Hi Everyone!
I'm very happy to introduce the Schoolism Rewards Program!
Get the word out about Schoolism.com and start earning points towards Schoolism classes today.
Watch the video below for more info:
Friday, September 24, 2010
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The World has Lost a great Artist, but I have lost a good friend!
Last night I received the worst news, that my dear friend of 9 years, Ismael Roldan passed away at the young age of 45. This is very difficult for me to accept, I'll try to keep this brief, but I just want to share a little bit about Ismael and what he meant to me.
Years ago, when I was first getting started as a professional artist, I was really struggling to figure out how to get work, how to develop my art professionally in a way that would grab the attention of art directors. I wasn't getting the kind of work that I wanted and I was getting tired of seeing the same artists being published over and over again and not understanding how they got where they were? I had a handful of artists at that time that were my inspiration. I would collect they're work out of magazines and hang them on the wall in my studio. I thought that if I surrounded myself with excellence, I would eventually pick up some of this excellence.
One of my most favorite artists at the time was Ismael Roldan. His work was inspiring to look at. Great exaggeration and likeness, great structure, humor, draftsmanship, perspective, you name it, he was what I wanted to be like.
So one day I gathered up the courage to write him an email, I basically told him that I was a big fan of his work and that I would love to work for publications as well, I thanked him for the inspiration and I attached a piece I had just finished that I was really proud of (to show him what I could do).
Well, I wasn't sure if he would ever write back, but to my astonishment, he wrote back that very same day. I remember being so excited and nervous to read the email. The email was straight up IN YOUR FACE truth about how horrible my work was! A very harsh and blunt critique. He told me my hands sucked, that I lacked knowledge in structure and form, and he actually went on and on. Even though the critique was harsh, he was able to somehow be very kind, he said one good thing, he said I could render like non other, but that won't help any if I can't fix the rest of my problems.
I was crushed, but at the same time, I was motivated to prove myself to Ismael. I didn't want this artist that I looked up to so much to think I was horrible. So I began to work on the things that he pointed out flawed in my work. I drew hand after hand after hand. I worked on skulls, and bone structure, I studied cross hatching and form. I sent him email after email, everything I did, I would send to him. And every time, he'd slam me harder than the time before.
I kept coming back for more, time and time again. Eventually, we became close friends, and slowly, we also became "peers" and we began to exchange work with each other seeking perspective and ideas from one another. I still remember the first time he sent me one of his paintings and wanted me to be honest and tell him what I thought about it. As time went on, we began more and more to talk about our kids and how important they were and how blessed we felt to have kids. Occasionally we'd talk about art, but mostly about life and what we were up to that week.
This is me with Ismael last year at the ISCA's 17Th Annual caricature convention where I won the Gold Nosey as well as many other awards, including a Guest of Honor Awarded by Ismael. That award meant more to me than any of them, and receiving that award from Ismael felt like coming full circle as an artist. I remember seeing him in the crowd as I received my awards, he looked like a proud older brother. Ismael told me that the first email he sent to me was so harsh, because he wanted me to know the truth so I would improve, but mostly he didn't think I'd ever bother him again. It was to his astonishment that I wrote back again and again. He tried to get rid of me, but instead fused a friendship that I hold very dear.
I will never forget the kindness and time Ismael shared with me. He took me under his wing and I wouldn't be where I am today as an artist if it wasn't for his talent and kindness. I feel as if I have lost a friend, a mentor, an inspiration, but mostly, a brother.
Throughout the years, Ismael and I exchanged caricatures of each other. This is the most recent one that he did of me, and the most recent one that I did of him. We also exchanged originals, I own several originals of his. He also sent me books throughout the years of artists that he thought would inspire me. The man was generous.
Ismael, you will truly be missed!
Years ago, when I was first getting started as a professional artist, I was really struggling to figure out how to get work, how to develop my art professionally in a way that would grab the attention of art directors. I wasn't getting the kind of work that I wanted and I was getting tired of seeing the same artists being published over and over again and not understanding how they got where they were? I had a handful of artists at that time that were my inspiration. I would collect they're work out of magazines and hang them on the wall in my studio. I thought that if I surrounded myself with excellence, I would eventually pick up some of this excellence.
