//Chromatic Tales//

Been a while...

2011-12-07T06:24:00.000-08:00

Been busy, so not had a chance to update as much as I would like!!!
Anyway, here's something I've been putting together...

Not finished, but I thought you might like a Wip gander...!

something ....

2011-10-18T07:37:00.001-07:00

just pushing ink about...then some colour...this happened....!

Character Concepts _ 02

2011-10-11T02:07:00.000-07:00

Next up, Jones...Tanners sidekick...he was alot of fun to draw as I had free reign on the design...

And finally, Jericho...the 'Bad Guy'...LOVED designing him...just made him evil/cool...(I hope!)

one last minor post...a couple of chracters that were/weren't used...The Kruge, and Mikhail...

(One final side note:...Can't believe I did these nearly 2 years ago now!)

Character Concepts _ 01

2011-10-11T01:32:00.000-07:00

More!...Here's some of the concept art I did for the game I worked on for a couple of years http://driver-thegame.ubi.com/driver-san-francisco/en-US/home/ I worked on the Wii version, as we had 2D animated comic book style cut scenes, and I got the chance to draw all the art for that...had a BLAST, worked with a brilliant team of artist, probably the most focused in the 15 years I've been in the industry...I'll post some vids of that when I can.

In the meantime, here's some character concept art/marketing stuff...and some art I 'just did' whilst on the project...!

First up : TANNER
The main protagonist from the game...he went through a few diff versions, until I found one I liked...our story centred around the events of how Tanner became an undercover cop, so we made him younger than he appears in the final (PS3/XBOX) game...

Before that he went through a few variations of both his look, and his coat...

Also, had to draw him as a cop, for the handbook I think..

concept art...01

2011-10-11T01:28:00.000-07:00

Here's some stuff I've been working on recently...have gander let me know what you think..!

Finished Pages.

2011-09-30T07:45:00.000-07:00

Finally finished them...took a bit longer than I thought, but got there in the end....NEXT!!

something else (again)

2011-08-23T05:02:00.001-07:00

Did this last night...testing out a technique...enjoyed the outcome...Here you go...

Hope you like it...I do. may have to do some more ficticious book covers...see how they pan out..!

Cheers.

Long time...

2011-08-22T06:35:00.000-07:00

Apologies for the break...been SUPER busy at work, and working on stuff personally...few pitch pages, are tests, whathaveyou....anyway, I'll update more as soon as I can...

In the meantime, here's a little doodle I liked enough to colour...

...oh well...back to work..!

Inkage

2011-07-01T05:58:00.000-07:00

...and another quick panel test...for something else (not related to the last post..!!)

something new...

2011-07-01T05:57:00.000-07:00

Here's something new...more of a testing board for something else, but I was happy with it all the same.

SNEAK PEEK....

2011-05-26T12:58:00.001-07:00

Just a sneak peak at the main character for a personal project I'm hoping to pitch soon...stay tuned...THERE WILL BE MORE.....

Sample Page sketches

2011-05-03T00:52:00.000-07:00

Here's some roughs for some sample pages I'm currently working on...just about to start inking them! Looking forward to it...I normally print them out full size, them lightbox them straight onto the board...this allows me to keep some energy into my final inking... I'll post the final inks as well.

(if they're any good!)

oodles of doodles

2011-04-21T04:24:00.000-07:00

here's something different. Just a bunch of doodles I generally knock out whilst I'm waiting for stuff to render at work...keeps me sane, and stops me getting rusty...will try to post more!

These are done with a black/red biro and normally done in one day...

Something different

2011-02-01T14:38:00.000-08:00

Tried a different inking/colouring technique. Hope it works...I like it.

And another thing.

2011-01-28T06:11:00.000-08:00

something I'm working on for a pitch. What started out as a test ( ie placeholder colours) has now become the colours I'm using...Hope you like...

Environment Concepts - Technique test

2011-01-21T03:05:00.000-08:00

This was an early concept for practise, leaning towards a more 'hand drawn' look, then moved into creating basic 3D models, and painting and laying textures over, to make it seem more finished/realistic...not sure which technique I prefer...(probably depends on the job I suppose).

been wanting to get better at doing enviroment concepts, so did these as a test. Hope you like...still need to sharpen the old skills, but they're getting there...!

Something new....

2011-01-19T07:33:00.001-08:00

An ink test, became a colour test, which became this...Hope you like.

Will update more soon...>!

Old Concept Made New

2010-12-22T00:32:00.000-08:00

Just a quick test to see if I could 'Moodify' an old concept...added some more details/textures...was quite happy the way it turned out...!

Some Test Concepts...

