The World is Better with Art on it

Painting with Paint Pens: Outlines & Highlights

2011-06-23T16:02:00.000-04:00

I've posted a couple lessons on blending, at this point our painting has some cool looking colors, but no definition and it doesn't "pop" With a little help from black and white Postermans that's about to change.

Colors done, now for the outlines!


I first trace everything I want outlined with a fine point Posterman Pen. At this point there's a little more definition but all the lines are the same width so there's no depth or "umph" A tip on outlining, especially for large curves: I use alot more more elbow and shoulder motion than wrist motion to keep smooth lines.


Next I go back with my fine tip, a medium tip, and a chisel tip to add thicker lines and varying widths. In this detail shot I added some hatching in the direction the wave is flowing to add depth and movement...

... then went back to thicken the line and clean it up.

I continue to add thickness and various line widths this helps add depth.
Notice how the waves seems to stand out from the background with the thicker lines.

Next, I reach for the extra fine black marker and and clean up the ends of my lines and add details/shading.

Finally, I go back with a fine and extra fine white marker to add highlights and detail work.

Take your time on the outlines and highlights, its what really brings everything together. Often in my paintings I'll want to abandon it halfway through because its not looking how i envisioned it, but I persevere and once I add the outlines/ details I am always happy with the outcome.

My only other tip with the detailing is you have to find a balance with making the painting look awesome and overdoing it. Its easy to keep adding little lines here and there, I could probably do it all day, but at some point I have to step back, throw up my hands and say, that's it... its done! For me I have a rule, once I add my signature its done, no more tweaks or touch ups.

Hope this has been an enlightening look into my process and helped with some paint pens tips, now get to painting!

"Laissez les bons temps rouler!"

Painting with Paint Pens: Color Blending pt 2

2011-06-06T14:31:00.000-04:00

A couple weeks back I demonstrated some blending techniques using a Red - Orange - Yellow - White blend.
Here is another blending example on the same painting using cool colors.


When painting with paint markers I always try to work from light to dark, since light colors can be covered up easier. For the waves I use Posterman's Light and Dark Blue, Purple, Green, and White.

Start with a little Purple in the darkest areas.

...and blend with Dark Blue.

Add Light blue just outside the Dark Blue.

...and blend.

for large areas like this if you need a stopping point, bu sure it is where you have blended back to the origonal marker color, its hard to match shades.

Coming now from the shoreline on the right to the blend I have already done on the left.
I start with the purple.

Next I do a line of Dark Blue right next to the purple.

...and Blend

A section of light blue just outside of the dark blue.

...and (you guessed it) blend!

Blending light blue to white makes sweet highlights.

Green makes a great addition to water as well, here I blended Light Blue to Green, back to Light Blue.

Using 5 colors you can create all sorts of cool blends and shades.

Next step adding highlights and lowlights, this is what brings it all together, add definition, and mack this painting sick!

Painting with Paint Pens: Color Blending

2011-05-23T18:04:00.001-04:00

When people see my art for the first time I often hear questions like "how do you get such clean lines?" and "what kind of paint do you use?" I always receive a look of disbelief when I respond that I use paint pens, while some larger paintings are mixed media, many of my paintings and all of my skateboard and vinyl paintings are 100% paint pen. While I am not the first artist to use paint pens as their medium, I am happy to pass along tips and tricks to other artists wishing to try their hand at paint pens.

I use Zig Posterman Pens from Kuretake, they come in a variety colors and tip sizes and they blend really well! A great surface to start with is gesso board, they super light and portable, they come in a variety of sizes and there's no prep needed, just unwrap and you're ready to paint.

Here's a step by step look at the latest painting I'm working on:

I start of with a light, rough sketch. Very little detail just the basics.
This will be a sun just above the horizon as seen through the curl of a wave.

I'll start out with lighter sections of the painting, as its easier to cover up the light sections than the dark if I need to.
For the sunbeams I', going to blend from Red to Orange to Yellow to White.

Using Posterman Medium tip Pins I add a section of Red and a section of Orange.


I then use the Orange pen to pull out the red and blend the colors. The trick to paint pens is you have to work fast as they dry quickly.

Next I add some Yellow.

Then I use the Yellow to pull out the Orange and blend the colors.
If you need you can go back with the Orange to adjust you blend.

