2011-12-17T21:24:00.000-05:00

Sterling Hundley: Blue Collar/White Collar Sterling Hundley: Marat/Sade original painting for auction through Ebay in December! Blue Collar/White Collar http://shar.es/WnhcL

2011-10-10T23:22:00.000-04:00

October 14th, Society of Illustrators New York, lecture with Sterling Hundley.

Join us for an evening with the award-winning illustrator Sterling Hundley as he discusses his impressive career with such clients as GQ, Communication Design, Inc., Entertainment Weekly, HarperCollins, The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Tor Books, Texas Monthly, The Village Voice and many more.

Sterling will also be introducing his new book Blue Collar/ White Collar. This retrospective monograph is embellished with process while showcasing Hundley’s commercial work and fine-art career. Hundley employs materials from traditional (printmaking, oils, acrylics) to digital, in creating his idea-driven solutions. The result? Work that lies between a blue collar ethic and white collar aesthetic.

A book signing and cocktail reception will follow.

Tickets: $20 Non-Member $15 Member $10 Student

2011-10-08T12:02:00.000-04:00

Blue Collar/White Collar

“Bojangles” from Sterling Hundley’s retrospective monograph Blue Collar/White Collar, will be on display at the premiere signing and exhibition opening November 3rd, 2011 atGhosprint Gallery in Richmond, VA. The Exhibition will run through the month of November. Original art, posters and books will be available for purchase.

2011-09-01T15:45:00.000-04:00

Blue Collar/White Collar from Adhouse Books- October 2011. Shown with Limited Edition slip case, (numbered to 100).

BC/WC
Adhouse Books

TMBLR

2011-07-21T00:10:00.000-04:00

Blue Collar/White Collar, New commission by Steve Charny at Rolling Stone magazine for the review of Blake Shelton's new album, Red River Blue.

2011-07-15T14:55:00.000-04:00

Blue Collar/White Collar, follow us on Tumblr!

2011-04-14T00:20:00.000-04:00

Blue Collar / White Collar
by Sterling Hundley.
Published by AdHouse Books

Blue Collar/White Collar collects the art of award-winning illustrator and painter Sterling Hundley. This retrospective monograph is embellished with process while showcasing Hundley's commercial work AND fine-art career. Hundley employs materials from traditional (printmaking, oils, acrylics) to digital, in creating his idea-driven solutions. The result? Work that lies between a blue collar ethic and white collar aesthetic.
details:
160 4C pages
6 " x 9 " HC
$24.95 US funds
ISBN 978-1-935233-15-2
Shipping August 2011
Diamond Order Code: to come

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK

2011-01-28T18:43:00.008-05:00

New and final project for Virginia Living magazine's Departure page.

I've attached several versions and the process work behind the Hangar

Dance illustration that I just completed for VA Living magazine.

It's been a great run...

2010-11-16T23:25:00.002-05:00

New seasonal work from Virginia Living on the Blessing of the Hounds. This also marks the first issue in which I did not get to work with my long time colleague and friend- Art Director Tyler Darden. Tyler, you'll be missed in the pages of Virginia Living, but I'll see you in the trenches of the freelance world! Thanks for all the great years, guidance and support.

2010-09-25T08:47:00.001-04:00

I am attaching a link to my Behance profile where you can see everything that will be on display for my Solo Exhibition at UArts. Drop a line if you have time: http://bit.ly/bA4ZdI
Thanks for helping me spread the word.

2010-09-13T00:04:00.001-04:00

You are cordially invited to attend "Divergent", a solo exhibition of the illustrative work of Sterling Hundley from the past 12+ years.

When: September 24th, 2010- November 22nd, 2010.
Artist's talk: October 14, 1:30 – 3 p.m. in CBS Auditorium, followed by a reception in the von Hess Illustration Gallery.
Where: the Richard C. von Hess Illustration Gallery, University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 2333 South Broad Street, 7th floor
What: Solo Exhibition of the illustrative work of Sterling Hundley for show and for sale.
Information: http://www.uarts.edu/see-do/vonhess.html

"Divergent" will feature over 30 works that have garnered numerous National and International awards from clients as varied as Rolling Stone to Virginia Living Magazine.

Please submit purchase inquiries to: sterling@sterlinghundley.com

2010-09-12T01:06:00.003-04:00

Secretariat illustration for Virginia Living Magazine.
Art Director: Tyler Darden

2010-09-06T21:26:00.002-04:00

Lou Gherig on Mayo Island
By: Sterling Hundley

Time and flooding have all but eroded the memories of Richmond’s Mayo Island, and what remains is little more than a swath of earth that holds up the half way point of Mayo Bridge. Surrounded on all sides by the James River, few stop to enjoy the island these days. There was a time when Mayo Island served as the home of Richmond’s minor league baseball team, the Richmond Colts; farm team for the Philadelphia Athletics.

On and off from 1894- 1941, Tate Field, as it was called, was used for home and exhibition games against League rivals, and Professional teams. Legendary sluggers Babe Ruth, and Lou Gherig played a bit of hardball there, and a Lou Gherig home run found it’s way into the James River, bobbing and weaving through the rapids that surround the island. Frequent flooding, and a fire in 1941 eventually forced the Colts to relocate to Shepherd Stadium in Colonial Heights’.

2010-08-23T18:22:00.002-04:00

“CREW”

Solo Exhibition of artist
Sterling Clinton Hundley

{reception} Friday, September 3rd, 2010 7-10pm

[open] September 3rd- 25th, 2010

2010-08-20T00:13:00.003-04:00

Now available for purchase and download:

Sterling Hundley: Looks Fast: Speed in Illustration

This video, recorded in a classroom setting at the first ever TAD workshop in Kansas City, MO, features
award-winning illustrator Sterling Hundley as he takes students through his process of painting a horse and jockey.
The real subject matter of this video, however, is concept.

For Sterling, an illustration is built on the foundation of a strong idea, and this is what guides the artist throughout the creation of a painting. In this case, the concept is "speed", and the video begins with a discussion of different means to convey that message. This is followed by the actual execution, and the materials are kept to a minimum (white acrylic, ink, two watercolors) to help keep the focus on idea instead of technique.

Throughout the video students and faculty ask questions about a number of topics ranging from photography to art directors, and Sterling's responses are always articulate and full of clarity. This 1.5 hour demo ends with a nearly finished painting, and the viewer will walk away with a much stronger understanding of the underpinnings of a compelling illustration.

2010-08-13T01:03:00.002-04:00

Two Solo Exhibitions in September 2010!

“CREW”

Solo Exhibition of artist
Sterling Clinton Hundley

{reception} Friday, September 3rd, 2010 7-10pm

[open] September 3rd- 25th, 2010
Ghostprint Gallery
220 W.Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23220
[804] 344.1557

“DIVERGENT”

a solo exhibition of illustrations by
Sterling Hundley

[opens] September 24th, 2010
{closes} November 22nd, 2010
artist reception October 14th, 3-4pm

University of the Arts
Richard C. von Hess Illustration Gallery
2333 South Broad Street, 7th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
[215] 717-6240
For a larger email invitation, or pricing inquiries, email sterling@sterlinghundley.com.

2010-05-15T00:11:00.001-04:00

Illustration Academy Faculty Announced!

The 2010 Illustration Academy is fast approaching - there are still spots available at both locations
- for more information and to apply visit www.illustrationacademy.com.

Now you can APPLY ONLINE to The Illustration Academy! Go to the Application Page and see how!
Also, make deposits and payments online!

VLP Members receive a $495.00 discount!

The full-time faculty and visiting artists for each location will be as listed below:

Kansas City
Faculty: John English, Mark English, Brent Watkinson, George Pratt
Visiting Artists: Gary Kelley, C.F. Payne, Anita Kunz, Jon Foster

Richmond
Faculty: Sterling Hundley, Doug Chayka, Josh George, Robert Meganck
Visiting Artists: Jon Foster, Anita Kunz, John English, Chris Payne, and Jason Manley!

We look forward to seeing you this summer!

John English Demo Online!

John English Landscape Painting is now online, listed under Demos and John English.

John really gets into his thought process in this video. After you watch this vid a couple of times,
you will want to have it playing in the background as you work so you can just listen to the
words and ideas.

PODS for TAD are being populated.

As time goes forward, the TAD Kick Off is growing near. June 17th is the Studio Kick Off of the
first TAD semester. Students from all around the country will converge in Kansas City for a three
week studio session. After that, some people stay in KC, and others will continue to Austin or
Richmond to start living the studio experience in their respective PODs. Studying online in the
Elluminate Educational Environment as well as taking part in a POD studio is the "hybrid" art
education experience that John English and Jason Manley have envisioned.

Additional Models Being Processed for VLP Figure Drawing.

We are continually working in the background to photograph models for Figure Drawing. Keep
posting those images, and keep drawing and THINKING! It never hurts to go back and watch
Mark's Figure Drawing Demos!

