“Petal Power.” (c) 2015 Michael J. Barnes. (click to view full sized image)
To my regular followers, I know, I posted a similar image last year. I made a decision to redo this image. I decided to brighten it up, push in more color, and basically give it a more “painted” appearance. Petal Power is the first of a series of images I am developing that I have called the Gang of 8.
Here’s the story: I’ve decided to create a series of images involving ultimately eight child characters (five boys and three girls). These child characters will live in the same neighborhood, and decided to form their own group named “The Gang of 8.” Their mascot, a friendly purple octopus named Fred. Through this, and future images, The Gang of 8 will go on a series of adventures – both real and imaginary. It is my hope that these images will help promote imagination, If anything, it’s helping me reconnect with my imagination.
In this image, a little girl (who I have named “Jenny”) is simply taking her puppy and dolly for a bike ride.
I am currently in the process of reworking the second image of this series, Radio Rocket Flyers, and will post it later this week. Keep a lookout for future illustration in this series as I will be releasing them as soon a I complete them.
Thanks for your time.
“Colonial Home,” (c) 2015 Michael J. Barnes. (Click to view larger image)
My latest illustration is a bit of a departure from what I have been posting recently. I was searching through the Internet recently when I came upon a photo that caught my eye. I decided I wanted to draw it up.
This 12″ x 18″ digital illustration is of a recently renovated 19th century home located in Pennsylvania. As I wrote previously, the original photo of this house just caught my eye. What caught my eye was the colorful roof tiles, and shape of the house… not to mention the overall shape of the house… I just felt that this would be a fun piece to draw.
Full size detail. (c) 2015 Michael J. Barnes.
I also figured that by drawing this up, it may open up a new avenue to pursue in marketing my work. So, if you’d like a similar illustration of your home, building, office, whatever, please contact me.
Full size detail. (c) 2015 Michael J. Barnes.
The above two images display the full resolution of this piece. My idea was to create an image with a more “painterly” feel. As final touch, I added a canvas/varnish layer effect to create a “painting” piece. You can view the original photo I based this image on here. So, this is my latest piece. Let me know what you think.
“The Defiant One.” (c) 2015 Michael J. Barnes.
There is one good thing about being out of work: I have had a lot of time to discover various styles and techniques. With that said, I have finally discovered a cartooning style that I like and think I will continue to use.
This piece I have names The Defiant One. This political cartoon depicts President Obama’s recent announcement of his “need” to bring out his veto pen even before the new congress began its new session. In this illustration, Obama wields his Veto Pen to fend off the offense of bill swinging Republican congressional leaders, while Congress Minority Leader Pelosi offers the President her favor.
For this illustration, I pulled out a piece of software I haven’t used in a while… Corel Painter. I hope you like it.
“Porky.” Creature Concept. (c) 2014 Michael J. Barnes. (Click to view enlargement)
My latest creature creation. This is “Porky.” I began this ZBrush sculpt on Halloween night because I was bored re-watching the same horror movie re-runs on TV. Also, I wanted to add to my Characters & Creatures Portfolio page. Porky is an herbivore, with multiple horns and tusks for protection from predators. Typically, I name my characters and creatures by pulling a name from my extensive database of names (i.e. the telephone white pages). However, when I started sculpting Porky, I realized the face was looking a bit porcine.
At any rate, Porky was created in ZBrush, with the final image produced in Photoshop. I hope you like him.
“Rover.” Creature Concept. (c) 2014 Michael J. Barnes.
I have completed my latest creature concept. “Rover” is now alive. I wanted to create a fierce-looking, completely alien creature (hence the four eyes and natural armor). While detailing Rover, I wanted to make him appear to have been in multiple battles so I added various scars and scratches. You can view the final detailing process in my latest video release of my sculpt.
Rover was created in ZBrush, with final composite produced in Adobe Photoshop. I hope you like him.
“Rover.” A creature sculpt work in progress. (c) 2014 Michael J. Barnes.
I have had a real urge to create fantastical creatures. I have also had a lot of time on my hands recently. This is “Rover.” He’s not quite done, just yet. Rover, here, is a ZBrush work in progress. I thought it would be a good idea to post my progress on the project as I progress. There is also a video to show the sculpt in progress.