Abe Sapien, Black Widow & Firestorm - Conventionless Convention Sketches #12, 13, & 14

Abe Sapien © Mike Mignola

Triple header today folks as I work down to the final three. Today we have Abe Sapien, requested by Louie.

Black Widow © Marvel Entertainment

Second up is the classic Black Widow as requested by Andrew.

Firestorm © DC Comics

And last but not least, the original Firestorm as requested by Philip.

Thanks to all three for their commission requests! All were so different and all were a lot of fun!

All three pieces were done in ink on 11" x 17" sheets of bristol board.

This is Post #1306

Digital Sketchbook Friday - CCS Rough

Black Widow © Marvel Entertainment

See, I hope I haven't spoiled anyone with the bonus posts and the two character posts I have done lately. Today got away from me. Hard to do since I started at 6am. It's been a full day of work but I thought I would be able to finish this piece tonight. Other work has to take it's place. It's a shame because it's almost done. Sigh.

So instead I will share the digital rough I did for the piece. I printed this out and light tabled it on to the final board. Like I said the inks are almost done. I might be able to finish it tonight, but don't want to rush it or work on it too late. Tomorrow you will be able to compare this rough to the final piece.

Okay, I've had dinner and now it's back to work. (And I will still be watching the Rays play while I work)

This digital rough was done in Photoshop CS5

This is Post #1305

Thunder & Kid Quantum - Conventionless Convention Sketches #10 & #11

It's a special double-header post today. Both of these are for John. He asked for two Legionnaires and how could I say "no". ;)

Thunder © DC Comics

First up is Thunder. A legionnaire with the power of Shazam. With an alter ego name of CeCe Beck, you just gotta love her. :)

Kid Quantum © DC Comics

Next is Kid Quantum. The Legionnaire with the ability to create stasis fields. She was the leader for a time as well.

Thanks again to John for both commissions.

Both pieces are done in ink on 11" x 17" sheets of bristol board.

And hang on folks. This round of Conventionless Convention Sketches will be going into extra innings! Six more on the way!

This is Post #1304

Dakota North - Bonus Post

Dakota North © Marvel Entertainment

Just for fun, here is a 15 minute coloring job on today's post. :)

See what happens when I post too early in the morning.

This is Post #1303

Dakota North - Conventionless Convention Sketch #9

Dakota North © Marvel Entertainment

This is the last of James' request. And this is the one that really made it for me personally. I remember buying the first Dakota North mini-series from Marvel Comics when it came out in 1986. I loved the concept, I loved Tony Salmons art (still do), and I loved the title character's name. So that answers the very vague clues I gave for this one: 1986 was the year Dakota North debuted. I thought the name was cool. Nine years later in 1995, when our daughter is born, we name her Dakota. :)

Thanks again for the commissions James. All were a lot of fun.

This was done in ink on an 11" x 17" sheet of bristol board.

UPDATE: Artist extraordinaire Michael Dooney asked a couple of questions in the comment section which I answered with long winded ramblings. But I also said I would post the digital rough I did for this piece. Different colors and tones made up each layer in Photoshop. There were a total of 8 layers to make the final rough that I used for the final art. And there were still changes when I tightened up the transfer. This isn't any different than what I have posted here in the past, but it's still fun to share. Hope you enjoy.

 

This is Post #1302

Daphne! - Conventionless Convention Sketch #8

Daphne © Hanna-Barbera

Just when you thought James had a thing for just the X-(Wo)Men, his requests take a 180 into the cartoon world of Scooby Doo! This is the first time I have drawn Daphne. I have drawn Velma a few times but never Daphne. So this was a real treat. Of course this is my take on Daphne, not really the Hanna-Barbera style. But I think it works. And yes, she is another redhead. ;)

Thanks James for another fun one!

We have one more on his list and there is no way anyone will guess it. But here is a hint: In a way, this character had an impact on me when the character first appeared in 1986. But why? And why did it take nine years for the full impact to be realized? Bwahahahaha!

This was done in ink on an 11" x 17" sheet of bristol board.

This is Post #1301

Marvel Girl - Conventionless Convention Sketch #7

Marvel Girl © Marvel Entertainment

Here is second of four for James, Marvel Girl! Another favorite version of Jean Grey that I like to draw. Once again, thanks to James for this commission!

