I’m a big fan of the Glass Cannon Network, a group of friends in the NYC area who started a podcast of their Pathfinder Giant Slayer game and 7 years later they now have a myriad of shows, their own network, live performances, and collaborations with other role players. I find their storytelling and improvisational skills massively impressive and informative. During the pandemic they started experimenting with other games, one of which was Delta Green. Kind of a Cthulhu game set in modern times (think X-Files meets Fringe meets True Detective). The characters are memorable and at times very fragile, it’s only a matter of when and how they lose their sanity and their lives holding back the unnatural alien entities that threaten our world. Unlike traditional gritty supernatural thrillers, you will laugh until you cry. I thought I’d try my hand at some character art, they usually commission stuff for their shows, so I thought, why not. So, FYI, these are not official or anything, just my artistic interpretation of the characters. The response has been amazing. I can’t wait to see the actual art they have made for the show. It felt so good to pick up a pencil again.
Make Art
Carrying on the Bob Ross Legacy: Painting Tutorial
The other night in my studio, I finally set up a camera before I started painting and let it run. A week later, I shut it off. I ain’t no Bob Ross, that’s for sure, but I’m happy with the results. If I inspire one person to take a break and pick up a paint brush, then I have done my job. So, if you are looking for a relaxing watch, kick back and learn how to transform a junk canvas into art with some simple supplies and a dash of imagination. Also I discovered that Lofi Girl music is now available for free use in videos so I gobbled that up. It’s like digital smooth jazz.
Make Art: Side Quest Side Sesh Fan Art
in Make Art
One of the things that got me through the pandemic, entertains me during the workday, and amuses me while working on projects are podcasts. I’m a big fan of the Glass Cannon Network which produces actual play role playing game podcasts. Their humor can tend a bit blue at times and they swear like sailors when the dice are not on their side, but their storytelling and improv skills are so hilarious and interesting that it’s hard not to get sucked in. At the height of the pandemic, since they couldn’t meet in person they started a hilarious side quest with some memorable characters. I thought I’d take a crack at drawing the characters.
It’s side projects like this that remind me of how much I want to create a comic book or graphic novel. Which I know will take years at the rate that I go, but I still keep thinking about it.
Make Art: Suit Up
in Make Art
Doing the house picture, brought back memories of past projects. A few years ago on my birthday, I found myself in DC at the National Air and Space Museum, face to face with the suit John Glenn wore during the first orbital flight of a U.S. astronaut. I snapped a picture because I thought it was so cool. It’s hard not to be taken with the sight of a uniform, whatever that is. All the buttons, snaps, straps, and character. Clothes tell stories. I did this in colored pencil and tried watercolor paper, which was very thick and could take the pressure, but it was almost too textured. A good lesson learned. What’s a uniform that catches your eye?
