Frogrocket Illustration

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

2011-12-20T19:27:00.000-06:00

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.

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.

Thanks for stopping by!

Map of a Heart

2011-11-25T13:07:00.001-06:00

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.

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.

This is a pencil and marker heart, drawn in one of my moleskine sketchbooks. It is © Chris Chuckry.

Thanks for visiting.

Snow Fall

2011-11-19T22:47:00.001-06:00

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.

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.

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.

Thanks for visiting.
© Chris Chuckry

The Mighty Thor?

2011-11-04T18:53:00.001-05:00

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.

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.

Thanks for stopping by.

Beware the Creeper!

2011-11-02T12:46:00.000-05:00

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.

Thanks for stopping by.

Creeper is © DC Comics

Crescent Moon Mob & C4 Con

2011-11-01T00:10:00.002-05:00

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.

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.

Thanks for stopping by.

Art is © Chris Chuckry

Frankenstein Portrait

2011-07-03T18:01:00.000-05:00

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.

I used marker, pencil crayon and chalk pastel on grey matte board for this piece.

Thanks for stopping by.

Fruit from the past!

2011-06-28T17:59:00.000-05:00

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.

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.

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.

Dear Jon. . .

2011-04-29T18:53:00.000-05:00

"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.

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.

Thanks for stopping by.

Convention drawings

2011-03-20T22:31:00.000-05:00

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.

Thanks for stopping by.

Wolves & fox

2011-02-27T23:29:00.000-06:00

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.

They are pencil sketches, colored in Photoshop. Thanks for stopping by.

© Chris Chuckry

Personal Piece

2011-02-20T21:55:00.000-06:00

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.

Thanks for stopping by.

© Chris Chuckry

Birthday Season!

2011-02-20T21:50:00.000-06:00

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.

This is a combination of ink and Photoshop color and collage.

Thanks for stopping by.

Handsome Devil

2011-01-01T15:01:00.000-06:00

A handsome devil to start the New Year. This started as a pencil sketch in my small Moleskine. I drew it while waiting to pick up one of my kids from school. As I finished drawing, I heard it cry out for color. So, I agreed to help, and here it is.

Now that my diversion is over, it's back to work for me.

Thanks for stopping by, and have a Happy New Year!

© Chris Chuckry

Snowed under with Love

2010-12-12T15:14:00.000-06:00

Something a little more seasonal--finally! Wherever you are and whoever you're with, I hope you are snowed under with love this holiday season, and that you've got enough to spread around.

This was a little thumbnail done in my small moleskine sketchbook, while I was waiting to pick up my youngest son from Kindergarten. I try to carry a small sketchbook with me always, since I never know when I'm going to have time to draw. I can't recall the exact inspiration for this piece, although I have been thinking of owls, and it has been snowing a lot here.

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Holidays!

© Chris Chuckry

Leftover Hallowe'en spirit

2010-11-04T13:31:00.000-05:00

Here's a piece I had hoped to finish in time for an Illustration Friday challenge, on the theme of "Spooky." The deadline came and went, while this piece languished in the "someday, sometime," folder. Well, the day and time has come, and late is better than never! So, here is a pumpkin spirit, seeking its higher calling.

This illustration began life as a pencil sketch, then was scanned into photoshop, where it made acquaintance with color and texture. They got along famously.

Thanks for stopping by.
© Chris Chuckry

Charity Auction Sketch Cards

2010-11-01T23:21:00.000-05:00

I attended a local comic book convention over the past weekend. Getting out and meeting fans, friends and fellow artists is always a lot of fun--especially since my work is largely solitary in nature. An art auction to benefit the Hero Initiative, was held and I did a number of sketch cards to support this charitable cause.

I like doing sketch cards for a couple of reasons. First, they give me a chance to draw, which I'm always looking for. Secondly, I get to use traditional, or non-digital media. In this case, there's the added bonus of supporting a worthy cause.

The cards I've posted here are done in a combination of pencil, ink, marker and aquarelle watercolor pencil. Thanks for stopping by.

The characters are © of their respective owners.

Fall

2010-10-27T13:22:00.000-05:00

Here's a recent distraction. I went multi-media with this one. The branches were drawn with a twig/branch, and sepia ink on water color paper. The leaves are real--scanned and color corrected. I put the whole thing together in Photoshop. I was inspired by the view out my window, of some leaves clinging on to their branches, despite the hardships they face. Much the same can be said of love.

It's a sad piece for sure, but spring is not too far off. This is © Chris Chuckry

Thanks for stopping by.

"Emergency," updated

2010-10-13T00:03:00.000-05:00

Here's an earlier work that I touched up a little, by adding some texture to it, and tweaking the line art. It was originally done for an Illustration Friday challenge, and I like the way it came together. So, it's up for inclusion in the new portfolio site--if it doesn't get beat out by something I feel is more successful.

Thanks for stopping by.

Artwork is © Chris Chuckry

Heavy - Reworked

2010-10-05T00:02:00.000-05:00

I'm starting to go through my illustration files in order to choose pieces for a proper portfolio website. I enjoy doing the blog and will continue to do so. However, I do need a focused digital portfolio. So, I'm evaluating my work and reworking some of it, like this piece, originally done for Illustration Friday.

I was happy with the concept of this piece but felt that the execution was too clean, with a soft digital feel. To better communicate the feelings of struggle and exhaustion/breakdown, I added a rough watercolor texture to give it a more interesting traditional feel and break it up a little. I like this piece as an editorial-type spot illustration, so I think it will make the cut for the new portfolio site.

