Dan Dos Santos' Illustrations *UPDATE 10/26/10 >>> NEW PAINTING & NEW BLOG

[DSillustration]

>SCROLL DOWN FOR UPDATES<

Hey Guys,

I've been saving up some pieces for you.

Here is a new Magic: The Gathering piece.
This set doesn't release for a few days yet,
but Wizards posted this piece as a spoiler on their site so I can share it.
Oils on board, 9x12 inches.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/evershrike_low.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/evershrike_card.jpg


This is the cover for 'Bone Crossed', the fourth book in the Mercy Thompson series.
Oils on board 16x24 inches.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_bone_crossed-1.jpg


Next is the cover for 'Dead Reign', by Tim Pratt.
This is also the fourth in series.
I will have this on exhibit at San Diego Comic Con.
Oils on board 20x30 inches (with digital tweaks).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_dead_reign.jpg


This is the cover for a novel called 'Green' by Jay Lake.
It's a great story about a young girl who is sold in slavery and trained to be an assassin, ultimately meant to kill the man she is supposed to marry.
Oils on board 14x20 inches.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_green.jpg


Lastly, is a piece I did for the new Hellboy movie.
This was commissioned as the movie poster, but sadly, they decided to use a different image last minute.
Oils on paper with digital/traditional underpainting, 28x40 inches.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/dossantos_hellboy.jpg

A few details:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/hb_detail_1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/hb_detail_2.jpg

And the preliminary drawing prior to some massive revisions.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/hb_pencil.jpg

I will be at San Diego ComiCon again this year and will have many of these on exhibit.
Stop by Booth #4503 to see original art, demos, and a clip of my very soon to be released DVD.

>>>UPDATE 07.31.08<<<

Here is another Magic card from the same set.
Duskdale Wurm
Oils on Board, 9 x 12 inches.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/wurm_low.jpg

http://magic.tcgplayer.com/db/cards/16496.jpg


Aaron Fagerstrom, the brains behind every DVD Massive Black has released, was kind enough to load the trailer for my upcoming DVD to Youtube.
This was posted in the lounge, but I figured many may have missed it.
Music by my good friends, RATATAT.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IqjWP18hPHE&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IqjWP18hPHE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

>>>UPDATE 10.31.08<<<

Hey Everyone,
As usual, I am working on a ton of stuff that can't be shared publicly.
However, all that old stuff that I couldn't share before... now I can!

Here are a few new ones for you:

Here is an old one that I never posted.
At the time, I didn't like it much, but now I am growing fonder of it.
It for a book called "Cry Wolf" by Patricia Briggs and is a spin off of the tattooed mechanic series (hence the similar compositions).
I painted this one in 4 days while I was sick with the stomach flu...
Officially the hardest job I've ever done.
Oils on board, 12 x 16 inches.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_crywolf-1.jpg


This one is pretty recent and is for Tor books.
The 3rd in a series, it is for the novel "The Magician's Daughter" by Sam Butler.
Oils on board, 20 x 30 inches, with some digital color revisions in PS.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_magicians_daughter.jpg


Here are 2 for Wizards of the Coast's "DragonLance" line of novels.
I have actually done 5 of these so far, but can't share all of them yet.
Both are oils on board, 20 x 30 inches.

The Sellsword:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_sellsword.jpg

Renegade Wizards:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_renegades_alt.jpg


Here are some quick spot illos I did for a short story on Tor.com.
The story is called "A Water Matter", and takes place in the same world as the 'ninja girl' painting above.
A great little story, it can be read HERE (http://www.tor.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=story&id=7757)
These are all done digitally in PS.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_watermatter_1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_watermatter_2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_watermatter_3.jpg

To go along with the story, Tor.com also conducted a short interview with me.
For those interested, it can be read HERE (http://www.tor.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=blog&id=7468)

Lastly... the mandatory DVD update.
I have received word from MB that the DVD is completed and is on its way to production.
I watched a rough copy, and was incredibly impressed by how thorough the director/editor Aaron Fagerstrom was.
The DVD is a 2 disc set, and is 5 HOURS LONG!
I don't think it gets any more in-depth than that.
Ordering details coming soon.

Till next time!

>>>UPDATE 12.09.08<<<

Here is another piece for you guys.
This one is for issue #34 of Star Wars : Legacy

Mixed media on this one.
Most everything is oils, except for the water splashes and some intense dodging around the piece.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_legacy_34.jpg

I hope you enjoy it.

>>>UPDATE 02.17.09<<<
Hey Guys,
A small update for you.

Firstly, my instructional DVD is finally out.
This has been over a year in the works, but hopefully you'll find it worth it.
Click the banner at the top of the page for more info.

Also, here is a new oil painting for you.
It is the sequel to the wolf painting above.
It is for the novel titled "Hunting Ground", by NY Times Bestselling Author Patricia Briggs.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_hunting_ground.jpg

More updates soon!

>>>UPDATE 04.24.09<<<

Here's three more pieces for you guys.
As usual, all three are traditionally painted, using oils on board.

First, another installment of Mercy Thompson, but this time it's for a comic adaptation...
hence, the slightly more cartoonish look.

Mercy Thompson, Homecoming:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_homecoming.jpg

These next two are for White Wolf's Vampire series.
I have been wanting to share these two pieces FOREVER, but they didn't go public until very recently.
The female was painted as a demo at last years Illustration Master Class.

Ancient Bloodlines:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_ancient_bloodlines.jpg

Ancient Mysteries:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_ancient_mysteries.jpg

I've got a bunch more that I am anxious to share.
Till then!

****UPDATE 12.26.09****
Wow, it's been a really long time since I shared some stuff with you guys.
Here's a bunch of new ones.

