Recent Paintings and Sketches by David Palumbo

10 of Staves

2012-01-17T23:08:00.001-05:00

Finally getting back to finishing the Tarot series, working with the more painterly style

18x24, oil on wood panel

Boba Fett is Dead

2012-01-12T20:14:00.004-05:00

A variant cover I did for a new Dark Horse mini-series:

15x24, oil on illustration board

The Adventures of Link

2012-01-11T14:51:00.004-05:00

Here are two pieces I made for an upcoming show at OhNo!Doom in Chicago. The show is all video game related images, and for me that translates to NES classic. It was my first system, my favorite system, and the only console I still use (believe me, Tetris *never* gets old). The choice of which NES game to jump off from was tough at first, but in the end it had to be Zelda 2: The Adventures of Link. It was the first game I ever owned (besides Mario/Duck Hunt I suppose) and it was fuel for my imagination for years and years to follow.

This was also a fun project because it was my first experiment into combining fantasy art subject matter and ideas with the more painterly and naturalistic style which I've been exploring in my gallery work. I definitely will be doing work more along these lines in the future.

"Before him was a raging sea and, beyond it, the Ocean Palace", 18x24, oil on wood panel

"The Graveyard", 18x24, oil on wood panel

If you're in the Chicago area, check out the show! It opens February 11th at OhNo!Doom

Goodbye 2011... (new gallery pieces)

2011-12-26T21:39:00.005-05:00

"Wonderland", 16x20, oil on panel

In a couple weeks, I'll be showing some new personal work at Artists House Gallery in Philadelphia alongside my brother Anthony. Details here, come check it out!

"Entropy", 30x40, oil on panel

"This Day, Gone Forever", 16x20, oil on panel

"Boris", 16x20, oil on panel

"Wallflower", 16x20, oil on panel

"Atrophy", 30x40, oil on panel

new work

2011-12-16T00:28:00.004-05:00

I've been cranking like crazy over here on some new gallery pieces and a number of commissions. These two are ones which I'm able to show, hooray! The gallery work will likely be up in the next week or two. Until then...

12x12, oil on illustration board

18x27, oil on illustration board

So you plan to commission a book cover?

2011-11-18T12:38:00.002-05:00

It seems more and more common lately that writers are approaching artists directly in search of cover art for their self published work. It only makes sense with POD, digital publishing, and web marketing and distribution making it much more possible for anyone out there with a manuscript or three on their hard drive to get their book out in the world. It’s only natural that, with more potential to self publish, authors are in need of finding their own cover artwork. Unfortunately, the commissioning process has largely been opaque over the years with many buffers between author and artist and this can lead to some awkward attempts, ruffled feathers, general frustration, and poor results. I recently gave a lengthy explanation of the commission process to an author in a series of emails and decided that it would probably be a good thing to rewrite this into a big ol’ blog post and share that info publicly.

First things first, the question I heard most often at World Con earlier this year was not “what is the commission process?”, but rather “how do I find an artist?” There are a few very good resources for doing this. The first and most obvious is to just browse the local book store and look for the artist credits listed on the book jackets. Most any working illustrator’s email is a very quick google search away, so once you’ve identified someone who’s work feels like a good match to your own, getting in touch with that person should not be difficult. Another resource is the Spectrum Annual, which is put out every year showcasing some of the best of the field of SF/F artwork and can be found at most any bookstore and easily ordered online. Another avenue is to go to SF/F conventions and do some face to face networking. Finally, there are many online art communities and galleries which provide access to literally tens of thousands of artists around the world. Some to check out would be CGhub.com, deviantart.com, and theartorder.com

Once you’ve found your artist(s), your next step is to make contact. Here is where the process begins. First, the particulars of the contract are agreed on, those being: the budget, the rights being purchased, and the due date for the final art. Contracts can cover other issues as well, but those three are the root of it. For cover commissions, there are standard practices which can at least serve as a starting point (if you're thinking to yourself that you wouldn't know where to begin). There is almost always flexibility for negotiation, these are just industry standards:

-Standard cover rates with a major publisher average at $3000, and this can be higher and lower depending on a number of factors (size of the company, wrap around images, time frame, etc.). Mid level publishers generally pay more in the $1200-$2500 range. Small press is likely under $1000. Keep in mind what clients the artist is regularly working with when planning your budget. Time spent on your project is time away from another, so it would be difficult for an artist to justify cutting their rate dramatically.

-The rights purchased are typically First Reproduction Rights (either North American or Worldwide) which means that the publisher has the first printing rights to the image (as oppose to if the image had been already used on, or was simultaneously being used on, another product). This is a limited usage (the publisher does not own the copyright, they are leasing printing rights) and the artist retains long term rights of the work as well as the original painting. Many times, second usage rights may be available on an existing image and may be easier to secure for a lean budget. If you know of a particular piece which the artist has done that might work well for you, ask if 2nd use cover rights are available. Personally speaking, I feel it’s best to avoid work which has appeared on a book cover previously, but there are many other places to look. Of course, this is easiest with more general subject matter like a spaceship or landscape.

-The due date is probably the most varied of these issues. It generally just depends on the specific needs of the publisher and how well the artist can accommodate those needs. Common turn around tends to be about 2-3 months, though sometimes an artist can take very short deadlines and other artists are consistently booked four months ahead and need at least as much time to add a new project to their schedule.

Once the specifics of the job have been determined, the artist will prepare rough sketches for the client. These are sometimes made from a specific concept which the client has already selected, or from the artist reading the manuscript and presenting their own concepts. In either case (or situations which are something in between), I personally feel that the most successful covers often come from an art director choosing the artist who naturally fits to the subject and tone of the story and then allowing the artist to find their own solutions without micromanaging. I'm not sure how that sounds coming from an artist, but the principle is the same of any professional you might hire: This person is presumably an expert and you get the most value by presenting them your problem and letting them present solutions. Good communication always leads to the best results.

Once a sketch has been agreed on, the artist then creates the final image to be delivered on or before the agreed on due date. Hopefully the image will satisfy both the artist and the client, though occasionally revisions will be needed. Small revisions are things like refining or correcting certain details which might not have been totally clear in the sketch, or making other adjustments which could not have been foreseen and wouldn't require a major repainting. Heavy revisions would be making changes which would require heavy reworking of the image and almost always are issues which should have been discussed at the sketch phase. Small revisions are typically done at no additional expense (except when more and more and more are requested, this is often stipulated in the contract), Heavy revisions usually come with an additional fee which is negotiated at that time. Heavy revisions are pretty rare in publishing, that tends to happen more in advertising and other industries where concepts can change dramatically after the sketch had been approved. There’s really no excuse for it in cover illustration unless somebody failed to do their part correctly.