The process of this piece follows the path of much of my other illustration--a pencil sketch, finished in Photoshop with color and overlaid textures.

Thanks for stopping by.

Image is © Chris Chuckry

The Bad Seed

2010-10-04T22:10:00.000-05:00

"His brothers were over-achievers, but he was the polar opposite. He was a bad seed." An illustration about disparate siblings, and the trials of dealing with the "bad seed." I did this for the psychology eBook. Like the others, it began as a pencil sketch which was then inked and colored in Photoshop.

It is © Chris Chuckry.

Thanks for stopping by.

Kleptomania

2010-10-03T23:17:00.000-05:00

"Almost unaware, she steals things she doesn't need, and could definitely afford to buy if she did. Her kleptomania is a symptom of a deeper problem." Another illustration for the psychology eBook. This was also a pencil sketch, inked and colored in Photoshop.

Thanks for stopping by.
© Chris Chuckry

Cyberspace

2010-09-28T00:03:00.000-05:00

This internet can get you in trouble for sure. An earlier piece, about cyber-infidelity, completed for the eBook. Pencils scanned, then inked and colored in Photoshop.

Thanks for checking in.

© Chris Chuckry

Keeping Your Cool

2010-09-22T14:54:00.000-05:00

Here's the cover image for the psychology eBook I've been doing illustrations for. It's called "Keeping Your Cool Through Your Midlife Meltdown."

This started life as a pencil sketch, and was then inked and colored in Photoshop. It is © Chris Chuckry

Thanks for stopping by.

"Gold Digger"

2010-09-20T14:34:00.000-05:00

Who doesn't want a Sugar Daddy, or Sugar Mama, for that matter? This is another illustration for the psychology eBook. Like the other, it started as a pencil sketch, then was inked and colored in Photoshop.

Thanks for stopping by.

© Chris Chuckry

"The 3:00 a.m. Call"

2010-09-16T23:30:00.000-05:00

Another piece for the eBook, this time dealing with the effects of dementia on relationships with parents.

Thanks for stopping by.

© Chris Chuckry

Full Nest Syndrome

2010-09-14T13:34:00.000-05:00

This illustration is for the concept of "Full Nest Syndrome," which is related to "Failure to Launch."

Another pencil sketch, inked and colored in Photoshop. Thanks for stopping by.

© Chris Chuckry

The Elixir of Sleep

2010-09-03T19:20:00.000-05:00

Another spot illustration for the psychology eBook. This portrays the joys of periodic limb movement and sleep. I started with a pencil sketch, which was then scanned, inked and colored in Photoshop.

Thanks for stopping by.

© Chris Chuckry

Muse Update

2010-08-29T00:08:00.002-05:00

I'm pleased and excited that my "Muse" submission was selected for the art show and related book, in support of a children's charity. I was able to touch it up a little more before sending the file off. However, some things are still bothering me, so I'll probably do more painting. Sometimes, working digitally is both a blessing and a curse.

Thanks for stopping by.

Illustration is © Chris Chuckry

Chasing Happiness

2010-08-23T15:39:00.000-05:00

Another illustration for the eBook I've been talking about. I'm working on the cover now, and will finish the rest of the interior spot illustrations in a week or two.

In the meantime, here's one about the wonderful world of Prozac, and other mood enhancing drugs, and how people sometimes chase happiness through pharmaceuticals.

I used Photoshop to finish this piece after doing a pencil rough. It is © Chris Chuckry.

Thanks for stopping by.

Phobic

2010-07-21T23:52:00.000-05:00

Another piece for the Psychology eBook. Dealing with phobias. A pencil sketch with ink and color in Photoshop.

Thanks for stopping by.

Yo Yo Diet

2010-07-14T22:48:00.002-05:00

Another piece for the Psychology eBook, for a story about the effects of "yo-yo dieting." I did a pencil sketch, then inked and colored it in Photoshop.

Thanks for stopping by.

© Chris Chuckry

"I Used To Be A Pistol"

2010-07-05T23:55:00.000-05:00

Here is an illustration from a project I'm working on-- creating a couple of dozen spot illustrations for a Psychology e-Book. Each illustration hints at a problem that someone brings to a Psychologist for discussion and therapy. I'm approaching most of these pieces with a whimsical, humorous attitude, instead of a more serious interpretation of the issue. I really enjoy doing spot illustrations like this, where you have to communicate a complex issue with a single illustration. It's like solving a visual puzzle, or writing poetry, instead of a short story. The challenge is to express the idea in a concise, clever and entertaining fashion.

This first piece has a playful Sheriff wishing for a younger pistol. Hopefully, the idea is evident--if not, you will have to read the book! I'll post more pieces as a finish them, and more information as the book comes together.

Thanks for stopping by.
© Chris Chuckry

Another Space Oddity

2010-06-09T00:22:00.000-05:00

My continued exploration of the space between my ears.

Thanks for coming along.

© Chris Chuckry

Artorder Muse Challenge

2010-06-02T11:09:00.000-05:00

Here's my submission for the "Muse" Challenge, over at the Artorder blog run by John Schindehette, a Senior Art Director of Dungeons & Dragons at Wizards of the Coast. His blog is great reading, and offers up a wealth of useful information for artists. Every now and again he runs "challenges" for readers. The "Muse" Challenge was run with Veronika Kotlajic, and supports Discovery Arts, an organization that promotes art, and supports children with cancer.

This is only my second challenge, since I've been following Artorder. I've usually been too busy to take part. My challenge with this piece was to get it mostly finished by the deadline--tougher than it sounds, as I had to fit it around my work schedule. As a result, the last hour or so, of many work days was spent on this piece. Photographs provided by Veronika were used as inspiration for the piece, so she is definitely the Muse here. In one of her photos, she wears a feather coat, so I ran with that, settling on a bird amongst the cats angle.