For the next section of the blend I start with the White at the edge of the yellow and work outwards to get a gradual fade to white. For this I used a chisel tip Posteman, but a medium tip would work here as well.

I wet back with a fine tip red to the add a narrower end.
There you have your basic blend: Red to Orange to Yellow to White.


Working in small sections to prevent the paint from drying before I can blend it I add two more sunbeams. For the alternate beams I will work backward with the same color blend, just starting with the red at the large end.

Near the horizon I add a thin line of purple with my chisel tip marker.

Just above that a thin line of red.

Then using short stroked I use the red to blend the two.

Wipe off any access purple still on the marker tip (I use the back of my left hand) and add to the red area.

Again, same technique, working my blend from dark to light. I add a section of Orange...

...and blend.

A little Yellow...

... and blend.

and finishing it off with the chisel White, I also used a fine point to get into the smaller spaces.


I don't worry about getting the lines between perfect, I will go back later and do my outline work. Right now I'm just laying out the color

The finished sub beams and my arm, I use it to clean the tips of my markers and to make sure the pint is flowing.
BIG TIP: NEVER press down the tip of your paint pen to get more paint on the painting, you can't control how quickly it will flow, so have a scrap piece of wood or other material, or use your arm like me.

And the color for the sky is complete. I will lay out all of the color in the painting before I do any outline/detail work. That's the basics of blending, pretty simple. The paint pens do most of the work for you. This was a four and five color blend, but depending on the effect you want you could use a simpler or more complex blend.

Next up I'll start painting the waves using light and dark blue green and purple.

ON DECK 6

2011-05-07T11:07:00.000-04:00

Well the show is now underway! If your not within driving distance of The Brink Gallery in Missoula, MT you can still check out all the great decks and get in on the bidding action at : http://www.montanaskatepark.org/

Its a chance to score some sweet skate art and help a good cause at the same time!

ON DECK VI pt 5: The Final Days

2011-04-04T13:54:00.001-04:00

The MSA is hosting their 6th annual ON DECK skate art auction on May 21 at The Brink Gallery in Missoula, MT. My piece for this years show is shipped out, here are some of the final details that brought the deck to life:

Once the major outlines are done I go back and make some of the lines thicker to add depth, and I use an extra fine black sharpie paint pen to add details, and extra fine white sharpie paint pen for highlights.

The "suckers" were left uncolored, just the original wood showing through.

Its all about the details!

Finally I clear coated the deck with a high gloss lacquer. It was the first time I've used this for clear coat, usually I use Krylon Crystal Clear or the Valspar equivalent. I tested the lacquer on a smaller piece first. It did cause the paint to have a crackled effect in a few places, but it looks really cool on the tentacles, and the shine is sweet!

adding fishing line for hanging as well as a label and my card.

and she is packed up and on her way back to MT! This deck was a lot of fun and I hate to see her go, but I'm sure through the ON DECK auction she'll find a good home!

All the decks will be on display mid-April on http://www.montanaskatepark.org/ondeck/ stop back in and check out Skate Board art from across the country. I know I can't wait to see them all, and if you find one you like make a bid, it goes to a great cause!

ON DECK VI pt 4: I work the Lines

2011-03-26T16:27:00.000-04:00

My deck for the Montana Skatepark Association's On Deck VI fundraiser is nearly complete! The board has been prepped, the painting has been sketched, and the color has been laid down. Now its time to bring it all together with the outline.

The colors all laid out.

Adding the outline really begins to add definition to the painting.

Varying the thickness of the lines helps to make it POP!

Now that the basic outline is done I will go back and add the fine line detail and shading, as well as some white highlights.

Want more info on the On Deck auction or the MSA? Go to: http://www.montanaskatepark.org/ondeck/

ON DECK VI pt 3: In Living Color

2011-03-11T21:36:00.000-05:00

Now that the deck is sanded and the sketch has been outlined, its time to get to the good stuff THE COLOR!

I began buy coloring the tentacles. I achieved the color by using ZIG Posterman Yellow, Orange, Red, Brown and Uni Posca Orange. I faded the color from yellow and orange around the suckers red to brown for shading.

I'm planning on leaving wood grain showing on the suckers, and coloring the rest of the board.

All arms completed. I added a little Sharpie White for highlights in a few places and a touch of Sharpie Black for some of the arms further in the background.