Once the final artwork is approved, the client pays the artist whatever amount is due (some contracts have half paid up front and half on completion, some have the full balance due on completion) and the artist delivers the image, which these days is typically done in the form of a high resolution digital file by FTP or some other file delivery system (dropbox, yousendit, etc.)

At this stage, the cover will still need design. This is not handled by the artist unless it was specifically agreed to in the contract (which is highly uncommon). Most publishers have inhouse designers, though some work with freelance designers. For self publishing, I'd urge anyone who does not have a design background to seek a professional designer because even the best cover image will fall flat if the design is sub-par. I’ve seen this happen and it’s not pretty. Nothing makes a book look cheap like bad design. Much like illustration, graphic design has its own resources and online communities.

A few final thoughts that I want to end with:

-You get what you pay for. Budgets are probably the most difficult issue for self publishing and it’s not easy, but keep this in mind. And plan to leave budget for a designer.

-Communication is critical. Honesty, politeness, and professionalism should be expected from both sides. Poor communication is at the root of almost all unsatisfactory commissions.

-We’re all on the same side. I’m amazed how much passive aggressive animosity I’ve seen online and overheard at conventions between authors and artists. Just keep in mind that everyone wants the cover to look good, the book to do well, and all parties to walk away happy. I promise you this.

David Palumbo is a second generation professional illustrator and current art director for Night Shade Books.

Coral demon

2011-09-22T13:00:00.004-04:00

This is an experiment I started a couple months ago and finally found the time to wrap up. I'm playing with improvisational design here, starting with a very loose plan and then rendering little by little to a finish. Working with a deer skull on one side and a photo of a jelly fish on the other as reference (and the girl, obviously). It's really fun getting lost in there.

12x15, oil on illustration board

Innistrad

2011-09-19T13:55:00.002-04:00

Here are some images from the newest Magic release:

14x19, oil on illustration board

11x15, oil on illustration board

11x15, oil on illustration board

11x15, oil on illustration board

pencils

2011-09-14T14:40:00.002-04:00

For the past few years, I've used my sketchbooks almost exclusively for working out roughs, thumbnails, and generally sloppy idea development and occasional life studies. I've never been the sort of person who's sketchbook was full of rendered, beautiful drawings. Getting to painting was always more exciting. The specific drawing time I've set aside has mostly been quick figure studies and pen practice. As a result, its been a long time since I did any drawing just for the sake of making a "finished" drawing. Well, with the time spent sitting behind convention tables in the past month or so where I had no paints available, I found the opportunity to do some pencil rendering and I had forgot how much fun it is! A great medium, this pencil and paper...

pencil on bristol, 11x14

Through a Blood Red Veil

2011-08-24T14:37:00.006-04:00

oil on illustration board, 16x27

Here's a new piece completed for a private commission. At the request of the client, I was documenting the painting as it came along, so I figured I'd attach my process shots as well.

Step 1: thumbnails

Here are a few rough thumbs from the very early stages of the painting. At this point, I've discussed the general concept with the client (a harem girl dancing for a sultan, either in a palace or tent) and begin by playing with shape based compositions, more abstract than representational. The girl dancing is pretty much the only element that I know exactly what it is, the other shapes will evolve into figures and objects.

Step 2: rough sketch

Once I've done a number of thumbs, I'll either scan or re-draw the composition into photoshop and begin planning in value. In this case, my initial sketch was very loose just to check if the client is satisfied with the direction so far

Step 3: the drawing

Next I prepared a more resolved drawing which shows more clearly the details of the image. Perspective is still freehand and loose. I've also shot reference images for the figures. Sometimes I do this sooner, sometimes later, but I always reference my figures and any other subjects I feel necessary.

The client wasn't entirely happy with the pose of the girl and so I sent a revised version. I'm glad they requested the change, because the second go worked so much better!

Step 4: studies

These color studies were done to help plan the palette and value structure. Neither really satisfied me for a complete plan, but they helped prepare me for important decisions which would be made later on. These are oil on illustration board, about 5x8.5 inches each

This is a digitally reworked scan of color study #1 converted to B&W. At this point, I wanted a clear value plan to proceed with my underpainting.

Step 5: the transfer

Now that I have an approved drawing, reference, and a value plan, I begin to prepare the final painting. My illustration board has been cut to the correct size and prepped with three thin coats of acylic gesso. On a sheet of tracing paper/velum, I lightbox a transfer image in pencil from my sketches, drawings, and photo refs. This is done in reverse so that I can lay it on the board and rub the graphite onto the gessoed surface. I'm concerned with contours and shapes and only indicate tone as linear shapes of light and dark. I also make sure that my perspective is all correct and all details are as I want to paint them. This is the structure on which the painting will sit, so I prefer to get it right and not have to make changes down the road.

Step 6: the underpainting

Now I do a general value study in acrylic. This is just another step in the series of bringing the image into focus and the acrylic will seal down the graphite.

Step 7: executing the image in oil

Reno Worldcon 2011 Schedule

2011-08-15T19:02:00.001-04:00

For those attending Worldcon in Reno this week, here's my scheduled events:

Wed 16:00 - 17:00, Getting Started in Illustration (Panel), A01+6
(RSCC)
Established artists answer questions about the business
side of being an artist: Promoting yourself, building your
portfolio, networking; what are the important steps to get
your foot in the door as an illustrator, and then succeed?
-David Palumbo, Anthony Palumbo, Bob Eggleton, Richard Hescox, John Picacio

Thu 11:00 - 12:00, Collaboration in Game Design: Designers and
Artists (Panel), A01+6 (RSCC)
How does the art influence the design of RPGs and video
games?
-Howard Tayler, Jon Schindehette, David Palumbo, Tom Lehmann, Dave Howell, Tanglwyst de Holloway

Thu 14:00 - 15:00, Vallejo Does Tarot (Panel), A02 (RSCC)
Boris Vallejo and his family have been illustrating their
own marvelous version of a Tarot card deck. Come see for
yourself and hear about this collaborative project.
-Boris Vallejo, Julie Bell, Anthony Palumbo, David Palumbo

Thu 19:00 - 20:30, Meet the Artists (Event), Hall 2 Art Show (RSCC)
Here's a chance to talk to the showing artists about their
own work, in the Art Show! All the attending artists who
can make it will be by their displays.

Fri 11:00 - 13:00, Art Portfolio Reviews (Workshop), A18 (RSCC)
Art GoH and Art Directors review portfolios of aspiring
Artists. Advance Registration Required - email
art@renovationsf.org
-Jon Schindehette, Lou Anders, Boris Vallejo, David Palumbo, Irene Gallo, Liz Argall

Sat 11:00 - 12:00, Building Your Art Portfolio (Panel), A16 (RSCC)
Whip together all of your art pieces and voila! You have
your art potfolio all ready to go! It's that simple, right?
-Jon Schindehette, David Palumbo, Liz Argall, Lee Moyer, Karen Haber

Sat 11:00 - 12:00, Meet the Artists (Event), Hall 2 Art Show (RSCC)
Here's a chance to talk to the showing artists about their
own work, in the Art Show! All the attending artists who
can make it will be by their displays.

