More Commissioned sketches

These are three more quick sketches I did, as pre-fan-expo commissions. Like the others (see a couple posts below), they were done on 9" x 12" bristol, in gouache and ink. I'm sure you can recognize 2 of the super-heroes depicted, but the fellow with the plunger on his head might be a bit obscure. Apparently, his name is Herbie the Fat Fury -- a character from a comic I was completely unfamiliar with. Needless to say, I needed some reference to draw that one.

illo Magazine Issue #2

Illo is a gorgeous, high-quality magazine about contemporary illustration, produced by Daniel Zimmer. Discerning art connoisseurs might already be familiar with his other wonderful publication, Illustration, which focuses on the history of the art form.

The second issue of Illo is now on the stands, featuring interviews with and lots of gorgeous art by such great illustrators as James Gurney, Nancy Stahl and Zina Saunders. In a stroke of crazy good luck, I also happen to be featured in the issue. There's a very long and exhaustive interview with me and a lot of my artwork.

I got my copies in the post this week, and I have to say, I was utterly humbled to be included in such a beautiful publication and in the company of such incredible artists. They even put me on the cover, which will probably make my mom extremely happy.

You can find Illo #2 on newstands and bookstores now, but you can also check out images of the entire magazine on its website here.

Ryerson Journalism Review

As a change of pace from all the super-hero commission drawings I've posted lately, here is a full page illo I did for the Ryerson Journalism Review in the spring. The subject of the story was about John McFarlane, who took over as editor of the well-respected magazine, The Walrus here in Canada. The assigning art director, Fernanda Pisani, thought a "pulp detective" feel to the drawing would suit the copy, which was written in a similar hard-boiled style.

Above is the final art, painted in gouache and ink. Below is my pencil sketch.