Sketchpad basics

Music, pen and a sketchpad, sometimes that’s all you need. Going back to basics has a tendency to help creativity, especially if one has artist block. Without the crutch of a computer, especially the ability to use the undo command, one learns to become more precise with their lines. This is also true with the pencils ability to be erased. I liken it to sumi-e, where there is no, undos or do overs, there is just what is placed on the paper. “Good” or “bad” what is is what is.

So, being away tends to be good artistic training. A computer doesn’t magically make bad fundamentals just go away, sometimes it just amplifies them. A building needs a foundation if you want it to reach the sky. For art, my time on the island is a welcome thing. Of course paid vacations make it even nicer.

What is best in life?

To crush your enemies, to see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women. Oh yes, and ramen really good ramen.

Art in paradise.

The piece that I had been working on did not turn out the way I wanted to, so I’ll work on another piece instead to put up for sale. That won’t happen until I return from the islands. Of course being the artist I am, I made sure to bring my sketch book and pens with me. This also resulted in the first collaboration art of myself and my 1 year old niece. It’s always nice to just do sketches, but when I’m back on the mainland, it’ll be back to comics and regular art. Then, it’s Comic Con 2011.

New design

I’m currently working on a new design for a print and t-shirt. If all goes well, it should be ready to purchase sometime this week.

Japan Relief.

I'm working on some original artwork that will be in my webstores. From now until the end of April,  proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami relief.

Make sure you keep checking my stores periodically. I will be uploading art pieces as soon as they are finished. My bigcartel store will have original pieces for sale while my society6 store will sell prints, ipod/iphone skins and cases of other work.

Thanks for your support.

http://jcaubang.bigcartel.com/
http://www.society6.com/studio/kuroiookamistudios

Update-ish

It's been a while since I posted. Expect a real update really soon concerning upcoming projects.

Comic Con

It's officially Comic Con! I'm looking forward to getting to the convention center tonight. There's always been a boost of creativity during and after being at San Diego Comic Con every year I go. Although Kuroi Ookami Studios wasn't able to get a booth this year, it's still going to be a good time. We'll try again next year, at the very least, I'll try to get a table in Artist's Alley.

Recently, I've been working on the ninja story, Sons of Iga. This is a book I've been writing for a few years now and finally got to actually start doing the artwork. The preview should be online soon.