Sat 12:00 - 13:00, Painting for Collectible Card Games (Panel), D03
(RSCC)
A lot of amazing artwork goes onto collectible game cards.
What's it like painting for that market? How is it
different from other projects?
-Martina Pilcerova, Jon Schindehette, Kaja Foglio ,David Palumbo

Sat 15:00 - 16:00, Autographing: Sat 15:00 (Autographing), Hall 2
Autographs (RSCC)
-Julie Bell, Boris Vallejo, Anthony Palumbo, David Palumbo, Winona Nelson

Sun 12:00 - 13:00, Marketing Yourself on the Web (Panel), A05
(RSCC)
Does web site design still matter in the age of social
media? How should a nontechnical artist or author approach
the question of how to market yourself electronically?
-Lee Moyer, Jon Schindehette, David Palumbo, Mignon Fogarty, Tara O'Shea

Sun 14:00 - 15:00, Book Cover Design: Using Cover Elements to their
Best Advantage (Panel), A04 (RSCC)
There's more to a cover than the artwork: fonts, blurbs,
title and name placement all have a huge impact on the
final effect. How to design book covers that make the best
of their art, author, and other material.
-Lou Anders, David Palumbo, Irene Gallo

See you there!

The Lone Ranger and Tonto

2011-08-01T12:35:00.004-04:00

This was a cover illustration that I did some months back and never posted. I brought the original out to San Diego and it got a HUGE response. I didn't even know about the upcoming movie until a week or so ago. Yes, yes, prints will be available soon ;)

edit: prints now available: http://dvpalumbo.com/store/prints.html

oil on illustration board, 14x21

Convention season is here!

2011-07-15T17:18:00.002-04:00

Hey all, just a quick mention of the shows I'll be attending these next few months!

San Diego Comic Con (July 20-24)

I'll be showing once again in San Diego with Daren Bader at 4914, next door to the mind blowing Allen Williams. Anyone attending should stop in and say hello, we'll be there all weekend with originals, books, DVDs and prints. Now that my prep is finished and the materials are enroute, I can say without hesitation that I'm really looking forward to a weekend of seeing old friends, buying amazing new art books, and soaking up some concentrated inspiration :D

Worldcon (Reno NV, Aug 17-21)

Boris is this year's Artist Guest of Honor at Worldcon, so the whole family is heading out. I'm already scheduled for a whole slate of programs about art and the illustration business, along with portfolio reviews along side Boris, Lou Anders (Pyr Books), John Schindehette (Wizards of the Coast), and others. Actually, there's a ton of cool art programming going on, check out John Picacio's blog for more info.

Dragon Con (Atlanta GA, Sept 2-5)

It was my pleasure this year to participate as one of the art show jurors, so I'll be out as a guest taking part in the art show events as well as some other programing. I know for sure I'll be doing a presentation on promotion and job hunting for freelancers as well as a big group panel about the Tarot set that we have coming out next year. I've never been to a Dragon Con but *everyone* has been telling me I need to go and I'm very excited to finally check it out.

Illuxcon (Altoona PA, Nov 3-6)

Wrapping up 2011 close to home at my favorite of all conventions: Illuxcon. A quiet, pleasant weekend of art overstimulation and inspiration with some of the most amazing people you'll ever meet. How can it get better than that?

Zombie prom date

2011-07-12T23:20:00.004-04:00

That's not really the title for this book, but that was the only thing I could think of as I was painting it. For a collection of zombie YA stories. In preparing for this, I learned about the massive popularity of Bieber hair with boys in middle and high school

oil on illustration board

Another from the vault

2011-07-06T22:13:00.004-04:00

Here's another old piece that's been under wraps. This was commissioned for Warhammer 40k about 2 years ago (or more?) and never saw print

oil on illustration board

Hope Summers

2011-07-05T00:03:00.003-04:00

So I've been moving all the past week into a new house which also means a sweet new studio. Right now it's a pile of boxes, but in time... more on that later though. The reason I'm posting is because, in the process of sorting and properly storing some old paintings, I came across this little piece. Though I can't remember exactly when it was done, I want to say about a year or so ago. It wasn't for any specific project, just that I had some me time and felt like doing some simple X-Men portraits and decided to kick it off with a relatively newer character: Hope Summers. I seem to remember having started a Wolverine as a follow-up before a wave of new deadlines and convention season hit me with the one-two and, in the end, this was the only one I actually finished. Why I didn't show it at the time I don't really know other that I probably meant to and just forgot. Which reminds me, I have some other pieces waiting to go online. Maybe once I get my SDCC prep finished.

Anyhow, it's pretty simple and straight forward, but I like it. Maybe once things calm down a bit I can get back into these. I've always wanted to do a proper Nightcrawler...

11x17, oil on illustration board

dancing girl prelim sketch

2011-06-02T18:49:00.003-04:00

I don't post WIP and sketches when working with commercial clients (which is to say I rarely post them at all), but here's a sketch from a private commission that I'm starting on. I think it'll be fun getting into the paint :)

Priestess of Torment

2011-05-30T15:53:00.004-04:00

This is for a group show at the OhNo!Doom gallery in Chicago that opens next weekend. I think I'll let it speak for itself

15x21, oil on illustration board

Microvisions

2011-05-16T13:51:00.005-04:00

Though the piece was completed in April and the show hanging at the Society of Illustrators a few weeks now, I was waiting until the auctions went live to share my contribution to the Microvisions scholarship. If you're not familiar with the event, each year a dozen or so sf/f illustrators are invited to create a piece measuring 5x7 inches which is then sold through a fundraising auction held by Society of Illustrators. The money raised goes to students selected through their annual jurried student competition. To check out the other pieces and maybe take one home, here are the Ebay links. Bidding closes on the 25th I believe.

oil on illustration board, 5x7 inches

Infidel

2011-04-26T17:22:00.004-04:00

A recent cover, sequel to God's War. I started work on this right around when I got the news about Spectrum (see one post down), so there was a little extra incentive (which is to say, pressure) in not only advancing the cover narrative, but upping the ante visually. This is also very very slightly different from what the printed version will look like (a few additional details were revised, though I prefer this version). I only mention it because I'm uptight about things like that :P

18x27, oil on illustration board

Strength

2011-03-16T20:27:00.005-04:00

Amazingly, the tarot series is nearly finished! I believe I only have three more to do before my 19 are all in, and we're expecting all 78 pieces to be done by the end of the summer. This is my most recent, catching up on more Major Arcana with Strength (which I was very surprised to see had not yet been claimed!)

