#sfal2

[corygodbey]

SFAL

Last weekend was Spectrum Fantastic Art Live, the convention organized by the creators of the celebrated Spectrum annuals. 

Last year SFAL was, for me, the best show I had ever been apart of. In terms of quality of exhibitors, collectors, and really the whole event, from the awards show to meeting everyone. It was hands down the best show I'd ever had. Going into year two I had terribly high expectations. I'm pleased to report that the Fenners, and everyone involved with making SFAL outdid themselves again.

As long as it's around, Spectrum will be my big show for the year. It's no exaggeration to say it's everything I love about conventions and none of the stuff I hate. No filler, no entertainment and media, just fantastic work and people who love it.

Here's a look at our time. Some of these are pictures Erin took, some of them are from other friends.

Me, Zach, and Justin.

Zach's going "COOORRRYYY" you can see his mouth do that.

My 2013 sketchbook, Lyrebird debuted at the show!

Available online early June.

Last day of the show oh my gosh

But, award.

Behold that triangular object.

See, one of the great things about getting everyone together for a show likes this is the award show. Saturday night, what amounts to the Oscars of Imaginative Realism takes place at the Midland Theater. 

This year I'm pleased to report that I was nominated in the Unpublished category and The Fish Master won gold.

The Fish Master

David Petersen and me. This is an award winning photograph.

Paul!

#gerardtweets

  Zach and me. A nice picture.

  CALLING MOM OF COURSE

* * * 

Paul Bonner and Justin Gerard.

WHAT'S SO FUNNY HUH GUYS

[rebloggedity]

I wonder when the Women in Fantasy Art panel video will go up online. I caught the tail-end of it, but even in those last 10 or so minutes with audience questions, it seemed like it was a really good panel. Also with all the stuff that happened last year concerning feminism, media, the fantasy genres and the portrayal of women, I wanted to see how different this year's Women in Fantasy Art panel was from last year's, since last year's panel precipitated everything that went down.

Only reason why I didn't see the panel was that there was another panel at the same time that I wanted to see. So =/ But I know the Women in Fantasy Art panel was filmed! Just, like, when will it be online?

[derrickdent]

Gesture sketches from the Friday night drink and draw at Spectrum Fantastic Art Live. The convention is an absolute blast, bringing together some of the most talented illustrators, fresh up-and-comers, art directors, art fans, and all-around friendly folk to The Kansas City Convention Center. It was great meeting old acquaintances, my heroes, and internet friends who became real-world friends. I got a good bit of sketching and note-taking under my belt, as well as a whole lot of swag, not too dissimilar from my buddy John here.

If you haven't attended Spectrum yet, it's well worth the $40 weekend admission and then some.

[spectrumfantasticartlive-blog]

[laurenkcannon]

Spectrum: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art - Official Website - http:/www.spectrumfantasticart.com/

Swing by if you love genre illustration.  It's the most impressive gathering of fantasy and sci-fi illustrators you're ever likely to come across in one glorious art-filled room.  I'll be in booth #707.  :)

[spectrumfantasticartlive-blog]

SPECTRUM FANTASTIC ART LIVE Programming for Friday 5/17/13

Per requests last year, programming inside the hall prior to opening is "industry/trade focused" and is for exhibitors only. All programming and activities scheduled AFTER 4PM will be open to all 3-day attendees.  Spectrum Fantastic Art Opening Remarks & Interview (Main Stage 1:00 – 1:45) Arnie and Cathy Fenner open the show of the 20th Anniversary of Spectrum and its role as the bellwether of the best in Fantastic Art. Major announcement to follow.  Part Seen, Part Imagined: Charles Vess (Main Stage 2:00 - 3:00) When an artist illustrates a given text or develops a painting on their own how much should be shown and how much left to the viewers imagination? Does the viewer need to see every detail fully developed? How explicit or implicit should the artist be in order to collaborate with their audience? Artist Empowerment: Using community and networking to protect the artist: techgnotic, Josh Wattles, Greg Spalenka, Peter de Sève (Main Stage 3:00 – 4:00) In an increasing competitive environment deviantART the world’s largest online artist community leads this panel of professionals on the tools, skills, and networks artists can use to build, grow and protect their careers. 4PM — Exhibit Hall opens to all 3-day ticket holders  Art Director Roundtable (Main Stage 4:30 – 5:30) Meet and mingle with some of the leading Art Directors working in the Fantastic Arts today. Opening night party in the Grand Ballroom (6PM – 9PM) Enjoy music, free hors d'oeuvres, and a cash bar while you visit the artists' booths, shop, and socialize. Commemorate being at SFAL2 with a picture in the free photo booth. 9PM exhibit hall closes. 10PM — ? Life drawing party atop the Aladdin Hotel, sponsored by The Art Department. Bring your pads, pencils, or Wacoms. Live models: this event is intended for mature artists. Free hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.

 Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 2 - May 18 -19, 2013 - Kansas City, Missouri  

[spectrumfantasticartlive-blog]

SPECTRUM FANTASTIC ART LIVE Programming Saturday 5/18/13

(keep in mind this is raw text that is still being edited: some errors or typos may creep in)

Artist Portfolio Reviews Session 1 (times previously reserved via sign-up) (2504B 10:30 – 12:30) Designing the Dwarves from The Hobbit : An Unexpected Journey (2503 A&B 10:30 -12:00) Concept designers Paul Tobin and Nicholas Keller discuss Weta Workshops' role in designing the hero dwarves from The Hobbit : An unexpected Journey. Duration : 1.5 hours Tara McPherson Special Guest Interview (Main Stage 11:00 – 12:00) Creating art about people and their odd ways, her characters seem to exude an idealized innocence with a glimpse of hard earned wisdom in their eyes. Recalling myths and legends, issues from childhood and good old life experience, she creates images that are thought provoking and seductive. Her clients include DC Comics, Warner Brothers, Dark Horse Comics, Kidrobot, Strangeco, SXSW, Spin, Pepsi, Fanta, Penguin, Harper Collins, Revolver, Playstation 2, House of Blues, Punk Planet, Dogfish Head Brewery, and Nike to name just a fews.  Artist as Filmmaker Panel: Iain McCaig, Gris Grimly, Bruce Jones, April Campbell Jones  (2502 B 11:00 – 12:00) Today there are more tools and paths of production for filmmakers than ever before. Panelists discuss the joys and challenges of bringing their work to life through film and animation and how being an artist has helped them become better writers and directors. Jon Foster Live Art Demo: Concept and Visualization (Main Stage 12:00 – 1:00) Award winning artist and instructor Jon Foster demonstrates traditional painting techniques and the thought process behind developing concepts for his work. Fantastic Sculpture Panel: Virginie Ropars, Brandon & Jarrod Shiflett, Thomas Kuebler, J. Anthony Kosar (2502 A 12:00 – 1:00) Panelists from a variety of disciplines talk about inspirations, challenges, tips and tricks for creating dimensional art in all its forms. Each award winning panelist brings their unique perspective for creating the fantastic in 3 dimensions. A History of Fantasy Art: Charles Vess (2503 A/B 12:30 – 2;00) Iconic illustrator and comic artist Charles Vess takes us on a fantastic journey through the three major aesthetic themes that continue to influenced the look of Fantastic Art today: British Fairy Tale Art, American Pulp Illustration, and European Visionary Art. A richly entertaining lesson in the history of fantastic art. Peter De Sève Special Guest Interview (Main Stage 1:00 – 2:00) Peter de Sève's illustration and character designs are known throughout the world. His Emmy and Clio award winning work spans three decades and various media, including magazines, books, print and television advertising, animated feature films and magazines. Best recognized for his many New Yorker covers and his character designs for the three blockbuster Ice Age movies (Scrat is now an international icon) de Sève has also contributed to such films as Mulan, A Bug's Life, Tarzan, and Finding Nemo. Terryl Whitlach Special Guest Interview (Main Stage 3:00 – 4:00) Terryl’s career has spanned over 25 years were she has worked with many major studios and effects houses as a highly sought after creature and concept designer. Clients include Industrial Light and Magic, Lucas Film Ltd., Pixar, and Walt Disney Feature Animation. Terryl has acted as principal creature designer for Star Wars — the Phantom Menace and in known for her fully realized anatomies and stylizations. Illustrating the Narrative: Nathan Fox, Bruce Jones, Matt Rotta, Mark Chiarello  (2502 A 3:00 – 4:00) Great visual storytellers challenge our notions of self and truth, engaging an audience to its core. Panelists discuss the powerful combination of the art of creative writing and the craft of visual arts and the power of the illustrated narrative in storytelling. Michael Whelan A Career in Fantasy: Michael Whelan (2503 A/B 3:00 – 4:00) Living legend, multi Hugo Award winner, and Science Fiction Hall of Fame member Michael Whelan reviews his career and reveals the stories and inspiration behind some of the most iconic images in fantasy and science fiction Jon Foster Live Art Demo II: Digital Finishing (Main Stage 5:00 – 6:00) Using the work begun traditionally in Workshop I Jon Foster explains his digital strategies and techniques as he completes the work.  Faces of Horror Panel: Joshua Hoffine, Brom, and additional panelists to be announced (2505A 2:00 – 3:00) Multi-disciplined masters of horror, mood, and fear discuss their methods, influences, and inspirations dissecting exactly just what it is that scares the living daylights out of us.  Charles Vess Special Guest Interview (Main Stage 3:00 – 4:00) American fantasy artist and comic-book illustrator Charles Vess’s award-winning work has graced the covers and interior pages of many comic book publishers including Marvel (Spider-Man, Raven Banner) and DC (Books of Magic, Swamp Thing, Sandman). His work now is found more in book illustration, such as “The Ladies of Grace Adieu” (Bloomsbury), “Coyote Road – Trickster Tales” (Viking), and “Peter Pan” (Starscape). Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess' “Stardust," was made into an acclaimed film by Paramount Pictures in 2007. Character Creation: Peter De Seve (2503 A/B 5:00 – 6:00) Renowned New Yorker cover illustrator and award winning designer of such unforgettable characters for block-busters such as, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Tarzan, Finding Nemo, Robots, and Ice Age discusses the ins and outs of character creation and design for animation.

