The Emerald Empress - The Fatal Five

We are sticking with the Legion of Super-Heroes theme. Today we have the villainess Emerald Empress of the Fatal Five with the Emerald Eye of Ekron. The Empress and the Fatal Five were created by Jim Shooter and Curt Swan. This image was done in ink on 11" x 17" Strathmore Bristol Board.

And then colored in Photoshop. This is a rather quick color job. After I resized the file for the web I started playing with the color. Which just means if I ever wanted to print this out I would have to start over with a higher resolution. But for now this will do.

A few of other things I need to mention today. All having to do with original art and availability.

Tom Fleming, my good friend and owner of Fanfare Sports & Entertainment, Inc, is hosting my pin-up art and sequential art. Tom has had my sequential art on his site for years but has since offered to help me with my pin-up art. I haven't had the time to put together a shop on-line and this is a big help. If not for him all the art I am doing would sit in draws until a convention. So if you are interested in something from me, please check out Tom's site. He is also the representative for a lot of other artists so you might want to check out all he has on the site. Thanks for your help Tom! First round of Mojitos are on me when the Flemings come down for vacation!

I got an email from someone interested in a piece I posted here. Unfortunately that piece was a commission but it did make me think that I have never addressed the availability of the art I post here. So, if you see something on this blog that you are interested in, send me an email. I do try to say whether it is a commission or commercial piece so if there is any question just contact me. Because I do this blog 7 days a week, there is a lot of pieces in the files looking for a home. :)

I have finished inking the pages of Cavewoman that creator Budd Root had entrusted to me. I think they came out pretty slick. I will let you know when they can be shared and when the book comes out. Thanks Budd, that was fun. Let's do it again sometime!

And lastly, I had thought to do a Conventionless Convention Sketch deal again, but I think I will just say that the commission list is open. :)

This is Post #710

Sun Boy - Legion of Super-Heroes

More fun with the Legion. Today I did this quick inked sketch of Sun Boy. After Vincent mentioned Sun Boy in the comments section the other day, I realized I haven't drawn him in a long time. Now this certainly isn't a completely polished piece but it was quick and fun. I will probably redo this into a sharper inked pin-up.

The original is ink on 11" x 17" Strathmore Bristol Board and colored in Photoshop.

This is Post #709

Shrinking Violet - Legion of Super-Heroes - Finish

I finished inking this yesterday but didn't finish the color work. I wanted to post the ink and color together so that had to wait until this morning to finish.

Below is the inked version that was done on 11" x 17" Strathmore bristol board.

And then we have the color version that was done in Photoshop. Overall I'm pretty pleased with it. Thanks to the Legion fans who answered the favorite Legionnaire question I posed yesterday. I will be adding my comments today. So jump back in time if you want to read them.

I have four inked pieces on eBay that end today. If you are interested, check them out here.

Have a good Monday everyone!

This is Post #708

Shrinking Violet - Legion of Super-Heroes

I have really got the Legion bug bad lately. I did this pencil sketch of Shrinking Violet (that would be Colossal Boy's hand) and thought I would ink and share it later. Instead I opted to share the pencils and if I ink it later I will post that as well. Or maybe I will paint this one. Can't decide.

Again I am dipping into the Cockrum designed costumes for this one. Still some of my favorite costumes for the Legion. Let's try something, if you post a comment and are a Legion fan, mention your favorite Legionnaire and why. My favorite changed from time to time, but I really liked Ultra Boy. When Jim Starlin did a run on the Legion, he did a story of Ultra Boy accused of murder. In it, Ultra Boy is fleeing from Superboy and Mon-El and he thinks to himself how intimidating it can be around those two. He has almost the same level of power, but can only use them one at a time and because of that he has to be smart. That shed a whole new light on him for me.

This is Post #707

Saturn Girl part 2- Legion of Super-Heroes

Second post for the day. Just couldn't leave her with out color. Here is the finished digital color version.

This is Post #706

Saturn Girl - Legion of Super-Heroes

Once again we visit the Legion Headquarters for some Saturn Girl goodness. I always thought her costume should look like shiny pink latex instead of a flat color. I think I will color this one digitally and try to get that look.

For those interested, I have four auctions running on eBay. All are inked pieces and three of them have Copic gray tones. They are a Golden Age Green Lantern, John Stewart Green Lantern, and two different Batgirl images. You can find them here.

