GANTPANTS | BLOG

Gantpants the blog has a new home on Tumblr!

2011-08-30T13:20:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone! I have chosen to leave blogger in favor of Tumblr. Tumblr and behance (the platform for my website) offer me more integration between the blog and the portfolio, not to mention the added benefit of the huge art community already on tumblr, and the facility of posting. Also, it's a whole lot prettier.

Please update your google reader, or your RSS or what it is you use to follow me. My new blog URL is

http://gantpants.tumblr.com

BBQ Cook-off

2011-08-29T15:38:00.000-05:00

Just because i'm a super-famous ultra-successful illustrator doesn't mean I don't still have time for family. And because I'm neither super-famous or ultra-successful means I actually have a LOT of time for family. There is a grand old clubhouse in baltimore that is home to The Maryland Club. This year they will hold the second annual Maryland Club BBQ Cook-off. My brother-in-law, Wilson Taliaferro is the DEFENDING CHAMPION, naturally, and his BBQ is seriously the most amazing stuff ever. My dad, ever supportive of my sister and all the things she loves, including, of course, her husband, is rallying the troops to support Wilson. It would not be surprising if he won again, but to make sure the world knows how much we all love his seasoned, smoked, shredded pork slop, Dad is having a party, and I think there might be "team wilson" aprons printed.

This is the announcement, so far. Dad is on vacation so he won't get back to me right away on whether he likes it. I think it's pretty sweet, but it's not quite finished yet. The generalized background needs some work, and I think I want to add some more awkward-looking grill masters.

Things I Look At 08|19|11

2011-08-19T08:20:00.002-05:00

My really talented friend Philip Cheaney is getting some love over at the portfolio website Altpick.com. Go ogle his gorgeous drawings. Philip and I did the SVA MFA Illustration as Visual Essay program together. His final thesis was a beautiful illustrated version of the classic love story Tristan and Isolde. The bonus: the illustrations are animated in the iPad edition.

All of Philip's work is beautiful, with a careful sense of design and great attention to detail. It helps that his color is always rich and natural. There has never been a time when I looked at Philip's art and wondered why he had done something. So check him out here at his website, and here for his
http://altpick.com/cheaney">altpick page. And remember to say hello, illustrators need love, yo.

Since SVA Philip has done some cool editorial stuff as well. I particularly liked this one called "manic mechanic".

The fact that the title is a reference to Rocky Horror makes me chuckle, but the piece has a sense of charming silliness to it, not to mention the concept is pretty great. Giant mechanic, or teeny tiny bike? Plus, look at how that hand breaks the frame. And that rich black. Sexy. Hooray!

Another Valley of the Dolls drawing

2011-08-18T12:13:00.002-05:00

Here's another with Sharon Tate's character Jenny.

"I am looking for someone with your..."
"Measurements"
"Yes. French women tend to be flat-chested."

The quote is totally paraphrased. I forgot to write it down, and I don't feel like going and finding the time stamp or whatever. Anyway, that's the gist of it.

"Boobies, boobies, boobies. Nothin' but boobies. Who needs 'em?" - Neely O'Hara

Drawings from Valley of the Dolls

2011-08-17T21:38:00.000-05:00

Watched a movie favorite tonight. Valley of the Dolls. Best camp classic ever. Did some drawings and wrote down the quote that goes with the scene. I have more coming of these, parts of the movie that I just downright love. Enjoy.

"Mother, I know I don't have any talent. And I know all I have is a body. And I AM doing my bust exercises. Goodbye, mother."

"Ted Casablanca is not a fag"

"I haven't snitched milk since I was a kid in Pittsburgh. There were six of us and I never got enough."

Man And Ball Magazine pt 2

2011-08-17T12:29:00.001-05:00

The new issue is out tomorrow. If you're into soccer/football you'll want to download it. The price is a reasonable 2 bucks, and the articles and stories are pretty interesting, even if you're like me and really don't know the first thing about 'footy.' I enjoyed working with Jude Ellery. He was very easy to work with and had some great feedback.

The artwork is up in my portfolio, so go check it out. The writers for this magazine really are top-rate though. You can download your copy tomorrow at Man and Ball dot com. Here are some sketches from the illustrations.

Rupert Murdoch for Man and Ball Magazine

2011-08-13T14:08:00.001-05:00

I did this portrait of Rupert Murdoch, as well as 7 more illustrations, for the second issue of Man and Ball Magazine. You will be able to download the entire magazine for a small price (about 2 USD) starting, i think, the 18th.

Thanks to Jude Ellery for another great gig. Make sure you stop by and download the issue, there are some really interesting articles and stories, all focussed on soccer... er, sorry Jude, I mean football.

Postcards!

2011-07-27T22:41:00.000-05:00

They are up and viewable in their very own portfolio on my webpage www.gantpants.com. Check it out!

Postcard Contest Winners

2011-07-16T10:48:00.001-05:00

Congrats to the winners of the postcard contest! Your cards will be in the mail in about two weeks!