One of my most favorite artists at the time was Ismael Roldan. His work was inspiring to look at. Great exaggeration and likeness, great structure, humor, draftsmanship, perspective, you name it, he was what I wanted to be like.
So one day I gathered up the courage to write him an email, I basically told him that I was a big fan of his work and that I would love to work for publications as well, I thanked him for the inspiration and I attached a piece I had just finished that I was really proud of (to show him what I could do).
Well, I wasn't sure if he would ever write back, but to my astonishment, he wrote back that very same day. I remember being so excited and nervous to read the email. The email was straight up IN YOUR FACE truth about how horrible my work was! A very harsh and blunt critique. He told me my hands sucked, that I lacked knowledge in structure and form, and he actually went on and on. Even though the critique was harsh, he was able to somehow be very kind, he said one good thing, he said I could render like non other, but that won't help any if I can't fix the rest of my problems.
I was crushed, but at the same time, I was motivated to prove myself to Ismael. I didn't want this artist that I looked up to so much to think I was horrible. So I began to work on the things that he pointed out flawed in my work. I drew hand after hand after hand. I worked on skulls, and bone structure, I studied cross hatching and form. I sent him email after email, everything I did, I would send to him. And every time, he'd slam me harder than the time before.
I kept coming back for more, time and time again. Eventually, we became close friends, and slowly, we also became "peers" and we began to exchange work with each other seeking perspective and ideas from one another. I still remember the first time he sent me one of his paintings and wanted me to be honest and tell him what I thought about it. As time went on, we began more and more to talk about our kids and how important they were and how blessed we felt to have kids. Occasionally we'd talk about art, but mostly about life and what we were up to that week.
This is me with Ismael last year at the ISCA's 17Th Annual caricature convention where I won the Gold Nosey as well as many other awards, including a Guest of Honor Awarded by Ismael. That award meant more to me than any of them, and receiving that award from Ismael felt like coming full circle as an artist. I remember seeing him in the crowd as I received my awards, he looked like a proud older brother. Ismael told me that the first email he sent to me was so harsh, because he wanted me to know the truth so I would improve, but mostly he didn't think I'd ever bother him again. It was to his astonishment that I wrote back again and again. He tried to get rid of me, but instead fused a friendship that I hold very dear.
I will never forget the kindness and time Ismael shared with me. He took me under his wing and I wouldn't be where I am today as an artist if it wasn't for his talent and kindness. I feel as if I have lost a friend, a mentor, an inspiration, but mostly, a brother.
Throughout the years, Ismael and I exchanged caricatures of each other. This is the most recent one that he did of me, and the most recent one that I did of him. We also exchanged originals, I own several originals of his. He also sent me books throughout the years of artists that he thought would inspire me. The man was generous.
Ismael, you will truly be missed!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
I've seen better days . . .
This is a piece I started about a year ago . . . I decided to take it to the next level and beyond . . . I'm in the middle of about 10 paintings right now, so there will be plenty to share here soon. I'm going to keep this painterly, get tight where it needs it, but to my eye and taste, I like things to be a bit brushy . . .
Update on Prints for Sale!
It was brought to my attention that I forgot to mention that the prints I have for sale on Etsy are Limited Edition of 200 Prints. Each print will be signed and numbered, once sold out, that's it!
Friday, August 7, 2009
I'm at Wizard World Comic Convention for the rest of the weekend!
Here's a pic of me and Imaginism Studio's Peter Chan at our booth at Wizard World Chicago. Today I'll be busting out some acrylics and painting a little, so if your there or in the area, stop by booth 3504 and say hi. I'll of course be selling my books and DVD as well as some new Giclee prints.
I'll post some newish art tomorrow!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Pencil Sketch of Larry King for Sale!
From time to time I'll be selling original drawings, sketches and paintings on Etsy. I just finished this Larry King drawing, click here to buy and see what else is currently for sale.
Prints will be available soon as well. If interested in prints, any work of mine is available as a giclee print.
SOLD - Acrylic wash of Darwin, painted for my newest book.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Painting People with Jason Seiler!
