Throttling Back but Not on the Thumbs

I've been somewhat busy of late with doing illos and with life but I always have a bit of time for myself to let my mind and hand idle with a pencil in my sketch book. I've only a few pages to go before I need a new sketch book to doodle in. I always feel good when I finish a sketch book, I'm not sure why though. Perhaps it's because I feel that I'm actually doing something and keeping the creative juices flowing from my mind to hand to sketch book. Last night I finished the last of my commissioned illustrations and I feel good that they're behind me. I really want to get my brushes out and get painting, it's been too long and something seems to always get in the way. But I'm determined this time, even if it comes to throttling back on other things. In fact I will have to throttle back but that is for another post. So here is a few more inspirations to bore you with :)

A Shipload of Thumbs!

Before I get back to doing more illustrations for another upcoming book, I'll post a number of thumbs from my sketchbook. I'm always doodling to see what I can come up with and what might be good for a future painting.

HARP Martial Law Illustration Preview

As part of the new art upgrade for the HARP fantasy line of products from Guild Companion Publications(GCP), I have contributed 7 new illustrations for the upcoming expansion book "Martial Law". This book is orientated towards the combat rules of the game. By the generosity of Nicholas Caldwell, he has granted me permission to show you some of the works that will be included in this upcoming book. I'm quite happy how these turned out and I believe are some of my best works so far...enjoy!

"Shepherd of the North"

"The Shadows Have Teeth"

"The Spirit the Sword and the Sorceress"

Thumbnails...yep more of 'em!

  

The above I did as a concept for a painting that I want my son to be featured in.

 

 

 Another concept for a painting...my wife likes this one.

High Adventure Role Playing Fantasy Illustration Preview

Well, I said I had some interesting news to share last month, and here it is. Guild Companion Publications(GCP) are replacing quite a number of the artworks in the original "High Adventure Role Playing"(HARP) core rules book. And within this new book there will be a total of nine new illos by yours truly. And just to give you a sneak preview of whats to come, Nicholas Caldwell(sole director of GCP) has graciously agreed to let me show some images in the upcoming book. I'm unaware of any release date for the book but I'll keep you posted when I know. Anyway, here they are for you viewing pleasure :D

Warrior Mage

 

Changing Ways

 

HARP sci-fi books in print and up for sale!

I recently received my complimentry books of HARP sci-fi and HARP sci-fi Xtreme. In the first book I did 50 b&w illustrations, and for the second book I did 11. It has been a long wait to see this finally come to light, but it gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside to actually see my illos in print! After working on those two projects, I can see that I've past a couple of milestones in my drawing skills. I look back at some of those illos and wish I could improve/redo them...but I guess everyone goes through that.

Last of 2011 Thumbs

 Well it's been awhile since I've posted here but it's not to say I've been slacking around. I've been rather busy doing a batch of illos that I will announce the details of next month. Anyway, here is a bunch of thumb concepts from last years sketchbook. I hope to start another painting soon, I've been itching to smear paint everywhere:D