Next I added some Green plantlife at the bottom using both Zig and Uni Posca Green with Zig Yellow for highlights in the foreground and Zig Blue for lowlights.

Now I went to work on the beast's head in the background combining reds, blue, brown, purple and black.

I made the water by blending Sharpie Blue to Zig Blue to Sharpie Flourescsnt Blue.

Finally I crolored the mermaid using a combination of browns, orange, yellow, and white.

With the color all laid out, the next step is what brings it all together and really makes it pop. Its time to start adding in the black outlines and shading as well as the white highlights.

ON DECK VI pt 2: Its getting sketchy

2011-03-08T20:00:00.002-05:00

more on the creation of my skate deck painting for Montana Skatepark Association’s On Deck 6

Now that I've calmed down from my initial giddiness of receiving a fresh new deck (its the simple pleasures in life). Its time to get to work!

First step is to get the clear coat off the board.

I sand down just the bottom of the deck, since that's the part I'll be painting.

I do a wet sand starting with coarse paper and working my way to finer grits until the deck is oh so smooth. This is usually the step in the process where I start figuring out what I'm going to paint. I love sanding by hand, there's something organic about the process to me, and I feel like each deck speaks to me, and tells me what kind of painting is locked inside. (not literally, I'm not that koo-koo)

Now that the deck is nice and smooth with all the clear coat gone, i take it back to my desk and get to sketchin!

First I lay out a really rough sketch, keeping it real loose. Just kind of putting the pieces in place.

I continually go back and tighten up the sketch, still keeping the whole thing really loose. I'm not too worried about detail here, that will come out in the paint. However I do want to get a solid idea in my mind of how it will look.

The final sketch

Now She's Ready for paint...

On Deck 6's online auction will go online mid-April. The opening of the show will be on First Friday in May at The Brink Gallery in Missoula, MT. - May 6 from 5-8 pm. The live auction will take place on May 21.

Learn more @ montanaskatepark.org/ondeck

ON DECK VI

2011-03-02T21:15:00.058-05:00

Each year the Montana Skatepark Association hosts On Deck a fundraiser combining art and skateboarding. The goal is to help Montana Communities build free, public, concrete skate-parks. I participated in On Deck V which helped raise $4,500 to help Montana communities establish skateboard parks and develop skate-park programming. Sweet right!?

Well its that time a year again and the preparations for On Deck 6 are underway. This is the 6th annual skate art auction to raise money to promote skateboarding in Montana. This year's auction will be taking place at the brink gallery in Missoula, MT.

The opening of the show will be on First Friday in May - May 6 from 5-8 pm. The live auction will take place on May 21.

Here's the Skinny on the Event:

Each year The MSA puts out a nation wide call to artists.
Artists interested in being considered for the ON DECK Art Auction submit their name, contact information and a web address that displays their work.
A limited number of artists are chosen by MSA Board members to participate in the ON DECK Art Auction.
Chosen artists receive a blank skate deck in the mail to design as they see fit and return to the MSA.
Online bidding begins in mid-April, prior to the live auction.
May 6th, 2011 All art decks go on display at The Brink gallery in Missoula, MT for First Friday reception.
May 21, 2011 ON DECK VI Live Auction is held in Missoula, Montana.

Learn more @ montanaskatepark.org/ondeck

I was among the selected artists again this year and have been patiently awaiting the arrival of my deck...

Today I got home from a long days work and what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a slender cardboard box filled with skate gear!

So I ripped open the tape to reveal my fresh canvas!

I have seen a ton of blank decks of all shapes and sizes but I still get excited every time I get one in. Each one is a little different and right now they're so fresh and clean and just crying out for some love, affection and paint!

Now to get to the prep-work...

The Completed Nursery

2010-06-30T18:31:00.001-04:00

The Nursery Mural is all done, here are some pics of the final Project:

This was a fantastic project, not only did I have a great time working on such a large scale, but I did it with love.

This was definatly a learning experience and, I look foward to taking on more mural projects in the future.

Getting Ready for Baby Brooks!

2010-03-29T17:06:00.000-04:00

Well... I've been slacking on the blog recently, but I do have a good reason. WE'RE HAVING A BABY! This summer we will have a little boy join our family and we couldn't be more excited!

