Within the Woods

Within the Woods

I recently finished my Motivarti apprenticeship with Leighton Hickman and this is one of the images that I worked on under his guidance. I learned a lot about his painting process and what makes a good image even better, so I'm really thankful to have had this opportunity!

This piece was inspired by the Russian folktales of Baba Yaga and her house in the woods that suspends itself on chicken legs. It provided a great springboard for some interesting imagery.

I'll be able to share the Steal Away Home sequel cover soon, so expect that in the coming weeks.

Book Cover: Nightingale

So I realized I haven't posted the Nightingale final yet on my blog! It was a real pleasure working with Dawn again and with our lovely agent Kathleen.  The sequel to Larkstorm will surely be seriously epic from what I know about it and I can't wait to read it.  I'll post more details when Nightingale is officially released! Thanks for looking!

Apparition

This painting was a complete joy to work on. My wonderful agent Kathleen is having me create a series of new self promotional work and this is the first of many.

I don't really have much else to say about it. I hope you like it!

Two New Friends

Here is my finished piece for the Pokemon Battle Royale show being held in April at the Light Gray Art Gallery in St. Paul, Minnesota. I selected Venomoth and decided to illustrate the moment a young trainer might meet her new companion on a rainy night.

Big things are happening now! I am so thrilled to announce that I am officially represented by Kathleen Ortiz at Nancy Coffey Literary and Media Representation. My profile is set up on their website here. I'm looking forward to the exciting new venture Kathleen and I are beginning together as an agent/illustrator team and the exciting new things to come!

Hope everyone is loving the springtime weather just as much as I am these days!

Doodley Self Portrait

Just a quick self portrait. Gearing up for CTN in a few weeks! I've never been to California (or west of Texas, for that matter), so I'm so excited for this trip! It'll be so great to see friends from college too :)

Ringmaster

Here's a character design I came up with, partially inspired by reading Water for Elephants recently for the book club Erin and I started with some friends. I had an image of a sleazy old circus ringmaster pop into my head and had to draw him. His teeth are disgusting and I love it!



I've dubbed him Big Louie Curbludgeon, mostly because my friend loved how curmudgeonly and sordid he looked and I wanted to be subtle. But not really, because I can't imagine Big Louie being subtle at all.

Can't wait to explore more of this seamy circus world.

Gibson Girl for DAS

This Gibson fashionista likes to be unkempt. It suits her.

I posted this on DAS already but it's one of the first post-Ringling pieces/sketches I've actually really liked.

Senior Thesis

My senior thesis: Literary Influence.
























I chose to do book covers of novels that have inspired and influenced me and my work throughout my life. I hope you enjoy these pieces as much as I have enjoyed creating them. My BFA is four days away - congratulations all seniors and good luck in all of your future endeavors. Here's to the next chapter~

Hallmark Workshop

Hallmark Workshop post.



What a great experience. I am still trying to absorb everything I learned from the workshop and wish it wasn't over so soon. But I feel pretty happy with how this card turned out (it's a tri-fold, so it opens up to reveal the landscape).

Now back to thesis... Sigh.

Man, Pet, Machine

The infamous Man, Pet, and Machine assignment. I decided to use a more passive approach to the pet part and incorporate it into her attire. The gears took forever but I am happy with the overall result!


"When the Clock Strikes Twelve"

More to come though I won't be uploading thesis till it's complete.

The Black Cat

For Halloween we had an open assignment so I decided to read some good old fashioned Edgar Allen Poe. I bought an entire collection of his work and got to reading. After perusing his short stories, I finally picked The Black Cat, one of his darkest and most sadistic stories, rivaling that of the Tell Tale Heart. So here is the result. He really likes hiding people in walls.

Self Portrait

The obligatory senior self portrait. I wanted something unobtrusive but that represented my style and personal aesthetic.

Sketchbook

Some scans from the old and now new sketchbook.