Winners:
Elizabeth baddeley
Alice delaney
Sarah acconcia
Katharina Prassl
Megan Piontkowski
Derek Daughton
Dane Pressner
Danielle swain
Brian Sekinger
Ryan Hartley

Green-Wood Cemetery Adventure

2011-07-12T16:52:00.000-05:00

Today, after a restless day yesterday, I decided to finally go explore Green-Wood cemetery, which is across the street from my apt. It is a huge historic cemetery, a former battle ground (Battle of Brooklyn during the War of Independence) and final resting place to New York's notables, past and more recently passed. I saw the graves of people like Louis Comfort Tiffany, the Whitney family mausoleum - which is beautiful and very impressive - Peter Cooper, the founder of the Cooper Union and one of New York's first philanthropists, as well as interesting and beautiful monuments to less well-known but evidently very well-loved people. Here are some sketches from my first trip through the site. I hope to get in some more trips there this summer, of course with my sketchbook in hand.

the view down 23rd Street right outside my front door.

a more focussed view of that lovely lady-of-the-harbor

Tiffany

I think I expected something more ornate when I finally found the Tiffany marker. This was the complete opposite, but I found this polished black marker to be really refreshing and beautiful in its simplicity. Besides, it would be hard to compete directly with the monumental art he created when he was living. Why attempt the comparison, right?

I just found this monument interesting. The family name is BEARD (which is similar to my mother's family name BEAR) but they have a BEAR- cast in bronze - perched up on top!

The Peter Cooper family plot is really gorgeous. I got pulled in by the full area. I was concerned about the effect the black ebony pencil might have on the way the environment looked and so I had to start avoiding marks that might convey a "haunted graveyard" look. I think I was able to get a pastoral sense across. I've been thinking about going back with a small pallette of gouaches. I've never painted on site with gouache, only with oils. It would be a fun challenge maybe, and could offer a chance to really illustrate the lushness of the area.

RuPaul's portrait

2011-07-07T16:30:00.000-05:00

Just for fun I thought I would do a "Birth of RuPaul" after a Birth of Venus piece. Here is a sketch. I've had to model the pose myself, since RuPaul is not a biological woman. All of the Venuses have slender shoulders, and part of the magic of RuPaul's illusion is how she creates a tiny waist from having broad shoulders (i think? please correct me if I'm wrong).

I have broad shoulders, but certainly not that fabulous figure. Anyway, i'll be making plenty of anatomy up for this one. HA I just hope it looks like her in the end.

BTW This is NOT adult content. It is art. If you are offended because there's a naked booby, you need to grow up and get over it. I really wanted to say that, I don't actually think anyone is going to get upset. I mean, cmon, there are WAY scarier things on the internet than a tit with a shell on it. ha!

The Stonewall Inn and Same-Sex Marriage Equality.

2011-06-25T09:54:00.001-05:00

Last night was a huge night for New York, because legislation was passed allowing for the legal recognition of same sex marriages. I started following on Twitter, and suddenly I couldn't stand to be in my apt any longer and fled Park Slope for Greenwich Village and The Stonewall Inn. I knew that I had to be at the birthplace of the Gay Rights movement in America when history was made, no matter the outcome of those votes. I simply couldn't stand the idea of being at home and missing what was happening at that historic and important place.

I am planning on a little comic to express my experience last night, but for your viewing pleasure today I have a few sketches that I did. All of those pictures of the handsome young guys? well I was standing next to the photographers who were taking those pictures. My friends John and Mike are in most of them, so you can imagine me standing and facing them, sketching manically trying to get SOMETHING down that expressed the excitement and the absolute electric feeling in the room. I don't think these drawings could ever express anything close to the energy I felt, but I hope it will give some idea about the kind of tension that existed on the faces of the men and women in the room, finding out if they would be able to marry their beloved partners.

Wow

2011-06-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

Thanks to a crazy feeling of urgency and an approaching deadline - along with the fact that i have 7 MORE ILLUSTRATIONS TO DO ON THIS PROJECT BEFORE THE 28TH - I was somehow able to ride an adrenaline wave and crank this sommabitch out in FOUR HOURS. FOUR HOURS? YOU SAY? WTF IS THAT? Crazy, that's what. But now you know that I can do it, and I will do it for you. And I will accept payment in cash, check, or credit, darling. I am tired now, and going to bed.

An African fan of the Arsenals (a British football club)

Things I look At - June 10th, 2011

2011-06-10T11:44:00.000-05:00

DERRICK DENT is pretty awesome.

Also, his name is Derrick Dent. I mean, seriously that is so cool.

NEWS

2011-06-08T12:11:00.000-05:00

First, my blog is now viewable on mobile devices in a way that doesn't look awful. What I mean to say is, thanks to Blogger's new settings, my blog will look GREAT on your iPhone, iPad, Crackberry, Droid, Robot, Phone-a-vision, or whatchamacallit.

Second, I am the 'member focus' today on Altpick.com! Yay for me! Go look at my work and call me and commission work and let's get this party started uh huh uh huh.

Third, I had a really great time last night at the Fortuny Showroom in midtown last night at the book launch party for interior designer Barry Dixon's beautiful new book "Inspirations" available here at Amazon.com. The Fortuny fabrics inspired me to start plugging away at repeat patterns and surface design again. Also I would like to cover my apt with them. Unfortunately I'm not quite at a point in my life where that is feasible.

Presenting Mx Justin Vivian Bond

2011-06-07T16:17:00.000-05:00

I've been working on this one for a while. I'm pretty happy with how it has turned out! I hope V sees it :)

Justin Vivian Bond is a trans entertainer, performing with the likes of tk, tk, at The Bowery Ballroom, the Castro Theater, and even the Sydney Opera House. I was inspired by Justin V. Bond's complete ownership of v's identity. In addition to being an award nominated entertainer (Kiki and Herb, John Cameron Mitchell's Short Bus, and tons of songs) v has been an outspoken advocate in the Queer community, particularly on behalf of transgendered people. V is a real jewel in the queer community and an example to follow. You can visit Justin's website here.

