Cornell Lab of Ornithology Part 3

Western Bluebird. The last of the 4 window clings illustrated at The Lab of Ornithology. 

To view Part 4, click on "Newer Post" below the comments.

Cornell Lab of Ornithology Part 2

Here is the 3rd window cling featuring the Black Capped Chickadee. Like the others, this was first drawn in graphite then scanned in to be painted digitally. Below are a couple of my process shots and the final window cling print in the end.

To view the Part 3, click on "Newer Post" below the comments.

Cornell Lab of Ornithology Part 1

"At the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, scientists, conservationists, engineers, educators, and students all work together for a common purpose: to understand birds and other wildlife, to involve the public in scientific discovery, and to use our knowledge to protect our planet." -- birds.cornell.edu

I started working at the lab on May 1st as a Bartels Science Illustration Intern. It was a great experience working with people who are passionate about what they do. For an artist, the lab provides a rare collection of resources to study the anatomy and behavior of a bird accurately.

The following are 2 of 4 window clings that I illustrated for the lab's promotional purposes. The American Goldfinch and the Rufous Hummingbird were first drawn in graphite, scanned and then painted digitally.

As you can see, the overall anatomy of the bird has changed. A common mistake is to give birds foreheads and necks. Two things that many birds don't have.

These illustrations were then printed on clear sticky plastic so they can be placed on windows. They glow a little when light passes through them. 

To view more of my work at Cornell, click on "Newer Post" below the comments.  

Portrait and Figure Drawing Practice

Here are a three studies I did a while ago focusing on a new drawing technique. Drawing is just as hard as painting, if not harder. Painting lets us cover up our mistakes with layers and layer of brushstrokes, saturated colors, etc. When drawing, on the other hand, it's easy to see an artist's process: the early line-work, eraser marks, accidental smudges, areas of success and areas of frustration. And thus it's easier to read an artist's personality. Something that Clifford Wun taught me.

Thanks for viewing!

I'm glad Spring is here!

The Red-tailed Hawk was started 2nd year in college as an acrylic painting. By the time the background landscape was done, I ran out of time and never picked it up again. Recently I repainted it digitally. I need more practice with landscapes. This is my first time painting one digitally.

This Great Horned Owl was done in graphite first then digitally colored over.

Macy's HQ

Near the end of 2013, I worked at Spaeth Design in NYC. My primary project was to illustrate 6 figures that would be used to create a life-size, interactive book for one of the Macy's Christmas Windows at Herald Square. Each figure represents an important decade in fashion history. The first is 1890's, then the 70's, 1910's, 40's and the 60's. After a month of character designs, I illustrated these figures in a cartoony, whimsical style. 

Some of the sketches from the concept development stage are below.

Each figure is then split in 3 and interchanges with the other figures. Check out the video below.

Digital Sketches

A couple of my practice/master-studies from a while ago. All digitally painted focusing on emulating natural media.