tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49363754431136504832024-03-13T14:52:32.444-05:00Frogrocket IllustrationIllustrations by Chris ChuckryChris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.comBlogger144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936375443113650483.post-5784054574567219922015-05-04T10:36:00.000-05:002015-05-04T10:36:15.010-05:00May the Fourth Be With You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I haven't done a lot of Star Wars fan art, however, today seems like a good day to post what I have finished. I have colored a lot of Star Wars comics though. Maybe that was enough for me to get my fix of the characters and environments. Those comic books happened a good number of years ago. Perhaps it's time for me to do some more fan art. I'm open to suggestions.<br />
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Have a great day and thanks for looking! May the fourth be with you!<br />
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© Lucasfilm</div>
Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936375443113650483.post-78160381365555381292015-05-02T23:17:00.001-05:002015-05-02T23:17:53.392-05:00Accidental Martyrs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Around Christmas time I accidentally started a series of sketches in one of my sketchbooks. I say "accidentally started," because I did not have anything particular in mind when I began drawing. One sketch became two, and two grew into more. I dubbed these pieces "Accidental Martyrs," and they were a tongue-in-cheek series, based on my recollection of the many gruesome ways in which Catholic martyrs were killed. <div>
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This piece began as number six in the series, but something changed with this one. The news from the U.S. about police shooting unarmed black men, and others dying in custody, or during arrest influenced the vibe of this sketch. It morphed from a lighter piece, to a hopefully more challenging editorial illustration. A reflection of the situation, as filtered through my visual commentary process. </div>
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The rough sketch was scanned, enlarged, then transfered to some strathmore paper and inked with a copic brush pen. The inked art was scanned and color and textures were added in Photoshop. If I was doing this piece for a client, I would normally do more color studies before moving on to a final illustration. I may do these yet, since every time I look at it now I want to make changes. I'd like to try a more simple graphic approach, in an effort to make a more iconic image, with more emotional impact. </div>
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I hope things get better down there.</div>
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Thanks for looking. </div>
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art is © Chris Chuckry</div>
Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936375443113650483.post-258953598904661252015-04-25T21:30:00.001-05:002015-04-25T21:33:03.481-05:00My time with Sketch Cards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was intrigued when I first heard of sketch cards. The idea sounded great! You get paid to do fan art on a small scale--usually 50 to 100 or more cards--with traditional media. Quick little illustrations to indulge your inner fanboy, and paid as well! So I did some research, figured out who was publishing these cards, and inquired about who to send my samples to. Once I discovered the submission requirements and the name of the editors/art directors, I was on my way. Samples were submitted and I was fortunate enough to get work on a number of card sets. The amount of cards varied (50 to 100 or more) and the schedule was quite flexible. Not all the cards were superhero sets. Some were classic horror and sci-fi, or classic comics and animation or "The Walking Dead."<br />
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There were always restrictions on who you could and could not draw in a particular set. The thing that surprised me though, was the pay rate--anywhere from $5 to $8 a card, for full color cards. I thought that if I could do them quickly enough, the pay rate would be fine. However, speed is not always a friend of quality, and I soon discovered the the cards were called "sketch cards" in name only. More often, than not, the publishers were looking for finished artwork, sometimes multiple figures and backgrounds, for $5 a card.<br />
