Thinking on Paper

This here is a page from this years sketchbook "Thinking on Paper." It is from a Batman commission where the commissioner wanted him on top or near a gargoyle. So, here are some of the thumbnails I went thru to come up with an idea of angles, shapes, perspective, etc I was looking to convey. Alot of things aren't too distinct at this point. I'm just looking at shapes at this point. Enjoy.

The Joker has told his last joke with Harley Quinn

Here's a piece that I got commissioned for from Cincinnati Comic Con. But because It was late in the day for the show, there's now way I could have gotten it finished in such a time. So I was able to finish it at home. The simple request was just this " I want Harley standing over the head of the Joker". I couldn't tell you how many ideas went thru my head for this piece. One of the pitfalls of this idea is to just do a Harley (literally standing over a head). This was not the approach that I wanted for this one. I had event started a few pieces that just didn't seem to vibe with the energy that I wanted for this. Hell, one that I even started to lay the markers down on. Will I ever finish those pieces at a later date? Maybe. But I love how this one came out. Has the energy and mood that I was looking for. I'm sure alot of people will think of this as a scene from the movie Se7en, but I beg to differ. I had to dig deep for this one as it was pertaining to two specific characters that carry certain personalities. Thankful for the challenge.
peace
uko

Scarlet Witch of the Avengers

Ok, so here is a piece I started to work on during the Cincinnati Comic Expo. Since I was running out of time, I decided to take it home and finish it. And voila! This piece is ready for pickup during Mid-Ohio con this weekend. Eventhough I won't have a table, I'll be roaming around still doing commissions for folks. I'll be outside working away on past commissions to get caught up during Mid-Ohio. So, come find me!

Saturn Girl

Here is a pic of Saturn Girl. I haven't had time lately to post much, but here is the final. I think I did this piece in about ten hours time from start to finish. I did do a few thumbnails for the idea, but after that I just went for it. I'm looking for new creative ideas to make my work better. I think what I was looking for worked in this piece. Hope you likes!
peace

uko

Cincinnati Comic Expo, Sept. 22-23

I've been behind on updating lately, but this is where i'll be in a few weeks. I'll be there with my new sketchbooks and prints and doing commissions on site. Stop on by!

peace
uko

SAN DIEGO COMIC CON, JULY 12-15

Alrighty, what up people. I am so excited to head back to Comic Con again, this year. Got some new stuff to showcase. Not only will I have new full length screened artwear, I'll also be debuting a new sketchbook this year as well. I'll have the usual of prints and also will be doing original pieces of art on site as well. I'll be in Artist Alley @table DD-08. I hope to see some of you Deviants there, so stop by. See you all soon. I know i've been a bit behind on posts from some previous shows, but I'll update a bit more here soon right after Comic Con.

peace
uko

HEROES CON, JUNE 22-24

Hey all, just wanted to update everyone who's going to attend Heroes Con next week that I'll be set up in Artist Alley as AA-63. If there's any changing to the seating, i'll just update it via twitter or facebook. I know i've changed tables the last few times I was there. Hope to see alot of you there and stop by to say hi. I'll have some new works such as prints, originals and a few limited new sketchbooks.

peace
uko

Here's a little something from Minnesota Spring Con 2012

It's been awhile since my last post as I've been busy with some projects. But I've enjoyed my latest show in Minnesota as it's always great to see my good friends there. Enjoy! More announcements are coming soon!

Grand Rapids Toy & Comic Expo revue

Hey, I'm back with another update from another show that took place in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I was extremely humble to be the Guest of Honor at this show. Again, I had no idea what to expect. But when I drove up to the venue and saw the advertising for the show and seeing my name as well (pretty in pink), i knew I had to put on my gameface. I mean, I was already there with the gameface, but it just took on another level for me. But anyways, I had a tremendous time with this show. There were other talented individuals that I met there as well along with seeing some great vintage toys that I wish I could pick up for nostalgic regions. The organizers treated me great as well as those that stopped by to check out what I was doing or either had to say. I didn't realize there was another Art & Design school there, Kendall. I talked with those that were either attending or looking to attend, so I had to throw my two cents in as to where I teach my comic book classes.
Another great plus was Dan, the owner of the Xmen v. Avengers piece. He came to pick up the piece at the show and was amazed at how it turned out. If you've ever met Dan, he is one of the most gracious people to ever hold a piece of artwork that was made for him. He's a tremendous person and I truly appreciate him over the years since he approached me at a Motor City convention years ago. But anyways, the Mr.Freeze piece was one of the few things I did at the show.
And again, thanks to all those who attended the show to either chat, bought some stuff and to simply watch me work. Appreciate everything.

