Infectious Lass (Legion) - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Infectious Lass © DC Comics

Infectious Lass was another Legion applicant that was rejected with Porcupine Pete. The people of her planet are immune to all disease and illness but they are also carriers. Even though she had the ability to incapacitate an enemy with a stomach flu or cold with a wave of her hand, she didn't have much control over it. So in her demonstration she managed to put poor Star Boy in the infirmary. Not a good start for her. But like Porcupine Pete, she kept showing up until the Five Years Later storyline where she fought side by side with the Legion of Substitute Heroes. She even popped up as a character in a Dr. Thirteen story who's title escapes me right now. Thanks to Michael for this commission!

I hope everyone has a fun and safe New Years Eve. Please be careful out there and I will see you tomorrow.

Last day

This is Post #1941

Porcupine Pete (Legion) - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Porcupine Pete © DC Comics

Porcupine Pete was a Legion reject from the Dave Cockrum run of Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes. I have posted a piece I did of him before on this blog, but that was in his original costume. Years after his first appearance, Pete joined the Legion of Substitute Heroes. And even later he was included in the Legion's "Five Years Later" storyline. His appearance was more of a freedom fighter and he wore a commando type outfit. My depiction is a bit different because while he carries a weapon, the guy himself is a weapon by shooting the quills from his body. So I changed his shirt because bearing his arms makes shooting his quills easier. I also thought that those quills would be poking through is clothes in various places too. Thanks for Michael for the commission!

Last day.

This is Post #1940

Sandra Benes, SPACE: 1999 - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Sandra Benes © Respective owner

I have never watched an episode of Space: 1999. I hope that doesn't make me a bad person. :) Thankfully when Vincent requested the Space: 1999 character of Sandra Benes (played by the lovely Zienia Merton) he provided some good references. I hope I did her justice Vincent. And thanks!

1 day left, still.

This is Post #1939

Scottish Lass - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Art © 2012 Gene Gonzales

This little belly-baring lass is for Vincent. It's always fun to just take off and doodle a sexy little pin-up. Thanks Vincent!

1 day left

This is Post #1938

Mwindji and Friend (Legion) - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Another pair of Legion of Super-Heroes related characters. Above is the tracker, Mwindji. And below is an unnamed Legion cadet who has speedster powers. I think. :) All part of the fun of the Legion. Thanks again to Michael for his Legion picks!

Mwindji and "Running Green Girl" © DC Comics

2 days left

This is Post #1937

Otaki & Friend (Legion) - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Another pair of Legion related sketches for Michael. Above is Otaki, a telepath. I wasn't familiar with this character but I love the costume design. Low rise bell bottoms in the 31st century is always fine by me. Makes me miss Phantom Girl's white bell bottomed uniform from the 70s. :)

Below is, well, he doesn't have a name that I know of. He is one of a few that were shown in battles but never given a name. If I missed it please let me know. But this isn't unheard of in the Legion Lore. Back in the first couple of appearances of the Legion there would be other characters filling out the background of the clubhouse that were never seen more that once and never named. So we will call him Big Guy with Beard! :)

Otaki and Big Guy with Beard © DC Comics

3 days left.

This is Post 1936

Retro - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Retro © DC Comics

Another Legion of Super-Heroes Academy Cadet for Michael. This one has the ability to rewind local past by touch. Nice power for those Legion Academy written tests...  :)

Thanks Michael!

4 days left

This is Post #1935

The Shadow - Conventionless Convention Sketch

The Shadow © Respective owner

This one is for Little John. I have always been a fan of The Shadow. I read a lot of the paperbacks that were published in the 1970s. I thought they were so cool. And I loved when Batman teamed up with the Shadow in the Batman title. I have to admit I didn't see the Shadow comic from DC until much later. I saw the house ads but never saw an issue on the newsstand. It was much tougher getting comics back then in the old days. :) Thanks LJ!

5 days left.

This is Post 1934

Catwoman - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Catwoman © DC Comics

And last but not least we have Catwoman. This was commissioned by Rhonda for her husband. Oddly enough I never got his name. :) Thank Rhonda! And I hope your husband liked it!

That conclude the Christmas edition of the Conventionless Convention Sketches. I still have more non- gift CCSs in the wings ready to go. I will probably start doing a couple of double posts in the coming days to get each one posted here. I hope everyone has had a great day. And remember "Peace on Earth" does not need to be regulated to one day in the year. Let's make peace and good will a daily thing. :)

Still 6 days left.

This is Post #1933

Wonder Woman - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Wonder Woman © DC Comics

The unique idea for a Wonder Woman commission is from Matt for his wife Stephanie. His idea was to have me show Diana during an official portrait sitting. Being an ambassador and all it makes sense that at some point this would probably happen. Working in some of the WW iconic items proved easier than I thought. The main thing I am proud of is including the sword to represent her warrior side and her lasso and an olive branch to represent peace and truth. Thanks Matt, and I hope you enjoy the art Stephanie!

