TAD/CA.org Inking Technique Download!

I've mentioned this in a few venues, but I wanted to archive this announcement officially on the blog - my demo video with Conceptart.org/TAD is now available!!

LINK TO DOWNLOAD!

102 minutes / $20

While I was in Kansas City the past month working at the Academy and TAD I had the amazing opportunity to shoot a demo video. The turn around time was pretty tight, so instead of getting into an involved piece, I decided to shoot a video describing my ink techniques, and the various tools you can use to achieve different results. In the end I worked on three images - one in nib, another in brush, and another in nib and wash - over 102 minutes. I speak on working from reference, spotting blacks, line variety, gesture, and past inkers and influences; among other topics.

I'm pleased with how it turned out, and hopefully it is helpful to those that give it a watch!! Feel free to post your own ink work in this thread and I am happy to critique and offer suggestions :)

A trailer and imagery from the video:

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I'd also like to thank Jason Manley and John English for having me help out with the workshops in Kansas City. It's been the greatest honor of my career to work with all my heroes and those people that have had such a significant influence in my journey so far. Also a giant thanks to the students to being incredible and open to my suggestions and talks/demos. I admittedly was wildly nervous to give presentations but the group was so great, I relaxed pretty quickly. I look forward to continue to share and pay whatever knowledge I have forward! Everyone from KC stay in touch!

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Lastly, I'm mostly moved into Austin! I'm sharing a place with my good buddy and artist Orlando Sanchez and have my new studio space mostly set up at the Austin TAD POD! It's such a fresh space to work! The students are beginning to arrive for the beginning of classes next week and the energy is very high. After I finish this post I'll begin the first block of work in the new space. Speaking of work, I'm rocking out on some super exciting projects that I can't wait to share - but can't at the moment. But once classes get cranking here I'll have demos, figure drawings, and all that good stuff to share on a regular basis!

incredibly excited and thankful,

-francis

Yo! These sketches I did a while back for a cover gig. It was anticipated to be for 5 issues so I had the idea of having one image slowly reveal itself across the bottom of all 5 issues with the top image changing depending on the issue. The "X" on the cooler is a placeholder for the title. I was asked to make revisions to the bottom image at the last second, so I dropped in 3d models which ended up getting the job done nicely. The 2nd image shows other concepts for what the top section could look like.

Unfortunately the series never made it off the ground, so this is as far as these drawings will go.

In other news, I'm about to hop on a plane to Austin, TX to begin setting up the TAD POD location. Soon after, from June 14th-30th I'll be in Kansas City helping out at the Illustration Academy. Busy month!! Hope to meet folks!

take care,

-francis

The O Show / Miami

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^ painting by Oliver Dominguez

^painting by Orlando Sanchez

This Saturday the 15th, Orlando Sanchez and Oliver Dominguez are having a terrific 2 man exhibition opening in Miami, Florida. Named "The O Show," (with sponsors Monster Energy and Nestle Coffee) it features Orlando's interpretation of the history of music, and Oliver's interpretation of the history of Miami.

May 15th, 2010
Octopus Art Gallery: Doors open at 7PM
169 NW 36th St.
Miami, FL 33127

I've had the privilege of previewing much of the work and it is top notch! Hope everyone in the area can check it out!

best,
-francis

Some more warm-ups between 1 minute and a half hour. If you look real close, I have a male figure in there!? I've been looking at these drawings.

Also, over this past weekend, my father graduated with his Associate degree in the applied biomedical field. When the Detroit auto industry collapsed he made up his mind to enroll in a local college. His last time spent in school was 40 years prior as a high school student. After 3 intense years of study he graduated with top honors in his class. The field requires regular computer use, and he had never turned on a computer before his classes. He also was given the highest grade his internship instructor has ever given. This internship requires 20 hours a week - he gives 40. Anything I've accomplished is a result of the inspiration I get from watching my dad give 110% to everything he does. You know those people that scream and yell at graduations? Yeah, that was my mom and I the whole ceremony. Congrats dad!!!

take care,

-fv

PS. It's about that time of the year. The summer Illustration Academy program begins May 31st and ends June 25. For the first time, it is being split into 2 locations: Kansas City, MO and Richmond, VA. I'm honored and excited to be helping out this year! I will be in Kansas City for the last half of the program, offering any knowledge I can. Again, it's a terrific program and one of the best investments you can make towards your development as an artist. Hope to see some folks there!

Also, TAD recently held an online course "The Art of the Feminine Form" this past weekend. The whole presentation has been recorded and is now available to purchase for a very reasonable price "on demand". It's a great course, with some killer conversations and artwork. Now that classes are over for many students, it's a great way to keep the juices flowing over the summer!