This also gave me an excuse to do something fun, PAINT THE NURSERY! We decided (suprise suprise) to go with a Ocean/Underwater theme for the baby's room, and I thought I share som epics of the process!

The sky and water are regular laytex wall paint. I painted the sky first, added the waves, and then rolled on the rest of the water.

Then I added the crest of all the waves and the sun. This both are combination of acrylics and paint pens.

Then I added an outline on the crest of the waves and to seperate the water and sky.

What under the ocean scene is complete without a sunken pirate ship?

This is the bottom of the ocean and a little rock formation by the door, just layed out in basic colors.

... and here it is after some detail work!

I also added a happy octopus...

and a happy little Jellyfish!

This has been a fun project so far and hopefully the baby will love it, I'll post more pics as the project comes along!

Hit the Decks!

2010-02-04T17:55:00.009-05:00

The last Wednesday of January I received my first shipment of blank decks. I was so stoked that I got to painting immediately. As I worked I thought I'd share the process for other artists.

First I sand the board down with a fine sandpaper, just to make sure there are no little imperfections, and I have a nice surface to start with.

Then I sketch the design out. I go right to sketching on the board with little to no work on paper to prep. This design did have some elements like the opposing snakes that I used tracing paper to transfer the outline to keep things fairly symmetrical.

Then its time to paint! I start out with the light colors typically, because they're easier to cover up later if I need to.

Next I start laying in the colors. Still keeping pretty loose, at this point my edges aren't refined and it often looks like bright blobs.

I continue with color until the entire board is filled in. Working with paint pens you have to go quickly blending colors while the paint is still wet. This is not to difficult if you only focus your efforts on working in small sections.

Once the color is done I lay in the black outline. I do the entire outline first, not really focusing on line thickness, just putting down a basic bold line.

Next, I go back and add thickness to some of the lines and add shadows. I then clean up smaller areas and add details with a fine black paint pen, and go over it once more with an extra fine paint pen adding the real subtle details, cross hatching and other shadings. The variation in line depth really makes the colors stand out and solidifies the painting. Lastly I will go back with fine and extra fine white paint pens and add highlights.

Finally I spray the whole thing with a krylon clear gloss finish. I give it 3 or four good coats to protect the painting and give it that shine. This clear coat really darkens the blacks and brings out the colors too. After that is dry I rub the whole thing down with a super fine (600 grit) sandpaper very lightly, just to make sure its nice and smooth.

For a look at the final piece check out my website.

Now grab some paint and a blank deck and see what you can do!

--jab

Dustin Harewood’s Recent Portraits Exhibition - Feb 11 @ The Art Institute of Jacksonville

2010-01-27T18:05:00.007-05:00

The Gallery Group at The Art Institute of Jacksonville will host the opening reception for the exhibition of local artist Dustin Harewood’s Recent Portraits on Thursday, February 11, 2010 from 5 PM to 7 PM.

Dustin Harewood’s large-scale portraits explore the complexity of the common gaze; a gaze that can magnify both expression and vacancy. These never-seen-before works are a shift from the popular abstract paintings that have become a signature of Mr. Harewood.

“For the past six months I have worked on a show of portraits. All information that I have deemed unnecessary has been removed. The result is an isolation and examination of the most important and expressive part of the human body: the head,” said Harewood. “The people I have chosen to draw have all fascinated me at one time or another. Some are well known celebrities while others are local artists, who in my opinion should be considered just as important,” added Harewood.

The Gallery Group is a focus group of Graphic Design and Web Design & Interactive Media students responsible for curating, installing and advertising exhibitions throughout the school year. Students develop a concept, research artists and curate each exhibition with the intention of further defining the relationship between “fine art” and design.

The opening reception will include light refreshments and an opportunity for those in attendance to speak with Harewood about his work. The works will be displayed in The Art Institute of Jacksonville Gallery from February 11, 2010 through March 22, 2010. The Gallery is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 AM until 8 PM and Saturdays from 9 AM until 4 PM.

Getting Around (artisticly)

2010-01-13T19:37:00.002-05:00

I've always been a fan of making your own path and doing your own thing. The next step I am working towards on my own path is to spend my summers traveling to art markets and festivals sharing my art.

Seems easy right?!