This is Post #705

Mirage & Brightwind

For this Friday morning we have New Mutant, Danielle Moonstar (Mirage) as a Valkyrie on her winged horse Brightwind. I remember this New Mutants/X-Men story line and it was one of my favorites at the time. It was fun to revisit it.

This is the second commission for Bill, (Pixie from yesterday being the other one) and both are gifts. Bill gave me the a-ok to share this with everyone today. I hope the gifts go over well, Bill. Thanks again!

Have a good weekend everyone!

This is Post #704

Pixie!

I was given the okay to post this one. This is Pixie, from the X-Men books and she was commissioned by Bill. This is ink on 11" x 17" Strathmore bristol board. Thanks again Bill!

I have two auctions that end later this afternoon. They are the Black Widow and the Dawnstar paintings I posted a couple of days ago. You can find the auctions here.

Also, after today, my commission list for inked pin-ups is clear and open. I have three paintings I will be doing so I will not be taking any painted pieces until those are done. But if anyone is interested in an inked commission, shoot me an email at gene_gonzales(at)mac(dot)com.

This is Post #703

Batgirrrl, Batgirl! Batgirrrl, Batgirl!

Just a youthful Batgirl for you today. When I started posting this image, I wanted to find the lyrics to the Batgirl theme song from the Batman TV show. And here they are:

Batgirrrl, Batgirl! Batgirrrl, Batgirl!
Where do you come from, where do you go?
What is your scene, baby, we just gotta know.
Batgirrrl, Batgirl! Batgirrrl, Batgirl!
Are you a chick who fell in from outer space?
Or are you real with a tender warm embrace?
Yaaa, whose baby are you? Batgirrrl, Batgirl!
Yaaa, whose baby are you? Batgirl!

They just don't write theme songs like that anymore. :) If you would like to hear it, check it out here.

This piece is ink on 11" x 17" Strathmore Bristol Board.

This is Post #702

Light Lass - Legion of Super-Heroes

I'm still on a Legion kick, folks. Today we have Light Lass, twin sister of Lightning Lad and kid sister to the villainous Lightning Lord. Light Lass' power was being able to negate gravity. At one time her power matched her brothers but were changed by Dream Girl, using science from her home world. Light Lass was romantically linked to Timber Wolf for most runs of the Legion. Later she would be linked with Shrinking Violet.

For this little scene I have The Persuader losing his footing against Light Lass. Soon he will be on his way to Takron-Galtos, the prison planet. If you knew nothing about Light Lass and the Legion before this post, you know a lot now. :)

This one is being colored digitally. The original is ink on 11" x 17" Strathmore Bristol Board.

This is Post #701

Dawnstar

I have two commissions that I am working that I cannot show as they are gifts. When they are done and presented to the recipients I will show them. Also, I am designing a tryptic of paintings for Vincent that will be in progress for a while and I won't be able to show them. I am inking some Cavewoman pages and I can't show those. See a trend here?

As I have stated over and over again, I am a huge Legion fan. Though "my" Legion primarily exists back in the Pre-Zero Hour days of DC continuity, I am a fan of what Geoff Johns has done in recent years. I haven't read Legion of 3 Worlds or the new Adventure Comics, so no spoilers in the comments section, please. :)

That love of the Legion is what inspired today's post, Legionnaire Dawnstar. She was done in watercolor and some color pencils on 11" x 16" Winsor & Newton 200lb watercolor board. She will probably end up on eBay tonight with the Black Widow painting from yesterday.

Update: For those that might be interested, both the Black Widow and Dawnstar paintings are on eBay. Check it out here.

This is Post #700.

Black Widow

This was done for fun today. I felt like working in watercolors so I pulled out a sheet of Windsor & Newton 200lb watercolor board and went with it. The size is 11" x 16".

I really wanted to play with shapes and not be concerned with details. But best example is the hair which is just a mass of color without the rendering of strands or light and darks. Fun to play. And even more fun to put it on eBay. Which I plan to do either tonight or tomorrow. :)

Also, I just wanted to post a great big "Happy Birthday!" to my wonderful and beautiful wife, Deena! :)

This is Post #699

DOOM!

Today we have another commission from Charlie. Doom is one of those characters that you either get it right or you don't. There seems to be no middle ground. I find his outfit difficult to draw and still maintain the tough villain look. It's the skirt. :)

I think I managed to pull it off this time. The look, not the skirt. And I'm pleased with it. And so is Charlie, and that's what matters most. Thanks again Charlie! :)

Doom was done in ink on 11" x 17" Strathmore Bristol Board.