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Now, I also received a special "Artist's Proof" card for every ten regular cards that I competed. The idea was that I could spend extra time on these limited AP cards and sell them to collectors, at a premium, in order to supplement the low rate on the sketchcards. I still have all of my blank AP cards. I haven't had the motivation, or inspiration, to do some special sketch editions and sell them. Every now and again I see some of my original production cards on ebay, selling for 10 times or more my original rate. I suppose that's the collectors/speculators market. The thing that bugs me, is that it's usually the weaker cards on ebay, the ones I was happier with are nowhere to be seen.<br />
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These days I usually think of doing larger illustrations and pieces of art, based on my own ideas. However, when I find my energy or enthusiasm flagging, I kick around the idea of sketch cards again. Simple little sketches that make me appreciate the ability to pursue my own creative ideas.</div>
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Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936375443113650483.post-46912792793222989712015-03-14T21:54:00.000-05:002015-03-14T21:54:22.883-05:00Forest Spirit or Passages 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sometimes it takes quite awhile before a sketchbook idea gets worked up to a final piece. Months, maybe years go by before an idea demands more attention. I often wonder if my sketches are finished projects by themselves, but that's usually not the case. I use my sketchbooks to relax, to explore and to meditate--after a fashion. Although many sketches are destined to stay in the books, every so often I surprise myself with an image that captures my imagination and won't let go--even after a number of years.<br />
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This is one of those pieces. I did the initial sketch about five or six years ago, during a summer night at the cabin. The figure was based on an even older sketch. Looking at him now, I want to revisit that older sketch and make some changes to this piece. Last summer I finally revised the sketch. I enlarged it, and created a line drawing with some tone on vellum. I worked on it during breaks from coloring comics. By late summer or early autumn I was ready to add color.<br />
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The results were encouraging, although I do need to refine some areas and finish the figure. I found that working on this piece created its own momentum. The more I did the more I wanted to do, and the more time I made for doing it. I keep my sketchbooks handy and review them, like a journal. With the benefit of time, it's easy to see which pieces still capture my attention and demand more of it.<br />
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These are the steps, from initial rough, to line art and color.<br />
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Thanks for looking!<br />
© Chris Chuckry<br />
<br />Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936375443113650483.post-30564446560343356102013-11-27T22:38:00.000-06:002013-11-27T22:38:09.734-06:00Last month I finished a black and white portrait of HP Lovecraft, an American horror writer. Lovecraft is known for creating the Cthulu mythos in the first half of the 20th century, over a series of related stories.<br />
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My first small sketch of the piece was to work out ideas and composition. At this point I'm not really trying to nail a likeness, just working on composition and jotting down notes. I had decided early on to do this piece in tones of grey--perhaps I was influenced by the reference photos of HP, none of which were in colour.<br />
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Once I was happy with the first rough sketch, I sat down with some reference and worked the idea up to a more finished version. I scanned the pencil sketch into Photoshop, where I inked the figure, added tones and painted "Cthulu," lurking in the background.</div>
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I also added a slight texture and tone to the gutters of the image, in an attempt to give it a sense of age similar to that of the reference photographs. I'm satisfied with the result, although part of me would like to do another version with ink and ink wash, instead of digital media. It was a fun piece to do, and came together fairly quickly. I enjoy doing portraits from reference, since it's good practice in developing observation skills and interpreting and conveying likenesses.</div>
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Thanks for stopping by. These sketches and illustration are © Chris Chuckry</div>