This piece was for a juvenile book about a young Shinobi.
Surprisingly cool, and surprisingly accurate, historically speaking.
You just can't go wrong with ninjas.
Oils on board, 14x20 inches:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_nanashi.jpg

This piece is for a novel called "Touched By an Alien".
Sort of 'Men in Black' with a lot more sex.
Really fun piece.
Oils on board, 20x30 inches:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_touched_by_an_alien.jpg


This next piece is for the novel 'Doppelgangster', by Laura Resnick.
I have done a few covers for her Father's books in the past, so it was a real pleasure to work on hers as well.
The Art Director was also really cool, and let me integrate the type right into the painting.
It's not often that I get to do that, but when I do, I'm always happy with the results.
Oils on board, (digital type), 20x30 inches:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_doppelgangster.jpg


Here's a fairly new one.
This is for a book called 'The Devil in Miss Shimmer'.
The second in a series, this book is just chock full of good imagery to pull from.
Oils on board, 16x24 inches:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_shimmer.jpg


Here is one of the coolest pieces I've worked on in a long while.
The book is 'Black Blade Blues', by John Pitts.
Hot chick, half shaved head, white hair, black sword, big dragons... this is seriously an illustrator's wet dream.
There was no way I could screw this up.
I have a ton of progress shots for this one, as well as a slew of alternate sketches.
Keep on eye on Irene Gallo's blog (http://igallo.blogspot.com/), as she should be posting those sometime soon.
Oils on board, 20x30 inches:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_blackbladeblues.jpg

And a wallpaper which shows some nice details:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/wallpaper_link.jpg
Click HERE (http://www.dandossantos.com/gallery/wallpapers/wallpaper_6.jpg) for the wallpaper.


Here's one you guys may recognize.
This is the fifth book in the 'Mercy Thompson' series, 'Silver Borne'.
Oils on board, 20x30 inches:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_silverborne.jpg

I did this next piece as a live demo for this year's 'Illustration Master Class (http://www.illustrationmasterclass.com/)' in Massachusetts.
Such an amazing week, full of seriously amazing people.
Fellow illustrator, Rebecca Solow (http://runningwithpaintbrushes.blogspot.com/), was brave enough to pose for me and let me project her face 20 feet wide in front of a live audience.
Oils on board, 15x30 inches:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_solow_elf.jpg

Here's a progress shot:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/solow_prog.jpg


Here is one for a novel called "The Questing Road".
Some of you may remember a cover I did way back of a girl with a cat on her shoulder.
This book, although not a sequel, does continue the story of that character.
It was really fun to take a character that I had painted nearly 6 years ago and re-vamp her a bit.
Oils on board, 12x18 inches:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_questing_road.jpg

Thanks for looking,
more work coming soon!

>>>>>UPDATE 07.29.10<<<<<

Wow. Long time no update.
I've got lots of new stuff for my CA peeps.

First up is the sequel to one of the covers above, called "Touched by an Alien".
This book is called "Alien Tango", and is just as quirky and cool as the first one.
Oils on Board, 20 x 30 inches:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_alien_tango.jpg


Next is one that many of you have probably already seen.
Tor books has decided to recommission all the covers for the uber-popular 'Wheel of Time' e-book series.
Art Director, Irene Gallo hired a TON of really cool artists to do the work, so check them out if you haven't see them yet.
I had the honor of doing Book #5, 'The Fires of Heaven', depicting Moiraine, one of the stronger female leads in the series.
Oils on Board, 15 X 20 inches:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_fires_of_heaven.jpg


Here is a really recent one for a novel called 'Secrets of the Demon'.
It's a Paranormal Police Procedural story, full of cops, demonic possessions and sex... can't go wrong with that!
Oils and Digital, 15 X 20 inches:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_sotd.jpg


The next one is a personal favorite of mine.
The book is titled "Trolls in the Hamptons!", and is about a female comic-book artist whose drawings seemingly come to life.
It's still unclear if her drawings are affecting reality, or if they are prophetic images of what's to come regardless.
The background was done entirely digitally and made to look like an old comic. The figure is painted in oils and superimposed on top of it.
The whole series should follow this motif, and I am really looking forward to exploring the idea further.
Oils and Digital, 15 X 20 inches:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_trolls_notye.jpg


Here are 3 new trading card pieces.
All three are totally digital, which I've been experimenting with lately for smaller pieces.

Netherwind Presence, for World of Warcraft:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_netherwind.jpg


Saurfang the Younger, for World of Warcraft:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_saurfang_younger.jpg


Jund Hackblade, for Magic the Gathering:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_jund_hackblade.jpg


This image is for an upcoming novel called "Soul Born".
There were so many great ideas to work with in this book, that it's a real shame I had to narrow it down to just a single image.
The female lead, depicted here, has two different colored eyes, is unbelievably powerful, unbelievably evil, and gets seriously fucked up.
I can't wait to do another!
Oils on Board, 12 X 16 inches:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_soulborn.jpg


The next piece is a bit of a teaser really.
This cover is for an upcoming Fables graphic novel called "Werewolves of the Heartland".
This painting is actually a huge wraparound, but Vertigo has yet to release it all publicly.
So all I can show you for now is the promotional comp. :(
Check back soon though. I will post the image as soon as I can, as well as another really cool Fables project I am working on!
Oil son Board, 20 X 40 inches:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_fables_werewolves.jpg


Lastly, I have for you the newest cover in the 'Mercy Thompson' series, and quite possibly my favorite thus far.
This is the sixth in the series, called "River Marked".
For those in the CT area, this painting will be on display at Hope Gallery (http://www.hopegallerytattoo.com/) starting August 7th.
Oils on Board, 20 X 30:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_river_marked.jpg

And the final cover with type:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/rivermarked.png

I think that's about it.
Till next time, guys!

>>>>>UPDATE 08.18.10<<<<<

One more quick update for you guys.

At SDCC this year, DC/Vertigo finally revealed the new cover to Bill Willingham's Fables novel "Peter and Max".
It's a wraparound cover, oils on board, 22x38 inches:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/full_peter_and_max.jpg

>>>>>UPDATE 10.26.10<<<<<

Hi guys,
Here's a new piece I just finished up.
It is for the book "Alien in the Family", and is the sequel to "Alien Tango" shown above.

Oils on board, 20x30 inches:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/alienfamily_web_med.jpg

In related news,
I am partaking in a new group blog with a slew of awesome artists.
You can check it out here: MUDDY COLORS (http://muddycolors.blogspot.com/)
A lot of the content will focus on fantasy illustration, with an emphasis on it's creation.
We have updates every single weekday, with posts from:
Jon Foster, Greg Manchess, Donato Giancola, Jesper Ejsing, Eric Fortune, JJ Palencar, Justin Gerard, Arnie Fenner, and a ton of great guest bloggers.

We just went live yesterday, but there is already a lot to look at.
Including a behind the scenes look at creating "Black Blade Blues":

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/DSillustration/BBB_step_1.jpg

I'll have a lot more for you very soon!

[MarkWinters]

Stellar stuff! I love the skin tones on Green. I have a hard time pulling my eyes away from the Magic card. The shapes are hypnotizing. Great stuff! :asspat: See you at the con!

