current Faustian takes!

[howyadoin]

This Spidey is already looking pretty promising. I agree about the pop-art feel... It's closer to the real spirit of the character than some current Faustian takes!Well, y'know, me and Spider-Man go way back...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2277/2190225983_b527a97a0c_o.jpg

Oh, and this one's pretty much done, too:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2026/2191013116_4162ee5cea_o.jpg

Sadly, I don't have the photographic skills to capture the "metal" surface accurately.

[Roquefort Raider]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2026/2191013116_4162ee5cea_o.jpg



It looks really good. How did you manage the corrugated effect?

There's no way you could have known beforehand, but the painting reminds me of my mother's youth. She lived in Spain for a while and developed a taste for Seville orange marmalade, of which we had tins when I was a kid. (They were big things, too). So thanks for the memories!!!

[howyadoin]

It looks really good. How did you manage the corrugated effect?

There's no way you could have known beforehand, but the painting reminds me of my mother's youth. She lived in Spain for a while and developed a taste for Seville orange marmalade, of which we had tins when I was a kid. (They were big things, too). So thanks for the memories!!!Thanks, Ben. I just collaged some heavy corrugated paper onto the wood panel, and then treated it to look metallic. It actually came out quite a bit different than the idea I originally had, but that's fine. A lot of my concepts mutate when it comes time to actually paint them.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2179/2156126125_8e0e32d10f_o.jpg

[666MasterOfPuppets]

I was going to ask you the same thing Roquefort asked. Great stuff, howy.

Which reminds me, I need to get my hands on that Joe Kubert book I bought and put it to good use. I need to practice. I was doodling the other day, and I quickly noticed that my art sucked. Oh well, it's my fault.

[howyadoin]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2174/2196238779_f82a78f80b_o.jpg

[chizel man]

Wow, that Spidy piece is lookin really cool Howy.

[howyadoin]

Just for the hell of it, more spider-details:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2380/2201389374_cf91231561_o.jpg

[howyadoin]

This one's finally done, but shooting it properly is evidently beyond my meagre photography skills:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2381/2210909998_9852959157_o.jpg

[666MasterOfPuppets]

Holy crap, howy. That one's simply great. I bet you would sell it in less than a heartbeat.

[howyadoin]

So in case you've been wondering, I haven't been slacking off this week - quite a few hours have gone into the Spider-Man painting - mainly building textures, underpainting, experimenting with gels, that sorta thing. Here's the latest update:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2254/2218864963_ac0c4ca044_o.jpg

[howyadoin]

And here's the rough concept for the next piece:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2381/2220408178_5f36668836_o.jpg

[howyadoin]

Started layin' down some texture already:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2300/2220544220_a4b67c188f_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2099/2219749711_b27af0f3c2_o.jpg

[howyadoin]

Here's an overview of the new piece:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2021/2227219434_0743d89d6c_o.jpg

[howyadoin]

Just a teaser till I can take a better photo:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2379/2228054196_688cb187c8_o.jpg

[zuludelta]

That Spidey teaser is looking real good.

[chizel man]

Yeah I agree with Zuludelta, I like the placement of your name also. The new piece is looking interesting.

[howyadoin]

Thanks, guys. Always appreciate the input.

Oh, and I had a brainstorm for a Superman painting this morning.

[howyadoin]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2420/2228797307_9e56d60cf4_o.jpg

[666MasterOfPuppets]

Thanks, guys. Always appreciate the input.

Oh, and I had a brainstorm for a Superman painting this morning.

YEEEESSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finally! A Superman painting by howy. Can't wait.

And the spidey one is looking neat.

[chizel man]

Wow! That's a very hot painting Howy,very hot!

[howyadoin]

Thanks, guys. I'll keep you posted.

[Eliseu Gouveia]

Great work as always, dude!
Love the Spider-Man! :)

[howyadoin]

Great work as always, dude!
Love the Spider-Man! :)Thanks, Eliseu. Hoping to finish it in the next couple days.

In the meantime, here's more texture shots from the other painting:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2414/2233661215_fdcc7dfee1_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2187/2234449484_d15120ab00_o.jpg

[howyadoin]

Finally, a full view of the new painting:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2249/2235761252_498a5818c7_o.jpg

Now I need to start filling in those white areas.

[howyadoin]

The Spider-Man painting is done:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2098/2235613867_11791616c3_o.jpg

Unfortunately I used enough iridescent and interference colours that the thing is damn near unphotographable.

