A Tiger for Mea (Photoshop) www.renderosity.com/mod/gallery/index.php
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I have been drawing since I was 11, some 33 years ago.
My 6th grade teacher, Mr. Knoss, was a great artist and I greatly admired his illustrations. He encouraged me to pursue my artistic interests at a crucial time in my development.
My High School art teacher "Vern", was also a great influence. He always challenged me to try different things.
I was lucky that my parents were very supportive of my interest in art. I studied at The Minneapolis College of Art and Design (1986-1990). Where I was humbled by many great artists that were far more talented than I. There it was that I rounded out my fine art skills, and then chose to major in Media Arts. Studied film, video and sound. Learned all the skills needed to shoot, direct, edit those mediums.
While pursuing a Media Arts major, I discovered computer graphics, still in it's infancy. This is where I came to an Epiphany. Here was a new medium, that incorporated everything I had previously learned into one new medium. Not only that, but it had new dimensions, interactivity, feedback, randomness, AI. I was hooked.
The next 17 years I learned and grew with the industry. Learning everything from how to create and manipulate digital imagery and create animations, to interface design and interactive authoring. My day job is an Information Architect, a fancy term for software interface design.
A few years back, my wife and I hit on some difficult times (As many people do) and it was during a very dark time in our lives that I discovered what became Renderosity, Initially I posted work, merely as a way to get myself back into the discipline of making new art.
I was delighted to find a world-wide community of talented artists, exchanging ideas and art!! I was thrilled! I have learned so much from you, and your art has brightened up my world. I am lucky to have made some great friends here, and I aim to do tributes to all of you!
Somanyartistssolittletime! ; )
I use this gallery as an online journal, and put all of my "Brain-droppings" here, over 400 images.
To see "The best" of my work, you can use the portals on my gallery page or go to my website:
www.abrainteractive.com
Comments (25)
skiwillgee
I know that tree. I ate my kites too.
robotalk
Nicely done --a fun almost halloween greeting card feel..the humor is in the stance-setting and art !! very cool !
Burpee
Evil brother to the Hogwarts Whomping Tree? This poor kid better find something else to do today because he can't go fly a kite. What a fun pic and you did a great job with it. I can't help laughing. Mine usually end up in the live electrical wires. I still have that uncontrollable twitch :)
jjean21
I had one like that too, every darned April there went the kite. I think it was related to the phone lines and there was a conspiracy to eat every kite in the neighborhood. Wonderful creation and I like this style.
Margana
LOL How cute.A wonderful tribute for your friend and 'muse'...if muses are ever men...which I think they are not...hmmm...but you know what I mean,lol...I shall check his gallery now.-M :^) PS-I really like this style.It would be wonderful to illustrate children's literature...Just a thought. EDIT-Just thought you should know the linky-doo is not working. :(
wizardangel1
-i HAD A TREE LIKE THAT !! A closeline that love to swipe ya right off a ponies back too ---AND then steal my strawberry pop when I wasn't looking.. cool image --Im going to follow the link too..
helix3d
This is really funny as hell. The kite eating tree. I have evil trees in my backyard that deposit mountains of rotting fruit and nuts on my lawn. What a pain. I really like the artistic style here. I see a few different mediums suggested and they all work together well. The sky looks watercolor. The boy looks 3d (Poser maybe), and the leaves, tree and grass I'm not sure about. It does make for a rather delightful and whimsical image. In the interest of being demented I may have added a kitten skeleton to one of the branches, but that would have taken alot from the whimsy.
Digimon
Oops! Thanks Marlene! I fixed the bad link....really!
Hopalong
Young Ben Franklin vows revenge.....fifty years later the wire was grounded on this exact same TREE---CWACK ZAK ZIZZLE BAMB-BA-BOOM....firewood, hehe.
linkdink
Ha! excellent. The little detail that makes it for me is the kids arms that are slightly thrown backward - the perfect gesture of fear and reluctance. Thanks for the link, too, cool art there as well.
Richardphotos
I have seen his work and I agree,but yours takes no slack at all. always top notch
zoren
we just saw monster house, now monster tree!! he,he.... kp is great!
Star4mation
Evil, Evil tree!!! Ace image :)
jocko500
those trees is around just to eat kites what to do??? super looking
TwoPynts
LOL!!! John P. would never do a gentle sky like that (unless he was doing it for a commision) but you got the gradient style in the eyes and mouth of the kite eating tree quite well. I too have know a tree like that in my youth...I'm lucky I lived to tell the tale. A great tribute to a terrific artist and feller!
evinrude
I forsee the axe falling. Great idea!
jif3d
a killer tree for killer pumpy dude, is the kid next ? time for the chain saw gang to visit them woods, not James Woods though ! Cheers
DennisReed
I see your inspiration! Superb concept and image! Bravo! You ain't kiddin' about John's artwork! A tad dark, but magnificent!
violet
Wow.......Fantastic idea....Very well done !!!!!! Excellent postwork !!!
oscilis
How do you reason with a tree like that? I knew a kite eating roof once. It also ate boomerangs and footballs. You can't be too careful in the countryside..
Forevernyt
Nice. I'm going to go check out that gallery now.
BBarbs
ROFLMAO !!!! Very cute and very creative work !!! Love it !! The Title is priceless too !!! I didnt know there was a person on here with the name killerpumpkins. Great name. Will have to look at his gallery. Thanks. Excellent !!!
Svarg
Lol!! I know that tree's relatives! hehe! This is not only funny and clever, but Very well done! The leaves and grass are shining examples of fancy brush work, and those clouds are magnificent! Plus the tree and little boy are top notch as well. I agree with Marlene, this would be a great style of illustration!
JustAlice
This is so cute. I love to fly kites, I don't know if it's the control, or the freedom it takes. Thank you for the laugh.
killerpumpkins
Well, lot's has gone on since I've been out. Sorry I missed your honorable tribute to my work and personal project, KillerPumpkins. I was on vacation. Unlike a business trip, when I'm on vacation I cut myself off from everything, including phone and email messages. I am very impressed with this piece. It certainly captures the essence of "mystery solved" as to where all the kites have gone. The lone tree atop a grassy knoll with it's claw-like outer branches and ominouse posture is sure to make one ponder the obviouse outcome. Well done! I am truely honored to be amongst the very fine artists you have tributed already. My thanks to you and Congrats on a job well done. KP