Comic Artwork Up Close

"Speakeasy Studios" Tonalism, Caseins, and a Cavalcade of Books

A collection of books that I am studying and drawing inspiration from. John Singer Sargent, Alphonse Mucha, and (at the bottom of the photo) Thomas Wilmer Dewing's beautiful Tonalist work.

Here are two casein paintings, as well as the many tables and stands with books and paint that surround them (a better look at the N.C. Wyeth book obscured in the first photo as well). I started reworking the painting on the left (my first attempt at casein painting) in order to try and shift it toward the Tonalist look I love in Thomas Wilmer Dewing's work. Nicholas E. Jainschigg, who shares the space with me, introduced me to a wonderful book on Tonalism given to him by a friend and co-worker. I am also roughing in the background in the painting on the right, to show the airship the figure is standing in. Before they are both completed, I intend to bring in some more elements that are reminiscent of Jean-Léon Gérôme's Orientalist work and its period detail.

Here is a closer look at both paintings as they stand at the moment. It has been a steep learning curve, but I am enjoying the challenges and new opportunities for exploration that these two paintings are bringing.

"Speakeasy Studios" Work

Sneak a Peak at "Speakeasy Studios"

Here's a look at the studio where I create my work. High ceilings and lots of inspiration in the form of art books, wall art, and the landscape paintings of stablemate Nicholas E. Jainschigg.

A page of sequential comic art that I am drawing, currently on my desk at the studio.

Lastly, is an image showcasing the biggest influence on a painting I posted a while back. Many have noted the obvious similarity to the pose and look of the figure in John Singer Sargent's "Madame X". The painting I am actually inspired by is another version of the painting titled, "Madame Gautreau (Unfinished)", in addition to referencing the work of Thomas Wilmer Dewing, N.C. Wyeth, Alphonse Mucha, Jean-Léon Gérôme, and Manfred Schatz.

Studio Logo

"Airship Queen" caseins on masonite (in progress)

Raw Scans of Black and White Art

Before I desaturate the image, adjust the levels, and clean the art with the eraser tool, this is what the scanned image of my black and white art looks like.