I'm happy with the direction the piece is going, but it does need more work before I feel it is finished.

Thanks for stopping by.

This illustration is © Chris Chuckry

Finished Medusa

2010-05-21T20:21:00.000-05:00

Here's a finished version of the Medusa illustration I posted earlier. This has been an interesting experiment, trying to save an old illustration I liked, by doing a repaint of it. My initial effort was around twelve years ago. At the time, my skills were insufficient to create the type of image I was hoping for. It is encouraging to see that years later, I'm still improving. I wish I could spend more time painting and drawing to make up for my misspent youth.

Thanks for stopping by.

Image is © Chris Chuckry

Sketchcards - now in color!

2010-05-15T22:36:00.000-05:00

Here are the final color versions of the sketchcards I did for a charity auction. These are mainly ink and watercolor with some colored pencil and gouache thrown in for good measure. I'm starting to get the hang of the tiny 2.5" x 3.5" format, and I'm starting to shake the rust off my traditional media chops. I feel like I have to relearn a lot, after doing so much digital work over the years.

Thanks for stopping by.

Images are © Chris Chuckry

Sketch Card sketches

2010-05-09T23:56:00.000-05:00

Here are some ideas that I worked up, prior to doing a few sketch cards for a charity auction. After firming up my ideas in Photoshop, I transfer the images to the card and finish them up with ink, watercolor and colored pencil. These are characters that I created myself for this set, so I took a little extra time with the "pre-sketches."

This seems like a lot of work for a 2.5"x3.5" card. Maybe it is. However, I'm still enjoying the process, and having fun working with traditional media, for a change, instead of working purely digital. Also, it brings me closer to my personal goal of doing more traditional illustration and painting. So, I see the time commitment as an investment in me--professional development, if you will. I'm always trying to get better at what I do, so new challenges and experiences are welcome.

The images are © Chris Chuckry. Thanks for stopping by.

Medusa WIP

2010-05-04T15:07:00.000-05:00

A trip back into the fantasy/horror genre here. This is a repaint of a Medusa piece that I first did about 12 years ago. At the time I liked the idea, but didn't have the talent to translate it into a finished painting that I was happy with. So, I'm having another go. It still needs a lot of work before it's done.

Thanks for stopping by.

Cat Officer

2010-04-01T00:32:00.000-05:00

Here's a veteran of the mouser wars. Shaken, but standing, he goes about his daily routine in quiet contemplation.

This is an old pencil sketch with some Photoshop greytones. It is © Chris Chuckry.

Thanks for stopping by.

Expression Revised

2010-03-24T00:26:00.000-05:00

Here's a revision of this piece I've been calling "Expression." The earlier version of it seemed like a nice technical exercise, but did not have any of the energy, or emotion I was aiming for. It left me a little cold and felt unfinished. So, I decided to revisit the piece, and attempt to satisfy myself. I'd put so much effort into the original version, that I didn't want to leave it disappointed. I'm not ready to leave it alone just yet, so I may post another version later.

This should be oil paint on board, but it's really Photoshop. It is © Chris Chuckry

Thanks for stopping by.

Mad Science!

2010-02-26T17:06:00.000-06:00

Here's a quick piece that I finished for an invitation to my son's 7th birthday party. We are having a "Mad Science" theme party, which he should enjoy, since one of his favorite activities is to play in his "lab." Unfortunately, I didn't have as much time to polish this piece as I would have liked, so I may come back to it at a later date.

I loved science when I was a kid, and I still do. I had chemistry, electrical and aeronautical experiment sets. I loved taking things apart to see how they worked (sorry frogs!), and devoured many science related books. I thought I was going to be a scientist when I grew up. Although that didn't work out, I can't complain about being an artist.

This piece started as a pencil sketch, and was painted in Photoshop. It is © Chris Chuckry.

Thanks for stopping by.

2010 A Space Oddity

2010-02-21T13:53:00.000-06:00

I was fortunate enough to add this fine fellow to my journal of oddities during my recent travels in the 13th dimension.

As a kid, I was an immediate fan of Basil Wolverton, when I discovered his work through some comic book reprints. It must have been his combination of humor and grotesque that hooked me. Here is a small tribute to him and the influence he has on some of my work.

This is a pencil sketch that I finally painted up in Photoshop. It is © Chris Chuckry.

Thanks for stopping by.

My absence explained.

2010-01-30T22:03:00.000-06:00

I just had too much cake over the holidays.

Actually, I've just been catching up on some rush comic book work, and didn't feel that I had anything worth posting here. Until I remembered Snorlax. This Pokemon character is for a birthday card, of a Pokemon obsessed boy in my son's class. I picked a Snorlax because the name reminds me of a possible Dr. Suess creation.

Back in the 1990's when Pokemon first became popular, I thought about doing up some sample illustrations in an attempt to get licensed illustration work. I never got around to doing up the samples. Seems there was always something else to do, or maybe I just wasn't as interested in Pokemon as I needed to be. Turns out I just needed to have kids.

Thanks for stopping by.

Snorlax and Pokemon are © Nintendo.

Krampus!

2009-12-20T01:31:00.000-06:00

I did this illustration for the "Krampus" challenge over at the artorder.blogspot.com. I'd wanted to do a Krampus for some time but never had a good excuse until now. I've also wanted to participate in an Artorder challenge--so here I go, killing two birds with one stone again.

If you would like to know more about Krampus go here.