2010-03-19T23:40:00.002-04:00

TAD RVA

What: OPEN HOUSE
When: Saturday, March 27, 2010
9am- 5pm

Where: The future site of TAD RVA, The Art Department's Richmond, VA based POD.
Who: Potential and Future TAD students.
In attendance: Sterling Hundley (Director, TAD RVA), Josh George (TAD RVA, Studio Lead), and Jeff Love (TAD RVA, Resident Assistant)

Rocketts Landing
210 Rocketts Way
Suite 120
Henrico County, Virginia 23231 (Just East of Tobacco Row in Downtown Richmond)

TAD RVA will be holding an OPEN HOUSE in our future TAD RVA location on Saturday, March 27th from 9am- 5pm. TAD RVA's OPEN HOUSE is being held as a forum for future and potential students to ask TAD RVA specific questions, as well as to offer insight into future TAD programs at large. The TAD RVA location is under construction, but the OPEN HOUSE should give future students a better understanding of TAD, TAD RVA's connection to the city of Richmond, our Faculty and Curriculum, and the Region as a whole.

Sterling Hundley, Director of TAD RVA, Josh George, TAD RVA's Studio Lead, and Jeff Love, TAD RVA's Resident Assistant, will be in attendance to answer your questions.

Sterling and Josh will be doing live painting and drawing demonstrations from 11am until 4pm during the OPEN HOUSE.

Please come to meet us, we have amazing things in store for our future students!

For questions regarding the TAD RVA OPEN HOUSE, or the TAD RVA POD, please contact Sterling Hundley directly at: sterling@sterlinghundley.com
(804)306.9536

2010-03-02T23:57:00.001-05:00

The Art Department
SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE- MARCH 7TH, 2010 ($2,000,000 in scholarships)

I am very excited to be a faculty member of THE ART DEPARTMENT, which is a school unlike any other that has ever existed. It is comprised of the faculty of The Illustration Academy, Massive Black, ConceptArt.org, and the Visual Literacy Program. We are offering four drawing based disciplines- Foundations, Illustration, Entertainment Design, and Drawing and Painting, as a hybrid of technology and tradition. This information is being delivered by many of the best practitioners in the World, and offers a highly flexible online education, and the option of attending one of two three week workshops each year, along with total immersion at one of four brick and mortar POD locations throughout the United States- Richmond, Virginia, Kansas City, Missouri, San Francisco, California, and Austin, Texas. I'll be running the POD based in Richmond, in the company of Josh George and Jeff Love. The price of the education is roughly 1/4 of the major Art and Design Colleges, and offers incredible flexibility to potential students Globally with ON DEMAND class options, which can be viewed at the participants leisure.

We are offering $2,000,000 in scholarships, which are being compartmentalized to promote opportunities based on merit, financial need, female specific, High School, POD location Specific, ConceptArt.org Community Choice, Visual Literacy Program community choice, The Illustration Academy, Career mentoring, and many, many others.

The deadline is March 7th for scholarship consideration, so act fast! You can click here for more information. You can also visit ConceptArt.org for many FAQ.

I can answer many questions, or put you in touch with those who can. If you are looking for information on how to make

2009-12-11T01:20:00.002-05:00

Poe's Honeymoon Print Release, Signing and Show

Friday, December 11, I will be on location at 12 West Bank Street in Petersburg, VA to sign limited edition prints of Poe's Honeymoon. The location is the actual sight of the romantic getaway, and those purchasing gicless, limited to an edition of 200, will be treated to a candlelight tour of the second story retreat of the infamous couple. Additionally, I will be showing 9 original illustrations, which will coincide with a number of original illustrations becoming available on my website. The prints will be sold for $125.00 on location, and for $175 through the online store. I hope to see some familiar faces! Click here for more information.

2009-11-30T20:36:00.002-05:00

Three paintings of mine are being shown at the Aaron Gallery in Washington, D.C. as part of their 20th Annual Small & Miniatures Show. The show runs from this Friday, December 4th through the end of the month.

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11am-5pm, and by appointment.
Aaron Gallery
1717 Connecticut Ave. NW
202 234 3311

2009-11-30T20:23:00.005-05:00

"John Brown in Kansas Territory", a 4' x 6' painting I was recently commissioned to paint by Charles Schollenberger, will be unveiled this Wednesday, December 2nd, at the Brown vs. Board of Education National Historic Site in Topeka, Kansas. More information regarding the unveiling are available here.

2009-11-30T20:03:00.003-05:00

8 original paintings have been added to the online store, and will be available for purchase beginning this Friday, December 4th.

2009-11-01T23:25:00.002-05:00

I will be teaming up with El Coro from Massive Black on November 2nd to start of portfolio review week on ConceptArt.Org! If you would like some feedback on your work, or you know someone who needs it, the session should be very cheap. Check it out!

2009-10-09T00:08:00.001-04:00

Ideation Workshop this Saturday with Massive Black's Jason Manley, John English and I, from the Illustration Academy on ConceptArt! Click here for details

2009-09-02T00:54:00.004-04:00

My Solo show opens this Friday in Richmond, VA. Ghostprint Gallery 220 West Broad Street. I hope to see you there!

shown: detail of bull from "Burger" 4' x 4'

There are two nice write up on the show: Lines and Colors (thanks Charley!)

and Illustration Friday (Thanks Penelope!)

2009-08-31T23:45:00.001-04:00

Jeff, Leslie, and I hung a good portion of the show today. Still paintings to paint, and the other half to hang Wednesday.

Prices for the show:

3" x 3" @ $25
6" x 6" @ $100
1' x 1' @ $400
2' x 2' @ $1600
4' x 4' @ $6400

Shown below- detail of 2' x 2' painting from "anon" series.

I'd like for as many of my supporters over the years to walk away with their first original painting from my first show. I hope to see you there!

2009-08-18T21:43:00.000-04:00

2009-07-23T03:40:00.002-04:00

It's been quite a while since my last post. I've been very, very busy prepping for my solo show in the fall. I have set up a new blog documenting the process work and preparation leading up to the show.

The link is: Sterling Clinton Hundley

The show opens:
September 4th, 2009
Ghostprint Gallery
220 West Broad Street,
Richmond, Virginia 23220

I hope that some of you can make it!

2009-06-04T10:08:00.005-04:00

New work for Rolling Stone. Dave Matthews Band Album Review

I have created the artwork for Rolling Stone's review of the Dave Matthews Band's new album, Big Whiskey and the Gru Grux King.
Art director: Steve Charny

The newest album from the Dave Matthews Band is their seventh release, and their first since the untimely passing of their saxophonist LeRoi Moore, due to complications resulting from an ATV accident. I'm live an hour from Charlottesville, VA, where Dave Matthews and his band mates grew to International fame, and I'm a huge fan of their work.
Additionally, I was given the green light to introduce a concept into the illustration, which was a welcome departure from the direct portraits commissioned by most magazines, of late.

from Wikipedia: In an April 2009 interview with MTV, Dave Matthews and Carter Beauford described the origins of the two-pronged name of the album.
Beauford described the word "GrooGrux" as not only a nickname for LeRoi Moore, but also a nickname for himself, Tim Reynolds, and former collaborator Tim Wicks. Beauford said the made-up word was used to describe the "vibe" and "energy" of their "wild-sounding rhythms" they made when they started playing music together. Beauford also mentioned that Matthews, bassist Stefan Lessard and violinist Boyd Tinsley were now graduates of "The GrooGrux Academy."

Armed with this information, a New Orleans style Jazz Processional made sense for the setting of the illustration. The sketches are included. Art Director Steve Charny requested elements from both sketches for the final.

The finished piece was painted in one long evening, from drawing to delivery of the artwork. The final image shows band leader Dave Matthews, drummer Carter Beauford, bassist Stefan Lessard, and violinist Boyd Tinsley, followed by a horse drawn carriage.

2009-05-12T12:35:00.009-04:00

May 21st, Inaugural Exhibition at at the Fourth Wall Gallery, 2925 Fairmount Street, Dallas Texas

I am now represented by the Fourth Wall Gallery, in Dallas, Texas. Five of my illustrative works will be hanging in the gallery during the inaugural exhibition, and will be available for purchase.

I am excited to be showing with such a diverse group of artists, which include Ana Bagayan, Anna and Elena Balbusso, Jim Bauer, Justin Bua, Cynthia von Buhler, Christopher Buzelli, Ray Caeser, Nicoletta Ceccoli, Brothers Corvo, David Diaz, Bob Dob, Gerard Dubois, Andren And Olga Dugin, P.J. Fidler, Mary Grandpre, Jody Hewgill, Pedro De Kastro, Gary Kelley, Anita Kunz, Karen Locke, C.J. Metzger, Natalia Molinero, Mark Murphy, Yan Nascimbene, Carlos Nine, Greg Noppe, Leith O'Malley, Cathie Olivas, Claudio Parentela, Guido Pigni, Arthur Rackham, Jon Reinfurt, Martha Rich, Joe Rocco, Joe Sorren, Jeff Soto, Gary Taxali, Paul Torres, Kouki Tsuritani, Pol Turgeon, Ivan Valtchev, Milton Blas Verano, Jonathan Weiner, Noah Woods, Robin Zingone

My work Included in the show:

"Curse Tree"
"Gibson's Gal"
"Floodwaters"
"Sweet Bird of Youth"
"Jane Eyre"

If interested in purchasing any of the work, or attending the show, please contact the Fourth Wall Gallery at:
THE 4TH Wall Gallery
14945 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
888-614-9255
mathe4thwallgallery@hotmail.com

I will not be in attendance.

