Thursday, January 21, 2010

Hey all, I just found out about this in my Sequential Imaging class about a Communication Arts Annual competition call for entries. Apparently the deadline has been extended from the 8th to the 22nd, which is tomorrow. So if you have something you can send, it might be worth a shot. It's $35 per illustration and $70 for a series up to 5 pieces. I hope that that's with the late fee included, if not it's an extra $10. Oh well, just thought I'd share, hope y'all's weeks are goin' alright.

Pj

Sunday, January 17, 2010

From Aaron Woodard


Hey everyone, I just wanted to post some links that I love. Try to check them out if you have some time.

sketchtheatre.com
thegnomonworkshop.com
www.behance.net/
www.boston.com/bigpicture/

I'll be posting work throughout the semester on my blog and would love to hear your feedback.
http://woodardillustration.blogspot.com/

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Greetings to you, Kappa Pi VCU, on this sassy Saturday! Love, Mary Carter.

Ahoy there, me mateys! My winter break was not the most exciting, but definitely allowed for some much needed R&R. The stress of last semester will be nothing compared to this coming semester, so I've been finding ways to prepare myself artistically, mentally, and physically for the onslaught of work, sleep deprivation, and high academic expectations. I'm sure many of you are dealing with something similar. I went skiing this past week, which may seem totally unrelated to...anything, but coming back with a sore and physically exhausted body was one of the greatest feelings I've experienced in a long time. Exercise! It's incredible how good it makes your body feel to release some toxins, work the muscles, and get the blood pumpin'. Not always for the sake of losing weight, but as a successful stress-buster. Speaking of exercise, has anyone back in Richmond checked out the Cary St. Gym lately? I am beyond ecstatic that it is up and running again, with ten times the bells and whistles that it had before.

Perhaps I should return to a more art-related topic. As some of you may know, I have finally decided (after putzing around plenty this past semester trying to make a decision) to chart my course towards a BA in Scientific & Preparatory Medical Illustration within the Communication Arts department. I am excited....and at the same time, rather nervous. I have more science classes next semester than art classes! This means that unfortunately I will only be in Franklin Terrace on Tuesdays and Thursdays, between 3:30-8:20. I'm used to spending almost every day of my academic life in that building. Though, I find myself highly anticipating the idea of new and challenging classes outside of strictly art courses. I'm hoping to not only feed the other half of my brain, but also find a new form of artistic inspiration through information and biological/chemical design.

I didn't find myself sketching as much as I would have liked to this winter break, but I did finish up a small commission for an elderly couple, and a few colored doodles here and there. I've been a bit lackadaisical when it comes to scanning/uploading them, but to show a small something:

Not particularly interesting, but I've been trying to experiment with different styles. (For instance, no inking/black lineart...just loose coloring). In that sense, I look forward to a new sketchbook. My last sketchbook was a bit repetitive with strict line work, at least in my opinion.

Anyways, I'm sorry this entry couldn't be excellent, I'll have more to discuss/talk about when spring semester swings into gear. I look forward to it, and seeing you all very soon!

-Mary Carter

What's New in New York?


Hey Guys!
I've missed you all so much and have been thinking of everyone. I hope everyone is having a good break and happy holidays!

So, my family and I just went up to New York and checked out what was happening with the art scene. We went up to the Guggenheim and MoMA; I just wanted to share a little with you guy about what is going on at these museums!

Guggenheim: The building itself is beautifully constructed in a manner that the floors spiral up so that the viewers of the artworks can enjoy the pieces as they walk around in a large circle. It makes for a very interesting experience. There are thousands of people that walk threw that museum every day and the design allows for a faster experience of what the museum has to offer! It is wonderful!

Kandinsky: The vast majority of this artist’s works are about exploring different forms and ways of expressing abstraction. His works included using paints on black backgrounds so that the color would pop and bring an added depth to the work. Many of these painting have a depth that is not often seen in paintings during the 1930’s.

