Abstract Reality Studios

How To Draw Chiller Monsters by J. David Spurlock

2011-10-25T10:08:00.000-07:00

How To Draw Chiller Monsters, Werewolves, Vampires and Zombies by J. David Spurlock

artists include Gene Colan (& Dave Gutierrez), Basil Gogos, Frazetta, Jack Davis, Steranko, Wrightson, Gammill, and an intro by Rob Zombie

http://tinyurl.com/3dzmlhh

Day of Rage Watercolor

2011-10-25T10:02:00.000-07:00

Cover/Promo for Day of Rage Comic. Watercolor over Gene Colan (R.I.P.) Pencils

762 Entertainment

Daredevil 1930's NYC

2011-07-03T06:00:00.001-07:00

Smiles everyone, smiles

2010-06-10T14:33:00.001-07:00

Star Wars: Clone Wars #10 Cover

Billy Boy

2010-05-31T09:05:00.000-07:00

Smokin', drinkin' & sweatin' with Billy 2002? LA show @ The Saint Asbury, NJ. Hope to see you in July.

Hulk vs Rhino

2010-05-31T07:59:00.000-07:00

Just finished inking & coloring this pencil drawing by Herb Trimpe! On to the next......

2010-05-30T06:42:00.000-07:00

Going to try and add something here every day, alot has been going on, good & bad so this stuff will be only the good stuff so let's hope there's something good to report each day. Might be something small and insignificant but what the hell?

I spent the last few years inking this graphic novel called McBlack that you can get from me ($12 shipping included & signed) or go here to check it out. I'd say thats a pretty good start.

http://www.mcblack.com/2010/04/12/mcblack/

2010-05-30T06:36:00.000-07:00

AMEN! This just made my day! God Bless you Gene, we are all rootin 4 ya!

http://www.popculturehound.com/news/58/60/You-Can-t-Keep-A-Good-Man-Down---Cliff-Meth-Gene-Colan-Friends-Party-Like-Aardwolfs/

2010-05-28T14:03:00.000-07:00

The last year or more have been a sheer nightmare. divorce has left me broke and reeling. the last 4 or 5 months have been a blessing so i'm taking that and literally running. trying to work has been a challenge but im getting there and feeling better & better each day. so hopefully more from me soon. Maybe even a smile............

Haiti Disaster Benefit Auction piece

2010-01-18T07:39:00.001-08:00

So here's what i've been told. the benefit auction will be held on the wednesdays heroes website on thier blog (which is located on one of the top buttons, though it's not running yet as of this morning) all proceeds, i'm assuming 100% will go to the red cross to benefit the haiti disaster victims. when i learn more or if i'm incorrect i will post again, so bid!

http://wednesdaysheroes.com/haiti-disaster-benefit-auction/

2010-01-12T06:46:00.000-08:00

I'm cold.........

Wild Things Movie

2009-01-17T07:48:00.000-08:00

I was reading an article about this movie a few months back & it said it was a disaster, children were frightened and left the theaters crying. boo-hoo. Looks killer to me. Hope to see it on the big screen soon.

http://www.slashfilm.com/2009/01/16/sneak-peek-the-monsters-of-where-the-wild-things-are/

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T14:00:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

2008-12-19T12:10:00.000-08:00

Have a rockin' Holiday Season!!!

www.abstractreality.net

Before I Go.......

2008-12-02T03:07:00.000-08:00

I was finally able to finish off the interiors on the Billboards project, so now I can leave with a clear conscious. whew~

And we had a lot of fun last week visiting w/ our friends from Chicago Rob & Steph.

www.abstractreality.net

Off To San Francisco

2008-12-01T14:32:00.001-08:00

abstractreality.net

Dog Gawn!

2008-11-10T15:41:00.000-08:00

I don't know exactly what happened but the cops just came and grabbed the dog to return him to his owner. Thank God! Three dogs here is enough! He was a very good dog though.

Dog Found Boston Terrier

2008-11-10T11:19:00.000-08:00

I was pulling up to the house today and saw this poor guy running around. I initially thought it was my friend & neighbors so I grabbed him. Still not sure who's dog it is, it had no tags, so? if anyone knows who this guy belongs to email me at tombofdracula@yahoo.com

Nosferatu Pumpkin

2008-10-30T06:08:00.000-07:00

The picture's not too great but i'll take another one. I just had to post this awesome carving from one of my drawings by our neighbor Jim. I'm looking forward to seeing this along w/ the 150+ other carved pumpkins down on the corner! Kudos to Jim on this fine job.

Happy Halloween!!!

2008-10-28T12:49:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Template from one of my drawings. Hopefully I'll get a picture of the actual carved pumpkin.

Poochie Girl........

2008-10-24T14:18:00.000-07:00

........ or Medusa, when we 1st got 'er.
(at the japanese garden in Hayward)

We were both so small. ha~

Pet Expo

2008-10-24T11:15:00.000-07:00

Great event w/ lots of fun dogs running around. I sketched about 20 dogs.

http://www.abstractreality.net/

Thompson Street Article

2008-10-23T05:07:00.001-07:00

http://tinyurl.com/6b49ye

That Time Again!

2008-10-21T07:02:00.000-07:00

Yup, halloween time again on Thompson Street!