2009-05-08T15:44:00.008-04:00

100 Year Anniversary cover for the Progressive Magazine
Art Director: Nick Jehlen.
ON NEWS STANDS NOW!

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Nick from the Progressive, once again. I was given the green light to hand letter the cover, and the art direction to create something revolving around the theme of "peace", possibly using the dove as a symbol.

I came up with the idea of the connection between the four toed foot of the dove, and it's visual connection to the peace sign. I attempted to add a bit of narrative to the conceptual solution by showing the tracks of the dove leaving a cold winter for the thawing of a hopeful spring. Foraging for food, he comes across the green of the olive branch.

2009-04-16T22:55:00.010-04:00

"Vertical Hold" created for, and filmed by the Illustration Academy for the Visual Literacy Program. You can follow the entire project from ideation to the final steps through the Visual Literacy Program on the Illustration Academy website. I have wanted to create this image dealing with the heights and depths of exploration for quite some time. Finding a visual connection between the suit of a deep sea diver, and an astronaut, and the dark abyss in which both operate, I wanted to draw a deeper connection between the two. Using the edges of the painting surface much like the frame of an old television set, I wanted to show the diver diving so deeply, and the astronaut exploring to such heights, that they roll into each other, much like the image of an old black and white television that is having trouble with it's vertical hold. I tried to further enhance this idea using color- the warmth of the sun showing from underneath the diver, and the cool blues of the deep ocean on the bottom of the astronaut. Finally, I wanted to draw a connection between the tethering air line of the explorers, and the bubbles/stars.

Major News from the Illustration Academy:

The highly regarded faculty of the Illustration Academy has just introduced a new website, and a new major new component- the Visual Literacy Program. The new program offers incredible insight into the working studios of many of the best practitioners in the world. I am extremely honored to be a affiliated with this group, and I feel that the steps that we are taking with the program will redefine the ideas of community and accessibility to anyone interested in the art of picture making.

For those of you who have attended the Illustration Academy summer program, this addition promises to be an extension of your education, through videos, podcasts, blogs, competitions, forums, and an extended curriculum, all from the point of view of the Illustration Academy faculty.

For those of you who have not been affiliated with the Illustration Academy, I encourage you to take a look around, and invite you to participate in this amazing program that has affected so many lives in such a profound way (including mine.)

Enrollment to receive monthly updates of podcasts is free.

www.illustrationacademy.com

2009-03-25T00:06:00.010-04:00

Coming out of hibernation...

New work for Arena Stage's production "Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies". Thanks to Chad Bauman for another wonderful opportunity!

New work for American Cowboy magazine. Art director Eva Young. Eva, Thank you again! I entitled this piece "Lone Ranger". It was an illustration for a short story about a cowboy whose life on the range kept him from his wife and child. I used the horse as a device to separate the cowboy and his herd from his wife, child that idolized him, and their home. I attempted to compose the illustration using a rolling perspective. I tried to flatten out the cattle on the top and use the opposite perspective on the bottom.

I had to make a few alterations to this piece, per the client's request, for the accuracy of the cattle. The extra time made a great deal of difference.

2009-02-19T15:18:00.002-05:00

News:

I have a new online interview on the following blog: http://diabeticdew555.blogspot.com/.

I am taking part in a New York Group show at ART: RAW. The show opens in Chelsea tonight at 6pm. I will not be in attendance, but the gallery will broadcast the opening live at at 6pm here: http://www.artrawgallery.com/live/

2009-02-08T03:47:00.006-05:00

UPDATE

I took part in a group show in Richmond this weekend at Ghostprint Gallery. The show was titled "Midnite Snacks", and curated by my good friend Brian Hubble. I showed "Monolith" from an earlier post. If you are interested in purchasing the original, contact Ghostprint Gallery.

This is a new fashion sample that I created for promotion.

2009-02-07T01:55:00.004-05:00

NOW AVAILABLE: Signed, Individual, Ink Jet prints of all images on www.sterlinghundley.com, on 8.5" x 11" heavy weight matte paper. Follow the Purchase link for details.

2009-02-02T22:46:00.006-05:00

UPDATES

Variety Pack of prints (NON-ARCHIVAL) now available for sale in the "Purchase" section.

Original Process work for "Curse Tree" illustration, originally created for Virginia Living magazine, now available for sale in the "Purchase" section.

Original Process work for "Kirk Hammett" portrait, originally created for Rolling Stone, now available for sale in the "Purchase" section.

2009-01-27T23:21:00.009-05:00

Monolith Ink and digital on board. see below for more information
{Updates}

David Apatoff, the author of Illustration Art, has featured my work on his blog. It is quite an honor, and the words of my friends and supporters are appreciated and moving. Follow this link to read his writing: Illustration Art

I have also been featured on booooooom, LOUDreams, and illustration mundo as an editor's choice. Thank you for the inclusion!

I have completed a commission for a publisher in Europe who is compiling an anthology on Stanley Kubrick. My final image is entitled Monolith, and it is meant to accompany Full Metal Jacket. Artistic inspirations on this one are coming from Picasso's Guernica, Gary Kelley's Mars, The Bringer of War (d'apres Picass0), and George Pratt.

This image goes beyond what I usually consider tasteful, but it does represent war, after all. Secondly, considering the graphic novel media, and the fact that one must seek out this work, I felt that I had more flexibility with what I decided to show.

2009-01-19T10:48:00.006-05:00

{UPDATES}

I have sold the original illustrations for The Pearl Fishers, created for the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, and the David Blanchflower illustration commissioned by Dartmouth College.

Original Prints of "Herd" and "Bookplate:Sterling Hundley" are for sale in the Purchase section of my website.

New illustration and story for the Departure page of Virginia Living Magazine

George Rogers Clark
for Virginia Living Magzine
By: Sterling Hundley

Great battles are remembered for the spoils gained, and by the souls lost. Perhaps that is why George Rogers Clark lives in the historic shadow of his younger brother, the much celebrated William Clark, of the Lewis and Clark expedition fame.
Beginning in May of 1778, Virginia-born General George Rogers Clark led roughly 175 Virginia militiamen through the Northwest territory on one of the most successful campaigns of the Revolutionary War. Clark’s poorly funded and under trained militia conquered the British held posts of Kaskaskia, Sackville and Vincennes, convinced many of the hostile, British armed Indian tribes to transfer their support to the Americans, and served as the catalyst of the 1783 Treaty of Paris which nearly doubled the size of the thirteen original colonies- all without the loss of a single soldier under his command.
Textbooks may champion younger brother William for returning with the spoils of exploration, but families should honor older brother George for returning home with the lives of our forefathers.

detail

2009-01-15T02:03:00.006-05:00

{UPDATES}

I have created two images for the group show entitled "Ex Libris" that I will be taking part in. Ex Libris translates to "In the Library of...", and is a show of book plates.

I pulled four limited edition prints from each of the images, and I will be offering them for sale in the "purchase" section of my website, later this week.

School is back in session at VCU.

I have painted like a madman over the break. I have many failed attempts, and some progress in my painting. I will share details from these pieces when they are further along.

2008-12-30T19:05:00.005-05:00

I've been delving into encaustic painting recently. Here is a piece that came from the experimentation, and a detail from the painting. The final image is entitled 'Path', and it is 12" x 12".

2008-12-22T17:36:00.003-05:00

{updates}
New work for Richmond Magazine. Poe and his child bride in Petersburg, Virginia.

2008-11-15T11:58:00.007-05:00

[updates]

I have completed two new canvases for my fall show at Ghostprint Gallery in Richmond. Several details are shown above. The finals won't be shown in their entirety until the pre-show opening. I hope to produce enough canvases for two shows, so that I can edit down the final numbers for a better all around show. We'll see what time allows.

2008-11-11T00:18:00.004-05:00

[UPDATES]

The original "Pearl Fishers" illustration is now available for sale in the "Purchase" section of my website

The original, gold medal winning "Death of a Salesman" illustration is now available for purchase, as well.

2008-11-06T01:03:00.015-05:00

[UPDATES]

I have added the process work for the BB King portrait recently commissioned by Rolling Stone magazine to my "purchase" section.

I have shipped out the original artwork for "King of Hearts", "William Henry Harrison", "Jekyll and Hyde", Mickey Mouse Club, and Santana to be displayed by my new gallery, Storyopolis, in Los Angeles.

2008-11-01T02:56:00.008-04:00

[DESCRIPTIONS]

The new issue of Virginia Living Magazine is out! Look to the back page to find the "Curse Tree" illustration. Thanks again to the Art Director, Tyler Darden for the great opportunity. The story that I wrote with it is below.
Entangled in the roots of Jamestown’s “curse tree” are the tombs of Dr. James Blair and his wife, Sarah Harrison Blair. Legend says that the giant sycamore tree that sprouted between the lovers is the haunted manifestation of a disapproving mother-in-law. Cursing the union of her daughter to the much older suitor, she avowed to never rest until the marriage was dissolved. After her passing, the lovers lived happily ever after, or so it would seem.