Still 6 days left

This is Post #1932

Jun - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Jun © Respective owner

Merry Christmas! I have a few pieces that I have had to hold off sharing because they were commissioned as Christmas presents. I suspect everyone has torn into their gifts and it should be safe to post them now. I will post each one through out the day to kinda spread the love and let each piece gets it's moment. :)

First up, this was commissioned for Lan. I was given a list of characters to choose from and this is the one that jumped off the page. I hope you like it Lan! And thanks to Spazzy for the commission!

6 days left.

This is Post #1931

Duela Dent - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Duela Dent © DC Comics

I remember the original version of this character. She was originally branded as the Joker's Daughter but we learned later that she was actually the daughter of Harvey Dent, aka, Two-Face. I'm not sure what her story is now but it was fun to revisit the character thanks to Vincent's request.

Tomorrow I will be posting the Conventionless Convention Sketches that were commissioned as Christmas gifts.

7 days left.

This is Post #1930

Gory Fangtell (Monster High) - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Gory Fangtell © Mattel

This is a fun change of pace. Vincent asked for my take on Gory Fangtell from Monster High. Kinda reminds me of the BeGoths comics I did several years ago. But that is for the lawyers to decide. :)

Thanks Vincent!

8 days left

This is Post #1929

Black Cat - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Black Cat © Marvel Entertainment

It's Black Cat for Justin today! Thanks Justin!

9 days left

This is Post #1928

Big Barda - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Big Barda © DC Comics

Another visit from Scott Free's better half. This time it's a softer and playful Barda for Shawn. Thanks for the commission Shawn!

10 days left

This is Post #1927 

Amp Girl (Legion) - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Amp Girl © DC Comics

You knew it had to happen. I'm not the only Legion of Super-Heroes fan out there and everyone knows I love drawing the Legion. So this is the first of several Legion pieces for Michael. We start off with Amp Girl, a Legion Academy character. She has amplified reflexes and senses. Pretty handy in a fight. Thanks Michael!

11 days left

This is Post #1926

Mysterio - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Mysterio © Marvel Entertainment

I think I have only read one comic with Mysterio. A Daredevil story that I think Kevin Smith wrote. When Mike asked for Mysterio I knew I had to do something dark and, well, mysterious. :) Thanks Mike!

12 days left.

This is Post #1925

Jessica (?) and the Pussycats - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Jessica Rabbit © Disney

So here's a fun mash up requested by Gary: Jessica Rabbit as one of the Pussycats. Hmmm, Jessi and the Pussycats doesn't sound bad. They might be able to use a bad girl as the lead. Oh wait, I forgot, she's not bad, she's just drawn that way. Thanks Gary!

13 days left

This is Post #1924

Celsius - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Celsius © DC Comics

I remember the DC Comics house ads featuring the the restart of Showcase Presents and the New Doom Patrol. I was quite excited. I knew a bit about the original Doom Patrol from the reprints I read and I liked the concept. So a brand new team to get in on the ground floor with was great. Celsius was the one that brought the new team together. Thanks to Vincent for this cool, and yet hot request! Great, that pun just reminded me of a song by General Public that states "So hot, so cool, so cool, you're hot...". That's gonna be stuck in my head all day. ;)

14 days left.

This is Post #1923

Big Barda - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Big Barda © DC Comics

I don't get asked to draw Barda much but it is a joy every time. I don't even mind all the details to her battle armor! Thanks to Jim for this commission!

15 days left.

This is Post #1922

Catwoman - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Catwoman © DC Comics

The Golden Age Catwoman is for Little John. As much fun as this piece was to do, just wait till you see his other request. :)

Thanks LJ!

16 days left.

This is Post #1921

Phantom Lady - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Phantom Lady © DC Comics

Another classic character I love to draw, as requested by Lud. Thanks again Lud!

17 days left.

This is Post #1920

Black Canary - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Black Canary © DC Comics

Lud requested a classic Black Canary. I love drawing a classic Black Canary. I think it shows. :)

Thanks Lud!

18 days left.

This is Post #1919

Golden Girl - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Golden Girl © Marvel Entertainment

One of the fun parts about doing these CCSs is learning about characters I have never seen. Golden Girl is a great example. I had never heard of her until Vincent requested her. After I looked at some images from comics she appeared in I have to tip my hat to the artists who drew her. You have to be really creative to draw a person fighting crime in this outfit AND keep the Comic Code of Authority happy. And if you are too young to know what the CCA is, Google it. ;) Thanks Vincent!

19 days left.

This is Post #1918

Superteen Betty Cooper - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Betty Cooper/Superteen © Archie Comics

This one is for Vincent. I had never known of Betty Cooper being Superteen. Seems there was a costume change almost every time she appeared. We went with the homemade looking version with the bell bottom pants. Love the bell bottoms. Thanks Vincent!