Schoolism Online Classes:
The Art of Caricature with Jason Seiler - starts July 24, 2009
By the end of this course, master caricaturist, Jason Seiler, will have you looking at people in a whole new way! For illustrators seeking to add high-end caricaturing to their repertoire, this course is a must!
Jason is a personal friend of mine and an incredible artist. I always say the best thing I could teach my students is how to learn not just my way to do things but as many different people as possible. Different ways to draw, paint and think.
9 lesson workshop with personal video feedback from Seiler on your paintings.
Register at SCHOOLISM.COM
Here's a quote from an amazing artist and former student of Jason's: Patrick LaMontagne.
Having drawn caricatures for editorial cartoons for a few years, I was
pleased with the progress I was making, but was looking for some
instruction to bring my work to the next level. Having long been a fan
of Jason's work, I was hoping that taking some training from him could
help me breathe more life into my caricatures, give me more of a dynamic
style and more confidence in my abilities. I wasn't disappointed.
This course requires a solid commitment, and if cost seems high,
consider this...you get what you pay for, and for the amount of
knowledge and skills I gained, plus the individual instruction and
attention, it was a bargain.
Jason's teaching style makes him a pleasure to learn from. He speaks in
a casual, easygoing manner with a great sense of humor, while still
being organized and professional. The lessons are well thought out and
proceed at a manageable pace, each lesson building very well upon the
one before. I never felt as if I hadn't been prepared for what was
required of me in the assignments, and his 'one on one' critiques were
very valuable to help me figure out where I went right and what I could
improve on. Jason was also generous with his time by answering email
questions and regularly offering suggestions and advice. What I was
most impressed with is his positive attitude and optimism.. He has a
passion for his work and obviously wants to foster that in his students.
This course was the best part of my work week from start to finish, and
I was disappointed to see it end. In what seems like a very short time,
my work changed dramatically and I got more out of this course than I
could have hoped for. If Jason ever teaches an advanced course on
caricature or any other course for that matter, I'll be in the first class.
If you're serious about becoming a better caricature artist, do yourself
a favor and take this class. You won't regret it.
Patrick LaMontagne
Canmore, Alberta, Canada
Register at SCHOOLISM.COM
Friday, June 26, 2009
What is Schoolism?
Imagine if you had a professional to help you and look over your work! Schoolism classes not only teach you the secrets from known professionals, but you will see them draw over the top of your drawings and hear them talk about how to take your art to a whole another level!
Schoolism.com Online Art Classes open for registration:
The Art of Caricature with Jason Seiler - starts July 24, 2009
By the end of this course, master caricaturist, Jason Seiler, will have you looking at people in a whole new way! For illustrators seeking to add high-end caricaturing to their repertoire, this course is a must!
Building a Powerful Comic Book Portfolio with Alvin Lee - starts July 31, 2009
Go through an intensive workshop with professional comic book artist Alvin Lee to create a powerful comic book portfolio. Watch and listen as Alvin draws on top of your work, explaining to you the 'DOs' and 'DON'Ts' of what makes a great comic book portfolio!
Character Design by Silver - starts September 7, 2009
Over nine lessons, Stephen will introduce you to the art of drawing, character design and the business of art. Your role will be to create major and incidental characters for animated T.V., feature films, or video game concepts!
Portfolio workshop with Cheeks - starts November 15, 2009
Sean Galloway aka Cheeks will be taking you through 9 lessons of intensive workshop to teach you the do's and dont's of what makes a great design portfolio for film, television, animation, or illustration.
Digital Painting Techniques with Bobby Chiu - starts November 1, 2009
Learn Bobby's personal techniques of how to digital paint. Watch the lessons, do the assignments and see Bobby paint on top of your paintings showing you how to improve your art!
