BOUNCING BOY - HeroesCon Advance Sketch

Bouncing Boy © DC Comics

Sometimes I meet new people at conventions that state they are long time Legion fans. There is usually a bit of trivia tossed around, each person trying to best the other with their knowledge of the Legion Lore. I can usually stump them with the question of "who is the smartest Legionnaire?" Of course they say that Brainiac 5 is the smartest. But I correct them and say that the smartest Legionnaire is Bouncing Boy. First there is confusion on their faces, but then they remember that Bouncing Boy married Duo Damsel. I rest my case. ;)

This was done for Michael. Thanks Michael!

Ink on 11" x 17" Strathmore Bristol Board.

This is Post #1719

Sketchbook Wednesday

Wonder Woman © DC Comics

This is the rough pencils for my contribution to the 2-Point Perspective blog I do with Joe Pekar. Finished piece will be posted over there before midnight. (I hope!)

I wanted to do a mix of the new WW with the Darwyn Cooke, New Frontier sensibilities. I think this could be fun if I can pull it off. Stay tuned.

This is Post #1718

SUN BOY - HeroesCon Advance Sketch

Sun Boy © DC Comics

Another Five Years Later Legionnaire for Michael. This time it's Sun Boy. Sun Boy did not fare well in this run of the Legion. Tough situations and bad decisions lead to the Legion falling apart. And all this made him a very interesting character with depth we never saw in all the years before. As I have said, I was a fan of the Five Years Later story. Thanks Michael!

Ink on 11" x 17" Strathmore Bristol Board

This is Post #1717

CHAMELEON BOY - HeroesCon Advance Sketch

Chameleon Boy © DC Comics

I have a very long list of Legionnaires to draw and this first one is for Michael. (Actually most of the Legion pieces are for Michael). We are continuing with the Five Years Later Legion that I started drawing for him during the Conventionless Convention Sketches. Fun ahead folks! Thanks Michael!

Ink on 11" x 17" Strathmore Bristol Board

This is Post #1716

TWO-FACE - HeroesCon 2012 Advance Sketch

Two-Face © DC Comics

Here is the first of the Advance Sketches for HeroesCon. This is for Brian. I didn't plan on the "Scarface" movie poster look, it just happened. And it does work. Thanks Brian!

I will be posting more when I am able to. The only criteria is the artwork is already paid for and the person commissioning it allows it to be shared here. At this point only two others fit the bill. So we will see as we go.

Ink on 11" x 17" Strathmore Bristol Board

This is Post #1715

Sketchbook Saturday

Crystal © Marvel Entertainment

I have been told that sometimes I erase too much of my construction lines and some people like to see them. To those people, I hope you enjoy. :)

This is Post #1714

Sketchbook Friday

Metamorpho © DC Comics

I've always liked Metamorpho. Somehow I think my version looks like Kid Metamorpho though.

This is Post #1713

Sketchbook Thursday

Namor © Marvel Entertainment

An doodle I did after I finished my lunch today.

This is Post #1712

Digital Sketchbook Wednesday

Dr Manhattan © DC Comics

A sketch I did on my iPad2 (Sketchbook Pro) while in the orthodontist waiting room today.

This is Post #1711

Sketchbook Tuesday

I always liked the look and idea of a female Silver Surfer.

This is Post #1710

Sketchbook Monday

Atom Eve © Kirkman & Walker

I love Atom Eve. There, I said it.

This is Post #1709

Sketchbook Sunday

Silver Surfer © Marvel Entertainment

Surf's up!

This is Post #1708

Sketchbook Saturday

Art © 2012 Gene Gonzales

Sketchbook doodles.

This is Post #1707

Digital Sketchbook Friday

Art © 2012 Gene Gonzales

iPad 2 digital sketch done earlier when I was supposed to be taking notes, cause like, yeah, that was going to happen. Using a Jot Pro Stylus in Sketchbook Pro.

This is Post #1706

Sketchbook Thursday - In Which The Artist Whines A Bit

Art © 2012 Gene Gonzales

It's been a rough week on both personal and professional fronts. Just in the way I haven't had much time for anything. It should be okay in the next week. Personal is getting in the way of Professional and I really hate that. I try hard to keep everything in line but sometimes stuff happens and there isn't anything you can do about it. Anyone who checks out the 2-pt Perspective Blog I do with Joe Pekar will notice that once again I am going to be late in posting. Couldn't be helped but I still feel bad about it.

Above is one of 5 or 6 roughs I did for the X-23 post on the other blog. The others were trashed. I will get this done and share it over there sometime before next week. Speaking of the other blog, if anyone would like to get the word out about it to others, it would be greatly appreciated. Our numbers just don't seem to be growing and we would like more of an audience. I'm not sure about the reason (maybe missing a scheduled post? Doh!) but any good word of mouth would be great. Tell them about this one too. :) The remainder of 2012 is going to be interesting here, and I hope entertaining.

So after three days of on-site working, and evenings of trying to catch up on everything that is falling behind, I am joining my lovely wife for a Rays game. We will be in a suite behind home plate at Tropicana Field watching the Rays take on Boston. Getting out will be nice and relaxing, and if the Rays win, even better.

