Bob's ART du Jour

The Sitting Dragon....

2012-01-21T21:26:00.002-05:00

The Sitting Dragon(18x24 inc mat) Conte and chalk on paper. $110.

Did this for a bit of fun the other week, I liked his disposition alot.

Godzilla study....

2011-11-28T22:25:00.003-05:00

Godzilla 1962 study(conte and chalk $120. 12x18 inches)

I did this drawing for study for IDW's new Godzilla comic which I am doing three covers to the GODZILLA LEGENDS series. This is the study for cover #5 which he battles Kumonga, the giant spider whilst someone climbs him! Some changes were made to the small figure as per IDWs instructions, but it still came out pretty good in the final.

New Drawings...Kong and friends.

2011-11-07T22:59:00.002-05:00

Rhedosaurus 2 (Conte and Chalk) SOLD!

Ymir(from 20 Million Miles to Earth) Conte,chalk, matted 18x24 inches-$125

"High Browed Kong" (conte, chalk, 18x24 matted) $125.

"LOng Faced Kong" (conte, chalk, 18 x24 matted) $140.

Some newish drawings of some movie stop motion beasts, just for fun. These don't last long, in fact as you can see one sold already!!!

New small paintings....

2011-10-20T19:12:00.002-05:00

Cort's Cloudz (8x10, oils, $110)

'
The Black Twister(8x10, oils, $110)

Thought I had forgotten to paint small works! I REALLY miss having the time to do more of these, but in these cases I made the time. The top is based on a photo my friend Cort Skinner took and I liked it and asked him if I could paint it. The bottom is based on some footage of an Oklahoma tornado of 2007. Again I am fascinated with how these storms work, and they make great subjects to paint!!!

Hurricane Irene

2011-08-31T19:36:00.002-05:00

Irene Comes Calling (8x10, oils $100)

I am as people know, inspired by nature's worst weather. Having had a hurricane pass directly over us this last week, was epic enough to inspire a few ideas. This is the first one, a brooding feeling of unease as the sea boils up and dark clouds begin to move in. Again, I am inspired by Turner and Coubet as painters, for this vision. Enjoy!

New Drawings.....

2011-08-29T22:10:00.006-05:00

Titanosaurus( 16x20 inches-IDW Comic cover sketch, conte, charcoal $SOLD) I'm working for IDW on covers for their hit GODZILLA comic series. Here's a concept sketch for a cover coming up!.

Godzilla Catching a Train(Conte, charcoal SOLD!)

Prototype 1954 Godzilla (conte, charcoal SOLD)

Welcome to Area 51(Conte, charcoal, ink, gouache-SOLD!)

Some new drawings, three sold at the World SF Con two weeks ago, but I have the Titanosaurus left. Lots of fun, as always when I do these things! I like the mixed media aspect, on toned paper. It has to be that certain grey color to be just right!

Strange Demon!

2011-08-02T21:50:00.005-05:00

"Marine Abomination" (conte,chalk on toned paper SOLD)16x20

I did this for my friend Jim Pavelec's upcoming book of Demons and demonic poetry. It's a wonderful looking book and I'll place ordering info soon. Anyway, I had a great time doing this and, it reminded me I like creating my own weird creatures and demons, and that I should do more!

New drawings...

2011-07-18T06:03:00.004-05:00

"Gigan, The Space Monster" 16x20 inches, matted, conte and chalk with ink $OLD)

"Namikawa- She's The One Who Got Me Into this!" (16x20 conte and chalk on toned paper, $100).

Back after a time of some intense work with a few drawings. BAsed on some of my monster memories from the Godzilla films GODZILLA VS GIGAN(1972) we have the titular creature from that film. Below that is a study of Kumi Mizuno as the alien babe "Namikawa" from the 1965 film MONSTER ZERO. Things got rather busy for me in May and June so no time for posts. I intend to do more coming so, stay tuned!!!!

New Book! I'm in it!!!

2011-05-24T22:52:00.003-05:00

This is a TERRIFIC new book by Karen Haber!! Features the "Masters of Science Fiction and Fantasy Art". Great large size and layout. Not only functions as an art book, but gives some background into all the art shown and at least one step-by-step demo. And the names are an impressive list: Dan Dos Santos, John Picacio,Todd Lockwood, Don Maitz, Donato Giancola, Terese Neilson, and many more....and ME! I was really impressed by the thickness and over-size of this book.
Definately get it, if you have any interest in SF art, as Amazon has a good price. I have a link in the actual title above for convienience.

The Famous Monsters of My Monster World!

2011-05-14T22:46:00.008-05:00

Famous Monsters #256 "Monster World" special Kaiju issue.

It's been awhile since a post. Been a VERY busy April, but again another milestone with my career. In 1966 my Dad bought me an issue of MONSTER WORLD with The Addams Family on the cover. It was my first "monster book". After that came Famous Monsters that I collected avidly, and their Issue #114 which was "All of Japan's Monsters". Here we are years later and I was able to do the cover art to the upcoming Subscriber and Diamond Comics variant issue. On this, we decided Godzilla, Ultraman and Goldar(from Space Giants) represented the most recognizable monsters and giant superheroes from Japan. This is an amazing thing to see this actual issue with my cover art. If you click on the header it will take you to the site you can order an issue sent right to you!

As a bonus, I wrote an article inside called "Godzilla & Me" about my lifelong fascination with The King of Monsters and where he has taken me...

Promise-more posts soon!

Creature Featured

2011-04-01T19:10:00.004-05:00

18x24 pencil and ink ($100)

Swimming Creature(16x20, conte,chalk,ink, goauche) SOLD!

. Creature Torso(16 x20, Ink,Gouache,Conte,Chalk- SOLD)

Creature Head(16x20 inches, ink,goauche,chalk, conte, SOLD)

Doing a "Creature" project. You'll hear soon. Anyway, I wanted to do some studies to warm up to doing my OTHER favorite monster from beneath the waters....

Just re-posted some art...

2011-03-20T16:34:00.001-05:00

See the below post. Reposted some new drawings, this time with prices. Thanks!

Some drawings...

2011-03-17T22:27:00.005-05:00

Ice Dragon -Conte and white chalk. (SOLD)
Laserblast Aliens- Conte and White Chalk (SOLD)

Godzilla 1954 (Conte and White Chalk) (SOLD.)

Godzilla 1984 (SOLD)

I am doing drawings alot these days. I sold two of these out of the barn. A fun technique which is conte and chalk on Strathmore Artagain(recycled) paper. I will be at a show this coming weekend however should the two not sold here, sell, I will repost them with prices.

For the new FLY BY NIGHTS book...

2011-03-08T20:17:00.005-05:00

The cover to Fly-By-Nights by Brian Lumley.

COlor interior(9x12 oils, SOLD)

COlor interior (9x12 SOLD)

A new Brian Lumley book will be out in June. I did two covers for it, for Subterranean Press, one of which already sold, and two color interiors, both of which are pictured here. Small works, none the less, they add something extra to the book. ANyway, I did them as "Paintings of The Day" and am offering them here for sale.

Some new art...

2011-02-27T18:01:00.002-05:00

Godzilla 1962(conte crayon and chalk) SOLD!

Martian 'scape (10x20) Oils SOLD!