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<br />Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936375443113650483.post-21261385953101634802013-09-15T21:24:00.000-05:002013-09-15T21:24:34.414-05:00Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I wish Autumn would last longer since it's my favorite season. Warm days and cool nights, explosions of color slowly taking the leaves. The short lived brilliance of Autumn makes it all the more precious ahead of the long, cold winter, which follows too closely at it's heels. Much like spring, Fall is a time for lovers. The cooling temperatures inspire a closeness that suits many people just fine. If you're lucky, this closeness will last for decades. If not, Autumn is still a wonderful season for falling in love.<br />
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I finished this piece in order to satisfy an inspiration--not for any particular job.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.<br />
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© Chris ChuckryChris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936375443113650483.post-55503875786742005882012-12-23T22:25:00.000-06:002012-12-23T22:25:15.417-06:00Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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May you be blessed with the warmth and joy of Love this Holiday Season. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!<br />
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In the nick of time, here is my Christmas card for 2012. Thanks for stopping by.<br />
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© Chris Chuckry 2012Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936375443113650483.post-82595646130459366042012-11-23T19:18:00.000-06:002012-11-23T19:18:42.984-06:00Moebius TributeEarlier this year I was approached by a French Publisher and asked if I would like to take part in a Moebius tribute book. Moebius (aka Jean Giraud) was an influential French artist, who unfortunately passed away in March. You can learn more about him here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Giraud. I was both flattered, and a little intimidated. I wanted to produce a piece of art that did justice to the sense of wonder that Moebius inspired in me with his art.<br />
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Many talented artists contributed, and as I saw their pieces of art posted online, my feelings of intimidation grew a little more. From their pieces, I also saw that doing a straight interpretation of a Moebius character, such as Lt. Blueberry was not for me. A similar piece from me would pale in comparison to some of the other tributes.<br />
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I finally decided to do more of a conceptual piece--one that would hopefully convey a sense of peace and wonder. It also had to be in a style that I was comfortable with. I went through several ideas in my sketchbook before I created one that I was happy with. Then I refined that idea a little more. Here are some of those sketches.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kc9h6EOxxuM/ULAZclIPdxI/AAAAAAAAAiE/6NRBfi77jek/s1600/development+of+idea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kc9h6EOxxuM/ULAZclIPdxI/AAAAAAAAAiE/6NRBfi77jek/s320/development+of+idea.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The first two were early ideas that I soon discarded, as they didn't convey the emotions that I was looking for. The second set of sketchbook pages represent the rough of the final concept and some refinement of the face and costume, along with notes. From this I moved on to final art. I had originally intended to do this illustration with traditional media, but with my schedule at the time, I decided that a combination of digital and traditional would be quickest. Here's the line art, created in Photoshop.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gdL96AT8844/ULAcj6rO6lI/AAAAAAAAAiU/bWKLanPjgJQ/s1600/Moebius+lineart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gdL96AT8844/ULAcj6rO6lI/AAAAAAAAAiU/bWKLanPjgJQ/s320/Moebius+lineart.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
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Once I was happy with the line art, I added colour and texture, also in Photoshop. The final piece comes pretty close to expressing what I had hoped to express--feelings of serenity and wonder. </div>
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Thanks for stopping by.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nnBVz7TSz5I/ULAeCDAdw7I/AAAAAAAAAic/lk0O02hHOo0/s1600/Moebius+4x6+color02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nnBVz7TSz5I/ULAeCDAdw7I/AAAAAAAAAic/lk0O02hHOo0/s320/Moebius+4x6+color02.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Artwork is © Chris Chuckry 2012</div>
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<br />Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936375443113650483.post-45245512196492839432012-06-27T23:38:00.001-05:002012-06-27T23:38:58.717-05:00Tim Burton Portrait<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Amj68BBbPDE/T-vdhVyxFAI/AAAAAAAAAhI/8zqmR0Sv29o/s1600/Tim+Burton+working04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Amj68BBbPDE/T-vdhVyxFAI/AAAAAAAAAhI/8zqmR0Sv29o/s320/Tim+Burton+working04.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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This piece came about as a prize for a raffle on Free Comic Book Day. The prize was a sketch of some kind. But, the winner planted the seed of this portrait in my head. The idea took root and grew--eventually taking on a life of it's own.<br />
