WATERFALLS

(10"x15"; Photoshop, collage)

Here's a finished background for a page of my creator-owned comic I've finally started.

The rocks were a lot of fun! I took a piece of watercolor paper and put down several passes of ink wash. Then I scratched the hell out of it with my fingernails and an X-Acto blade. Scanned it in, made some color adjustments and started building my rocks in collage with selections.

-A

On The Easel...

(Oils; 15" x 30")

Still needs work, but it feels great to be working back on this canvas. It's been sitting on my easel for a few months now in the glazed underdrawing stage. Mostly, I had to work up the courage to 'kill my idols' and do what I wanted with my art.

Not looking back.

-A

ZEGAS

Approx. 8.5"x11"; India ink, colored dye, watercolors, and colored pencils on watercolor paper

My friend, cartoonist Michel Fiffe, released the first issue of his self published 'Zegas' a couple of weeks ago. In fact, he just had a release party for it this past Friday in Brooklyn, New York.

I've been a fan of Michel's art and excellent articles on comics/cartooning for a while now. And I more than enjoyed my copy of 'ZEGAS' when I ordered it from him. It's great fun with fabulous art.

Since I'm not the most eloquent talker, as appreciation, I asked Michel if it would be OK to do some 'fan art' of one of the main characters, Emily. Michel said 'cool' and here we are.

If you get a chance, check out Michel's work and contact him to order a copy of 'ZEGAS'. He's a great cartoonist and an even greater guy.

The link to Michel's website is in my Favorites to the right of this page.
Or just go to www.michelfiffe.com.




-ADRIAN

ART FOR SALE!

Hey gang!

See a piece here on the blog that you like? Unless it was a private commission or a personal piece, it will most likely be available for sale at the brand spankin' new Inazuma Studios store at Etsy.com!

The storefront just went live tonight with more pieces being added soon.

You can visit the Store right now or anytime by clicking the banner in the 'Art For Sale' sidebar to the right of this page.

Thanks for your support!

-ADRIAN JOHNSON

ROY BATTY

9"x12"; India ink and acrylics on watercolor paper

Continuing my movie theme (and now my second piece connected to Rutger Hauer), I did Roy Batty from 'Blade Runner'. Aside from a couple of reference shots, I really made very little concession to keeping the likeness. In fact, after laying down my initial pencils for this, I put the reference aside and went with my own recollection of the scene. This was a lot of fun and educational for me in terms of process.

Speaking of, here are a few process shots I scanned:

1. I started by emptying shavings out of my lead holder and scrubbing them into the paper with a paper towel to establish a shadow. I picked out lighting with a kneaded eraser. Then I laid down the linework and indicated spot blacks. Lastly, I took a colored pencil and put a tone around the usual places to be worked over later in the painting.

2. Next, I filled in my spot blacks.

3. I skipped a few process shots as i was getting into the painting. But I started the color with laying down the blues. Next, I washed some Process Yellow to start establishing skin tone and throw some light onto the body inside the hole in the wall. Then, I washed Process Magenta to mix with the Process Yellow to finish my skin tones and bring my colored pencil tone from earlier.

I mixed some Process Yellow and Titanium White together in increments to starting blasting the scene with highlights and start on Roy's platinum-blonde hair. I placed a light touch of Pthalo Blue in the eyes and mixed a red from Process Magenta and Process Yellow for the Replicant reflection in the pupils. Then i took a razor blade and scratched up the tile and some of Roy's face.

Lastly, I noticed that there was still too much of the yellow showing on the highlighted side of the face. So I blasted it with highlights of pure Titanium White and called it done.

WULFGARRR!

Ballpoint pen, ink, and watercolor on watercolor paper

Quick color sketch from my favorite scene of one of my favorite movies, Nighthawks. It's got Sly Stallone and Billy Dee Williams matching wits with international terrorist 'Wulfgar' played by Rutger Hauer. It's a neat little crackerjack thriller lost in the shuffle of films of the early 1980s. - AJ

WONDER WOMAN!

12"x17.5", ink, acrylics and watercolor on watercolor paper

A recent commission (Thanks, Tisha!).