This is Post #698

"HULK SMASH PUNY BACKGROUND GRAPHIC!"

He just wouldn't stand in front of it. Sigh. ;)

This was commissioned by Charlie. It is mixed media on Canson Mi-Teintes paper. Thanks Charlie!

Enjoy the weekend everyone!

This is post #697

Commercial Work & News Bits

The other day I realized it has been quite a while since I posted some of the commercial work that I do. It's been a lot of pin-ups and comic work. Well, I'm in a situation where I can't show anything like that today. I do have a few commissions in progress: The Hulk on Canson Paper, A series of Harley sketches for a series of paintings, Dr. Doom inked piece, a Golden Age Sandman inked piece and two others that are gifts and can't be shared until after they are presented, but I can't show any of those.

Also, I spent the better part of the day inking CAVEWOMAN over Budd Root's pencils. Yup, that's right, I am inking some CAVEWOMAN goodness. :) Pretty cool, huh? And I can't show that either.

So what can I show you? How about some commercial work?

I have been doing a wide variety of work for this client for years. He owns and/or operates several business and I have been doing his graphics and artwork for years. I might be doing all of it for all I know. One business he manages is a resort and club that is expanding. I was hired to produce this map based on the site plans that were drawn up. This will be used in the sales office and for ads. Copy will be added to it for each usage. The map was done in Adobe Illustrator and then taken into Adobe Photoshop for background color and photo placement and effects.

This is a good example of why I love what I do for a living: Always something different, always new challenges, always learning new skills or applying old skills in a new way.

Back with some sexy stuff tomorrow. Maybe. :)

This is post #696

The Rough (and tumble) Hulk!

Just a few sketches of the Hulk today. Working on something featuring the green goliath. :) And yes, this is the only post for today. Don't want to spoil anyone. ;)

Pittsburgh Comicon - Post Show #3

These are the last four from the Pittsburgh ComiCon.

First up for Matt, Supergirl in her white t-shirt, hairband costume that was based on the animated version.

Wonder Woman was done for Steve.

Jeff requested a Superwoman from the Crime Syndicate. Don't feel to sorry for young Jimmy Olsen though, I think he is quite happy.

And finally for Lou, we have Courtney Whitmore, aka Star Girl.
There are still more sketches out there from the show that I didn't take pictures of. Maybe we can track some of them down and share them here. Here is a partial list if it helps:

-Guy Gardner for Jeff. This is the same Jeff who got the Superwoman piece.

-Death, from Vertigo, was done for Chris.

-Shadow Lass for Tony. Being a Legion fan, I kick myself for forgetting to shoot this one.

-Persuader for Adam of the Legion of Dudes podcast. Again, Legion fan. Yeesh!

-Hawkgirl for Mike.

-Gwen Stacy for Doug.

It's not much to go on, and I don't get last names most of the time. And for those that I did, I wouldn't post them. But if anyone sees these pieces by me on some forum, let me know and we will try to get them here too.

Thanks again to everyone who dropped by my table to chat, have a few laughs and keep me company. And thanks to everyone who purchased sketches, artwork from my portfolio, prints and my sketchbook. All of you made the weekend great!

Pittsburgh Comicon - Post Show #2

More sketches of your lunch time viewing...

For Matthew, a Power Girl pin up.

For Paul Monsky, writer/publisher Palisades Press and good girl comic VaVaVaVoom, we have Alina.

And for Jordan, (nephew of our own "Batmite", Brian Jones), a mischievous Harley Quinn.

Check back for your dinner helping of the last four sketches from Pittsburgh ComiCon!

Pittsburgh Comicon - Post Show #1

As some of you may know, I spent the last 5 days in Pittsburgh, PA. Three of those days were spent at the Pittsburgh ComiCon, one of my favorite shows to attend. I missed last year because of my workload but was determined to make it this year. And I'm glad I did.

The new venue is terrific and Reneé, Patrick and the crew have made the transition of moving into a new place as seamless as possible. The staff they have are great, attentive and polite. And everything seems to go as smooth as can be. There may be hiccups, but as guest and attendees, we never see it, and that's what is important. So thanks to Reneé, Patrick and all the kind folks at the Pittsburgh ComiCon for making such a great show. I am already looking forward to April when the show moves back to its regular dates!