By the way, if anyone wants to send me Justin's album Dendrophile, don't hesitate! I would love to have that in my collection.

I'VE BEEN BLOGGED!

2011-06-07T15:47:00.000-05:00

Haha, it's true. Here are some links to blogs that have included me recently. Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to look and pass the word on!

The22Magazine

Signature Illustration Blog

The cloisters!

2011-06-06T08:39:00.001-05:00

Yesterday Danny Jones, Angelo Alcasabas and I headed to the cloisters. I sat across from this trainer on the first leg of the trip and had to draw him.

Here are some more characters on the A train:

And here are some pictures from the Heather Garden at the Stan Michelson promenade.

The Cloisters was really amazing. I wish I had taken a watercolor kit, but I will have to do that another time. Here are some more pictures from our excursion.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

LIVING THE DREAM, Y'ALL.

2011-06-03T13:25:00.000-05:00

Some recent sketches from the THE BOOK. THE BOOK OF LOVE of drawing...

Waiting for the late-night R at De-Kalb station

He moved his face. I like this one a lot.

This guy was a total Mr Wilson (dennis the menace)

BTW I'm totally listening to Pet Shop Boys right now and trying to find a day job. HAHA. Oh to be a twenty-something in New York.

BRUCE VILANCH IS THE MODERN MOTHER OF COMEDY

2011-05-26T17:34:00.000-05:00

According to me, anyway. He is also the first victim in my series of portraits of queer entertainers. Mr Vilanch is hilarious, and very intelligent. He helped launch Bette Midler's career and they have become good friends, and he has written plenty of material for Billy Crystal (in the left arm). Bruce Vilanch is a writer for the Academy awards, and has written for tons of standup acts, sitcoms, and wrote and starred on Hollywood Squares for a number of years. He was also one hot mama as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray - I saw it with his Edna, and that's one of the reasons I like him so much. He did justice to Divine, but in a wonderfully Bruce way.

Mama Bruce, with babies Billy Crystal and Bette Midler

Things I look at 5-19-11

2011-05-19T14:28:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure where his name came up, but it may have been at my internship, or maybe I was looking through a magazine. Tomi Ungerer, however is a genius artist and his images are striking. Sometimes they are beautiful and sometimes they are vulgar and frightening but he has a courage in his art to speak his mind and make a strong statement.

Covers for the Paris Review

oooh

He has made political posters, editorial images, fine art, and children's' books - including one of my favorites, The Three Robbers.

examples of his children's book art

He spoke in an interview about using mature ideas in his children's books and how he does not believe that children should be talked down to. Kids understand a lot more than most adults give them credit for. I agree, but I also think bluntness can be acceptable with an adult, while a children's book should present the same concept more poetically. Of course, Tomi Ungerer does that - his work is poetry.

This feels to me a little like Otto Dix or James Ensor

naughty, but what a statement (STDs maybe?)

More Location Drawings

2011-04-28T18:44:00.000-05:00

New Location Drawings

2011-04-26T21:56:00.000-05:00

I have so many new ones of these. I'll scan them as I put together my book for my drawing class. It will be around 12 - 14 i think, but i'm not even sure how many I have. These are from the area on Broadway around Battery Park (financial district).

It was weird weather because leaves were starting to come back but everyone was still in coats. Also WINDY wowzers.

I was really happy to draw on the bigger sketch book. I am reluctant to take it on location because it's heavy and bulky, but the larger pages allow me to feel a little more freedom when I'm drawing. I tend to slow down for some reason.

Then I did this...

2011-04-13T21:37:00.002-05:00

I needed a break from thesis-ing today so I made a new repeat pattern. You can download this version for your computer background if you want :)

"Awfully Stuffy, hmm Margaret?"
"Quite so, dahling George"

It's not available to buy yardage on Spoonflower yet, but as soon as I have the time I'm going to hop on and get some samples to proof. Let me know if you're interested and I'll get there faster!

Things I Look At 4-13-11

2011-04-13T16:23:00.000-05:00

Thomas Ehretsman is a featured artist today on Behance.net. Normally I pass through most of that artwork and sort of nod and say "cool" but his illustrations really hooked me.

I love how mysterious his situations feel and the beautiful arrangement and stylizations. His work feels like a throwback to art deco, and also to representational surrealist Magritte. His sophisticated use of paint to express light AND mood in the same stroke reminds me of the artists from the 50s and 60s. This work is the kind of work that has me hoping that we're on the cusp of the next Golden-Era of Illustration, like the one between the first world war and the 70s .

Thomas Ehretsman on Behance.net

Sketches in class

2011-04-12T17:31:00.001-05:00

Makin sketches in class

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:W 22nd St,,United States

You guys

2011-04-12T16:20:00.002-05:00

Seriously you guys. I can't believe I finished this today. I wanted it finished for my (tentative) crit with David Saylor. And I did it. Wowee!

Things I look at 4-11-11

2011-04-11T15:39:00.001-05:00

Here are some exceptional selections I have come across recently from old (ancient!) New Yorker issues from the 30s through the mid-century.

Johan Bull from the late 1920s

Peggy Bacon from 1929

Peggy Bacon

Peggy Bacon 1940

Ralph Barton

I want to follow up on these artists and see if I can find other publications where their work appeared, particularly Ralph Barton and Peggy Bacon. Ms. Bacon's drawing style really appeals to me, with its looseness and confidence. If anyone has any leads about these artists, let me know!

In progress

2011-04-08T19:35:00.002-05:00

Yeah... it turns out my thesis is also all about sex. Go figure.