Anish Kapoor: Kapoor’s 2008 exhibition, Memory is a large iron sculpture that takes up the majority of a room in the Guggenheim. It looks like a large balloon and is meant to appear is if it is floating on the floor of the museum. The viewer wants to walk around the sculpture but is unable to do so. From another vantage point earlier in the walk around the museum the viewer is able to see just a hit of the back of the balloon like sculpture. The point is that the viewer how ever much they want to see all of the piece, they cannot, just as they cannot always remember all of a memory.

MoMA: The Museum of Modern Art is exactly that. It is a museum pays its respects to the unusual and great works of the latest centuries.


Tim Burton...until April 26: I felt this exhibit would be the most helpful for many members of Kappa Pi. Tim Burton as we all know is a well-known artist. He is famous for he work with stop motion animation. Many of the characters from “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and even a life-sized replica of Edward Scissor-Hands was there on display. What caught me most off guard was how large the actual puppets from the movies were. Each puppet is easily 18” or larger. The amount of detail was amazing to see up close. Sadly, no pictures were allowed to be taken in that portion of the museum.


I hope you all enjoyed my little tribute to these two museums.


Thank you,

Jennifer Martinelli

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Pj droppin' a line!

'Ello 'ello my kappa pis! I've waited long enough! I was just waiting on my scanner to arrive in the mail before I could contribute anything that wouldn't be a regurgitation of what's on my deviantart account. My winter break couldn't be more recuperative, in fact, I almost want to trade in my x amount of hours of sleep and lack of responsibility for some serious school work and stress. ALmost though, almost. I decided to share a little bit of my vanity, and a cute little monster head that I created while waiting for my mom in the car while she was at a doc appointment. But, that's not all I did, nah, but almost, unfortunately. The other new stuff I saved for my personal blog, yup, I gave in and joined the party, so check me out and follow me if you're so inclined and curious about what I did for the monthly Sketch Theater contest. I've shared this with Aaron and Don already but for those of you that didn't facebook stalk to see what it was about, I'll save you the trouble and share with you what I'm currently and will stay obsessed with 'til I kick the bucket.

Gnomon Workshop sponsors Sketch Theater, so all the rewards come from them, thankfully so, because they both hold monthly contests! While Gnomon rewards the top 4 finalists with their dvds (1st-25, 2nd-15, 3rd-10, 4th-5) more than sixfold in value (no t-shirts though) compared to Sketch, the competition is much much more fierce (these are international contests by the way). There are more applicants, that dish out some seriously humbling work. What's nice is that there are two categories, one being for the 2D fanatics and one for the 3D masters each with their own special theme to work on. Unlike Sketch which strictly has you work with traditional media, Gnomon's 2D/3D contests wants your most bada** piece of art you can crap out using whatever means to get to the desired ends. Granted in the 3D category you can only submit 3D works, but in the 2D category you can implement 3D elements into your drawing or painting.

Speaking of great artwork, over break I was lucky enough to have wandered into a Waldens Books store while they were having an out of business sale, which I wish I had picked up on earlier, but I did come out with a steal, being a book called The Future of Fantasy Art by Aly Fell and Duddlebug. It has some amazing digital and traditional artwork that emphasize the new standard put upon aspiring entertainment artists. Among other diamonds in the rough that I've stumbled upon, aside from having the worst class of my life to date with Mr. Miller, he did introduce to me the awesomeness of Spectrum. Another artbook, but with a lot more experience of judging Fantasy art and dishing out awards that people in the industry respect. You haven't "made it" in fantasy art unless you get your artwork printed in that book. Spectrum recently released their 16th volume, which I already have, and are still currently accepting submissions for their 17th. They have a pdf that you can download, and fill out. Though it's $20 an entry and $40 for each series of entries (containing of about 3-5 pieces) that share a common theme, but from what I remember they don't say that there's a limit to how much you can submit. It's an international artbook, so again, the competition for a spot is intense. The deadline is some time in late January, so if you have any fantasy artwork lyin' around finished before 2010 I'd say give it a shot. There's an Unpublished category that is encouraged to be submitted to by students and of obviously unpublished works. But if you happened to have made artwork that has been published, they have a comics section, commercial, advertising(?), editorial, conceptual, and sculpture section. I may submit one if I can retake a better photo of one of my oil painting series I did using Aaron in civil war attire.