For me the show is mostly about meeting people. Some may say the sketches are my main thing but really it's the people. I do shows where I only do a couple of sketches and I still have a great time meeting people. One of the highlights of the weekend was seeing old friends, meeting new friends and seeing friends from this blog for the first time or seeing them again, for the first time. :) I have a terrible memory when it comes to remembering names. Faces and the sketches I did for them over the years is easier for me. Maybe because I am a visual person. Either way, from this here blog, it was great to see Gary, Carlos, Brian, Chris, Shane and others I know I am forgetting in my tired state, sorry. There were quite a few people who came up and said they enjoy the blog but don't post because they don't want to sound stupid. (Their word, not mine) I have assured them that they will not sound stupid and the group here is an incredibly friendly one and no one will make them feel bad for asking a question or posting a comment. I'm sure everyone here will agree with that.

Okay, let's get to the artwork. That's why we are here, right? :) I am posting these in batches during the course of the day because Blogger only allows 5 images at a time. So there will be two more posts today to cover the 11 sketches I will share. I did a lot more, but I forgot to snap pictures. Also, I won't be nearly as wordy with the other post today, so don't worry. :)

First up, a Dejah Thoris for Andrew. This is the second sketch I did for Andrew. He also picked up one of my (and Deena's) favorite pieces, the island girl art with the tikis on each side. Thanks Andrew! I enjoyed our conversations as well.

Next is Countessa for Shane. Shane has more than a few of my sketches in his book. It was a shame he was only at the show for the day and was pretty rushed. As always it was good to see you Shane. And thanks!

This Conan was the first sketch that Andrew got from me. I was having a mental block at the show when it came time to do this piece. Just wasn't happening. It wasn't until I was relaxing in my room did it just flow. Thanks again Andrew!

One of the most unique requests I have ever received is next. Tim said he had this in is head for a while. And never approached an artist to do it until now. I know I had a big grin on my face when he explained it. I told him it was going to be a humorous piece, just because of the two different cup sizes these two wear, and he said I could run with it. So for the first time, as far as I know, I present the Composite Power Girl-Batgirl. If you don't know the history, this is a take on the Composite Superman, a villain who was a mix of Superman and Batman but also had all the powers of the Legion of Super-Heroes. Yup, that's right, look it up. :) Thanks Tim!

More later today folks...

Pittsburgh Comicon Sketch #5 & #6 - Psycho Pirate & Obsidian

These are the other two sketches commissioned by Leroy. Thanks again, Leroy!

These are ink on 11" x 17" Strathmore Bristol Board.

Pittsburgh Comicon Sketch #4 - Captain Cold

This was from the advance sketch list and was commissioned by Leroy. He commissioned three pieces but ended up having to cancel coming to the show. But he will get all three thanks to the U.S. Postal Service. Thanks Leroy!

This is ink on 11" x 17" Strathmore Bristol Board.

Pittsburgh Comicon Sketch #3 - Kitty & Lockheed

This is a companion piece that was commissioned in advance of the show by Carlos. He wanted this to match Majik piece I did for him a while back. Thanks Carlos!

This is ink, color pencil and acrylic on 11" x 17" Canson Mi-Teintes paper.

Pittsburgh Comicon Sketch #2 - Pepper

I learn something new everyday. And thanks to Gary I learned there was a "Pete Best" of the Josie and the Pussycats. Seems that Pepper was part of the Josie cast before Josie became a rock star. But when the band was formed, in came Valerie and out went Pepper. But if things had been different... it might look like today's post. Pepper was commissioned by Gary. Thanks again Gary!

This is ink on 11" x 17" Strathmore Bristol Board.

Pre-Pittsburgh Comicon Sketch #1 - Melody

Melody, famed drummer from Josie and the Pussycats is our first official sketch for the Pittsburgh ComiCon. She was requested by Gary, a die hard fan of Archie Comics all girl band. Gary jumped on the list for a sketch when I posted I was taking advance requests. Thanks Gary!

This is ink on 11" x 17" Strathmore Bristol Board.

Death Becomes Her - Finish

I finished this up last night. I'm pretty happy with it. This was done in ink and acrylics on 11" x 16" Windsor Newton 200# watercolor paper.

I have more design work that needs to be done today, yard work, pool cleaning, laundry, Back to School night, and figuring out how to pack less than 50lbs of art and supplies for the convention. Whew!