Dr. Blair led a distinguished public life in Jamestown with his wife, until her passing in 1713. James Blair was laid to rest, next to her, in 1743. Soon thereafter, the “curse tree” took root between the graves, and separated the lovers as it grew, pushing the two over seven feet apart, and placing the remains of Sarah Harrison Blair within inches of the tomb of her mother.

2008-10-28T00:37:00.005-04:00

UPDATE

I'm currently working on a solo show for the fall at Ghost Print Gallery in Richmond, Virginia. I'm also working on a pitch for a graphic novel (and for myself), an animation short with a few colleagues at VCU, and a multimedia art idea that might just change the world... wishful thinking, but it's got me excited.

Those things said, I don't have anything that I can show, as all that I mentioned are either in their infancy, or I want them to be a surprise...

I'm sharing a few details of things in progress. Hopefully, I will be able to bring some of these broader reaching ideas to life.

2008-10-16T22:21:00.006-04:00

[NEWS]

My Online store is now up and running! I plan on updating items for sale, as they become available. Something that you don't see available (prints, sketches, tshirts, etc.)? You can email us at forsale@sterlinghundley.com, and we'll see if we can make it available.

forsale.sterlinghundley.com

2008-10-13T17:48:00.003-04:00

[UPDATES]

I'm posting a drawing from my weekend trip to Texas, to jury the Art Directors Club of Houston. I came away inspired and tired. I met a great group of people, and I hope to be able to stay in touch with my new friends. Thank you to the ADCH, and congratulations to all of those who entered.

Judges:
Ron Miriello, Creative Director,Grafico, San Diego
Jeffrey Brown, Photographer, San Diego
Michael Borosky, Creative Director,11, San Francisco
Holly Holzschla, Web Guru

2008-10-13T11:08:00.002-04:00

[EXPLAINED]

New work for Virginia Living.

Peter Francisco, The Virginia Giant
By: Sterling Hundley

In a time of overwhelming odds, our Revolutionary Nation needed an extraordinary hero. Peter Francisco, was just such a hero. At 6’6” and 260 pounds, Francisco was a giant in stature and a juggernaut in will. In 1776, at the age of sixteen, Francisco joined the 10th Virginia Regiment. The Virginia Giant, as he was referred to on the lips of storytellers, is credited with inhuman feats of strength, heroism, and bravery. Legend tells that the Virginia Hercules leveled eleven British soldiers in one battle, escaped from nine soldiers after being captured, was wounded six times, rescued his commanding officer, and single handedly carried a cannon on his back, away from the advancing enemy. Many of these feats are recorded as credible history, and if possible, the legend of Peter Francisco has grown larger than the man.

2008-10-10T01:34:00.007-04:00

[PROCESS]

"Curse Tree" for Virginia Living has been completed. Thanks again to Art Director Tyler Darden for his faith in me. To see the final, and read the story, pick up the December issue of Virginia Living magazine, and look to the back page! I will post the image and story here after the magazine is released.

Process work for "Curse Tree" for Virginia Living. Approved sketch, workspace, and process, step 1 (background elements on tracing paper). step 2 (figuring out the interaction of the tree and the tombs).step 3 and 4 (I will update soon) step 5(applying value to the final surface. Details from the finished image.

2008-10-08T20:56:00.003-04:00

[UPDATES]

Be sure to visit my new website. I have included 7 galleries with sketchbooks, another blog for questions, answers, and advice, and a for sale section that will make available original paintings, limited edition prints, posters, prints, etc. I hope to have this section up and running by the middle of October (around the 17th).

New work for North American Review:

Client: North American Review
AD: Gary Kelley
Timeline: I had roughly a month to work on this project from the assignment date. The final was completed over a three day period.
Gary was amazing to work for. Understanding that the budget was sparse, he gave me complete freedom to create something that I was excited about. The idea for this assignment came from a sketch in my sketchbook (see sketchbook 1, image 1), that deals with our ailing environment.
Description- We are in a struggle for our lives. With recent speculation that 1/4 of the world's mammals will be extinct in our lifetime, the dying off of honeybees, due to CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder- remember, they pollenate nearly everything), the dying off of bats by the tens of thousands (the worlds most plentiful mammals), over 30,000 species becoming extinct WEEKLY, the world's water sources drying up, etc., etc., it is time that we realized that we are not indepent of all other life. We are very much a part of the cycle of life, and we are the problem. This image will be a part of a series that I am working on, addressing many of these issues. The original sketch is for "FOOD". The finished illustration is for "WATER". I am planning on a third image "SHELTER". We are conjoined with all life. Perhaps this dying economy will make us change decisions that we make on a daily basis that can initiate a decline in our abuse of all living things. Who knows...

2008-10-06T00:51:00.003-04:00

(UPDATES)

I have activated the Community>Advice and the Contact>Students>Q/A links on my website. "The Blue Collar" blog will function as a place where I can share the reasoning behind my work, ideas, thought process, etc. The "Advice" blog (advice.sterlinghundley.com) will be used to answer many of your questions. As always, thank you for contributing!

2008-10-02T15:43:00.002-04:00

(NEWS)10.2.08

Well, it is done. I've finally built and updated my own website. I've added a ton of new content. It isn't 100% functional yet, but most of the links are active. I still need to activate the links for advice, descriptions, and the for sale categories. I'm planning on having all of them running by October 14th. Updates can be found by scrolling down on the front page.

Please let me know if you find any issues. I hope that you enjoy the work!

Sterling

2008-07-29T16:56:00.003-04:00

DESCRIPTION

Art Director: Bryan Gray
Client: Liberty Magazine
Description: This commission was for an article on the new atheists, and how they want to punish, even destroy all religion. The article specifically mentioned thought crime, which I used as the catalyst for the idea.

I've listed a number of the other ideas that were not used, as well.

At first read, I wanted this illustration to come across as a person praying, with their head bowed. In actuality, the figure is bound to a chair with his arms behind his back. A talking head n a projection screen behind him references 1984.

2008-07-29T16:20:00.004-04:00

DESCRIPTION

We Are All Businessman written by Mark Fabiano
Art Director: Jason Treat
Created for Atlantic Monthly

The fictional story by Mark Fabiano takes place in Sri Lanka. A Sri Lankan man serves as a liaison for an American Businessman. Under the promise that his son will be given preference by the American for a scholarship to study abroad, the Sri Lankan man's Buddhist faith is challenged when the American requests a prostitute.

In my research, I found that the lotus flower is a Buddhist symbol for enlightenment. During the day the lotus flower rises from the water and opens to the sun (enlightenment). In the evening, it closes, and fall beneath the surface of the water. This became my metaphor for showing the father's sacrifice of his own enlightenment (closed lotus) for that of his son (open flowers).

I've shown the approved sketch and the final drawing in my process.

I created this image using mixed media and limited reference. I invested a lot of time in the research part of the project, as my knowledge of Sri Lanka and the Buddhist faith was very limited. The final was first drawn on board, sealed with an acrylic midtone, then I painted my light and dark tones in acrylics and inks.

2008-07-29T16:13:00.006-04:00

DESCRIPTION

New Departure illustration and story for Virginia Living magazine

Engine 231
By: Sterling Hundley

Deep beneath the Confederate Sailor and Soldier monument, the row houses, and cobblestones of Richmond’s Church Hill, Steam Engine 231 has lied entrenched since a deadly tunnel collapse on October 2, 1925. Routine maintenance, heat, moisture, and soft earth led to the implosion of the plagued 4,000 foot long Chesapeake & Ohio tunnel. Three men, and possibly a fourth, are known to have lost their lives as a result.
A sailor’s life lost at sea is yielded to the sea. The sunken ship, is left as a memorial to the lives lost. Financial concerns and public outcry have hindered the recovery of the old train. Perhaps it is best that engine 231, her crew, and the legends that surround her remain entrenched in the soil and culture in which they are so firmly planted.

I created this image using photocopies and marker transfers, which I painted into. The final color was added digitally. Of note, all the elements in the image are from old train photos, including the figure on top of the statue, and the train cabs, which I used as row houses.

I was attempting to make a connection between the train buried beneath Richmond's Church Hill and Ships that are lost at sea that serve as the tombs for the fallen sailors. The smoke stack of the steam engine and the sailors monument on top of Church Hill seemed a perfect visual comparison.

2008-07-29T16:02:00.002-04:00

7.29.08(NEWS)

I've recently returned from the Illustration Academy. What an amazing group. I'm listing several of the pieces that I created this summer while at the Academy in different posts. The train illustration was given away in the raffle at the end of the Academy, along with five of my figure drawings. All of the instructors give drawing and demos away to the students at the program.