Sex on the ... GREMLINS

2011-04-07T22:03:00.000-05:00

Here we go. This is the sketch and a color study for the watercolor/painting/drawing that will result. Woop woop

New work in progress

2011-04-06T13:48:00.001-05:00

this is a crappy likeness but it's supposed to be a self portrait. with bonus sex monkey demons!

Yum we think you are delicious and sexy!

What the shiizzzzz is that?

2011-04-04T22:47:00.000-05:00

Yeah I'm lookin' atchoo. Smellin yo ears. Mhmm. Gettin' allllll drooly and ish.

Girl, I don't even know what my brain is up to these days, but I sure as hell don't like it. What am I supposed to do with this garbage?

added some drawing, and fixed the color.

2011-04-04T19:05:00.002-05:00

My Night with the Incubus
for real this time, y'all

My Night with the Incubus

2011-04-02T17:50:00.000-05:00

My Night with the Incubus
Mixed media on paper
18x24 inches

Three new pages for Red Party in progress

2011-03-26T16:50:00.002-05:00

Coming together I hope... but still a lot more to do. AAAAAAAH

Um

2011-03-25T20:35:00.000-05:00

There's this drawing... And now I have to keep going for more thesis stuff. RARGH. Discuss amongst yourselves.

New work in progress

2011-03-22T19:21:00.000-05:00

It is important to me that my work is always pushed to its very best, and so I am now reworking the pieces produced for Metamorphosis to bring them up to my own high standards. When I develop a series the pieces have to develop as a body, which means reworking older pieces for consistency and to keep with themes as they change and evolve. In this case the pieces called for color, and I wanted for them to be colored by hand and not digitally. That meant I had to start them all again with a base of color rather than working back in. Although that is daunting, the end result is worth it, plus it gives me an opportunity to revisit the piece one more time and try to work out all of the other problems I encountered the first time around. Without exception all of the work improves with each pass. Here is an improved image, and another in progress! (and they're in consecutive sequential order!)

I added painted elements (the faucet and its reflection) which is something i want to carry through in my other illustration work

So many edits to make

2011-03-18T19:50:00.001-05:00

I presented my thesis project to my class this past Tuesday, and now I have a huge pile of edits to make, as well as a LOT more drawings - around twelve to fourteen. Yippee!

Most of all my classmates were interested in seeing how I use color, and we all agreed that it would be more fun to have originals with hand-applied color than the digital alternative. So off I go into uncharted territory with Windsor and Newton dye-based watercolour inks. I chose dye-based inks because they react to bleach, which can be really fun - drawing back into the color with bleach to pull out highlights, or using them with pigment-based colors for layering.

look at that scowl, wouldja?

Here is the first piece to be altered with color, and I am pretty pleased with the outcome. It was tricky and a lot of adjusting had to happen, but I think it adds to the mystery and magic of what I'm trying to make. While I was working on this one I got to playing with different sorts of resists, under the supervision of another student here, Elizabeth Baddely. She helped me with salt resists which are AMAZING. I'm maybe a little obsessed with sprinkling salt on my watercolors now. It's almost as satisfying as salting slugs.

Today is glorious

2011-03-18T13:43:00.001-05:00

I have been waiting for spring for so long, and even though the weather today is not going to last through the week, it reminds me that it will become so regular that i'll be ready for fall again come August. Hooray!

I went to the Union Square Farmers' Market today and drew with my little camp stool (which is a must if you plan on doing sustained drawing for and hour or more).

the North West Corner of Union Square, farmers' market

After I drew this, I ate two hot dogs and took a short walk. I can't imagine a better way to spend a day, unless I also was fishing. I love fishing.

Earlier this month I drew just south of the Flatiron building. These drawings will be included in a small book about spots along Broadway that interest me. Accompanying the drawings will be little blurbs about the history, cultural significance, or interesting facts about each spot along that fancy old road.

Broadway at E 21st St, looking N

Another for Metamorphosis

2011-03-13T20:48:00.000-05:00

Another page. Another PIECE OF THE PUZZLE ZOMG

More more more!

2011-03-10T22:31:00.000-05:00

Eventually I guess I have to put these in order. But there are still more to come and then I'll post them on GPGL. In the CORRECT order. Until then, use your brains and put them in whatever order you want :)

i think this is, like, page three or something...

Things I look at - March 10 2011

2011-03-10T14:28:00.001-05:00

You know who keeps bringing it? It's another one of my MICA buds (anyone notice a theme here?), and her name is Andrea Kalfas. Maybe you've heard of her. If you haven't yet, you will soon. She has a great hand in her work and you can really see her personality. I love her way of making serious things fun, and then also keeping the depth and gravity in her subject matter when it's appropriate. Very versatile. Publish her. Lots.

My second little bit of yum is friend-of-mine and a great comic booker Nathan Bulmer. You can read his hilarious - and smart - comics on his blog Eat More Bikes. A couple of examples are below.

more for the Metamorphosis book

2011-03-09T21:06:00.001-05:00

Yeah, I titled it. It's either that or Transformations. I dunno. Whatevs I got time, dawg. Quit rushin me.

page 5? oh geez i don't even know...

New self portrait

2011-03-01T19:42:00.003-05:00

Here are two new self portraits - part of the same series as the post below. Tell me what you think!

Something I'm playing around with

2011-02-26T21:58:00.000-05:00

I'm working on a series of self-portraits based around transformation and the struggle to find my own identity. Here is one of the portraits in color-study. I have no idea if it will look anything like this at final or not.

