George Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

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As I am sure is the case with many artists and genre illustrators of my generation the work of George Lucas such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones has had a profound impact on my life and a substantial influence on my art.

So, As you can imagine, when I received the following message…

"Mr. Lucas saw your piece 'Swashbuckle Dom' in the publication EXPOSÉ 10, and thought it would be an excellent example of digital illustration to showcase..."

I was stunned to say the least.

It was an email from the manager of the Lucas Research Library at Lucasfilm's Skywalker Ranch requesting to use my painting “Swashbuckle Dom” on the Lucas Museum of Narrative Arts website.

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is a non-profit organization for arts and cinema education founded by George Lucas. The Museum is currently in its planning stages, and is proposed to open in Chicago in 2018. They are using the website as a way to inform the public about the Museum and kinds of work that will be showcased there.

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will feature artwork from the Golden Age of Illustration, landmark achievements in filmmaking and cinematic design, and groundbreaking digital art.

I am thrilled to be a part. Not only because a childhood hero and major influence took notice of my work but because of the actual museum itself. I have been following its development from the initial press release and the vision of collected works looks to be downright amazing. I can not wait for its opening and am thrilled to be associated with such an awesome mecca of historical illustration, cinema, and art!

You can check out my work in the featured Digital Art section here.

Society of Illustrators Opening Reception

Here are some shots from the Society of Illustrators Spectrum exhibit opening reception in New York last month.  It was an honor to be included and most definitely a career highlight.  Hopefully one of many to come!  Be sure to check out this show.  It runs until October 18th and is downright incredible.

You can check out my previous post on it here or head on over to the Society's info page here.

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Top Left: Winona Nelson Bottom Left: Kali Ciesemier Middle Top: Me Middle Bottom: Goni Montes Right: Kinuko Craft

In good company. It was certainly an honor to hang next to such amazing artists.

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Art director Matthew Kalamidas and me in front of my painting. This is the guy that really deserves the credit. An awesome art director that knows how to get the best out of his artists!

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The lovely Christina Hess and Irene Gallo of Tor Books. Another amazing art director and chair of the exhibition.

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Me and Greg Manchess. The hardest working AND nicest guy in illustration today! Can't thank him enough.

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Cathy Fenner of Spectrum & Kinuko Craft. I've admired Kinuko's work since college so it was certainly an honor to have my painting hang next to hers.

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Angry monkey!

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A great night and definitely a highlight in my career so far.

Society of Illustrators Spectrum Exhibit

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Im very excited to share the great news that I will have work in the upcoming Society of Illustrators Spectrum Exhibition this coming Fall.

Approximately only 100 works (spanning all categories and media) were selected from the last five years of published Spectrum annuals for inclusion.  The show runs from September 2, 2014 to October 18, 2014 with an opening reception on Friday September 12th at 6:30PM.

I am always thrilled and surprised if and when my work is chosen for inclusion in the published annual each year, but with this being a culmination of the last five I am honored to say the least.  A HUGE thank you to the curators Irene Gallo, Greg Manchess, and Arnie & Cathy Fenner.

For more info on the show head on over to the Society's info page here.

U-Penn PSFS Lecture

Last Friday, August 8th the fine folks over at the Philadelphia Science Fiction Society were kind enough to invite me for a lecture/panel on my work, process, and current state of illustration today as it relates to the science fiction & fantasy genre in popular culture.

The lecture took place at U-Penn's historic International House on the main campus in the heart of University City.  Some very cool history on the location...

For more than a century, International House Philadelphia has served the scholars of the world and the Greater Philadelphia community by providing engaging residential services and compelling arts and humanities programming, welcoming hundreds of thousands of people through its doors in the process. What began here more than 100 years ago as a belief that international understanding, cooperation, and friendship can develop one person at a time, has emerged as a celebrated world-wide movement.

Moving from the past and into the present, IHP is a thriving hub of activity: a home to hundreds of students and interns throughout the year, a destination for world-class arts and cultural programming, a facility for large-scale events, and a partner with many regional organizations, foundations, institutions, and businesses.

It was quite an eventful night with plenty of great discussion, interesting conversations, and fun had by all. The best part... even a few of my students and recent graduates showed up to hear me speak... Thanks for stopping by guys!

A packed house... I swear the woman in the front is wide awake, just leaning back to get comfortable!

Some of my students that showed up.  And in the middle of the Summer too!  So awesome.

Opening slide.  My Time Roads cover for Tor Books.

I keep telling myself its lens distortion...  There is no way my melon is that big.  Also note the Awesome Manchess painting on my screen.  I believe I was discussing my modern influences here.  

And finally a shot from the back of the lecture hall.  To the far right... another dedicated student sacrificing their Friday night to show their support!

Spectrum Live III

Some shots from this years Spectrum Fantastic Art Live III.  Had such a great time and so glad we doubled up the booth.  We're already planning for next year!