I'll be taking part in a group show at Columbia University in Chicago entitled: "Paint for Print" and will include the work of Ofra Amit, Shino Arihara, Gérard DuBois, Penelope Dullahan, Aaron Jasinski, Robert MacKenzie, Joe Morse and possibly two others (TBA). The venue is [C]Spaces Galleries and the show will be up from November 3rd through December 19th.The reception will be on Thursday, November 6th from 6-8 pm. I am not yet sure wether I will be in attendance, or not.

2008-05-30T09:16:00.002-04:00

5.30.08 (NEWS)

I've recently completed the a new poster for Arena Stage's production of Sweet Bird of Youth by Tennessee Williams. The story is about time, and it's affect on the three main characters. Chance Wayne, a handsome young man that has left his hometown behind in hopes of becoming a star. Princess Kosmonopolis, a famous actress fleeing from her recent Hollywood debut, and Heavenly Finley, Chance Wayne's first true love, who was left with a sexually transmitted disease from one of Chance's many indiscretions in his attempt to climb to the top.

Cathleen Tefft was the art director on the piece. After quite a few sketches, I settled on the idea of pairing Princess's Hollywood glamour photo next to her rapidly aging hands. Think "The Portrait of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde. I kept thinking of these frail, ancient hands, their texture, and their failing attempt to hold on to and prop up this idealized beauty.

2008-05-28T23:35:00.006-04:00

5.28.08 (NEWS)

My wife and I have returned from my workshop at Dawson College in Montreal, Canada. My good friend and talented illustrator, John Singer facilitated the visit. The workshop lasted three days, and I was treated much better than I deserved. I gave a formal lecture on Monday, a painting demonstration on Tuesday, and a business/portfolio presentation on Wednesday. I was sure to bring a number of original paintings. The school was fantastic, and the students were exceptionally gracious. Thanks again to John, Louise, Don, Jenn, and everyone else responsible for giving me this opportunity. I also got to catch up with long lost friend, and fellow Illustration Academy alumni James Bentley while I was there. John Singer is also an Academy alumn.

I will be heading down to Sarasota, Florida next week for my next tour at the Illustration Academy. I'm thrilled to be apart of such an amazing group. This year should be bigger and better than ever. I hope I see a number of familiar faces there, as well.

New work for Virginia Living Magazine

New work for Rolling Stone. I was commissioned to complete eight illustrations for their 100 Greatest Guitarists Issue. The art director Steve Charny has been amazing to work with. I completed portraits of Kirk Hammett (Metallica), BB King, John Mayer, Santana, Omar Rodríguez-López (Mars Volta), Jimmy Page, Buddy Guy, and Van Halen. What an amazing project! I had a little less than a month from start to finish. The issue should be on the news stand now.

2008-04-27T18:38:00.004-04:00

I will be lecturing at Dawson College in Montreal, Quebec on Monday, April 28th at 1pm. In addition, I will be giving a painting demonstration on Tuesday at the school, and a portfolio lecture on Wednesday. All events begin at 1pm. If time allows, I may be giving a figure drawing demonstration, as well.

Short notice, as usual, but hopefully those in the area who are interested can attend.

2008-03-27T02:29:00.003-04:00

News. 3.27.08

Bad news first- my Representative, Richard Solomon lost his office, and years of work in the New York crane collapse two weeks ago. I've posted a commentary on drawger, if you would like to find out more.
Fortunately, no one from Richard's group was there. They surely would have been amongst the casualties.
Unfortunately, I, along with everyone else, lost original art to the random event. My first Gold medal winner from the Society of Illustrators- Edgar Cacey, the Sleeping Prophet, and the angel/divers illustration were lost.

Good news now-
New work completed for Virginia Living- the Gibson Girl.

An older piece for the National Folk Festival to share.

My wife and I will be traveling back to New York to attend the Society of Illustrators Advertising/Uncomissioned show. I will be picking up my second gold medal from this year's annual!

The advertising project that I created for Pacifico Beer's El Pulpo, which was comissioned by Creature Seattle is up in Venice Beach. It will also be painted on a VW van in California, as an extension of the "street" campaign.

My visit to CCA and San Francisco was amazing! My wife was able to attend, and we were treated very well. Thank you to Barron Storey, Owen Smith, and Alexis Mahrus for facilitating the visit. I sat in on Owen's critique, gave a short demonstration, and held a lecture.

2008-03-03T17:27:00.002-05:00

NEWS

I have recently returned from the Editorial and Book awards ceremony at the Society of Illustrators, where my "Shipwreck" illustration was presented a Gold medal! My wife was in attendance with me, along with art director Tyler Darden, and his lovely wife. My wife and I will be attending the Advertising show later this month (March) to pick up a second Gold medal!

The Communication Arts magazine feature article on my work, written by Matthew Porter is now on the news stands! Thank you to CA, Matthew Porter, and all of the people who took the time to be interviewed in the article.

I will be giving a lecture at CCA in San Francisco on Wednesday, March 12th at 7 pm. The lecture is slated for the Boardroom on the S.F. campus. I will either be giving a demonstration, or sitting in as a guest critic, before the lecture. My wife and I are looking forward to catching up with old friends and visiting some of California's beautiful landmarks.

The beautifully designed RVA magazine in Virginia featured eight pages of my work and a very nice Q and A write up.

New work for Rolling Stone is now on the news stand. It is an illustration for the album review of the Black Crowes new release.

The Richmond Times Dispatch wrote a very nice piece on art director Tyler Darden, and myself.

The latest issue of Virginia Living Magazine featuring my illustration of the "Gibson Girl" is now on the new stand.

2008-02-02T20:39:00.000-05:00

NEWS(2.2.08)

I recently returned from back to back trips to Ringling College of Art and Design with the Illustration Academy, and to Savannah College of Art and Design as a guest lecturer. It was great to see my good friends in Florida. The kind folks at Savannah treated me much better than warranted. I truly had a great time! Thanks to Julie Lieberman for making it happen, and to all my new friends in Georgia.

It looks like this was the season for portraits. It had been a while since I had painted someone of any renowned.

The new projects were commissions and the clients are listed below.

Bojangles for Virginia Living Magazine.
Tori Amos for a RAINN calendar.
Herbie Hancock for the Grammys.
Bruce Springsteen for Entertainment Weekly.

I've also recently completed an illustration for Pacifico Beer, commissioned by Creature Seattle. I'll post this one when I can.

2008-01-29T00:59:00.000-05:00

News.

I will be lecturing at Savannah College of Art and Design on Wednesday, January 29th, 2008. The lecture will begin at 5:30 pm at the Trustees Theatre, 216 East Broughton Street, Savannah, Georgia.

The speaking engagement was originally booked as "A Night of Illustration" with myself and Gary Baseman. One needs only look at our work to know that we come from different places artistically. Unfortunately, Gary won't be in attendance.

I look forward to meeting those who can make it.

2007-11-24T11:09:00.001-05:00

NEWS

Well, this has turned out to be quite a fine year. I have just received notification that I have received two Gold medals from the Society of Illustrators New York! The medals are in the Editorial category and the Advertising/Institutional category.

In all, five pieces were selected for the annual competition. I've listed the five pieces below.

I will be featured in the January/February issue of Communication Arts magazine! The writer, Matthew Porter spent several days with my wife and I, in Richmond.

Finally, I was one of two illustrators who was asked to create a divider page for Workbook. Another touching honor.

Another Gold medal winning illustration for Virginia Living magazine (see earlier post) with art director Tyler Darden

The second medal was awarded for my illustration for Death of a Salesman. The client was Arena Stage in Washington D.C. The art director was Ann Marie Czaban.

The other accepted entries are shown below.

2007-10-23T01:11:00.000-04:00

NEWS

New work for Topps and Bungie.

Since I'm on a character themed streak, I thought that I would show this illustration, as well.

This piece was created for the trading card set put out by Topps that should be in stores now. Everyone always shows Master Chief in action. I decided to focus on the mundane actions of the everyday hero. This is Master Chief cleaning his weapon- the original pistol from the first Halo. I wanted to remove his helmet, as the armor seems a bit much for an everyday action, but Bungie obviously wasn't to keen on that.

2007-10-23T00:58:00.000-04:00

NEWS

New work for Virginia Living Magazine.

This is yet another character driven piece on Bigfoot in Virginia, and those who obsess over the mythology (yes, they do drive around in a converted veternarian RV). I tried to use perception vs. reality to express the article that I wrote below. Note Harry from Harry and the Hendersons on the side of the RV- which is the perception part of the image. I've included a couple of the original character studies, which I eventually transfered using gloss medium.

--

Toe to toe with Bigfoot
by Sterling Hundley

The legend of Bigfoot is often associated with the Pacific Northwest. Little known, is that there are frequent sightings of the legendary Sasquatch right here in Virginia.

Hunters of this kind of lore search with the intent of validating superstition. To bring an element of science to the art of mythology. What happens when they stand face to face; toe to toe with the very legends that they are chasing? Do these obsessions come to an end, or do they deepen with the encounter? What of the legends being pursued? Are they celebrated? Forgotten? Popularized and exploited? When the chased stop running, the pursuers can find that they bit off more than they can chew. A word of warning to all those in pursuit of legends- beware, you might just find what you are looking for.

