Daily Art - 2011 (Jan 10)

 A page of 60 second figure drawing sketches (for practice) done before work this morning..

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during the year of 2011, I am pledging to create ART everyday and post it online to share with everyone.

the submissions will be in the form of sketches/studies, paintings, photography, etc..

Chad

Daily Art - 2011 (Jan 9)

"Zelmira"

software: Painter 11 and Art Rage Pro

total time: approx 20 hrs

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during the year of 2011, I am pledging to create ART everyday and post it online to share with everyone.

the submissions will be in the form of sketches/studies, paintings, photography, etc..

Chad

Daily Art - 2011 (Jan 8)

"Debbie"

software: Painter 11 and Art Rage Pro

total time: approx 24 hrs
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during the year of 2011, I am pledging to create ART everyday and post it online to share with everyone.

the submissions will be in the form of sketches/studies, paintings, photography, etc..

Chad 

Daily Art - 2011 (Jan 7)

another sheet of 60 second figure studies (for practice)

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during the year of 2011, I am pledging to create ART everyday and post it online to share with everyone.

the submissions will be in the form of sketches/studies, paintings, photography, etc..

Chad

Artist spotlight - Joe Sorren

Joe Sorren is an American conceptualist lowbrow artist -- working as an illustrator and a fine artist

i first learned of his work in 1997, when he won a Gold medal award in the Society of Illustrators publication.. and i've been a huge fan ever since!

Joe Sorren web site

Google image search for Joe Sorren

Joe Sorren's blog

Wikipedia link

Daily Art - 2011 (Jan 6)

a couple of pages in my sketchbook, of heads..

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during the year of 2011, I am pledging to create ART everyday and post it online to share with everyone.

the submissions will be in the form of sketches/studies, paintings, photography, etc..

Chad

Daily Art - 2011 (Jan 5)

 another sheet of poses.. done this morning before work (a mix of 30 second and 60 second sketches for practice)

 i am also working on a color portrait which i hope to finish and post tomorrow-- stay tuned!
















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during the year of 2011, I am pledging to create ART everyday and post it online to share with everyone.

the submissions will be in the form of sketches/studies, paintings, photography, etc..

Chad

Daily Art - 2011 (Jan 4)

another sheet of 60 second figure studies (for practice)

---------------
during the year of 2011, I am pledging to create ART everyday and post it online to share with everyone.

the submissions will be in the form of sketches/studies, paintings, photography, etc..

Chad

Daily Art - 2011 (Jan 3)

Nothing special today-- just a sheet of 60 second figure studies (for practice)

---------------
during the year of 2011, I am pledging to create ART everyday and post it online to share with everyone.

the submissions will be in the form of sketches/studies, paintings, photography, etc..

Chad

Daily Art - 2011 (Jan 2)

(click the above image to see a larger version)

"Flower cart"

software: Art Rage

Daily Art - 2011 (Jan 1)

 Jan 1st submission

(click on image to view larger version)

this is a 2 hr study i did, using the software, ArtRage

(i also recorded this painting in progress-- stay tuned for a time lapse video on this being created)

below is a time lapse recording of this image being created:


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during the year of 2011, I am pledging to create ART everyday and posting it online to share with everyone.

the submissions will be in the form of quick sketches, paintings, photography, etc..

Chad

Project overview/making of: Keebler commercial #1

This is a project i was hired for (freelance) a few years ago -- that involved me creating 3D content for 2 tv commercials to promote the new Keebler EL Fudge cookies, by Nabisco.

(above) still image from Commercial #1 - "elephant tower"

total time = 2 weeks

client: KaChew! and Nabisco










Commercial #1 --"Elephant tower"

overview: there were 2 scenes i had create-- first was the exterior establishing view of the Tree house, which called for a slow camera zoom, while the sun set in the far distance.. and the flowers needed to animate (closing) during this timelapse sunset. the second scene was an interior shot, of a tower of furniture, that had an elephant standing at the top of this! The elves would then pull the rope, which would cause the elephant to fall down on the peanut butter below, squirting it on to the cookie! i would be responsible for all 3D elements (everything but the 2D hand drawn elves)

Exterior scene
because of the 'style' of the Keebler commercials, i had to create a very stylistic landscape (round background trees, rolling hillsides, stylized flowers, colorful, etc)

(above) - concept art for the landscape

Layers and render passes are your friend
the environment was broken into layers: background (mtns), midground (distant trees/rolling hills), and foreground (Keebler tree, flowers, dirt path and grass) -- each layer was rendered separately (for control and revisions) and then composited together in After Effects

(above) - background mountains

(above) - midground layer and elements

(above) - foreground layer and elements

Props/objects

(above) simple geometry was created for the daises

(above) - English Primroses were created and later animated to close

 

(above) - concept art for the Keebler tree

(above) - model of the tree made from primitives and sculpted

(above) - 3D tree leaves

(above) - the ground was created from a plane and sculpted in Maya

(above) - Maya's Paint Effects was used to create the grass

(above) - Maya's Paint Effects was used to create the grass; this is how it looks from the camera

(above) - close up of tree/ground

(above) - grass test renders in day/dusk lighting; click image to see larger version

Lighting/animated sunset 
The script called for a quick/timelapse sunset complete with animated foreground flowers that closed during the sunset.