[Eric Lofgren]

Just outstanding work, Dan. I love all of it. Especially the Hellboy stuff. In fact, the people at the Hellboy forum would faint if you posted that Hellboy poster there :)

[Sceptyr]

wow, thanks for sharing man

[IronBrush]

Great work~~!

[robinchyo]

wow! i've been wondering where you've been! just when i thought you couldn't get any better..wow. i really love how you handled the tattoo on "bone crossed". super sharp. the rendering of the cloak on "dead reign" is beautiful. and overall, i just love "green". it would work perfectly as a poster ;-)

it's a shame about the hellboy 2 poster swap, but at least you ended up with one badass painting! :]

hope you're doing well. sucks i won't get to see you again at SDCC. maybe in 09!

[artiphats]

I always love your posts, you are a great inspiration to me as an artist who is starting to get into oils. I'll see you at the Comic Con, 5-Stars bro!

[Qitsune]

Great stuff, as usual. I'm wondering what steps you take to ensure continuity for recurring characters such as the werewolf girl from Bone Crossed. At first she doesn't seem to be from the same model, but I still recognised her at first glance (the tattoos help for sure.)

[Rich Pellegrino]

you wowed me! i said wow out loud twice while looking through this post. strong work all around of course. It crazy to see you keep getting better and better. the green painting is my favorite from you to date (I say this every time). I think we need to see a detail shot of her face. ;)

[Aly Fell]

Wonderful Dan! More than a touch of photo realism in the Mercy Thompson cover; had to look twice for a second. Hellboy... top stuff! Luke Goss sure has come a long way! Oils oils oils... 'Tis the way.

[MoonVisionStudio]

Beautiful work, as always! Any chance of posting the untweeked oils for Dead Reign for the benefit of us unfortunate souls that wont make it to ComiCon?

[Elwell]

Dead Reign and Green are both absolutely gorgeous.
The Hellboy poster looks good, especially considering what I'm sure you had to go through with art direction, but I can't say I'm surprised they ended up going with something else. Marketing departments want big, bold, in-your-face action.

[kaktuzlime]

Stellar work DSillustration. I think dead Reign is the best one I´ve seen from you so far. You truly get better and better. The colours, the composition, the movement! *drools

[Siamese Goldfish]

Awesome stuff. truely inspiring.

[Interceptor]

That 'Dead Reign' piece, I could'nt look away for a goof 5 minutes. It's stunning, definately one of my favorite pieces of your's. It's a huge shame they decided ona different direction for the Hellboy poster... painted movie posters are something that definately need a big return.
Great work as always Dan. I'd love a detail shot of the Selma Blair face on the HB poster.

-Loren

[TmDurn7]

dan the dead reign piece might be my favorite you've ever done. the color, her body, and the way the glyph and sword look are all fantastic. but hey, I was wondering exactly where the digital tweaks were. I thought you painted to look like you used digital techniques but that they were all hand done? either way they're all awesome

[cmalidore]

You're like the energy drink of inspiration for me right now - Dead Reign and Green are seriously popping out to me as wow pieces.

Thank you for sharing!

[DavePalumbo]

awesome update, Dan! Hell, I'm just glad that studios even still think about buying paintings for poster. Maybe having a resurgence after such a long period of boring photo-montage, hope hope :)

I feel a little distracted by the digital touches in Dead Reign. I know you make digital adjustments here and there all the time anyhow, but something about these call attention to them being digital. Great piece all the same though, and I love Green and Everstrike

[RyerOrdStar]

Is it just me or is the way the legs are painted in the Dead Reign piece kind of..impossible? The crotch is all the way on the right which makes her right leg, the one closest to us, about twice the width of her left..Also the placement of the right hip suggests the leg attached to said hip is completely dislocated for it to be as far right as it is (left to her).

Really beautiful stuff, I like the way you paint. I think the Green one has to be my favourite. The colours are so vibrant and the atmosphere is really grim and spooky. Too bad about the Hellboy, It looks better than the posters I've seen around town.

[Matt Smith]

I just commented on your Hellboy piece on myspace. Anyways great stuff, they are all nice.

[el coro]

yay! great update dawg. glad you could post the hellboy stuff. i was curious to see what you did with it. the others are fantastic as well. nod dont disappoint. hope you and yours are doing well these days....

power hugs,
-c36

[Matt Dixon]

Gorgeous. You just seem to get better and better, Dan.

[Jason Snair]

Just saw your posting on myspace. Nice work. Really nice. Dead Reign is a beaut!

You know, Drew Struzan did a poster for Hellboy 1 and they did the same thing, I think. Changed their minds. It's a cool poster. It's just too bad they don't use illustrations for movie posters these days and just go with photoshoped photos. I mean...I realize it's cost effective in most cases.

[Arteater]

amazing work, your color choices are fantastic

[DavePalumbo]

Drew Struzan did a poster for Hellboy 1 and they did the same thing, I think

it's a traditional part of the Hollywood marketing plan to commission several pieces of art and then be able to choose one. The others sometimes get used for international releases, promotion, home video, etc. I mean hey, when your budget is in the millions or tens of millions, what's a few extra thousand?

[Beelow]

I hope you know what dope means so, Dope! That sucks to see that your Hellboy painting got rejected. Still Hip though. I've always been a fan of how you handle colors, they sing to me sometimes. Thanks for sharing.

[Craig D]

Awesome paintings Dan

[Living Rope]

wow ! some of my prefered pieces from you may be there.
'Dead Reign' is my fav.

[Jorge Gecov]

Awesome work! Top notch.

5 from me!

[E.M.GIST]

Truly great stuff Dan, see you in a couple weeks

[Ericus]

What a great Update, Dan. Seriously, these are so intense. Can't say I particularly mind the digital tweaking, it's so good. Some great compositions for all of these, I especially am digging Green. And as for Dead Reign, who doesn't enjoy a bad ass glowing cloak? ;)

[SEVANS]

Great post, and I like the Hellboy Poster alot. Makes me want to see more Poster art and Drew Struzan prints.

I wish some producers would use Artwork and not just a photoshop montage like they'll probably use.

[Bomba]

'Green' ... is delicious. Love the whole cover and colors.

Looking forward to seeing you soon,
-J-

[kev ferrara]

Great stuff!

[Rist]

Hi Dan. I am starting oils and I have found painting skin to be a terror. How do you paint it the way you have here? It appears almost photorealism! Have you? Used photos as ref? Or a model?