Gene Colan: Visions of a Man without Fear

2008-10-15T12:28:00.000-07:00

Colan: Visions of a Man without Fear
Cartoon Art Museum Exhibition: November 15, 2008 – March 15, 2009

Opening Reception: Thursday, December 4, 2008
With special guests Gene and Adrienne Colan

SAN FRANCISCO, CA: The Cartoon Art Museum is honored to celebrate the life and work of cartoonist Gene Colan with a career-spanning retrospective entitled Colan: Visions of a Man without Fear. This exhibition will include over 40 examples from Colan’s long creative career, from his one and only story illustrated for legendary publisher EC Comics in 1952, through his career-defining work for Marvel Comics from the 1960s and 1970s on titles as diverse as Iron Man, Tomb of Dracula and Howard The Duck, to his notable run on DC Comics’ Batman in the 1980s, to his more recent efforts, including illustrations commissioned by his fans and his beautiful pencil artwork on titles such as Michael Chabon’s The Escapist, published by Dark Horse Comics.

This exhibition has been assembled by Guest Curator Glen David Gold, author of the novel Carter Beats the Devil and many comics-related essays. An exhibition catalog featuring high-quality reproductions of Colan’s artwork and essays from many of his most notable collaborators, including writers Stan Lee, Marv Wolfman, Roy Thomas and Steve Englehart, will be available at the Cartoon Art Museum prior to the exhibition’s opening reception on December 4, 2008. Gene Colan and his wife Adrienne will be the guests of honor at the December 4 reception, and many Bay Area comic book professionals are scheduled to be in attendance. Additional information regarding this reception will be announced later this month.

About Gene Colan:

One of mainstream comics' most significant artists, Gene Colan was born in New York in 1926 and studied at the Art Students League of New York under illustrator Frank Riley and surrealistic Japanese painter Kuniashi. After a stint in the army, Colan's official career in comics began in 1944 at Fiction House and Timely. He has worked over the last 60 + years at almost every major publisher, including EC, Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Bongo and Archie. His most memorable work includes unsurpassed runs on Daredevil, Iron Man, Sub-Mariner, Captain America, Captain Marvel, Dr. Strange, Tomb of Dracula and Howard the Duck, not to mention inspired depictions of Conan, Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman.

Beginning in the 1980s, Gene took on more varied and unusual work, including Nathaniel Dusk, Ragamuffins, The Spider (a graphic novel), Stewart the Rat, and Michael Chabon's The Escapist. Colan has taught at both the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan and the Fashion Institute of Technology. He has enjoyed showings at the Southern Vermont Museum of Art, the Bess Cutler Gallery in New York City and Manchester's Elm Street Arts Gallery where he lectured on Comics, Cinema, and Continuity Art.

Colan is the recipient of a Shazam Award, two Eagle awards and in 2005 was inducted into the Will Eisner Hall of Fame.

His style is immediately recognizable for its dramatic & sweeping cinematic form, mastery of light and shadow, expression and characterization, and unusual eye-catching layouts. Colan is also responsible for the innovative use of "finished pencils" as artwork. He's the only mainstream comic book artist today whose work is usually published directly from his pencil illustrations.

Cartoon Art Museum € 655 Mission Street € San Francisco, CA 94105 € 415-CAR-TOON € www.cartoonart.org <http://www.cartoonart.org/>
Blog: cartoonart.livejournal.com < http://cartoonart.livejournal.com/>

Hours: Tues. Sun. 11:00 - 5:00, Closed Monday
General Admission:$6.00 € Student/Senior:$4.00 € Children 6-12:$2.00 € Members & Children under 6: Free

The Cartoon Art Museum is a tax-exempt, non-profit, educational organization dedicated to the collection, preservation,
study and exhibition of original cartoon art in all forms.

Benny Boy

2008-09-18T04:16:00.001-07:00

Billboards Cover

2008-09-03T13:49:00.000-07:00

A novel by Cliff Meth, published by IDW

http://abstractreality.net/

Stuff Coming Up

2008-09-02T12:03:00.000-07:00

I have a painting in the "32nd Annual Juried Art Exhibit" (Sept/Oct) at the Burlington County Annex Art Gallery & will be at the "Meet the Artists Reception" on September 9, 7-9pm. http://www.burlcoarts.com/Annex.htm

I will be attending the Baltimore Comic-Con Sept. 27-28th. Somewhere in artist alley (they have not yet provided me w/ a booth number) http://www.comicon.com/baltimore/

http://abstractreality.net/

Before I Forget - SDCC 08

2008-08-04T02:58:00.000-07:00

I have been very busy trying to catch up from this years SDCC. So before I forget I'd like to jot down a few thoughts about the con then get back to work.

Thursday was a blur. I caught an early flight out of Philly, it was pouring rain as we drove down and as I flew away. Evidentally a wicked storm had rolled thru and blew everything up so my flight was a little delayed then delayed a little more when I changed over in Altlanta. No biggie, I arrived in SD a few hours late, grabbed a shuttle to the hotel, jumped in the shower and made a beeline to the con. My initial reaction pulling up to the convention center was HOLY $HIT! The amount of people was staggering. It was certainly the most people i've seen there in the 10 years I've been attending. OK cool. I made it to my table, set up & got to work. I sold a few books, did a few sketches & had a pretty damn good time.

Lots of people came by to visit and to ask about Gene etc.