I am up extra early today because I wanted to finish this piece before I buried myself in some other work. One project has been given final approval and I need to put it to bed. Still more to do on that job but this particular section is done. Then I need to do final revisions to some art for one of the grammar book series I am working on. This will be the second one in two weeks that will be finally finished. Four more to go in this series. And I will be continuing to work on the art for a job for the US Department of Health and Human Services. The first half needs to be done by next week on Tuesday.

Thankfully, I have the Conventionless Convention Sketches for fun! :)

Have a good Monday!

This piece was done in ink on an 11" x 17" sheet of bristol board.

This is Post #1300

Emma Frost - Conventionless Convention Sketch #6

Emma Frost © Marvel Entertainment

This is the first of four for James. He asked for the White Queen in her original outfit and I was happy to oblige. :) Thanks for the commission James. I will have another one here tomorrow for you.

This is ink on an 11" x 17" sheet of bristol board.

This is Post #1299

Karate Kid - Conventionless Convention Sketch #5

Karate Kid © DC Comics

No, it's not Ralph Macchio. And no, it's not Jaden Smith. It's Val Armorr, the original Karate Kid, and Legionnaire. (Though I remember in the credits of the original Karate Kid movie, there was a line about Karate Kid copyright DC Comics. Or something like that.) This piece is the second that was commissioned by Michael. The first being Timber Wolf from yesterday's post. Thanks Michael for both commissions, I always enjoy visiting the Legion. :)

This was done in ink on an 11" x 17" sheet of bristol board.

This is Post #1298

Timber Wolf - Conventionless Convention Sketch #4

Timber Wolf © DC Comics

One of my favorite Legionnaires is the subject of todays piece. Timber Wolf was requested by Michael. He also requested this specific costume from the Keith Giffen run of the Legion of Super-Heroes. As everyone here knows, I enjoy drawing the Legion and this was no exception. Thanks for the commission Michael!

This is done in ink on an 11" x 17" sheet of bristol board.

Have a good weekend everyone!

This is Post #1297

Poison Ivy - Conventionless Convention Sketch #3

Poison Ivy © DC Comics

Today's Conventionless Convention Sketch is for Spazzy!. She asked for a companion piece to a Harley Quinn I did for her last July. You can see it here. Since I started the whole thing with the dolls in the Harley piece, I figured I would carry that theme into this one. Only this time the Joker seems to be on the losing end. :) Thanks again Spazzy! :)

This was done in ink on an 11" x 17" sheet of bristol board.

This is Post #1296

Light Lass - Conventionless Convention Sketch #2

Light Lass © DC Comics

Another one for Royce today. This is Light Lass of the Legion of Super-Heroes in her costume from the Adventure Comics run of the 1960s. Royce knows how to get my attention to do a commission, just request the Legion or Supergirl and I'm ready to draw. And he requested both! Thanks Royce!

Hmmm, I wonder what will be post #1300. That's coming up pretty quick. Especially if I keep up with these double posts.

This was done in ink on an 11" x 17" sheet of bristol board.

This is Post #1295

Supergirl! - CCS #1 Bonus Post

Supergirl © DC Comics

Just for fun I put some flat color to this piece. In case you are unfamiliar with this outfit, now you can see how the color works.

More art later.

This is Post #1294

Supergirl! - Conventionless Convention Sketch #1

Supergirl © DC Comics

Here is the first one out the gate. This Supergirl belongs to Royce. Royce has been commissioning each of the Supergirl costumes from me for a little while now. It won't be long before we hit the "headband" Supergirl. Oy. :)

This costume is from a time when fans were designing costumes for Supergirl and sending them in to DC Comics. Some were used as is and some were combined to create a whole new costume. Some didn't last long. This particular costume was only used three times. If you really want the lowdown on the history of Supergirl's various costumes, check out this write up at the Girl-Wonder site.

Thanks for the commission Royce. I hope this Kara is a welcome addition to the others. :)

And just an FYI, there are still a few spots left on the list. Check out yesterday's post for details.

This Supergirl pin-up was done in ink on an 11" x 17" sheet of bristol board.

This is Post #1293

ImagineFX Magazine - Bonus Post

Waiting for me in the mail stack when I got home from the Pittsburgh Comicon was my subscription copy of ImagineFX Fantasy & SciFi Digital Art Magazine. I completely forgot that they were going to mention this blog in their PLANET OF THE ARTS spread. It was months and many issues ago that I was told it would be included and forgetting about it made it a pleasant surprise. They selected images from the blog and all three are Canson pieces. The one on the right is the back cover for my latest sketchbook.