Pencil in my sketchbook.

This is Post #1705

HELLCAT - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Hellcat © Marvel Entertainment

Another one for Vincent today. I've always liked the look of this character. It's a very simple and clean design and fun to draw. Thanks again Vincent!

And this piece is the last of the Conventionless Convention Sketches.  What started out as 30 requests turned into 35. I hope everyone enjoyed their sketches and for those that didn't get one, I hope you enjoyed seeing them. Thanks again everyone!

Ink on 11" x 17" Strathmore Bristol Board

This is Post #1704

DR. NIGHTSHADE - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Dr. Nightshade © Marvel Entertainment

We are down to the last two Conventionless Convention Sketches. The last to be posted tomorrow. And both are for Vincent. I had never heard of Dr. Nightshade before I got this request. Being a DC kid of the 1970s, I didn't see a lot of Marvel. But what a fun character she is to draw. I kinda channeled Robert McGinnis for this pose. If you don't know who he is, Google him and you will see what I mean. :)

Thanks Vincent!

Ink on 11" x 17" Strathmore Bristol Board

This is Post #1703

WINTER SOLDIER - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Winter Soldier © Marvel Entertainment

This one is for Michael. I'm pretty sure I have never drawn the Winter Soldier before. I had fun with the textures on this. Thanks Michael!

Ink on 11" x 17" Strathmore Bristol Boad

This is Post #1702

HeroesCon 2012 Advance Sketch List: Closed

Thanks for the incredible response to my advance sketch list for HeroesCon 2012! If I get ahead on the list, I may open it for a few more. So if you wanted on the list but didn't make it, just keep checking here for updates. This list shouldn't be affecting the list I take at the show, so there is always a chance to get a sketch there.

Thanks everyone!

This is Post #1701

Sketchbook Sunday

Art © 2012 Gene Gonzales

I did plan on today being a Sketchbook Day, but didn't plan on yesterdays Sketchbook Day. But with yesterday's Sketchbook Day, I tried to make today a non-Sketchbook Day. But events and headache have conspired against me and I really don't want to rush or burn through a piece of art for someone. Thus, Sketchbook Sunday. Oy.

This is Post #1700

Sketchbook Saturday

Art © 2012 Gene Gonzales

We interrupt our regularly scheduled CCS so that we can bring you this special Sketchbook Saturday in living color. CCS will return tomorrow. Thank you.

(Oy, this will kill the hits here)

This is Post #1699

IVY RAVEN - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Ivy Raven © Terry Moore

I have had more than a few requests for Terry Moore's Katchoo and Francine from STRANGERS IN PARADISE. I have even inked a Terry Moore convention sketch of Francine, but this is the first time I have drawn a character from Terry Moore's ECHO series. And so I present FBI agent Ivy Raven. This one is for Matt. Thanks Matt!

We are down to the last three. Hellcat, Dr. Nightshade and one to be announced soon. (In other words, we haven't nailed that choice down) :)

Ink on 11" x 17" Strathmore Bristol Board

This is Post #1698

HEROESCON 2012 - Advance Sketch List

It's almost time for HEROESCON 2012!

My advance sketch list is officially open. I will work on this list leading up to the convention. Especially the more complicated pieces. There are a few changes to the process this year so please look over the details provided below :)

Prices:

Inked sketches: single figure, on 11" x 17" Bristol Board: $50.00

Acrylic painted: single figure on 12" x 16" (approximate size): 150.00

Canson pieces: single figure on 11" x 17": 125.00.

Payment: Here is the big changes this year. There will be three options for payment:

PayPal: You may pay in advance for your request using PayPal. Please contact me first with your request before you send money. Paying fees for PayPal is not a bother, so if this is a convenient option for you, please use it.

Credit Card at the Con: I will be accepting major credit cards at a convention. I have signed up with Square (www.squareup.com) in order to do so. Fast and secure. I can take Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover.

Cash: You can pay for the art when you arrive. Please come pick up your commission as soon as possible so I don't have to worry about keeping it safe and sound in the madness that is artist alley. :)

Special Note: I will be doing inked sketches at the show and will bring materials to do color work. But if you really want a color piece, I would suggest getting on the list and allowing me to do it in the studio. I am terribly slow doing color work at a show. :)

Please send your questions and requests to gene_gonzales(at)mac(dot)com with "HeroesCon Sketch List" in the subject line of your email. This will really help me keep track of everything.

This advance list is only for those attending HeroesCon 2012 in person. I do request that if you are on my list and are not going to make it, please let me know. And if possible, please pick up your artwork as soon as you can when you arrive at the convention. Or pay for your spot on the list, whichever applies.

I may ask for reference if I don't know the character or if I can't find it on the web at the show.

You can email me links to references before the show. I can alway print them out and take them with me.