[spectrumfantasticartlive-blog]

SPECTRUM FANTASTIC ART LIVE Programming for Sunday 5/19/13

(keep in mind this is raw text that is still being edited: some errors or typos may creep in).

Artist Portfolio Reviews Session 2 (times previously reserved via sign-ups) (2504 B 10:30AM – 12:30PM) Jon Foster Special Guest Interview (Main Stage 10:30 – 11:30) Jon Foster would have to be considered one of the top concept artists working today. He has a very strong following among the Sci-fi / Sci-fantasy community. He is a sought out speaker and lecturer on the subject and is a superstar illustrator who has won many of the top honors in the fantasy world, including two silver and three gold awards from Spectrum: The Best of Contemporary Fantastic Art.  Artist As Brand, Rise of the Artist Entrepreneur: Tara McPherson, Charles Vess, Thomas Kubler, Eric Joyner, and Coop. (2502 B 10:30 – 11:30) Greg Spalenka moderates this panel discussion on art career sustainability with Tara McPherson, Charles Vess, Thomas Kubler, Eric Joyner, and Coop. Learn entrepreneurial strategies on how to create an income from your talent on your own terms. White Cloud World Panel: Paul Tobin and Guest (2502 A 11:30 – 12:30) In three short years White Cloud Worlds has gone from a small garage project of 5 artists to becoming New Zealand's leading publication for over 50 local Science Fiction and Fantasy artists. Currently it profiles artists with two anthologies sold world wide, a touring exhibition and regular workshops and convention attendances both at home and in the US and Europe. Paul Tobin and guests share their experiences on White Cloud Worlds and how artists can empower themselves to create their own business and publishing opportunities through their artistic work. Alien Creature Workshop: Terryl Whitlatch (2503 11:30 – 12:30) Star Wars creature designer, Terryl Whitlatch demonstrates how to create fantastic yet utterly believable creatures with an emphasizes the "Why"– how its lifestyle and environment affect its design and appearance.  Women in Fantasy Panel: Lauren Panepinto, Dawn Murin, Terryl Whitlatch, Tara McPherson  (2502 B 12:30 – 1:30) A panel of renowned artists and art directors discuss the opportunities and challenges of working in a traditionally male-dominated field. Panelists share their insights, experiences and opinions about the current state of fantasy art. MAKING IT an Art Documentary Panel Andrew Bawidamann, Eric Fortune, and Brian Ewing (2502 A 12:30 – 1:30) “MAKING IT” is a Art Documentary about the daily struggles of making a living, staying creative, and making it all up as we go along. The Documentary features three  Illustrators, Andrew Bawidamann, Eric Fortune, and Brian Ewing. “MAKING IT” has been in production since September 2012 and has captured over 120 hrs of footage. Production will wrap following SFL2 and San Diego Comic Con. The Panel will begin with a Teaser, followed by a Q & A with our three featured artist and the Filmmakers.  Michael Whelan Special Guest Interview (Main Stage 1:30 – 2:30) Michael Whelan has been working as a science fiction and fantasy illustrator for nearly four decades. He was the first living artist to be inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame. He has provided illustrations for more than 350 books and magazines, as well as record album covers and Magic: The Gathering cards. His body of work is truly astonishing, and he has received accolades and awards including 15 Hugo Awards, three World Fantasy Awards and many, many more. Quixotic Panel  (2502 B 1:45 – 2:45) A spectacular highlight of the Spectrum Awards show this inventive group of artists goes beyond the limits of any specific art form, challenging traditional perceptions and creating a total sensory experience unlike any other for its audience while exploring infinite possibilities of movement, sound and multimedia. Learn more about their artistic vision and their incorporation of the fantastic in dance. Coloring Comics and digital painting techniques : Matt Rota (2502 A 2:30 – 3:30) Illustrator and School of Visual Arts faculty member Matt Rota discusses and demonstrates the latest digital coloring techniques, applications and theory for comics. Tara McPherson Workshop (2503 A/B 2:30 – 3:30) Unique, undefinable and always engaging artist Tara McPherson discusses her work and career which includes providing illustrations for artists including Beck and Modest Mouse, being featured in comics and covers for DC Vertigo, and creating toys with Kidrobot and Dark Horse. Her appeal is unmistakable, and in addition to creating thought-provoking art, she has taught at Parsons, and her work is in the permanent collection of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.