Things I look at: Feb. 23

2011-02-23T18:38:00.001-05:00

I've decided I need to expand this blog to include the things that inspire me and keep me making art. So here we go.

These little prints by my former classmate Elizabeth Graeber on etsy are adorable and I can imagine they would be perfect framed and hanging in a cute living room nook somewhere.

so cute!

Pay her store a visit, she has very charming illustrations that she has lovingly printed onto greeting cards, made into coloring books, and lots of other little gifty things. Her website is here.

I'm always sort of nuts about Donald Ely's work.

hey girl

Donald's colors make my eyes bulge with pleasure, and I always feel like shaking my thang when I see his drawings. You can buy posters of his work on his Society6 page, and be sure to check out his online portfolio.

Sparkle Fever

2011-02-22T13:05:00.005-05:00

My friend Jenn Fever at the blog Sparkle Fever wrote a really nice post about my work. Thanks, sweetypoo! Check it out, errbody.

While you're there you should really check out the rest of Sparkle Fever. Jenn has done a fantastic job of curating interesting internet finds, along with fun craft projects, exciting personal adventures, and beautiful photography. I feel sort of honored that my work cuts the mustard - but it might just be that I wear bow ties... ;)

One new, one newish.

2011-02-22T11:20:00.000-05:00

The bullies piece is recolored. I think it is more of a statement now, on a group persecuting someone for being "different".

This piece is about conjuring up past experiences in therapy and is meant to be somewhat surreal or dream like. I think I like the colors, but i'm not sure. The monster under the chair refers to a painting in progress about a rape that occured some years ago, and the painting in the background is Henry Fuseli's 'The Nightmare' from the late 19th century.

Drawing on the subways

2011-02-20T17:05:00.002-05:00

First draft

2011-02-19T20:29:00.000-05:00

Now that I have finished (?) this draft I realized there are some major shortfalls. This piece is supposed to be about my past staying with me, and the setting is a therapy session. The symbols from my past are all too subtle (the apples on the table, the fuseli painting on the wall, and the drag queen/therapist) and so in the next piece it will all be pushed harder. the monster from the fuseli piece will actually be creeping under my chair, and i want to have an overwhelming number of apples piled around me. Natually, the drag queen will read more as a drag queen, and she'll be holding a notepad to symbolize her role as therapist as well.

Onward and upward!

James - U.S. Army

2011-02-17T13:00:00.002-05:00

I impressed the nice lady sitting next to me with this one, which left me feeling very good (thanks for the warm comments!) I struggled a little with finding the beret, but I think it turned out as a good likeness.

She is an actress

2011-02-17T12:52:00.002-05:00

At a midtown conservatory. But I can't remember the name.

uptown 6 train, maybe tuesday last week?

Furry Bundle of Love

2011-02-16T22:36:00.005-05:00

Thinking about making these available as posters. Let me know if you might want one!

Efi's portrait

2011-02-16T19:01:00.000-05:00

Hooray Efi!

I'm not sure if i'm a fan of the current Chanel

2011-02-14T17:53:00.000-05:00

I sort of feel like Karl is getting too far from Coco. But I guess that's his prerogative. Oh, and this was done from a Chanel advertisement in Vogue, but whatever. It's a sketch.

Emergency Birthday Card

2011-02-10T10:50:00.002-05:00

Drawn in sharpie on genuine New Yorker envelope. Worth around 5000 in my opinion. Oh, and that's fabio. with baby feet.

New Bullies

2011-02-01T19:13:00.000-05:00

Some friends gave feedback and encouraged me to rework the background with an inkwash. I'm so glad they did. The finished piece I think is that much more powerful and the composition was helped out a lot by the natural way ink moves itself around. Thanks to Jordan Jeffries and Taryn Egan for the tips!

bullies

2011-01-27T20:33:00.002-05:00

I'm not certain how to deal with the thesis blog so for now I'm switching back to this one. I will continue to use Gpgl, but have to figure out really what I'm doing. Maybe it just becomes my regular art blog? i dunno. whatever.

Talk talk talk

2011-01-22T14:24:00.000-05:00

Kim Kight at True Up, the fabrics blog, picked up my Anne fabric (colors by Lamont S. Bryant)! Anne is available to purchase at Spoonflower.net. And don't worry, Kim, the experimentation with surface design is only just beginning. There is LOTS more where that came from.

Gantpants' Gay Life launched

2010-12-21T15:07:00.000-05:00

I posted my first illustrated story as a part of my thesis today on Gantpants' Gay Life. Please, go check it out! I feel very strongly about the body of work i am creating for this project, and would love to hear your comments.

Grand Central Terminal

2010-12-10T19:19:00.000-05:00

This piece is going to be on the GCT facebook page! Hooray! I'll post a link later. This will also be my New Year 2012 promotion image, and will be treated for color soon, so check back again later for that.

Grand Central Terminal 12-10-10

Back at Spoon/tbsp on W20th

2010-12-09T21:56:00.001-05:00

I think the lady in the middle might be a frenemy...

I went back to Spoon for lunch today and drew a few ladies lunching together.

