Drawing On My 3D?!!

I hear about this great program called Plastic Animation Paper that allows, among other things, drawing over our 3D animations.  Fantastic!!!

We always see "Making Of" clips on our favorite Pixar DVD's that show these amazing studio tools allowing talented directors like Brad Bird to draw over the work of young animators during shot critiques.  Correct your line of action here, tweek your pose there, and SHAZAM!

Now that power is available to everyone.  Get it while you can.

Tutorials can be found here.

Kenny Roy Animation Secrets

I recently became aware of Kenny Roy through a fellow animator that attended Animation Mentor.  This guy has tons of incredibly helpful animation tricks that relate to work flow, and the successful application of animation principles.  I highly recommend a look.  He already revolutionized my approach to lip sync, and he is now offering memberships to his site for continuing online lectures.  AWESOME!!!

True Blood

In the mood for Vampires?  I have recently discovered the joy of this fantastic HBO series.  The writing is great, and true to the quality I would expect from Alan Ball.  The series is based on novels titled "The Southern Vampire Mysteries" written by Charlaine Harris.  I have not read this series of books, but enjoy the mystery and comedy that makes up the show.  The HBO series "Six Feet Under" was what turned me onto Alan Ball as a writer and producer.  As I make my way through past seasons in an effort to catch up, I highly recommend watching.  I find it both delicious, and blood thirsty.

Animation Updates

Watch my work on YouTube!

CIV 5

Great things have been happening involving this soon to be released title.  Named "Best Strategy Game" of E3 2010 being one of many.  I wasn't involved with this title, but can say it looks amazing and will be an amazing addition to the already amazing franchise. 

Check out all related info at http://www.civilization5.com/

Drunk History

Since a lot of buzz was created with yesterday's birthday video, many people have sent me YouTube videos to watch.  "Drunk History vol. 2" is one video that needs to be referenced here, and seen by as many people as possible.  A delicate balance of history, and drunken comedy.  Enjoy!

watch it here:
Drunk History vol.2 (featuring Jack Black)

I'M 30 YEARS OLD!!!

It's hard to believe, but today is that day that I have transitioned from my 20's into my 30's.  What the hell???
The only thing I can think of to celebrate this is a hilarious video.  Authored by Dennis Moellers, and acted by me some 5 years ago.  This is a small example of what crazy things happen as a result of "crunch time."  Dennis was kind enough to find the footage, edit it, and put it to appropriate music.  Let this be a requiem piece for my 20's and a celebration for the new age of 30.

SHAZAM!!!

Watch the video here: The Lizard

The Cintiq

AMAZING!!!  I finally got a cintiq at work.  Sooooooo much nicer to draw with than those old wacom tablets.  I'm going to use it for planning out a shot I'm animating for Staged, and to get back into painting.  I'm very excited.

Jon Marro Returns

Namaste!  Today was quite a treat for me and several other people.  I got to see my good friend Jon Marro.  He's making an east coast tour of sorts, and brought his always inspiring atmosphere with him.  Check out this amazing video of him with singer/songwriter Jason Mraz on a Peruvian adventure.  I think its time for a trip to Machu Picchu.  Who's with me?!

Checkout the adventure here:  PeruTube

YouTube and Me

I just went live on YouTube with some animations from Civilization Revolution.  Take a look in the Animation!!! section of my portfolio page.  This section, and my YouTube page will be updated as my work is available.  Enjoy!!!

A Son is Born

A little late of an announcement, but my son was born in March.  Super cute little man!!!

All Hail... Hale

So, I had the great fortune, during the end of 2009, to come across the Robert Beverly Hale master class recordings that were made sometime in 1976 before he retired.  The recordings are of the complete lectures he gave on artistic anatomy and the human figure.  The video quality is not so amazing, but all the content is there and is packed with valuable info.  Hale was the successor of George Brandt Bridgman at the Art Students League of New York.  Hale's bio is really interesting.  If you don't know who Bridgman is, LOOK HIM UP NOW!!!

I highly recommend this series of lectures.

As artists, we are limited by what we understand and should be making constant effort to further our understanding of the world around us.  If you like figure drawing, and want to truly understand and master the human form, check out what Hale and Bridgman have to offer.