[andrewkim]

As usual, you got some AWESOME stuff here. Love the colors!!!

[Mike Corriero]

Hey Dan,

Bone Crossed, Dead Reign and Green are exceptionally beautiful pieces.. I love the lighting and color choices. The detail of the face in Bone Crossed is mind blowing.

I can't wait to check out HellBoy 2 and I think that's awesome as hell that you got a commission for the poster but a shame that they decided to go a different route last minute. I hope to see more work of this subject/genre from you for film posters or covers.

Hope all is well with you and your family man,
Mike C -

[illustratorwayne]

wicked work!

[Maestro Andres]

Amazing stuff! Such a shame to hear about the Hellboy poster but still a great thing you got that comission. Hopefully we will see another one by you in the future! Thanks for sharing.

[kemar]

Awesome stuff!

I love it all, the green cover is a must.

[REGNIRUTH]

Awesome work, it's a shame that they didn't use the hellboy poster, would have been awesome anyways!

[stoph]

dude.. they didnt wanna use that HB poster? i wouldve recognised it as yours in a second! naw man, least you got a great folio piece and got squillions for it, yeh? :P i've become all but obsessed with Mignola's works (Hellboy, B.R.P.D, Abe Sapien, Lobster Johnson, etc) in the past year or so, so it definitely appeals to my tastes :) really nice treatment of the goblin blacksmith, btw. have you met Mignola, having been doing comic conventions for a while? i'd assume so.

[El Jeremie]

Love them all, no execption.

[Beedo]

Awesome work, love it all but Bone crossed is my favourite of the lot. Great image

[Dizon]

I do not know what to say!

[Carbono]

Amazing stuff dude. Great colors and great anatomy, well, what more can I say? you already know you rock!

A question do the flying snake on the first pic is biting her own tail?

[e338]

yep. Pretty neat i must say. Better and better each time.
"Dead reign" and "Green" are my fav.
Although, my fav of the fav, from the fav i hav'... still is Bonnie and Clyde :p
Cool stuff man.

[forgeman]

Amazing... Not much else to say. Can't wait for your next post.

[Eytan]

love the stuff man! those book covers are magnificent! I'll see ya at comic con again, take care.

[hurricane]

"green" = love...










all your work is great but "green" made me go all gooey hehe.
Great painting, great textures, great light....it's just a damn tight piece.
norhing but love man. great stuff

[marks]

Good stuff.

I like the cover for 'Green' by Jay Lake.

/(\)/(\)/(\)/(\)/(\)/(\)/(\(>


I think I'd like to give illustration a try. What would you say is the best form of self advertisement.

I've heard it's purchasing a page in illustration advertising magazines.
Is that right ?

[swore]

wow...surly amazing pieces of great art
love them all:)

[davi]

dead reign is beautiful!

[Chris Bennett]

I agree with Rich and Elwell, 'Dead Reign' and 'Green' are the beautiful stand outs for me, in terms of colour, drawing and most importantly, composition. The others, although being your usual high standard, don't quite come together as a whole.

[S.C. Watson]

Jesus Dan, that cover for Bone Crossed is just beautiful.

Great work on the Hellboy poster. Their loss on choosing something different.

All the best,
~Shane

[digi]

friggin awesome display of paintings!

[Beatnik]

Simply incredible work, these are amazing! Looking forward to your DVD

[Chuck,mate.]

Dude....
you`re a god.
I LOVE your colors.. so vibrant.

shitload of inspiration here.

thanks for that, mate.


P.

[MarkHarchar]

Awesome update Dan. I can't stop looking at the Mercy Thompson cover. And I didn't notice when I saw the Green piece before, but is that a pomegranate tree she is hanging in?

[chrisc]

Great work! I especially like "Dead Reign." Too bad they didn't use your Hellboy painting.

[Victor B]

Truly great stuff Dan, thanks for sharing, keep us posted as far as the DVD goes

[strych9ine]

Dan, Dan, Dan... wow.

[mwillustration]

great stuff as usual dan.
i really like the girl in the rain one.
the hellboy painting is great in terms of rendering, lighting, etc, but the composition was a big let down for me. :(
i'm guessing that might be due to art direction and trying to please a huge committee, but it just lacks punch.
still a very cool piece, but i wish there wasn't so many characters from the movie on it.

[simoncheng]

amazing works.

[Bruce Jensen]

Gorgeous work :) "Green" is a standout. I really love everything about this, but the color is especially nice.

Really great work all around. (The transluceny in the dragons wings is a really nice touch)

[jega74]

Beautifull works! I like so muche the third work, for color scheme and carachter design!

[poise]

Hey Dan,
Awesome on all these. My favs are the girl upside down, and The Hell Boy poster. You really went all out on that one, wowzas! Sorry to hear they didn't pick it, that would have been tight! Well pretty tight you got payed for it(I hope), and were asked in the first place. Wish we could have hung out before I left but will be seeing you at the Ill. Con in Nov.
Peace,
-T

[SanXavier]

Really cool poster design! I wish they used that for their poster!

[rlederer]

Hey Dan. This is Ray from the Master Class. Great stuff man. What a great gig! I really dig the new Hellboy villains. They're vibrant and menacing. Very cool Green illo as well. I'm finishing my Green illo from the Master class this week and using a lot of the advice you gave me for it. You were a huge help and inspiration for me. Thanks again:)

-Ray

[Alday.J]

Dan, good lord... You are magnificient !
This HB poster is a beauty, too bad they they didn't pick it, even if this not a surprise nowadays in this industry. Still a great job you did ! ^^
Thanks for share this with us.
Julien.

[Molly]

Hey Dan!

Love Bone Crossed and Dead Reign; the Hellboy piece is awesome too! Thank you for my DS fix...

Mx

[daroz]

Awesome style! I love your works, especially art with Hellboy!

greetings, Darek

[lyon]

Beautiful update. I look forward to seeing the orginals in SD. See you there! The Dead Reign image is one of my favorite so far. The fact that it is a figure is secondary to the beautiful composition. It feels like you really pushed on this one. Great work.

[ion one]

man thats some awesome work. love the gal with the tattoo : ]

[rapxic]

i love that dead reighn piece ya got , great skin texture , loving how gentle the highlights are shown, great detail

[Dorkthrone]

I absolutely love that Hellboy poster.

[se7en_]

Amazing work Dan! I love the magic card and the Dead Reign, stunning.

