Dave Kopka Art & Illustration

Artist | Illustrator (he/him) [email protected] https://linktr.ee/drawkop

[davekopka]

Picked up reading on the bus—like, actual reading-for-fun reading—so I’ve been cherishing that lately. But I’m still squeaking in a face here and there when I can, promise! Forever and always, a fulfilling challenge and joy to return to the sketchbook.

Take care out there, and spread kindness, y’all. ✍️

[davekopka]

I’ve been thinking about the children of Palestine. About the mothers, the fathers, the siblings growing up quick, and the older generations still remaining who’ve had to navigate atrocity after atrocity since before the 2020’s. I’ve been thinking about the hopes and dreams of families and individuals alike, and about the immense strength and fortitude that a people must reach deep down for and hoist up under such insane oppression. I think about the journalists, the medical staff, the food kitchen prep teams, strangers with nothing—running to others in dire circumstance, the folks risking much in taking to the streets and organizing to demand an end to the depravity; The Helpers. Them, and many others.

This piece was born from an attempt to process and articulate these thoughts, inspired by a displaced people with such a devout resolution at a scale I’ve never had to procure, in the face of atrocities that I’ve never had to and may never have to endure.

You can find this piece available for purchase on my printshop page (connecting url in my profile), and all proceeds from the sales through that site will be donated to PCRF. You’re also very welcome to find out more at PCRF.NET and donate directly. Many thanks again to those who continue to inspire and incite speaking out about the wrongs being committed abroad and domestically, to make a change for folks hoping to just live their lives.

Take care out there, and spread kindness, y’all ✍️

[davekopka]

Reasons why I try my best to keep high-res documentation of all my traditional work. A client had been asking about my portrait sketches and a commission was born out of that conversation. The framer they worked with did such a phenomenal job. I was so delighted to receive these photos as they prepare to hang it in their home. To have my work hanging in a gallery is undeniably incredible, but to have it displayed so prominently in someone’s private residence brings such a humbling sense of gratitude. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Going to say it till I’m blue in the face—to everyone who’s supported and supports my work, whether it’s through buying, or sending an encouraging word, or even just talking about it: I can’t even begin to explain what it means to me. Thank you🙏✍️

For the curious—the original sketchbook page’s vertical dimension is 8.5”, and this commissioned work’s vertical is a whopping 22”.

Big ups to Stockbridge Fine Art Print for always coming in clutch with the exquisite art reproduction work.🤘

[davekopka]

It’s not Wednesday, but here’s a smattering of faces on paths crossed while traveling around last weekend.

Take care out there, and spread kindness y’all.✍️

[davekopka]

Just when I think I’ve crawled my way out of the pit, I just go right back in. 🫠

Art, design, and hand-lettering by me. Copy lettered in Unmasked BB and Feast of Flesh BB by Blambot.

Anyway. A comic about hobbies, for some levity.

Looking towards a *not* grim dark future (of space) within this reality.

Take care out there, and spread kindness y’all.

[davekopka]

Faces from 2025.

Got to work on some real fun things this year that naturally can’t share online yet, so there’s not too much to show this time around. It stings, but I know that I’ve been also putting in work on both my mental wellness as well as not-fun-but-still-important tasks that desperately needed tending to (an encouraging reminder to back up all your files and images as you finish projects so you can find them easily 5+ years down the road 😩). It all takes time, and it’s all apart of the process. Looking forward to standing and carrying on over the stronger foundation I’ve been building.

Happy New Year, y’all. See you on the flip.

Take care and spread kindness out there✍️

[davekopka]

So, I gave myself a scheduling conflict here: I’ve started to use my commute to work on some other projects I would usually do at home—effectively turning my route into studio time rather than a moment for public sketching. All that to say, we probably won’t get to the end of the sketchbook by the end of the year, but I’ll try to show one or two more before the clock strikes midnight.

Take care out there, and spread kindness y’all ✍️

[davekopka]

Made a short comic that was inspired by one of maaaaany moments playing DnD with my friends. The sessions have been completed for a minute now but everyone brought such a fervor of storytelling, it was difficult to not feel awe-struck. Dunno if I’ll chase doing more of these, but it’s been great to do as warmup drawings to revive diminished creative spark.

Lettered by me using Unmasked BB by Blambot

[davekopka]

Grateful and excited to have been accepted into this year’s Phillustration 16 show at the Philadelphia Sketch Club.

The reception’s open to all! This Sunday 10/26 from 1 to 3 pm. Come say hi and check out some awesome art.

[davekopka]

I presently don’t have the articulation to correctly express what it feels like to close a chapter on a story that is told in a cumulative capacity with friends. But man, it really scratches an itch for me. Learned some things, healed some things, and came out of this journey feeling inspired and refreshed.

Made some icon vignettes for the characters who took part in this tale, might make more art for the whole thing later on down the road. For now though, I’m gonna put the spreadsheets and near-100 page doc on this adventure down, and go play another friend’s game.

🤘⚔️

[davekopka]

[davekopka]

[davekopka]

Paths crossed in 2024. 🚎

One day, I’ll actually figure out how to properly document this accordion sketchbook… but for now, here’s a look at the 8 pages of quick portraits I’ve accumulated over the past year alone. (A contrast to the single page managed in 2023!)

Slide 1: cropped pages in square format.

Slide 2: the full spread from Jan through Dec. Apologies to your squinting eyes!

Slides 3 and on: some page details that I particularly enjoyed.

It’s been a blast and gratifying time to be able to jump back on this project. Looking forward to finishing this side of the sketchbook in 2025, and seeing how far I can get by next December.

Thanks for tuning in thus far, folks. The support I’ve gotten on my creative ventures has meant more than I can ever truly say.

Take care, and be kind out there y’all ✍️✌️

[davekopka]

Slowly but surely, we’re gonna cross to the other side of this page. Hoping to finish this month AND year out with a clean break!

Take care, and be kind out there, y’all✍️

[davekopka]

Hey y’all, since Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals are wheeling out for an extended time, consider this scream into the digital void as a notice that my web $t0re has been updated, including the gallery edition of MAKE SAIL!, which is framed exclusively at its largest possible dimension (unavailable on my print site), along with artist proofs, original art (for now), and stickers and digital comics. Swipe through ↔️ for a quick preview.

No discounts to report from me for the remainder of this year, BUT there is a price point for everyone. Check it out and get something for your art-loving loved one, while simultaneously supporting a local artist!

ko-fi.com/davekopka

You know where to click 🔗

Take care and be kind out there, y’all✍️

[davekopka]

Pickin up; back to it. Remembering more often to actually bring my pens when I head out the door. 😅

Take care, and be kind out there, y’all ✍️

[davekopka]

Currently at the drawing board for something I can’t show yet, but in the spirit of self-reflection during the end of the year, here’s a quick shot of the progress made for 2024 in my accordion sketchbook. I’ll take some of my favorites and focus in for detail later on, but it’s been so gratifying to see the difference between this year and the handful of faces drawn in 2023 (swipe to the second picture).

Here’s to more steps forward along the path.

Take care, and be kind out there, y’all✍️