Volcanic Dragon

Believe it or not, there was a time when I was hesitant to use the more intense oil colors, for example cadmium red and yellow. I would think to myself "no, no, your path is one of subtlety, how would Vermeer or Rembrandt approach this assignment?". While subtlety has it's place, I've come to realize that sometimes intensity is called for...like when someone asks you to paint a dragon made out of freaking lava.

Volcanic Dragon, 14 x 18 in., oil on masonite.

Pride Guardian

Here's another new one for the upcoming Magic: the Gathering set. I usually try to avoid symmetrical compositions but in this case I thought it kind of added to stoic/righteous vibe of the piece (btw, it was originally called Guardian Monk, hence the monastic robes, door, etc).

Pride Guardian, 11 x 14 in., oil on masonite

Arbalest Elite

Hey everyone! Sorry for the unusually long gap between posts, I've been working like a madman for the past month or so (and celebrating my first anniversary with my awesome wife). Anyway, here's a new one for the upcoming Magic: the Gathering set (M12). Arbalest Elite, 11 x 14 in., oil on masonite.

Kazu Sano 1952-2011

I know this is the second one of these in a row but it's been a tough couple of weeks for the illustration world.

I was saddened to hear that one of my favorite mentors, Kazu Sano, passed away yesterday. I got to know and learn from Kazu during my time at the Academy of Art in San Francisco. He was an incredibly talented artist and teacher and, in my opinion, his work stands as some of the most vital and magnetic examples of illustration ever produced.

I highly recommend you take some time to check out his work here and read the great post Irene Gallo put up on Tor.com here.