W 21st St at 6th Ave

2010-12-09T21:44:00.003-05:00

W 21st St at 6th Ave

I'm going to play around a little bit with some spot color on this piece. I'm really excited to be able to use this sort of artwork in my thesis, in conjunction with comics, more editorial/conceptual work, and whatever else i can throw in. I feel good!

drawing on location

2010-12-03T15:58:00.000-05:00

At Spoon

Spoon and Tbsp 12-03-10

And 145 Antiques

145 Antiques

Both are between 5th and 6th Avenues on W 20th Street. Thank you to the folks for letting me draw! I'll be back soon to finish up. There will be three drawings from each location on the block, I'll add more to this blog as I complete them. Each drawing takes me about 10 to 20 minutes, depending. I'm fast :)

Inky

2010-11-30T21:58:00.000-05:00

My experiments with ink wash and gouache, and pencil, and charcoal, and anything else gray or black i can put on paper have led me to this happy little piece. This is for a client, and I am pleased to say that I am really excited about it. I have started doing some digital color studies and They look really great under the ink. I will continue to poke around. You all should see a final tomorrow!

New pattern for my thesis

2010-11-19T22:10:00.001-05:00

This was developed for the background of the upcoming blog that will accompany my thesis work. Things are getting close, folks! I'm hoping to have it launched sometime around the New Year. And then we'll off like a rocket. I will attempt to update the blog monthly when it finally gets going, and then hopefully I will be able to get it going twice monthly or more.

Anyway, here is my new repeating pattern (soon also to be available as a fabric from spoonflower.com). Feel free to download it and repeat it as your desktop wallpaper!

They're just rats, jeez.

Subway drawings

2010-11-16T16:57:00.001-05:00

I love taking my sketchbook on the subway. There is a healthy cross-section of New Yorkers, and people sit still long enough for me to actually get a good likeness. From now on, I am going to select pieces from my personal sketchbook to take to final. These will be pieces that I have drawn all over the city, and sometimes from when I travel. This one below is from a recent train ride up from Chelsea, back home on the Upper East Side. I'm pretty sure he knew I was drawing him while he read an electronics catalogue.

Thesis in progress

2010-11-10T18:51:00.000-05:00

The project is moving, and to prove it here is a lovely living room I have drawn with the express purpose of messing it up.

Soon: the launch of my Thesis Blog!

Anita

2010-10-27T19:18:00.001-05:00

I don't normally get political with my art, but a friend posted a video of Anita Bryant getting a pie in the face during her "don't-let-the-homosexuals-out-of-their-houses" period. He suggested we start pieing again, and I have to say, I'm ready. I will make boston cream, cherry, chocolate chess -- although what a shame to waste that on a jerk's face. I'll stuff this jerk's face with it instead. Anyway, Anita famously said "At least it's a fruit pie" after the stunt. It was supposed to be some kind of a slur against we fruits, but I have to agree. What if it had been a meat pie? I don't think she would have been so relieved.

Here is a portrait of the lovely, charming, and oh-so-sweet Anita Bryant.

THESIS WOWWEE

2010-10-21T11:47:00.000-05:00

I have a new project to work on. Specifically, it is my thesis. Under the guidance of Ward Sutton, I will be creating a fully illustrated guide to "anti-etiquette." I am interested in having it published as a regularly running column in a magazine such as T: The New York Times Magazine, W, Elle, Marie Claire, or Vanity Fair.

It will have splash illustrations like the one above (***IN FULL COLOR ZOMG!***), as well as spots helping viewers to follow the steps to a successful life as the new "enfant terrible."

Stay tuned for my new blog GantPants' Guide to Improper Behavior, which will launch as soon as I have enough content for a post -- it will be a couple of months out yet, but I'm still excited enough to post about it.

The Book Show

2010-10-14T11:25:00.000-05:00

The SVA Book Show came down today, and that was sort of sad. Luckily, though, it got some attention! Here is a post from Booktryst, a blog run by Nancy Mattoon, Stephen J. Gertz, and Cokie G. Anderson.

Booktryst

Art by me , Ryan Smith , Maria Goldfarb , Jungyeon Roh , Philip Bowles , and Ben Voldman were all featured in the post.

Oh No She Didn't

2010-10-07T16:48:00.002-05:00

Now that the Book Show is up (and coming down soon, y'all - better see it before the 13th) I have FINALLY gotten some time to start working on my thesis. Thank you to everyone who came to the reception, it was great to see you all, and I hope you enjoyed yourselves.

In other news, Clinton Kelly's book 'Oh No She Didn't' is available on Amazon.com as well as Barnes and Noble and other reputable and utterly fantastic book stores. Why do I care? Because Clinton deserves the attention, and because he gave me the pleasure of illustrating the book. I got to work with Clinton, his wonderful designer Jane Archer - who also contributed really fun illustrations - and Clinton's assistant Megan on the book. It was super fun, and I am very proud of the work.
Here are some pieces from the book:

Like I said I have started my thesis for my Masters in Fine Art degree. I'm working on an anti-etiquette book. It's an etiquette book in disguise as a guide to misbehaving in ways that will insure that no one will ever like you. I have lots of tips on this topic, mostly gleaned from observing the public at my job selling tickets at the Guggenheim, or just out and about in New York. There are a lot of rude people in the world.

Some sketches on rude behavior:

This shows "the Stink-face" stare: appropriate when showing extreme disaproval, particularly about another person's personal beliefs or appearance.

This illustrates the proper way to encourage your children to misbehave in a public setting. There are many options here, and can be adapted to suit the movie theater (jumping on seats), the grocery store (biting all of the fruit and putting it back), the gas station (making water on a neighboring car), and a friends house (breaking valuables and spitting out food)

Stay tuned for more bad advice, including cussing, discussing religion, passing gas, and behavior at table!

Chi Birmingham: "Life In These Old Bones Yet" available September 28th

2010-09-16T09:27:00.001-05:00

We're all getting ready for the SVA MFAI Book Show. The reception is Sept 28th at the SVA Gallery at 209 E 23 St NY. It will run from 6-8 on the 28th, but will be on view from the 23 to October 13th. Come by to see some great work, some of it funny, some of it beautiful, and all of it inspiring.