[Blue]

Love them Dan. Wish you showed us that dragon at the class! :)

[Boom]

Stunning work as always, Dan.

I'm seriously impressed with the realism you get across in bone crossed, but in a way I find the other more 'stylized' paintings more pleasing to the eye. Anyways, thanks for showing and hope everything is well for you. :)

cheers,

[hitnrun]

that must be something: to have your art used for a card, or promo or something and know millions of people will see it, or use it in some way.

[WickedEdges]

Holy jebus! I aspire to be like you! Great color work!

[omelmahay]

Incredible...man, just freakin incredible.

[Carl Dobsky]

YESSSSSSSS!!!!

The only thing that could be more beautiful than "Green" would be seeing you hairless and naked.

Awesome job doood!

[andy5]

Always love your stuff.

[fly to the sky]

I love your works, I feel the works are really good art works!!!

[Max_Bertolini]

Hi Dan! Always good seeing your new pieces :)! nothing to say on the technical skill you reached, only thing that disturbs me a little is how you remained too close to the photo reference in the second piece, not a real crit, it just stand a bit aside from the others who look far more creative. I guess it only depends on the commission you had.
I agree with Dave about the Hellboy movie poster. Is that the way you were asked to make it or it is an idea of your own?

[Cam Sykes]

I got my hammer ready to smash my piggy bank open to buy your dvd, hopefully it can be distributed to Oz. There's a photo-real while still painterly look to your work that is really exceptional.

[boybalasa]

nice works. the magic card is really awesome

[DanielC]

It was a real inspiration boost just to look at you paint in your booth sir.
I hope all goes well !

[Idiot Apathy]

Was really good to see and talk to you again sirrrrr!
Also, thanks for the oreo!

[Johann de Venecia]

Amazing, amazing, amazing.

All the best to you and your family, Dan!

[Blue Severin]

Damn, Green is awesome. Way to up the bar with these. Heh, the chicks got similar scars to the hellboy elf guy.

[MM Howard]

Looking at your art and Elwell's art just inspires me to pick up a paintbrush and start painting in acrylics (acrylics first, baby steps).

I especially love the cover art. Now, I have to check out the book!

[DSillustration]

Update 07/31/08... Page 1!

[andy5]

Wawww. Thanks for sharing these!!!

[Serpian]

I'm going to buy that DVD. Just wanted to let everyone know, you know?

[Beelow]

Thanks for the crits and the oreo as well, at con. It was great seeing you. anyways, did you paint wet the entire dvd? I am just curious. I think I can scrounge up some cash and try to get the dvd. It would be interesting to see your process.

[Fredio]

That is an impressive video.

[Carnifex]

my fav is "bone crossed", colours,mood,pose,everything works. can't say anything about the technique on the whole,you know you're good. girl upside down just isn't too effectful to me,she seems like she's just hanging around,watching a movie :bashful: face is too neutral (though this was probably client oriented) nice trailer!

[se7en_]

Cant wait for the DVD, thanks for the update Dan!

[FIG]

AWESOME! This is the best thread eva! No sorry for sounding like an underage fan but this work is really beautiful. I have nothing but praise. Thanks for sharing.

[Ray Dillon]

Dan. You're amazing. I feel like I just took a class and learned a ton while watching the super-speed video on mute. Thank you! I'll definitely be buying this!

[Borilius]

Thanks for that video, DS, very educating and entertaining! I'm a big fan of your works!

[azekariel]

Oooooh. My. God.

These are incredible! The Hellboy ones are great (can't wait for the new film) but I love all of them...

[DSillustration]

Update On Page 1 >10.31.08<

[Interceptor]

Fantastic update, Dan!
Hard to pick a favorite out of this bunch :)
Can't wait for more!

-L

[rlederer]

Man these action panels are sweet Dan! I like seeing your dynamic work. Gorgeous! -Ray

[Cory Hinman]

Beautiful, inspiring. Thanks for posting.

[Zergaloth]

you're not an artist - you're a magician. and i worship you.

[Michael Wasik]

incredible as usual dude!

[Nightblue]

Thank you tons for the amazing video! It was really cool catching a glimpse of you playing with oil.

[Nokill]

verry inspiring thanks for the video ;)

[Ericus]

Dan, this is an amazing thread you have here. and the latest additions are amazing!! Those spot illustrations are fantastic, I am LOVING that first one, the texture around the moon is so good. The color in the renegade wizards piece is so beautiful, thanks for sharing, I'm looking forward to hearing more about your DVD, it's gonna be huge!

[erik-jan v/d schuur]

that movie is amazing more of those please!!

very nice music also!!


all your work is stunning

[MoonVisionStudio]

Beautiful stuff, thanks for the inspiration!

[midknight523]

beautiful work

[scott*altmann]

Great updates Danzo! Always pro stuff- even when you have a stomach flu . Mucho respecto. Did you have that baby yet?
Hopefully we'll get a chance to catch up soon- scott

[bradyscott]

Always a pleasure to see your work. Simply stunning.

[Clochette]

I love them all! Amazing work! Thanks for sharing! :)
So sad they decided to use another picture for the Hell boy movie, yours was awesome!

[Bai Fan]

Holy crap man. I have been away for only a year and I come back to find you even better! How is that even possible?

The stuff looks flippin great.

Nice work.

[Stahlrollin]

Love your work, great use of colour and excellent composition

[Serpian]

Great update! Now I REALLY need that DVD! I hope to meet you in person sometime

[L. Scott Knight]

Hrbrlurpbpbpbpbpbbp....drool. Enters catatonic state...

When I get my first novel published and they ask me if I have any cover artist in mind... well, gee, I wonder.

Of course, they'll probably look at me and laugh.

[rlederer]

Magnificent as always Dan. :) -Ray

[bluemonika]

hi i saw your youtube movie :) what's your youtube page?

[Osau]

Absolutely beautiful stuff. Every single one is just so....ShaZam. The one poster for Hellboy is definitely awesome, but I think Hellboy's face is slightly off from Ron Perlman's, though it is incredibly close. Amazing job mate.

[polipol]

awesomenessss!!!... your tutorials have been incredibly helpful, you rock dude!!, looking really forward to that dvd :)...

[J.Koch]

Very nice work, Dan.

[Blue Severin]

Hey Dan, Thanks for the support and inspiration man. I'm not such a fan of the hellboy poster as a whole, but like the treatment of the characters. Your works are fricking awesome, oil and digital. As far as the illustrated story, i'm surprixed your works are so small in it, as they look much better large in this thread.

