An Albatross

"Built to glide at high speed, an albatross masters the wind to spend most of its life aloft at sea"



Albatross 9" X 12" acrylic on panel

Abraham Sapian

My piece for the Hellboy the upcoming show at Brave New Worlds Comics, I wanted to do Abe Sapian, Hellboy's fish like companion. I wanted to up the bar in the action department, and possibly add a little gore which I haven't done before. I figured since Hellboy is classified as horror I could get away with it. I wanted to have Abe battle some ocean terror, anything besides a squid pretty much since I knew there would be a ton of pieces with tentacles, and I wound up using a Goblin Shark because they are a natural sea monster and I've had sharks on the brain lately. Mignola already did all the hard work by making this guy up so I just had to put my take on him. I Felt I did it justice.




Abe Sapian acrylic on panel 11" X 14"

The Conquer Worm

official Hellboy Show poster



by peter wonsowski and justin grey
really great promo
please share

some pieces are rolling in for a preview over at The Autumn Society of Philadelphia blog so have a look

Seed of Destruction

Please come out and join myself and fellow Autumn Society of Philadelphia Members for our last show of 2009, a homage to one of the greatest comics ever published, Mike Mignola's Hellboy. A collection of Hellboy inspired artwork celebrating the comics 12th year anniversary, at Brave New World's Comics in Olde City Philadelphia Friday December 4th from 6-8 PM. I couldn't be happier to be a part of this, to pay tribute to one of the greatest storytellers and artists in comics today. So come through and help us wrap up an incredible year, with a such a talented group of artists.



*my contribution to be posted soon

Champ

A portrait of Champ, beloved pal of my good friends mother.


Champ 11" X 14" acrylic on hardboard

The Sea Witch

The Clipper Ship Sea Witch, the fastest clipper to ever set sail. A commission from a fellow ship lover. Was one of the more challenging things I've ever done, but am very pleased with the turnout. It seemed very overwhelming at first. I cant vouch for every rigging, but I tried to be as accurate as possible, while also trying to produce a dramatic picture. Hopefully as I do more ship paintings Ill learn more about what is what and be able to produce paintings with more accuracy.


The Sea Witch acrylic on panel 11" X 14"

sidenote*
The holiday season is fast approaching and I am now taking orders on private commissions. Or you can visit my store
here

What is a Ghost?

¿Qué es un fantasma
acrylic on panel 11"X14"
for the Día de los Muertos show @ Proximity Gallery this Friday in Fishtown

"Proximity is a new gallery that opened on July 13th, 2008 in the heart of Fishtown. We are very excited to provide a space for established and emerging local artists to express themselves without concern for specific genre or medium. We hope to enrich the community by exhibiting work that reflects, stimulates and challenges cultural, social and individual values. Proximity understands the importance of promoting art in our community, and we are excited to be offering a unique gallery experience."


Check our blog for the latest news and upcoming events.

www.proximityart.com

Hours:

Friday, Saturday: 1pm - 4pm

Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: by appointment

the funeral is about to begin

For Immediate Release
Dia De Los Muertos
The Autumn Society
Opening Reception October 2, 2009 6pm-9pm

Proximity Gallery
2434 East Dauphin St.
Philadelphia PA 19125
www.proximityart.com
www.myspace.com/proximityart
267.825.2949
Hours: Fri. and Sat. 1pm-4pm
Always by appointment

This October 2nd between 6pm-9pm, Proximity Gallery has a show that is sure to get your blood pumping. Yes, the rumors are true. Proximity Gallery is hosting The Autumn Society's last gallery event of 2009, "Dia De Los Muertos"


This show will consist of 40+ pieces of art from the Autumn Society's finest artists, each interpreting "Dia de los Muertos" in their own unique style. "Dia de los Muertos" (Day of the Dead), is typically a Mexican celebrated holiday, in which families bring offerings (such as food and mementos) to remember and celebrate their loved ones that have passed away. These artists have captured the spirit of this holiday. We suggest you come out and celebrate this First Friday, October 2nd 2009, for some fantastic original artwork, perhaps a mariachi band, and some sugar skulls!


