X-Men Pop Art Sketch Cards

More sketch card fan art! These started out as an experiment in style and basically to have fun/do some art for my self. Simplifying and playing with shapes on some of my favorite mutant super heroes was the goal with these drawings. I'm trying not to fall in love with a drawing right away, and so I brought the first couple of cards to my wife for her advice and critique. She's a graphic artist and has a really great eye for design so I always welcome her thoughts. After making some changes and redoing several characters, I was very thankful I had let go of my pride and asked for another artist's insight. These where really fun to make and didn't demand a lot of time. A nice way to get a quick sketch in and have the feeling that you completed a piece of art. :)

The bottom four images are an experiment to see what the cards would look like mirrored in Photoshop and to play with symmetry.

Top Row, Left to Right: Cyclops, Beast, Magneto, Wolverine, Sabrertooth, Psylocke
X-Men Sketch Cards: 3.5"x2.5" Pen, Colored Pencil and Neon Sharpie Markers on Illustration Board

Green Goblin Sketch

Heidi and I just saw the new Amazing Spider-Man movie and loved it! I was inspired to do some drawing after the movie, so here's my take on the Green Goblin.

A couple weeks ago at our wedding, my cousin showed me his sketchbook and asked for a critique. He's about ten years old and really getting good! For advice, I thought about it last week and this came to mind.

1. Have fun with it (drawing)!

• This sounds simple, but it's easy to forget.

2. Seek wisdom.

• Read scripture/books, hang out with good people, serve others, follow God.

Any advice you would give to an aspiring artist or to yourself when you where ten years old? 

Thank you for stopping by. :) 

Honeymoon Cafe' Sketching

Happy to announce, Heidi and I were married last Saturday (4/26/14) in Plymouth, Minnesota. It was a beautiful day and we were fortunate to miss the rain that lasted several days after the wedding. This was a sketch of her from one the cafe's we ate at on our honeymoon.

To the love of my life; thank you for being on this amazing journey with me. :)

Surrendering

There is a contemporary Christian radio station here in the Twin Cities (KTIS) that I'm really into lately. I was inspired by the Chris Tomlin song, "White Flag" on the way to work one morning and sketched this out. Lately, with planning the wedding and getting ready to move into a new apartment with Heidi, there's been a lot going on. I'm learning to let go of what I "think" is best for me by surrendering, applying faith, taking one day at a time and trusting God. With this surrender it feels like life falls into place with ease rather than when I rigidly try to control everything. I guess that's why this song really hit home for me. These last nine months have been amazing but certainly came with their challenges. I know that it wouldn't have worked out as well as it has if I didn't trust in God.

4" x 4.75"
Ink, marker, and colored pencil on card stock

Gambit Sketch Card

Playing the X-Men video games on Sega and SNES growing up, Gambit was one my favorite characters to choose. He had the long range attack with his playing cards and a long reach with his bow for a short range attack. So many great memories. :)

I love drawing these sketch cards. It's super fun to make art for the peer joy of it. I recognize that I need this time (off the clock) to play and make art for myself. Sometimes it's hard to justify if this is worth my time or not. "Should I be exercising? Should I spend more time in prayer and reading scripture? Should I be with and make time for friends and relatives more. Should I be doing something else...? Is this just a hobby?" These are some of the questions I wrestle with. Is any of this familiar to you?

Ninja Cat T-Shirt and Stickers!

He slices! He dices! He... takes frequent naps through out the day. He's the Ninja Cat! :)

New T-shirt and Sticker design added to the RedBubble store.

Hope you guys enjoy, and special thanks to my fiance for helping pick out the color scheme.

Art Inspiration!

Such a great resource for all artists, students and professionals!

The Chris Oatley website and podcast are full of amazing resources! This isn't new news, but if you are an artist and haven't done so yet, please visit this site.

Chris, God bless you. You are an inspiration and hope to us all!

David and Goliath Drawing

One of my favorite stories from the Old Testament, David Vs. Goliath. Basically, David was the underdog in the fight and Goliath was used to being the champion. Even though Goliath was much stronger, David put is faith in the Lord and boldly defeated his enemy with a single stone. 

A really great Bible resource online, Bible Gateway, has the full story here. 

Thank you for stopping by and hope you have a wonderful Christmas this season. :)

Christmas Dogs and Cats

 

Here are a couple new embroidery designs at Embroidery Library (search "Christmas Cats Meow" and "Christmas Canines"). Not exactly an "off the clock" project, but these where pretty fun to work on and I wanted to share them on the blog. I love drawing in this style. I did a lot of gestures and quick sketches before tightening up like the b/w drawings shown here. Just playing with each character and trying to come up with a fun pose, silhouette, personality, etc. 

Chibi Jesus

The Good Shepherd.

Fall in Minnesota

 

Between work, church, family events and planning the wedding, Heidi and I have been keeping busy the last few months. A couple of weeks ago we bundled up and went for a walk. We really enjoy getting outdoors together. It helps us keep the stress levels down, get some exercise and have some good talks together.

The Lord is my Rock

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.   Psalm 18:2

I was listening to the Christian radio station on the way to work the other week and was inspired to draw this image. It reminded me of how the waves of the sea get pretty rough sometimes but God remains still. He gives us a foundation to stand confidently upon as we patiently wait for our deliverance.

This was a quick sketch done with pencil, pen and marker on cardboard. I've been really getting into the Bible lately, particularly stories and wisdom from the Old Testament. It would be fun to do some more scripture based drawings like this in the future.