As usual, this was a pencil sketch, finished in Photoshop.

It is © Chris Chuckry.

Thanks for stopping by.

Illustration Friday - Hatch

2009-12-18T00:41:00.001-06:00

"Which came first? The snowman or the egg?"

It's been a long time since I participated in an Illustration Friday challenge. I figured that I might kill two birds with one stone, and do a promotional holiday piece as well. I sketched this "hatchling" out in pencil, then finished him with some color in Photoshop.

Thanks for stopping by.

© Christopher Chuckry

Promotion!

2009-12-12T13:55:00.000-06:00

My friend Chris Quilliams, directed my attention to a Drawn.ca blog posting of my promotional video. This video was produced by James & Lisanne at Blink-Works, for the New Media Manitoba Business Showcase.

This event showcased eight businesses in the local new media community. I'm honored to be included in this group of talented people, some of whom I've only discovered through this showcase. I was surprised and proud to discover all this talent in my own backyard. I guess I should get out more.

You can check out the video at Drawn.ca Frogrocket & Chris Chuckry. Visit the Blink-Works site to view the other video profiles, they are pretty cool.

The Spiderman art shown in the first part of my video is by the very talented Mike McKone. Spiderman is © Marvel Entertainment. The other characters shown are © of their respective copyright holders.

Thanks for stopping by.

Dick Tracy villains

2009-12-04T23:31:00.001-06:00

When I was a kid, my father bought me a large format, reprint collection of Dick Tracy comics. I devoured the stories and characters--they were so different from the superhero comics I had been reading. The bad guys are always the most interesting, and several made an impression on me. Here are two of them, "Flattop" and "Prune Face."

These quick pencil portraits were inked with a Pentel brush pen.

Thanks for stopping by.

The Rhino

2009-12-01T00:35:00.001-06:00

I work in the comic book industry, so guys like these creep into my sketchbooks quite often. The bad guys are always the most fun to draw, and this guy was a nice little diversion at the end of a long workday.

The Rhino runs into things and people with his head and face. Rhinos are known for their poor eyesight and short tempers. On hot, dry days, they like to roll in the dirt.

This Rhino is © Marvel Comics, and was painted in Photoshop.

Sketch heads

2009-11-29T01:31:00.000-06:00

Here are some recent heads from the sketchbook. They are marker & brush pen line art, with Photoshop color. Just a little distraction from the daily work.

Thanks for stopping by.

© Chris Chuckry

The Past.

2009-11-19T22:37:00.002-06:00

The other night I went out to see some live music at "The Pyramid." I've been going there for ages, it seems, although, not so often now, as in the early to mid 1990's. I went with some friends to see Dinosaur Jr. and The Pink Mountaintops. Part way through this great show, I remembered The Crash Test Dummies, and this old album cover I had a credit on.

Members of the Dummies used to tend bar at the Pyramid, back when it was called "The Spectrum." It was also an early venue for the band. The art director on this project also worked as a bartender there. I was at my former company, Digital Chameleon, when we were approached about doing the production work on this album. It involved combining copies of old masters paintings, with photos of the band members. I recall this taking a long time, and being more than a little finicky with the old computer hardware and photoshop. These days, it would be a snap.

I only worked on the cover, unfortunately. I had a snowboarding trip booked, and had to leave before I could do the compositing work on the interior booklet pieces. I believe this album did pretty well at the time. It maybe the widest viewing of the work I have done. It's also a piece that slips out of my memory from time to time.

Thanks for stopping by.

Expression in color

2009-11-02T19:44:00.003-06:00

Here is a color version of the earlier posted "Expression" piece. I'm still not sure about the way this piece is looking. So, I'll probably fiddle around with it a little, in the future.

Once again it is © Chris Chuckry

Thanks for stopping by.

Convention Sketchcards

2009-11-02T13:23:00.003-06:00

I had a lot of fun at the C4 Convention over the weekend. It seemed a lot busier this year, and as a result, I didn't get to see as many people and things as I had hoped to. However, it was nice meeting new people and reconnecting with old friends. I'm already looking forward to next year's show.

Here are some sketchcards that I did for fun while sitting at my table in artists' alley. They are pencil and marker pieces 2.5" x 3.5" and are signed on the back. The characters represented are © DC Comics.

Thanks for stopping by.

C4 Convention

2009-10-29T00:50:00.004-05:00

Here's a little illustration I did for the local comic convention, happening this weekend. It's being used for a children's "Safe Trick or Treat" promotion at the convention. I penciled it in a very loose cartoon style and finished it in Photoshop, with some watercolour techniques.

If you're around for the convention, stop by and say hello. I'll be at a table in Artists' Alley. I'll also be happy to sign any comics you'd like, or do a sketch for you.

Thanks for looking.

Batman, Robin and Batgirl are © DC Comics.

Expression

2009-10-24T00:19:00.002-05:00

This is a piece that I've been working on, in fits and starts, for the past two years. Recently, I found the inspiration to take up the challenge again. This painting is a perfect example of not being talented enough, initially, to create the image I wanted to. So two years later and lots of repainting and ruminating finds me here. I think it's coming along quite nicely now.

There is a lot of significant imagery in this painting, and some more subtle in nature. I'm still working on it and will glaze it with colour eventually. In the meantime, I'm trying to get some comments or constructive criticism on it. This is proving to be more difficult than I thought. My usual forums for posting have been relatively quiet about this piece, and those who have replied are congratulatory, but not offering anything constructive. I guess I'll keep working away, and keeping a eye out for peer group of like-minded artists. I guess I have to get out more and mingle.

Thanks for stopping by.