Register at WWW.SCHOOLISM.COM
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Schoolism Classes Open for Registration
Powerful Comic Book Portfolio with Alvin Lee - July 31, 2009
The Art of Caricature with Jason Seiler - July 24, 2009
Digital Painting Techniques with Bobby Chiu - November 1, 2009
Character Design by Silver - September 7, 2009
Storyboarding with Kris Pearn - Self Study courses open anytime
REGISTER AT SCHOOLISM.COM
The Art of Caricature with Jason Seiler - July 24, 2009
Digital Painting Techniques with Bobby Chiu - November 1, 2009
Character Design by Silver - September 7, 2009
Storyboarding with Kris Pearn - Self Study courses open anytime
REGISTER AT SCHOOLISM.COM
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Classes open for registration
BUILDING A POWERFUL COMICBOOK PORTFOLIO with Alvin Lee - BEGINS MAY 29, 2009
CHARACTER DESIGN by Silver - BEGINS JUNE 8, 2009
DIGITAL PAINTING with Bobby Chiu - BEGINS JUNE 22, 2009
REGISTER AT SCHOOLISM.COM
CHARACTER DESIGN by Silver - BEGINS JUNE 8, 2009
DIGITAL PAINTING with Bobby Chiu - BEGINS JUNE 22, 2009
REGISTER AT SCHOOLISM.COM
Monday, April 20, 2009
Blago Sketch!
Thought it would be fun to see how I started this sketch . . . 1st, really quick and simple lines and shape, and then a little refining here and there and then I finish the sketch by blocking in color. Almost like sculpting, pulling the image out of the red background.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Sample Critique from Jason Seiler's Class
Here's a sample of one of Jason's critiques on Schoolism.com
Jason's next Caricature class at Schoolism.com starts on April 10th!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Update
Online art classes open for registration. Register at schoolism.com
Character Design by Silver - starts March 23, 2009
The Art of Caricature with Jason Seiler - starts April 10, 2009
Building a Powerful Comic Book Portfolio with Alvin Lee - starts April 24, 2009
Digital Painting Techniques with Bobby Chiu - starts May 15, 2009
Character Design by Silver - starts March 23, 2009
The Art of Caricature with Jason Seiler - starts April 10, 2009
Building a Powerful Comic Book Portfolio with Alvin Lee - starts April 24, 2009
Digital Painting Techniques with Bobby Chiu - starts May 15, 2009
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Classes open for registration (Dec 25/08), and a digital painting videocast.
Schoolism.com updates:
Online classes open for Registration...
Jan 05 - Character Design by Silver
Jan 23 - The Art of Caricature with Jason Seiler
Feb 16 - Digital Painting Techniques with Bobby Chiu
Feb 20 - Building a Powerful Comic Book Portfolio with Alvin Lee
Jan 26 - Storyboarding with Kris Pearn - FULL
-------------------------------------------------
Also here's a new videocast
This one is about random thoughts and things I think help to make a successful artist.
Topics for this video is creating your own luck, recognizing the important moments in your life and other topics...
Here's the finished sketch. The painting took an hour and 40 minutes but was sped up to match the audio.
Online classes open for Registration...
Jan 05 - Character Design by Silver
Jan 23 - The Art of Caricature with Jason Seiler
Feb 16 - Digital Painting Techniques with Bobby Chiu
Feb 20 - Building a Powerful Comic Book Portfolio with Alvin Lee
Jan 26 - Storyboarding with Kris Pearn - FULL
-------------------------------------------------
Also here's a new videocast
This one is about random thoughts and things I think help to make a successful artist.
Topics for this video is creating your own luck, recognizing the important moments in your life and other topics...
Here's the finished sketch. The painting took an hour and 40 minutes but was sped up to match the audio.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Sneak peek at 'Storyboarding with Kris Pearn'
One of the finest teacher/artist/person I know. Here's a sneak peek of 'Storyboarding with Kris Pearn'.
