I have always liked 'llIustration' and tend to produce it either as Cover Art or Sequential imagery. The former is probably the more challenging because of the balance that needs to be struck between form and content, decoration and narrative. Cover Art, like the short story, gets a limited shot at indicating what lies beneath the cover. My current preoccupation has been described, and I think aptly, as 'nostalgic sci fi and pulp'. And someone also suggested that it might be a little too late to revive the 'adventure genre'.
Stylistically, I'm keen on the commercial illustration of the mid 20th Century that was made to promote 'mass' publication (especially children's annuals, pulp magazines and comics). There is so much creativity and artistic competence to found on the covers and within the pages of even the most mundane examples.
It is over the last 7 years that I have started to use, and like, digital media. My working methods are still a little too intuitive and involve the usual squinting and standing back that one associates with traditional media, but I am enjoying making imagery more than ever and would now like to explore the possibilities of illustrating written stories (preferably by working with an author).
Interests: Commercial illustration and sequential imagery of the mid 20th Century that was made to promote 'mass' publications (especially children's annuals, pulp magazines and comics).
I am here for: Artistic interests. www.mikefyles.co.uk
Mike.
Comments (15)
DavidEMartin
Looks good, especially given the short time spent actually painting it.
AureliusdeMercoeur
You did an excellent work for this real cover !! Well done !
dwmccullough
Another great piece. Thank you for showing the process, very inspiring.
Ancel_Alexandre
Now with the title and everything, I like it better, even if colorized!
MarkHirst
Congratulations on getting this commission. Top marks.
Alex_Antonov
Very nice!
chippwalters
Just goes to show all your work paid off! Congratulations :-)
CleonXXI
Wow! Great work, congratulations!
aguirre
A mysterious hero like "The Phantom" and an exotic setting somewhere around the white spots still remaining on the world map. Exactly the ingredients the original pulps were made of. On the spot.
gerberc
Superb painting, love your style!
Rorsdors
Really works, the integration of text and picture are spot on!
drace68
Super work. The lettering works well, especially to lessen the impact of the tail in our faces.
deci6el
Hey Mike, congrats and well done. Sounds like a great team to work with. I notice this is posted in 2D. Is that because you painted over everything or was there no 3D element in the process this time? Just curious if you did go "traditional" on this commission was that a prerequisite or a choice? And then maybe I should ask is it electronic paint? Here in this place I usually assume but you've got the look down I can no longer tell if it is real world media or made in The Matrix. ; )
Mikeall
For deci6bel, initial concept on paper, worked up a scene in poser as a proposition. Returned to paper by request and painted first a line and wash composition to refine ideas and then to a full acrylic painting on board. A scan was sent to publishers.
arcavee
Very nice!