A couple of new pieces that were sold before the even got out of the barn. The bottom piece was a small and VERY last minute commission for someone's retirement party. It was a small miracle getting it done and dry on time! Well, I did and that's what's important!!!!

I think I need to do more drawings like the Godzilla. It's a very happy and satisfying way of working. I like the overall effect too, and it's more "finished" looking than a pencil drawing. You will see more....

Famous Monsters: I Have Arrived!

2011-02-25T10:11:00.005-05:00

Back 41 years ago, I found Famous Monsters of Filmland. I'd already found MONSTER WORLD but that's another story. I loved this magazine, and dreamed one day I would have a cover of my art on an issue. Well, thanks to the new publisher of FM, Phil Kim, that happened!! Out of the blue he called me to work on his new incarnation of Forry Ackerman's somewhat lost magazine that had a sordid and spotty publishing history since the late 70's. This is a monumental thing for me. It's like the first time I won a Hugo or close. The circle has come full around for me, and the cries of "What are those 'monster books' ever going to get you?"

The theme of this coming issue is HP Lovecraft. The way things work is that, magazines have variant covers, and this is the Captain Company "variant" cover art, for AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS. A dream to do. If you want a copy, you have to order one online-click on the header to this blog entry and it takes you right there. And, wait, there's more. I just did another cover and that features an even bigger and more famous giant monster....from Japan....

Flying Dragons and Japanese Superheroes!

2011-01-22T22:36:00.005-05:00

"Honeymoon Flight" (oils, 8x10, SOLD!)

"Goldar" (oils, 8x10, SOLD)

You can make your own story up for "Honeymoon Flight". I wanted to paint some clouds and wow...Dragons got in there!!!

Goldar is a superhero from Japan, around 1966-67, from a show called SPACE GIANTS. Once again, a superhero from the stars, who can morph(the first Transformer!) into a rocketship, comes to earth to battle monsters plaguing Japan mostly....I always felt Goldar has a vagure resemblance to me...with the hair ya see...

Another Dragon study...

2011-01-17T22:10:00.002-05:00

Star Dragon Study(8x10 oils) SOLD.

I sorta did this one, because it was promised to someone who wanted the previous dragon!! And, I offered it to them, first, in order of request. Not to worry, I'll be painting alot more, as they are so much fun to do. Between all my other things I'm currently doing!

Dragon Study

2011-01-05T23:52:00.002-05:00

Dragon Head Study(8x10 oils) SOLD

Did this as a warm up with some paints I had on hand. ALways fun to do a dragon!

The Sea...Redux...

2010-12-27T23:27:00.003-05:00

The Sea Will Tell The Tale(9x18 w/ frame 11x20 inches. Oils. $250

Waterspouts(9x18) Oils. SOLD!

Reposting two images from the gallery show in Newport. They come framed(antique frame in fact) as included in the price. Oops! Waterspouts just sold!

Some more new art...

2010-12-08T22:29:00.002-05:00

Rhedosaur-The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms (charcoal and conte crayon)

Cthulhu Breaching(9x12, oils)

Both of these paintings were done as commissions over the last few weeks. Alot of fun. The Rhedosaur may wind up becoming a larger more elaborate painting. A great deal of fun to do.

More Ocean...More Mysteries...

2010-11-28T10:21:00.002-05:00

The Sea That Tells The Tale (9x18 inches oils).

I did this as one of two paintings for a Newport RI gallery show. Small works, and I always love painting the ocean and shores, in sort of a romantic way. That is, I tend to make up alot of it based on years of having seen oceans. Anyway, this is a piece done in a day, that has a cautionary tale to tell. If it does not sell in the gallery, it shall be posted back here again!

Some new...some revised...

2010-11-20T22:36:00.004-05:00

The Waterspouts(9x15 inches, oil on panel)

I did this marine painting for an upcoming gallery show in Newport RI. If it doesn't sell I'll repost it here. I reallllly like painting water, and rough ocean. Notice the ancient vessel off to the right...

Dragonlands(10x10) Oil on linen canvas. SOLD!

I had done the background and volcano image earlier this year. The painting waited for something else to be in it, and then, the idea of the dragon hit me so a few weeks ago, I put him in and , voila, the painting was now complete! I plan on making a large size version as well, like 3 x3 ft!

Lotsa new art....

2010-11-10T09:45:00.005-05:00

Matango-Attack of The Mushroom People(oils 8x10).(SOLD)

BAsed on the film from 1963 that scared the beejeezus out of me in the day, and even now...

Varan(11x14 inches oils)(SOLD).

This was done for MAD SCIENTIST fanzine and, they bought it as well!!! Alot of fun painting this most ignored Kaiju....

Godzilla vs The Smog Monster (pencil and ink on paper)($150) Study for a larger work.

The Rat Bat SPider(8x10 oils)(SOLD)

This the great creature from THE ANGRY RED PLANET that came out in 1960. Always will be one of the oddest creatures on the screen ever!

Creature from The Black Lagoon(18x24 charcoal on paper with chalk and gouache highlights) (SOLD)

The 1954 Prototype Godzilla. (oils 8x10)(SOLD)

This is the Godzilla that was a clay model and seen alot in early publicity pictures..

Taking these to Illuxcon, and more....

New stuff, in the works...

2010-10-26T08:02:00.004-05:00

Torosaur(pencil and chalk on paper) (SOLD)

T-REX (pencil and chalk on paper)(SOLD)

The Dragon Enclave (9x12 inches, oils on paper on canvas) ($180 framed)

Dragonhead study (18x24 pencil and ink on paper)(SOLD)

Some new stuff. The Torosaur is re-worked and I have taken to airbrushing in ink to bolster shadows done in pencil and such, it's a fun technique and give the drawings a more "finished" feel if you will. The color sketch is for a large commission in progress. Rarely do I do sketches this elaborate...but for this I felt to get the colors down pat, I should.

Dragons are in their Domain...

2010-10-05T08:40:00.004-05:00

Dragon's Domain is unleashed! If you have not gotten a copy, now is your chance!! More posts soon, it's been a busy time...click on the title link to go to Amazon!

Some drawings...

2010-08-06T22:27:00.002-05:00

This top drawing is for a big commission I am doing. Has to show alot of dragons! It will be large when finished, and will be alot of fun to do. The drawing is 18x24 and the final will be 30x40 inches.

This drawing on tracing paper is done for a book on Ice Age America. This is a sloth in Sedona Arizona about 15,000 years ago.

Torosaurs have been making the rounds in terms of science talk lately. It appears they have now supplanted them as what they think was a Triceratops....always changing are those dino people.

More paintings, More monsters...

2010-07-07T19:11:00.004-05:00

Godzilla 1962(oils, 8x10, SOLD)

Rodan 1956 (oils, 8x10 SOLD)

1929 Mysterious Island
Gillman(8x10, oils SOLD)

Been out of it, again. June was an emo draining month for me. I also wonder if blogs are as big as they used to be. I have to moderate comments now thanks to spam and unwanted stuff. Anyway, here's three new pieces. One is for sale, and the others will be if they do not sell at G-Fest this weekend. The little Gillman is from a strange, obscure version of MYSTERIOUS ISLAND from 1929, that's rarely seen and then on TCM usually. I saw him in a 1970 issue of FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND and 40 years later the same summer, I painted him.