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Settling on the composition early, I wanted to impart a sense of Burton's wild creativity and imagination. I decided to use his wild hair as a proxy for his wild imagination. A jumbled collection of characters from his movies surrounds him. Escaped from his imagination. Perhaps they comfort, or tease him while they remind us of his work.<br />
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The characters were done in a sketchy manner, as a nod to Burton's art style (which I quite enjoy). Initially, I was going to paint them up more and have them interacting with him. However, I decided to treat them more graphically--but not as graphically as I approached the hair.<br />
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I do feel that the piece is lacking something, and did not reach the heights I aspired too. I can't remember the last time I tackled a portrait in this fashion. Despite my lack of total satisfaction, I do have an appetite for more. I've got another portrait idea percolating--perhaps it's time to get it out on paper.<br />
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As usual, I used a combination of traditional and digital media on this illustration.<br />
It is © Chris Chuckry.<br />
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Questions? Send me a note. I'll be happy to answer.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936375443113650483.post-42543241957740155482012-04-12T23:52:00.000-05:002012-04-12T23:52:07.289-05:00Wood Ducks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yA19Deo3wLc/T4ev82CEyBI/AAAAAAAAAfc/Q0SLVFeeFxc/s1600/wood+duck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yA19Deo3wLc/T4ev82CEyBI/AAAAAAAAAfc/Q0SLVFeeFxc/s320/wood+duck.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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"I swear I see this duck loitering around back lately. He's becoming more brazen every day, but I'm watching him. Behind locked doors, I watch and wait. He won't win this time. "<br />
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Seriously though, the wood ducks are hanging around the back yard again. We live by the river, and have a duck house hanging from a tree, close to the river. One duck family will nest in there until the young ones are old enough to drop down to the river. The male wood ducks have this striking display of colour and feathers on their head. It seems odd to see them land on tree branches now and again, instead of always landing on the water.<br />
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This guy started as a rough pencil sketch in one of my Moleskine sketchbooks, and was finished in Photoshop. It is © Chris Chuckry.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936375443113650483.post-50179919070721711302012-03-12T22:48:00.000-05:002012-03-12T22:48:03.939-05:00Fezzy Skeleton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CV681f_wEHU/T17DR5EIeTI/AAAAAAAAAd0/aTEyBNSP1Wc/s1600/Skeleton+Fez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CV681f_wEHU/T17DR5EIeTI/AAAAAAAAAd0/aTEyBNSP1Wc/s320/Skeleton+Fez.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
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Here's a little piece I did during a local Comic Book convention a couple of weeks ago. It's about 5 by 7 inches, and was completed with marker, aquarelle pencil and some pastel pencil. It was lots of fun! So much fun that I might do a small series of these. After all, if it's not fun is it worth doing?<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.<br />
© Chris ChuckryChris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936375443113650483.post-32178270862236168252012-03-02T11:49:00.000-06:002012-03-02T11:49:15.297-06:00Pastel Portrait study<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jJQRGJuGg2A/T1EH_cPa06I/AAAAAAAAAds/r9JBhJfQkUE/s1600/Marc+Jacobs+pastel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jJQRGJuGg2A/T1EH_cPa06I/AAAAAAAAAds/r9JBhJfQkUE/s320/Marc+Jacobs+pastel2.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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It's been some time since I've updated this blog. Reason being that I have been super busy with work, and a fairly recent teaching gig. In January I began teaching an introductory illustration course at our local college. Thursday mornings from eight to noon, I teach life drawing to Digital Media Design students. A recent assignment focuses on portrait and skull studies done in a variety of mediums. Many of the students have limited experience in working with chalk pastel, so I did a quick portrait study to illustrate some technique.<br />