Chi Birmingham's book: "Life In These Old Bones Yet"

Book show progress

2010-09-15T15:07:00.002-05:00

I am busy framing in the studio, preparing for the SVA MFA Illustration book show! Look at all this stuff.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

SVA MFA Illustration as Visual Essay Book Show

2010-09-09T16:04:00.000-05:00

Come on come on come on! You want to see some good art? Yes! You want to meet some awkward, but glamorous and interesting illustrators? YES! So come to The Book Show? YES!

Book spots

2010-09-04T23:08:00.001-05:00

For my book, which is ALMOST FINISHED (two more spots, and then ONE ENTIRE COVER oh Jesus) I have beend doing these silly little spot illustrations. Here are some I did tonight. Which is your favorite?

I like to draw hands doing things.

2010-09-02T16:02:00.000-05:00

This is another new illustration for the book project. There is one earlier for the same story, but I decided it wasn't good enough. This is more in keeping with some of the other work I've done recently. I'm starting to notice patterns in my work, and apparently I really like drawing hands. Hands doing things. So if you want pictures of people doing things with their hands, from their own perspective, I'm your guy. Call me. Please. I want to draw some hands.

New book illustration

2010-08-25T15:19:00.013-05:00

Edit: I have added some nice textures in the piece, I think it brings some life to the drawing. I like working with these kinds of collaged elements. I compare working digitally this way to combining the three arts I love: painting, drawing, and printmaking.

There was one story that really wasn't sitting right for me in my book, so I cut it. It has been replaced with one that is FAR superior, a write-in from a woman who wants to know how to handle her husband, who has a bad habit of answering the door in various states of undress.

Back to Baltimore Weekend

2010-08-21T09:52:00.000-05:00

I'm back in Baltimore for the weekend. This is Daisy the bulldog. She is my roommate while I am staying at my parents' house. Perfect!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Caves Rd,Owings Mills,United States

New fabric on Spoonflower

2010-08-20T16:56:00.000-05:00

Spoonflower is a great tool for any pattern-heads out there. You can custom order yardage of your own designs, in different weights and with very nice quality printing. They also run contests regularly with a theme. The next contest is "tractors" so this is my entry:

You can click here to go to my spoonflower profile. Only three of the designs are available to the public right now, but more will be put up for sale soon. Check back!

Oh man

2010-08-17T15:11:00.000-05:00

I have kind of fallen off the wagon with blog posts, but here are some things I'm currently working on that you will see soon:

art inspired by the opera Intermezzo
a new movie review of the Caro/Jeunet movie Delicatessen
art inspired by Inception
new illustrations for my book project for SVA

These should start popping up here during the next month. So much to do!

GP

En plein air 2

2010-08-11T15:37:00.001-05:00

Here is what i finished today. I will make some edits at home. I will be glad to be out of the heat!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Washington Square N,New York,United States

En plein air

2010-08-10T17:28:00.001-05:00

Today I decided to make my second ever attempt at painting en plein air, at Washington Square Park.

I am pretty pleased with the results. I paint similarly to how I draw, starting very loose and then tightening and tightening as I work. This turned into a two day painting, and so i will be back out tomorrow. If you see me, be sure to say hi!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:E 96th St,New York,United States

New York in the Rain

2010-08-03T12:57:00.003-05:00

I took a cab home from Chelsea a week or so ago, due to an impending thunder storm (it ended up barely raining, but I was glad to be in a cab anyway). While it was actually raining, we passed St Bart's Cathedral on Park Avenue, and it was really something. It inspired this piece.

And here is the sketch:

Giovanna d'Arco

2010-07-03T00:14:00.002-05:00

Joan of Arc, inspired by the upcoming production of Giovanna d'Arco (Verdi) at the Naumberg Bandshell in Central Park. July 14 (fitting, since it's Bastille Day and all...)

Anyway, I'm planning on going, and figured, hey, I love opera, and I can draw okay, so I should do this... I think I've been a little conservative with this -- I wish it was more than just a portrait, and that it was a little more dramatic.

Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work

2010-06-30T17:43:00.000-05:00

Filmmakers Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg lift the veil from the glamorous life of a true comedy icon. Joan Rivers is hilarious, inspiring, and a trailblazer. The new documentary 'Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work' shows Ms Rivers as a hard working woman, fighting for relevance. Because of her hard work we are blessed with many women comics like Chelsea Handler and Kathy Griffin who follow closely in her footsteps.

The film focuses mostly on the current state of Rivers' career, which has hit a slow spot. Her play is panned in London, and doesn't make it to New York. She is about to go on Donald Trump's trashy competition show "The Celebrity Apprentice" (and win). We watch as she struggles to fill her calendar. During the course of filming she fires personal manager of thirty years Billy Sammeth when he 'disappears' for a number of months. He is now suing her for withholding compensation for services.

We are given the full story of how much work it is to stay on top. Ms. Rivers was recently interviewed by Terry Gross on Fresh Air. On the program she discussed her hyper work ethic.She challenged us all to watch Snooki from MTV’s ‘The Jersey Shore’ to see if she last ten years, saying that she does not do enough self-promotion to live in the industry.

This is an opportunity to learn. Ms. Rivers knows how to market herself; she is charming and sincere and wears her personality on her sleeve. She has no hidden agenda and no interest in b.s. This woman has done it all and intends to keep doing it. I took what she said to heart and after seeing the film plan to shift my marketing efforts into high gear (for better or worse). She should inspire self-employed artists everywhere.