14x21, oil on illustration board

***ALSO***

A few days ago I learned that I had received TWO medals in this year's (upcoming) Spectrum. I was awarded the Gold in the book category for Gods War and the Silver in the comic category for Sleep. Spectrum has come to be one of the two milestones of my creative year (the other being San Diego Comic Con) when I stop and assess where I've been and where I intend to go. It's a wonderful opportunity to reflect and a strong motivator to push further and explore, and I'm tremendously honored to have been selected for these awards. :D

The Whitefire Crossing

2011-02-25T12:08:00.003-05:00

A recent cover piece here. This is the all oils version, though the printed cover will have some glowy red magic effects added where the figure touches to the tree. Story-wise, he's absorbing life from the living tree and the tree is blackening from his touch. This is how I picture it as described in the book, very subtle and quiet. For a cover to code as fantasy though, it was a bit too subtle. It was something we talked back and forth a bit, and in the end I think I prefer the original version as a painting though the more overtly magical certainly works better for the cover. Thanks to Photoshop, everybody wins :)

16x24, oil on illustration board

*edit* here's the digital retouch version as it was approved for print:

Though Smoke Shall Hide The Sun

2011-02-14T11:50:00.003-05:00

A new piece for Tor.com, this time for a short from Brit Mandelo. This is a slightly different version of the piece from the one shown with the story. There was concern over the foreground character looking too much the victim (which I most definitely agree she should not) and so I was asked to give her a bit of a sly smile. It worked better for the story, though this version works a bit better for me, so here it is :)

9x16, oil on illustration board

The Hanged Man

2011-02-05T10:50:00.003-05:00

As we're closing in on the final stretch for the tarot series, I've found I have some Major Arcana yet to do. The Hanged Man is one that I'd called dibs on from way early on and then let simmer for, well, the past couple years I guess. I love the meaning and traditional interpretations, but I did want to move out of the box just a bit. The whole Tau Cross leg thing for example. It didn't feel necessary to the symbolism for me, and honestly I'm not even sure I understand it. So here's the outcome, a rare traditional/digital hybrid piece for me. Oh, and the model for the painting is my Dad, which was fun and strange, like making an alternate universe time traveling self portrait.

12x18, oil on illustration board/digital

Star Wars: Visions

2011-01-07T10:59:00.003-05:00

In all the whirlwind of getting that last gallery show up, meeting deadlines, and the usual holiday madness, I totally snoozed on posting this piece! This was a painting for the Star Wars: Visions book which finally released in November. I'm not 100% on this, but I *think* I started this piece in early 2009 so it's been almost 2 years since I painted it. Though I would most likely think in a different direction were I to be offered this project again today, I'm still really pleased with how it came out.

13.5x18, oil on illustration board, 2009

Two and Twenty Idols

2010-11-10T13:52:00.005-05:00

I leave for Illuxcon tomorrow and *just* finished this piece in time for the show :) This is the first completely non-commissioned illustration I've done in a couple years, I really need to make more time for that sort of thing.

15x23, oil on illustration board

More new work for November

2010-10-27T11:32:00.004-04:00

A few more pieces for my upcoming gallery show in November

"Underbelly", oil on panel, 24x54

"Tranced", oil on panel, 30x40

"On nights when we're apart", oil on canvas, 30x40

"Beyond the castle walls, there are new kingdoms to explore", oil on panel, 12x48

"A long and crooked road", oil on panel, 18x24

God's War and Haven

2010-10-21T12:19:00.003-04:00

Nice to be finishing up a book cover, it feels like it's been awhile (though only a month or so I guess). Mostly I've been crazy busy getting my November show at Artists House together (more on that in a week or so), but here's a brand new cover for Night Shade Books. Also, I forgot to post the final cover in the Sasha series for Pyr, so here's that too ;)

God's War, 18x27, oil on Illustration Board

Haven, 18x24, oil on illustration board

10 of Swords

2010-10-05T15:39:00.002-04:00

A new Tarot card here, the dreaded 10 of Swords. Symbolic of ruin, pain, disaster. Despite that, it was fun ;)

10x15, oil on illustration board

***

Also, NY comic con is this weekend, come by and visit me and Scott Altmann at booth 528, near to Artists Alley and the autograph area!

An interview with Scott Altmann

2010-09-26T09:40:00.010-04:00

I'm running a day late on my end here, but I'll be sharing a booth in the upcoming New York Comic Con with fellow illustrator and very good friend Scott Altmann and he asked me the other day about doing an artist on artist interview for our blogs. You can find my answers to Scott's questions over on Scott's blog

And before I begin with my questions to Scott, I'll give a little intro just in case you may not be familiar with his name. In addition to numerous appearances in fantasy art anthologies such as Spectrum and Society of Illustrators, Scott has firmly established himself in the young adult book cover field working for heavies like Harper Collins, Random House, and Penguin to name just a few. He's painted Magic cards, done freelance concept art, is a founding member of Gorilla Artfare, shown in galleries across the US and in Europe, and was this years Chesley Award Winner for Best Paperback Cover Illustration.

You can find his work, contact info, and all that sort of thing at his website and blog:
ScottAltmann.com
Bad Dreams Good Nightmares

And now the interview:
I'll start things easy. Since isolated color is meaningless without context, what’s your favorite color scheme?

I don't think I have a favorite, as much as I go through phases. I am definitely coming off a "brown phase" where I was really preoccupied with cool tones over warm, earth tones. For instance, a cool gray over a raw umber tone. Lately, I have been really into grays, pinks, and cerulean blues.

As an illustrator who’s very prolific in the YA field, what were your favorite books when you were 12 and did the cover art have any influence over you?

I have to admit at 12, I put down the books a bit and I got really into Conan comics and Heavy Metal (the magazine - not the music). For some reason I never really got into superheroes, and my dad kind of realized that and he would bring me home these comics all the time. There was one book I constantly looked at from when I was even younger. I mention it , just because I kept revisiting it over and over and I still have it. It's called "Chinese Fairy Tales" and I believe it is out of print now: http://www.amazon.com/Chinese-Fairy-Tales-Marie-Ponsot/dp/B000RC0CK4
It has really beautiful illustrations on the interior as well by Serge Rizzato. I'll have to show you when I see you. I can't even remember the stories in the book, but some of the imagery really made an impression on me.

I also used to read a good deal of my dad's National Geographic mags, and they always had at least a few illustrations that were really cool to see.

Which painting of yours presented the greatest challenge to you while you were working on it? With the lessons that it taught you, is there anything that you would have done differently in retrospect?