[HumbleEgo]

Terrific stuff as always.:evilmustache:

[gehenna-angel]

Nice work! All of your pictures here is really beautiful. I like your motive in your pictures and your color combinations.

[psychoboy]

i told it once before, spectacular stuff

[UlyssesIII]

again Dan,

Truly inspired by your work, and after reading your explaination for "Cry Wolf," I appreciate the work even more!

keep up the great work! =)

[airman]

i just can't believe what i see.
all are great .
how many time do you usually spend time on illustration?

[BANDD]

every time i go buy a book i see a cover done by you... truly inspiring...

[gustavo desimone]

your very good work

[DSillustration]

Update on Page 1 >>> 11.09.08

[rlederer]

I enjoy it very much! The SW piece is great!

[banhatin]

stunning!~

[El Jeremie]

Whooo, truely impressive video.

[Matt Dixon]

Oof. Dan, those spot illos are awesome. Especially the first. Actually, everything in here's awesome, but you know what I mean. I particularly liked those amongst all the other awesomosity.

[Elwell]

Update on Page 1 >>> 11.09.08

December, Dan! Month #12!

[DSillustration]

Updated > 01.17.09

[Victor B]

Don't you mean
02.17.09?

cheers Dan your soo busy you lose track of the month.

[Interceptor]

I wish I has hair so I could pull it out and scream at you.. This stuff is dope. You seriously up your game everytime you post, it's crazy.. Can you adopt me, Dan? and teach me to be a sweetheart like you? and teach how to paint also? ;)

-Loren

[DSillustration]

Don't you mean
02.17.09?

cheers Dan your soo busy you lose track of the month.

Doh!
That's the second time!
Occupational hazard I guess.

[NathanLong]

Hey Dan, really like the last one. The face of the gal holding the wolf in particular is nice. I like the planes of it, and the individuality. Well done!

[rlederer]

Very strong piece Dan. You've captured the feeling of darkness without dropping huge chunks of detail. Lovely flesh tones and the rim light makes her pop. Great stuff:) Congrats on the DVD release. I'll be putting in my order next month. Cheers! -Ray

[JBurrough]

amazing work, truly inspiring. thanks for sharing!

[danlambert]

That new one is ridiculous, my favourite piece of yours so far

[steak-tron]

Sweet new works mayne, esp. the last one for the nyt bestseller. That new dvd release of yours is lookin' hott too!

[Beelow]

Rockin stuff as always Danny Dan! Can I rub your bald head? I need some of that magic. Thanks for sharing.

[DSillustration]

Update 04.24.09 on page #1

[Matt Smith]

Great new pieces. I think I remember seeing the girl and the chalice at comic con.

[Jason Manley]

keep up the good work my friend. nice stuff.

[The Whistler]

Awesome! The second one, Nagaraja, right? Are these for the trading card game or book illos? If they're for the TCG, it'd be so cool to have them in my crypt just because they look great :D (yeah, I'm a girl, I actually care what my vamps look like LOL)

[Teundeboer]

damn these updates are awesome. you, my sir, do great work.

[DeKal]

sooo sick man. i know how fun blood glazing with alizarin crimson can be!

[Benjie]

truly inspiring, if my laptop wasn’t dead and didn’t hate me so much i would seriously art-gasim over it right now

[Jasonwclark]

The new stuff kills :ninja++: - Thanks for sharing Dan

[Ericus]

God damn, Dan! The new work is so awesome. The Ancient Bloodlines piece is insane, loving that scarab headdress. Very cool, thanks for posting. I am anxious for you to share the next ones too, I hope they come sooner than later!

[lajjr]

Sweet very nice.

[Darasen]

I just wanted to say the "Sellsword" piece is amazing. To me it is the best of the bunch.

[Bill]

I saw Bone Crossed at the book store the other day. The cover looks awesome in print (of course).

[TheFinalSon]

Very nice stuff all around. If I had any crits, it maybe feels a little...I don't know...uniform? That's vague I know, but that's just the impression. Very beautiful though. Keep up the stunning work.

[Quigleyer]

You're the good kind of ridiculous. Not the bad kind.

[cosmicbeanbag]

Hi Dan,

Your tattoo designs continue to impress. Awesome work man.

K

[Max_Bertolini]

I see you recently turned to Digital art Dan, mixed with the base made in oil as usual... what made you take this decision? the chance to reach lights effects that could not be reached with traditional painting?

[kemar]

The ancient mysteries one is a must!
Thanks for sharing.

[bjoern3000]

Tonight I dreamt of you - no joke!

It was you and Dorian Iten. I met you at a traditional atelier and asked you a lot of questions that I don´t remember anymore :)

Love your works!

[dashinvaine]

I can't believe the books can be as good as these covers!

[Krato]

that video was awesome

[asomatous]

wow major props for doing everything traditionally O.o they teach only traditional methods where i went to school, and i can see why it's so important to get tangible work and technique down instead of doing everything digitally

secondly, YOU KNOW RATATAT?????

thirdly, your work is very inspiring- i'm a narrative painter and i must say, illustration has its way with drama and emotion

[koro]

Really nice body of work you have here!

Sharper and sharper every time I see it!

[bjoern3000]

Hi Dan.

Now I got your video and I must say it´s great!

I have some questions:

did you never experience any problems with the fixative layer plus an acrylic layer above it - concerning the oil layer above? I´m always cautious with acrylics beneath oils since the acrylics seal the surface (and as you mention it in the video the fixative does this too) very well so the oil paint has no real grip. How is it with older paintings?

Another question: have you ever tried Liquin from Windsor&Newton as a painting medium? This is great! It has a jelly consistency and dries over night. I love it. Before that I used Maroger which is a 50:50 of black oil and mastic varnish - but now I use Liquin since the black oil consists of lead. I hate turpentinoid and use oils (linseed) only in the very last layers.

Greetz

[Movenski]

holy hell!!! awesome stuff...

[3alola]

WhaT Is ThIs MaN.........

A.M.A.Z.I.N.G

especially 'Bone Crossed"

[cgaddict]

You started off amazing, now you're at a ridiculous level. Huge fan of your work - keep it up.

