Saturday, August 15, 2026

Animation background

 I pitched and created a background for an indy animator. We chatted and there is potential for it to be used. Feel free to see youtube... https://youtu.be/c0X7Or4BoNA?feature=shared 

Let's support each other and do great things. It matters more when you share id as and talents.

~Enjoy

Saturday, January 24, 2026

A Space character for a SCI-FI game

 This could be human, alien or dwarf. I think mutations play a factor here when I designed and dreamed this fella up! It was a ton of fun doing the avatar token as well. With so many options and Directions I decided that a space theme that was open and let the back ground through was the best approach as that would keep the character tied into the visual events of the VTT game.

 I was going for cybernetic eyes on a dwarf which made sense to me. Then I was told only humans were to be used in game. So I kept the look and figured the hairless approach would likely be a mutation caused by lack of exposure to outside elements and nano bots constantly grooming the environment as well as internal bodies on a space craft. The robotic arms are a cool feature. I wonder how much I will be able to get away with before I completely annoy the game Master. The tool belt was a concept added after i decided to have the character be an engineer, kit bashing repair man type. Smart, but not smart enough to really make a huge impact on the game.

~Enjoy

 

Sunday, November 16, 2025

Color Mode done

 I just had to get this done. I had a tonne of ideas and this is where I ended up. I mean, if the character will be a god, then it should have some iconic imagery for sure. I like how it turned out over all with a tight turn around on it.


 

Because I can - Character Concept!

 Here is a concept of a character corrupted by the primordial that predate the gods! This character challenges the Primordials and is granted worthy status of a Greater God! So much more to come, but the colors are taking time.


 

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

One More

 Yes, I did another version as a PNG file with no BG for web use.


 

On-line Pal Likeness

 I have met so many great people in real life and on-line. it is really hard for me to pick and choose who to favor. This month, I have decided on an on-line Pal. Better known as Bacon. He wanted an avatar, so I made one for him! World, meet Bacon!



 

Thursday, October 16, 2025

Daily sketch

 Going for an old time look on this sketch.


Saturday, September 27, 2025

Excellence is no mistake

 Even the best can miss the mark. It happens and often times it is due to unforeseen circumstance. Keep pushing forward. Don't stop, don't deviate just move forward. If the fork in the road is clear, maybe consider the option. But you need to reach your goal. Whatever that might look like. Push forward. Everything is a temporary moment. In 60 seconds the situation changes and you need to move with that flow and build off of momentum. Even if you have stopped and hit zero...Keep going!

That has been a reminder I gained this week and it worked out well. As long as I don't stop, everything else has to follow in my wake, even if the other waves are bigger and more threatening. My path is still just as good and will get me there... that place where I want to be. 

It is not about speed, or who's better, or stronger or has more stuff. It is about the path set and making sure you reach that end goal. Time is relative, it is easy to make it if you avoid the distractions. A successful week prove that. 

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Original art - Recognize good people

 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. 












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)

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Last Battle of Alberta of 2023/2024

 I try to make everyone of these game. It will not matter if it is in Edmonton or Calgary. I love getting to these games. My Favorite team, Oilers pulled out another win. 

sO gOOD! April 6, 2024 was a good night.

Saturday, January 13, 2024

Art of 2023

 It has been a transition year. We have lots going on, but I currently still find down time to work on sketches, art and of course a small video. If you want to see what I have done and what I'm messing with, you are welcome to make your way over to youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Th82Y0yKQeg


Here's to another great year of living, learning and growth on all fronts.


~ Enjoy!

Friday, November 24, 2023

Art for art sake

  If you table top game virtually - Well here you go friends - use and share.




This is why we love to live.
~Enjoy!

Saturday, March 04, 2023

Art and stuff - Time to get back to arting things.

 These are a few thing that I am looking into creating and sharing... a phone wall paper was fun... the face was great. Tongue and all because, Why not! I was also exploring the fantasy flower thing too.


 

 



~ Enjoy!

Saturday, February 04, 2023

Comic Lettering

 Have you ever wondered how comic books were lettered back in the day?

I'll tell you that there were many more analogue tools out there than you might ever realize!

Here is one that was popular among typesetters and lettering pros! Enter the 'Leroy lettering set".

https://twitter.com/kagcomix/status/1621311313283801088

~ Enjoy