It's a pricey magazine because it comes from the UK but you can pick it up in most Barnes & Noble Booksellers. It is the May 2011 #69 issue. It should be on the stands in 2 or 3 weeks.

Just wanted to share this with everyone here. There will be an art post later tonight.

This is Post #1292

Conventionless Convention Sketches Are Back! (Again!)

When I did the last two advance sketch lists for MegaCon and Pittsburgh, I got a few letters asking "what about those of us who can't make it to a show you are at?" Not those words exactly, but you get the idea. You don't? Well...

CONVENTIONLESS CONVENTION SKETCHES ARE BACK! (Again!)

CONVENTIONLESS CONVENTION SKETCHES (CCS)! It's just like a regular con sketch that I would do for you at a convention, except no crowds, no convention hall food, no hotel bill, and no travel. And the price is the same as a show sketch. You only have to pay extra for shipping. Still cheaper than going to a show.

CCS DEAL:

$50.00 for a single character, inked on 11" x 17" bristol board. Shipping is $12.00. No matter how many sketches you get! Buy 1: Shipping is $12.00! Buy 12, shipping is $12.00! (Just an FYI, my normal studio price starts at $75.00 plus shipping!). This is US only, sorry. If you are outside the US, contact me for shipping costs.

I am going to take a total of 12 commissions. Assuming I get 12 requests. Any background elements will be at my discretion. All sketches will be done May 2, 2011. Payment is PayPal only. (No e-checks, please).

If you are interested, send me an email to gene_gonzales(at)mac(dot)com with Conventionless Convention Sketch in the subject line and let me know what you would like. That email is also my PayPal account, but check with me before sending money, please. I do reserve the right to turn down requests that I don't feel comfortable drawing. If you have any questions, please email me. 

Thanks!

And below is a little doodle I did. My Lil Heroes original art pieces brought a smile or two from everyone who looked at them in Pittsburgh. After taking the dogs out this morning, I drew this. It's rough but you get the idea. :)

Superman & Krypto © DC Comics

This is Post #1291

Psylocke 2 - Pittsburgh ComiCon Advance Sketch

Psylocke © Marvel Entertainment

Here is another Psylocke, but this time I painted her in fluid acrylics. It was fun that there were two Psylockes on the list, with different costumes and both from time periods before she was turned into an asian assassin. Thanks to Louie for this commission!

There will be more posted tomorrow.

This is Post #1290

One-Eyed Jacquie & Sue Storm - Pittsburgh ComiCon Advance Sketch

Here is a pair commissioned by Matt. These two were a lot of fun because I have never heard of One-Eyed Jacquie and I haven't drawn any of the new costumes of the FF. Both were done in ink on 11" x 17" bristol board. Thanks for the commissions Matt!

One-Eyed Jacquie © Marvel Entertainment

Sue Storm © Marvel Entertainment

This is Post #1289

Power Girl - Pittsburgh ComiCon Advance Sketch

Power Girl © DC Comics

Here is the second to last of the color pieces from the advance sketch list. This Power Girl was done for Todd. It was done in fluid acrylic. Thanks for the commission Todd!

This is Post #1288

The Enchantress - Pittsburgh ComiCon Advance Sketch

The Enchantress © Marvel Entertainment

This Canson Cutie was commissioned by Tim. I always dig drawing this costume so this was a lot of fun. Thanks Tim.

Pittsburgh ComiCon tomorrow! WooHoo! I am flying in tomorrow and I will be a couple of hours late for the start of the show. Though my flight gets in before the start time of 1pm, I will still have to get the rental car and do the long drive from the airport to Monroeville, the actual location of the show. They did not locate that airport anywhere near, well, anything. But it's a pretty drive, no doubt about that.

I have finished my advance sketch list so all the art can be picked up when I get there. Also I will be starting a fresh sketch list at the show.  I will be doing 11" x 17" figures inked and 9" x 12" inked head sketches. No color work at the show, sorry. I will be sitting next to Joe Pekar so if there is a table next to him that is empty, it's probably mine. :)

Please check this blog, my Twitter account and my Posterous site for updates of artwork and other travel/convention related posts.