Well it's almost 4 AM so my affinity for being informative with personality is fading so here are some other sites that I frequent besides the ones listed previous, some being online comics, some concept art friendly; Girl Genius (This comic is like 6 years old! Great storyline!), The Meek (I just came across this one through da, and I just have a thing for art rendered this way), ConceptOrg (not a big fan of how the site navigates or displays art but still, great stuff!), ArtOrder (I came across this before writing this post, but it looks like it's a great way to get yourself promoted by participating in their challenges. They have yearly artbook you can submit to though you will have had to participated in at least one past challenge from last year-shucks!) the deadline is January 18th.

Sweet dreams all, looking forward to catching up, makin' good art, and makin' memories.

Adieu,

Pj

Sunday, January 10, 2010

This is Connie. I don't have an official position yet.

So, I would share art. Really, I would. But my hard drive fried about ten days ago (just got my MacBook back yesterday) and I lost most of my recent WIPs.

Instead, have some animated movie news!
Because I know you're all desperately waiting to find out (humor me) - the next hand drawn Disney movie will be The Snow Queen. Which I'm personally super excited for, because that was one of my favorite fairy tales when I was a kid. If you don't know the story, then you're a terrible person familiarize yourself!

And the first official promo picture for Disney's Rapunzel, which is computer animated and meant to be reminiscent of oil paintings. Apparently.












If you haven't seen The Princess and the Frog yet, then you should. Because the animation is absolutely beautiful - particularly a surprise section of Art Deco inspired animation.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Winter Hi's from Gina!

Hi hi my Kappa Pi's! =b

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year! It's 2010.. I can't believe how fast time flies. For example, 2010 means Spring semester is starting soon, which means Winter break is almost over. Man.. Where did it go? So what has Gina been doing this Winter break?! I shall sum it up for you =b

No, I didn't draw or design.. In fact, I didn't even think about grids, typography, hierarchy, color schemes, concepts & ideas. What I was doing was: WORKING! Full time at Nordstroms, most tiring/competitive/exhausting job EVER, but the best yet. | Buying new little things here and there | Watching Korean dramas, like always | Studying Korean | Learning to knit & play the piano | And fulfilling my odd-recently new found OBSESSED with nail polish :D

So not exactly illustration & design per se, but crafts & new found relaxing hobbies, shall I say?

Oh~ Also finished this picture mosaic, finally.












Oh~ And just in case you were wondering, yes, that IS indeed Baby Gina~

And lastly, a picture with my 1/10th completed knitted scarf.
I plan to make this my Christmas present for Christmas 2010 ^_^
...On top of the piano, where I'm learning... A Korean song.. Surprise, surprise...













That's all for now~
Toodles my dearests!!

Kendal: Founder and Secretary Kappa Pi Eta Mu 2009-10!



Ive been working up a logo for a new posi-punk band.
Its uncolored currently, but I'm really happy with where its headed.
This break had produced a ton of sketchbook pages, each of which have their ups and downs.
Those pages can be seen on my blog, here!

As for Kappa Pi, I can't thank you enough for all of your hard work. Our first pledge class is overwhelmingly talented and I love them all so much. I can't wait until we can bring on more and more artists. Uniting VCUartists is our #1 goal.

Here's a link to Jed Root, the artists they choose to showcase are overwhelmingly inspirational.
Be sure to check out Matthew Woodson's Personal Work.

And this is a link to GreyScaleGorilla's Blog,
Since my animation and 3D obsession has hit full force I have been loving this page. The tutorials, competitions, and 5 second projects are fabulousssss!

Until next time!

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Kappa Pi Eta Mu! I'm stoked to be starting back another semester with everyone and I'm looking forward to having some great opportunities for fun, learning, and discussion.

We've done some art outings in the past but I'd really like to see us participate in even more. If anyone has ideas on how to become involved in First Fridays, throw them out. I'd like to see that we are all active in the art community but that's easier said than done. We need to print out Kappa Pi flyers as well. I apologize for not doing that last semester but I plan on getting started as soon as possible and would love some help.

Some of my work:
http://woodardillustration.blogspot.com/