Some recent Manga art.

Me as a Manga Drawing by Kirk McConnell
2012

Okay. If you have never heard of the work "Manga," it is a Japanese word meaning "Whimsical Drawing". If I recall, "Man" means "whimsical", and "ga" means "drawing". I think? Anyhow, I have been trying to prepare to teach an art workshop for May 4th for my local library which is hosting an Asian and Pacific Islander Cultural Awareness Night. I am a bit nervous, but am confident that things will go well. The good thing about drawing Manga, is there is no set style which pictures may be drawn. I guess that is why they are whimsical, eh?

El Gato Loco by Kirk McConnell, 2012

Insanely Mad Mushrooms by Kirk McConnell
2012
Based on Christopher Hart

Muscles by Kirk McConnell
2011
After Christopher Hart

Super Kid by Kirk McConnell
2011
After Christopher Hart

Guy by Kirk McConnell, 2009

Girl by Kirk McConnell, 2012

A Heroine by Kirk McConnell, 2011

Manga Luke Skywalker by Kirk McConnell, 2011

I have drawn different things as far as Manga is concerned. I don't consider myself to be an expert on the subject, but I what I do know is that I enjoy drawing and have been influenced by Manga and Anime as far back as I can remember. When one draws, it should be for a reason that is personal to the one drawing.

Fan art-Bart Simpson as Poseidon by Kirk McConnell

I felt that I should post this picture. I did this as a gift for someone several years ago. This is my take on Poseidon, from Greek mythology. I have to admit, I might do a couple things differently, but I was satisfied with the poster overall. It is, if I remember an 18"x24" poster, mixed media. I primarily used colore pencil (heavily) and scumbling in the waves with white acrylic or gesso. It is one of those pieces I might have to make again for myself. I am glad that I was able to keep a record of this. 

I think that my favorite part is Bart with his trident chasing down Homer.  Homer as most people will know almost always has one of those "Doh!" moments. I think I used a black Sharpie pen to create some of the heavier black lines. I am not opposed to using felt markers if it gets the job done.

Save The Date: 2nd Star Wars Poster

Promotional Poster for the City of Ontario Library, California by Kirk McConnell

Recently I submitted a poster for an art workshop to a local library in Ontario, California. I am very satisfied with the way the first poster turned out. I had to do a lot of the work by hand since I do not have adequate funds or materials that I could use to make the kind of poster that I wanted. In a way I had to "Mac Guyver" my way through the process, and somehow completed each picture okay. Between the two projects I estimate that it took me a cumulative of 48 hours to complete the work of both poster, this second poster requiring more labor and thought.

The picture shown here is a digitally cleaned up version to the best of my ability. I did the collage as individual pictures, then scanned them for use as a digital collage. After the collage was assembled, I printed out a copy I liked and colored it by hand, then making a color copy/scan, again. I tried to keep my photocopy number low, as one knows a copy loses quality each time it is reproduced. 

The bottom image on the poster, with the basic step-by-step "Clone Trooper" was hand drawn by me and colored. I think I have minute flaws, but I am not trying to be critical. I am my own worst enemy when it comes to criticizing my art. The Clone Trooper is going to go on my new blog, which will be one of the first entries for my "How to Draw" series. I am a strong proponent of visual literacy, but more so for the enjoyment of creativity as well as the functional role of art in our culture. My goal will be to inspire and build confidence in individuals who feel inadequate with their drawing abilities.

Below are two inked black and white samples I used for the collage. 

Inked drawing of Anakin Skywalker by Kirk McConnell -2012

Inked drawing of Yoda by Kirk McConnell - 2012

Save the Date.

This is a recent poster I made for the City of Ontario Library located in Ontario, California. I designed it to promote a "How to Draw" workshop that will be in May. This is the first of two posters. I have to still make my second poster, but I have a working idea for it now. When I took the first poster in to the library, it automatically received a positive response.

I am hoping to establish myself as a local artist and illustrator within the community to promote visual literacy. This poster is a start, albeit Pro Bono, it will get me noticed. For this poster, being in the difficult situation I am in, I used what ever materials I had at my disposal. This is not a complaint. I would rather use what I have than to spend a lot of money only to mess something up.

When I completed this picture and added the type, I felt pleased with the design overall. I consider this fan art, so hopefully I am not stepping on anyone's toes. I have been a fan of Star Wars since I was a boy, so this counts as "fan art" to me. This poster is digitally enhanced, but the original is 22"x28" and will be laminated to keep for future use at the library. I have another event that I am doing towards the beginning of May, but I will post it in a separate entry. 

One thing I hope to do is start a completely new blog with my "How To Draw" stuff and begin a series of drawing tutorials. I will post links to it from this blog and from Facebook.

Promotional poster/fan art by Kirk McConnell, 2012

The Thing is...