Hmmm....that's hard to say. The recent Microvisions piece was tough because of the size

I was experimenting with a lot of palette knife work, which was really hard to do on the small 5" x 7" surface. I probably should have put away the palette knives, opted for less textural effects, and stuck with synthetics or sables.

The other painting that comes to mind, was a digital illustration I did for Random House and that was Chris Grabenstein's "The Hanging Hill".

The story was so great- Chris is such a skilled writer and this was my first job for Random House, so a lot of the challenges of this painting I put on myself were self-imposed pressures. Then when the art direction was to have a scary house, and NO FIGURES I panicked a bit. I had never done an illustration that the focus was on something that was something other than a human figure. How was I to make a house interesting enough for a cover?

I think I learned that I was placing too much emphasis on subject matter, and I should have focused more on compositional effects, picture dynamism, and narrative I figured that out in the long run, but I could have spared myself all the stress and anxiety!

As your professional career has been unfolding, what are your reactions to the direction that you’re moving in? Do you feel it would have surprised you as a younger artist, or has it all followed your early plans and goals?

I think I am eternally dissatisfied with my work and career, but not really in a negative way. That makes no sense when I say it out loud, but it has more to do with just always looking forward and looking to evolve. I have definitely moved into a market geared towards younger audiences, and it will probably keep going in that direction. Of course I get the urge to do more mature illustration once in awhile, but I feel this market plays to my strengths as an illustrator.

I'm honestly surprised by it all when I stop and think about it. I can't believe I get paid to do this as a living sometimes. My early goals and plans were either non-existent or vague , but now that I have goals and a decent momentum I'm excited and just want to keep pushing forward.

With your schedule full balancing illustration commissions and family life, do you ever find the time for personal painting these days? If so, what is it that matters to you most in doing them?

It's hard -I cannot lie. My days are packed from morning to night with various family/house/ illustration obligations so finding that time is a real struggle for me. . I've only gotten to sneak in a small painting here and there for myself.
There is a positive side though. Now that my illustration career has started to take shape, I feel I can now more clearly separate my job from my personal work. There's no more pressure for me to have gallery owners like it, or have it accepted by art buyers. Now it's really just for my own expression and experimentation . Just need more time to do it!

In terms of concept vs. technique, which is more likely to excite you in the work of another artist?

I think it's the synthesis of the two that really excites me. When an artist combines these elements in harmony it can really be powerful.

What sort of things do you feel you absorb most from other artists that ends up later in your own work?

It's definitely technical things I admire . Whether it is edgework, atmospheric perspective, or shape arrangement - I try to learn from people who are doing things better than I am. As far as narrative and concepts, that is more personal for me.

What is the one aspect to picture making which you find the most exciting to you right now?

I'm definitely feeling a renewed interest in composition , but not only arrangement of shapes but also arranging values. I think once you get a solid grasp of the basics, it opens it up to unlimited possibilities. Yes - a light figure against a dark background is very effective, but a light figure against a light background can be even more powerful if skillfully done.

***

Be sure to come visit us at the NYCC, we'll be at booth number 528 with originals, prints, books, DVDs, and awkward conversation ;)

Personal works

2010-09-15T17:11:00.005-04:00

Just felt like posting a few of the pieces I've been working on for my next show at Artists House in November. Stepping away from the rigid series approach that I've taken for the past few and just sort of free associating instead. It's interesting to see as the group is coming together. Anyhow, here's a sampling

"I still think about then but I never think about her", 16x20, oil on panel

"Would I see you next to me?", 20x20, oil on panel

"View from the Carabela De Colón", 5x5, oil on panel

"We never talk anymore", 30x40, oil on panel

Chimeric Mass

2010-09-10T10:50:00.003-04:00

I just found out that this piece was one of the early spoilers for the upcoming "Scars of Mirrodin" release for Magic, so I'm free to share as well. Big ol' trash monster

11x15, oil on illustration board

Zombie Girl

2010-09-08T18:06:00.004-04:00

I've been really in the mood to paint some horror lately. If fact, I did a little write-up for Tor.com that comes out some time next week where I mention briefly about how rarely you see an attempt at sexy zombies, so I thought I'd take a new swing at it. Kind of disturbing actually...

11x17, oil on illustration board

FOUND: book of convention sketches - SDCC

2010-07-27T23:01:00.001-04:00

Hey, I'm currently in possession of a book of con sketches found in my booth (4813: David Palumbo/Daren Bader) during tear-down at San Diego Comic Con. Nobody near by seemed to know who it belonged too, but it looks like a pretty serious book and I'm sure the owner is missing it. The name inside is "Doc Anthony" with a phone number no longer in service. Looks like the book dates back to '99. If you are the owner or know anyone who lost a book like this, email me at dave (at) dvpalumbo.com and we can hopefully get it returned. There will be follow-up questions to confirm the identity of the rightful owner.

Just putting the word out, please feel free to forward.

See you in San Diego!

2010-07-18T15:51:00.001-04:00

I'm just about out the door for San Diego Comic Con. It's always a mountain of tasks to get done before the show, but it's nearly time and I'm really looking forward to it. I'll be showing with Daren Bader again this year in booth #4813. I'll have originals for display and sale, as well as copies of the new book and DVD and all sorts of things. Stop in and say hello!

Is Your Soul for Sale?

2010-07-10T18:18:00.001-04:00

Another new one, this time a little something for Realms of Fantasy

12x16, oil on illustration board

The Duel

2010-07-06T16:09:00.005-04:00

Here's a recent piece for a C.T. Adams story on Tor.com that just went live. Fun to sling some magic around, it feels like ages since I've painted anything glowy ;)

oil, 13x26

If you'd like to read the story that this piece is supporting, you can find it here

***

PLUS! Anyone heading out to comic con (in just two short weeks!), I'll be out again this year and sharing a booth with Daren Bader at booth #4813. I'll have the new books, some new surprises, painting DVDs, drawings, paintings (including the one above), and whatever else I can cram into the FedEx truck in the next few days. Stop on by :D

Tracato

2010-06-07T18:32:00.004-04:00

This is weird, but somehow I never posted this piece. Cover for Pyr books, done a few months back:

Oil on illustration board with some digital tweaks, 18x24

Transcend

2010-05-27T16:32:00.004-04:00

A new piece for the Tarot series, this is the first significant departure (in my opinion) from the traditional depictions/interpretations. This is to be in place of Judgment. My interpretation of Judgment is a card about transcendence, metamorphosis, rebirth, and progress, so that's what I was trying to bring across.