Well anything worth doing is worth doing right. Also, I am a stickler for presentation so I don't want my stuff to look half a... ny way. I thought I'd chronicle my own adventure in getting into the art festival scene to hopefully help future artists who dare to traverse the same path.

I've already learned an important lesson to pass along, FIND ART FESTIVALS EARLY . I started this endeavor as a part of my New Year's resolutions and quickly learned that many applications are due through out January. YIKES! One of the shows I attended last year and hoped to be a part of this year has a deadline in 2 weeks. As part of the application I would need to photograph my booth... which I don't have. Given the time it will take to select a tent, decide on a system to display my art, get it all shipped to me, and come up with a stellar presentation, I think I'll miss this first one. LESSON LEARNED.

So rolling with the punches I am researching more shows with later deadlines. Simple first step = GOOGLE! I have found a enough shows within a few hundred miles that I still have time to apply to.

Now to decide on presentation. I have read great things about Flourish canopies (http://www.flourish.com/), but the price tag is a little high. I want quality, but this may have to wait until we see how successful the festivals are for me. I am currently trying to decide between an EZ up and a Caravan I can get either for a decent price at http://www.elitedeals.com/canopy.html.

I also have to figure out the display system, at first I was thinking of building something, but I have read SO many horror stories. I love the look of Pro Panels, but again the price tag is high for my first go round with the Art Festivals.

So my first step in the process is to decide these two things... hmmm....
well off to do dome research.

-jab

New Year's Resolutions for Artists.

2009-12-31T09:43:00.010-05:00

It is the time of year that everyone starts coming up with their New Year's resolutions. Typically these are far fetched goals that are forgotten by valentines day, if not sooner. Goals like loose weight, stop smoking, start exercising, etc... are great buy why not broaden your thinking to include more creative goals?

General Tips for Resolutions:

A couple of key things here. One: Make your goals specific and attainable. For example don't say "I'm going to get my work out there," instead make a specific goal: "I'm going to get into a gallery this year." or "I am going to create a professional web page" You can even make this easier on yourself by coming up with a plan. "I will use January to research other artist websites I like for inspiration, I will photograph my work for my web page by February, etc..."

Two: WRITE IT DOWN, and put it somewhere you will see it everyday. Putting your resolution in writing makes it more concrete, and posting it so you see it everyday serves as a constant reminder.

Three: If you fall off, get back on the horse. If you have a slip on your goal or take time away from it, it's OK - as long as you dust yourself off and get back on track. Don't make excuses you're only lying to yourself, instead of justifying things to your self like "I didn't do this because..." just get back into the swing.

Resolutions for Artists:

1. Try a new medium.
- Maybe you have never used watercolors, maybe you would like to learn how to screen print. Keep your options open, in 2008 I entered a sidewalk chalk contest without having any real experience with chalk or pastels. I have probably received more publicity and recognition locally from trying this new medium than any other single thing I did that year. You just never know.

2. Get better acquainted with the Business of Art.
- Read a book on the business of art, attend a seminar, learn from other artists. A successful artist needs to learn to divide their time between business and art. You can't focus solely on art and expect that the business will fall into place vice versa, you can't have a business with out good at to support it.

3. Keep a sketch book/diary.
- even if you can't dedicate as much time as you'd like to art make sure to at least do a little something daily. Just keep your talents fresh, creativity is like a muscle, to keep it strong you have to work it out.

4. I will help other artists.
- one word: KARMA. Help other artists by teaching a technique you have mastered, or sharing a business tip that has worked for you. This can be done as simple as post something that you have learned and can pass along on your website or blog, or can be a more hands on approach.

5. I will be "An Artist"
- This sounds simple, but typically if you meet someone and they ask what you do, what is your answer. Do you say, "I work at so-and-so," or do you tell them (proudly) that you are an artist. Have business cards ready to back your clam. You don't have to start off with the fanciest of cards. I started out with cards make on Microsoft word that were printed on business card stock from the local office supply store. Just make sure they look professional. Include your contact info, website or blog (even if its just a Myspace account with examples of your art on it) and an example of your work.

Whatever your resolutions are, don't be afraid to try new thinks and push your own boundaries. remember "Armatures built the Ark, professionals built the Titanic."

Happy New Year!