Joined booths this year!  Christina & I right before the doors opened.

The back wall of my booth with banner and postcard take aways.

The two interior walls.  Basically my portfolio framed and hung with postcard take aways and prints for sale.

Christina Hess next to her Animals from History banner.

Taking a break on Christina's side.  Note the blank spaces...  Hess sold a ton of originals!

Next to my Destroyermen Painting.

My print wall and Destroyermen III banner.

Trying to play it cool!  Another shot of me in my booth.

And finally...  The real reason we drive over 18 hours to Kansas City MO.  Seriously.  The best BBQ on the planet.  Yes it is in KANSAS CITY and it's called OKLAHOMA Joe's!

Broad & Walnut Pop up Gallery Show

Christina and I will have work on display until August 15th at a center city pop up gallery on the corner of Broad and Walnut Streets in Philadelphia. There's a nice little write up about the exhibition over at Philadelphia Weekly's Philly Now website. Check it out and if your in the area stop on in and have a look!

Update (August 22):  I just received word today that the show has been extended!  I wasn't given a definitive end date but was told it will run well into the Fall.  So if you haven't had the chance...  head on over and check it out.

Update (October 11):  The exhibition is still running!

Upcoming: Spectrum Live III

In less than a week I'll be heading out to Kansas City MO for one of the best art and illustration shows of the year!

Join me and 200 artists May 9th, 10th & 11th in Kansas City for Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 3.  Spectrum is a three-day celebration of the best in fantasy, science fiction, horror, and comics art. You will interact with Traditional medium artists, Digital artists working in the Film, Animation, and Video Game fields, Sculptors, Cover Illustrators, Comics Artists, and more. Additionally, there will opportunities to attend workshops, live painting and sculpting demos, panels, meet art directors, conduct portfolio reviews and attend the Spectrum 21 awards ceremonies. If you enjoy my work and would like to experience a wide variety of what the field of fantastic art has to offer I hope you will meet me in Kansas City, May 9-11, 2014.

I'll be showcasing my work along with some 200 others amazing artists and will also have plenty of prints available for purchase.  Stop on by adjacent booths 703 & 602 and say hello.  I hope to see you there!

Facebook: Spectrum Fantastic Art Live

Twitter: @SFantasticAL

www.spectrumfantasticartlive.com

SFAL television spot

The convention center Layout.  I'll be in adjacent booths 703 & 602.

Some of my works that will be on display and available for purchase.

Spectrum 21

I'm thrilled to announce that three of my pieces were accepted into this years Spectrum 21!  Thief of War, A Princess of Mars, and Swashbuckle Dom will all be included in the annual this fall.  Every year I am blown away by the sheer number of AWESOME entries that are included, so it's always a feat just to have one piece accepted.  Imagine my surprise when I found out that THREE of my works have been chosen.   I am honored to say the least!  A big thank you to the judges (Cory Godbey, J. Anthony Kosar, George Pratt, Shelly Wan, Allen Williams), John Flesk, the Fenners, and the entire Spectrum team.

I'm especially excited for my Thief of War piece as it was a commission for a really great tor.com short story by Beth Bernobich of the same title.  A huge thank you to Irene Gallo for the opportunity and Art Direction on that one.  Being as its such a great little story and featured in Some of the Best From Tor.com I'm so happy to see the illustration get a little bit of recognition from the art community as well.

This news couldn't come at a better time as I have just begun the planning for Spectrum Fantastic Art Live in May.  I'm really looking forward to the show this year and can't wait to see everyone!  Stop on by and say hello if your at the show.  I'll be in adjacent booths 602 & 703.  Hope to see you there!

The Eidolon Trailer

Trailer for The Eidolon - Contemporary Science Fiction Thriller published by Solaris. libbymcgugan.com

A cool little trailer for The Eidolon by Libby Mcgugan which I had the pleasure of working on. I wish more books had trailers!

Spectrum 20 & Expose 11

A few shots of my work from the most recent Spectrum 20 & Expose 11 illustration annuals. I was thrilled to have both Destroyermen II (In glorious full page detail!) and Destroyermen III included in Spectrum. Destroyermen III is also featured in Expose as well. A Huge thank you to Matt Kalamidas over at the Science Fiction Book club. This series has been so damn rewarding!

The quality and number of entries seem to grow considerably for both competitions every year so I am simultaneously thrilled and shocked when my work does get in. It's an insane honor to be included with some of the top illustrators working in the field today.

This just reminded me... Call for entries for Spectrum 21 is coming up! 1/25/14!!! Get those entries in people!

Really looking forward to seeing everyone at Spectrum Live in May!

Iron and Fire... and Sweat!

In celebration of the last day of summer, the SFBC crew thought we'd take a fond look back at one of the sweatiest moments of the season. So, without further ado, please enjoy the spectacle of our editor's mind melting before your very eyes!