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This portrait is of fashion designer Marc Jacobs. I used a photo as reference and completed the piece on smooth, toned paper. There are some structural issues that I would correct if I was going to present this to a client. However, I was focusing on technique and had a deadline--had to finish it before the sitter left for the day. This is straight pastel with no pencil sketch and it took about 40 minutes to finish.<br />
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It was a lot of fun! I normally work in Photoshop. If I use traditional media, it's usually for a pencil or ink sketch which I will then finish in Photoshop. I would love to block out some time in my schedule to break out my oil paints again--hopefully soon!<br />
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Thanks for stopping by!Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936375443113650483.post-79914715498166112622011-12-20T19:27:00.000-06:002011-12-20T19:27:42.328-06:00Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QN-8PuF7qlo/TvE0z5RLH1I/AAAAAAAAAdc/aoivZ1EPYDM/s1600/Christmas+2011+color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QN-8PuF7qlo/TvE0z5RLH1I/AAAAAAAAAdc/aoivZ1EPYDM/s320/Christmas+2011+color.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
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I wish the best to you and yours during this holiday season, and into the New Year! May love and happiness light your days and nights. <div>
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Almost forgot to finish my Christmas card this year--that's the way things have been going lately. I did remember though. This illustration is a combination of pencil and acrylic on textured paper, with some Photoshop love to wrap things up. </div>
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Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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© Chris Chuckry</div>Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936375443113650483.post-18898537376590964912011-11-25T13:07:00.001-06:002011-11-25T13:27:26.179-06:00Map of a Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8OWENX-SYVw/Ts_reowdvKI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/fy1qaZR7_rE/s1600/Heart+Map_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8OWENX-SYVw/Ts_reowdvKI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/fy1qaZR7_rE/s320/Heart+Map_01.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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Here is a piece from one of my sketchbooks. A quick editorial-type illustration mapping a heart's experience with some people and things we typically associate with love.<br />
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I spend most of my days working in comic book and related genres. As a result, when I sketch, many related themes and stylistic influences find their way into my drawings. While I enjoy comic, fantasy and horror art, I also love children's book illustration, editorial art and many schools of painting. Lately I've been feeling a need to simplify my work, in an attempt to communicate the idea with less distraction. That doesn't mean I'll give up doing more detailed pieces. It does mean that I'll try to be thinking more graphically from time to time.<br />
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This is a pencil and marker heart, drawn in one of my moleskine sketchbooks. It is © Chris Chuckry.<br />
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Thanks for visiting.Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936375443113650483.post-47144307356207663072011-11-19T22:47:00.001-06:002011-11-19T23:00:44.268-06:00Snow Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qGFdtOKb5kA/TsiIzA-qhUI/AAAAAAAAAdI/Ng4Tc0-Yw8M/s1600/Snow+fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qGFdtOKb5kA/TsiIzA-qhUI/AAAAAAAAAdI/Ng4Tc0-Yw8M/s320/Snow+fall.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
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It snowed the other day, November 18th, to be exact. It was the first heavy snowfall of winter. Big, fluffy snow flakes falling from the sky, blanketing the ground and anything else they landed on. It was very beautiful. After all these years, I still see the beauty in this. However, I don't think I've ever seen the beauty in shoveling snow.<br />
