Solstice

Finished inking "Solstice" and scanning it in. Also layered the inking over the quick color painting I did  in ProCreate for the ipad. Still messing with color, but might end up only as an inking.

Summer Solstice

Hashed out a little drawing of a cicada and peony this afternoon. One of the smallest pieces I've done in a while. "Solstice" 14"x5.5" on 400 lb bristol board. Moving onto inking. Enjoy!

Augment Of Rebirth (reprise)

Ever since I've survived some stupid and potentially deadly skateboarding accident back in September I've been thinking a lot in terms of second chances. Not meaning to delve into any spiritual context here but what I'm trying to say is that it's hard to walk away from a serious account and not let it motivate you in some way. I've always been into art, it's what I've always just done; but never as heavily as I have lately. I guess you could say that I've "woken up" and realized that I can't just make art for fun occasionally because I have the ability to do so and hope that it will get me somewhere. Like I said before....this isn't a religious statement....merely a "wake up and go!" message. When you really think about it we don't have much "time" in our lives from the start and what's the biggest crime of all is wasting your time, skills, and mind. Facing the real, lean, bare bones facts and acting accordingly is all I've been doing lately. There's nothing left for me to do than get up off my ass and work hard at what I love. I'll stop when I die (as cliche' as that is to say).

So; much of my work as of late has been centered around this second chance, "awakening", or "re-birth". This is completely unintentional but I'm beginning to see a pattern.

On a somewhat related note I've also been reading up on the Mayan's understanding of cycles. There was a mess of discussions revolving around 2012 and if it was the end or not. The Mayans (as well as several other cultures and religious groups) predicted that 2013 would be a year of great change or transformation. No matter how you view it I will at least argue that it has been for me. 2013; no more wasted time and no turning back.

I decided to revamp a skate deck illustration I did last year (in hopes of doing it better). Im never satisfied with my work and I know I can always do better. I think more people should adopt a similar mindset and seek to better themselves (also become a bit more humble).

I leave you with the latest "Augment of Rebirth" color pencil on 12"x18" 60lb 400 series Strathmore Artagain paper. The original in blue but I've made red and white variants available. Available at

http://society6.com/xmadxmanx

Enjoy.

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Thanks!

MadMan

Happy St Patties Day!

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Head Case

Recently finished my "Head Case" illustration. Took about three days total to knock this one out from concept to completion. I have posted several in-process photos for the curious minds out there. Not too many artists are willing to share their process (much like a magician) but I'm a firm believer that if the end product is good then revealing the work put into it only augments just how impressive the result is. Plus I enjoy seeing artists that I look up to share their techniques and I love learning something new. 

The first four frames included show the original sketch (on tracing paper), the added border, and then into the transfer to illustration board. The following six frames include detail and progress throughout the inking process. All work was done by hand (as always unless specifically stated) and only the final was scanned into the computer. No other processes were taken.

Art prints and other items are now available to the public at www.society6.com/xmadxmanx .

Thank you for your support;

Mad Man

You mad bro?

Here is the final product and detail shots. See previous post for in-process shots.

Process is everything

The most recent drawing I did for my friends Rick and Lauren sort of created itself. I began with the sphere and filigree around it and it evolved into the large words and even a portrait of one of their dogs Lucy. Drawing is pencil, chalk, and ink on butcher paper. A few of these shots were posted on my instagram; so feel free to follow me there to keep updated with some random sketches and progress that may not actually make it's way onto the blog or website.

Exuvium

Havent posted in a while. So here's what I've been up to as of late (watercolor and ink in the works)

21 Hour Photo

Yesterday I began the "Godspeed" mural at Just Fitness onPhillips/Baymeadows in their new spin classroom. Started at 7a.m. and finished at 5a.m. this morning. The whole thing in 21 hours! I was a bit delusional by the end of it but that's no surprise. Currently working on the video so give me a few days and I'll have that up for your viewing pleasure. I'll also go back and snap a few shots of the mural once they get the black lights in the ceiling up and running. Entire thing is aerosol. Also included a photo with me in it just to show you scale of the thing. Enjoy!

Godspeed

Preliminary compositions sketch for a current clients proposed mural. "Godspeed". Enjoy.