Image is © Chris Chuckry 2009

Sea Serpent Wild Thing

2009-10-18T12:48:00.003-05:00

I haven't seen the movie yet, so I'm still making do with my own drawings. This is a pencil sketch, colored in Photoshop.

Thanks for stopping by.

Wild Moishe

2009-10-11T23:00:00.002-05:00

One of the movies I'm really looking forward to is "Where the Wild Things Are," based on the book by Maurice Sendak. The book is terrific and the movie looks like it's going to be lots of fun. I like monsters, and basketball so, here's wild thing Moishe--a quick sketch I drew while watching some basketball this afternoon. I colored him up in Photoshop before bed.

Thanks for stopping by.

Bitter Ashes cover

2009-09-24T00:07:00.003-05:00

This is a cover illustration for a book about the Canadian effort and experience in World War II. I took this illustration to approximately 95% completion in late April. At that point the publisher deemed it good enough to use, but I wasn't totally happy with it, and planned to give it a little more polish.

Unfortunately, it took me four and a half months to finish it. I'm not sure if it was just a lack of time in my schedule, or a lack of talent and confidence. It was probably a combination of all those factors, since I'm sure I've picked up some knowledge along the way that helped me put this piece to rest.

If you are interested, the book is called "Bitter Ashes," and is published by Napoleon/Rendezvous Press.

This painting is © Christopher Chuckry.

Thanks for stopping by.

Spirit Mask

2009-09-20T23:58:00.002-05:00

Even though it was warm enough to go to the beach today, Autumn is just around the corner. With Autumn comes Thanksgiving and Hallowe'en. This is definitely one of my favourite seasons.

Here, as a foreshadowing of Hallowe'en is a spirit mask I drew a few months ago. Masks of all kinds are interesting to me, so they pop up in my work now and again.

Thanks for stopping by.

© Christopher Chuckry

Gargoyle Genie

2009-09-09T23:08:00.004-05:00

Seems I'm on a bit of a Gargoyle kick here. This is a quick sketch, inspired by a photo of a gargoyle, that happened to be on my drawing table. I took the photo somewhere in Europe, maybe Paris, I can't recall. I have recently assembled a set of flat file drawers for storing and organizing my artwork, and was able to clean up my studio a little. The kids were anxious to see how things now looked in "Daddy's office," so we spent some time out there this evening, exploring and having a bit of fun.

I drew this with chocolate colored Derwent drawing pencil on 50 lb. Strathmore. It is © Chris Chuckry.

Thanks for stopping by.

Gargoyle

2009-08-16T00:52:00.005-05:00

Well, I've been really distracted when it comes to updating this blog. So, here's a new piece. It was originally intended for Illustration Friday, but I couldn't finish it by the deadline. I was going to use it for the theme "Missing", but was late. Then I thought I could use it for "Hollow," but missed that deadline too.

In order to overcome my drawing/painting inertia, I've joined the Visual Literacy program, offered by the Illustration Academy. It's an online learning environment with a bunch of great illustrators and teachers, who are able to offer personal critiques and advice. I'm hoping it will help me get to the next level in my career. It should also improve the frequency of my posts here--I hope.

This piece is a pencil sketch with Photoshop colors. It is © Chris Chuckry.

Thanks for looking.

Up! The movie.

2009-07-06T23:23:00.005-05:00

In early June my wife and I took our two boys (four and six years old), to see "UP!" It was a great movie that we all enjoyed. I'm sure I'll see it again. It was written by Pete Docter, of Pixar. Seeing his name again reminded me of his visit to my studio some years ago. He wasn't in town specifically to see me. He was a special guest of the University of Manitoba, and was here for a speaking engagement. Fortunately for me he was interested enough in comics to accept an invitation to drop by the studio that I shared with Doug Wheatley, the next day. The right personal connections definitely played a big part in getting him to the door.

Pete Docter, of course, had done "Monsters Inc." years earlier. I loved this movie as well, and have seen it many, many times with my kids. When "Monsters Inc." was released though, I was disappointed, since I was working up my own monsters and hoping that something would come of them. The movie though, was much different from any of my concepts and I quickly came to love it.

So, it was an incredible opportunity to have such an inspiring guy pay me a visit. It was also a little overwhelming. The visit was short, but memorable, and I'll probably never have something like that happen again. Pixar's movies are a wonderful source of entertainment and inspiration, bringing a little magic into our lives--and Pete Docter is one of the creative heroes brining that magic to the screen.

I gave him one of the promotional t-shirts that I had in the studio. Luckily I had his size--an extra large--since he is a tall guy. Fittingly, the shirt had a monster on it--the space monster shown above. Maybe it's time to revisit these characters and see what they've got to say to me now.

Thanks for visiting. All images are © Chris Chuckry.

Pear Lover

2009-05-15T23:31:00.003-05:00

I reworked piece, that was initially done a couple of years ago, for a local zine. Originally printed in grey tones, I had always intended to finish it in color, one day. Keycon is a local Science Fiction/Fantasy convention. I'd been aware of it for years, but never really participated. This year, I decided to enter the art show, and realized I needed some more finished color pieces, in addition to the ones I had completed for the World Horror Convention. Thankfully, I remembered this piece and I tried to finish it in time. I'm not entirely sure that it is finished yet. But it's fine for now. It is © Christopher Chuckry.

Thanks for stopping by.

The Red Skull

2009-04-21T15:25:00.003-05:00

I've been feeling bad about not posting more often. I'm trying to get a handle on a bunch of work, and don't feel that I have enough time to do something worthwhile. So, for now I'm posting a Red Skull speedpaint. Red Skull is a Captain America villain. He is also © Marvel Comics.