This is one of my my more recent drawings. I spent many hours on it. From previous entries you can see the pencils or the basic ink work I did for this drawing. Now I would like to present my digitally enhanced picture of The Thing, from Marvel Comics: Fantastic Four. This is a fan art piece, and perhaps it will be good enough to get noticed by individuals at Marvel?  I have another version without the text, but this is the one I want to show. Eventually I would like to reduce this down to a 5"x8" size and use as a promo card to promote the artwork I do. Overall, I am satisfied with the design and rendering done on this picture. The Thing is one of my favorite characters, and he is not too hard to draw. He is just a bit time consuming when it comes to some of his details. But, when I draw characters like him, I just remember Thing's motto: "It's Clobberin' Time!"

The Thing (Marvel)-Fan Art

My Designs Old and New.

I have been looking for work. Right now I consider myself to be an independent art consultant and entrepreneur. One of the aspects of being independent is having to rely on my own wits to find ways to connect with people. Also, I have to reinvent myself often, because it is important to change with the times and stay current. It just how I roll. It is not an easy endeavor. Sometimes it is frustrating. Creativity stagnates for me periodically, but I try to remain true to myself and keep drawing whether I feel like it or not. It requires discipline, and commitment, both which have required me to work very hard to maintain. But, I am not complaining. Many creative types have to make time for themselves to make artwork usually due to working other jobs or other aspects related to a busy lifestyle. If all I had to do each day was draw, and not worry about the other things happening in my life, I would be a happier person. My desire is to draw pictures for a living, albeit working for a company large as Disney, Marvel or DC Comics, Lucasfilm or working for myself, so long as I can be comfortable and happy doing what I love most.

"Not a V-W." by Kirk McConnell (c)1989 rev. 2012(c) This is a design I did a very long time ago, but this one shown is a revision of the original I did in 1989. I used to make cassette J-Cards for myself whenever I recorded music, and I liked the design within the confines of the circle.
One of my logo designs (c) KMcConnell 2012 This is a logo I did for myself. It is inspired by the use of children's wooden architectural blocks. I like using basic shapes and integrate them with positive and negative space. The letter "M" is easier for me to design than the use of "Mc" which has been used by another famous label that has seasoning salts.
Esh means fire in Hebrew. This picture is of the Hebrew word "Esh" which means, fire. I tried to stay true to the original brush strokes as I photocopied and enlarged the word. I only modified the word as such in the way that incorporates the yellow-orange dents within the letters and the blue flame which is a reiteration of the first part of the word.
Esh (fire) Color Pencil Concept Sketch by Kirk McConnell 2011 (c) This was the original idea I began with when I was helping a friend with a book cover design. She wanted something that represented fire, and given the context of this word, we both agreed it was a good start. I could use this by itself or the way it is portrayed in the graphic shown before this.
This letter "J" was for a friend of mine. I was experimenting with new graphics program and seeing how to use layers, color, filters, and repetitious patterns. I am comfortable with the overall design, and my friend liked it, too. Similarly, I did something with the Letter "K", and kept it a little more refined. "J" for Jennifer. (c)KMc 2011 "K" for Kirk. (c)KMc 2011
This design, "Fish with Trish," is for a friend of mine who has a ministry in Texas. Although she did not use this design, I believe she liked the initial concept of it, and I hope one day it can be used more to her liking. Keep the faith Trisha. (Philippians 4:13) "Fish with Trish" logo- by Kirk McConnell (c) 2010
"J-Walkin'" (c)A.R.R. by Kirk McConnell 2006 "J" in flames (c)A.R.R. by Kirk McConnell 2006 "J-Walkin'" (c)A.R.R. by Kirk McConnell 2006  I have a love of doodling ideas on paper. One of my dreams is to have my own T-shirt label and apparel. I created "J-Walk Apparel" sometime back in 2006, with the intent that one day I would see my dream realized. I have a passion for Christ in my life, and I want to spread the message of God's love through design and the written word on T-Shirts. These sketches are early concepts of what I would use if I had a production line of shirts, hats, ties, etc. It would be cool to see these ideas embroidered or as silk screen designs. There are so many shirts and other apparel that utilize skulls and M.M.A. logos, that I think men and women are becoming influenced by elements that hold a dark nature to them. My desire is to be salt and light to those I encounter, and to steadfast in my beliefs without endangering someone's ideologies. "J-Walkin'" (c)A.R.R. by Kirk McConnell 2006  I like all of these ideas, and hope that I can decide how to approach this in the near future.
Harvest Fair by Kirk McConnell (c) 2000  I know this is really simple, but I wanted to show that I can do layout. This design is nothing fancy. It was kind of something I did on the spur of the moment. At my church they hold a Harvest Fair annually as an alternative to all of the creepy things that go on during Halloween. It is 8 1/2" x 11" on paper. Although this was done in 2000, I still like to keep it handy in case I am ever asked to make future designs. I would change it around a bit, of course. I don't like to keep things the same.
I placed this design in a previous entry, but this is how the CD art I did for my brother's former band should look.  I just like the design. I know it has been used before conceptually, but I am proud of the work I did with this, "Big Poop." "ETC: Big Poop" Design by Kirk McConnell (c) rev. 2010
Petra has been around for a very long time. I first heard this Christian Rock band when I was about 13 years old. They have held a strong presence in my life musically, and have continued to be encouraged by them when I still hear them play today.  This is a personal cover I did for myself. If I ever get the opportunity to design for Greg X. Volz, John Schlitt, or Petra as a whole, I would be greatly blessed knowing I could design for a band I listened to almost forever. They are simply the best musicians I have ever heard.  Simply The Best of Petra ( a personally inspired design.) by Kirk McConnell

Inking of you, some more.