I was very happy to meet/see Mike Pascale, who helped me out a lot inbetween panels, Dom Milano, Glen Gold, Brent McDonald, the OTHER Dave Gutierrez (who I once had to write a check to because someone at twomorrows accidentally sent his check to me), Mark Mokken, Ryan Graph, Adam Richards, Ben & his wife from Seattle (sorry w/ missed each other fri night, I lost your number & you never came back), David "Surfer Kid Cosmic", Kasra Ghanbari, Ted McKeever & Maria (thank you so much), Jim from CBG, Bill from CGC, Steve Morger, Anthony Snyder, John from Big Easy, Ernie Chan, Dave McKean, Mike Grell, Matt Hull & some others (sorry if i've forgotten 'bout you but thanks for stopping by)

Unfortunately I missed connecting w/ some of you, Marc Sven, Cliff, Laurie B. See you next time, I hope!

more later?

Need coffee~

http://abstractreality.net/

SDCC 2008 Sans Gene Colan

2008-08-02T13:15:00.000-07:00

Well, I must say, I missed being side-by-side w/ Gene this past weekend in SD but there were an awful amount of people who came by to ask about him, buy some of his merch, get an update and to send their well wishes to Gene. Thursday was busy, maybe busier than the rest of the con and each day was a crazy circus of people. It was an honor to hold up the Gene banner and meet all his fans who were concerned enough to stop by and ask. Thanks to all of you & sorry to those of you who I missed or was not able to connect with. Gene appreciates the well wishes immensely and, god willing, maybe next year we can ALL do it again.

A great BIG thanks to Sue Lord who took great care of me while visiting SD, as always.

http://abstractreality.net/

San Diego 2008

2008-07-29T17:08:00.001-07:00

Yes, I made it thru Comic-Con and survived with the help of my good buddy Mike "Panel-Boy" Pascale. Will write some more in the next few days. I got home in the wee hours of tues morning and was so wired I was unable to sleep for quite a while. So it's back to bed for me after I grab some dinner. (Glen Gold & Howard Chaykin pictured above) photo courtesy of Dom Milano.

Scored a few things that you can see here: http://tinyurl.com/r2lw9

And launced my new website here: http://abstractreality.net/

Wolfman & Man-Wolf

2008-07-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

Studly 70's Marvel Monster on the left & Hairy Man-Beast on the right or his better know alter-ego Mike Pascale. All around good buddy, friend & former neighbor. He just sent me an email (and this pic) that he's on his way to San Diego tomorrow & he wanted to remind me that he owes me a dinner (and some drinks) so he better bring his credit card!

I'l be set up in artist alley table AA-17

Merv Pumpkinhead 10/50

2008-07-20T07:23:00.000-07:00

This is #10/50 of the limited ed. versions of my new book that comes along w/ a watercolor sketch. Adam Richards had contacted me almost immediately to order his book. He chose Merv Pumpkinhead and I'm to deliver it to him in San Diego next week. So I finished this up today & plan on starting to get my stuff together for the trip.

I'll be in artist alley at table #AA-17

See ya there~

Hothouse Painted Cover for IDW

2008-07-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

I finished this acrylic painting last saturday after about 30 hours. I have not painted anything serious in quite a while & was very pleased with the finished product. The editor was also please and I scored some more work out of the deal. So as soon as i get back from the San Diego Convention I'll be jumping on to the cover and interior illos for "Billboards" written by Cliff Meth. I'll see Cliff in San Diego and I'll have the cover prelim on hand.

I'm going to be in artist alley table AA-17. See ya there!

New Pond & Hardscape

2008-07-18T10:33:00.000-07:00

We lucked out and found a complete 35 gallon pond kit on sale & a full pallette of stone for only $100. So with the plants we were able to put the whole thing together for under $200. It's so relaxing sitting out there listening to the running water & drinking a few beers. If it wasn't 95 degrees it would be even better. Still, I've been wanting to do this for a while. Done & done!

BCT 7.10.08

2008-07-10T23:28:00.000-07:00

Burlington County Times did an article on my new book (and life here) which came out yesterday. http://tinyurl.com/68a4j3

Bicycle Art Show 6.27.08

2008-07-08T03:29:00.000-07:00

We had a good time up in Morristown, NJ at the art show my buddy Vinnie was showing at. Only problem was is was 100 degrees out that day & it felt like 200 degrees inside the space. Otherwise a fun trip. While everyone was inside drinking wine, eating cheese & sweating.........

...... I was out back drinking a beer! (& sweating)

R.I.P. Michael Turner

2008-06-29T02:25:00.000-07:00

I did not know the man but I knew his work & of his battles over the last few years. 37 is way too young.

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=16988

"Hothouse" by Brian Aldiss - Cover Prelim

2008-06-27T05:06:00.000-07:00

I'm working on this cover for the IDW release of the novel "Hothouse", part of their "New Classics of the Fantastic" SciFi series. Just a few tweaks to this prelim and off we go. This will be fully painted and pretty large, around 12x20".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hothouse_(novel)

In the meantime I'm finishing up a few sketches I owe & will be attending my friends art show tonite.

http://martysreliable.com/page.cfm?PageID=573

Now I need some coffee!

David Boswell Sighting

2008-06-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

Just got an email from David & thought i'd spread the news around.