Lady Death Becomes Her

This is the line art for a piece I am painting right now. It is a pin-up I have owed somebody for a while. I would have done it and brought it to last years convention but I had to cancel. Yes, I could have done it anytime and mailed it I suppose, but that would make too much sense. Because of the long wait that was endured, I have added a whole lot more to the piece. Hopefully he will think it was worth it.

Pittsburgh ComiCon starts Friday and I have finished all of the advance sketches that I can do at home. Thanks to everyone who signed up. If you check with me when you get to the show, I will have your artwork waiting for you. If there is anyone who still wants to get on the list, this is the last chance for pieces I am doing at home. I will be able to do a few more before I leave Thursday morning. Just send me an email to let me know.

Just a little Power Girl sketch today

I've been extremely busy all day with family stuff, so this is all I have to show. Though I am drawing right now, I thought I should post something early. This is done in pencil on 11" x 17" Strathmore Bristol Board. I should have a more finished piece tomorrow. :)

PERILS ON PLANET X - Pencils

Though I have been extremely busy today with advance sketches for Pittsburgh, including a very cool Kitty Pryde Canson Cutie for Carlos, I don't want to show those just yet. Sooo...

These are the roughs for page 15 of PERILS ON PLANET X I did today. This I can share. :)

BATWOMAN! Canson Cutie

I didn't know I would be posting this piece today. I thought everyone would be stuck with roughs for another page of POPX. But I sent a note to Brian, who had commissioned this to be picked up in Pittsburgh next week, to let him know it was done. I asked if he wanted to see it now or in person. Tough question it seems, but he was up for seeing it now and said I could post it too. So, thank you Brian for the commission and for allowing me to share it tonight. :)

This was done in ink, color pencil and acrylic paint on 11" x 17" Canson Mi-Teintes paper.

PERILS ON PLANET X - Pencils

The only thing I did today that I can share is this page from POPX #2 that I just finished within the last hour. I thought I would show the progress of the page from the blue line roughs yesterday to the pencils today.

This is as far as I take the pencils when I ink myself. They are not all that tight but I know what I am doing on the page. And if anything is needed, I will figure it out in the inks. :)

I hope everyone enjoys the holiday weekend. Please be safe out there.

PERILS ON PLANET X - Roughs

Today we have one of two new pages for the otherwise finished Perils on Planet X #2. Giving the reader 28 pages of story! These are the roughs for the new page 14 I am working on right now while watching the Tampa Bay Rays play. Earlier today I was working on some design jobs and I finished two advance sketches for Pittsburgh. But I won't be showing those to anyone yet. :)

Side note: While I am home watching the game, my wonderful and beautiful wife is actually at the game at Tropicana Field. The company she works for has two suites right behind home base and a dozen or so people went to the game. Employees only. My view of the game is the TV. Deena's view of the game is below. Taken with her iPhone. I think I need a new career. ;)

CATFIGHT OF THE BANDS!

I have been working on this piece off and on for the last month. This was commissioned by Michael, or as he is known here and on his blog, Swanshadow. Michael had seen a Josie and the Pussycats sketch I had posted and noted that it was along the same lines of an idea he had been kicking around for his Common Elements theme. (Check out his blog for the definition of his very cool Common Elements theme) He and I discussed this idea and I loved it. And we were off.

We have Josie & and the Pussycats vs Catwoman, Black Cat and the golden age Black Cat (collectively I've been calling their band 9Lives) in a battle of the bands. Or a Catfight Of The Bands. That had to be a heck of a show.

This is a big piece, 22" x 17", ink on Strathmore Bristol Board. Thanks again Michael, for a fun and different commission!

Hela and Caiera

A couple of pieces to share today. Both were commissioned by Alex. First up is a Canson Cutie (?) featuring Hela. This is not a character I am familiar with and was almost overwhelmed with the detail of her costume. I have to wonder what kind of S&M magazines were laying around the Marvel Bullpen back then. :) Hela was done in ink, color pencil and some acrylic on 11" x 17" Canson Mi-Teintes paper.

Next up is Caiera. Another character I had never seen until I did this commission. I am told she is from the Planet Hulk storyline. Interesting looking character from a series I have heard a lot of good things about. This piece was done in ink on 11" x 17" Strathmore Bristol Board.

Thanks again to Alex for the multitude of commissions he has purchased over the last few months. They have been a lot of fun! :)