2010-12-17T02:53:00.000-08:00

Heard there was going to be a new version of 'The Day of the Triffids'...thought I'd do some concepts for the injured serviceman, who becomes the main character...Loved the Old movie...Howard Keel was awesome, also remember watching the Early '80's version as a child...Scared the SHIT out of me....anyway...

A simple version first...
...another one
..This one was my favourite...

Cheers,
-Mack.

Inkage...

2010-12-08T02:13:00.001-08:00

had time to do a little ink test again last night...trying to keep the enery there, and not get too hung up on making it 'perfect'...Quite happy with the outcome!

STATIK...pt3

2010-11-18T02:00:00.000-08:00

Just a mini update...started doing some colour test for STATIK...Here's what I got so far..

Wanted to go for a nice 'clean' look to the colouring...I need to do a new line for it, add some thickness, etc...just got to colour the BIG shot, form the last post now....!!!

STATIK...pt2

2010-11-18T01:57:00.000-08:00

Also tried a 'fake' cover for it...Here's the sketch (above)...And here's the inked version (plus a detail...)

STATIK

2010-11-18T01:46:00.000-08:00

Here's something I've been working on...just for myself really...an idea for a story, although nothing set in stone yet...just been doing some character stuff, fake poster, etc...just having some fun...!!!

This was the sketch for the main character, and i was trying to figure out how I'd colour him...dod this version as well...

New Stuff...

2010-11-18T01:42:00.001-08:00

Did this little coboy illo, after being inspired by old tex avery cartoons, the Gorillaz, and other awesome cartoons,.... here are some of the sketches I did in the process of getting the above image...

'nuther ink...

2010-08-05T07:39:00.000-07:00

more ink work...based off some reference I had...did a reasonably tight pencil line, then inked straight onto the paper using the lightbox...found this way lets me keep some of the energy in the inking, keeping it loose and fun.

Another quick update....

2010-07-30T03:16:00.001-07:00

Not much to say that isn't in the image!!!...got some ideas for him...REVENGE! ROMANCE! REDEMPTION...and other R's...

Another Update!!

2010-07-21T01:04:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know...I can't believe it's been so long. I have been busy, honest...!

Anyway, still can't show any of the game stuff I've been doing (BOO!!) but should be able to soon. In the meantime, here's some sketches and ideas for stuff I've been working on:

First up, some stuff for the comic I've been working off/on with for a while now...redesigned the main character, tried to make him more 'iconic' as well as some ideas for panels/covers...should be getting back to that in the next couple of weeks!

next up, some bits for a CD cover I've been working on for a band called The Baketones. I was lucky enough to get asked to do the art for their debut album, which was cool in itself, but the idea they had was awesome to work on as well!!! I got to draw COWBOYS!!!

Another couple of sketches..one for an idea for 'another' comic story and the other a little hint at what I would *love* to work on....

This last one, a very quick lunchtime sketch...pen/brush/ink on tracing paper, then 'blacked' in photoshop...Love Judge Dredd...love to do a story at some point!!

That's it for now...hope you've had fun...I did!!

-Mack.

Finally! An update!!!

2009-11-11T00:07:00.000-08:00

Hey there! Sorry for the long absence...been really hectic, what with being made redundant, doing a little freelance, and having interviews all over the country!!! Finally got myself sorted, and managed to snag some freelance work along the way...DOING ACTUAL COMICS!!!!! Which is truly cool, hard work, but truly cool...I'll post more on that in the future...

Anyway, here's a little of the stuff I've been doodling with lately...
(there's alot of stuff I can't show, NDS's and all...which is a shame!!!!)

These last 2 are for a mini idea my writing partner and I had featuring Wolverine, Punisher and Nick Fury ( the old version though!)...just more of a test for me with storytelling and inking style...more on that in another post as well...

Also: Anyone going to the http://www.thoughtbubblefestival.com/ Next weekend? there's some good artist there doing some demos/talsk...I'm heading down, see if I can get any sketches!!!

Thanks for stopping by,
Laters.

Mini Update!

2009-04-17T13:58:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of updates, but I've been working on roughing out the first issue ofURBN...whilst doing that, I was approached by another Comic Publisher to try out for one of their books, as they thought I'd be a good fit for it! This was awesome news, as you well know, and can tell, I'd LOVE to work in the comics field! Anyway, to cut along story short, the past few weeks, I've been working on some roughs/character designs for that, and pouring my heart into it! As soon as I find out either way, I'll let you know!!! (keep everything crossed!!!)

Anyway...(as I can't show any of that work...) I recently got sent a 'storyboard' Moleskin, by Mike, my good friend, and writing buddy...and have been doodling in that! Here's a page from it:

The book itself is only small, about 3"by5", so it's great for getting little ideas down...one of which I liked :

So I cut the doodle out, and started sketching over it in PS.... The original sketch is only 0.5" by 1.5"!!