"I've been away from the office for some time, both travelling and working at my secret Fortress of Turpitude on several new projects. One is a new web site where I am selling prints and posters of my work made on my new pigment printer [HP Photosmart Pro B9180]. Coincidentally, I am at this very moment finishing up the colorizing of your commission (see attachment); I'm still putting a few finishing touches on it."

davidboswell.ca

More Steve Mannion

2008-06-24T11:18:00.000-07:00

I couldn't make it to the NY con a few weeks back so I had my buddy Shawn grab this for me. Check out my other Steve-O pieces here: http://tinyurl.com/4zk396

Book Signing Part 3

2008-06-19T02:25:00.000-07:00

Another party is in the works, maybe in Aug. or Sept.

Real Life Superhero

2008-06-16T06:17:00.000-07:00

You can be one too by helping comicbook legend Gene Colan here: Everyone's Wrong and I'm Right: Gene Colan Benefit Auction Begins

NEW GENE COLAN IRON MAN PRINTS

2008-06-14T05:14:00.000-07:00

http://tinyurl.com/4a8blu

LOS ANGELES (June 11, 2008) – The Hero Marvel Gene Colan prints are now officially available via AtomicComics.com! Previously only available at Wizard World Philly, these limited edition pieces are hot off the presses for sale through The Hero Initiative via http://www.atomiccomics.com/. In addition, a limited amount of the unsigned prints will be available at Wizard World Chicago. Both prints are being sold to benefit Gene Colan, one of comics’ favorites for a staggering seven decades . Now, as Gene is suffering illness, some of the characters Gene worked on are coming to save the day.

GENE COLAN IRON MAN #1 PRINT This 11-by-17 recolored masterpiece features Gene "The Dean" Colan's art to Marvel Comics' classic Invincible Iron Man #1. Net proceeds benefit Gene Colan. Retail price is $25.

GENE COLAN IRON MAN #1 PRINT; SIGNED BY STAN LEE AND GENE COLAN!
ONLY 50 PIECES AVAILABLE! This 11-by-17 recolored masterpiece features Gene "The Dean" Colan's art to Marvel Comics' classic Invincible Iron Man #1, and is autographed by both Gene and Stan "The Man" Lee, the architect of the Marvel Universe! Net proceeds benefit Gene Colan. Retail price is $100.

Visit http://www.atomiccomicsstore.com/heroinitiative.html to purchase your print today and help The Hero Initiative raise money for one of the masters of the Silver and Golden Ages of comics.

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterdays' creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It's a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment. For more information, call 310-909-7809 or visit

http://www.heroinitiative.org/.

For more information, please contact:
Janine Bielski The Hero Initiative310-909-7809

HeroInitiative@aol.com

http://tinyurl.com/4a8blu

Gene Colan Benefit Auctions

2008-06-13T19:31:00.000-07:00

Info & auctions here http://tinyurl.com/6xvx9a & more auctions here http://tinyurl.com/5dzcco

Bid Now!

Book Signing Part 2

2008-06-12T01:20:00.000-07:00

Wizard World Philly 2008

2008-06-07T04:11:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was WW Philly, pretty dead con but I did manage, with the help of my buddy Shawn, to score this fun piece from Mouseguard artist/writer/creator David Petersen.

Mouseguard vs Mr. Owl

And another sketch from David Mack of his Siamese characters from Kabuki.

Family, Friends, Neighbors & Strangers

2008-06-06T12:09:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been almost a week since the booksigning here in town and I must say that it went better than I could have ever imagined.
We did a lot of planning and advertising so even though I did'nt know exactly what to expect if 1/2 the people we invited came I was convinced it would be a pretty sick party.

It was an amazing few hours over at Shoppe 202, those guys are really the greatest! We sold a TON of books and went thru a bunch of wine and vodka martinis right there on the sidewalk. I think the mayor and chief of police were there. No problems, everyone was just hanging out drinking and having a nice time.

Most everyone we invited stopped by and some came back to the house afterwards where we partied until the wee hours. It was amazing!

A huge thanx to everyone who came & hung out. I've done a lot of crazy fun things over the years but this will really stand out for a long. long time. I'm glad people were there to witness the spectacle because I don't think I could have adequetly described it or if anyone would believe just how insane it was.

I'm awaiting more pictures to be sent to me so I'll post those as soon as I recieve them.

Book Signing 5.30.08

2008-05-22T13:19:00.000-07:00

If anyone is in the area this is going to be a pretty sick party!

Shoppe 202
202 Farnsworth Ave
Bordentown NJ 08505

Abstract Reality: The Art of Dave Gutierrez

2008-05-01T04:39:00.000-07:00

Abstract Reality: The Art of Dave Gutierrez

May 1, 2008 --- VEI Press announces that Abstract Reality: The Art of Dave Gutierrez will be launched at the upcoming Super-Con convention in San Jose, California May 17-18. Dave Gutierrez will attend the convention for the launch and will be signing books, as well as doing sketches.

Gutierrez demonstrates his artistic versatility in his first collected book, with work that ranges from fluid, trippy original pen and ink creations to his masterful inking of comic book legend Gene Colan to highly detailed pencil illustrations to serene watercolors and sequential art storytelling. The full-color hardcover book contains more than 50 works by the artist, most published here for the first time. This collection offers an excellent introduction to Gutierrez’s talent, humor, and spirit, informed by his background as a professional tattoo artist, architect, penciller, inker, and colorist, as well as thrash metal guitarist.