Thanks for stopping by.

World Horror Convention

2009-04-08T00:16:00.004-05:00

The World Horror Convention will be in my city in late April and early May. I've decided to take advantage of the opportunity to do some pieces for the juried art show. These pieces are my first attempts at doing horror. They are kind of fun to do, in a challenging way, and they take me to places I haven't been before. I'm hoping to have six or so pieces on display and for sale. I'll try to post a few more here as I finish them. I'm definitely feeling the deadline pressure with these paintings, since I have to do them around my day job.

Thanks for stopping by. © Christopher Chuckry

Spectrum 16

2009-03-30T22:52:00.005-05:00

I finally resolved to submit a piece to "Spectrum: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art." This is a beautiful, yearly art book that I've bought since it was first published. It's full of work by many artists I admire and respect, as well as a bundle of talented people new to me. It has always been a great source of inspiration.

This is a competition though, and the art submissions are juried. This year the jury had over 5000 submissions, and from those, selected just over 300 to appear in the book. Needless to say, I'm quite excited about making the cut.

The majority of my work is coloring comic books. Illustration almost seems like a hobby to me, because I enjoy it very much, and don't do enough of it to earn a living from it alone. I've always felt though, that I could be pretty good at it if I could just put in the time and effort. I've still got a long way to go on this journey, but moments like this are enormously encouraging and validating. It gives me a little more spring in my step as I travel down this road of artistic enlightenment. I'm already thinking about doing a better piece for next year's edition, and hopefully one day, I'll be able to turn this hobby into a career.

You can click on the title of this post to view a complete list of artists in this issue of Spectrum.

This is the piece the jury accepted, it is © Christopher Chuckry. Thanks for stopping by.

2009-03-02T00:59:00.002-06:00

This is me. I am happy. I am a green alien. Please don't tell anyone.

Pastel, ink charcoal on cardboard. © Chris Chuckry

Illustration Friday - "Time"

2009-02-12T23:47:00.003-06:00

"The time wasn't all he had on his mind."

A quickie for Illustration Friday, on the theme of "time." Tougher than I thought to come up with something for this assignment. I must be out of practice.

As per usual, this is a pencil sketch, finished in Photoshop. It is © Chris Chuckry.

Thanks for stopping by.

Surinam Horned Frog

2009-01-17T23:49:00.002-06:00

I've been a little busy catching up on some work, so I haven't had too much time to draw. However, I've managed to do a little. Here is one recent effort, the "Surinam Horned Frog," from "Frogs of the World." This is a quick pencil sketch, colored in Photoshop. It is © Chris Chuckry.

Thanks for stopping by.

Spiderman meets Barack Obama!

2009-01-15T16:14:00.004-06:00

Normally, I wouldn't post my comic book color work here, in my illustration blog. However, this latest cover I colored has garnered some serious worldwide attention, so I thought I'd share. The cover art is drawn by the very talented Phil Jimenez, and colored by myself.

It started innocently enough in December, when my editor contacted me to ask if I could color a cover overnight. I agreed, and was relieved to see that the art was relatively simple. I quickly finished it, and after some minor revisions, the next day, it was good to go. I initially did two different backgrounds--the blue one, seen here, and a golden one. The golden one was used on the second printing of the book, and the blue on the initial printing. I've just finished another variation, with an American flag in the background, that will be used on the third printing.

I thought this book would garner some extra interest in the comic book industry, and a little note in the mainstream media. However, people who have never bought a comic book before are lining up for hours in the freezing cold. That's how huge the demand for this issue is. Looks like Obama-mania is giving Spiderman a big lift.

The reaction to this cover has been a nice surprise, and it's been my pleasure to be part of the team responsible for it.

Spiderman is © Marvel Comics.

Illustration Friday - Voices

2008-12-24T22:31:00.002-06:00

"I've made friends with the voices in my head." Sometimes the voices bring inspiration.

A quick one for this Holiday week's Illustration Friday challenge. A loose pencil sketch, colored in Photoshop. Tried to experiment with color combinations, even though time was tight. This is © Chris Chuckry.

Thanks for stopping by.

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-17T11:24:00.004-06:00

I finally finished this year's Christmas Card. I used to do cards with a snowman theme, but lately felt uninspired to follow that line.

This idea I really fell for. I also wanted to do something with a more painterly feel (one of my New Years resolutions should be to paint with oils again). The pair of doves (stylized, I know), symbolize peace and love. The winter berries suggest good fortune. So, Peace, Love and Good Fortune over the Holidays and the New Year!

This started as a loose pencil sketch of the doves. It was then finished in Photoshop. This image is © Chris Chuckry.

Thanks for stopping by.

Illustration Friday - Balloon

2008-12-05T00:00:00.002-06:00

"When night fell, they used the balloon to make their observations."

Finally found some motivation to do another Illustration Friday challenge. I've been feeling kind of tired and uninspired when it comes to illustration these days. Maybe the cold weather and snow are having some effect. However, I'm really happy with this piece! I will still do some work to it, since I was distracted by some jobs, and couldn't finish it in time.

This is a pencil sketch with some texture and color in Photoshop. It is © Chris Chuckry.

Thanks for stopping by.

Vacant - work in progress

2008-11-14T00:34:00.002-06:00

Here's a piece I'm working on for submission to the juried art show at the World Horror Convention. The convention will be in my city (Winnipeg) in late April 2009. I thought I would try to take advantage of the show, and hopefully make some new connections. At the very least, I'll have some portfolio pieces in the horror genre.