New Mexico Mammoths...

2010-06-09T07:32:00.003-05:00

Columbian Mammoths near The Organ Mountains of New Mexico

This painting is one of the first for my upcoming Ice Age America book. It's in oils and 20x30 inches. Columbian Mammoths differ from their Wooly cousins in that they existed in warmer climates of the Southwest and West, and, they were huge-some as high as 16 feet. The object was to use reference of the actual mountains as they are today but imagine them 10,000 odd years ago in a very furtive and lush time. More paintings for this book, to come!!!

Moby Dick!!

2010-06-07T20:43:00.002-05:00

Moby Dick(8x10, oils)

I did this for a show in Salem Mass coming up, about, Sea Monsters. I figured Moby Dick would be a great subject. I'd long wanted to do my own idea to this classic story. So this isn't for sale just yet anyway, I need it for the show. If it does not sell, I will repost it and let people know!

Dragon's Domain- Final Cover

2010-05-21T07:10:00.004-05:00

Here's the final cover to my how to paint dragons book, due out in Sept. Ordering info is on Amazon. Click on the above header for this post.

Tornadics...

2010-05-18T08:33:00.004-05:00

"Moment of Truth"(oils, 8x10, SOLD)

"Duster"(oils, 8x10, SOLD)

May is the month of tornadoes. I'm personally fascinated by them, how fast they develop and in such a short time, can do so much destruction. It's awful to see but one cannot help but stand in awe of the power of nature. Anyway, a couple of little tornadoes...

Frank Frazetta 1928-2010

2010-05-13T18:45:00.002-05:00

Bob Eggleton, Frank Frazetta, Ron Walotsky, circa 1997

I am not sure what can can said more about Frank Frazetta. His very name defined "fantasy art". There was Frazetta and then, there were the rest of us. He was his own catagory. His visions showed us a dynamic world, where "illustration" truly became undeniably "fine art". I remember an interview at an "Art School" circa 1978 and the question was "So who is an artist you admire...BESIDES Frank Frazetta?" with some dismissiveness. I always resented that, because here was a man who was not only a brilliant draughtsman and painter, but also lived his dream and showed many of us it was okay to think those amazing, fantastic ideas and draw them. I had the honor of meeting the man in 1997, along with my late friend Ron Walotsky. Ron so aptly titled this picture "Frank Frazetta and Two Guys". It was really true because we felt we were meeting a god of art. And as it turned out, he was a real sweet guy full of kind words for both of us. Frank leaves us a legacy of the fantastic that, will always take it's place at the top.

And yet another...

2010-05-04T19:13:00.002-05:00

First Spaceship On Mars(8x10 inches, oils, SOLD!)

I sort of made this ship somewhat like the design of the Cosmostrator from THE SILENT STAR(1960) but this time, I put it on MArs. The painting sold right out of the barn....fun to do!

And...MORE paintings...

2010-05-04T18:47:00.005-05:00

"The Dream of Flightless Birds"(oils, 9x12 inches, SOLD)'

"Where The Wind Comes Whippin' "(8x10, oils, SOLD!)

I was a guest of honor at a fun little SF con in Tulsa Oklahoma called Conestoga. So, I did up two paintings relative to the con and it's locale. The top is based on the convention's "mascot", a Penguin, which seems to be the mascot for the entire city!!! I saw them everywhere. Not real ones but, like this, a representation. So, here we have this little guy, wistfully watching a rocket take off. The bottom piece is a somewhat large tornado. I love painting tornadoes and nature in fury in general so this was a joy to paint. I have to get back to smaller, more spontaneous work of this sort.

British Kaiju...

2010-04-03T09:53:00.003-05:00

GORGO (8x10 inches, Oils)

THE GIANT BEHEMOTH(8x10, oils)

Oddly enough, Japan didn't do EVERY giant monster in the movies. Two were done by the British, in 1960(Gorgo) and 1957(Giant Behemoth) and by the same director, Eugene Lourie(Who also helmed THE BEAST FROM 20,000 FATHOMS in 1953). I did these to take to the World Horror Con in Brighton. Gorgo was a film that was quietly financed by Japanese investors

back in the day as a way to "compete" with Godzilla! Not coincidently, the film opened in Japan in December 1960 before anywhere else including England where it was made. THE GIANT BEHEMOTH had some Willis O' Brien stop motion that was sadly not as well done due to budget issues. The monster, the "Paleosaurus" is also not as spectacular as he might have looked in the film. Fun stuff to paint.

Battles and Walled Cities...

2010-03-13T09:14:00.005-05:00

The Walled City (8x10) Oils SOLD.

The Battle(9x12, oils. SOLD)

A couple of quick pieces I did to sort of add to several being used in an upcoming CD. I did them as paintings for the day, going for a Turneresque look to them. Lots of fun to paint like this, especially after doing something that was kind of on the "tight" side prior. Loosens up the hand and that's a good thing for any artist.

IT CAME FROM...um... WENT TO JAPAN....

2010-03-01T21:37:00.004-05:00

Welcome Committee(8x10 oils SOLD)

So this is my OTHER Kaiju painting that went to Japan for exhibition in KAIJU COMRADES 2.

These are immensely fun to do and this one has inspired a much larger painting I am going to do for myself soon!

Fall 2010...

2010-02-27T09:12:00.001-05:00

This is my new "How To" book coming out in Fall 2010. It's looking terrific, and I'm currently captioning it and adding things to it. I'll keep people posted as to when it goes on sale on Amazon and such.

Okay, a floating rock with a castle...

2010-02-22T19:18:00.003-05:00

Floating Fortress (8x10 oils, SOLD.)

Lots of attention has been given to AVATAR with it's weird floating rocks and mountains. It's not a new image. Roger Dean did them in the 1970's and going further back, Rene Magritte did them, and further back, some ancient Chinese silk painters did them. I did this, as just a fun one off because I too had always wanted to paint one. This was fun to do, why does it float? In this case...Magic!

S'more Art!!!

2010-02-17T20:51:00.004-05:00

Sea Kaiju(8x10 oils, done for Kaiju Comrades 2 show in Tokyo Japan SOLD)

The Burning World (8x10 oils, SOLD!)

Cascade Castle(8x10 oils SOLD!)

Three recent pieces. Only one is for sale(the middle one), the bottom one sold after the demo it was created at, and, the top painting is for a gallery show in Tokyo Japan, in March.

Back! And with art!

2010-02-15T18:41:00.002-05:00

Volcano Erupting (10x10 inches, oil on linen, $225 w/frame)

Been out of blogging for abit but I am making a concerted effort to get back regularly. Been very busy with stuff to do, two books and several bookcovers. Here's a newer small painting, rather nice little gem. And it's framed!!!

New planetary paintings...

2009-12-15T16:34:00.005-05:00

The Ice Moon Europa(9x12 inches, oils, SOLD)

Misty Mars #4 (9x12 inches, oils SOLD!)

Martian Dust #3(9x12 inches, Oils SOLD!)

STILL PAINTING...here are three done in recent days. The top one was sorta sold before it got to the blog, but that's how it goes with these things. They don't last long! The small works are a joy to do, and priced right for everyone(these are a little larger hence the price a tad higher) so I will continue to do them. Sort of my "romantics" view of space. I'll be out to Australia for a bit, soon, but if interested, write me!!