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Beautiful as it was, the snow fell too early for me. I prefer it to remain snow-less until after my birthday, on the 21st of November. It didn't snow on the day I was born. Instead, there was a significant hoar frost. It snowed on my second day of breathing. I know this because my father has told me this story many times. Usually around my birthday. This story reminds me to remember those important moments in life. Pay attention, try to set them in the stone of my memory. Make them last, so I can treasure them later.<br />
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I remember the days and details when my children were born. I tell them what their birth day was like, and I will continue to tell them. I will remind them, as my father reminded me, to remember what is important in life.<br />
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Thanks for visiting.<br />
© Chris ChuckryChris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936375443113650483.post-27564956306237031282011-11-04T18:53:00.001-05:002011-11-04T18:53:05.726-05:00The Mighty Thor?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--jN9_Gr-RYU/TrR6XwSlgeI/AAAAAAAAAc4/gQUoQD7lIWg/s1600/Thor+BW_color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--jN9_Gr-RYU/TrR6XwSlgeI/AAAAAAAAAc4/gQUoQD7lIWg/s320/Thor+BW_color.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is my warm up sketch from yesterday, which I colored today. Yesterday afternoon was interrupted by appliance delivery, clean up and moving etc. For about a month, we've been without many of our major appliances. They were toasted by power surges during a bad electrical windstorm in early October. The refrigerator and microwave were delivered yesterday afternoon, so I had to move things about and clean up some.<br />
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Needless to say, I fell behind in my other work. "Life happens," as they say. So, here's yesterday's warmup sketch, colored today. I kind of felt like this guy after last weekend's Convention. Thor is brought to you by pencil, Pentel brush pen and Photoshop. He is © Marvel Comics.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936375443113650483.post-53682571007719968772011-11-02T12:46:00.000-05:002011-11-02T12:46:28.033-05:00Beware the Creeper!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ANN9bYxYjHw/TrGBzIVWT1I/AAAAAAAAAcw/mHSZNfQsdbw/s1600/Creeper01+BW_color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ANN9bYxYjHw/TrGBzIVWT1I/AAAAAAAAAcw/mHSZNfQsdbw/s320/Creeper01+BW_color.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A quick warm up sketch, finished between coloring comic book pages. Done in pencil and Pentel brush pen, and colored up in Photoshop. Some years ago, I colored a mini-series featuring the Creeper. I guess I kinda like him yet. I'm going to try to make these quick portraits a somewhat regular habit, in order to keep me drawing more.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.<br />
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Creeper is © DC ComicsChris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936375443113650483.post-53009357183654450872011-11-01T00:10:00.002-05:002011-11-01T00:10:48.415-05:00Crescent Moon Mob & C4 Con<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S_b0IaGiGD0/Tq9-71Y4_2I/AAAAAAAAAco/ACW2Eas4Dkg/s1600/CMM_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S_b0IaGiGD0/Tq9-71Y4_2I/AAAAAAAAAco/ACW2Eas4Dkg/s320/CMM_01.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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I spent the weekend at the local C4 Comic Con and had a great time! It seemed like this year was the busiest the Con has ever been. I had a great time meeting new friends and catching up with old friends. I loved seeing all the costumed attendees.<br />
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Although I was quite busy taking in the sights and talking to a lot of people, I did have time to do some art. Some of the pieces were for fan sketchbooks--always a lot of fun to do. My overly ambitious plans of painting a few pieces in acrylic or watercolor, did not really come to fruition. I did finish one piece though. This one is a combination of ink and aquarelle water color pencil. One of these characters appeared in an earlier sketchbook of mine. I wasn't sure what to call them, but I settled on the "Crescent Moon Mob," for now.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.<br />
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Art is © Chris ChuckryChris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936375443113650483.post-14479701597873913402011-07-03T18:01:00.000-05:002011-07-03T18:01:04.300-05:00Frankenstein Portrait<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-ar-pbYJ10/ThDz8bjbm_I/AAAAAAAAAbQ/ATTXWiYJTec/s1600/Frankenstein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-ar-pbYJ10/ThDz8bjbm_I/AAAAAAAAAbQ/ATTXWiYJTec/s320/Frankenstein.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><br />
