Here, I’ve done a series of exploratory sketches in the hopes of capturing the frame of mind of a particular character. It’s part of Art Direction to create mood in the moment using framing, composition, lighting, color, etc. In this case I wanted each mini scenario to reflect the state of mind of the character through some rough studies.

Art Directors in film, also known as Production Designers use similar techniques to help the Director of the film capture particular moods in a scene. One of my favorite examples in feature film Production Design is Richard Sylbert’s work in 1982 film ‘Frances’ starring Jessica Lange. The story followed early Hollywood actress Frances Farmer through her mental deterioration, Sylbert employed his use of color to depict her frame of mind ingeniously.

In my sketches, I experimented with framing, composition and body language. See what, if any, insight to her mood or personality comes across from these drawings - it would be a great exercise for me and hopefully a bit of fun for you. And maybe - just maybe I’ll finish writing the stories I’ve already started.

Cheers!

Between iphones and blackberries, the wireless phenomenon has become pervasive. You might think at first that it all adds to everyone being isolated and in their own bubble. Instead of being at your computer all the time at the office or at home - ignoring more social activities, you can now have your “computer” in the palm of your hand everywhere you go. You’re always looking at your phone and not paying much attention to your surroundings. As a result, no real social interaction, right?

Well, it seems there’s a new trend emerging from this, and it’s sort of getting back to a more social experience. People are sharing things with each other not just through texting and emailing on these devices, but they’re actually holding their phones out to let their friends have a look at whatever is on their screen. So, they’re interacting with each other again. Every now and then I’ll see groups of people huddled around one guy or girl trying to get a glimpse of the latest “app” or “youtube video”. So maybe it’s a good thing.

Here’s a piece inspired by that latest observation. Based on a couple of photos I took at the 2008 San Diego Con. I used Sketchbook Pro and Photoshop CS.

This is the original Sketchbook Pro line art:

I hope this summer you’ll all enjoy more social activities too - even if it involves looking at your friend’s hand held device!

-Tom

Well it’s safe to say that I like certain things about both, so I’ll always have my sketch pad, HB pencil and pencil sharpener near my Cintiq work station. That’s the way it’s gonna stay.

Here’s a some other creature sketches that I did using Alias Sketchbook Pro:

I’m going to do some more of these critters, but I’m also trying my hand at environments which I’ll be posting here soon. Thanks for peeking in!

I noticed her coming into a grocery store while I was in the check out line. The store was crowded and the line long enough to spend a little time people watching. She walked her shopping cart in a few yards from the entrance and stopped to scan the store. She tapped her thigh to the beat of the piped in pop music and then went on her way. That’s the story of Winter Girl for 2009 and this is the image that was impressed on me and what I can remember of her visage when I finally got to the drawing board a couple of days later. I used Sketchbook Pro on a 20″ Cintiq to sketch this one.

Happy New Year!

Here’s what I ended up with:

Well that’s it for now. I wish you all a peaceful holiday season.

There are 30 some odd pieces, both black & white and color if you’re at all interested. So look through the gallery and see if anything calls out to you, send me an email and we’ll work out the details. Click below or go to my website to see what’s for sale.

Thanks so much for dropping by and thanks in advance for considering a purchase or two.

Here’s what it looks like without the text:

I cropped in a bit here. Turns out many of my colleagues like how Dr. Zaius was rendered the most.

Another exciting aspect of connecting with the Simian Scrolls folks is that Dan Morgan and I have been asked if we would contribute to the winter issue in some interior pages and talk about our Cornelius make up.

Other “Scrolls” covers can be seen and you can download past issues of the fanzine here.

Stay tuned for more on the outcome of the auction!

Well, if you’ve been to the site and have seen all the remarkable and beautiful art that’s up for the September 6th auction, then nows the time to get your tickets. They went on sale at 10AM today. Here’s the link:

https://totoro.spotlightboxoffice.com/purchase/step4?ticketID=1

Hope to see you all there!