Sketch for 'Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work'

2010-06-29T22:33:00.000-05:00

Working on a new piece on the new documentary "Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work."

Cool artist seeks awesome representation!

2010-06-16T12:55:00.000-05:00

Download the portfolio here!

Louise Bourgeois

2010-06-01T21:41:00.001-05:00

This woman was one of the greats. She is still a huge inspiration to me, and to many other artists. I was so shocked when I heard on NPR this morning that she had passed. Her artwork will continue to be important to people everywhere. I'm sorry I haven't seen more of her work in person, but lucky for us her work lives on and we will be able to continue to marvel at it for a long time.

Here is my little tribute to her.

Concerning Christina's new video 'Not Myself Tonight'

2010-05-27T08:39:00.004-05:00

I know this isn't really like me, to review a music video, or even discuss pop stars. But some things have come up in other reviews that I would like to address. There is a common misconception that Christina Aguilera is ripping off Lady Gaga in her new video for the single 'Not Myself Tonight.' This might be a chicken - egg issue. Christina was around and an established part of the popular music scene when Gaga was still singing on counter tops in the Village.

Both women are extremely talented, and I love watching and listening to them. Christina certainly doesn't need to rip anyone off. However her new video for the single Not Myself Tonight does pay homage to some famous vixens from the past. References I caught, and which have been in Aguilera's repertoire for some time, are Madonna, Marilyn Monroe, and Betty Page. I'm pretty sure where the Gaga issue comes in is the fetish gear: the diamond studded gag, ballet heels, and wild makeup.

If that is the case, couples everywhere are paying tribute to Lady Gaga every Saturday night. Gaga isn't fetish, and doesn't have a copyright on weird clothes. Bjork did it first, Christina did it first, Madonna did it first, and so did NIN and Marilyn Manson. But whenever the music reviewers see anything that strays anywhere close to a 90s club kid they all shriek Gaga. I know she's the girl of the hour, and like I said earlier, her music is pretty kickin. But let's face it, Christina is a genius all on her own, and if anything Gaga is pulling a lot more from Christina (not to mention many other former and current pop stars) than the other way around.

I think there is room for more than one fabulously talented blond on stage, folks. Let's not pit them against each other so soon.

Some sketchbook fun.

2010-05-13T13:55:00.000-05:00

Here are some pages from my sketchbook I have worked on. I do a lot of sketch work but most of it I deem to be not fit to look at. Sometimes I get some nice drawings though, and I like to work into them a little bit more just to see where it goes. It's a nice chance to experiment a little bit.

Reworked "late" piece.

2010-05-12T18:09:00.000-05:00

For the book project at SVA, I had done a piece about a lady who crashed her car into a bank trying to leave the parking lot. It was a real first-class problem. Make a deposit, get in a wreck, and all just trying to get to the hair-house.

I reworked it mostly to help it fit with the other pieces, and I am happy to have had the chance to add a little more humor to the piece. Enjoy!

New website!

2010-05-12T12:55:00.000-05:00

Just launched this morning. Check back for new work!
Get it!

New Pattern picked up on Spoonfollower Blog

2010-05-08T10:45:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone, check it out. Thanks to Susan, for posting my pattern!

The pattern is 'Anne' - named after my mother and sister - in cream. More colors will become available as I proof them and approve them for sale.

Take a look at http://www.spoonflower.com/ for other awesome printed fabrics, and start a store of your own!

Representation

2010-05-07T11:27:00.000-05:00

Yo ho! I have decided to start looking for representation with an agency. Anyone who has advice on what to look for, or what to look out for, it would be a big help. I am looking for someone who is good with advertising and books, but also editorial, surface design, and package design. Names on my radar are Riley Illustration, Rapp Art, Kate Larkworthy, Joanie Bernstein, and Morgan Gaynin. The Loud Cloud has a pretty awesome stable, and I'd love to be in there lineup too.

If any of you reps are listening, get ready to receive some samples from me. I'm putting together a PDF this week with some varied illustrations. I am ready to WORK!

If you have good tips on finding representation, please email me: gantpowell@gmail.com

Thanks!

New Orleans!

2010-05-02T07:54:00.002-05:00

I'm headed to New Orleans tomorrow, and I got a new little sketchbook just for the trip. Recently I have really gotten to like the Kunst and Papier books. They are made from really nice heavy paper, and take watercolors and gouache REALLY well. I have never had a sketchbook where I felt so confident putting heavy media like that on the page.

Pick one

2010-04-27T14:33:00.000-05:00

This website is amazing. It might also be one of the only reasons I am still awake today.

link

Superwowomg

2010-04-27T08:24:00.000-05:00

D'Nyce over at superwowomg blog picked me up a few posts ago. I just wanted to give her a backlink and a hollerrrr!

She has a great fashion/design blog, and you can see my pattern "Candace - cream" in her "patterns and prints" post on page 2.

Thanks D'Nyce.

more wallpaper

2010-04-21T16:39:00.002-05:00

This will also be available in baby blue and mint green. I will be adding line drawings of strawberries and birds to the larger "facets." It's loosely based on jewel facets, and I think strawberries, birds, and jewels go very well together.

EDIT: Instead of strawberries and birds, I will draw Cicadas. I just really want to do insects, maybe as a small homage to Charlie Harper's nature art, and the nature inspired designs of William Morris/Christopher Dresser.

Winner's Circle

2010-04-20T14:01:00.004-05:00

At the stick pony derby