I've been at blogging three years now! Wow! Where did time go to?

"YOU SHOULD BE WORKING! NOT SOCIALIZING!!!"

2009-11-30T10:35:00.002-05:00

If there is a statement I disagree with more it's that one. I'm a pretty social guy. I like getting out. Example: This weekend was one big date book time-block out. Thanksgiving was celebrated at my friend Sal's home with him and his mother, Marianne and me and our friend Karen. All "orphans" of the holidays. Friday Evening we saw a movie, and Saturday we picked up our friend Helen from Australia for a week, and Saturday night I enjoyably attended my 30th High School Reunion, and Sunday we had another big party at Sal's with a housefull of good friends.

Another "artist" not long ago accused me in a chiding but semi-friendly way, that I enjoy myself too much. That "To Hell with these things! You belong at the board! Drawing and painting! And just do it all the time, let your wife go to these things!!!" and then retailed to me the story of how Norman Rockwell tied himself to his studio to the point he missed many holidays, and his family.
Despite the images he painted, his homelife was rather, I gathered dysfunctional, thanks to Workaholism.

I can't do that. I saw what Workaholism did to my Dad. I never saw him much and he missed alot of things. It was always he had to "get back to work" even on Christmas, etc. It was basically a life lost, in some respects, the way my mother saw it.

Balance is essential. This is NO DEADLINE that is that important. I build time into things and "crazy" deadlines I no longer take them on(unless it's a VERY cool project and ALOT of money).
A balanced life is a good life. Believe me on this. I had a wonderful weekend that I am still feeling a nice warm "glow" from. That's what life is all about.

Blow your mind on musical science....

2009-11-24T20:28:00.002-05:00

Pretty cool site that never fails to inspire...music put to bits and pieces of documentary footage of Carl Sagan, Stephen Hawking, Bill Nye, Michio Kaku, Richard Dawkins and others....

http://www.symphonyofscience.com

Getting back to some smaller paintings....

2009-11-21T13:50:00.002-05:00

It has been one Hell of a year with emphasis on the "Hell" end of it. I can't believe the holidays are almost upon us again.

I am getting back to some smaller paintings soon. In fact one is drying and waiting to go up(it's a Mars scene, I know I seem to have a fixation with that planet but I suppose it's better than a fixation with flowers). I like these smaller planetary paintings, with a tad of romance thrown in for good measure. I mean, who wants Mars the way it looks? I painting it like I'd like it to look.

Sold a long painting just today(see previous post) and have two left. These things don't last, so if you're hedging...

Taking things a bit easy just to pull back. The effects of stress and the ensuing anxiety have only given me a taste of what could happen, so I'm altering that course now. I have too many more paintings I want to do!!!

The LONG Views....

2009-11-19T20:14:00.004-05:00

The Red Dust 1(oils, 6x36, SOLD)

The Red Dust 2(oils, 6x36 $600)

The Ice Moon(oils, 6x36m SOLD!)

Back to some art blogging....

A trinary of space art images. Alot of fun to do. The first image is highly re-worked from before and I like the misty fog in it. Mars' mist is always intriguing.

Anyway, these are $600 each(think of them as 4x the length of four of my smaller images). And if you want all three, inquire as to a special price on that!!!!

Click on any to see a larger image....

Out with the old....

2009-11-15T00:09:00.002-05:00

Shortly I'll be posting some photos of what happened to alot of old cover art of mine. Mostly garbage airbrush work done in the 80's and early 90's. It was attacked by mold as it was stored in a damp basement for some years. But it gives me the opportunity to start snapping these old paintings in half. Art therapy!!! Nothing really recent, but alot of the junk I did 20 or so years ago for kid's books and so on. So, fear not I continue to blog. I can't believe how terrible some of my "airbrush" work looked back in the day, it'll be good for me to see it going into dumpsters!!

I took a break...

2009-10-22T21:19:00.002-05:00

It's been awhile indeed it has. Got very busy with adminstrative stuff and,minor but painful back injury problems coupled with, we found, high blood pressure. All the bloodwork is fine. But stress and anxiety of this past few months have created some higher-than-usual blood pressure. All being dealt with.

More paintings and posts soon.

Some More Mars...

2009-09-08T22:31:00.003-05:00

Mars Base(Concept for larger painting) 5x7 Oils, SOLD!

Martian Dust(5x7 oils, FRAME included.) $100.

A couple of new Mars pieces. One is for a larger work, and the other to play with lighting concepts. Just back from DRAGON*CON where I had a really good time! Best at a con in a long time!

Kaiju @ Rotofugi

2009-08-29T13:57:00.003-05:00

Proto Godzilla -8x10 oils,

The Smog Monster (8x10, oils)

So here are two new paintings both done for the Rotofugi show in Chicago called TOY KARMA 2. Both are for sale, but if interested contact Rotofugi for the price. If they don't sell, I'll re-post later with prices. Rotofugi is a store/gallery in Chicago that specializes in Designer Vinyl toys. They have some neat stuff and the show will be an outstanding one.

More Mars....

2009-08-11T22:02:00.003-05:00

Dusty Mars 1(8x10 Oils SOLD!)

Dusty Mars 2(8x10, oils, SOLD!.)

Really back into doing the small paintings. I missed them alot. So here are two more! Mars was my theme, as it is such a mysterious and fun planet to paint.

Ice Age America...

2009-08-07T16:33:00.003-05:00

Sabre Toothed Cat-chalk on Canson paper.

Columbian Mammoth-Chalk on Canson paper

Here are a couple of drawings for the upcoming BOB EGGLETON'S ICE AGE AMERICA which will be a book from Impossible Dreams Press, due out in 2012(Mayan calendars notwithstanding). It will be written by my wife Marianne, and will feature North America, circa 13,000 years ago. It will have some EPIC large paintings in it, so get ready for those. The feel of the book will cross the lines of fact and science as we know it, to a little fantasy and romantic feeling. We have a publisher who sees our vision and that's really a good feeling.

Rocket Days of Summer..

2009-08-01T23:25:00.002-05:00

15x30 oil painting, done for the R.A.Heinlein combo "Green Hills of Earth/Menace from Earth" Here is an example of how I can have a sketchbook drawing and make it work into a nice cover for a classic book. And it just kind of sums up summer's "rocket" days doesn't it?

40 Years Ago Today....

2009-07-20T16:52:00.007-05:00

Providence Journal Bulletin from July 21st 1969.

Earthrise (8x10, Oils SOLD!)

Vast Desolation(8x10, Oils, SOLD!)

Headed Home(8x10, Oils SOLD!)

Moon Hills(8x10, oils, SOLD!)

40 years ago I sat in my mom and dad's living room with a black and white TV set, and we watched the first landing of Man on the Moon. I can remember drawing pictures of it as I watched TV. Today that living room is now my painting studio and I watched FOR ALL MANKIND and painted some quick oil paintings(back to paintings for sale!) of what I was watching using freeze-framing to paint from the film. Alot of fun and it made me realize how much I missed paintings of the day, and, all the time gone by and the changes it brought when it seemed life was fully in front of me. If you want a painting, email me and I'll set it aside and I take paypal as usual!

Gallery Shows upcoming....

2009-07-06T14:07:00.003-05:00

"Eye Monster" 20 x20 inches. Oil.

