doing it for the kids

These are some of the images I have done for an independent publisher, "Universal Write" a while back.
I was finally given approval to show them off, so here are three images from a children's book called "BumbleBee Longhorn Needle". The story is essentially a coming of age story about a butterfly who is a bully because he is jealous and unhappy.

This book is part of a project where Universal Write publishes students short stories so that they may become published authors early on in heir lives. There are two more books in the series I have done illustration for and once I am given permission I will post some shot from those as well.

Till the next time,

-Leon

Preparing Lasagna

So yesterday I got home and made lasagna, which I have been craving for for months. Now that its cold, I feel I can properly enjoy it.

So after feeling accomplished with how my dinner came out I figured it's time to patch up some old projects I've been anxious to finish.

I started this one back in February and finally laid down the final colors on a full stomach and The Colbert Report. Looking at it now, I want to do another with a brighter finish to it.

Till the next post,
-Leon

Making Sweet Tea

After a long break I'm back to breathe life into this blog. Here's a sketch of a portrait I'm going to paint of my little sister. This will be a good warm up before start my "Totally Badass Art Competition" entry.

Unapologetic Creativity

A friend sent me a link to a video without saying what it was or why I should watch it. I wandered off for a while then came back to see what he had sent me. I was instantly enamored with what I saw, not because of the music, context or the people in the video.

It was the idea that caught me and the fact that I never thought of anything like this before. This video is a fresh take on the typical music video so take a look and be amazed or confused. "Click Here"

It all starts from paper.

I was having a conversation with someone who asked me why I did most of my work on the computer instead of doing "real" artwork. I explained that I choose the computer because its efficient and forgiving all while maintaining the level of quality I want in my works. So I decided to show more of the process than just the final outcome because essentially whether its on canvas, glass or a monitor, it all starts from paper.

Chokin The Wii

So even though I'm in the gaming industry I do not own the current gen systems. I moved a while back and left them behind and now I'm at odds of what to buy first the 360 or PS3.

I will eventually have both but I feel the sudden pressure of choosing one. In times of pressure I end up making terrible purchases, in this case the Wii. The Wii itself is a good console but not for me. Luckily I didn't buy it but I almost did, just to have something to tide me over while I decipher the pros and cons of the PS3 to the 360.

So here's a sketch of my near ordeal of becoming a Wii clown waggin the Wii.

Brain Food

I have been really neglecting my blog but that will be changing pretty soom. I am working with some fellow artist for an art book and art show. I am tapping back into my roots of more traditional ways of creating my art.

This is a piece I call "Brain Food" that will not be in the art book but I will have it at the show. I can't show anything else besides this one for now until the book is ready from print.

This is it for this week, I'll be posting some sketches pretty soon to keep my web presence potent.

Hollerations!!!!!!!

Head Games

Still on my mission I started a creature test. This is based off a concept I saw over on CG Hub by artist, Devin Platts. This is pretty much my base before I take this into a sculpting program for detailing.
I start this way so that my surface will retain much of the high res shape from the normals without any risk of jagged edges.

UNB: Search and Destroy

Hey all, I've recently put my 3d hat back on to complete my transformation as a CG artist. My ultimate goal is to fuse the style of my 2d works and 3d works together to the point that no one can tell the difference.

This is the background set for my next illustration in which numerous characters will be running for their lives. I figure panic and destruction go hand in hand.

Journey West

This is the image I wanted to submit for the drawing jam over at CG Hub. I see this one as having more character and energy coming from it than the first image I did. Overall I am satified with how fun this image came out.

Monkey King

This interpretation of the Monkey King was for a bi-weekly drawing jam over at CG Hub. The theme was the actual story "Journey to the West" where the Monkey King is a character in it.
I wanted to do a remix on what he looked like. I changed his staff to a staff-rifle and his headband to headphones. I also interpreted "west" as the western United States, this Monkey King is heading to Las Vegas for enlightenment.

What is funny about this drawing jam is that I finished this a week ago but I had an even better idea last night, one that would show all the other characters from the story. I wont have time to complete my new idea in time but here is the sketch.
This one has waaay more energy and personality than the first one! I will finish it and post it later in the forums.

X-Men Week

So I joined this blog called Art Jumble. They have themes every week for artist to participate in. I recommend joining in on the fun, there are pretty good artist participating as well.
I decided to do Gambit for this theme as hes pretty much the coolest and suavest X-Man. I think I always liked Gambit becasue I could relate to him more so than Wolverine or Cyclops.

Marvel vs. GI Joe vs. DC vs. Thundercats -pencils-

This piece is a much desired mash-up illustration I've been itching to create. So the initial concept was to have a bunch of past time favorites dueling it out bar brawl style. I figured Marvel vs. GI Joe vs. DC vs. Thundercats would be a great battle, plenty of explosions and property damage.

I was going to add some He-Man, Bravestar, Voltron, and Silver Hawks in there but I don't really remember enough of them to do them justice. Also I figure not enough people would know who they are though I could be wrong. So have at it and the inks are on the way.

BirdGirl

This is a piece I did for a friend who is quite fond of birds, hence the name BirdGirl. The bird is supposed to be a magical creature in the eyes of the girl on the bed. She only sees the bird in her dreams so that's why I made the landscape almost ethereal.