That's it so far..I'm going to print it out and draw it up...I'll post it as soon as I've done it!

Later,
-Mack.

Another update...

2009-03-18T08:02:00.000-07:00

Just a quickie for today...had a go inking with a brush! Really loved it, obviously I need to practice more with it, but as a first attempt ( in a LOOOOONNNGGG while) I don't think it turned out too bad!

Let me know what you think!

another progress shot....

2009-03-09T15:24:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update to the image, as I have been working on some other stuff as well...I'll post that soon enough as well!

Anyway, this is just a little bit of progression on the body of the Thief, so here it is...I'm quite liking the colour palette on the body!

Cheers,
-Mack.

Update pt 3.....

2009-02-26T15:02:00.000-08:00

Just a quick process shot really...testing out a more painterly look...hopefully it works!

Really enjoying painting at the moment. Finally, after a long while I'm starting to feel actual enjoyment, when I paint, and liking the results! About time!

Anyway....Better get back to it!
-Mack.

Mini Update pt.2

2009-02-25T15:25:00.000-08:00

Just a quickie...I've fixed the hand/arm problem, and completely changed the legs...I feel they look more balanced now...!

Anyway, here it is!

-Mack

Mini Update...

2009-02-24T15:38:00.000-08:00

Just a quickie...I've decided to go digital for this illustration, as, for a one off piece, it's quicker and cleaner!

Here's a mini update, just quick style/technique sort of a test for the moment...going for an old 40's/50's magazine illustration look...I just love all that era...Al Parker, Robert Fawcett, Jon Whitcomb, the list is endless...

There's still a few things I have to fix for this, the hands for a start, and the feet...this, like I said is still a rough comp!

Anyway, as usual, thanks for stopping by.....
-M

Something new

2009-02-12T15:07:00.001-08:00

Here's something I doodled whilst at work, waiting for the engine to compile...I like it so far, as it has nothing to do with any of the other little projects I have on the go at the moment!

This was the initial doodle, scanned and slightly corrected. I've started to put the final illo together, basically drawing the character in front of the tree. The idea for the tree will be a cross between a Willow tree, and a Cherry Blossom tree. The little bags attached to the tree are 'Wish Bags', as this is The Wishing Tree. Also to go in are some of the Crow/Vulture Imps, that gather in the tree trying to steal the dreams and wishes placed there. The character in the front can be taken as either a thief, or protector, depending on your persuasion.

I'm having fun with it so far....Here's a roughed up version of it so far...not happy with the composition so far...needs more space at the foot of the tree...Not sure if it will be a fully digital piece, or if I'll print it out and either pencil it on tracing paper, or ink and grey wash it on illustration board...we will have to see! Anyway, here you go....

As usual, thanks for stopping by...feel free to comment!
-Mack.

Long time no post...

2009-02-12T15:00:00.000-08:00

Sorry about the delay in posting anything new...just been finishing off the computer game I've been studiously working on for the last couple of years...Wheelman...hits the stores on March 2oth!!!! It's been a long, hard slog, but ultimately worth it in the end!

Wheelman

Anyway...also, as you know I've been working on another comic pitch, URBN, (see the last post for a link to the site....) You can see some updated sketches, and what not on there.

URBN

-Mack

New Project...URBN

2008-12-03T01:31:00.000-08:00

Hi there!,

Sorry for the delay in posting, but I have been uber busy at work finishing off the game I'm working on. Almost there now, almost.

Anyway, that doesn't mean I haven't been working on some art...far from it. Whilst we're having a break from The Fallen, we've come up with a very cool little project, which should be pitchable very soon...just got to finish off the pages. The story is sharp. The setting is cool, and the ladies are hot...(or will be, once I draw them!)

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you....URBN

http://urbn.wordpress.com

And here are some sketches to go with it.....

For a more detailed explanation, character bios, and general info on URBN...check back to...

http://urbn.wordpress.com

-Mack

More new bits...

2008-10-08T15:31:00.000-07:00

Here are some more sketches/illos I'm working on at the moment...Wanted to do an XMen piece, as well as a Nick Fury piece, so I decided to do them both!...a hypothetical XMen story involving Nick Fury! I give you...X-MEN : Fury's War

Still WIP...as I intend to digitally colour the characters...but here's the line work for each one...
First up:Cyclops...

Next up:NightCrawler (although I am going to re draw his hair...do NOT like how it turned out!)
Next up:Wolverine...I like how he turned out, although I will add his claws to the final image...
Finally...Nick Fury. Went with more of an old school look for him....
That's it for now...I'll hopefully post again soon with progress shots of the actual colouring of each illustration...Until then, laters!!