The books have specially designed plates for the signature and numbering, as well as for the sketches. They are being made available in the following formats:

* signed/numbered edition of 714 @ $25 each
* signed/numbered w/B&W sketch limited edition of 75 @ $50 each
* signed/numbered w/color sketch deluxe edition of 50 @ $100 each

Shipping add $5.00 U.S. $12.00 everywhere else.

To place your order, email Dave Gutierrez at tombofdracula@yahoo.com or the publisher, Kasra Ghanbari, at kasra@vei.cc

Publisher: VEI Press, 2008
Binding: Hardcover
Dimensions: 8.5x12”
Pages: 48pgs

ISBN#: 978-1-934623-97-8

See you in San Jose!

Kasra Ghanbari
Publisher/VEI Press
kasra@vei.cc
http://www.VEIPress.cc

John Buscema - Savage Sword

2008-04-28T04:38:00.000-07:00

Some great stuff by Buscema/Nebres!

See the entire page here:

http://tinyurl.com/6f4wz5

NY Comic Con 2008

2008-04-28T04:28:00.000-07:00

I had an excellent weekend at the NYCC. I scored a few cool pieces. Overall the new setup over at the Javitz was much better than years past. With everything & everyone in one big room a-la San Diego (with a lot more room) it made for a very pleasurable experience.

http://comicartfans.com/GalleryNew.asp?GCat=2357&Days=30

Gangs All Here

2008-04-13T02:13:00.001-07:00

Yup! The gangs all here, down from New England. L2R Shawny Boy w/ Benny Boy, Marco w/ Dickie Girl, me (just b4 I fell over), & KG. We went out for a great dinner and brought back a bottle of GIN (& some beers), which was eventually finished, smashed and thrown into the fire we evidentally had later in the night in the back yard. hmmmm?

Mr. OWL

2008-03-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

Here's the newest edition to the family, a Jackson's Chameleon! Coolest thing. I've had snakes, spiders, scorpions, gekos, pirhannas and all types of sick ass pets but this one is the craziest of 'em all! So much fun.

Wondercon 2008

2008-02-26T08:22:00.000-08:00

Had a great time in San Francisco. Here's a few things I scored.

Zombie Cap Sketch

2008-02-01T07:11:00.000-08:00

This was a fun one! I was asked for a zombie & just felt like doing a Cap.

House of the Gun #0 Cover

2008-01-29T04:50:00.001-08:00

Pencils by Gene Colan. I'll be working on 11-13 interior pages for this story.

Vampirella

2008-01-29T04:47:00.000-08:00

Just finished this for my good buddy Marco, color next!

Gunslinger's Charge

2008-01-29T04:44:00.000-08:00

Steven Kings character "Gunslinger" from Dark Tower.

New Axe

2008-01-11T14:45:00.001-08:00

Here's the biggest suprise I've gotten in a long while (since the ESP several b-days ago). A true hollow body Ibanez Artcore AFS75T. SO SWEET! Plays great. LOVE IT!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-11T14:33:00.000-08:00

Holidays were cool. Scored some fun stuff. Our families were both excited to have us back so they went crazy which was cool. Besides a new guitar I scored new cymbals & stands for the drumset & a Dracula Mego.

Listening to: Black Sabbath: Greatest Hits & Road to Dune
Reading: Sandworms of Dune

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-20T05:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays! Shopping is all done so now it's just work until St. Nick arrives.

A FUNDRAISER FOR BILL MANTLO

2007-12-20T01:54:00.000-08:00

SPACENITE AUCTIONS - A FUNDRAISER FOR BILL MANTLO

Tue 18 Dec 2007
SPACENITE was a great success here at the store. The art opening on December 6th brought over 300-400 people to see over 130 prints of ROM Spaceknight, illustrated by over 100 artists across the world.

The show was a tribute to comic creator Bill Mantlo, who wrote every issue of ROM, as well just about every other Marvel title in the 80’s. This show was organized as a fundraiser for Mantlo, who was injured in a hit and run accident 15 years ago. Severe brain injuries left him without motor functions, and he will live the rest of his life in a brain damage institute. This show was organized with the blessing of Bill’s brother and caregiver, Mike Mantlo.

We sold over $600 worth of posters that evening, but the turnout for the silent auction did not meet our expectations. With the blessing of everyone who bid that evening, we decided to extend the auction online until the end of the month.

This gives an opportunity to all the ROM fans elsewhere to get a chance to own an original illustration of their favorite character. And best of all, all the proceeds go towards Bill Mantlo’s medical care.

The following original pieces are all available on ebay until the auctions end Friday, Dec. 28th. Click on the artist’s name to link to their corresponding auction where you can place your bid.

http://www.floatingworldcomics.com/main/

Dave Cockrum Tribute Book

2007-11-29T03:11:00.000-08:00

I saw Cliff Meth in NY a few weeks back and was lucky enough to obtain a copy of the limited ed. remarked hc version of the Cockrum Tribute that has my Storm illo in it. Pretty cool! This one has a Mosquito from the Futurians sketch in it.

Steve Mannion - Vampirella

2007-11-28T15:47:00.000-08:00

This piece arrived today. Looks great!