This is Post #1287

Melody - Pittsburgh ComiCon Advance Sketch

Melody © Archie Comics

This Canson Cutie was requested by Gary. He asked for a companion piece to go with a Josie Canson Cutie he commissioned a while back. This was done in mixed media on an 11" x 17" sheet of canary Canson Mi-Teintes paper.

Thanks again Gary!

This is Post #1286

Batman & Catwoman - Pittsburgh ComiCon Advance Sketch

Batman & Catwoman © DC Comics

Here is the final art for Brian "Batmite" Jones' Canson request. These two should really get a room. :)

Thank you for the commission Brian!

I have one more Canson Cutie and one more inked piece to do before the show, which is coming up really fast! By Thurdays I will have my list cleared and there is still time to get on that list if you are going to be at the Pittsburgh ComiCon. Just send me an email to get started. Details are here.

This piece was done in mixed media on an 11" x 17" sheet of violet Canson Mi-Teintes paper.

This is Post #1285

The Bat & The Cat (rough) - Pittsburgh ComiCon Advance Sketch

Batman & Catwoman © DC Comics

I have had a very full day of work, as well as finishing a Canson Cutie of the Enchantress, a painting of Psylocke and the rough idea for Brian "Batmite" Jone's Canson piece featuring you know who and you know the other who. But I still would have nothing to show here if it wasn't for Brian giving me the okay to share this rough. You will see more of this piece very, very soon. Thanks for the save Brian!

Okay, back to work!

This is Post #1284

Psylocke - Pittsburgh ComiCon Advance Sketch

Psylocke © Marvel Entertainment

This Cason Cutie of Psylocke is for Gary Miller. He wanted the earlier version of Betsy Braddock and I was happy to do it. I cannot recall ever drawing this costume but I have always liked it. Thanks for the commission Gary.

Also, I had found out today is Gary's birthday. Even though this piece was finished yesterday, I thought I would fun to post this today. Happy birthday Gary!

More Canson Cuties to come.

This piece was done in  mixed media on an 11" x 17" sheet of orchid Mi-Tentes Canson Paper.

This is Post #1283

Dani Moonstar - Pittsburgh ComiCon Advance Sketch

Dani Moonstar © Marvel Entertainment

How about another Canson Cutie for a Saturday afternoon?

This one is for Carlos. He requested Dani Moonstar in her valkyrie persona and I was happy to do it. Carlos also gave the go ahead to share early. Thanks for the commission Carlos. Your higher resolution scan has been sent.

This piece was done in mixed media on an 11" x 17" sheet of hemp Mi-Teintes Canson Paper.

This is Post #1282

The Riddler? - Pittsburgh ComiCon Advance Sketch

The Riddler © DC Comics

Here is the first of the Canson Cutie requests for the convention. This was done for Matthew. I am really happy how this came out. Thanks again Matthew!

Canson Cuties will be on my mind for the next few days. I will be finishing two more pieces today. The British version of Psylocke and Dani Moonstar. Both are inked and ready for color. Enchantress will be after that. Okay, back to work!

This piece was done in mixed media on an 11" x 17" sheet of green Mi-Teintes Canson paper.

This is Post #1281

Saturn Girl 2 - Pittsburgh ComiCon Advance Sketch

Saturn Girl © DC Comics

We have Saturn Girl making another appearance on my Pittsburgh ComicCon Advance Sketch List. This one is for Anthony and this time Saturn Girl is in her pink "bikini" outfit from the 1970s. I will not presume to say who designed this costume. Learned my lesson. :) Thanks again Anthony. I hope she is a welcome addition to your collection.

This was done in ink on an 11" x 17" sheet of bristol board.

Now for the update...

Finished:

Riddler (Female version) Canson Cutie

On Deck (in various stages of completion):

Dani Moonstar as a valkyrie - Canson Cutie

Psylocke (British version) - Canson Cutie

Enchantress - Canson Cutie

There are two more Canson Cuties after that and one more painting. Still time to get on the list.

And the beat goes on. Have a good weekend everyone!

This is Post #1280

Sketchbook Thursday - Roughs

Artwork © 2011 Gene Gonzales

I'm just showing a some roughs today. While I have finished a couple of pieces from the list, I haven't heard the "okay" about showing them. Since they are paid for, I feel I should try my best to have the persons that purchase the art, see it first. That is unless you have given me the okay in advance like Brian and Carlos. And you can do that too. If you have paid in advance and would like to see the artwork when it is finished, just let me know.

