Some people inspire you. They really should. I firmly believe people should own original art before they are 30 years old. If you don't, go get some! This was a custom card art piece for a co-worker who is often over looked and unsung. The best people are often rarely noticed for the greatness they bring to a team.
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Monday, June 09, 2025
Gouache game interface
Imagine a game for a phone. An app that lets you pick a guardian animal. It warms you of threats and you fight them off. Maybe the animal fights by your side on occasion too. Well using gouache, I added colored pencil and sketched out an interface. I think I would make many more changes in the future. But for now...
~Enjoy!
Sunday, June 01, 2025
Gouache...not for me
I have been messing around with gouache paint and finally figured out what it really is. It is a tempera paint with some ink dye for color stabilization. When it dries it is exactly like tempera paints. Water reactivated it. It feels chalky like tempera too.
I am a die hard acrylic and latex painter so The hype had me believing that this is a great alternative to those mediums. No it is not. It is hype. What gouache is...a better opaque option for water color.
Would I suggest this product for acrylic, latex or oil painters.Hell No!
Would I suggest it for a water color artist. Yes. It is far more forgiving than you are use too.
What I like... I can mix colored pencils with Gouache like I would with water color. That is something difficult to do with acrylics, latex or oils at times.
Gouache is very much a sketch artist medium in my mind. I have had fun doing a few experimental pieces and I can see myself doing more coloring with it in the future. But know that you are getting a tempera water color product. Period. There is no other comparison.
I now have to try my hand with various styles with the medium. Gouache has great color consistency when applied heavy. When diluted with water, it Very much acts like water color. Underpainting will come through it as water or moisture will reactivate the gouache medium. As it would with tempera paints. Ultimately we are in the age of digital arts. I will likely use this medium for texture or plotting in color then refining a work in a digital process.
All said and done, it is not my favorite medium, however it is slowly growing on me for some limited use. I think that the fact I have a son that is a fan of manga and Asian animation, which had me thinking that it might be worth a try. I have to say... I am not overly impressed. But still giving this medium a go. I am likely to fall back into acrylics or digital color option though. When you love something you stick with it. This was a moment of variety is the spice of life issue.
Lesson learned. Don't buy the hype.
Saturday, February 08, 2025
Hero or Anti-Hero?
I am often inspired by nature and ideas of what a Hero could or can't be. I try pushing the concept and ideas surrounding a hero. Good or bad... appearances are often not all that they seem. As the old saying goes, "The person that shits on you not all ways intends to do you wrong. While the person who is always nice is not a person who has your best interests at heart." That was a driving force of this nature inspired hero or Anti-hero. Some times people do what they do to simply live and get by. The original B&W and the color option here for you...
~ Enjoy!Sunday, January 05, 2025
Universal Fixer / Repair Man
The latest character design takes me to a place of sci-fi and space where everything breaks and you need the kind of person who can fix it all or repurpose what they have to make it possible to go on. Yes, this is the most respected and creative repair man in the universe. There is no machine to big or too small for this fixer to find a solution for and get working.
Friday, September 06, 2024
Newest character
This is a country rodeo star in this first year of university...
Letter to parents.... Dear ma and Pa, I did poor on the mid terms. I aint sleeping well. A fw parties on campus showed promise for meeting a girl or two with strong backs, sterdy legs and one good eye. Sadly, I just ended up with a head ache and nightmares. I did learn myself something though. The Dean does care and looks like he is hunting down the guy with the cattle prod gun. I think I'll do better over finals. I been trying hard. Even found a few pals teaching me about native american voodoo stuff. I hope to be home soon. Your loving son, Helmsely.
Friday, April 19, 2024
My Bard! Yup, Yup!
Blues Singer Bailey
By Richard Grzela
Novice Male Human
Background
Raised on the streets and Church, his voice gave him a chance at a normal life beyond the rough and tumble streets.
Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d6, Spirit d10, Strength d4, Vigor d6
Skills: Athletics d6, Common Knowledge d4, Driving d4, Fighting d6,
Language (Native English Creole) d8, Notice d6, Performance d8, Persuasion d8,
Shooting d6, Stealth d4
Pace: 6; Parry: 5; Toughness: 6 (1)
Hindrances: Driven (major, Wants to better the life for his 6 brothers
and sisters and his parents. He will do anything to better their life.), Greedy
(major), Obligation (minor, Needs to perform to complete his contract)
Edges: Elan, Fame
Armor: Thick coat, Leather Jacket (Armor 1)
Weapons: Glock (9mm) (Range 12/24/48, Damage 2d6, ROF 1, AP 1),
Secondary Unarmed (Range Melee, Damage Str),
Gear: Canteen (waterskin), Clothing, Casual, First Aid Kit (basic supplies),
Lighter, Whistle
Language: Native English Creole (native, d8)
Current Wealth: $161
Special Abilities
- Languages Known: Native English Creole (native, d8)