This started as a very loose pencil sketch, with painting and textures added in photoshop. The textures I added include photos, and ink--blown with a straw, and painted wet on wet. This is my second piece of art exploring a horror theme. The first one was the drowning piece I posted earlier.

Thanks for looking. Art is © Chris Chuckry

Baba Yaga - Work in progress

2008-10-28T00:15:00.004-05:00

Here is Baba Yaga, flying with her magic mortar and pestle, through a misty Autumn forest.

I thought I would post this now, in case I didn't finish it before Halloween. It's a work in progress version of Baba Yaga, a mythological figure from Slavic folklore. The figure started as a pencil sketch, with Photoshop color. The background was painted directly in Photoshop. I need to tighten up some areas of the illustration, and add some small details. A test print would help me see where the work is needed. I'm happy with the loose feel and the subdued palette--I'll definitely do more pieces in this style. Perhaps I'll do her chicken-legged cabin next.

Thanks for stopping by.

This illustration is © Chris Chuckry

Illustration Friday - "Late"

2008-10-24T00:27:00.004-05:00

"As the shadows grew, she began to regret her decision to make a late visit to Grandma."

My entry for the latest Illustration Friday challenge, on the theme of "Late." This image came to me at the Feist concert. It's not quite what I had in mind, but it will do for now. This is a pencil sketch, inked and colored in Photoshop, with scanned paper texture applied. This is also the second time in about ten years that I've drawn Little Red Riding Hood. This illustration is © Chris Chuckry.

Thanks for stopping by.

And the winner is . . .

2008-10-15T00:27:00.005-05:00

. . . Stephen Harper and the Conservatives. Well, the Canadian election is over, and we're basically back where we were before the thing was called. Three elections in four years!

Anyway, someone recently reminded me of my interest in political cartooning/illustration. I thought this was the perfect time to see if I could make some headway in that field. Hopefully, this will be the first of several post-election, party leader portraits.

The 63% on the box he is standing on, represents the percentage of votes cast against him, and for the other political parties.

Thanks for looking.

"Every night I have the same dream."

2008-10-14T17:40:00.002-05:00

"Every night I have the same dream."

I think this is still a work in progress. I'm happy with the way it's coming together, but not convinced that I'm finished with it. It is a rough pencil sketch, with painting in Photoshop. © Chris Chuckry.

thanks for looking.

Best selling Convention print

2008-10-12T23:37:00.004-05:00

I was at the local Comic Book & Science Fiction Convention over the weekend, at a table in the artists alley. Had a great time and met a lot of people, along with new and old friends. I was also selling prints, original art and comic books that I had worked on. Nothing went faster than the free buttons I had for the crowds. Next year, I'll have to get more.

The best selling print was this piece on Love/Hate, that I originally did for "A Paw in My Face," issue two. I posted the grey tone version some months ago. Here's the color piece. It is © Chris Chuckry.

Thanks for visiting.

Spookeasy!

2008-10-08T16:23:00.003-05:00

Here's a promotional poster for a personal project of mine. Printed size is 11' x 17". I'll be selling these at the upcoming local Comic Book/Science Fiction Convention, along with other goodies and some original art. Send me an email if you are interested in a copy of your own.

This is © Chris Chuckry

Young Q. Modo

2008-10-04T23:29:00.005-05:00

Formal portrait of young Q. Modo, not long before the incident that forced his carefree, happy go lucky life to detour down the road to tragedy.

Another in the monster portrait series. This is a pencil sketch, finished in Photoshop. It is © Chris Chuckry

Illustration Friday - Packed

2008-10-02T23:23:00.003-05:00

"Froggy went a' courting and he did ride, a sword and pistol by his side." Although he was looking for love, he was packed for trouble.

This week's under-the-wire submission to the Illustration Friday challenge, on the theme of "Packed." This started as a pencil thumbnail sketch, that was finished in Photoshop. It is © Christopher Chuckry.

It's nice to finish another IF challenge. There were a few good ones that I recently missed, to my regret. These certainly help pad my portfolio.

Cyril

2008-09-22T23:35:00.005-05:00

"An unfortunate incident left Cyril a shadow of the man he once was. Though he wore his Purple Heart with pride, he secretly longed for his lost, true love, Ethel, who came to the conclusion that she could not love a man with zipper lips."

© Chris Chuckry

Frank

2008-09-22T23:30:00.003-05:00

"Frank had it all together for his senior year photo at SCI. That year, he got his varsity letter, and was one of several big men on campus."

© Chris Chuckry

I can see it coming!

2008-09-20T00:35:00.003-05:00

Hallowe'en, that is. This is another in my series of monster portraits, based on original characters I've created. These greytone portraits are intended to provide some contrast to the crazy, color versions of these monsters.

Poor guy! Looks like he's caught in the headlights. Over the years though, he does become comfortable in the spotlight, and goes on to a fabulous career in showbiz.

This is a pencil sketch, painted up in Photoshop. It is © Chris Chuckry

Bear vs. Bull

2008-09-17T00:04:00.003-05:00

Just in case you missed it. This is what's been happening in the financial markets lately. Might take the Bull a little while to recover from this one.

This is a marker and oil pastel sketch, with Photoshop finishes. It is © Chris Chuckry

Illustration Friday - "Routine."

2008-08-29T00:13:00.005-05:00

"By the looks of this rain, today's commute will definitely not be routine, Monsieur Lapin decided, as he continued on to his little shop."

I think this guy needs a story. I'll have to see where he takes me.

