sketch

Hey folks. Sorry for the thin posting lately. I'm involved in a few exciting projects, but I can't say too much about either....I was recently hired to do some character designs for a racing game, so of course with NDA's I probably won't be able to show that work for a long time.

This sketch is from a painting I'm working on. It's for a large charity project. I'll be sure to post more info once it becomes available to the public. I know the drawing is not too pretty at this point but this is just me working and reworking it until I get something. I'm starting to realize the large impact a decent environment can have on a piece, so look for fewer characters on abstract backgrounds from now on.

I'll also be in New York June 17th-19th and my buddies are trying to organize making a trip to the San Diego Comic-Con (would be my first time). I'll be wrapping up a lot of work over the weekend in preparation for the Illustration Academy which I will be attending for the next month and a half...it should be a great time!!!

And lastly, I was also honored to hear that the next 3x3 annual will be containing my work! Thanks to the great folks over at 3x3 for that.

take care guys!,
-francis

master copies!

Hey folks. One of my goals for this summer is to find time to fill a sketchbook with master copies. I reckon I'll learn a bunch so it should be a good time (yes I said reckon). I also decided that if I ever make a picture with Repin's sheer skill, Rockwell's dedication, and Cornwell's compositions I'll be a happy man. If that's ever going to happen I got a ways to go. But I do think the first thing to do would be to grow a mustache though, since all great artists have mustaches...haha

take care,
-francis

**the top page had copies of Repin, the second has Brulov and Friant, and the last one is Cornwell**

Ilya Repin: The Greatest Ever??

Just take a look at this beauty!!!!! WOW!!! Repin used the lighting and large amount of white to grab you at first. Then if you take the time to look at what's going on......ouch!



I haven't been as moved by paintings as I have been by Repin's in a long time. I always knew he was a good old school painter, but I never really took the time to look at his work. Holy geez!! He's a master at composition, paint handling, color.....drawing...seemingly everything. So I spent a chunk of today collecting as much of his work as I could and squeezing it into a 90MB .zip for all to enjoy and hopefully inspire.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD REPIN IMAGES!!!!!

From my humble knowledge of art history, the images contained in this folder are among the best I've ever seen. He has the classical portraiture down pat, but it's his immense multi-character illustrations that launch him into the highest levels of art.

If you feel obliged, leave a comment on your feelings with this work. Are these claims I'm making too exaggerated?

By the way all the images I posted here and many more are in huge eye-bleeding resolution in the .zip.

take care,
-francis

***EDIT: In the comments LuisNCT made a great recommendation to check out "Ramon Casas." Man what another great painter. I feel guilty that I'm not familiar with all these amazing artists. I need to get some work done today tho, so I can't scrounge the net for Casas images hahaha. If anyone has a good Casas .jpeg collection and are feeling especially generous I could take them off your hands...haha.****

Interview!

The kind folks over at Designers Depot recently asked me to do an interview, so if you want to read my thoughts about life, illustration, and hip-hop check out this link:

INTERVIEW

By the way New York was tremendous. Thanks to all the locals that were so hospitable during my stay. I'll post some photos my buddy took of some amazing paintings we seen.

take care,

-francis