12x18, oil on illustration board

Ghost Ship

2010-05-22T16:20:00.006-04:00

I did this a little while back, just for kicks ;)

15x24, oil on illustration board

D&D pin-up

2010-05-14T14:42:00.003-04:00

Something for fun here, I decided that I couldn't pass up the D&D pin-up challenge that Jon Schindehette announced on Art Order. It may as well be called the Tiefling Pin-Up Challenge, but what do you expect when your selection of races includes devil girls amidst a bunch of big ugly monsters :P

12x16.5, oil on illustration board

The new Quickie is officially here!

2010-05-03T16:28:00.003-04:00

After months of work and prep, the new 2010 Quickie hardcovers are finally here! The book is bigger (10x10) and thicker (96 full color pages) than last year's model and features about 80% previously unprinted works, some of which haven't even been shown on my postcardnudes blog. I'm really really proud of this one :D

Click HERE for more info or to order. Order along with the upcoming "Painting Stephie 7" process DVD and get 50% off!

The book is also available in a very limited deluxe edition which will include an original oil postcard remarque. Deluxe editions are limited to 25 copies, click here for more information.

Also, an update for those who have asked about the process DVD: After some production delays, I've just received a delivery date of May 20th, which means that DVD and combo orders will begin shipping on May 24th.

VISIT MY NEW WEBSTORE HERE

Sleep

2010-04-27T11:55:00.004-04:00

16x25, oil on illustration board

Something for an upcoming horror anthology here. I was pretty much on my own to go where I wanted with this, just keeping the tone appropriate. It was fun but also disorienting to have so much freedom, but I could get used to it ;)

Just sharing some good news :)

2010-04-17T17:07:00.002-04:00

Two pieces of new today. First is that a slightly less nude version of These Things Really Work will be the cover for a single from the upcoming Meat Loaf album for the song Los Angeloser :)

And the second piece of news is that I've just received my confirmation from Spectrum for volume 17 and the pieces selected were Living Dead 2 and The Scavenger. It's to be my fourth year in the book and every time it's been such an honor to be included. I feel like the quality just gets better and better, can't wait to see number 17 all laid out :D

Next post will have more art, promise ;)

"Stephie #7" DVD trailer is up :D

2010-04-05T19:06:00.000-04:00

I've hinted around about my DVD for awhile now, but it's nearly finished and I'm finally able to show a peek ;)

for more info on this or on the new hardcover Quickie book also coming out next month, go to http://www.dvpalumbo.com/store.html

The Loving Dead

2010-03-23T09:51:00.003-04:00

It feels like my updates here have been so sparse over the past few months! Well, I have been finishing up the new Quickie book (more info coming soon), but I know that's no excuse. Anyhow, new illustrations on the way, I've got some exciting things lined up and in the works. For today, here's a cover recently finished for Night Shade Books:

14x21, oil on illustration board

M:tG Worldwake cards

2010-02-02T16:10:00.005-05:00

Now that Worldwake has gone public as of this past weekend, I'm free to post my images from the set :) All oil on illo board, but I did these almost a year ago and can't quite remember the sizes...

"Apex Hawks"

"Marsh Threader"

and the (as I'm told) much discussed "convertible turtle":

"Calcite Snapper"

Postcard painting demo online :)

2010-01-20T23:49:00.001-05:00

I’ve been fussing with editing software and youtube for about a week now, finally got something online :) Kind of a teaser for the full length process DVD that I’ll have out this spring… oh, and there’s a new book coming too, but more on that later ;)

the finished piece without all the video compression:

5x7, oil on illustration board

Three of Rods

2009-12-24T02:08:00.003-05:00

New piece for the Tarot series:

12x18, oil on illustration board

Return of the Living Dead (sort of)

2009-12-10T17:20:00.005-05:00

15x21, oil on illustration board

So some may remember that last year I did a cover for a collection of zombie stories put out by Night Shade Books called The Living Dead. Though it had originally been a simple matter of convenience, my zombies in that painting were modeled after other artists. Well as luck would have it, I was asked to illustrate the cover for the follow-up and the deadline happened to fall a little after Illuxcon 2, which presented a great opportunity to continue the zombie artist tradition. This time around, my zombies are (counting heads from left to right): Daren Bader (http://www.darenbader.blogspot.com/), Cynthia Sheppard (www.sheppard-arts.com), Ian Miller (http://www.ian-miller.org), Omar Rayyan (http://www.studiorayyan.com), Scott Altman (http://www.scottaltmann.com), Jordu Schell (http://schellstudio.com), Brom (http://www.bromart.com), and Zelda Devon (http://www.teeteringbulb.com)

Thanks again guys :D

100 Postcards!

2009-12-06T21:24:00.001-05:00

I just finished the 100th piece in my series of postcard nudes! Not to suggest that it's finished, just marking the occasion ;)

5x7, oil on illustration board

see more at postcardnudes.blogspot.com

Five of Cups

2009-11-07T22:05:00.001-05:00

new Tarot card:

12x18, oil

Visions of Never

2009-11-03T12:32:00.000-05:00

this is kind of a side post, but Pat Wilshire (founder of the upcoming Illuxcon) was good enough to share a sneak peek at his new book Visions of Never with me recently and now I'm really eager to get my own copy :)

The book features six fantasy illustrators (Paul Lehr, Don Ivan Punchatz, Richard Bober, Robh Ruppel, Marc Fishman, and Mark Zug), a couple of whom I hadn't even been aware of prior to seeing the book but their contributions are all beautiful. Anyhow, just giving Pat a little plug here. See you at Illuxcon!

New work

2009-09-30T01:19:00.003-04:00

Gah, feels like forever! I've been plenty busy, though there are only a couple things I can post here at the moment:

16x24, oil on board

12x18, oil on board

also, check the new issue of Heavy Metal out next time you're at the store. It's my first cover for them and I'm really happy with how it came out! Very exciting :D

if you'll step this way...

2009-08-13T20:09:00.003-04:00

In an effort to keep things a little tidier and updates more frequent, I've decided to open a new blog devoted entirely to my postcards and nudes. Check over at postcardnudes.blogspot.com for any future work in that series, while this blog will continue to focus on my illustration work, gallery events, and any other odds and ends that don't involve tiny paintings of naked women ;)

But as a proper send off, a few recent pieces:

SDCC! London Miles Gallery! Quickie ships!

2009-07-22T12:28:00.005-04:00

So things have been in fast forward this past week getting ready for San Diego Comic Con, which opens today! I've been here since yesterday morning setting up the booth and catching up with long distance friends (and trying to catch up with sleep). If you're hitting the show this weekend, stop by and see us at booth 4813, I'm sharing with Daren Bader (who's just released a beautiful hardbound collection of his illustrations) and Scott Altmann. I'll have originals (illustrations and postcards), as well as new catalogs, copies of Quickie, and a variety of prints. Come say hi :D

Also, Quickie preorders shipped on Monday! They're on their way to the four corners of the globe, thanks again to all who preordered!