This is for the most recent Illustration Friday challenge on the theme of "routine." I wanted to try some loose pencil lines with watercolor style painting. Not real watercolors though, since this is finished in adobe Photoshop. I love this type of illustration. Lisbeth Zwerger and Greg Clarke are two of my favourite practitioners of this style.

This illustration is © Chris Chuckry

Illustration Friday - Detach

2008-08-22T01:10:00.004-05:00

"Every night she would detach my heart from my head, with a smile."

I was a little too ambitious, and so, ran out of time for this week's Illustration Friday challenge. I hope to finish this piece one day soon, since I'm rather fond of it. My initial idea was to make it look like an old circus side show sign. However, that will have to wait until later. I do have a spot waiting for this piece in my portfolio, though. Maybe that will push me to finish it, before I'm distracted by the next shiny thing, forgetting about this one.

This was a very rough thumbnail sketch, which I painted up in Photoshop. It is © Chris Chuckry.

Thanks for visiting.

Illustration Friday - Sail

2008-08-15T01:06:00.003-05:00

I think I'm a little late in submitting this for the latest Illustration Friday challenge. I wanted to try something a little different from what I've been doing lately, and it took on a life of it's own. I'll call this a work in progress submission, since I do hope to polish it up a little more and add it to my portfolio.

This started as a rough pencil sketch, with painting in Photoshop.
It is © Chris Chuckry.

Dr. Octopus

2008-08-09T00:30:00.002-05:00

"He's back, and he brought a friend!"

A fun interpretation of Doc Ock, or Dr. Octopus. A quick pencil sketch, painted in Photoshop. Dr. Octopus is © Marvel Comics.

Illustration Friday - "Poof!"

2008-08-04T01:07:00.003-05:00

"Puff went 'Poof!' at the slightest provocation. It became a source of embarrassment on more than one occasion."

I'm very early on this piece for Illustration Friday. This cartoony puffer fish, started as a quick pencil sketch and was painted in Photoshop. © Chris Chuckry.

Illustration Friday - "Canned."

2008-07-31T22:24:00.002-05:00

"The Terror, once canned, is now unleashed! Feel his wrath!"

I've never been a fan of canned pork and beans. This is an image I've had kicking around for years, and have sketched a few different times. I did a new version for this week's Illustration Friday challenge, on the theme of "canned." It's a quick pencil sketch, painted up in Photoshop.

It is © Chris Chuckry.

"A Paw In My Face - Hate" submission 2

2008-07-30T00:39:00.002-05:00

Here's my second submission for a local zine "A Paw In My Face." This second issue is on the theme of 'Hate.' This illustration is an interpretation of self hate. Although the zine will be printed in black and white, I decided to do a color version as well.

This started with the floating body, which was a rejected idea for a mystery novel cover I did a couple of years ago. It was just a quick sketch, but I was happy enough with the way it turned out, that I decided to save it for use in another illustration. No pencil sketch for this one, just painting in Photoshop. This image is © Chris Chuckry.

Enough - Illustration Friday

2008-07-25T01:20:00.004-05:00

"He'd had enough of working the fields and tending the cattle for one day! He needed to move, to express himself!"

Another piece for Illustration Friday. The theme is "Enough."

This one is kinda rushed, but I had to finish this guy. He was bugging me too much. A very rough pencil sketch finished in Photoshop. It is © Chris Chuckry.

Foggy - Illustration Friday

2008-07-18T00:32:00.003-05:00

Another Illustration Friday challenge. "The morning fog cleared with his first cup of coffee. Getting the coffee though, was sometimes a challenge."

I do love having a good cup of coffee in the morning, although this is not a self-portrait.

Painted in Photoshop--the night before it was due--from a pencil sketch. This is © Chris Chuckry.

Diversionary portraits

2008-07-11T22:20:00.002-05:00

To unwind the other night, after a long day of painting comics, I whipped off these two quick portraits. Nothing fancy, just some time in Photoshop. "The Thing," and "Man-Thing," are © Marvel Comics.

Poison Ivy

2008-07-02T23:19:00.003-05:00

I haven't been posting as often as I like, since I've been very busy the last month, but, here's a little distraction. I did this illustration as a step-by-step example for the Gutterzombie.com forum. You can see the steps I took to create this in my sketchbook thread, on Gutterzombie.com. Just click on the title of this post to take you there.

Poison Ivy is a Batman villain (villainess?) :\

She is copyright DC Comics Inc.

Illustration Friday - Worry

2008-05-30T01:44:00.003-05:00

I was finally able to do another Illustration Friday challenge. This one is on the theme of "worry." Once I decided to pursue this meaning of the word, the idea came quickly, along with a rough thumbnail sketch. However, it took a few days to free up the time to paint it.

Worry can be paralyzing, and depressing. I'm sure most of us have felt this way at one time or another. This is a pencil sketch, painted in Photoshop.

Boba Fett

2008-05-30T01:36:00.004-05:00

Here is some pro bono work I did for the local Comic Book Convention--some Star Wars, Boba Fett fan art. I was going to do this illustration in a more cartoony and irreverant style, but decided that something less out of the ordinary would be more suited to this advertisement. I'm also taking blame for the design--it's not a strength of mine.

This entire piece was done in Photoshop, over a couple of days. Boba Fett is © Lucasfilm.

Thin Line Between Love & Hate

2008-05-17T23:29:00.004-05:00

This is a piece I'm submitting to a local b/w zine. The theme of this second issue is 'Hate.' The first issue was 'Love.'

The top element is an older illustration that I've been pushing along as I feel like it. The bottom is painted out of black directly in Photoshop. I might tweak the eyes a little yet--I don't think they say 'hate' as well as they could.