--jab

Repainting the Beach Cruiser. Part III - The Final Touches

2009-11-12T17:33:00.007-05:00

Origonally I had the idea to put a flaming pheonix down the side of the bike, but after finishing the chain cover I decided to go with a more aquatic theme. I kept the idea of the flames, but decided to weave a fish sekleton in and out of the flames instead.
__________________________________________________________________
I started out with the flames working from dark blue to light blue to white with a little green added in.

Next I roughed out the skeleton, blending yellow and white to make a creamy color.

Once the color was done I did the outline work with a bold black paint pen.

Then I went back in with fine and extra fine black paint pens to create variations inline depth and add detail.

For the finishing touch I went in with a xtra fine white paint pen to add the highlights. With the painting complete, I strung the bike back up in the shed. I made sure to wipe everything down with a lint free rag to remove the dust. Then I sprayed the bike with a clear coat. I used Rustolium Glossy clear coat. * Be sure to test your clear coat* This was my firs time using the Rustolium Clear coat and it made a weird crackeling effect on the paint pens. It actually looks really cool, but it wasn't expected and could have been worse. After using multiple coats of clear coat and letting it dry I lightly wet sanded it all with a 600 grit sandpaper to make sure it was nice and smooth. Then I removed all the tape and rea assembled everything, using the photos I took during the disassembly as refrence.

Here's the finished bike:

Hope this was helpful for any aspiring bike painters and fun for all interested in the process.

Keep on keeping on,
-jab

Repainting the Beach Cruiser. Part II - The Chain Cover

2009-11-10T20:17:00.008-05:00

Now that the primer coat and basic paint job were done it was time for the fun stuff. I started with the chain cover since it was removable, fairly flat and the easiest part to work with.

First I traced the shape onto tracing paper so I could play with a few different designs.

Once a sketch was decided on I busted out the paint pens. First I transferred the design onto the actual piece making adjustments as I went. Once the sketch was on the chain cover I filled in all of the large areas of color working from dark to light.

Then I added in the eyes and the sea foam, again blending colors from dark to light.

Once I was happy with the colors I laid in the basic outline with a bold black paint pen.

Then came the part that makes it all come together: the details. Working with fine and extra fine black paint pens I laid in the detail work. One of the keys here is to have lots of variation in the thickness of the outlines.

I also added in highlights with an extra fine white paint pen to really make it pop! Once I put the chain cover back on I decided to add a few extra water splashes to tie the chain cover to the bike.

Next up... flaming fish skeletons!?

Repainting the Beach Cruiser. Part I

2009-11-08T09:09:00.003-05:00

So inspiration wriggles its way into my head at all sorts of crazy times. The other day I was out in the shed and I happened to look over at my beach cruiser bicycle and think... that would look really sweet with a new paint job... The wheels in my head started turning and my hands got to work. It was very much a learning process and I thought I'd share the experience for any one else who gets this sort of wild inspiration for such a unique canvas.
__________________________________________________________

The Original Bike

The first task was to remove all of the stickers using a razor blade and some sort of sticker remover chemical to get all the glue off. I also cleaned the entire bike using some soap and water.

remove all stickers and clean it up

From there the fun really begins, I took the bike apart as much as possible removing everything that I could. A couple of key tips here:

- Take pictures as you disassemble so that you can reference them when you put it back together.

- Keep parts separated in Ziploc bags or some other sort of containers, it may also be helpful to label these parts bags (eg: shift assembly), and put them somewhere you'll remember later.

Take lots of pictures when you disassemble the bike.

Materials I used included 400/ 600 grit sand paper, water, soap, paper towels, rags, Acetone, blue painters tape, razor blades, primer, paint, clear coat, and any tools you need to dissemble the bike.

After I disassembled everything I used blue painters tape on anything still attached that I didn't want to paint. Then, I sanded everything with a 400 grain wet sand to remove the glossy clear coat.

After I taped it off and sanded it down, I had to improvise a way to hang the bike so that all paintable surfaces were exposed. With a little creativity I figured out a way to suspend the bike from the ceiling beams of my shed. Since I didn't have a tool to disassemble the chain I taped it off real good and had to figure out a way to suspend it without it touching the frame. Pure trial and error.

Find a good area to paint and string it up, remember to think about over spray.

Next I used acetone to clean the entire surface of the bike, wear gloves for this, and be sure not to touch the bike after you've cleaned it.