I have some rather good upcoming Gallery appearances soon!

MONSTER?-Copro Gallery Santa Monica CA July 11th-Aug 2nd. I'll have the ABOVE painting in this show along with some really incredible names in art, and Pop Surrealism. The theme is, guess what? MONSTERS.

SPECTRUM show-Society of Illustrators Gallery, NYC. I'll have one painting in that, "One of Our Robots Is Missing".

ROTOFUGI Store and Gallery, Chicago IL. I'll have a painting of some kind in that and perhaps some 3-D hand painted vinyl toys. Sept ? 2009, group show, organized by Mark Nagata.

KAIJU COMRADES 2- Tokyo Japan, March 2010-group show organized by the one and only Mark Nagata. Of course, the theme is monsters. Japan? Monsters? You have got to be kidding!!!

The New Studio and Photography Set Ups...

2009-06-21T21:15:00.002-05:00

Me in what was once my mom's living room...it has northern lighting and a cathedral ceiling! It'll get lots messier.

Our good friend Fran Paliotta setting up a shoot of some art for my upcoming dragon book. I did the step-by-step in one day, of this particular dragon and we found we needed to follow some very stringent rules on how the publisher wanted the art photographed.

Our "handmade" photo board, and a color chart(almost impossible to find in this day of digital art, no one "photographs" art anymore! Here you see stage 1 of the painting of this demo dragon...more to come tho, I can't show too much of the book as per agreement.

More Dragons....

2009-06-08T21:05:00.003-05:00

Here's a book I will be featured in along with several other "dragon" artists such as Todd Lockwood, and John Howe. It's available for pre-order on Amazon.co.uk, but will be available in Barnes & Noble in August, or so they tell me. I have a nice spread and interview with me in the book. The format is really nice too, kind of a square book....so I highly recommend it to all dragon lovers.

Dragon's Ring

2009-06-08T21:02:00.002-05:00

Here is the finished painting, 24 x36 and one of my best dragons in ages. Really happy with the way it came out. I wanted an epic and that is what I gave them. Dave Freer, the author liked it too so much he gave it his "Writer GoH Award" in the Lunacon Art Show.

Dragon's Ring Demo

2009-05-31T08:54:00.002-05:00

Here's the pencil-in start of the painting. It was fairly large at 24x36 inches.

After pencilling it in, I block in the colors in oils. I tend to like to use the base colors of what I will be using for the detail work. This painting came together pretty fast here. I like to leave pencil lines showing.

Now, I start the detailing in of things. All this goes fairly easy and I always start with the head and eyes, as that defines the rest of the beast... the finish will follow...

Stephen King and Rick Baker....

2009-05-29T07:38:00.003-05:00

Been busy and travelling to the UK to scatter my mother's ashes these days not to mention kind of busy. So it's back to blogging after a break. Here's a new image(top) I did for THE ART OF STEPHEN KING due out from Centipede Press next year. It's IT himself, Pennywise the Clown which I'd always wanted to do and got the chance to be paid to do. Below is a complete happenstance meeting in London at Forbidden Planet with Oscar winning monster maker guy Rick Baker and Dave Elsey of Jim Henson's Creature Shop. He and I literally entered the store at the same exact time! So I introduced myself and we had a nice chat, he knew who I was which was nice too, he said "Oh HI! What are you doing here?"

Yes, Go and See Star Trek...

2009-05-08T06:27:00.002-05:00

STAR TREK is fantastic. In a word. This "re-boot" is the best thing that could have happened to an aging franchise that ran out of new blood and ideas before even the last film was out. What this largely new cast does is not impersonations of the actors we knew so well onscreen, but they capture the CHARACTERS perfectly. Leonard Nimoy's appearance also gives the film a touchstone to tie it to the pantheon of the series. You'll see how it works.It's hard to descrbe and, I won't spoil anything for anyone. The visual effects are stunning. It has a great pace and sense of direction, and never feels like a TV film, which most of the 80's and 90's films somehow wound up doing. STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE(1979) for all it's faults was the last film that came out with a "big picture" feel to it, such as this new one does. I've been a fan since the start in 1966, so go out this weekend and enjoy this film.

A new cover...done...

2009-04-25T21:48:00.002-05:00

Some of the Facebook folks saw this first but here it is, it's a new cover to a Mike Resnick book called HAZARDS from Subterranean Press. It's a collection of stories for his religious-con-man all around fun guy Lucifer Jones. I went around alot on this. It involved Machu Picchu and that was what kept coming back to me again and again. So it became this cool landscape painting that came together fairly cool and should be out as a book in June or July.

Been a long time...

2009-04-19T18:32:00.002-05:00

I've been kinda busy but also arranging my Mom's estate affairs. All is going well, just...it's like every day is an errand to deal with something. And dealing with "aftershocks" of grief that come and go. A bit of closure in May when I release some her ashes on the South coast of England.
It'll be time for family and time for thinking about the ocean and the passage of time.

More drawings...

2009-04-08T12:28:00.004-05:00

"Dragon Rock" -conte and white chalk- SOLD

Hazards Concept Sketch(conte, charcoal and chalk on amber paper- Inquire for Price)

Heinlein's Green Hills(Concept sketch for cover-chalk,conte charcoal -SOLD!)

Wanderin' Bronto(colored pencils on toned paper- SOLD)

When I am doing concepts for covers and my own ideas, I do full drawings sometimes. They're alot of fun, and they prove popular( the top and bottom ones are already sold!). So if interested, contact me. I'm sort of in a drawing phase at the moment.

More long Mars...

2009-04-08T10:01:00.002-05:00

Marscape #2(oils 36x6 inches)(Price: Inquire) Back with painting, these days. Here's a long painting done on a long(36 inch). I love this format. When I did an earlier concept on this length of canvas I could have sold it three times. I'll be painting more but, if you like this one, write me on the price. You can also click on the image for a larger view.

Me at Tor.com!

2009-04-03T14:25:00.001-05:00

Irene Gallo, did a nice post about my work at Tor.com, in her Hugo Nominee spotlight section...

Go have alook! You've seen the work before but it's nice to see it again, and besides it's a fun site:

http://www.tor.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=blog&id=19301

STARCRASH!!!

2009-04-01T21:21:00.002-05:00

It's April Fool's Day, so, I had to mention one of my favorite "best worst films ever made" and that is "Starcrash: The Adventures of Stella Star" from 1978. My good friend Susan sat with us and watched this film on Sunday, but, Susan is far and away more eloquent than I so I will send you to her blog where she presents a hysterical and really well done review-with pictures-of this moment in cinematic mystery:

http://www.rixosous.com/2009/03/starcrash.html

More Lunacon Pix...

2009-03-26T14:58:00.004-05:00

"Across Mars" won a judge's award-the painting is also for sale so please inquire if interested! It's one of my popular long landscape paintings done on a long thin canvas.

Lunacon Author GoH Dave Freer and me with the painting I did for his upcoming book DRAGON'S RING(I'll do a step by step demo on this soon!) He was so happy with this piece he gave it his "Author Guest" ribbon you see there. And not because it was his cover!

The finished drawing-see previous post-that was done in a couple of hours. Again, it's for sale so please inquire if interested!! UPDATE-this drawing sold to a collector in France! Sorry!