20 days left.

This is Post #1917

Kid Psycho - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Kid Psycho © DC Comics

It's two days of back to back Legion characters, Insect Queen yesterday and Kid Psycho today. Both are Legion of Super-Heroe reservists. And both were requested by Julian. Thanks Julian!

21 days left.

This is Post #1916

Lana Lang, Insect Queen - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Insect Queen & Superboy © DC Comics

One of my favorite characters today. Love me some Lana Lang as the Insect Queen. And for fun I added some guy she has been fixated on for years. :) Thanks to Julian for this commission.

22 days left.

This is Post #1915

Namorita - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Namorita © Marvel Entertainment

This is the first of a few for Vincent. Namorita is always fun to draw. And "cute" is the way I always go with her.  Thanks Vincent!

23 days left.

This is Post #1914

Moon Knight - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Moon Knight © Marvel Entertainment

This is the last of the three for Matt. Drawing Moon Knight is another first for me (I think). :) Thanks Matt!

24 days left.

This is Post #1912

Roger (The Five Swell Guys) - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Roger © Respective copyright holder

Matt asked for Roger and sent refs for a woman. After some investigation I found out that Roger is a member of The Five Swell Guys (a science team of heroes) and were featured in the comic Promethea. Roger appears female but is in fact transgender after an incident during an adventure. Always fun to learn about characters I have never read. Thanks Matt!

25 days left.

This is Post #1911

Demona - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Demona © Respective owner

Another one for yesterday's birthday girl Lisa. This was another one on my list that caught my interest having never drawn her before. Thanks Lisa!

26 days left.

This is Post #1910

Hipster Catwoman - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Catwoman © DC Comics

So Lisa gave me a list to choose from and the idea of a Hipster Catwoman stood out the most. I like adding my own touch to a character. So my attempt has her posting a picture on Instagram of her latest theft acquisition. I hope the big bad bat doesn't follow her posts. :) Thanks Lisa for the commission.

Oh, and lets wish Lisa a great big Happy Birthday! Hope you get a lot of cool stuff Spazzy!

27 Days Left

This is Post #1909

Madame Hydra - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Madame Hydra © Marvel Entertainment

Happy Monday everyone!

Another day, another Conventionless Convention Sketch! Today's offering is Madame Hydra. Thanks for the commission Matt!

28 Days Left

This is Post #1908

Sarafina Pekkala - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Sarafina Pekkala © respective owners

This is another one for José. José requested the character of Sarafina Pekkala from The Golden Compass for his second sketch. I have never seen The Golden Compass but it is still on my list of movies to watch. I hope I did her justice. Thanks José!

29 days left

This is Post #1907

Venus - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Venus © Marvel Entertainment

The first up is Venus, Agent of Atlas. This is the first time I have drawn this character. And of course after stating that someone will show me a con piece of Venus I did for them. That seems to happen when I make a statement like that. :)

Thanks to José for this commission.

30 days left.

This is Post #1906

Conventionless Convention Sketch List

Tomorrow is the beginning of the Conventionless Convention Sketches. Below is the list of what you can expect to see over the next 31 days, and even more in January. In no particular order...

Venus (Agent of Atlas), Sarafina (Golden Compass), TBA character, TBA character, Amp Girl (LSH), Retro (LSH), Mwindji (LSH), Otaki (LSH), Big guy with beard (LSH), Green girl speedster (LSH), TBA Legionnaire, TBA, Legionnaire, Celsius (Doom Patrol), Duela Dent, Namorita, Golden Girl (Invanders), Betty Cooper as Super Teen, Sandra Benes (Space: 1999), Gory Fangtell (Monster High), Scottish Lass pin-up, Kid Phycho (LSH), Lana Lang as The Insect Queen, Mysterio, Black Cat, Big Barda, Goblin Queen, Jessica Rabbit (as Josie from the Pussycats), Wonder Woman, Big Barda, Catwoman (GA version), The Shadow, Moon Knight, Madame Hydra, Roger (Five Swell Guys Science Team), Black Canary, Phantom Lady, Pin-up girl with pig tails, Roxy (Gen13), Rogue, Pin-up girl in Chinese Cheongsam dress, Catwoman (GA version), and TBA anime character.

The TBA (To Be Announced) listings are situations where I have been given a list of characters to choose from and I haven't made up my mind yet or I haven't received the request. Either way it will be a surprise to all. :)

This is Post #1905

Sketchbook Friday

Art © 2012 Gene Gonzales

Above is a way too early warm up sketch inspired by a reference. :)

Conventionless Convention Sketches go live tomorrow. I am very excited about doing this batch. The end of the year, the end of the daily blog and just some really great requests. Speaking of that, I will be bouncing around the list as my muse dictates, so if you have not given me your request and/or you have not sent payment for your request, please take care of this as soon as possible. If you have any questions about either just shoot me an email.

