Fan Expo 2010 Commissions (Hot, Hot, Hot)

Thursday, September 16, 2010

The (Original) Human Torch. 2010. Watercolor on paper, 9 x 12".

We've finally moved on to the next batch of convention commissions, most of which were done on location in Toronto (the remainder being completed here in Brooklyn). First up is the original Human Torch, an android who was consumed by fire upon his first breath. Had I more time, I probably would have made the fire more "swirly," that being the main convention by which he is distinguished from Johnny Storm, the fiery affiliate of the Fantastic Four.

This has been a swell week for me, not least of all because of Wednesday's trip to Marvel for a Digital Tools seminar, part of a series of workshops headed by Howard Chaykin and Klaus Janson. It was a phenomenal group of Marvel talent, including Ryan Stegman, Mitch Breitweiser, Stephen Segovia, Mark Brooks, and Khoi Pham. Initially, I was skeptical as to what I could actually show these guys that they didn't know already, but we were able to pool our collective knowledge and trade some very useful tips, many of which I'll be condensing for the blog in the future.

Before I left Marvel, I got an awesome cover assignment... the details of which I cannot divulge. Just trust me for now. I finished out the day with a figure painting session, something I haven't done in a good 7 years. It took a while to get back into the swing of things, but I had such a great time that I plan to return for the next 2 weeks. As it turned out, the guy next to me attended my Art Out Loud workshop back in 2007, which was a flattering surprise. A complimentary beer from the organizer rounded out a great evening.

I hope to move on to color next time, since I spent the first session concentrating on draftsmanship and proportion (the model said I made her "boobs bigger." Her words. My bad). If all goes well, I'll have a progress pic one week from today.

Have a great weekend!


Figure Painting (Session 1 of 3). 2010. Gouache on paper, 12 x 9".

6 comments :

  1. Paolo, I would love to see a post on all the digital stuff. How long was your class for all the guys at Marvel? Your new Spidey cover is amazing! Keep up all the hard and awesome work man.

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  2. It ended up being a few hours... most of the digital tools we discussed had more to do with the logistics of our jobs, but there was also some theory in there. Glad you like the new cover. Thanks!

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  3. I think this is my favorite of the recent commissions you've posted, great colors. Also curious to hear some of what was brought up at the seminar, Mitch always makes those things sound so mysterious.

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  4. Thanks, Evan. I'll be making posting all the info as I find time to organize it. The only thing mysterious about the seminar was that I didn't know Marvel did things like that. I hope to do it again, though—I learned a lot as well.

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  5. i started taking a life drawing class as well at a local art college and i can't recommend it to people enough!!!
    Hope to see more.

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  6. Yes, it really is the best kind of practice there is. Looking forward to the next session tomorrow night.

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