And finally, I'll be taking part in a group show at the London Miles Gallery
which opens this weekend. I'm really excited to see how it goes, it looks like a good show and I wish that I could be there to see it! The show is called Candy Coateded Canvas and the theme as described: "[art] which is visually extremely colourful and playful, whilst sparking up memories of childhood, sweets, fantasy lands and those naughty but nice pleasures in life."

My two below along with the show ads:

Two new illustrations

2009-06-23T16:35:00.003-04:00

Little update, trying to not let them bunch up so much :P

The Mystic, 17x22, oil on board, done for the cover of my 2009 Illustration catalog

Two of Wands, 12x18, oil on board

QUICKIE: 58 Erotic Portraits. Pre-order now!

2009-06-11T19:18:00.003-04:00

ok, so... Big announcement time!

...

So, I'm really REALLY pleased to announce that in the very near future I'll be releasing a volume of selected images from my postcard series (year one) as well as related work. The book will be a square format 8"x8", 60 pages, and limited to 150 s/n copies. The books are going to be available late July (I'll have them for San Diego Comic Con) but I'm now taking pre-orders. Pre-order copies are priced at $20 each (plus shipping). Why pre-order you ask? Well...

*The first 50 orders will also receive an original sketch (similar to the ones below) tucked inside*

Honestly, I'm just really excited about this. I've been having so much fun doing these paintings and it makes me so happy to see them compiled into this book. They'll be back from the printers in mid-July, orders will ship asap.

click here to reserve a copy

additionally...

2009-06-02T13:02:00.003-04:00

Oops, I didn't know this was public yet or I'd have put it in the batch from yesterday:

Skaar 14, for Marvel Comics, 12x18, oil on illustration board

This is overdue...

2009-06-01T19:23:00.004-04:00

It's been awhile since I've had a real illustration post, I have to stop letting them pile up like this! Unfortunately I still have pending NDAs and that sort of thing, but here's a batch of work that I can share :)

The Scavenger, for Heavy Metal, 16x22, oil on illo board

Skaar 13, for Marvel Comics, 11x17, oil on illo board

Holmes and Watson, for Nightshade Books, 15x21, oil on illo board

By Blood We Live, for Night Shade Books, 16.5x23, oil on illo board

Shield of Reverence, for Wizards of the Coast, 9x12, oil on illo board

Knight of new Alara (promo variant), for Wizards of the Coast, 12x16.5, oil on illo board

Messenger Falcons, for Wizards of the Coast, 8x11, oil on illo board

For fans of my Postcard series

2009-04-27T18:39:00.004-04:00

Just a little something special, while they last...

I swear this isn't all that I paint...

2009-04-18T16:54:00.005-04:00

but it just happens to be what I'm showing :P Some new illustrations coming soon, promise, just need to get clearance. Meanwhile...

"Rainy Day", 17x17, oil on illustration board

"Kitty Cat", 12x16, oil on illustration board

"Curiosity", 9x19, oil on illustration board

"Mischief", 9x19, oil on illustration board

and selections of recent postcards, all oil on 5x7 illo board:

Still more girls ;)

2009-03-31T22:23:00.003-04:00

Some recent postcards and related work:

(5x7)

(5x7)

(5x7)

(5x7)

(13x17)

(9x15.5)

Russian nesting dolls

2009-03-25T21:42:00.004-04:00

So awhile back, I was invited by Lana Crooks to participate in a show of custom Russian nesting dolls (you know, those little dolls that stack inside each other?) at the A.Okay Official gallery in Chicago. I was kind of at a loss to how to approach it since it's a little outside my normal thing, but in the end I decided on a sequential theme as oppose to a collection theme. These are probably the smallest figures I've ever painted (starting at 5" tall and ending at 1.5") and also the first time I've used acrylics for anything other than underpainting since I was in school, so I was pretty happy that it actually even looked like anything in the end :P

Honestly, I'm really happy with how they came out. As is always the problem with dimensional work, these just aren't the same in photos, but I'll try:

And close-ups of each individual doll:

Postcards!

2009-03-03T00:09:00.003-05:00

Haven't posted any postcards in awhile, so here's a recentish batch. All oils on illustration board, 5x7 inches each

Pale Stockings

2009-02-23T22:47:00.002-05:00

Here's a new piece for a group show at Artists House next month, getting rather cool and muted in my colors...

13.5x17, oil on board

*edit*

and one more, for no reason at all:

12x16, oil on board

Valentine

2009-02-14T09:09:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day all, marking the occasion with a little portrait of my sweetie <3

oils, 10x13

Revisiting an abandoned piece...

2009-02-05T18:29:00.003-05:00

I've had this lack-luster painting sitting in the corner of my studio a few months now, just had a sudden urge this afternoon to rework it and give her some life. Since finishing those pieces for the gallery, I've been thinking more about pushing the texture and edges in my painting, or at least exploring a little further with it. Good times :)

oil, 18x22

New Tarot, Conflux, and book covers

2009-02-02T18:02:00.003-05:00

It's been quite awhile since I've posted any illustrations to my site or blog. This was partly because I was so wrapped up in the gallery show and also partly because some of these were under NDA, but in any case, here's a handful of pieces you probably haven't seen yet:

Jhessian Balmgiver, oils, 11x15 (Wizards of the Coast)

Aven Squire, oils, 11x15 (Wizards of the Coast)

Constricting Tendrils, oils, 9x12 (Wizards of the Coast)

Celestial Purge, oils, 11x15 (Wizards of the Coast)

Ace of Pentacles, oils, 10x15 (Imaginistix/Heavy Metal)

Page of Cups, oils, 12x18 (Imaginistix/Heavy Metal)

Blood and Steel, oils, 16x24 (Pyr Books)

Lescari, oils, 12x18 (Solaris Books)

Waiting for the Train

2009-01-28T15:03:00.005-05:00

Big update here! For the past few months I've been spending a good deal of my time prepping for the February show at Artists House. It's been refreshing to do something different from my normal thing:

16x27

15x26

18x24

13x18

10x17

16x27

8x21

8x21

9x27

all oil on illustration board

If you're in the Philly area and plan on hitting First Friday, I'll be there for the opening on February 6th, stop on by :D

Portrait of a Gorilla

2009-01-24T13:34:00.002-05:00

For those who don't know about Gorilla Artfare, it's a group blog that I participate in from time to time. Today is our one year anniversary, and to mark the occasion, several of us did a big random portrait trade. See them all here!

Rigor Mortis Revue logo

2009-01-21T20:00:00.001-05:00

Something a little bit different here. This is a logo that I drew for a horror burlesque troupe that my girlfriend is starting up. I haven't had many excuses lately to do black and whites, forgot how much fun they are :D

Postcard update!