Halloween 2007 (part 1)

2007-10-29T05:05:00.001-07:00

Wonder Woman Day 2

2007-10-28T14:47:00.000-07:00

http://www.wonderwomanmuseum.com/WWDay2/WWDay2.html

Spooky Town

2007-10-26T15:52:00.001-07:00

We need a bigger table. 75% off today, we went a little crazy adding three new pieces.

Dickie Bat

2007-10-26T15:50:00.000-07:00

Unholy Dog of the Night!

"Burying Point - Salem, Mass"

2007-10-24T13:25:00.000-07:00

"Oh man, Dave, that looks great!. I got stuck in a meeting and just opened it now. Unbelievable. Thanks so much. I love it and Steph will to. The flow is incredible. The stone shadows add to the swirling effect; when you look at it one way it's almost as if the tree is floating alone against an abyss. The man and woman blend so nicely. Man, it looks great!. Thanks so much.

Thanks again, Dave. Another great piece of art!"

http://www.graveaddiction.com/burypt.html

Say Cheese

2007-10-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

I HATE THE DENTIST! This is obvious i guess?

Careful What You Ask For

2007-09-30T00:45:00.000-07:00

It's 3:46 in the morning and i havent slept in days.

My jaw hurts.............

Gimmee Death!

2007-09-30T00:44:00.000-07:00

Wonder Woman Day 2

2007-09-20T09:03:00.001-07:00

Here's my contribution to this years WW Day Charity Art Auction!

http://www.wonderwomanmuseum.com/WWDay2/WWDay2.html

Reading: Children of Dune

Listening to: 70's AM Radio Mix

Midsummer Nights Dream

2007-08-21T09:48:00.001-07:00

More Yard Work or It's F'in HOT!

2007-08-11T01:41:00.000-07:00

Built this small deck out in the yard last week (next to the much needed shed we also built a few months ago) in what felt like 100 degree weather. It's been friggin' HOT out & humid. Anyway, I was sick of sinking into the ground so i needed to do something. Gonna add a rail at a later date but I intend on getting good a blitzed sitting out there. That's Poochie & Benny out there enjoying the hot weather.

BLADE the Vampire Slayer Ink/Wash

2007-08-03T02:06:00.000-07:00

Listening to: DRI "Dealing With It"

Reading: Dune: House Corrino

Fun Stuff

2007-07-31T00:36:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been crazy busy here. I found a few pictures as I was cleaning up my camera card. I finally grabbed some stuff out of storage a few weeks back, including the fun spinner rack i've had socked away forever. Sold off 95% of my good comics but I still have some fun ones to put on the rack. This is in the studio upstairs. Fun to look at & spin around. I used to have three of these.

My friends Mike & Jen are coming out for a visit this weekend. Looking to do a little partying & gambling. Going down to AC on saturday to play cards and have free drinks. I hope I don't lose my shirt.

Time 2 Wail!

2007-06-26T08:24:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun new 5 piece Tama drum set that my friend gave me a few weeks ago. It's gonna need some new cymbals & stands but otherwise it's in perfect order. I've been wailing on it and making the dogs go crazy. Just another noisey distraction but it's fun to beat the hell outta.

Galactus & Silver Surfer

2007-06-22T10:35:00.001-07:00

http://www.catskillcomics.com/ is having a great sale on certain Brett Breeding pieces so I couldn't pass this up. I just saw the Fantastic Four movie yesterday. Not bad but pretty corny, Oh well.

Day 4 of quitting smoking. Things are going well. Been keeping busy & trying to sleep as much as possible to avoid the craving (and reading a lot). It's going better than I had anticipated.

Wizard World Philly - Part 2

2007-06-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

Here's the other piece I picked up in Philly. Sandman and Death by Maleev. Also scored a fun Ghost Rider pint glass http://tinyurl.com/2u8u4x
which I used to drink beer all weekend (just like the old 7/11 glasses from the 70's). That's it.

Wizard World Philly - Part 1

2007-06-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

Had a good time in Philly this weekend. Art prices are insane. This is one of 2 pieces I picked up. Strange thing is I assumed it was from #1 pg. 1 but after digging out the comics I can't find the page. hmmmmmmmmm? unpublished perhaps? Still a pretty cool Sienkiewicz piece from one of my favorite books/movies of all time. "The sleeper must awaken!"

I saw two Freak Brothers pages that were $4k each. That was disappointing and a Fat Freddy's Cat strip that was $1200. Didn't come off with any of those pieces. Oh well.

Today is the 1st day of my attempt to quit smoking. It sucks! I tried to just go to sleep a few hours ago but the phone woke me up. SUCKS!

Crank it up!

2007-06-05T22:40:00.000-07:00

Well, between work and working on the new house I've finally set up most of my basement studio. It all started when the weather last week was incredibly hot and the attic office was an oven. The new AC unit was cranking away and it was comfortable but the damn thing just kept running and running so while I was emptying the dehumidifier down in the basement I realized there was a 20 degree difference between the basement and attic. I decided I'd set up a temporary or second drawing board down there where it was cool. I had all the equipment down there from day one of moving in it just needed to be organized, plugged in and I had to set up another computer (with the recording software etc.) It felt pretty cool to plug in and turn it up. It's been probably 6 months since I picked up a guitar.