This is Post #1904

Sketchbook Thursday

Art © 2012 Gene Gonzales

Warm up doodle from this morning.

This is Post #1903

Sketchbook Wednesday

Art © 2012 Gene Gonzales

Just another Sketchbook Day. This is a warm up done from reference.

This is Post #1902

Sketchbook Tuesday

Art © 2012 Gene Gonzales

Just a Sketchbook Tuesday. BUT I have started on the first few Conventionless Convention Sketches. I will start posting this Saturday.

This is Post 1901

Yes, even more commercial work

Art © 2012 Gene Gonzales

More commercial work. Counting down to the CCSs!

This is Post #1900

Sketchbook Sunday

Art © 2012 Gene Gonzales

Just some warm ups done in my sketchbook this morning. A lot to do today.

This is Post #1899

Even more commercial work!

Art © 2012 Gene Gonzales

The next several days will be filled with commercial work here on the blog. This of course is leading up to the Conventionless Convention Sketches that I will start posting here next Saturday.

Speaking of next Saturday and the sketches, if you are on the list and haven't sent me your request(s), please do so as soon as possible. I tend to bounce around the entire list, letting my muse tell me which to do. :)

This is Post #1898

More Commercial Work

Art © 2012 Gene Gonzales

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. Mine was spent working until we went out to eat. Then back to work when we got home. And I managed to finish up work that I needed to have done by Monday. Today I will be working on four roughs that are part of the next level in the series of books I am working on. Due by Tuesday. So I was up at 4:30am, made coffee, showered, dressed and walked the dogs. Ready at 5:20am to dig in. Have a good day folks.

This is Post #1897

Commission - WIP

Art © 2012 Gene Gonzales

I am continuing work on a commission that I will have finished before December 1 and the beginning of the Conventionless Convention Sketches. Above is a detail of a new pose for the star of the commission.

The Conventionless Convention Sketches sold out in record time. I think it was just over 24 hours from the official announcement. A big thank you to everyone that is participating and to those that got the word out. I will post a list of the characters you can expect to see as soon as everyone gets their choices to me. I think I have 12 pending at this point.

This is Post #1896

Commercial work and redraws

Art © 2012 Gene Gonzales

Another piece for the job. This one was killed. No fault of mine, the publisher changed their mind about the activity the person in the art would be doing. No biggie, these things happen. And it made for a better piece. You have to learn to go with the flow. :)

This Post #1895

Snoring by the iMac's Light.

Art © 2012 Gene Gonzales

Yes, I missed my first daily post. The image above pretty much explains what happens after to many 18 hour days. And where I woke up this morning. :)

But come on, you gotta love the irony of posting the Conventionless Convention Sketches - Going Out With A Bang the day before. Ah universe, you have such a dark sense of humor. :)

This is Post #1894

CONVENTIONLESS CONVENTION SKETCHES!

Characters © Their respective copyright holders

The final countdown is coming up. Though I will continue this blog after the new year begins, it will not be daily. My work load is moderate right now and I would really like to have the blog go out with a bang. Hence the subtitle above. So I am opening up a round of Conventionless Convention Sketches for December. So...

CONVENTIONLESS CONVENTION SKETCHES - December 2012!

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. If you have been waiting to get a black and white, inked single character sketch from me, now is the time to get it. If not for yourself, maybe you want a gift for that special someone? Holidays are coming up and the gift of original artwork shows how much you care. :)

Here are the details...

CCS DEAL:

$50.00 for a single character, inked on 11" x 17" bristol board. I will not be doing multiple characters on a single board. Shipping is $12.00. No matter how many sketches you get! Buy 1: Shipping is $12.00! Buy 20, shipping is $12.00! (Just an FYI, my normal studio price starts at $75.00 plus shipping!). This shipping cost is US only, sorry. If you are outside the US, contact me for shipping costs.

I am going to take a total of 30 commissions. Assuming I get 30 requests, of course. Any background elements will be at my discretion. I will begin working on the sketches December 1st and all sketches will be done by December 31st. Finished art will be mailed each Thursday. Payment is PayPal only. (No e-checks, please).

If you are interested, send me an email to gene_gonzales(at)mac(dot)com. Please use "Conventionless Convention Sketch" in the subject line and let me know what you would like. That address and subject line are very important. It helps me sort the requests from other emails. That email address 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.

Please tell your friends, family, and local politicians. Tweet it on Twitter, Tumble it on Tumblr, Pin it on Pinterest, Face it on Facebook...Okay, that one didn't sound right, but you get the idea. Please get the word out any way you can. Thanks! :)

Posted above are examples of the last CCS I ran in April.

This is Post #1893