[Andy Brase]

Hey Dan-
Beautiful work as always! I saw that Star Wars cover and thought it was pretty striking at first glance... though I didn't realize it was your work at first... when I checked the credits it all made sense;)
-A

[Zergaloth]

That's it. I'm downloading your Painting DVD. It's just amazing. You paint all those magical effects by hand, while I wouldn't even know how to start them digitally. You're a great inspiration.

[Quike Garcia]

I saw some of it on the bookstore the other day :)

Great work :)

[Eclypse]

one word: badass

[ermanoz]

respect..

[magicgoo]

SO inspirational, Dan! I will always be in awe of your colors and style, and have so much respect for your traditional methods. Keep bringing us the awesome!

[thick]

sick sick sick

[DSillustration]

Really large update, Page 1, 12/26/09

[Mister Dark]

You know how to keep a crowd happy!

[Serpian]

Sort of 'Men in Black' with a lot more sex.

Sounds... Intriguing.

I always love seeing new work from you! Nevertheless, I'm going to give you some crits...

I love The Devil in Miss Shimmer, nice simple design with still a lot of juicy detail. The black top is very attractive, both fashion-wise and as a design element.

While Silver Borne is also a simple design, it doesn't work as well for me. The tattoos aren't as convincing as in the first Mercy cover, and the pictorial space seems a bit too simple, just a figure pasted onto a background.

I like the IMC elf portrait very much. My only nitpick would be that the jewelry could use a touch of more realism here.. But I love the face!

Ahhh, now I really like The Questing Road! It tells so much of a story although the storytelling elements in it are very few. I still like the original better though...(Dukes Ballad) It feels more.. like a complete picture somehow.. It feels like it's a self contained piece of art, while The Questing Road feels more like a supplement to a text. Dukes Ballad also feels much more bold, bold in colour and bold in modelling.

Keep inspiring us, please! I wish I lived in USA so I could attend the IMC and this workshop you're doing now!

[DSillustration]

While Silver Borne is also a simple design, it doesn't work as well for me. The tattoos aren't as convincing as in the first Mercy cover, and the pictorial space seems a bit too simple, just a figure pasted onto a background.

Thanks Serpian,
Those are all totally valid crits, and I agree with all of them.

For what it's worth;
The 'pasted on' look of 'Silver Borne' is actually a requirement of the cover.
The whole series is printed with a metallic spot-coating over the background which makes it matte and the figure glossy.
That means I can not have ANY elements overlap the figure.
Furthermore, the spot-coating they do has no ability to fade, so I can't have too soft of an edge on the figure or they wouldn't be able to cut a screen for it.
The lack of overlap, and the lack of soft edges make it really difficult to get the figure to sit within it's environment.
It's unfortunate, but that's the nature of publishing.

[Amber Alexander]

Do you sell any posters, prints or calendars? I sooooooo want a copy of Ancient Bloodlines!

[sin-d]

I absolutely love the elf portrait. I am such a fan of your work and always look forward to seeing new stuff from you, as it is always so inspiring.

[Beelow]

Awesome stuff as always Dan. I need to rub that bald head of yours and get some of that awesome off of you. Wonderful insight on the Silver Borne piece. I will watch out for projects like that. I haven't had one like that yet. I'll keep that in mind when I actually start getting more bookcover assignments. Black Blade Blues and Dopplegangster are really hip. Love all of the lightsources. I wonder if that was really hard to pull off. Thanks for sharing again. Now to studying your work thoroughly and trying to be as cool as you. I'll be waiting for your next update.

[Larriva Art]

Man, you think it can't get any better, then it does! I really love Miss Shimmer and Black Blade Blues.

[plantman]

"Hot chick, half shaved head, white hair, black sword, big dragons... this is seriously an illustrator's wet dream."

I have to disagree ;)

Theres an enviable ability to render beautiful people here. But I dont understand why so many of them are expressionless. They look so blank faced!
When I tried a character portrait recently I discovered the more I worked into the image the more difficult it was to maintain the particular expression I had in earlier stages. Do you ever get this problem?

I particularly like the Ancient Mysteries chap because the lighting is more unusual.

[DANKA]

Simply amazing works! love your illustrations...and the effect you give to the skin surface...so good!
thanx!

[hurricane]

nothing but amazing.
Great paintings, they are all ace.

Been sitting and enjoying them one by one.

Thanks
Bjorn.

[quickreaver]

Every time I see an update from you, I lament the fact you never made it to our podunky little local convention, Conglomeration, in Louisville KY. (In Dan's defense, he made every attempt but the weather thwarted him!)

The paintings DID make it to the con, however! I bought a print of the ButcherBird cover, one of my faves. Your colors never cease to bowl me over. 'The Questing Road' is just...just stunning...

[Serpian]

Ah, I see what you mean, Dan! Now when I look at your other covers for the series I see they all have the figure in her own isolated space. Maybe they work better because the background is far away (except for in Iron Kissed, but it still works there). Maybe the problem in Silver Borne is that the pile of books in the background relate to the book in her hand, which makes me want the pile and her to be on the same plane, while the far away backdrops of the other covers justify her isolated placement.

Are there often limiting circumstances like this in the fantasy cover business? I've seen quite a few fantasy books with details in metallic paint, have you ever done that? What kind of limitations or possibilities does that bring?

[Kfeeras]

damn dan this stuff is awesome. damn.

[sourgasm]

you're one of the most consistent guys in the business. i always, always stop and drool over your covers when ever i happen upon one. i worked at barnes and noble for 6 freakin years, and your covers were constant inspiration in my trek out of the pits.

keep up the good work !

[jordyskateboardy]

WOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH O.o!
Your work is outta the world man. So fricking amazing.
*drops dead of amazement*

[Icon]

Really great work Dan!! !

[Bhrazz]

Even if I don't like the style of those painting they are FUKN FANTASTIC!!!!
Especially full_bone_crossed-1.jpg.

Very well done sir!

[Dizon]

I'm having an artgasm!!!

[DSillustration]

Massive update, page 1, 07.29.10

[Eytan]

spectacular work yet again Dan!

were you at comic-con this year? I searched frantically for your booth but I couldn't find you. Anywho, amazing and inspiring stuff as always.

[fionkell]

I have to blame you, Dan, for getting me into the Mercy Thompson novel series. It was your cover art that drew me to the first one :) And the books are great too!

Love all your urban fantasy cover work, definitely need more like it!

[Craig D]

Another big leap up from you.
I particularly found the juxtaposition of the oils and digital in the "Trolls of .." piece to be really outstanding.