Kris has worked for many years as a Storyboard artist in Television and Feature Animation in both the United States and Canada. Born on a farm in Southwestern Ontario, Kris attended Sheridan College and studied Classical Animation, graduating in 1996. From there he worked in Toronto and Ottawa as a freelance Animator, Layout Artist, Background and Character Designer. Moving to Phoenix Arizona, Kris worked for 20th Century Fox Feature Animation studios on projects such as Anastasia, Bartok the Magnificent, and Titan A.E. While living in the desert, he trained as an Animator but eventually made the switch to preproduction to follow his life long ambition to become a Story Artist. Following the career of a Story Board artist, he moved back to Toronto after the studio in Phonex was closed, and worked on many TV productions such as Rescue Heroes, Jacob Two Two, Franklin, Braceface, 6Teen, Handy Manny, Hoze Houndz, Maggie and the Ferocious Beast, King Weirdo, and The Ripping Friends to name a few. In 2003 Kris moved back to the States to work at Sony Pictures Animation studios in Culver City California (where he is currently employed). During his time at Sony he has worked as a Story Artist on Open Season and Surf's Up. He is presently Head Of Story on Sony's upcoming Feature, Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs which is slated to hit the screens some time in 2009. As well as working professionally in the Animation industry for over ten years, he has also taught at Sheridan College in the Classical Animation program (and had a lot of fun while being on the other side of the desk). In 2006 Kris was nominated for an Annie Award for his work on Open Season, and was also featured in the 2007 Hollywood Reporter magazine's Crafts issue, highlighting up and coming talent working in the industry behind the scenes (as all storyboard artists are definitely "behind the scenes").
Kris lives with his Wife and two loud Children in a wooden box near a beach in Southern California. He has a German Shepherd and is often found rollerblading with the slobbering beast late at night in the general proximity of LAX.
He likes Cowboy Movies and good Zombie flicks.
Kris has worked for many years as a Storyboard artist in Television and Feature Animation in both the United States and Canada. Born on a farm in Southwestern Ontario, Kris attended Sheridan College and studied Classical Animation, graduating in 1996. From there he worked in Toronto and Ottawa as a freelance Animator, Layout Artist, Background and Character Designer. Moving to Phoenix Arizona, Kris worked for 20th Century Fox Feature Animation studios on projects such as Anastasia, Bartok the Magnificent, and Titan A.E. While living in the desert, he trained as an Animator but eventually made the switch to preproduction to follow his life long ambition to become a Story Artist. Following the career of a Story Board artist, he moved back to Toronto after the studio in Phonex was closed, and worked on many TV productions such as Rescue Heroes, Jacob Two Two, Franklin, Braceface, 6Teen, Handy Manny, Hoze Houndz, Maggie and the Ferocious Beast, King Weirdo, and The Ripping Friends to name a few. In 2003 Kris moved back to the States to work at Sony Pictures Animation studios in Culver City California (where he is currently employed). During his time at Sony he has worked as a Story Artist on Open Season and Surf's Up. He is presently Head Of Story on Sony's upcoming Feature, Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs which is slated to hit the screens some time in 2009. As well as working professionally in the Animation industry for over ten years, he has also taught at Sheridan College in the Classical Animation program (and had a lot of fun while being on the other side of the desk). In 2006 Kris was nominated for an Annie Award for his work on Open Season, and was also featured in the 2007 Hollywood Reporter magazine's Crafts issue, highlighting up and coming talent working in the industry behind the scenes (as all storyboard artists are definitely "behind the scenes").
Kris lives with his Wife and two loud Children in a wooden box near a beach in Southern California. He has a German Shepherd and is often found rollerblading with the slobbering beast late at night in the general proximity of LAX.
He likes Cowboy Movies and good Zombie flicks.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Early Bird Promo Code on Schoolism.com for Storyboarding with Kris Pearn!
Hey all,
Since there's been such a great response to the last promo code, Schoolism.com is doing a special promotion for 'Storyboarding with Kris Pearn!' There is a 10% off promo code for early bird registered students ending on November the 30th, 2008.
Just enter the code: S76R48
Sign up now at Schoolism as spots are filling up and Kris Pearn will only be taking 15 students for the course on January 26, 2009!
Register at Schoolism.com
Since there's been such a great response to the last promo code, Schoolism.com is doing a special promotion for 'Storyboarding with Kris Pearn!' There is a 10% off promo code for early bird registered students ending on November the 30th, 2008.
Just enter the code: S76R48
Sign up now at Schoolism as spots are filling up and Kris Pearn will only be taking 15 students for the course on January 26, 2009!
Register at Schoolism.com
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Early Bird Promo Code on Schoolism.com!