I love the smell of Acetone in the morning

Finally I was ready to spray!

Rock N Roll!

Since the bike was 2 toned I decided to go ahead and do a white primer coat to add durability and to make sure the final coat came out nice and even. I used Rustolium primer.

Multiple light coats of primer work best

primed up and ready for paint

After the primer dried off, I used a Rustiolum metallic black paint to coat the entire bike, again using multiple light coats.back in black

After the paint dried off I spot checked the bike for any runs or missed areas. I did find a couple, so I sanded them down and did a little touch up. Then I waited for it to dry one more time, wiped it down with a clean rag, and got read to do the custom painting.

Now I ready to get crazy with the paint job!

Daily Doodlez #30

2009-11-08T08:39:00.002-05:00

Well, I finally did it, 30 days of doodles. A small snapshot of the odds and ends that make their way from my brain to whatever is handy on a daily basis. It took longer than I intended to complete this exercise, but I hope you've enjoyed it. Go back through the archives and you can browse the entire 30 days worth of sketches, and feel free to drop me a line with any questions, comments or remarks. Enjoy!

-jab

Skull Collage

Daily Doodlez #29

2009-10-31T11:37:00.003-04:00

Skull and Crossbones

Daily Doodlez #28

2009-10-30T13:06:00.002-04:00

Marvin

Daily Doodlez #27

2009-10-29T11:48:00.002-04:00

Order and Anarchy

Daily Doodlez #26

2009-10-28T12:07:00.001-04:00

Shot Down

Daily Doodlez #25

2009-10-27T11:18:00.001-04:00

Smoking Skull

Daily Doodlez # 24

2009-10-25T18:39:00.002-04:00

Skull & Rose

Daily Doodlez # 23

2009-10-24T11:59:00.001-04:00

"Salty"

Daily Doodlez #22

2009-10-15T09:02:00.004-04:00

OK so the idea of posting a sketch each day for 30 days has gone out the window in the last couple of weeks, but fear not true believer. I will still post at least 30 sketches, the time frame will just ba expanded a little.

The King

Daily Doodlez #21

2009-10-07T09:54:00.002-04:00

Artist

Daily Doodlez #18 - #20

2009-10-06T14:15:00.004-04:00

Wow, what a week! I have been super-busy with contest deadlines, commissions, and new inspirations; not to mention the ever-dreaded "Real Job!" So, I'm a little behind on the Daily Doodlez. Here are 3 that I did amidst the insanity last week. Now, hopefully, I can get back to the daily routine! ENJOY!
--jab

Jolly Rabbit

Simply Skull

Heart and Sword

Daily Doodlez #17

2009-09-28T13:35:00.000-04:00

Mummy

Daily Doodlez #16

2009-09-27T22:24:00.001-04:00

Pitate

Daily Doodlez #15

2009-09-26T22:01:00.002-04:00

Skull Flower

Daily Doodlez #14

2009-09-25T06:37:00.001-04:00

Pennywize

Daily Doodlez #14

2009-09-24T09:00:00.002-04:00

Shot Through the Heart

Daily Doodlez #13

2009-09-23T22:54:00.000-04:00

Flaming Skull

Daily Doodlez #12

2009-09-22T21:07:00.000-04:00

Bunny

Daily Doodlez #11

2009-09-21T23:55:00.001-04:00

Joker

Daily Doodlez #10

2009-09-20T08:11:00.000-04:00

Wise Man

Daily Doodlez #9

2009-09-19T08:09:00.000-04:00

Scallywag

Daily Doodlez #8

2009-09-18T23:45:00.000-04:00

Tagger

Daily Doodlez #7

2009-09-17T22:07:00.005-04:00

Creative Spirit

Daily Doodlez #6

2009-09-16T22:45:00.000-04:00

Voodoo

Daily Doodlez #5

2009-09-15T17:57:00.001-04:00

Flow-Bot

Daily Doodlez #4

2009-09-14T15:40:00.000-04:00

K. HAMlet

Dailey Doodlez #3

2009-09-13T20:36:00.001-04:00

JAXvillian

Daily Doodlez #2

2009-09-12T20:15:00.001-04:00

Cherry Bird

Daily Doodlez

2009-09-11T16:59:00.000-04:00

Any one who's spent any amount of time around me can tell you that I draw CONSTANTLY. I always have a pencil, pen, Sharpie, disembodied monkey finger, or something to draw with on me...OK no disembodied fingers. The point is I create little doodles or sketches all the time on random scraps of paper (or whatever material is handy) and the majority of the time these little pieces end up lost in the land of misfit toys (or maybe they go to that magic place that your socks go when you put them in the dryer and they never return). So I decided to start chronicling these random squirts from my cerebrum here so they could be enjoyed instead of winding up in a trash can sandwiched an empty beer can and an empty Ziploc baggy.