2007-10-18T12:16:00.000-04:00

NEWS

New Projects completed for Runner's World, Virginia Living, Dimassimo Goldstein, the National Folk Festival.

I have been invited to lecture at CCAD on Monday, October 29th. My wife and I will be heading out on Saturday for a three day trip to Columbus, Ohio, which has been called one of the top 10 art cities in the country!

I've also received invites from CCA, SCAD, ECU, and my good friend Jonh Singer is working hard to get me up to Canada! We will have to see when/if these all come to fruition.

I just juried the CMYK show for next issue. My comments are going to generate some resentment, but they are things that I felt I needed to say. I'll post the comments next update, as not to take anything away from the magazine.

On Monday, October 22 through Wednesday, October 24, My wife and I will be hosting Matthew Porter, a writer for Communication Arts. I received the great news that Communication Arts will be writing a feature on my work for release in spring of 2008!

I have three very talented young artists who are currently apprenticing with me in my studio/home.
Chris White www.chriswhiteillustration.com
Shaun Yu www.whaleboyart.com
Kenny Callicutt callicuttart.com

Here is the new piece for Virginia Living Magazine, based on the bunnyman legend of Northern Virginia. Yes, there is an urban legend about a bunny suit wearing, axe weilding, bunny mutilating, mad-man murderer that lives under a bridge. No higher concept here, just a guy in a bunny suit.

2007-08-14T08:32:00.000-04:00

(N31)News

With my move to Richmond, Virginia complete, and the Illustration Academy behind me, I've gotten back to work.
New projects for Workbook and the Progressive.

The two images below were the first and second attempts at a divider page for Workbook. The first illustration became too busy for the assignment, which was based on "pearl". The first is entitled "the Bends". The deep sea diver has been saved by a kiss from Venus (born of the sea, often depicted standing in an open oyster shell.) The pearl necklace is proof of his encounter.

The second image is entitled "Mother of Pearl", and is a much more direct read. A nod to Tommy Steele at Workbook for his insight in redirecting me. Of note in the illustration- the child is the pearl- the top of the infant's head reading as both. The bonnet of the mother references an oyster shell. The entire piece was an obvious spoof on Whistler's most well know painting, which is often referred to as "Mother".

2007-07-17T15:15:00.000-04:00

(N30)News

I will be moving from North Carolina to Virginia later this month.

I have recently returned from the Illustration Academy held on the campus of Ringling College of Art and Design. I cut back my work load this summer so that I wasn't a walking zombie while trying to teach. The summer was amazing, as it always is. What an inspiring group of students! Truly the best possible scenario for an instructor. The VCU students made me exceptionally proud. Of note, Chris Rahn from the Academy of Art in San Francisco and Greg Dahler from Ringling were nominated by their piers and the faculty to be the most outstanding students. Courtney Reagor and Chris Abrams were named as the most improved. They were all given first choice of all the demonstrations produced at the Academy. The Esquire illustration shown below went to Chris Rahn. Tina Sweep, a returning student from Ringling won the unprecedented Zankel scholarship form the Society of Illustrators, worth 20,000.00! What an honor.

New work for Esquire (Review of Tree of Smoke by Denis Johnson), Virginia Living Magazine (David Carr Glover, composer of the Mickey Mouse Club theme song. Shown as the pied piper, leading the mice with music.)

2007-05-22T11:47:00.000-04:00

(N29)NEWS

New work:
Arena Stage- Death of a Salesman (below) and A View From a Bridge, both by Arthur Miller.
Dellas Graphics- Frog calendar, invitation extended by art director Jim Burke- "Tastes Like Chicken".

What's Next?:
The Illustration Academy, Sarasota, Florida: I fly out this Saturday, and I will be gone until the middle of July.

Backpage- Virginia Living- TBA
National Ad campaign- TBA

2007-04-14T23:01:00.000-04:00

(N28)NEWS-

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS-

MICA- Unfortunately, the Spring semester lecture at MICA has been postponed due to time contraints. I should be speaking there in the fall for a more in depth visit.

KCAI- The lecture schedule for my Kansas City visit is posted below:
11:30- 1pm Epperson auditorium

I will be visiting with students and faculty at various times on Thursday and Friday, but the above lecture will be for a larger audience.

2007-04-07T16:02:00.000-04:00

(n27)NEWS

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Kansas City Art Institute- April 19th and 20th. Times TBA
Maryland Institute College of Art- Late April: Date and time TBA

COMPETITIONS
Luerzger's Archive- 200 Best Contemporary Illustrators: 12 pieces accepted!
Communication Arts Illustration Annual- One series accepted! (three opera posters for Muller and Company).

COMISSIONS
Arena Stage- Theater Posters: "Death of a Salesman" and "A View From a Bridge"
Virginia Living- New Back Page illustration and Story. The text and image are below.

--

A Duck Out of Water
by: Sterling C. Hundley

In many ways, the shipwrecked Benjamin F. Poole resembled a beached humpback whale. Visually, the bottom of the ship looked like the underbelly of one of the great mammals. Likewise, it posed the same problem- How to return it to the sea? Realizing that only an unusually high tide would offer any hope of reclaiming the ship, the Benjamin F. Poole was stranded on the shores of Virginia Beach.

With the honeymoon of Captain Hjalmar Charlton and his bride, the shipwrecked Benjamin F. Poole evolved from a coal carrying sea vessel into a hotel with ocean front views. The luxurious captain's quarters served as their honeymoon suite. Over the course of the summer, the newlyweds hosted curious beach visitors aboard the stranded vessel. In September of 1890, the tide came calling for the Poole. After being overhauled, the Benjamin F. Poole spent many more years on the open seas.

2007-03-06T20:50:00.000-05:00

(n26)News.

i've recently completed six images for use as posters and season brochure pages for the lyric opera in kansas city. several of them are below.

the illustration academy, san francisco, begins in two weeks. i'm training for the long evenings with some high altitude cardio.

former student of the illustration academy, edward kinsella has just had his work published in rolling stone. look for it on the newstands in the album review section!

i will be speaking at the kansas city art institute in april.

i will be speaking at mica in april.

i am working on two theatre posters for the arena stage in washington d.c.

2007-03-06T20:41:00.000-05:00

(n25)news.

last week i was awarded a gold medal from the society of illustrators new york in the editorial category! the award was given for the edgar cayce (sleeping prophet) illustration that was completed for virginia living magazine (see earlier post for image). what a true honor! 10 pieces were accepted in all, but i was limited to showing six (dispersed between the different categories). the hardware is shown below. the weekend was amazing. i was able to meet up with many friends, including students from the illustration academy, fellow instructors and colleagues. my wife, parents, and the art director for the image, tyler darden, were all in attendance.

(n25)news.

2006-12-11T18:46:00.000-05:00

i have recently finished a cover for the progessive and the new back page for virginia living magazine.

the progressive article was entitled "a new kind of friendly fire", which was written on sexual harrassment in the military.

the virginia living illustration is shown below. here is the text that i wrote to accompany the image:

Could words have killed our ninth President? On March 4, 1841, without coat, hat, or gloves, Virginia born William Henry Harrison, delivered the longest inauguration speech in United States history. For nearly two hours, Harrison addressed the crowd. Prolonged exposure to the elements led to a cold one week later. Harrison's cold quickly developed into pneumonia, and within a month, the shortest Presidential term in United States history came to an end with the death of William Henry Harrison.

my concept shows both the inauguration, when viewed upright, and the funeral, when viewed on it's side (see images and detail).

(n24) news. december 3. 2006

2006-12-03T23:40:00.000-05:00

OVERVIEW:

10 illustration were accepted into the Society of Illustrators New York Annual competition! All of the selected images were in categories other than Book, which I served on the jury for. The maximum allowed in the show for an individual artist is 5 + any medals that you receive, so I had to narrow my entries down to six from the 10 selected.

I received a Gold Medal (my first) from the Society of Illustrators New York Annual competition in the Editorial category for the "Sleeping Prophet" illustration! The illustration was commissioned by Tyler Darden for the back page of Virginia Living magazine. I'm thrilled to win this with Tyler, as we've been working together for years now.

The medal winning illustration and eight of the other nine selected entries are shown below:

(n23) news. november 3. 2006

2006-11-03T12:32:00.000-05:00

a lot has happened since my last post, two months ago.

i've done roughly 16 paintings, i'm over half way in the semester at vcu, and i've been working with the illustration academy, preparing for next year.

projects from the past two months have included two illustrations for the University of Missouri magazine, Illumination, 12 portraits of CIO's for Unisys through Strawberry Frogs, a magazine cover on War and Peace for the University of Charleston, a wrap-around cover for "Paint the Wind" for Scholastic, a new back page for Virginia Living, and a new commission for Vibe magazine.

i leave for new york on tuesday to jury the Society of Illustrator's book category! should be fun.

the "paint the wind" cover was done as a large oil painting- roughly three feet wide. i'll post it in the future.

the phi beta kappa illustration below, depicts my idea of the founding fathers of the scholarship fraternity.