Here's a little bit of traditional media fun. I started this back in April as a quick, cartoonish warm up sketch. After I warmed up, I didn't stop messing with it and it became something more fully realized. The proportions are a little off, betraying it's start as an exaggerated cartoon. Now it belongs to my son, who likes things that go bump in the night--as long as they are not too scary.<br />
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I used marker, pencil crayon and chalk pastel on grey matte board for this piece.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936375443113650483.post-70127777195541500822011-06-28T17:59:00.000-05:002011-06-28T17:59:55.204-05:00Fruit from the past!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lB9X59_yOEY/Tgpbfpc1R4I/AAAAAAAAAao/trETB7iFpQs/s1600/1L+label_lemon_lime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="85" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lB9X59_yOEY/Tgpbfpc1R4I/AAAAAAAAAao/trETB7iFpQs/s320/1L+label_lemon_lime.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pzf1SxdfwSA/TgpbjdemM5I/AAAAAAAAAaw/BGtI88BZUP4/s1600/1L+label-kiwi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="85" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pzf1SxdfwSA/TgpbjdemM5I/AAAAAAAAAaw/BGtI88BZUP4/s320/1L+label-kiwi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IzSm4zwYRwU/Tgpbl5b34tI/AAAAAAAAAa0/Fp7TmeUzpEs/s1600/1L+label%253Acherries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="85" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IzSm4zwYRwU/Tgpbl5b34tI/AAAAAAAAAa0/Fp7TmeUzpEs/s320/1L+label%253Acherries.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ctZrYj2UtQA/TgpboLIG5jI/AAAAAAAAAa4/8zn8DossRa4/s1600/1L+label%253Ajpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="85" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ctZrYj2UtQA/TgpboLIG5jI/AAAAAAAAAa4/8zn8DossRa4/s320/1L+label%253Ajpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6uGq36ksgS0/Tgpbp0RELpI/AAAAAAAAAa8/ASh8g1Yh7Ts/s1600/1L+label%253Amangoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="85" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6uGq36ksgS0/Tgpbp0RELpI/AAAAAAAAAa8/ASh8g1Yh7Ts/s320/1L+label%253Amangoes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U9zvilOtkME/Tgpbr-WloTI/AAAAAAAAAbA/DYdRC3ZFet0/s1600/1L+label%253Aoranges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="85" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U9zvilOtkME/Tgpbr-WloTI/AAAAAAAAAbA/DYdRC3ZFet0/s320/1L+label%253Aoranges.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yfs1shye64M/TgpbttFxcOI/AAAAAAAAAbE/zlgeSHRFuhQ/s1600/1L+label%253Apeaches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="85" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yfs1shye64M/TgpbttFxcOI/AAAAAAAAAbE/zlgeSHRFuhQ/s320/1L+label%253Apeaches.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fKH3A7IlW4w/TgpbxfAsxmI/AAAAAAAAAbI/HYeHm8DECVA/s1600/peach_cut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fKH3A7IlW4w/TgpbxfAsxmI/AAAAAAAAAbI/HYeHm8DECVA/s320/peach_cut.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rwvxc0UEQ1E/TgpbzzC23tI/AAAAAAAAAbM/Z28S_HbSei0/s1600/mango+cut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rwvxc0UEQ1E/TgpbzzC23tI/AAAAAAAAAbM/Z28S_HbSei0/s320/mango+cut.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I used to do more local illustration work--really. As proof, I offer this fruit for your consideration. I don't believe these labels were ever used. If they were, I don't remember seeing them. These pieces were all painted in Photoshop from reference.<br />
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The photorealistic approach required an attention to detail that I don't often use in my other illustration work. Although frustrating at times, it was a fun learning experience. It was also fun working with a local client for a change. I should probably send my portfolio around to local agencies, publications and printers, to let them know I'm around and available.<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Seems I've been neglecting this blog, in favour of my "Spookeasy" blog. If you haven't seen it, check out the link to your right.</div><div><br />
</div>Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936375443113650483.post-47352497652261808102011-04-29T18:53:00.000-05:002011-04-29T18:53:18.647-05:00Dear Jon. . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAZ75Q3wWi4/TbtPPmoQRFI/AAAAAAAAAZU/zUohowjEOCE/s1600/Dear+Jon+color02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAZ75Q3wWi4/TbtPPmoQRFI/AAAAAAAAAZU/zUohowjEOCE/s320/Dear+Jon+color02.jpg" width="229" /></a></div><br />
"As far as he travelled, he could not out run the echo of those words in his head. Nor, the sadness that followed." I think we know what happened.<br />