I had to solve how to animate the background sky color, clouds that slowly faded in and changed lighting, shadows and light color that changed over the time and how to animate each flower -- all of this was done using Maya and After Effects

(above) - concept art showing start of sky (midday)

(above) - concept art showing end of sky (sunset)

As the sky becomes dusk-- i had to also fade in stars at the top of the sky; below is the star field i created

The first version of clouds that i created were too realistic for the director, so i then created
these more stylized clouds (below); in After Effects, i animated them fading in and moving across the sky. i also cross-dissolved between multiple versions of the bitmap to create a change in the lighting on the form of the clouds(to be more under-lit as the sun set below them)

The movie below was a test to see how the sky color and sun would animate over time (at this point, the clouds just fade in -- later tests would focus on them moving and changing form with lighting/scale)

Interior scene
Scene 2 involved me creating a bunch of assets that needed to be 'stacked' on top of each other (the cliche-- 'everything but the kitchen sink'-- but in this case, the sink is part of it!) -- i had 1 week to model/texture all of these props and position them accordingly

(below) concept art -- click to see larger version

Props/objects
The objects were modeled in Maya and textured using Photoshop and Bodypaint 3D; after the objects were built and placed in the tower, they then had to be rigged to allow for animation/movement-- as the tower
'swayed' due to the elephants weight on top!

(click any of the images below to see a larger image)

Final 30 second tv commercial
..and here it is! (thanks for your time) - Chad

Happy New Year 2011!!!

Happy New Year, everyone! let's all make this the most creative year yet!

starting today, i pledge to create a new piece of art every day of 2011 -- i will be posting these daily creations here (starting today-- stay tuned) -- they will be in the form of paintings, sketches, photography, etc.. basically, something art-related and creative!

Cheers!

Chad

Artist spotlight - Odd Nerdrum

i discovered his work about 10 yrs ago-- and immediately bought as many of his books as i could find! i wanted to learn about him and his techniques.. i am fascinated by his subject matter and his old master style (which is influenced by Caravaggio and Rembrandt.

born in Hälsingborg, Sweden in 1944, I would characterize Odd Nerdrum as a true genius, a master painter of the human body and a true humanist.  A great Kitsch painter!  His paintings reach the souls of humanity. His paintings are a universal language.  His paintings feel alive.  He paints life and death for all to see.


The Nerdrum Institute

Google image search for Odd Nerdrum 

Wikipedia link

Posemaniacs.com

Posemaniacs.com is a GREAT website for studying the figure!

i draw almost daily from this site-- using their 30 second poses (which has a timer and can also do 60 second, 90 seconds, etc) -- and it randomly chooses male/female poses

This site also has resources for drawing hands/heads (you can rotate the model in the web viewer, too!)

and finally-- this is available on the iPhone as a free app!

timed poses link: http://www.posemaniacs.com/pose/thirtysecond.html

random pose viewer: http://www.posemaniacs.com/pose/randomviewer.html

3D model viewer (choose from models on the Right side): http://www.posemaniacs.com/tools/handviewer/

Negative space model viewer: http://www.posemaniacs.com/pose/negativespace.html

New 'Facebook page' for Chad W Greene

Merry Christmas!

i have created a new Facebook page, to be used for promoting my artwork (and to provide updates, info, etc)

 Here is a link to view this:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chad-W-Greene-Artist/150897448295544?v=wall

Click the 'Like' button on the Facebook page to receive info, updates, etc.

thanks!

Chad

Artist Spotlight - Andrew (android) Jones

Andrew Jones is a true modern day visionary artist that inspires this generation of digital artist's with his work and his teachings.. he is one of the founders of the successful studio, Massive Black

Andrew has also been traveling the world, experiencing different cultures and creating awesome artwork along the way! in addition to his own work, he finds time to teach workshops, post demo's online of his techniques (which have influenced thousands of artist's, including myself) and he does live painting at clubs and events-- while the DJ spins the music (and he states that the music and people influence the final piece)

Andrew Jones website

Google image search of his work: Andrew Jones

if you are involved in creating digital art (or just like to be inspired watching a very creative person in action!) check out these training videos-- HIGHLY recommended! -- LINK to videos

you can also find him posting live on the community site, Conceptart.org (which i'll be giving a 'shout out' to very soon in other post-- as it's one of the best art sites out anywhere!)

Artist Spotlight - Richard Schmid

Gosh-- how to even present such a MASTER!? Richard is an inspiration to ALL who view his work-- both collectors and definitely artist's that know of him! he's a living legend and someday will be studied in Art History alongside the other legends of Art.. he's that good!

he's been an inspiration to me for 15 yrs or more (when i first discovered him).. everything he creates is full of life/energy.. such amazing knowledge of color, masterful brushstrokes, etc.. my words just won't do his work justice.. see for yourself if  you haven't already!