(n22) news. august 31. 2006

2006-08-31T18:56:00.000-04:00

OVERVIEW

i had my first week of classes at vcu on monday and tuesday.

i finished an illustration for rolling stone's album review section for john mayer's new album release. unfortunately, i wasn't allowed to interject much of a concept, although i was excited about the initial thumbnails. i did have trouble with mayer's likeness at first. after a bit of good art directing, and necessity, i painted directly over the old face and found confidence in being able to paint without first drawing, once again. could be a new direction for me? i've been using digital washes in place of oil washes, as of late. in an attempt to keep a human quality to my work, i try to limit what i do digitally to what i could do traditionally, with only a bit more time.

title: john mayer
client: rolling stone
art director: joe newton
size: 20" x 26"
medium: acrylics and digital washes

(n21) news. august 25. 2006

2006-08-25T16:02:00.000-04:00

OVERVIEW:

i am working on an illustration of john mayer for rolling stone's album review section, art directed by joe newton.

i begin teaching classes at virginia commonwealth university on monday. i will be teaching two senior level courses- conceptual drawing and expiramental printing and drawing, along with a junior level course- drawing and painting. should be fun!

i am working on a new assignment for the university of missouri- a cover and a spot, due in a few weeks.

i will try to post a step by step of a recent assignment late next week.

(d15). description. august 25. 2006

2006-08-25T15:35:00.000-04:00

OVERVIEW:

client: virginia living magazine
title: the sleeping prophet
size: 22" x 30"
medium: acrylic and digital wash
art director: tyler darden
editor: garland pollard
story:
Virginia Beach was the home of the late Edgar Cacey, one of the most well documented clairvoyants in history. Edgar Cacey was known as the "Sleeping Prophet", due to his unorthodox method of inciting visions. Edgar Cacey would lay down on the sofa of his Virginia Beach hospital and self induce a sleep like trance. While in his trance, Cacey would envision the illnesses, names, and remedies of future patients, that he had not yet met.
description:
i wanted to show edgar cacey, the sleeping prophet getting lost in his thoughts. the old coles phillips fade away girls may have played into my mind subconsciously with the development of the concept. the grommets on the sofa become stars in the sky- spiritual, other worldly, etc.

(d14). description. august 25. 2006

2006-08-25T15:22:00.000-04:00

OVERVIEW:

client: the deal
title: newborn vietnam
size: 20" x 30"
medium: acrylic and oil on board
art director: larry gendron
usage: cover
concept and story description:

this article is written about the very new economy in vietnam. the article speaks of the volatility of the vietnamese market. it states that their market will live or dye, based on the involvement of u.s. investors and their money. essentially, they need us to survive. the newborn baby is a metaphor for the vietnamese economy. i couldn't think of anything more dependent than a premature baby. the circular, and graphic elements in the foreground and background reference an incubator and all of it's trappings. the gloved hands reaching in comfort the baby in an awkward fashion. the cusp of the sleeve is red and white, meant as a subtle nod to uncle sam and the u.s. the baby's hat is red with a yellow star referencing the communist government in vietnam.

(n19) news. august 15. 2006

2006-08-15T21:40:00.000-04:00

OVERVIEW:

i am working on an illustration for the "Up front" section of Virginia Living magazine, art directed by Tyler Darden. this will be a conceptual portrait of Jeane Dixon, a very well known psychic.

i am working on an illustration for the "Backpage" of Virginia Living magazine. The subject is Edgar Cayce, a well documented psychic known as the "Sleeping Prophet".

i am working on a cover for The Deal magazine based on the new economy developing in vietnam.

i am working on a cover for the University of Charleston's magazine on War and Peace.

images and details to come!

(ca1) career advice. august 15. 2006

2006-08-15T21:32:00.000-04:00

i am asked from time to time for advice on building a career as an illustrator. i've listed the question and answers from a recent interview below, that i thought may be of some use to some of you viewing this blog.

hope it helps!

s.

--

1. How long have you been professional illustrators and what is the best part about being one?
i've been working professionally since 98' (the year you graduate from art school is what i consider the official start date, whether you are working professionally, or not). the best part about being a professional illustrator is also the worst part- you have time to do as you please. if you are a self motivated person, that's fantastic. if not, you spend a lot of time taking naps and wondering when the phone will ring. i'm somewhere closer to the good end of the spectrum, as i assume most professionals are. the problem comes when you do not have deadlines forcing you to complete assignments.

2. Is there anything that you wish you had learned at school about the business of illustration that you had to learn on your own?
an infinite amount. i actually was quite disappointed at the lack of attention to the business side of my commercial art education. if you aren't a good salesman, and you don't promote yourself, then you will never get far enough to create professional work. students often are afraid to approach art directors (i too, had that reservation). if you completely believe in what you are selling, though, it becomes that much easier. keep this in mind- as an art director, would you rather meet with a young student who has the gumption to overcome their fears and to ask for an interview, or would you prefer to meet with someone who is super-polished. i'd personally meet with the student everytime.

3. Did you study illustration or did you just pick up work in that field?
i did go to school for illustration at virginia commonwealth university. at the time it had a mediocre illustration department. since, it has developed into one of the best illustration schools around. the best education that i received in illustration, though, was in attending the illustration academy (www.illustrationacademy.com) that used to be based in kansas city. since then it moved to vcu, and now is based at ringling in florida. i went there for two summers and now i am an instructor at the academy.

4. Do you have or not have a rep? And what would you say are the pros and cons of a rep?
i do have a rep. i'm represented by richard solomon (www.richardsolomon.com). i was represented by shannon associates before. the pros of having a good rep on your side is that they have connections from years of being in the industry. if they are doing their job, then they are promoting you and doing it well. there is also a bit of notoriety in being with richard. the cons- there's a lot to be weary of. just keep in mind that you are in a business and that you have to speak up for yourself, as your rep is in business as well. make sure that you are doing business with people that you trust.

5. How did you learn to price your work?
the industry basically prices the work for you. i've learned through experience. i know that my rep will not handle a job that pays less than 1000.00. he gets 30% of work that he brings in for me. that means that he would make 300.00 on brokering a deal for that much. not all jobs i take pay me 1000.00, but that is a good rough idea of what national magazines pay for a full page, give or take a couple hundred bucks. keep in mind that they are only renting your work for a single usage. book covers pay more- 2500- 5000.00 +, but be careful to have them spell out exactly what rights to retain. advertising- ? who know- considerably more.

6. How do you deal with industry issues like bad contacts and copyright protection?
try to stay abreast of new developments. you'll learn legalese very quickly. the illustrators partnership (www.ipa.org) is a great resource. the problem with copyright issues and stock issues is that you can choose to be as involved as you want. there are a lot of top rung illustrators who put on a good face and say that they support the industry, who turn around and sign bad contracts, sell to bad stock houses (there is a difference between good and bad stock; good- your in control of pricing, imagery and usage; bad- you're not) and give up copyrights. make a moral decision early on to try to do the right thing and try to stand by that as much as you can. i've made mistakes, but i feel that i've made more good decisions than bad ones.

7. How do you deal with people that mimic your style?
we all start out being influenced. if it hadn't been for gary kelley treating me like a friend, i would have been in big trouble. i used to be very close to his approach, subject matter, etc. and i didn't see it. it took some very honest friends and a terrific art director (fred woodward) to get me on a different path. i had been doing my gary kelley pastel thing for a couple of years and i went cold turkey after i got this advice. i turned down commissions and struggled financially for a while. it was a very painful thing- self discovery. but in the end, it paid off. every painting i do now carries me towards something more personal. keep this in mind- you can't think through a style or a point of view. these are only things that come through trial and error. i define style as nothing more than deciding what you like and dislike in your artwork through trial and error. i like this... i'll try it again. i don't like this... i'll never do that again.

8. How do you stay current and maintain a following in your works?
a lot of the imagery i based off of text that i am sent. i read the text and i try to come up with a concept that reflects the text visually. secondly, we are a product of our environment. everything that i create has been affected by the things that i've seen, read, heard, etc. in my life which includes all current events. due to this, we have a visual vocabulary that relates to everyone else who has lived and experienced the same things. as far as a following- you just try to do quality work. if i like it, i hope that it affects someone else, but you rarely find that out.

9. Any recommendations for a rookie?
here are a few: 1- look into the illustration academy. 2- send me some samples of your work (72 dpi about 6" tall) 3. get out to new york when you have 10- 12 pieces that are consistent in quality, not just in style. when you are ready for that, email me and i'll try to get you some information on self promotion. 4. try to always set up personal appointments as opposed to drop offs. these helped me out immensely.

(d13). description. july 27. 2006

2006-07-28T18:36:00.000-04:00

DESCRIPTION

this is another image from my recent personal work. as stated before, i don't want to explain the personal work. i hope that it resonates personally with the viewer.

(n18) news. july 28. 2006

2006-07-28T18:21:00.000-04:00

OVERVIEW

as stated before, the Halo Graphic Novel has been released! here is a small version of the pin-up page that i was commissioned to do, along with a detail of the image. this shows Master Chief at the bottom of the page, with the Flood literally in his wake. shotgun shells mark his previous path.

