The Fall of Atlantis Part 1

This is the left panel of a triptych about the legendary city of Atlantis. What really happened that lead  to the disappearance of the city and it's technologically advanced civilization?

Back to reality. Illuxcon V

Last weekend was the fifth annual Illuxcon in Pennsylvania. This was the 4th time that I have been lucky enough to attend and my second time participating in the showcase. As always this event provides enormous amounts of inspiration and I come away from it wanting to work even harder to find a place in the world of fantasy art. So much so that I went to a figure drawing class on thursday for the first time in years! This year we also bought our first original painting (albeit a small one) by the very talented E.M. Gist. I'm pretty sure this will be the beginning of a collection. I love this painting.

 Next year Illuxcon will be moving to a new location in Allentown, PA and I'm looking forward to it already.
 Here's a link to my mini-movie that was playing at my table this year (minus the new opening footage from the convention itself). If you give it few minutes you will get our first attempts at animation. I doubt it will be the last. Terry Gilliam watch out!
 I also want to say a special thank you to my wonderful wife Kari who edited the movie, helped me out at the showcase and put up with all of my nerves and preparations leading up to the show. I couldn't do it without her!
Now on with the show! Get your popcorn and remember, NO talking during the movie. 7 minutes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aNXXok1wDk&feature=plcp

ps the soundtrack is courtesy of my dad Pete on concertina and me on guitar from one of our recent basement sessions. Hope you don't mind Dad!!

Ready for Illuxcon?

This weekend Illuxcon V takes place in Altoona, PA! This is my favorite art event of the year by far. It is a gathering of the many of the best artists in the fantasy art world. There will be opportunities to attend lectures, workshops and reviews. I will be participating in the Showcase exhibition for the second time. At my table I will be showing my new portfolio book, a number of original oil paintings and new mini-movie as well as having prints available. If you are attending please come see me at the showcase friday night. Hope to see you there!
 The picture above is an early test display setup. Things have changed a number of times since this test but it gives an idea of what the display might resemble, minus the video element.

The monster

 After the death of its maker, Victor Frankenstein, the monster's remorse for its crimes is so great it removes itself from society and leaves the world behind by drifting away on an ice flow in the Arctic Circle.
 In the film adaptation directed by James Whale the end comes at the hands of the classic mob with torches and pitchforks. Mary Shelley's original ending is a much more personal and emotional end for the thing known as the monster.
Above is a version of Mary Shelley's monster from my archives. Oil on canvas, 2008
Below is a sketch of James Whale's flat-top monster from a few weeks ago

Creatures from black lagoons

Can anyone tell me why no one has tried a remake of the classic Creature from the Black Lagoon film?There have been numerous remakes and interpretations of Dracula, Frankenstein and the Invisible Man. The Mummy was a hugely successful franchise. Why no Creature? Perhaps it's just too much of an iconic creature design. Combine that with the obvious need to have much of it based underwater and perhaps you have a few answers.  I hope someone does give it a try even though it would be difficult to match the beauty of the original and the mesmerizing underwater chemistry between the creature and Julie Adams
 (or her stunt double).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ariuokNFhSw
 This is my creature. He is from an alien world where water is vanishing and the big blue marble looks like a good place for a fresh start. Not a remnant from prehistoric times like the original. He does like dark lagoons though.

The Werewolf Hunter

There were only a few who know what lived in the manor on the hill and even fewer who would dare confront it. It was only vulnerable during the full moon and silver was its only weakness.

 "Werewolf Hunter". oil & digital

Invisible

October will be a month of things from the archives. Hopefully things that relate to my favorite scary month. I'm an absolute SUCKER for the classic black & white horror films that I will watch again and again every year, either on tv or from my personal collection. This week, the invisible man!