I like you… James Jean

I almost feel like I shouldn’t put James Jean’s work on this blog because he’s just so damn talented. There’s no way I can follow an act like his. Check out his website, because nothing I can say does justice to his skills.

Here’s the latest! It’s called Buttercup and measures 12 x 12″. I hope the lovely lady that commissioned it likes the piece.

I like you… Tekkonkinkreet

Just saw this anime, based on the manga by the same name. Although there was one sequence at the end that lasted waaaaayyy too long, this movie was exhilarating to watch. The backgrounds are intensely detailed while the figures are very simple and angular. The background artists really captured the chaotic skyline of so many Asian cities. The two main characters are twisted street urchins with some heartbreaking lines. I’ve seen bits and pieces of the original manga and am hoping to track down a copy I can really examine. Exciting stuff…

Hopefully just another day or two until I have my latest painting finished and posted…

I spent this evening listening to Art Spiegelman talk about comics, art, graphic novels and visual culture. It was exhilarating. He has such an amazing wealth of knowledge about the history of comics and a huge variety of artists as well as a keen ability to analyze and relish the structure of a compelling page. It’s one of those nights where I feel like I learnt a great deal, the largest lesson of which is that I know very little.

Note: The Illustrating Democracy feature will become a monthly feature rather than a weekly one since I haven’t received any suggestions for the past couple and my schedule is getting kee-razy.

Each week a new feature called “I like you…” will feature an artist, illustrator; anyone that inspires me. Check out the links to see work by people much more talented than I am.

I like you… Craig Thompson

Seriously, could this guy be a more charming comics artist and talented draftsman? His line quality is so intense, natural and rich. I recommend all his books, but Goodbye Chunky Rice is my favourite. I have posted a couple panels below to give you a taste, but you can visit his website for more.

Illustrating Democracy!

After a little break, I am hoping you are full of ideas. It’s time again to submit a comment and see it illustrated by yours truly. First one wins!