thanks

Captain America! and Lexington Comic Con

Well, back from the one day show in Lexington. I must say that I was truly impressed by the quality of show that went on. I had no idea what to expect but I found it to be quite amazing. Arriving just 30 minutes before the show, I didn't expect to see a really nice building of attendees to the show. So I knew I had to have my gameface on :). I had a great experience there and again, I rarely get a chance to walk around at shows, in which, i like to collect sketchbooks of other artists. Was really busy talking and doing sketches for folks, that that didn't really come in to play, collecting sketchbooks. But oh well, there will be others shows, like this weekend in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Looking forward to being in Grand Rapids as I've never been there before. But anyways, here is a Captain America WW2 piece I did at Lex. Hope you enjoy it. 11x14 copic markers and pitt pens.
peace
uko

Lexington Comic Con, March 24

I swear, sometimes I forget what time it is. Haven't realized it's been awhile since my last post. Sooo, to start off, convention season is starting up for me this weekend with the Lexington Comic Con.
I'm looking forward to it as it feels like i've been cooped up for the winter with classes and freelancing. But the following week, I'll be up in Grand Rapids, Michigan for another show I was so kindly invited to, but more on that one later. But for now, the partial image posted is a pinup for the book Rainbow in the Dark. I haven't seen the colors yet as Comfort and Adam are great with their color work, so I look to be amazed when I see it.

'til next time,
peace
uko

Minx-pencils part 3

Ok, so here is the look I give myself before I go to inks on a piece done at a con. Also, I wanted to mention that I've just finished film work on a new drawing video. I'm in post production of it now and am happy with the results so far. I'll more than likely have it available for SanDiego Comic Con. Have lots to do here on my end and am learning all this video stuff on my own. The new addition is that there will be audio dubbed over the video talking about my thoughts through the process. I'll post a still in the next update.

peace
uko

Minx-pencils part 2

Okay, so here is the 2nd part of the pencil portion of drawing video of Minx. I'm still getting used to the video editing part, but Iove it's potential in what I can do with it. Enjoy.

peace
uko

Minx-pencils part 1

This part 1 drawing video of Minx is the early gesture stage and then I start to flesh it out a bit more. The entire video is about 70 minutes. It starts from early pencils to the finished marker stage. This pretty much shows how I work at a convention sketch without the distractions of a convention (which are all good by the way). Minx is a character that appeared in the graphic novel, FX The Lost Land from IDW. Written by Wayne Osborne and penciled and inked by myself.
Enjoy. More to come. Stay tuned for part 2

Thanos commission

Thought about doing a step by step to show of this one as I was taking snapshots to make sure everything was looking ok. So, here ya' go, like it or hate it. The beginnings of the idea/ thumbnail stage to loose pencils, inks and then finally, color.
enjoy. Have a great weekend
uko

O' Mighty Isis!

Remember this tv show!? I sure as hell do. Part of the Shazam Power Hour. There were alot of good morning tv shows at that time. But I must admit that I had to watch about 4 episodes of Isis so I could get a better feel for the character because based on what I researched online as far as pictures go, weren't very good and not a wide variety. But yeah, I love doing greek architecture/ ruins.
It's just something about that architecture that just has so much history and at times find myself thinking "IF" I had lived during those. Enjoy.
peace
uko

New Year and New Things

Hey all,
I hope every one has had a great holiday and enjoying this new year. I, for one am enjoying the time afforded me to create some good artwork. Have a few things in the fire to start the season, but first I wanted to mention my time at Lehigh Valley Comic Con. Now that the con season has settled down for now and gearing back up here shortly, I was very pleased and amazed at the turnout at Lehigh Valley Comic Con. Such great organizers with the show as I have to tip my hat off to them. They did a wonderful job in promotions to get the folks out on what was such a great weather weekend. Also wanted to mention that the folks that came by my table to have some pretty good conversations were awesome. What could be better than a bunch of folks getting together to talk about comics and having a good laugh. Well, that what I did. I truly appreciate you guys. And with another year of shows and appearances and freelancing work, I must say that it was a very productive and want to thank all those that have appreciated the work enough to come by and say hi and even pickup a commission or two and some art books. With that support, it definitely makes someone, like myself to work even harder in producing the best art that I can produce. Thank you all!
peace
uko