[Juhani Jokinen]

Some seriously awesome stuff here! Stellar work Dan. Your work is always an inspiration. I'm especially in love with that wheel of time cover!

Thanks for sharing :)

-Juhani

[Demo]

You definitely have class, love seeing your work where ever books are sold
:assspank:

O also you gave me a bit of advice a while back it helped alot, so I keep a WOTC card you painted taped to the wall here on my work space for insperation.

[patrick j jones]

Great stuff, Dan! Looking forward to seeing you and your work at IlluXCon.
Best regards,
P.
www.pjartworks.com (http://www.pjartworks.com)

[GunTrouver]

Hello Dan, I'm a big fan of your work and follow your art here on conceptart since i saw it the first time. It's really impressive how you work with oils! Very nice new stuff, one of my favorites is the "Trolls in the Hamptons!"-Cover. This mix of oils and comicbook art works very well, would like to see more of that! 5 Stars from me!!:)

[Dan Bee]

god has graced you with a beautiful soul....awesome work!!

[ZephyrAsh]

Your covers for the Patricia Briggs books are the reason I read them. (and enjoyed them)
Great work!

[Mephistoau]

*Whistles* Damn man... See this is why i class you as the best cover artist i've ever seen. Your stuff is absolutely stunning. This is the kind of thing i aspire to mate, thank you so much for the update :)

[Ivan Turcin]

you are an incredible artist!

[Asatira]

Amazing new pieces. And I'm glad I checked out the update. Just the shot of inspiration I've been needing for the last few days/weeks.

[miracola]

Great update Dan! That "River Marked" piece is stunning. My favorite of the series as well.

[DoSho]

My favourite is " Presence, for World of Warcraft", really lovin' it.

[Capprotti]

Wow Dan! I can't even tell you how much I enjoy that "Trolls in the Hamptons" cover. That looks like it was just puree fun. Can't wait to see more of those. Everything else is insanely inspirational, composition, concept, colors, top notch! Thanks for sharing!

[DSillustration]

Update on page #1 > 08.18.10

[NinthJake]

I love your illustrations. They are just awesome :)

[rlederer]

Oh man! This new stuff you're doing is the just stunning. I'm so glad they picked you to do the Fables covers. It takes the series in a completely new direction every bit as beautiful and compelling as James' covers. Well done my friend. I can't wait to see more:) -Ray

[Insane Art]

Amazing! Sick work. Trolls in the Hamptons is one of my favorites. Put together extremely well.

[cgaddict]

I can't stop looking at your work, everything in your portfolio is masterfully crafted. I'm particularly impressed with your use of lighting and choice in skin tones - they always look very natural and realistic. No critiques from me, just praise, praise, and more praise :D

[IsmailW]

very inspiring! :)

[DAMJAN]

amazing work!

[Serpian]

oh my, the colors, yes!

[Max Martelli]

River Marked is fantastic. Great job.

[infractus.oculus]

Ratatat








<3

[Sint]

Truly masterful.

In the last grace thompson picture, it seemed to me some of the fingers on her right hand were a bit small. I have not read the entire thread, so it may have been mentioned before, nor have i read the books, so i wouldnt know if it was intentional. It may just be old age catching up to me. Regardless, sweet work.

I really dig your homepage. The square, B&R logo rocks on that white background. Checking out the rest right now.

After carefully staring at the picture for another while, it looks like the hand thing may have been a delusion, probably because i was expecting her hand to be flat against the wall.

[sinnersaint007]

woah! well here i am sittin here listening to Big trouble in little china , its late as hell and i am looking at these phenominal peices from one of todays great masters in the field. and maybe i am just tired and needin some sleep or what, but one of the pics moved. and i was blown away. i dont even do drugs. yeah i think i need some sleep lol. but holy hell this is some of the best eye rippin work i have seen in a while. inspiring stuff. woke my ass up.

[Elsevilla]

awesome work DS as always

[DSillustration]

10/26/10 :
Update on page 1.

[ZombieMariachis]

Awesome update man! As always, extremely inspiring. Also, I've enjoying your Massive Black DVD.

[Serpian]

Very nice. I don't know about the book, but this last painting seems a bit more serious than the first two. I don't think the seriousness is the reason, but somehow I like the two first ones better. Best of the bunch in Alien Tango. What is really cool though is when you line them all up like in your blog and you see that deliberate colour scheme of red, blue green magic light. It's a great trick for tying the series together while making them distinctly different.

A question: When you're painting something like this, with very special lighting, do you take your reference photos in similar lighting to what you want, and take cues for skin tones from there, or do you just make it up based on a solid understanding of how light works? Because all colour, but especially skin tones, vary so much depending on the light situation, it seems to me like it would be very difficult to know how to mix your colours without having done tons of life studies in tons of different lighting situations.

[DSillustration]

Very nice. I don't know about the book, but this last painting seems a bit more serious than the first two. I don't think the seriousness is the reason, but somehow I like the two first ones better. Best of the bunch in Alien Tango. What is really cool though is when you line them all up like in your blog and you see that deliberate colour scheme of red, blue green magic light. It's a great trick for tying the series together while making them distinctly different.

A question: When you're painting something like this, with very special lighting, do you take your reference photos in similar lighting to what you want, and take cues for skin tones from there, or do you just make it up based on a solid understanding of how light works? Because all colour, but especially skin tones, vary so much depending on the light situation, it seems to me like it would be very difficult to know how to mix your colours without having done tons of life studies in tons of different lighting situations.

I used to try to photograph my reference in similar light,
but it never seemed to capture what I was going for anyways.

Now, I just implement a bit more color theory into my work.
For instance, in the "Alien in the Family", I simply omitted yellow from my palette.
This means I only used variations of green that bordered on blue (not yellow), and variations of red that bordered on blue (not orange).
Just by eliminating that part of the spectrum, I created a cohesive color scheme.

[tomagnetti]

Thanks for sharing these are "The Cat's Meow"

[Blue Severin]

awesome Dan, love the new blog too. Saweet!

[lkermel]

Incredible work Dan ! It is also refreshing to see traditional oil paintings. Your technique is flawless and clear, really impressive. I wish my acrylic skills were half as good as yours - do you have your own studio ? This has been my main problem, I mainly paint digital these days because of lack of space... anyway, really great work !

[Max Martelli]

The new "Alien" piece looks great. I just love the dismembered leg flying through the air. I'm also a fan of the new blog. Great stuff.

[Rannedom]

Wow! truly Amazing works! Very inspiring!