Hey all,
Just wanted to inform you all that Schoolism.com is doing a special promotion for Building a Powerful Comic Book Portfolio with Alvin Lee! There will be a 10% off promo code for early bird registered students ending on November the 30th.
Just enter the code: AL3R7
Sign up now at Schoolism as spots are filling up and Alvin Lee will only be taking 15 students worldwide for the course in Febuary!
For those who do not know, Alvin has been a comic book professional for over ten years now and will be passing on my industry knowledge to students who are willing to learn. It will be a unique learning experience as you will be taking a private online course from Alvin Lee and completing class assignments. Alvin will be grading all of your assignments, critiquing them and also screen capturing the corrections over your own work! It will be an exciting experience to see all of your progress and growth in creating a powerful comic book portfolio. If you are willing to learn, Alvin is willing to teach you!
Check it out at Schoolism
Just wanted to inform you all that Schoolism.com is doing a special promotion for Building a Powerful Comic Book Portfolio with Alvin Lee! There will be a 10% off promo code for early bird registered students ending on November the 30th.
Just enter the code: AL3R7
Sign up now at Schoolism as spots are filling up and Alvin Lee will only be taking 15 students worldwide for the course in Febuary!
For those who do not know, Alvin has been a comic book professional for over ten years now and will be passing on my industry knowledge to students who are willing to learn. It will be a unique learning experience as you will be taking a private online course from Alvin Lee and completing class assignments. Alvin will be grading all of your assignments, critiquing them and also screen capturing the corrections over your own work! It will be an exciting experience to see all of your progress and growth in creating a powerful comic book portfolio. If you are willing to learn, Alvin is willing to teach you!
Check it out at Schoolism
Friday, October 31, 2008
Building a Powerful Comic Book Portfolio with Alvin Lee is open for registration
NOW OPEN FOR REGISTRATION AT SCHOOLISM.COM
Course Name: Building a Powerful Comic Book Portfolio with Alvin Lee
Start Date: 02/20/2009
Seats Available: 15
Pre-Requisites: Good knowledge of perspective and human anatomy
Cost: $998
Register at SCHOOLISM.COM
Nine Lessons in Total.
Lesson 1: Introduction to Tools and Script Analysis
In this lesson I will begin by running through all the necessary tools you will need for this course. From the proper drafting pencil to use, using a french curve, down to basic photoshop skills to scan and remove non-photo blue from the penciled page. All of the different tools you will need as a professional will be covered during this lesson. After you have been familiarized with the tools I will move forward to analyzing a script with you where you will be thumb-nailing layouts of a page, providing me with several different variations of trial and error until you have the strongest layout and why. Strong storytelling will be the foundation of this assignment.
Lesson 2: The Hero
You will be introduced to the hero and his unique features. I will cover the basic anatomy of a Hero and from there you will be completing a turnaround of the Hero that I provide for you mimicking my own personal style. This will be a test of consistency and accuracy, you will learn the fundamentals of having to draw the same character repeatedly in different angles. I will teach you how to do render a proper turnaround with the usage of guidelines which will be repeated on the hero's face.
Lesson 3: The Heroine
I will introduce you to drawing the heroine and the delicacy of a woman's figure. More importantly which lines to keep, which to take away. You will be repeating the same process and completing a turnaround of a full figure drawing I provide for you. Again you will be replicating my style but doing so in different angles to test your ability to create consistently out of your own comfort zone. I will also be covering the alluring features of a woman's face.
Lesson 4: Exaggerated Proportions and Foreshortening
After you have been accustomed to penciling the fundamentals of a comic book character we will then move on to explore the excitement of exaggeration. During this lesson I will show you interesting ways to encourage your creativity with human anatomy, especially for comicbooks. I will be providing you with a drawing of a disproportionate figure and you will be analyzing that in the form of a turnaround. After that is completed we will move on to dynamic foreshortening. I will be showing you different techniques to really make something look like it is coming towards the viewer. We will be completing a study on both arms and legs and how to foreshorten them properly.