What I've been up to...(pt4)

2008-09-11T15:45:00.000-07:00

Finally, here's a little illo I did yesterday.

I'd recently got back into using my brush pen, and ink, as well as my dip pen (quill nib). What was weird, was how much I enjoyed it! So I decided to use it a lot more, and did this (you may recall seeing the pencil sketch in an earlier post) :
As you can see from the top image I went really stylized with the colouring and design. I really enjoyed doing that illustration, and it's a style I want to pursue more, and try to incorporate more into my future work.

Thanks for stopping by! And I promise to post more regularly!
-Mack.

What I've been up to...(pt3)

2008-09-11T15:33:00.001-07:00

Here's a few ideas I've been wanting to do with the Punisher (a favourite of mine!)

First, the line work:
Second, the flat colour:
Third, some tone work...(colouring it in a more stylized way than the Wolverine piece) :
And finally, a rough comp of how the finished piece will look, (again, going for a more stylized look for the backgrounds) :

What I've been up to...(pt2)

2008-09-11T15:30:00.000-07:00

More posts??!!

Ok, here goes...This is an updated/improved version of the Wolverine in the snow shot...Still not finished, i want to add footsteps, some blood, more breath, make him a little bit more 'worn', but here's the progress so far...

What I've been up to...(pt1)

2008-09-11T15:21:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the long space between posts...I've been super busy at work...Nearly finished the game now!!!

Anyway, enough excuses...Here's a few bits I've been working on in my spare time:

The first is an idea I've had for a Silver Surfer shot. Decided to go the 'fully painted' route for this one. Here's the initial sketch:
Sort of got the poses down. Any way here was the first pass at an inked/coloured version:

And here's the final (almost finished!) fully painted one (still have to add some bounced light/reflection...)
And here's the sketch/paint of Galactus so far...

2008-07-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

Just started this the other day...sketched it out on the PC, printed out and scaled the body to fit on A4. Using my light box, I transferred it to some nice smooth illustration paper, where I'm going to ink it up. Once that is done, I'll rescan it back in and digitally colour it...(I may do a fully painted version, eventually getting rid of the line work...who knows!!)
(Here's a quick colour comp, more for me, than anyone else!)

2008-07-17T07:26:00.000-07:00

Here's another illustration for The Fallen. This time it's of the main 'Bad Guy' in the first story arc. Basically, penciled and inked the drawing, scanned it in, then painted it digitally. Took about 2-3 hours all in all. Really enjoyed painting it, and (for a change) I'm quite happy with the results!!

Finally...and update!!

2008-07-17T07:18:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the long break...been really busy with work..(excuses, excuses!)

Anyway, here are a few bits I've been playing with...more stuff for The Fallen, as the pitch is nearly done...enough talking:

This first image is a new idea for how the main character could look. Not much different, just a slightly better face ( in my opinion, anyway!)...I'll do a fully finished version of him soon.

This one was for another version of the cover, maybe issue 2, once all the characters have been introduced. Still going for an iconic sort of image, rather than illustrating something directly from the story (I personally prefer these kind of covers anyway).

About time (part 2)...

2008-05-22T14:13:00.000-07:00

More superhero stuff. This time, a sketch of The Red Skull, an idea for a nice digitally painted punisher piece, a Wolverine piece (fully painted, digitally) that I'm working on, and my take on the Punisher. (Drawn and inked, scanned and coloured in Photshop...)

Again, hope you like!!!

Cheers, for now...(still waiting for my new PC!!!)

More sketches and paintings to come......

About time....

2008-05-22T14:07:00.000-07:00

I started drawing some super hero stuff!!!

First off, some (very) rough thumbnails for a Captain America sequence...dropping into the forest, sneaking into the castle, only to find not only the Red Skull, but the beginnings of his clone army, led by the Red Golem!!

More Art Samples

2008-05-22T14:03:00.001-07:00

At long last more work! Here are a couple of ideas for the cover style for this pitch/mini series...As well as a good old fashioned 'analogue' piece of art...(note to self: I must do more painting!)

Anyway, Hope you like!!

Comic/Sequential Art examples

2007-10-08T15:52:00.000-07:00

Here are some examples of my sequential artwork...

Comic Related Artworks.

2007-10-08T15:48:00.000-07:00

Here are some examples of my art, directly related to the sequentials posted above.

Digital Paints

2007-10-08T15:45:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of examples of some digital/analogue painting experiments.

Misc Art

2007-10-08T15:38:00.000-07:00

Here are some examples of various styles of art...just playing with stuff.