Lunacon Drawing Panel...

2009-03-26T11:00:00.003-05:00

(Top photo courtesy Dan Buckley) L-R: Me, Larry Dixon, Donato and Tom Kidd

(This photo courtesy Donato) Me working on a drawing.

This is becoming a fun tradition. Donato Giancola always does informative demos at conventions and, I've done them as well. So for Lunacon, we always have "Evolution of a Drawing" which the audience watches us artists draw and show how the basis of an idea comes together. Questions and general banter are encouraged by the audience and between the artists. It always works out fun and informative for both audience and us. And it does take alot out of us after a two hour session. Donato does a good job of hosting it and explaining basically what's going on.

Been awhile!

2009-03-25T16:53:00.003-05:00

Too long since I should have posted anything!

Oh well, that's life. Lunacon, this past weekend was great. A good time with good friends more than anything. Lots of fun was had talking to some of the other artists I usually do not get time to speak much to! I did a drawing session with Donato Giancola, Larry Dixon and Tom Kidd and drawing, and talking is always fun to do. The hotel is also great-we call it "The Escher Hilton" because of it's various back hallways, secret exits and how the 8th floor is on the same level as the 4th floor and connected with the mysterious "Interdimensional Corridor".

Other news-I'm busy as ever on work. I will post a new "in progress" series coming up. I am also working on a Stephen King project, and, I got something into the 16th volume of SPECTRUM which, considering I have been in each volume but two, since 1993, it's quite a feat.

Oh, and I am nominated for a Hugo Award for Best Professional Artist, a bit of good news in a winter that having seen the deaths of friends, and my mother, bodes for a better Spring. We can hope. Thanks for hanging in there with me.

Man Mountain Bob

2009-03-11T15:10:00.002-05:00

I am so busy it's kind of scary in a good way. I have several private commissions, six bookcovers, and two book projects and a gallery show all working me well into this year. It's a good place to be in despite it is a matter of just getting the "ducks in a row" as it were. To artists, my advice is, diversify and do lots of different things. I learned this also from my friend John Davis, and his various scripts, ideas and so on-have lots of irons in the fire. The people who have suffered badly in this Recession are, the people who relied on one and only one specialty thing. I worked my last "9 to 5 job" in 1983 and have been so busy since, I haven't looked back.

Hence it's why no time to do some small works of late. As I get beyond the shock of Mum's passing, I'm emerging into a better outlook and a positive view. I know she's up there looking in on me, I have no question of this.

SO I have to climb the mountain but I think the view from there, will be spectacular.

A Big YES For Common Sense...and Science

2009-03-09T15:39:00.002-05:00

I usually don't get political but here goes. I love President Obama. He's everything I'd hoped for-he's not perfect, and he's not a messiah.... but the man is a thinker. And in polls, it appears I'm in the majority.

Today he reversed the backward Bush policies about Stem Cell Research, and has re-iterated his push to get SCIENCE back taught in schools and on the front burner. The unfortunate problem with the past 8 years has been the fact that ideology has replaced common sense. People who wave the Bible and twist words around to being some kind of "sacred word of God" decided that ideology should be national policy. Ditto war because they read some old words and twisted them into some kind of "prophecy". These are morons who believe the earth is flat, and that the earth is only about 4 to 6000 years old. Sad that people live like that, they must like simple ideas in their minds.. I got accosted in Borders books by some idiot wanting me to "come and read the Bible" with him. Got news for him, I've done that. It's a nice mythology, oral history if you will, but it's not about God(if that's what you believe in). These are backward people, and backward people are what will doom the future, they listen to Rush Limbaugh-who they don't realize is merely an entertainer with no interest, other than funding his own drug habits with his bloviating on radio "Dear! It's Rush Limbaugh on the radio! HE can tell us what to do!". These are people who need to be told what to do. They they'd rather be sheep, than people who blaze their own trails. Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin and Mark Twain(my hero) all had quotes for the dangers of mixing ideology, with politics.

So, bravo for science, and for President Obama. And a good day for Common Sense. We've taken a great step forward for Mankind. God would be proud.

Still here...but busy...

2009-03-03T16:46:00.002-05:00

I'm still here, I'll have more things kicking in soon blog wise. It's been a winter of Hell emotionally, so that's really slowed me down. But I may be very sporadic in the coming weeks, but I'll be back to things after that.

My Sea Monster In The Top 10!

2009-02-25T19:04:00.002-05:00

Discovery Channel used(they asked nicely) my Chinese River -Chein Tang Sea Monster I did in 1997 for THE BOOK OF SEA MONSTERS(that book is the gift that keeps on giving!) in their "Top 10 Sea Monsters" list! Pretty cool! I even got a credit, and this works well for publicity.

http://animal.discovery.com/fantasy-creatures/sea-monsters/top-10/chien-tang.html

Phillip Jose Farmer RIP

2009-02-25T16:22:00.004-05:00

Phillip Jose Farmer passed away today. I had a special connection to him...I did the covers to his last two books-reissues though they were-for Subterranean Press. With the above cover things got very personal and special because I talked with Phil's wife Bette as they wanted to own the painting. Apparently, in Phil's aging condition(he died at 91) the above painting inspired responses from him. He was not in any way ill, simply, very elderly, and "quiet". But then who wouldn't be after a life such as his length. One thing led to another and, the painting was bought as a gift for them from someone. And sent to them for a Christmas '07 surprise, and surprised they were! Phil later went on to refer to me as his "favorite artist" in his last press interview. That's pretty cool I think!! I take great satisfaction in the connection I have with this gifted writer of many genres and many ideas. He was a great writer, not simply a science fiction or fantasy one though he well covered that genre with timeless work. What struck me was his work never seemed dated, but it had a ageless/dateless quality about it. Enjoyable then, as it is now.

A Day In The Life...

2009-02-23T23:58:00.005-05:00

I'm listening to The Beatles' "A Day in The Life" which was written by John Lennon and inspired on his experience of watching his mother die as a car hit her in the street. A sudden, out-of-the-blue happening. Strangely familiar now. But enough being depressing.

I'm pretty flattened out emotionally, but getting back "on" as it were. Just a short bit here about the new PJF collection for which I did the cover art to. Here's the finished cover as it will appear, once again need I say what a genius Gail Cross, the designer, is? There is also a great interview with the book's editor Christopher Paul Carey, and he talks abit about the art which is always nice kudos... http://www.philipjosefarmer.tk/

Keep hanging in there, I'll keep blogging and painting and getting on with this thing called life...

Seagull for Mom...

2009-02-20T18:23:00.003-05:00

You have to see this. For my Mom's memorial John Davis and his wife Kim came up from Dallas which to me, meant more than I can ever say. My Mom had this thing with Seagulls. Whenever I did a seascape painting, she always said "I think it needs a seagull or so". They always landed in her backyard, and we saw them as motifs in her home and, pulling into the Funeral Home parking lot 3 weeks ago, a flock of seagulls(not the group from the 80's) took to the sky. As we're led to the showroom to pick out an urn for her ashes, the one that lept out at both my wife and myself was one with seagulls on it. It was the nicest one. And, the song I picked for her Memorial-one of two-was by Neil Diamond....from Jonathan Livingston Seagull just by happenstance. I saw this as messages from the Great Beyond. John also framed a nice print of this for me. He's a friend that I've officially known for 9 years, and he's now a brother.