My goal is to post something new daily for the next month, and since they're all doodles there level of completion doesn't really matter. I defiantly spend enough time doodling. So as long as I can snap a pic and upload it to the blog you should be able to catch a new on everyday.

I'd love feedback. What you like, what you don't which ones you'd like to see become paintings.

ENJOY!

--jab

Skull & Rose - 9/10/09

Weekend in The Big Easy

2009-08-09T08:48:00.000-04:00

The wife and I recently returned from a great weekend trip to New Orleans. It is an amazing city full of culture and life. During the drive in we were amazed to see the areas of town still devastated by Hurricane Katrina, but by the time we made our way to the French Quarter those concerns were all but forgotten. We stayed just across Canal St. a block away from Bourbon St. A great location, we were close enough to the party, but far enough that it was quiet when we decided to retire for the evening. We spent the first evening dining Cajun cuisine, people watching from the balconies on Bourbon St, and finally winding down our night listening to some pronominal Jazz from the house band at Fritzel's European Jazz Pub.
The Second day we got to enjoy more of the city strolling into numerous galleries ant art boutiques as we made our way to Jackson Square and an art market. The Street Artists were amazing and immeasurable in their different styles. We picked up a print from an amazing painter Barbara Yochum. There were also a lot of interesting pieces created from old roof shingles, fence posts, doors, and other remnants from Katrina.
After the art market we took an interesting historical tour of the cemeteries of New Orleans and saw, among other things, the site that the notorious LSD scene from "Easyriders" was shot. We also learned a great deal about the Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau, a truly fascinating woman.

Finally, we returned to Bourbon St to enjoy some more delicious food and a taste or the nightlife.

If you haven't been to the Big Easy I highly recommend it, There's great art, wonderful food, and a ton of fascinating history! While you're there don't forget to stop by Tropical Isle and have a Hand Grenade for me!

Creating "Ride the Wave"

2009-07-05T15:40:00.000-04:00

Alot of the cats that know me tell me that the coolest part of my art is watching it take shape, so I thought I'd do my best to share that experience. This is the evolution of a fun piece I just created called "Ride the Wave"
After the Sketch was Laid out on the Canvas, I started filling in Color. I started with the Octopus mostly because it was fun, also the greens are light enough that if I needed to cover them later, it shouldn't be a problem.

Next, I did the pink for the tentacles.

Then the yellow and Orange Blends, again easy colors to cover up if there is a mistake.

Now that most of the bright objects being carried in the wave are done I bust out the dark blue, light blue and white to add the wave itself.

Using the same colors for the Shark...

..,and the Dolphin.

Then I blend Lt/Dk Blues with Lt/Dk Greens and white to create the tube of the wave.

I continue with these colors doing one "section" of the tube at a time and then adding the tail.

Once that's dry I go back and start the sun rays.

and continue to fill the page with alternating red-orange yellow-white blends and yellow-white-yellow-orange-red blends.

After addin the sun I'm pretty much done with the coloring, just detailing left.

The picture really starts to come together when I add the black outlines and the white part of the wave.

Finally after detailing with bold, fine and x-fine black/white markers the piece is complete and ready for clear coat!

Hope you enjoyed it!

-jab

June Art Walk - Downtown Jacksonville

2009-06-06T16:20:00.000-04:00

June brought another great Artwalk to Jacksonville. There was a little rain, but only in passing, and there were plenty of art fans in attendance!

Once again I was set up at my usual venue in The Hayden Burns Library on Ocean St. Other Regulars were back at it including Jake Roth, Jaxleigh, and of course a little rain didn't deter the Storm Troopers from showing up (but they did leave the Droids at home)!

If you missed it this month, make sure and join us in July for friends, fun, and ART!