nu maria

while i like the "standard" dare detectives style, and it's (relatively) quick and easy for me, i never like the feeling that i'm locked in. so sometimes i try different styles, while keeping the characters still recognizable. maria:

this was obviously influenced by nico marlet, if you don't know who that is, then google him and shame on you. shame on us all.

2 bleu

SOLD

i might go back and ink this at some point

ps - as you can tell, sometimes i can't update the blog as quickly as twitter (although i'm more likely to write something "meaningful" here) so if you're in a buying mind, twitter in the morning will probably be the best bet.

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!

i just wanted to thank everyone at SCAD, from the faculty to the handlers to the students, for making this past trip so great. it was really inspiring seeing all the work, most of which was certainly better than when i was in school -- i even brought some of my old (terrible) art to prove it! the people, especially the people who grabbed me in the halls or came to the extra workshops and drawing jams, really showed a dedication that is impressive at any age.

anyone who didn't get to see me, or wants to follow up, or chat, feel free to email me ben(at)daredetectives(dot)com. just put "SCAD" or something in the subject, i get tons of spam. also, if you don't hear back, feel free to write again -- i love to talk to people but i'm busy, and i'm also a terrible human being. so don't worry about pestering me or anything.

i'm looking for some samples i got from DW for character composition and backgrounds/camerawork that i think could be helpful... one thing i noticed is that a lot of students (and probably a lot of other people out there, including younger-me, were light on the environments and how to use them. even in the most basic, making-it-easy-on-yourself way.

thanks again all! and cheers!

ben c

daily arts

hi all!

as some of you might remember from the drawing board, i used to post daily drawings. well, i still do semi-daily drawings, i just don't post them.

BUT NOW I DO. every day i'll post new art on twitter @bencaldwellart. if you're interested in any of them, you can email or tweet me... first come, first served.

first up is catwoman, inked on my favorite laser paper, $40 (includes any shipping or paypal fees). been trying to losen up, especially with inking... i get too prissy and worried about pretty lines. no more. so this was a fun test.

anyway, i may or may not also be posting the daily art here (haha, of course i am) so keep an eye out and cheers!

ben c

SOLD.

SCAD baby II: more scad

hi all! in case you didn't see the post right below this one (and who am i to judge?), i'll be at SCAD this weekend for the comics art forum.

what the post below didn't mention is that i volunteered to do extra workshops and port reviews during the forum!

extra. as in more.

so if my first workshop is filled up (and for my own vanity, i'm just going to assume that it is), keep a look out for another one! if you can't get the port review, check again! just remember; there are only 2 things in life that i love: drawing and talking about drawing*. so take advantage of it before i slip away into the swampy savannah night, like a bald-but-reasonably-talented-will-o-wisp!

more art for yer eyes!

*also, coffee rolls

SCAD baby!

hi all!

sometimes, i wish to impart my great wisdom to others.

sometimes, they are foolish enough to let me.

from feb 23-26 i will be at the savannah college of art and design, doing workshops, panels, and portfolio reviews. there will be other, realer artists there, including skottie young, mark schultz, and bernard chang (the full info is here). i did this a few years ago and it was great fun, really looking forward to doing it again!

i'll also be bringing tons of art, and maybe i can talk them into letting me do extra classes or something. last time, we set up an impromptu sketch party at the hotel one night...

so if you go to SCAD, sign up early! sign up twice! (what else are you doing with that second fake ID card, anyway?)

do it!

sign up now!

now.

even if your name is lisa and you would scream too much.

also: art!

narnia

been reading "the lion, the witch, and the wardrobe" to my daughters at bedtime lately. now they want turkish delight, and i have to be honest, i'm not sure that's a big thing in amish country.

some narnia pics from one of my old sketchbooks:

lucy and aravis

jadis (the white queen/witch)