11.10.09 -eventful events

I will have my piece, "topside" at the Strychnin Gallery, as part of their group show, Magistrates. Kind of gave me a reason to paint that sketch I posted fairly recently. The show opens November 13th, and runs until December 6th, in Berlin, Germany.

A little closer to home, I'll be gladly attending IlluXcon2. Just check out that guest list of artists. That runs from Nov.12- Nov. 15th in Altoona, PA.



"topside"
oil on linen
about 11" x 22" . I think ?


From Imagine FX magazine, Issue #49. I haven't seen the issue yet , but I basically discussed combining traditional oil painting with digital techniques. Still haven't seen the issue myself, but it is out there.



a little ink and digital experimentation. Well ...experimental for me since I am still trying to learn the nuances of inking.


A cover for Oxford University Press , "Ronia, The Robber's Daughter"
digital

Oct.2 - cover
Thanks to everyone for dropping by and leaving the good words of support. Always good to hear your thoughts- critique, praise...I welcome it all.

Here's another cover I did for the fine folks at Harper Collins. This was a pretty cool story as the author, Katherine Langrish, draws from old Welsh tales (I believe Welsh) which gives it a really unique flavor in a very saturated genre.
When I submitted the sketches, they liked them all, and wanted to "frankenstein" a bit of each into one. The heroic pose from the first one, the setting and in the 2nd, and the horses in the background in the 3rd. I was just asked to leave out the "elf" creature. Although she is a major part of the story, she is a wild, feral looking thing, and they did not want to scare away younger readers. Would have been fun to include her...but I understand their point.

All digital - which I am slightly regretting, because I think it would have made nice oil. I gotta get those oils out more...the shame....the guilt.....

:)
Scott

New Cover- The Rush Job

An art director from Random House contacted me over the summer requesting a wraparound cover within 2 weeks. I was busy at the time so I declined. She then emailed me back saying the cover concept is already in place, and I would just need to get the front done in time for a sales pitch. The story seemed cool and the art director really seemed to be in a tough situation. So I took it.
At first the art director and I both wanted to explore a bit of my expressive / distorted figures, but as usual that didn't make it past marketing. I would say 90% of the time I am asked to stick to realism as it sells better. I totally understand this, but I love playing around with proportions and pushing things. It just doesn't have as much of a demand as the more realistic work out there.

The process was super fast for this. I would send a sketch in, get feedback, send another sketch in -get more feedback and that was it. I painted the front in time for the sales pitch, and later completed the rear of the wraparound.

I feel there is a slight gamble to rush jobs. If you underestimate some factors such as time, your energy , or complexity of the job you can turn in an image you might not be completely thrilled with. On the other hand, you can really put yourself in good graces with an art director by helping them out. Fortunately, everyone was pleased with the outcome. Of course, all artists rarely have praise for their own work - I am no different in that regard.

I received the wraparound without the book in the mail the other day, and I thought it would be cool to show the final product. I have a whole blog post about wraparounds in mind for the future. They are a somewhat different beast than the single, front cover illustration. For another time ....
Thank you-S.

2 quickies
Just 2 quick sketches done in between work. I think I might work that diver/bather up in oils- I think it could be a fun one to paint.
Thanks for checking in!
S.

8.25.09-
Had an interesting few weeks since I last updated this blog. Learned a lot about taking on too much work, pacing yourself, career choices...etc...
Unfortunately it took some wicked illness to make me realize some things that are very obvious to others! The worst is over, and I'm ready to roll again. I actually think being that sick gave me a little more creative juice!
Waiting for the OK to show some other projects, but here is some older stuff to fill this blog up. Some card art for the Blizzard/ Upper Deck Entertainment World of Warcraft TCG.

copyright Blizzard / Upper Deck Entertainment

Thanks for stopping in!
-S.

Post SDCC - yes , this is a bit late but I did want to say thank you to all those who came by our booth during the San Diego Comic Con. I definitely learned a ton , and had an amazing time. Most importantly, got to see old friends and meet new ones. Can't ask for much more than that.

Came home to a stack of work with imminent deadlines, so I'll share these sketches I did while at the SDCC. Still practicing my inks - I have a LONG way to go, so if any of you want to drop me some "inking" tips please feel free! I can use all the help there is. I have some new ideas on how to approach my own way of inking . If the result aren't completely career threatening, I will share. :)

Thanks again everyone!

San Diego Comic Con
July 22- July 26

I will be at the San Diego Comic Con this year, sharing Booth #4813
with good friends and fellow artists Dave Palumbo and Daren Bader

We will have prints, originals and art books for your viewing, purchasing and owning pleasure
If nothing else, just stop by and say "hello!" . Always nice to see friendly faces in the chaos of the SDCC!

Speaking of books, I had these humble, little books printed up for the SDCC:
8 1/2 " x 5 1/2 "
28 pages front to back
full color
$10 -

If you are not going to SDCC but still want one, just email me at about@scottaltmann.com and we'll figure something out. I do intend to get an online shop going (no really this time) but I sell prints and art without one regularly.
Hope to see some of you there!



If you are dedicated you can print this out , cut it up and assemble your own very tiny, useless book :)



I thought he was a very good model for this product.