I won't be showing any art not purchased. I used to just accept payment at the show and that's when you would see your commission. But I did get requests from some folks that wanted to pay in advance with PayPal. But I am still handling the "pay at the show" art the same way as I did before. I will post them here while I am at the convention, after they are picked up.

Okay, I've got to get back to work. I have one more commercial project to finish by tomorrow morning and then I will be committing the weekend to convention pieces. I'm having such a good time with this list. :)

This is Post #1279

Saturn Girl - Pittsburgh ComiCon Advance Sketch

Saturn Girl © DC Comics

This is the second of two pieces for Royce. Not only has Royce started up a Legion theme, he picked the first two female members. Maybe we should call this series "Legion Lovelies" :) This is ink on a sheet of 11" x 17" bristol board. Thanks again Royce!

There is still room on the list for anyone coming to the Pittsburgh ComiCon. Info is here.

Here's an update of what is done:

Sue Storm (Future Foundation black costume) ink

One-Eyed Jacquie (Marvel) ink

Saturn Girl (Silver Age) ink

Phantom Girl (Silver Age) ink

Saturn Girl (1970s pink costume) ink

Power Girl - painting

On deck:

Riddler (female version) Canson Cutie

I will update this each day.

This is Post #1278

Phantom Girl - Pittsburgh ComiCon Advance Sketch

Phantom Girl © DC Comics

I'm doing something a little different this time. I will be sharing the art I am doing in advance of the Pittsburgh ComiCon. Actually, I will only be sharing the prepaid pieces and only with the okay of the person who commissioned it. I have a lot of commercial work right now and any free time is dedicated to the list. So I haven't got much time for anything else that I could post. And I can't share the commercial work yet. So...

This was created for Royce! Royce was going to attend his first Pittsburgh ComiCon but just recently had to cancel. You are going to miss out on a great dinner party Royce. Sorry you can't make it. Royce asked for Phantom Girl and Saturn Girl from the Curt Swan/Adventure Comics era. Well, he had me hooked on the idea when he said "How about some Legionnaires?" So today we have Phantom Girl in her original outfit. I am really happy with her face. For some reason I see a young Barbi Benton in her eyes. Not intentional. And I may be the only one who sees it, but I like it. Thanks Royce!

This was done in ink on a sheet of 11" x 17" bristol board.

This is Post #1277

Sketchbook Monday - Digital Sketching

Artwork © 2011 Gene Gonzales

I have been working on a series of full color spot illustrations today but managed to find some time to do some other work. Mostly work on the Pittsburgh ComiCon Advance Sketch List. Since I am drawing digitally for my commercial work, it's really seamless to just open a new document and start sketching in Photoshop. Working this way allows me to try different ideas rather quickly with erasing and/or wasting paper. I really only need the basic structure of the figure, no costumes or details. Once I have the figure/pose the way I want it, I print it out on a tabloid sheet of copy paper and light table the rough line art onto a sheet of bristol board. I refine and finish the pencils before moving on to inking. Oh, one other important part of the process is the consumption of many cups of french roast coffee. :)

This is Post #1276

Black Cat - Finish

Black Cat © Marvel Entertainment

I got a lot of work done today. Even worked while watching The Rays lose. Oy.

In addition to finishing the Black Cat piece posted above, I also finished pencils on three pieces from my Pittsburgh ComiCon Advance Sketch List. Fun stuff today. If anyone is interested in purchasing this Black Cat piece, just send me an email.

This piece was done in ink, white fluid acrylic paint and Copic markers on an 11" x 17" sheet of Bristol board.

SOLD!

This is Post #1275

Black Cat! - Work in Progress

Black Cat © Marvel Entertainment

Still feeling a little out of sorts today, but I am getting some work done. Got the okay on the art of the first fifteen chapters for another in a series of grammar books I am working on, so I had to put some time into that. Also started doodling ideas for the Pittsburgh ComiCon Advance Sketch List. Thanks to everyone who has signed up. Still more room if anyone is interested. :)

I also managed to rough out the background for the Black Cat piece posted above. Still more to do but I like how it is shaping up.

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.

This is Post #1274

Black Cat! - Rough

Black Cat © Marvel Entertainment

Just the rough for a pin-up I am doing for fun. There is more to add later. This is pencil on a sheet of 11" x 17" bristol board.

This is Post #1273