The Call of the Wild Illustration

The final project for my illustration class is to pick a classic book and illustrate two scenes. The first scene has to be in black and white and the second scene in color. I chose The Call of the Wild by Jack London.

I started the black and white scene first. I am uncertain if this is the final piece but this is how it looks so far.
Medium: Acrylic Paints

The wolf was suspicious and afraid; for Buck made three of him in weight, while his head barely reached Buck's shoulder. Watching his chance, he darted away, and the chase was resumed... But in the end Buck's pertinacity was rewarded; for the wolf, finding that no harm was intended, finally sniffed noses with him.

The Greatness of a Nation...

Final thesis project for my Life Drawing 2 class from last semester. My thesis was based on a quote from Mahatma Gandhi: "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

Materials: Charcoal and acrylic background

Measures: [approximately] 32x36

*Second image is full sized when viewed*

Sheba

My favorite medium; scratch board with a water color wash. My dad's friend at work asked if I would draw a picture of her dog. Here is Sheba. I am unsure what breed but she looks a lot like my dog, Kodi.

My Childhood Memory

My first project for Illustration 1. Illustrate a childhood memory. My grandmother recently passed away and to remember her I decided to illustrate a memory of her. She was an amazing cook and a cherished memory I have is helping her bake her delicious apple cake. This was my first time working in Gouache paint. We are required to work with this medium and I'm not sure I like it yet. It is certainly different than working with acrylics or watercolor. Hopefully as the semester continues I will learn how to better 'tame' this medium.

Composition: Gouache on Bristol Paper

Final: Gouache on Illustration Board

Final Photography Project

The final for my photography class I took the Fall semester 2007 was to do whatever we wanted. I decided to do a series of shelter animals for my love of animals and that I would be likely to use the photographs I took as references for my artwork. I went to Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter in NJ. Taken with a 35mm at 1/60 with various f-stops depending on the lighting.

I'm sure some of these animals are still there. They were all very friendly and delightful models! While I was taking the photos I was so immersed in getting an accurate shot I didn't have time to see how precious they all were and how much they all needed homes. Processing the photos and looking at them now...I wish I could have taken them all home.

Photography Class

Last semester, Fall 2007, I took Photography 1. I loved it! I honestly never knew that taking a picture used to require more then just a point and click. My professor was amazing and I learned so much. If I had the money and a place to put a dark room I would pursue photography at least as my own resource, but, alas. At least it gave me a chance to try out a field of art I never would have thought I'd be good at or try. All photos were taken with a 35mm. [The above photo is a classmate during our first session trying out our cameras and getting used to shutter speed, fstops, and depth of field].



My first project was to experiment with depth of field. I used my dog, Kodi, who is a Carolina Dog and Shepard mix. He photographs much better in black and white then he does in color sometimes.






My friend Jennifer, who loves to pose for the camera was perfect for this project. We had to take photos that focused on perspective [worm's, bird's, ect. eye view] and reflections.

Old work, new spot

I decided to make a large post of some of my 'best' work from over the years. Most of these drawings were on Deviant Art but I want them on the blog with a more direct link. Also, since my website is in the works this will serve as my 'mini portfolio'.


Fire Stallions, Acrylics, Project in Color Theory experimenting with the color red and transparency.


Baby Still Life, Charcoal Pencils, Independent project experimenting with still life


Childhood Innocence, Charcoal Pencils, independent project


Dragon Lady, Colored Pencil, independent


Wyoming Knott, Pen and Ink, gift for a friend


The L was Licked, Pencil, Project for Commercial Illustration


Harvesting Squirrel, Scratch board with a water color wash, independent


In Loving Memory, Scratch board with a water color wash, gift for a friend


Tropical Pepper, Water color and marker, independent