..man, what i would give to study with such as master!?! :)

link to his website: http://www.richardschmid.com/default.htm

link to DVD's: highly recommended  (i own 6 of them-- very useful):
http://www.richardschmid.com/video.html

books/catalogues: http://www.richardschmid.com/book.html

google image search of his work: Google image

Figure studies #01

Below is a page of 60 second figure studies, by Chad W Greene

(click the image to view a larger version)


below is a YouTube video that shows the process of creating this image (click to play)
note: this video was sped up 2.5x for playback purposes


---
Just as athletes and or skilled professionals, artist's (musicians, dancers, actors, etc) must practice their craft to get better. Artist's have long used figure drawing studies as a way of training the hand/eye coordination needed (in all aspects of fine art);

during art school, we would spend hours in class drawing/painting from live models.. once we graduate, it gets harder to find this much needed means of training (you have to find art associations, attend workshops, etc) or draw from reference books. portrait artist's will hire models to pose for them live at their studios-- but this takes money and the initiative to make this commitment.

at my company, Volition-- we are fortunate, at times, to have weekly figure drawing classes (5-8pm) once a week, in which we hire a local model that comes in to our office. (i'll post some sketches from these classes at some point)

anyway-- as for me, i try and find time to practice, at least 3-4 days a week-- drawing from reference books, etc.. i plan on posting these studies here for you to view.. most of my studies are 45 second and 60 second poses (nothing longer than 90 seconds) -- and this is great practice for studying weight/form, etc.. these studies are done both digitally and in my sketchbook using mostly pencil (although i will use ink washes, charcoal, etc.. as well)

more to come-- check back!

Blog title changed

as you may notice, i switched my blog name/title to 'Chad W Greene' and no longer am using my online artist nickname, 'Artsy Fartsy'..

the reason being that i have been reading a lot of articles/ediorials and talking to others about the importance of building your identity as YOURSELF.. and i want my artwork to be synonymous with Chad W Greene and not Artsy Fartsy

nevertheless-- it's still ME! :)

i have also registered a website: www.chadwgreene.com and i'm the process of building it up to be focused on my fine art exclusively (it won't have my illustrations or professional CG work) and will be used on business cards and communication with galleries, collectors, etc.. stay tuned for that!

Cheers!

Chad

'Inside the studio' -- art studio pics

I just love seeing photos of artist's studios.. it's nice to see where they create their masterpieces and what their space is like.. as for mine, it's in the basement of my home (wish it were above ground-- with Northern light windows.. but it is where it is and it works out well for me! ..maybe someday i'll have the dream studio! :)

Here are a few pics of my art studio.. (more to come-- i plan on taking a 360 pano pic as well)

size of studio is approx 12x24 and has a bathroom/sink as well


(Above) one view of the corner of my studio; you can see the
painting, 'Cherries' on the easel



(above) misc props on my shelf



(Above) just finished this painting, 'Peppers,' mixed media, 18x24



above - 'tools of the trade' (oils and oil pastels)

Artist Spotlight - Feng Zhu

Feng Zhu is a concept artist/designer that has been working professionally for over 11 yrs now -- working on games, films and other forms of entertainment and industrial design (for companies such as: Microsoft, Electronic Arts, Sony, Activision, Industrial Light+Magic, NCSoft, Warner Brothers, Lucasfilm, Bay Films, Epic Games, and many other top studios)

He also started his own design school -- http://www.fengzhudesign.com/ which has tons of good information/training, etc.. i especially want to point you to his videos, which are streamed from YouTube, in which he discusses student works and how to make them better..



check out his artwork/portfolio here: http://www.fengzhudesign.com/portfolio.html

check out his design school here: http://www.fengzhudesign.com/index.html

check out his YouTube training/insight videos here: http://www.youtube.com/FZDSCHOOL

New Artwork: "Embracing our differences" - by Chad Greene

Just completed this last night. This is going to be part of a series of Abstract Expressionist paintings that i'm working on for a gallery showing.

(click the below image to see a larger sized version)

"Embracing our differences" - by Chad Greene


i have been working on this particular piece for about a month (at nights, on weekends, etc) -- and i'm really excited over the results-- i may be on to something! As with most expressionist pieces, it started out very sub-conscious-- just laying down color/values.. then it started to take shape/form.. somewhere in the creation process i started seeing figures emerge and worked on bringing meaning to the central part of the image (figure embracing other shapes). i particularly like the amount of texture and how it works with the shapes and color.. and how each area of the image gives the eye something to rest upon and study.

i had a lot of fun working on this--- sort of 'art therapy' for me, since it's so different from my usual style(s) and from my 'day job!' working on computers all day, making video games!

stay tuned for more! ..and thanks for viewing!

Chad