"According to popular belief, the deceased have divine permission to visit friends and relatives on earth, and to share the pleasures of the living."- Chloe Sayer, Mexico: The Day of the Dead: An Anthology


A brief history of the Autumn Society Established in 2006, the Autumn Society is a group of illustrators that started in Philadelphia and is now branching out worldwide. Comprised of over 200 members, the Autumn Society's goal is to share their artwork and other projects online, and to give exposure to local and emerging artists. They also publish zines, exhibit at comic conventions, and create group exhibitions for art galleries around the nation. Recently, the Autumn Society has gathered a lot of media buzz and is taking the Philadelphia art scene by storm.

Take a sneak peek by clicking the following link: http://theautumnsociety.blogspot.com/search/label/dia%20de%20los%20muertos

process IV finish

Paying Respects to the Hunter (triptych)
acrylic on panel 8" X 10" each
Here is the finishes. Would have liked to spend some more time with them but the show hanging is tomorrow and I'm exhausted. Only thing left to do is Varnish and frame. This show was sorta sprung on me so I didn't have much time for new work especially since 80% of my stuff is up at Triumph still. When a friend wants to include me in their show I don't want to give them any old bullshit that is sitting around my house that was used for other shows or something else. I want to put out something new to give people more incentive to come to that particular show. No one wants to keep seeing the same thing, I know I don't. So I deprived myself of sleep this week and came up with something I'm satisfied with and hope Eric is pleased with my contribution to his show. Of course I see things I would like to spend some more time on but time wont allow it. Hope to see you there.

this bison got pissed and lunged at me a minute later this photo was taken, i almost pissed my pants

process III

sketch for third part of the series.

process II

This is after 3 sittings. With acrylic i start from dark to light. Starting out using only black and burnt umber then adding colors to my palette as I go. With Oils i start the same only after the under drawing in black and umber I block in the lights the mix darker.

process I

After seeking out tons of reference, i wil narrow it down to 3-4 good pieces then do the initial drawings on tracing paper. I spray the drawings with workable fixitive, then rub a soft pencil on back either a 5 or 6b. I place the tracing over a pre gesso'd board. This time since the Bisons coat is an earthy tone I use a mixture of a mixed combinition of white, burnt umber and some yellow. I then use a hard pencil preferably an H to draw over the sketch to transfer.

now its time to start painting

Once more again

New flier for the show this upcoming Wednesday. Talk of Free tees and watches? Im stoked. Myself along w/ Eric Jordan, KAMILAH BENJAMIN, Joseph Game, Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, Philip Pilgrim, Ramulas Burgess and more!

www.fludwatches.com
www.rocksmithtokyo.com

Dont know if they'll be giving away this one but just a sample.



Put on your freshest pair of British Walkers

9 to 5 show pictures and thank yous

once again thank you to everyone who came out and supported. especially James and Sam Heimer, Leanne Biank, Danielle Rizollo, Shane Leddy, and Ryan Resch for lending your talent. James Especially for your screenprinting and design skills and your ideas. all my friends and family. and special special thanks to Wes Mattheu for playing on your day off for free. owe you.

Back at it Like a Bad Habit

Another upcoming show! No new work yet, this is a problem. Will I pull it off? 2 shows in the next 3 weeks. An E Jordan ILL sponserd event, So you know the shits gonna be like a Project Pat music video. Check the flyer and tell me otherwise.

When there's no more room in hell

Autumn Society and your friends we can pack all in

Celebrating the Day of the Dead @ Proximity Gallery Friday October 2nd more information and artwork to come

yellowfin tuna sketches oil on board 11"X14"

Blueblockers

Wes Matheu & the New Way Down to play 9-5 Show Next Friday

one more good reason you should attend

More Duck Hunt

On the Daily What .com

Wish You Were Here

One of my biggest disappointments in life is I missed living with these guys by a blink in time.
8"X10"
acrylic

this 9 to 5 grind has my mind loosing its juices

Friday September 4th Triumph Brewing Company 7-9 this will be the first show ive had the opportunity to organize. it hasnt been at all easy and i hope it turns out to be a success. So I need as many people to show up and support. Thanks to everyone who is contributing and a special thanks to James Heimer for screen printing up the promo cards, ideas, and keeping me on a bar stool.

james heimer promo

sam heimer promo

*sidenote
prehistoric voting results are in. you have chosin my destiny. the winners are Woolly Rhinoceros, Irish Elk, Sabertoothed Cat, and the ultimate Ice Aged predator Man. These will be compiled in the upcoming months into a limited edition postcard set. After my prior painting obligations are fulfilled.