Anyway, here's John's blog. This guy's pix are among the best I have seen of the deeps of space.

http://downthewormhole.blogspot.com/2009/02/seagull-for-pauline.html

A Few Paintings...

2009-02-20T12:47:00.004-05:00

Dragon Head(8x10 inches. Oils. SOLD)

Martian Walk(8x10 inches, oils SOLD!)

Martian SHadows(8x10 oils, SOLD!)

Well, I am painting again, after the last few weeks. To get back in I did some small works. Below are two I painted and sold immediately last week, and the top dragon is a little demo I did at Boskone. Creative energy needs to be re-booted and this is the best way to do that.

Re-emerging...

2009-02-18T17:58:00.003-05:00

Boskone was alot of fun and a welcome break from the Hell of the previous weeks. It is hard to believe how much time has already gone by-almost three weeks-since Mom passed away. I'm really still stunned with it all, I have to confess. Only now am I getting a grip on the full situation. She is not on vacation. She is not coming back home.

All this said, some creativity is coming back to me. It's taking it's time. It's less to do with grieving as it is, the shock of seeing someone you have known since you can remember, fade away in front of you. I have no brothers or sisters, only my wife, some relatives in the UK, and, some disperate and disenfranchised ones on this side of the pond. It makes me feel a tad "alone" in the world, despite that really being an illogical feeling. I have good friends and a wonderful wife and her family. Boskone was wonderful. I made some sales and won "Best Artist" which was something welcome and made me feel less a dinosaur in this field as I have been feeling.

Slowly but surely I re-emerge. Expect something visual in the next day. I did do a nice small dragon painting that'll be up in the next day or so.

Recovering...

2009-02-10T08:31:00.002-05:00

It has been a stressing ten days. But, as The Beatles once sang "I've got to believe it's getting better" and I think it is. I slept for an incredible 10 hours straight last night. I had been demolished and shattered emotionally.

I'll be at Boskone this weekend for sure. We need it. More creative work to resume after that.

A Happy Day

2009-02-03T09:41:00.003-05:00

This is a picture of my Mother with me. On my wedding day in 1998(my beard is alot more grey now!). What happy day and perfect picture this is. I smile when I see it more than anything now. What a nice feeling I will carry with me always.

Thank you to all the good thoughts and kind words. It's a weird week. We're having a memorial for her on Saturday at 3pm at the Quinn Funeral Home, in Warwick, RI on Warwick Ave(of course). Feel free to stop in.

Pauline Eggleton 1928-2009

2009-01-31T07:16:00.004-05:00

This is somber. My mother passed away yesterday, VERY suddenly. She was seemingly fine and the picture of health, and then became severely dizzy and had a massive stroke which basically shut her down bodily. The prognosis was grim and as such, she passed away at 7:45PM.

I'm really stunned and overwhelmed. I did not see this coming. That's the worst part of it. SHe had been line dancing, exercising and socializing this week. She was the picture of health for someone at her age.

I will be sort of taking a blog break here for at least two weeks. But I won't go away...

My good friend Jim Belfiore took this picture last night. I appropriated it so I am sure he doesn't mind. He thought of my mom looking at it. What's stranger? So did I. It was the first thing I saw in the sky last night. And really, like a gateway or direction. It also means, to me, the light on the Dark Side of The Moon. And what did I wake up to this morning on the radio? Two tunes from Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon. You figure it out.

All good thoughts are appreciated and with my heartfelt thanks,

Bob

Think about it this way....

2009-01-29T21:38:00.002-05:00

I lifted this photo off the net. It's a photo of a super, massive black hole in Centaurus A. A black hole is matter crushed so densely all that is left is gravity. It's not the size of the object which can be as small as a pinhead, it's the density of the matter-and the total sudden failure of the force holding the star's volume intact- which causes the gravitational collapse of a star into a small object that sucks in all matter, and even light into it like a bottomless pit. As matter is sucked in, it becomes so hot, it emits X-Rays and brilliant gases form around the accreation disk all heating up as they spiral into the black hole's gravity well. Where it goes is anyone's guess. My good friend Michio Kaku(yes, we're pals AND he likes Godzilla) could tell you more.

Oddly, replace the terms and you have the basics of this financial crisis ongoing.

But think about this: the sheer power of this galactic eater, if coming into close proximity of earth, would suck in everything you and I know, our world, the air we breath and water we drink and gold we spend...and the atoms in our bodies with the energy being spat out in two X-Ray jets of pure energy across the cosmos.

Now doesn't that put some perspective on things like image, money, wars and financial melt-downs? As my friend John Davis says, "When it all seems nuts, look up to space, it's all there"

I just re-read all that. And to think I only ever got fair grades in astronomy and completely failed algebra. Not bad.

The Year of The Ox

2009-01-27T20:43:00.004-05:00

Happy Chinese New Year! The Year of the Ox. The Ox represents stability and dependability.
Wow, do we need that now. By coincidence, President Obama is born in the Year of The Ox too, 1961. This is the first President I have been older than, by one year. I was born in the Year of the Rat.

For whatever it's worth, we need to think about the positive things. As George Harrison sang all those years ago, "All Things Must Pass" and they do, and we wind up the better for it. A little more downsized, but maybe that's a good thing. I decided to "downsize" myself many years ago. I have a car that gets good mileage and doesn't show the world a facade of "image", and I have a mortgage I can afford(no subprime crap, I saw the evil in that as soon as it started).
In turn, I make affordable art-the small paintings I post here and they give me great joy to make.

I also realized that being content is easier and more attainable than the illusion of being "happy" which is nice, but, transitory. And the other thing, when you expect less..or rather just to be content...you'll never really be disappointed and you'll get joy in the little things.

While I'm at it, I want to thank everyone for the nice comments on the FArmer cover piece. That one came from the heart. It's what happens when you have a publisher like Bill Schafer who'll just say "Hey, give me 'a Bob'" and that is just what I do!

New Cover...

2009-01-25T22:14:00.002-05:00

This is a cover-30x24 inches- for a Phillip Jose Farmer collection called THE OTHER IN THE MIRROR. It'll be a Subterranean Press book in Spring. The story I did here, was for one called JESUS ON MARS in which a Mars recon crew finds a crashed alien ship in the side of a Martian valley. The imagery was astounding and immediately inspiring and I was able to do a landscape painting, and incorporate the scale of a huge spaceship, or part of it. It will be a semi-wraparound cover as well, with the diagonal fin of the ship leading around the back. I really liked the misty and ethereal feel to it...

What a busy week...

2009-01-23T14:15:00.002-05:00

Finished up a cool cover to a collection of Phillip Jose Farmer stories...I'll post it soon...

Very exhausting week, and looking forward to the weekend. A more interesting post soon, I'm just kind of flat out...

O Man!

2009-01-20T08:49:00.001-05:00

1/20/09

A Dragon Drawing...

2009-01-19T19:52:00.002-05:00

Here's a cool pencil sketch I did of a dragon, in preparation for a demo section on my DRAGON'S DOMAIN book that will take people step by step into the process. I liked the idea of a portrait of a dragon, that will be done, eventually on a 15x30 canvas with background elements. Click on it if you want to see some CLOSE UP pencil work!