The awesome folks over at The Science Fiction Book Club had some fun chatting up Taylor Anderson's fourth Destroyermen cover I recently finished for them. All on the hottest day of all time anywhere! Such a great series to be a part of. Thanks guys! You can check out the final cover art right here.

Did he just say my cover was hot as balls?

Imagine FX Expose... Traditional!?

Dominick Saponaro Imagine FX FXPose Feature

Every month Imagine FX features an artist in the FXPose section of their magazine. They have both a traditional & digital showcase. Back in their April issue I was fortunate enough to be featured in... traditional!

"Traditional you say. That's an outrage! Who do you think you're fooling?!"

Hmmm... so what happened here? I'm not sure if someone actually thought my work was executed traditionally or if their criteria for the showcase is a little more open. It's hard to tell but I think it was probably the later. Maybe they just look for work that has a traditional feel to it without actually worrying too much about what medium was used.

Either way it was a welcome surprise and I was honored.

While I'm certainly not out to fool anyone as to the medium I use, I do put ALOT of effort into giving my digital paintings a traditional oil painting look and feel. After all, I worked in oils for many years, most of my influences have or do work in oils, and for the love of god I just cant take another super digital lens flare! :-) 

If your not familiar with Imagine FX head on out and grab yourself a copy. Every month features some of the best workshops and interviews with artists from the science fiction, fantasy, gaming, and comic disciplines. It really is a great resource for beginner and seasoned artists alike. Also of note, the iPad version of the magazine is outstanding. While being identical to the print version in every way, it also has just enough interactivity with galleries, videos, and slideshows without trying to reinvent the whole magazine format for a tablet experience. Download the app here and subscribe today. You can also get past issues such as the April 2013 issue from above.

So... who out there thought I worked traditionally? Comment below.

Farewell My Muse...

Roscoe P. Coltrane 2000 - 2013

My companion, friend, brother, son, & studio mate of thirteen years has now passed on. Thank you for all the wonderful moments of inspiration and laughs. May you rest in piece little buddy.

To read a little bit more about Roscoe head on over to Christy's blog for a loving tribute.

Recent Sketches

Unannounced game design commission

The Eidolon book cover

A few sketches from some recently completed commissions.  Be sure to check out the final painting for The Eidolon here.

ImagineFX Rising Stars

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A nice little mention from ImagineFX this month! If you haven't already gotten your copy, head on out and check out page 55. I was fortunate enough to be chosen as one of the honorable mentions for their 2012 Rising Stars competition in the Illustration category. Such a great way to cap off an already awesome year.

Spectrum 19 & Expose 10

Some shots of my work in the most recent Spectrum 19 & Expose 10 illustration annuals.  I was certainly honored to be included, but when I received my artist copies in the mail I was downright ecstatic!  Destroyermen I was printed full page showing off all the brush work and Swashbuckle Dom (Printed full page as well) received an award of excellence.  My A Princess of Mars, 1027, & Destroyermen II pieces were also included.  Really looking forward to Spectrum Live this May!

Tattoo

While I don't have any, Ive always loved tattoos.  So when the good folks over at Spirit Gallery Tattoo contacted me and said they had a client that wanted to use my 1027 painting as the basis for some ink, I said "Absolutely!"

Since I used myself as the model for the main figure in the painting I love the fact that someone now has my face permanently tattooed on their body.  Poor guy.

Now, if I can only get someone to tattoo Swashbuckle Dom on themselves.  Im thinking very large sprawled across their back would be best.  Any takers?  Anyone...

Recent Sketches

A few sketches from some recent unannounced cover commissions.  Really looking forward to showing off the finals soon!

Spectrum Live!

All the necessities of a 19 hour road trip.

All the necessities of a 19 hour road trip.  This has been a long time coming but here are a few shots of my booth from Spectrum Live this past spring in Kansas City.  Cant wait for this coming May to do it all over again!

Thumbnails

I have a confession to make...  

I hate thumbnails!  Let me rephrase that by saying, I hated thumbnails.  Up until recently I have always felt my thumbnails left a lot to be desired, not only for myself but also the client. While I have never gotten a complaint as to the level they were ever at I just felt they never really showed my final intentions.  I’d always be chomping at the bit to move along and get started throwing value down on the final canvas as quickly as possible.  I just didn't enjoy all the preparatory work involved with creating the final image, even though I knew it all was necessary.

Recently I have forced myself to really push my thumbnails as far as possible, trying to create full blown miniature black and white paintings of the image I have in my mind.  This has helped me immensely!  Even though I spend more time on these sketches it saves time down the road at a later stage of the illustration.  Everything is now figured out and there is no trial & error moving forward.  I know what I am looking for in reference, what I have to do for the final drawing, and even know what’s happening value wise with the final painting.  Best of all, I have really come to enjoy the thumbnail stage of a project now!

Check out the thumbnails above (click to enlarge) from some recent projects and let me know what you think.  Also let me know your thoughts on preparatory work.  Love it or hate it?

-Dom