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Figured I would try to get one post in before the calendar flipped over to May. Here's something I whipped up in a few hours between deadlines and other pressing concerns. I've included the pencil sketch so you can see how he started. He was finished in Photoshop, and he is © Chris Chuckry.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D515lUidDLY/TbtOnBv-tGI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/vP_8uQLDiAg/s1600/Dear+Jon+scan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D515lUidDLY/TbtOnBv-tGI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/vP_8uQLDiAg/s320/Dear+Jon+scan.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936375443113650483.post-69956796012744499272011-03-20T22:31:00.000-05:002011-03-20T22:31:28.057-05:00Convention drawings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ejx6VeY0Jds/TYbGTB8Jc-I/AAAAAAAAAZA/-bJ1NFEzML0/s1600/Black+Cat+3.11+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ejx6VeY0Jds/TYbGTB8Jc-I/AAAAAAAAAZA/-bJ1NFEzML0/s320/Black+Cat+3.11+small.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bsToVyL8fDE/TYbGV_hCIgI/AAAAAAAAAZE/Tc6oAD4i6K4/s1600/Spidey3.11+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bsToVyL8fDE/TYbGV_hCIgI/AAAAAAAAAZE/Tc6oAD4i6K4/s320/Spidey3.11+small.jpg" width="287" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-89uJleiwBLA/TYbGX5yRiQI/AAAAAAAAAZI/6jFaF2eLEyY/s1600/Thing+3.11+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-89uJleiwBLA/TYbGX5yRiQI/AAAAAAAAAZI/6jFaF2eLEyY/s320/Thing+3.11+small.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><br />
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Last weekend I attended a local Comic Book/Sci Fi Convention. In between visiting with old friends, and meeting new ones, I was able to complete a small number of drawings. Here are a few of them. Spiderman, the Thing and Black Cat were drawn with pencil and marker in a 9"by 9" sketchbook. The Thing was then colored with aquarelle pencil crayons. It's a lot of fun doing these quick, cartoon versions of popular comic book characters. They are all copyright © Marvel Entertainment.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936375443113650483.post-46824187621657781882011-02-27T23:29:00.000-06:002011-02-27T23:29:32.487-06:00Wolves & fox<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-T4UfAwjWusI/TWsyjiq2bkI/AAAAAAAAAY8/snRYpEOl1w0/s1600/critters01_color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-T4UfAwjWusI/TWsyjiq2bkI/AAAAAAAAAY8/snRYpEOl1w0/s320/critters01_color.jpg" width="194" /></a></div><br />
When I was a boy, I used to love drawing wolves, reading about them, and thinking about them. Like many things though, the passion faded. Lately, however, they have been popping up in my sketchbooks. Here are a few wolves and a fox. I drew them while waiting to pick up my youngest son from Kindergarten.<br />
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They are pencil sketches, colored in Photoshop. Thanks for stopping by.<br />
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© Chris ChuckryChris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936375443113650483.post-64578132853827051522011-02-20T21:55:00.000-06:002011-02-20T21:55:22.533-06:00Personal Piece<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXSudAKjgpg/TWHiAfu3SOI/AAAAAAAAAYw/jjQ2j46I5h4/s1600/broken+doll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXSudAKjgpg/TWHiAfu3SOI/AAAAAAAAAYw/jjQ2j46I5h4/s320/broken+doll.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><br />
Here's a work in progress image of a personal piece. I did the original sketch a few months ago, in my medium sized Moleskine sketchbook. I scanned it into Photoshop, painted it up and added some scanned textures of ink wash and straw-blown ink. It's now at a point where it needs to sit and wait for me to figure out, or feel, what might come next. Maybe it's finished? I haven't decided yet.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.<br />
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© Chris ChuckryChris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936375443113650483.post-30332860164519754112011-02-20T21:50:00.000-06:002011-02-20T21:50:12.791-06:00Birthday Season!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CvWYqrdx47Y/TWHgYo7giiI/AAAAAAAAAYs/JHX_5u_GSPA/s1600/Simon+8+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CvWYqrdx47Y/TWHgYo7giiI/AAAAAAAAAYs/JHX_5u_GSPA/s320/Simon+8+card.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><br />
For his eighth birthday party, my son, Simon requested custom invitations, featuring the gangsters from "The Triplets of Belleville," a favourite movie of his. Judging by his wide, hockey player smile (missing front teeth), he liked what I came up with.<br />
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This is a combination of ink and Photoshop color and collage.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0