I have been very busy drawing and inking. I have a few projects lined up that will keep me busy until May. I hope to get even busier once I find some gainful work. As far as doing my artwork, here are some of the things I have worked on lately, and are unedited: Crush, from Finding Nemo. This is my own rendering in ink. By Kirk McConnell 2012
(Click to see larger.) This is a drawing of dolphins I made for my cousin Jenene, who is battling leukemia. I wanted to make something to brighten her day. I know that times are tough for her, but she has an indomitable spirit, and I know she will overcome her obstacles. Jenene has a great smile, and when I read her blogs, I also hear her determination to succeed. I believe she will. This entry is dedicated to my cousin. A Trio of Dolphins, Color pencil on paper 9"x12" by Kirk McConnell (c)
I recently inked my own pencil work. The following drawing is ink on tracing paper. I still have some clean up to do, but I modeled this image after work done by John Byrne who used to draw for Marvel Comic's X-MEN. So in a real sense this piece is fan made. Marvel Comics- Wolverine by Kirk McConnell after John Byrne. 2012
Draconis Automechanicas by Kirk McConnell, ink on tracing paper 2012 (c)  The Dragon Car is a piece I made a long time ago. This was an initial effort to get back into inking. Overall, I like this, but I am going to do another ink job of this piece with more elements. I do like this drawing, but I also feel that I could incorporate more fantasy into the hybrid  portion of this picture.
I recently submitted the Avengers drawing to be entered to win a t-shirt design contest at my local comic book store. This was my concept for a t-shirt, and though I know there is room for improvement, this was the style I wanted to use with an oversimplification of line a grays for use on a shirt if it wins. The winner gets bragging rights as well as his or her design on the shirt including a pair of tickets to see the new movie on May 4th. I hope I win. Avengers T-shirt Design for 4ColorFantasies comic book shop contest, 2012/ by Kirk McConnell
This little piece is a piece I drew many years ago, but while rummaging through stacks of old drawings I found this picture. It is something of a science fiction piece and I have names for each of these but I wish leave their names off for now. In the 1970s and 1980s I was enamored with Science Fiction art, and to some extent still am. This is a piece I will continue to revisit and add more as I have ideas to suit this little gem. Inked Science Fiction art by Kirk McConnell 2012 (c)
I am a huge fan of the Fantastic Four. Ben Grimm, also known as The Thing, has been one of my heroes since I was a boy and remember him going head to head with the Hulk way back when. I was looking at Marvel's: How To Draw Comics the Marvel Way by Stan Lee and John Buscema when I made this, but it is in my own hand. In this picture, Thing is penciled with an ink overlay on tracing paper (time saver). Today I made an 11" x 17" copy of the Thing and intend to do some coloring to the picture all nice and clean. I will post an entry when I am done. Marvel Comics- The Thing. My take on "Clobberin' Time!" by Kirk McConnell 2012
I have posted this in earlier entries, but this is sort of a progress report. Little by little I am accomplishing this drawing. Since my last post, I have cleaned it up a little bit more, but I still have to adjust the contrast and adjust the grays. I think I mentioned, too, that one day this piece will be a mural on a wall in a home of my own, along with other comic book murals. Marvel Comics Silver Surfer, after Jack Kirby, Grid and Ink by Kirk McConnell 2012

Inking of you.

The Silver Surfer- 10" x 14" ink on paper by Kirk McConnell after Jack Kirby

I think I might have mentioned in a previous entry that I have started drawing again and inking. When I was a boy, I learned to draw looking at old comic books done by Jack Kirby, Joe Kubert and other famous artists. This piece shown above is something I did based on a photocopy of the Silver Surfer drawn originally by Jack Kirby. When I made a copy it was from 1" x 3" black and white picture I had found in an old Previews catalog. In this drawing, which still needs to be cleaned up some, was done by using a grid, which I have no problems working from to get my desired effect. Eventually this will be a mural I will put on a wall when I finally own my own home. When I assembled this and worked from a grid, I first had numbered each square on the copy, then cut and pasted the pieces randomly on a small sheet of paper so the drawing did not look anything like the original, but more like a puzzle. After doing this I took a larger sheet of paper and graphed out my grid and numbered it in order. It was probably more work than I needed to make for myself, but I like mentally exercises that stimulate perception and keep me sharp. Drawing this was a little bit challenging, but the results one sees are positive. Below are some other recent drawings I have done for practice.

Select Poses for practice by Kirk McConnell

A magic elven lady by Kirk McConnell after Steve Beaumont