(n17) news. july 26. 2006

2006-07-28T00:47:00.000-04:00

OVERVIEW

the halo graphic novel has just been released at the san diego comicon. i have a pinup page in the back.

the illustration academy 2006 has come to a spectacular close. i will miss my new friends and old alike, but man it's nice to get home.

i have been offered a full time, one year appointment at virginia commonwealth university, beginning in august.

i have completed all of the theatre postcards for point park university, commissioned through mullen design. thumbnails of all are listed below with details. descriptions will come later.

(d12). july 7. 2006

2006-07-07T10:03:00.000-04:00

the illustration for "skin of our teeth" will serve as a postcard for Point Park University's 2006 theatrical performance by the same name. The art director is Kiera Alderette. additional text will be placed on the top of the carousel.

the general premise that i chose to illustrate, based on a review of the manuscript, is humanity's cyclical nature to destroy itself. i've chosen the carousel as the central icon to get this idea across. all vehicles on the carousel are objects of war, which cover everything from horses, jets, helicopters, submarines, tri-planes, to tanks, all from different eras. all aircraft are in the air and all land and watercraft are on the ground. this last bit contributes nothing to the overall concept, but makes the image making a little more entertaining for me. the children are sent off to war and as the vehicles disappear from left to right into the fog (the fog of war), the apache helicopter on the far left returns empty. two parents in the bottom left watch as their children disappear.

(n18) news. july 7. 2006

2006-07-07T09:55:00.000-04:00

the illustration academy will come to a close at the end of next week and i will be heading home to north carolina.

i've completed "skin of our teeth" for point park university's 2006 season.

i've begun work on "frogs", as well.

(n17) news. june 21. 2006

2006-06-21T14:37:00.000-04:00

OVERVIEW:

i have removed an option on the blog to make the comments section accesible to everyone, not just members of blogger.com. my apologies, as i'm still learning the technology.

i'm still down at the illustration academy in sarasota, florida. thus far, we've been fortunate enough to have gary kelley, mark english, anita kunz, george pratt, brent watkinson, john english, barron storey, and terry brown give presentations/ lectures/ demos, where applicable. my demo will be posted shortly. this week, natalie ascnescios and chris payne will be coming in.

i've attached an image of a newly finished illustration for virginia living magazine entitled "madstone". a madstone was believed to have the magical properties capable of curing snake bites and rabies. fun one to work on. i finished it in the hotel room the first night of the academy. brent, george and john were none to pleased, but the deadline prevailed!

(n16) news. may 22. 2006

2006-05-22T23:35:00.000-04:00

OVERVIEW

the Progressive cover and spot that i illustrated last month is now on the newstands.

i will be heading down to Ringling for the Illustration Academy on Saturday, May 28th. the Illustration Academy will last from May 30th through July 15th. looking forward to seeing a lot of friends and familiar faces.

(n15) news. may 12. 2006

2006-05-12T21:08:00.000-04:00

OVERVIEW:

i just received commissions to complete five theatre postcards and a bus terminal illustration for point park college. once again, the art director is Kiera Alderette. this will be the fourth season that i will get to work with Kiera who is with Mullen Design, an advertising agency based out of Pittsburgh.

i am working on an illustration for Virginia Living Magazine based on the madstone of Essex. the madstone is believed to have magical healing properties in the aid of curing patients bit by rabid and poisonous animals. the art director is Tyler
Darden.

my illustration of Ice Cube's album review for Vibe magazine is now on the newstand.

DETAIL:

the illustrations for Point Park and Mullen are all due on July 1st and the titles of the six performances that i will be illustrating are:

"Skin of My Teeth", "the Rover", "Reefer Madness", "Jane Eyre", "Without a Net", and "Frogs".

(n14) news. may 4. 2006

2006-05-04T17:42:00.000-04:00

OVERVIEW:

the cover and spot illustration for the progressive magazine is complete.

DETAIL:

the art director for this illustration was Nick Jehlen. the article was written on the difficulty that illegal immigrants will face when coming to this country, due to new laws that are being passed. it was written by Tram Nguyen.

the final (without type) and the spot are shown below. for a how to on the process behind the cover, simply go to (P1)process. may 4. 2006 in an earlier post under the "news" section.

(p1)process. may 4. 2006

2006-05-04T17:04:00.000-04:00

OVERVIEW:

this is an overview of the process behind the cover created for the Progressive magazine. The article was written on the difficulty that illegal immigrants will face when entering the United States due to new law that are being enacted. i chose to use the American flag as a compositional device on the final. the stars of our flag serve as a symbol of freedom. in my illustration, the stars of freedom became these unattainable militaristic devices. the stripes became the roads and waterways by which the immigrants are attempting to gain access to the United States.

it's ironic that the first process that i have decided to record turned into a digital illustration. i had no idea how i was going to execute the final in this particular illustration until it was time to do so. that's usually not the case. 99% of what i do is traditional and i usually have figured out how the final will be executed by the time i begin the final drawing.

DETAIL:

this is the approved sketch for the final (type will be added by the art director later):

this is the first step in the drawing process, after i have collected extensive reference (the contrast has been bumped up so that you can see the underdrawing):

this is the final pen and ink drawing, which was done with a combination of micron pen, croquill pen and brush. i used a variety of different pens simply because my hand was ready to fall off.

detail of black and white:

after scanning the black and white drawing in as gray scale, color was applied using blues, greens and reds. i was trying to follow the american flag as a color map:

detail of color final:

(n14) news. april 25. 2006

2006-04-25T18:30:00.000-04:00

OVERVIEW:

my first gallery painting to be unveiled to the public is complete. it was created for the scion group show in san francisco entitled "beyond representation" which is being curated by shawn barber.

DETAIL:

the thing that i am enthralled by in the gallery pieces is their texture. the printed/screen image will never do them justice. as i want my illustrations to "answer a question" and i want my gallery paintings to "ask a question", the gallery pieces will not be explained. eventually, they will have their own web site.

title: "reservation"
medium: mixed
size: 21" x 25"
price: 2,600.00

Detail:

(n13) news. april 24. 2006

2006-04-24T23:16:00.000-04:00

OVERVIEW:

i have officially returned from my presentation at the Atlanta College of Art.

the three illustrations for the Lawrenceville School have been killed.

i will begin work on the Progressive Magazine cover and spot tomorrow.

i have completed the pieces for the Scion show. stay posted for a preview!

DETAIL:

Atlanta College of Art:
What a great trip! I was flown down first class, met at the airport with an oversized poster announcing my presentation, held by Ester Wilson and Rick Lovell (the head of the illustration department) and put up in the visiting artist suite at the school! the lecture went very well. the demo- sub-par, but it communicated what i was trying to say. I was treated to an amazing dinner on Tuesday night and i had time to grab an early dinner with Rick Lovell after all was said and done. it turns out that i will be the last lecturer to ever speak at the Atlanta College of Art, before it merges with Savannah College of Art and Design. that's too bad. all in all, i met some great folks and i was shown to a very good time!

Lawrenceville School:
after three rounds of sketches, the illustrations were killed. nothing on my end- i was, and still am, very excited about quite a few of the sketches. look for them soon in the journal section! these things happen quite frequently!

(d11)description. akintade. april 21. 2006

2006-04-21T02:49:00.000-04:00

DESCRIPTION: akintade. "smart" gallery. conceptual illustration. client: Village Voice. A larger version of this image is located in the "smart" category of my website.

SOLUTION: "akintade" is an illustration based around a Nigerian soldier who was seeking citizenship in the United States. To ensure that he and his family would be able to achieve sovereignty in America, he joined the National Guard. Shortly thereafter, he was sent to Iraq to fight for a country that wasn't yet his to call home. Akintade died in Iraq.
I wanted to show the valiant soldier disappearing into the dunes behind him while he obediently did his duty.

APPROACH: this illustration was created using paint chip samples from Home Depot. the collage was applied after the pen and ink/ color work was complete, with sobo glue.

EDITORIAL: i truly admire the work that our soldiers are doing in Iraq. I feel deeply for the soldiers who signed up for the National Guard and the Reserves, when the United States was thriving in a time of peace. with the promise of help with the outrageous cost of higher education in this country, many young Americans were led to believe that they would spend one to two weekends a month training as defensive soldiers who would protect our home soil. many of these "weekend warriors" have been sent to Iraq and have now been fighting an offensive campaign on foreign soil. i can only honor them in my prayers, as i do with all of our soldiers. they have a very difficult road ahead of them. god bless.

(n12) news. april 17. 2006

2006-04-17T17:32:00.000-04:00

OVERVIEW:

"Audio Detective" bats .1000! i've just received word from American Illustration that "Audio Detective" has been "selected" to appear in their upcoming 25th annual!

DETAILS:

"Audio Detective" has now been selected into every major show this year: Communication Arts, Society of Illustrators, 3 x 3, and American Illustration. more information can be found in an earlier post. a higher resolution image can be found in the "smart" gallery on my website.