2008-12-29T02:14:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone, merry belated Christmas and Happy New Year! In true holiday spirit (that being the spirit of commerce), I'm discounting a bunch of postcards on my etsy page, but only through January 8th, so don't wait too long...

Also a couple new ones:

and just a little something for funsies:

New Postcards

2008-12-18T21:36:00.002-05:00

Yes, even more new postcards!

Drawings are always cooler in French

2008-12-11T02:15:00.004-05:00

though I'm not too sure about my grammar :P

having some fun with photoshop:

edit:
and an alternate version, which may be more appropriate with the text:

Postcards! and just in time for the holidays!

2008-12-09T17:33:00.005-05:00

So I finally got around to building a page on my site to consolidate the ever expanding postcard series and they're available for sale (for those who've inquired) through my Etsy page. I can guarantee Christmas delivery inside the US for any orders through the 20th.

And just to keep this post honest, here are some new ones ;)

Postcard update

2008-12-05T02:17:00.003-05:00

Some new postcards, oils on 5x7 boards:

Space Ghost!

2008-11-26T02:08:00.003-05:00

Here's a little "for fun" project I did last week as a birthday gift, just fooling about :)

11x14, oil on illustration board

One more

2008-11-20T02:38:00.003-05:00

One last piece for the Small Works show next month. Oil, 12.5x14 on illustration board

*EDIT* changed my mind, I'm keeping it :P

some more postcards

2008-11-19T02:57:00.002-05:00

a few new postcards, all 5x7 in oils

New covers and Tarot

2008-11-04T14:46:00.004-05:00

Page of Cups, 12x18, oil on board, for Imaginistix/Heavy Metal Magazine

Stalking the Dragon, 14x21, oil on board, for Pyr Books

Madness of Flowers, 16x24, oil on board, for Night Shade Books

Striped Shirt

2008-10-25T00:37:00.004-04:00

Another "exercise". No client, just pushing some paint around :)

14x21, Oil on board

Anna #5 and Randi #4

2008-10-22T00:06:00.005-04:00

Small update, just a new postcard image I did during some down-time tonight. 5x7, oils:

And one more:

More girls...

2008-10-15T01:43:00.005-04:00

New pieces for the December group show:

oils, 12x16

oils, 6x22

These are all postcard sized (5x7) in oils:

Magic Cards: Shards of Alara

2008-10-11T20:32:00.003-04:00

So the newest Magic expansion is now on the shelves! This is the first work that I've done for WotC and it was a blast. I've been sitting on these pieces for months now, glad to finally show them:

Obelisk of Bant, 11x15, oils

Deft Duelist, 11x15, oils

Rockcaster Platoon, 11x15, oils

Cancel, 6x8, oils

New oils

2008-09-25T11:45:00.002-04:00

just a teaser of new stuff that's on the way:

"Randi", 8x13, oil on board

"unbuttoned", 6x14, oil on board

Dr. Sketchy's

2008-09-20T01:00:00.002-04:00

New drawings from Dr. Sketchy's earlier tonight. The models were good friends Annie A-Bomb and Randi Warhol from Sunday Revival Burlesque, those in the Philly area should go check out their show sometime

new drawings

2008-09-11T00:25:00.004-04:00

Been crazy busy since Comic Con with traveling and working, so I've had precious little time to doodle nekid ladies. The good news is that in the very near future I'll be doing some paintings along these same lines. I'm still getting things organized, but I'm really excited about it. Meanwhile, here's a few gals, and also some life drawings from Dr. Sketchy's earlier tonight. That chainmail bikini and dagger with the roman arches behind her? Yeah, that's all just as it was. It was pretty awesome. Apparently she made that costume herself.

Pink Man Blue Bird

2008-08-29T15:02:00.005-04:00

A new piece for a group show. Hanging at Artists House (52 N. 2nd St. Philly) all September.

Pink Man Blue Bird, 18x20, oil on illustration board

Also, to keep things harmonious, I've set up a permanent home for future Walter cartoons: http://www.mypalwalter.blogspot.com

More fun with Walter

2008-08-27T14:08:00.001-04:00

my pal Walter

2008-08-24T21:10:00.004-04:00

so a friend of mine was joking about getting me a giant tortoise for my birthday. It got me thinking about the awesome times that we would have. His name would be Walter and we'd be BFFs.

Chesley nomination!

2008-08-06T22:33:00.003-04:00

No art to post right this minute, just sharing the excitement that my Doc Savage piece has been nominated for a Chesley in the unpublished category! I'm so honored to be in there, the fellow nominees are crazy intimidating.

Eight of Swords

2008-07-21T17:02:00.002-04:00

First off, for those attending San Diego Comic Con this year, I've got my official table number assigned. I'll be in Artists Alley at GG-19 with original paintings, selected prints, and copies of the nudie pin-up books for sale. Come by and say hello!

And also, a new Tarot Card for Heavy Metal going up today: The Eight of Swords, 12x18, oil on board

life drawings

2008-07-19T15:43:00.003-04:00

Gah, so it's pretty rough going from twice a week to once a month, but here are some recent life drawings all the same. Looking forward to getting back on a schedule once Fleischer starts up the fall sessions

New paintings, new(d) book!

2008-07-11T20:37:00.005-04:00

It feels like forever since I've had a painting update. With all deadlines crashing together, I've got a few new ones to share though:

"Prey for Mercy" for Science Fiction Book Club, 12x18, oil and liquid acrylic on board

"Blood Pact" for Black Library, 13x18, oil on board

"Justice Riders" for Moonstone Books, oil on board, 12x18

and also...

My new limited edition book of pin-up drawings is fresh from the printers! 200 s/n copies with a sketch inside each one. I'm bringing these with me to San Diego Comic Con in a couple weeks, but you can order one here and get it early!

The Living Dead

2008-07-08T20:27:00.002-04:00

New cover for Night Shade Books, oil, 11.5x16

rabbit ears

2008-07-07T15:59:00.001-04:00

A quickie lil' update, just a fast little portrait I did as a favor to a friend. Oils on board, 6x8"

New Paintings

2008-06-02T01:36:00.001-04:00

So I've been forced to sit on a bunch of stuff lately, but here's some recent work that I can actually show :)

done for a demo at Elf Fair earlier this year, finally got to finishing it last week. oils, 10x15

new Tarot card, the Knight of Cups, oils, 10x15

and a new cover for Solaris Books, 12x18

And still more girls...

2008-05-27T17:06:00.002-04:00

Some new girls for the week (oh, and an old one re-worked) :)

Girls (continued)

2008-05-18T02:59:00.002-04:00

yeah, more ladies, been playing about with mutli-figure comps. More to follow, I'm sure :)