Here's the computer which runs the recording/mixing programs. (that's still in the box.)

Here's my ESP and Charvell Bass guitars, all ready to go! There's a 200w P.A. systen I run the Bass thru and I use for any mic set ups. And my 400w Varvin head that powers all the Marshall cabs. That thing is a monster! "Let's piss off the new neighbors." In a pile of other cases there's a few more guitars. A Gibson Flying V, an Ibanez Iceman & my first electric guitar, an old Elecktra. Upstairs on hooks are some others, an Ovation electric/acoustic, another Gibson acoustic, my beloved Charvel 6-string and a blue Fender P-Bass.

Here's a full stack of Marshall cabs and you can see the drawing board w/ a partially inked Captain America page on the lightbox. I'm getting about a page a day done down here & have 14 pgs. of 38 done. I should be working but decided to post this then I'll grab a coffee and get rolling. It's 1:37 am. yawn.

Here's another Marshall in the corner! It gets nice and loud down here. Now I just hafta find room to stick a drumset in.

Hawthorne NJ Convention

2007-05-17T23:22:00.000-07:00

Here's the crew hanging out outside (smoking cigs) Sherry, me, KG, Shawn & Steve.

Captain America Inks

2007-05-17T12:29:00.000-07:00

Galactus Inks & Color

2007-05-17T12:28:00.000-07:00

Obi-Wan for Issac

2007-05-17T12:25:00.000-07:00

My friend Lee's son Issac won 2nd place in my 2006 holiday card contest. This was what he wanted, this is what he got! Obi-Wan.

What started out as kind of a joke ended up being a lot of fun. I think we got 8 or 9 replies. I'll have to dig 'em out and post 'em. No idea where they are. In a box somewhere is my guess.

Back On Track

2007-05-17T12:20:00.000-07:00

Finally settled in the new house. What a crazy few months. I'm way behind but finally getting some overdue work done & out the door.

This is a Sandman I started in NY a while ago at the Javitz Convention. It was just a pencil sketch so I put some more time into it.

More David Mack @ NY ComicCon

2007-03-13T02:26:00.000-07:00

Here's a hardcover of Kabuki "Dreams" with a fun sketch in it. It looks oddly familiar LOL! I got this at the Javitz show.

Steve Leialoha @ WonderCon SFO

2007-03-13T02:18:00.000-07:00

Steve had stopped by on Saturday to speak with Gene Colan and we were introduced (though we had met one time previously in San Diego a few years ago). I wanted to grab a nice hardcover, if they were available, of the Fables series so I stopped by Steve's booth on Sunday in search of one. He had one copy of "1001 Nights" and was kind enough to do this cool blue line sketch inside. I have heard great things about this series so I look forward to reading it.

Linda Medley @ WonderCon SFO

2007-03-13T02:06:00.000-07:00

I was sitting next to Linda at the con and was watching her work on a nice watercolor commission. We started to talk and after I saw her work spotlighted at the "World's of Wonder" exhibit at the Cartoon Art Museum I went searching for one of her books. She pointed me in the direction of Comic Relief (she had no books to sell with her). They had all the individual comics but when I saw this collected hardcover of "Castle Waiting" it was an easy decision. She was kind enough to add this fun drawing and inscription.

Tony DeZuniga @ WonderCon SFO

2007-03-08T10:19:00.000-08:00

I havent't spoken or emailed Tony since we left California so I was looking forward to seeing him and filling him in on our the latest adventures. I saw his wife Tina on Saturday but never made it over to his table until Sunday.

I saw Tony chatting it up w/ Nick Cardy (who was seated right next to Gene Colan, where I was seated) so i waited for them to finish then grabbed Tony and started to tell him of my adventures over the last month or so. Gene and i had been talking about him previously so i told him that Gene would really enjoy meeting him (they had never met in person) Tony gives me this strange look and was refreshingly kind of embarrased. They shook hands and spoke for a while but then we all headed off to Tony's table so Gene could meet his wife and he really wanted to see some of Tony's fantastic work. It was amazing, these 2 guys looking thru Tony's art and paintings and talking like old friends. I really enjoyed seeing that and another fantastic note, Tony was kind enough to do an incredible Wonder Woman drawing for Sherry which was an incredibly generous & suprising gift with the very special note of "we miss you guys...."on it.

I had a horrific trip home. it starting with the mistake of taking an adavan (a major anxiety pill) when i thought i was taking a harmless ambien. i felt like i was tripping on acid for 5 hours all the way to Pittsburg where i was greeted with a "flight cancelled" notice on my connection to Newark. It was 7:00 in the morning at this point and i was desperate for a cigarette and even more desperate to get to home. Loooooooooong story short i finally landed in philly around 9:00 and had little or no hope of finding my bag. Especially after the "oh so kind" bag (pun intended) at the claims counter in philly said it would have definitely been fwd'd along to the final destination at newark and that i would need to drive there to retrieve it. I luckily found it just as i was leaving the terminal spinning away all by itself on the baggage carosel. whew!

I lost at the poker table, never got the tattoo i wanted, tripped my face off and it took forever to get home but none of it mattered after having, what i knew was going to be, a very special trip backhome (and a proper farewell) to SF.