An advantage to getting on the list early gives me some time to think about your request(s), bounce ideas around in my head, maybe doodle ideas in my sketchbook, and most likey show up at the con with your finished piece. There is a finite amount of requests I can take. I do not know what that number is because I don't know the requests. So sign up early and often. And there is no limit to any individual. 1 or 100, that's fine. Well, 100 will require more time, but I'm up to the challenge. :)

I may post some of the finished pieces here on the blog ahead of time. But that will only be done with the permission of the person commissioning the piece(s) and if they have paid in advance.

If you have any questions about the sketch list, please ask. And even if you are not getting something but will be at the show, please drop by and say "hi".

Other Convention Stuff

I will have other original art at the show, some you have seen here on this blog.

This was a lot of information to cover. If anything is confusing to you, let me know and I will do my best to clarify. And please excuse any typos. :)

Here we go!

And Thanks!

THE PERSUADER - The Fatal Five

The Persuader © DC Comics

This is the final of the Fatal Five portraits for Travis. Because of my love for the Legion of Super-Heroes these pieces have been fun to do. Thanks again Travis, for the commissions and your patience.

For those of you who are counting, you may notice that there have been 31 Conventionless Convention Sketches posted. Well, there are still four more to go. Yeah, a couple came in that I just couldn't turn down. I will be posting them over the next four or five days. Also, tomorrow I will have a couple of announcements to make so I hope everyone will be here for that. :)

Mixed media on 9" x 12" Canson Mi-Teintes paper.

This is Post #1696

EMERALD EMPRESS - The Fatal Five

Emerald Empress © DC Comics

This is the fourth of five of Fatal Five portraits for Travis. The Emerald Empress is probably the most sadistic of the Five in my opinion. She not only will kill to get what she wants, but she feels the need to subjugate those that oppose her. And she does take great joy in both. Thanks again Travis! And thanks for your patience!

There was a gap of a few weeks between the Fatal Five portraits because sometimes getting the paper color I need is difficult. In local stores, customers put their hands all over the paper and/or bend them, leaving creases or folds. I have gone through 20 sheets of one color and still not find one that isn't damaged. If I order on line, the same thing can happen in the handling and shipping of the paper. The paper is of a lesser weight than say bristol board and is more susceptible to creases so there isn't much I can do except reorder or wait for a store to have some new undamaged stock. A lot of times I buy a full sheet but can only get one 11" x 17" out of it or even one 9" x 12". That is only around 25% to 50% of the sheet. I use the rest for testing colors. Canson does have some colors mounted on illustration boards and those are more durable and great to use. I use those when I am going to paint on the paper, but the color selection is limited.

Mixed media on 9" x 12" Canson Mi-Teintes paper

This is Post #1695

FINESSE - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Finesse © Marvel Entertainment

This is another one for Matt. I'm afraid I have never heard of Finesse before this request, but he says she is from the Avengers Academy comic series and may be the daughter of Taskmaster. In other words, she's a badass! :)

Thanks Matt!

Ink on 11" x 17" Strathmore Bristol Board

This is Post #1694

PHANTOM GIRL - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Phantom Girl © DC Comics

Matt knows how to pick characters I really like. Phantom Girl of the Legion of Super-Heroes! I like that this costume has elements of PGs 1970s costume, but I sure miss the bell bottoms. Thanks Matt!

Ink on 11" x 17" Strathmore Bristol Board

This is Post #1693

HANNAH DUNDEE - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Hannah Dundee © Mark Schultz

This is a cool and different request for me from Matt. Of his four requests, I started with Hannah Dundee from Xenozoic Tales (Cadillacs & Dinosaurs). As I am a big fan of Mark Schultz and his creations, I had fun with this. Thanks Matt!

Ink on 11" x 17" Strathmore Bristol Board

This is Post #1692

Sketchbook Saturday

Art © 2012 Gene Gonzales

We interrupt our regularly scheduled Conventionless Convention Sketch with a Sketchbook Saturday, in order for me to have worked this morning/afternoon, and see The Avengers at 7pm. Thank you for your patience. :)

This is Post #1691

CATRA - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Catra (from She-Ra) is for Spazzy! While it's not a Catwoman request, it is still a Cat-themed request. :)

Thanks Spazzy!

Ink on 11" x 17" Strathmore Bristol Board

This is Post #1690

THE VULTURE - Conventionless Convention Sketch

The Vulture © Marvel Entertainment

This one is for Mike. I don't get too many requests for Spider-Man villains so this was a fun one. Thanks Mike!

Ink on 11" x 17" Strathmore Bristol Board

This is Post #1689

MS. MARVEL - Conventionless Convention Sketch

Ms. Marvel © Marvel Entertainment

This one is for Paul. His request for Ms. Marvel is one I really liked. Now, does she say "Shazam" or "Captain Marvel" in order to change into Ms. Marvel? I can never remember. ;)

Thanks Paul!

Ink on 11" x 17" Strathmore Bristol Board

This is Post #1688

Commercial Work

Art © Gene Gonzales

I had a full day of commercial work so I didn't finish the Ms. Marvel piece I had been working on. Instead I share some prelim art for a Beer Garden logo I am doing.

This is Post #1687