Lesson 5: Dynamic Hands
The complete penciler must know how to draw not only realistic hands but also powerful ones. In this lesson I will be showing you tricks I have learned during my career to help you understand hands, how they work and how to exaggerate them to create a desired emotional effect. During this lesson you will also be doing a study on the expressions of your own hands and using them as your own lifedrawing tool. Those principles will be applied to a set of exaggerated comic book hands, to test your understanding and consistency.
Lesson 6: Detailing and Textures
This lesson will cover everything from the basics of light and shadow to the intricacies of detailing a page using different comicbook styles. The different techniques covered will include using hard shadows to define a character, crosshatching to create shades of dark to light, minimalistic lineart and texturing for different surface materials. Those individual comic styles will be put to the test on basic shapes to demonstrate each's properties which will then be applied to the human figure.
Lesson 7: Lightboxing and Perspective Guidelines
During this class you will learn the techniques of using a lightbox when enlarging a thumbnail. I will show you how to complete an accurate perspective grid so that you characters coincide with the backgrounds properly to avoid mishaps. I will be covering the importance of using the copy, trim and bleed lines on a comicboard and lastly I will have you enlarge your own layout previously provided to me in Lesson 1 and prepare the page for the penciling phase.
Lesson 8: Backgrounds
In this lesson you will be introduced to the establishing panel. The one panel that will showcase your versatility in drawing environments that surround your characters. I will be showing you different techniques in using perspective grids and also the application of textures for different surfaces. I will be providing you with a floorplan of an environment in which I will be helping you create the elevation. I will also be showing you tricks of the trade in making backgrounds easier for you, especially when you are limited in time. Also I will be covering a brief segment on the usage of speedlines.
Lesson 9: Penciling
Everything we have covered during the previous 8 lessons will be culminated into this final lesson! Just to give you an idea, you will be applying the light and shadow techniques in lesson 6 on the layout you provided in Lesson 1 on the page you enlarged in lesson 7. The Hero and the Heroine from lessons 2 and 3 will be drawn on the final page using one of the unique comic penciling styles and the end result will be a completed penciled page, packed with everything a powerful comicbook portfolio should include!
Course Name: Building a Powerful Comic Book Portfolio with Alvin Lee
Start Date: 02/20/2009
Seats Available: 15
Pre-Requisites: Good knowledge of perspective and human anatomy
Cost: $998
Register at SCHOOLISM.COM
Nine Lessons in Total.
Lesson 1: Introduction to Tools and Script Analysis
In this lesson I will begin by running through all the necessary tools you will need for this course. From the proper drafting pencil to use, using a french curve, down to basic photoshop skills to scan and remove non-photo blue from the penciled page. All of the different tools you will need as a professional will be covered during this lesson. After you have been familiarized with the tools I will move forward to analyzing a script with you where you will be thumb-nailing layouts of a page, providing me with several different variations of trial and error until you have the strongest layout and why. Strong storytelling will be the foundation of this assignment.
Lesson 2: The Hero
You will be introduced to the hero and his unique features. I will cover the basic anatomy of a Hero and from there you will be completing a turnaround of the Hero that I provide for you mimicking my own personal style. This will be a test of consistency and accuracy, you will learn the fundamentals of having to draw the same character repeatedly in different angles. I will teach you how to do render a proper turnaround with the usage of guidelines which will be repeated on the hero's face.
Lesson 3: The Heroine
I will introduce you to drawing the heroine and the delicacy of a woman's figure. More importantly which lines to keep, which to take away. You will be repeating the same process and completing a turnaround of a full figure drawing I provide for you. Again you will be replicating my style but doing so in different angles to test your ability to create consistently out of your own comfort zone. I will also be covering the alluring features of a woman's face.
Lesson 4: Exaggerated Proportions and Foreshortening
After you have been accustomed to penciling the fundamentals of a comic book character we will then move on to explore the excitement of exaggeration. During this lesson I will show you interesting ways to encourage your creativity with human anatomy, especially for comicbooks. I will be providing you with a drawing of a disproportionate figure and you will be analyzing that in the form of a turnaround. After that is completed we will move on to dynamic foreshortening. I will be showing you different techniques to really make something look like it is coming towards the viewer. We will be completing a study on both arms and legs and how to foreshorten them properly.