David Mack @ WonderCon SFO

2007-03-08T10:08:00.000-08:00

I saw David Mack at the NYC Con the week before but he wasn't doing more than the regular Kabuki quick sketches so I bought a "Dreams" hardcover with said sketch and left it at that. Things were hectic in NY and I knew he would be in San Francisco the next week. So when I saw him at Wonder Con I asked once again if he had a sketch in him, he put me off but I was going to keep asking anyway. I would keep trying at least. Never had a problem getting something in the past so.........

No luck on Friday but by Sunday I think I had worn him down and he agreed to do a Death sketch. I also grabbed a copy of Kabuki #8 with a sketch drawn on it & a fun Kabuki patch (all for my wife who couldn'y attend). David's a good guy & an amazing artist.

Driving Cross Country sigh

2007-03-01T00:20:00.000-08:00

Well, we moved from California. Yep! And right in the middle of winter no less. Drat! I'll try and draft a more comprehensive recollection of the trip at a later date but one of the lo-lights was our nightmare thru Texas. An ice storm had rolled thru the day before we got there and the imbeciles, who should be ashamed of themselves, did'nt bother to salt or sand the interstate so literally the second we got to "Welcome to Texas" (F-U!) we were greeted by a 3 inch layer of ice completely covering the entire highway, it was basically a 200+ mile long ice rink, and a line of tractor trailers stopped as far as the eye could see. About 24 hours and a dozen or more jack knifed semis we we thru and into Oaklahoma (where the highways were perfectly fine as it was in New Mexico also). As we sat for hours and hours, stopped, while 18 wheeler after 18 wheeler were being scraped off the highways I got a little sick of driving so I handed off the wheel to our dog Benny, who's a pretty good driver, except he's got a bit of a lead paw (see photo & check out the speed-o-meter!) What a trip, glad it's over & I'll NEVER drive thru TexASS again!

Best Christmas Ever

2007-03-01T00:16:00.000-08:00

Here's a fun Thor Mego I scored on Christmas from my wife. It's a little lonely becuase I recently sold all my other Mego's. But what a fun way to start up a new collection. I also got a loose Mummy Mego, which is packed away in storage (more on that later). Little did I know at the time how everything would be turned upside down just a few weeks later.

Sandman & Delirium on eBay

2007-01-04T01:52:00.000-08:00

I'll be posting this and a few other pieces on eBay later today. Gotta drum up some cash. The holidays really kicked my a$$! So check 'em out. My eBay sellername is: arstudios

http://tinyurl.com/y7kglj

I did this piece as a commission and after getting to this point I realized I completely missed the mark (after reviewing several emails) so I put it aside and started another from scratch. It's pencil on standard 11"x17" board.

Oh yeah, Happy New Year! I've been slacking off and relaxing but pretty busy at the same time, now I'm playing catch-up on a few projects. Today I'm continuing work on a Sandman commission based on #19 "Midsummer Nights Dream". It will be on 13"x19" board. This peice will have Sandman holding court in front of one of the travelling troupes wagons with Lady Titania and a bunch of little winged things and creatures that you see thruout the story some hidden in tall grass and in and around the edge of a forest so we'll have lots of plants, grass, trees, flowers etc completely around the entire piece, little glowing things, tiny fairies and the like, full blown watercolor.

I'll also be playing catch-up with a few post holiday posts. As soon as I can get it together. I've been juggling several complex jobs and I'm confused at the moment.

Storm (Dave Cockrum Tribute)

2006-12-28T05:30:00.000-08:00

I was asked to contribute to the Dave Cockrum Tribute that's going into another printing with more pages and in hardcover. The only parameters were the character would have to be one of Dave's creations. My initial thought was Storm with a crazy mohawk but I went back & forth with some other ideas but kept thinking about a Storm piece. So when I sat down to do it I messed around and messed around and was not happy so I scrapped everything and started in on a Storm piece. It took several tries (I've never drawn her before) but when this one started taking shape (the shape that had been in my head the whole time) I ripped thru it and was verry happy. So I sent it off and got the nod and here it is. The piece will be sold and all proceeds to go to Dave's wife Paty. I felt honored to be involved and I hope Dave would have been proud. Read more details about the book and how to order one here. I'll have 11"x14" signed prints, on nice strathmore bristol, available for $25 each, all proceeds (minus shipping) will also be donated so email me if interested at tombofdracula@yahoo.com

Mannion Christmas

2006-12-28T05:12:00.000-08:00

Steve Mannion is great and my wife loves his work so I got the idea from my friend Shawn to get all three of his "The Bomb" comics with sketches in them. So I sent him off an email and he agreed to do 'em for me in time for xmas. You can get yours by emailing Steve at: gophernugget@hotmail.com The comics are hysterical and remind me of Will Eisner's work. You can see all three comics/sketches here. (along with my other Mannion pieces)

Then a few days later I had the bright idea of asking Steve if he had time to do a Delirium commission also and this is what arrived, along with the comics. Pretty cool and a big hit on xmas morning. So my highest recommendations for Steve and his work. Check out his gallery and get yours today!

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-25T03:27:00.000-08:00

From Dave, Sherry, Poochie, Benny & Dickie!

Nathaniel Dusk (Framed)

2006-12-24T00:43:00.000-08:00

I worked on these pieces several months ago & just recieved an email with these pics attached of the frame job. I think they look great, well done. I also think the fun credit/info plate is a great touch & makes an awesome presentation.