[howyadoin]

Face detail:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2357/2236405260_f889fdbeca_o.jpg

[howyadoin]

A hint of things to come:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2391/2236537282_0a6b856105_o.jpg

[666MasterOfPuppets]

A hint of things to come:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2391/2236537282_0a6b856105_o.jpg

Oh yeah. This is going to be awesome.

[Ben Morgan]

Thanks, Eliseu. Hoping to finish it in the next couple days.

In the meantime, here's more texture shots from the other painting:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2414/2233661215_fdcc7dfee1_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2187/2234449484_d15120ab00_o.jpg

That looks awesome and weird

[Jaye]

I would love the see the Spiderman one in person. It looks really cool.

What are the dimensions of the new one? Those are amazing textures you've got, I'm totally intrigued.

-Jaye

[howyadoin]

I would love the see the Spiderman one in person. It looks really cool.Thanks. I wish I could get a decent photo; I did all kinds of cool shit with colour that I just can't seem to capture.

What are the dimensions of the new one? Those are amazing textures you've got, I'm totally intrigued.The textured one is 16x20. I learned a lot from it that I'll be applying to future paintings, that's for sure.

[howyadoin]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2359/2241577250_8897c75e0b_o.jpg

[StarsAndGarters]

Started layin' down some texture already:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2300/2220544220_a4b67c188f_o.jpg

Man, it looks like you're painting with caviar. Very cool texture, as always.

Face detail:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2357/2236405260_f889fdbeca_o.jpg

Love it!

[howyadoin]

Man, it looks like you're painting with caviar.Yeah, I got tired of painting with icing.

Love it!Thanks. I'm pretty happy with it myself.

[howyadoin]

Latest developments in the new texture painting:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2187/2251584764_7429f56dbf_o.jpg

Still got miles to go, but at least the inner parts are started now.

[howyadoin]

Well, after a loooonnnng time spent building texture and such, I finally have something to show on the Superman painting:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2030/2265946435_5aa595fb1d.jpg

All of that's still underpainting, but it's starting to feel like it's coming together. Building up that the logo was a gigantic pain in the ass, but it should look good once I start applying colour. It'll be naphthol red with a thick coat of clear gloss gel, and arylide deep yellow with a light dusting of iridescent light gold.

Here's a close-up for those who appreciate such things:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2098/2266746298_8143962f76.jpg

[Ben Morgan]

Love the close-ups

[chizel man]

Man that is cool.

[Roquefort Raider]

Wow, that is impressive. How did you make the S logo stand out like that? Is it multiple layers of acrylic or did you use a more solid material? From where we stand, it looks flawless.

[666MasterOfPuppets]

And it kicks major ass. It's going to rock when it's finished.

[howyadoin]

Thanks, guys. I started building the S with molding paste (essentially just a thick acrylic medium), and I wasn't happy with how uneven it was turning out, so I cut the basic shape out of a piece of illustration board and built that into the painting:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2197/2248328952_8f46630ac3_o.jpg

As you can see, the parts that curve down to the surface of the painting were slowly built up with more molding paste. The logo's 1/8th of an inch thick, but once I do the red paint and a couple layers of clear gel, I'm hopin' it'll be twice that.

[howyadoin]

For anybody who's been wondering, I have actually been workin' on this thing:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2302/2270437201_6cc50446c1_o.jpg

In fact, it's nearly finished. Kudos as always to my client, for being so patient.

[chizel man]

I know I said it before, but I really love the colors.

[mattx110]

that is awesommmme.

!!!

[howyadoin]

Thanks, guys. Tweaked it a little more today:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2068/2275714358_8d9cf49467_o.jpg

[howyadoin]

Nearly done:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2148/2276716568_cfd047e481_o.jpg


Learned a lot from this painting that I'll be applying to future projects.

[howyadoin]

Here's the latest on Superman:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2275/2279871471_2d344faf24_o.jpg

[howyadoin]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2415/2280692887_b053287ae8_o.jpg

[howyadoin]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2406/2284651774_88114aba13_o.jpg

[gary bolt]

Awesome image. I quite like the shadow from the shot glass and the colours/patterns on the copper bar-top. Great composition.

I like the two paintings you have shown recently as well, even though the presentation of both pieces seems to be couched in the same frame of reference. Get it? Couched?

[LewMoxinsghost]

Some more goodies. Multiple attachments rock.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/galactus.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/Tiger.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/Turtle.jpg

No, sir, YOU rock!

[howyadoin]

Thanks, guys.

Gary, the shotglass thing was just a morning-after thing today while I was still hung over, but I think it came together nicely.

As for paintings, the Superman piece is nearly done:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2111/2284913963_c86833426d_o.jpg

[Ben Morgan]

It's comin along good Howy, you know I love those close-ups