CHANGE is in the air...I can feel it....it's coming...

More Mars! It's Cold Enough!!!

2009-01-16T13:15:00.003-05:00

Mars Lift Off (oils, 8x10, $SOLD)Martian Mists (oils, 8x10 SOLD)

See, I am still doing small works! In between the larger commissions now. Energy is low and distraction is high. But, here they be. One sold outright as it was sorta promised awhile ago. I'm also doing two covers with Mars as the theme. I start thinking Mars is my planet!

Andrew Wyeth RIP

2009-01-16T10:27:00.002-05:00

Well, here's the third this week...Andrew Wyeth, son of the great N.C. Wyeth and father of one of my faves, Jamie Wyeth, passed away in his sleep last night at 91. We can't say he didn't live a long, good life and leave us with a legacy of amazing work over many many years. I think I'll pull out my Wyeth books and page through them in a bit....

Ricardo Montalban and Patrick McGoohan: RIP

2009-01-14T17:06:00.002-05:00

Well, SF loses more greats. Ricardo Montalban passed away at 88 today in California. He forever immortalized the role of Khan Noonian Singh in STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN and of course, the original episode "Space Seed" from the series. I can say I worked on a film with him: he was a voice of one of the Council of Elder Ants in THE ANT BULLY. And of course, Patrick McGoohan who's known to most SF and genre fans as THE PRISONER the old series from the 60's that was so ahead of it's time.

Both will be missed for their sheer presence on screen.

And another cover....

2009-01-12T21:42:00.003-05:00

Another nicely complete cover. Alice Lewis did a fantastic job on the type on this one. It so harkens back to the late 60's, early 70's it's kind of a nostalgic rush. This one is available via NESFA Press at www.nesfa.org.

New Lumley Book!

2009-01-11T20:12:00.003-05:00

Here's Desert Isle Design's stunning work on a new Brian Lumley cover of mine coming this Spring from Subterreanean Press. Judging on the fact most of the titles of Lumley's he's done have sold out, better grab this one now: http://www.subterraneanpress.com/

The Travel Channel, Recession, etc

2009-01-10T09:05:00.003-05:00

Just some random thoughts. I was watching THE TRAVEL CHANNEL. What's amazing is what a vicarious experience it can be to travel via a TV channel. There are some amazing things to be seen but who wants the experience of lost luggage,cancelled planes, airport security,bad water, worse food, possible terrorists... and costs-especially now?? It's why I'd never want to go on a cruise...I can't stand boats and I'd probably get sick!

I have resigned off of travelling this year. Far anyway, or at least out of the country. I turned down some Artist Guest slots only because I didn't want to travel or organize myself to do so. Locally, for me, there are some fine museums and cities like Boston, and New York which have some amazing things to see.

But watching the Travel Channel, why the need to actually go someplace? I found this a pretty amazing realization just recently. Artists travel in their minds. This is sort of the basis for alot of good sci fi art, and even astrological paintings.

The Dreambeast....

2009-01-08T16:20:00.003-05:00

A painting in oils, for a Mike Resnick collection. In this, the crew of a spaceship is hunting the mythical "Dreambeast", a monster that lives near a black hole in space. Mike was fairly vague on his description. He said it was "roughly round with a reddish tint". Okay so I ran with this and wanted to imply a cross between a tadpole and a dragon. Lots of fun to paint and it came together in short order, which made the publisher happy!!!

BUSY 2009

2009-01-05T21:35:00.002-05:00

It's been busy. I found myself in a log jam of having to do two covers by the middle of the month. One is coming nicely, and the next one has been concepted and looks to be fun. The holidays got me a little "behind" in work. They always do. I mean, who feels like working on them or near them. Lots of socializing and fun over those two weeks, and a few day trips.

So, I'll post more soon but I may be busy. And I am always on Facebook, so if you have an account there, say hi!! It's total madness but, I'm getting the hang of it!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!!!! FLY HIGH!!

2009-01-01T00:25:00.005-05:00

This is a picture from Japan, it's called the Zeppelin NT. On New Years in Japan there is apparently a singing contest aboard the gondola and they sing out the old year and in the new one. Sounds pretty cool to me. This photo was taken by my good friends Ikkie and Shoji Hasegawa from their home in Tokyo.

It reminds me to reach for great heights in this new year. It reminds me we are all on one planet-no "us" and "them", it's "WE". Change is in the air. We have a new, energetic President-Barack Obama-and, this is something to look forward to. 2008 was a terrible year, for almost everyone on the planet. We bid goodbye to it, and let it go. We may have felt the pinch in different ways but we all felt it. Personally, we gave happily to some charities because I believe in Karma and what goes around, comes around. I feel some optimism, we need it. So here's to this New Year. May it be a better year for everyone on Planet Earth.

And I promise more small works here, this year was a busy year for me!

Oh, quick note-I'm now on Facebook, if you know the link, I'm easy to find!! Yet something else to keep up on. Ah the internet is so much fun!

A New Star In The Sky: Edd Cartier 1914-2008

2008-12-26T20:17:00.004-05:00

Classic SF artist Edd Cartier passed away Christmas Day. He was 94, which is a pretty good age.

Edd was one of the classic SF artists of the Golden Age known for hiswhimsical work on John W. Campbell's UNKNOWN and ASTOUNDING SCIENCE FICTION and 800 illustrations for THE SHADOW MAGAZINE. He also drew stories forStreet & Smith's RED DRAGON and SUPER-MAGICIAN COMICS.He did alot of work with ASTOUNDING editor John W. Campbell and writer L. Ron Hubbard, Cartier also illustrated the beloved Hoka tales by Poul Anderson and Gordon R. Dickson, and stories by John D. MacDonald, Isaac Asimov, Henry Kuttner, L. Sprague de Camp, Clifford D. Simak, Walter B. Gibson, Lester Dent and many others.

He and Kelly Freas pretty much defined SF illustration of the 1950's. The only difference was Cartier more or less left the business by the 1970's and moved into fine art and other aspects of commercial work. I always liked his stuff as I did much of the classic work which gets so forgotten these days it seems. I had the pleasure of being a fellow judge with Edd on the Illustrators of The Future contest and I managed to meet him once.

Another star leaves us to shine in the Holiday skies.

Merry Christmas 1968, 2008: Good Luck & Godspeed!!!

2008-12-24T17:36:00.005-05:00

It was 40 years ago, today, that Apollo 8 orbited the moon and, for the first time, humans looked back at earth, rising over the horizon of the moon. I remember it very well, like it happened yesterday as I watched as a special news show, on a black and white TV set. I was living in Lancaster, PA at the time, and it's what I remembered most about Christmas 1968. Like 2008, 1968 was basically, a Year in Hell. An unwanted, costly war, economic and social troubles and political turmoil. In 1968, Star Trek was in it's 3rd season, 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY and PLANET OF THE APES were new movies. All this geared me up to be an artist who painted imaginative things, whether I knew it or not at the time.

It amazes me where the time went to and makes me realize that the time, is now to live and enjoy. We head into a new year, and I hope a better year in terms of politics and economies. In the meantime, Merry Christmas 2008. Apollo 8(all the missions, in fact) showed what Man can he truly achieves great things, despite all the adversity present.

I wonder where we'll be in another 40 years??