Lesson 5: Dynamic Hands
The complete penciler must know how to draw not only realistic hands but also powerful ones. In this lesson I will be showing you tricks I have learned during my career to help you understand hands, how they work and how to exaggerate them to create a desired emotional effect. During this lesson you will also be doing a study on the expressions of your own hands and using them as your own lifedrawing tool. Those principles will be applied to a set of exaggerated comic book hands, to test your understanding and consistency.
Lesson 6: Detailing and Textures
This lesson will cover everything from the basics of light and shadow to the intricacies of detailing a page using different comicbook styles. The different techniques covered will include using hard shadows to define a character, crosshatching to create shades of dark to light, minimalistic lineart and texturing for different surface materials. Those individual comic styles will be put to the test on basic shapes to demonstrate each's properties which will then be applied to the human figure.
Lesson 7: Lightboxing and Perspective Guidelines
During this class you will learn the techniques of using a lightbox when enlarging a thumbnail. I will show you how to complete an accurate perspective grid so that you characters coincide with the backgrounds properly to avoid mishaps. I will be covering the importance of using the copy, trim and bleed lines on a comicboard and lastly I will have you enlarge your own layout previously provided to me in Lesson 1 and prepare the page for the penciling phase.
Lesson 8: Backgrounds
In this lesson you will be introduced to the establishing panel. The one panel that will showcase your versatility in drawing environments that surround your characters. I will be showing you different techniques in using perspective grids and also the application of textures for different surfaces. I will be providing you with a floorplan of an environment in which I will be helping you create the elevation. I will also be showing you tricks of the trade in making backgrounds easier for you, especially when you are limited in time. Also I will be covering a brief segment on the usage of speedlines.
Lesson 9: Penciling
Everything we have covered during the previous 8 lessons will be culminated into this final lesson! Just to give you an idea, you will be applying the light and shadow techniques in lesson 6 on the layout you provided in Lesson 1 on the page you enlarged in lesson 7. The Hero and the Heroine from lessons 2 and 3 will be drawn on the final page using one of the unique comic penciling styles and the end result will be a completed penciled page, packed with everything a powerful comicbook portfolio should include!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Comic book artist Alvin Lee teaching online comic book course
Schoolism is pleased to announce that Comic Book artist Alvin Lee is going to be teaching a Comic Book Fundamentals Workshop starting February 20th, 2009.
Pre-Requisites: Good knowledge of perspective and human anatomy.
15 Spots available. Registration will start some time this week so keep checking back for updates.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Other classes open for registration,
The Art of Caricature with Jason Seiler - starts Oct 31, 2008
Digital Painting with Bobby Chiu - starts Dec 08, 2008
Character Design by Silver - starts Jan 05, 2009
Storyboarding with Kris Pearn - starts Jan 26, 2009
Visit Schoolism.com to register.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
New class blogs
Hi everyone,
In the next few days we are going to make this blog into more on information about Schoolism.com. New classes, dates, etc...
For everyone in Jason Seiler's class, we have a new blog dedicated to the Caricature class. Please contact Jason with your email so he can add you to the class.
For everyone in my digital painting class that would like to join the digital painting class blog, please contact me with your email so I can add you to the class.
If you'd like to check out the new blogs...
KRIS PEARN - STORYBOARDING CLASS
BOBBY CHIU - DIGITAL PAINTING CLASS
JASON SEILER - CARICATURE CLASS
In the next few days we are going to make this blog into more on information about Schoolism.com. New classes, dates, etc...
For everyone in Jason Seiler's class, we have a new blog dedicated to the Caricature class. Please contact Jason with your email so he can add you to the class.
For everyone in my digital painting class that would like to join the digital painting class blog, please contact me with your email so I can add you to the class.
If you'd like to check out the new blogs...
KRIS PEARN - STORYBOARDING CLASS
BOBBY CHIU - DIGITAL PAINTING CLASS
JASON SEILER - CARICATURE CLASS
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
HOT HOT HOT
Wow, been forever since I posted here. And where did everyone from Bobby's classes go? Is this blog going to be renamed 'Jason Seiler's Schoolism Class'?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
