Drawrings!!! (Big DL)..HUGE update (11-30-04)

[James Kei]

Hi all.

I dug these up from out of the closet, and thought I'd post them here.

http://www.jameskei.com/images/works/3_000001.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/images/works/3_000003.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/images/works/3_000008.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/images/works/3_000006.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/images/works/3_000010.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/images/works/3_000011.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/images/works/3_000004.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/images/works/3_000000.jpg
plaster-cast drawing from life.

[fredflickstone]

Did you study with Gerome Opena? I see a lot of his influence in these...and they are smokin. I really love the first two images, powerful and expressive. The ink line is beautiful too. Damn good...got any more we can peep?


Ron

[James Kei]

Thanks Ron,

Yup, Jerome and I went to school together, and it was because of his work that I began to take drawing seriously. His work is monumental.

I'll try to post some more soon.

[rambhat]

These are really beautiful. I am amazed by your control of ink. Is that ballpoint pen, fountain ink, or what? Very inspiring work, I too am a big fan of Opena and am now in awe of your work as well. Please post more!

[Main Loop]

oh wow, you're on this board now.. awesome.. so is it James Kei or James McClelland? I hear you called McClelland more.. Oh, Im a Academy student.. i remember you last year going to workshops back when Chris Mangum did the clothed fig wkshop.. didnt know who you were until Kristian Norelius gave me your Lucid comic you did.. hey see if you can get Kristian to start posting here, and Jerome too..

[James Kei]

-rambhat
Most of these are prismacolor pencil on paper, the only ink used was a brush-pen on the "girl-with-earrings". The great thing about prismacolor pencil is that you can get the full value range, and it doesn't allow you to erase,... which builds confidence on what is put down on paper.

Main Loop-
I use "Kei" (my middle name) because its easier to spell and pronounce. I really miss those old drawing workshops, I should go back...

It's amazing that Jerome's student work is known nation-wide, even though none of it was ever published.

[James Kei]

Here are some old paintings.

http://www.jameskei.com/images/works/2_000000.jpg

http://www.jameskei.com/images/works/2_000002.jpg

http://www.jameskei.com/images/works/2_000003.jpg

http://www.jameskei.com/images/works/2_000007.jpg

http://www.jameskei.com/images/works/2_000008.jpg

http://www.jameskei.com/images/works/2_000009.jpg

http://www.jameskei.com/images/works/2_000010.jpg

http://www.jameskei.com/images/works/2_000013.jpg

http://www.jameskei.com/images/works/2_000015.jpg

http://www.jameskei.com/images/works/2_000018.jpg

[rambhat]

Wow. Those paintings are awesome! Have you studied with Sergio Sanchez at all? One of those paintings is very reminiscent of his look. Who are some of your favorite contemporary? Also, are you centralized mainly in LA?

[James Kei]

rambhat-
Thanks!

I wasn't familiar with Sergio Sanchez until just now, I ran a google search, he's produced some very nice work!

I have so many favourite artists, too many to list!

Actually I'm not in the L.A. area, I live in San Francisco.

[fredflickstone]

Sweet again. I love the modelling in these paintings. Can you give a brief on what Gerome told you to push, or emphasize in these works, or whoever you had as your instructors? I really like the focus and depth in these images, I was wondering if there was a method in finding this? Once again, great stuff...all of it.

All oils?


WHat are you doing currently?

Thanks for answering any of these and many respects to you. Excellent inspiration...

Ron

[Groover McNab]

Awesome works. Really inspiring!

I'm gonna have to try out prismacolor pencils now.

[James Kei]

Thanks again Ron,

-Jerome and I had the same instructors, and the same influences.
For drawing I looked at Heinrich Kley for inspiration.
And for painting, A single man taught me most of what I know. His name is Zao-Ming Wu, the grand-master of "values".
I could write a bit about what he taught me but it would be lenghthy.
I also studied at the Royal Russian Academy, also known as the "Repin Institute" in St. Petersburg.

-Yup, all oils... the Black-and-white ones are Sellenier oil-stick on paper. I'ts like working with pigmented butter.

-I've been doing freelance illustration for a little while. But I'm currently working in comic-book's,..keep an eye out for me.

By the way Ron your work is excellent as well, all of you guys down south are amazing draftsmen.

-Thanks Groover!

[I.was.ink]

These are beautiful James!

This one's my favorite!
http://www.jameskei.com/images/works/2_000007.jpg

I'd like to see those notes, when you have the time for it of course...

I'll be waiting for your next update!

-Iwasink

[fredflickstone]

YOu know what, I like reading...I would love to hear what your instructors told you. Especially now that I know you studied in Russia as well, that and china are the hot bed for impressionism/realism dont hold back...heh

Anything you write I am going to consume, and I am sure there are others here as well just as eager...


Thanks for the complements also...we are definitely starting something different down here...its kinda nice to have the "right" way to do things for once...heh

Thanks for sharing again, and I cannot wait to see what is next. Look for my comic work coming this summer as well. Maybe we can do some art collaborative some time.. that would be sweet, fine art comic storytelling...dammn


Ron

[JoshuaTheJames]

Very inspirational. Thanks.

-Joshua

[stephen]

wow, incredible work man. dont stop now :)

[Diego]

indeed, awesome paintings. I'm looking foward to read those notes of you...if you have some spare time
Keep it up.
-D

[James Kei]

Thanks guys!

Oh man, I'll try to dig up some notes and post a tutorial somtime when I get the chance.

In the meantime, here are some more drawings.


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/1.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/2.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/3.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/4.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/5.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/6.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/7.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/8.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/9.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/10.jpg

[James Kei]

http://www.jameskei.com/~james/11.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/12.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/13.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/14.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/15.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/16.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/17.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/18.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/19.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/20.jpg

[James Kei]

http://www.jameskei.com/~james/21.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/22.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/23.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/24.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/25.jpg

[fredflickstone]

Oh yeah, these are awesome. This all Prisma color? When you do the Prisma, are you using prisma sticks or prismacolro pencils? I found they both have a different treatment to them when I use them? Also, how big are they? I love the energy in the lines, they have to be at least 16 x 20 or bigger...but then again...

THank you for posting more work, this is like Christmas everytime I log on...heh


Ron

[James Kei]

Thanks Ron!
I use Prismacolor pencils, which are expensive and wear-down quickly, but worth the price in the long run I think.

All of these are sketch-book drawings, most of them are about the size you see them on your screen.

My scanner sure got a good workout....

[rambhat]

Wow.
Are you teaching in SF or working with a studio?

[James Kei]

-rambhat,

I don't teach currently, though I thought about running a workshop out of my house, might be a while before I set that up.

Do you mean like a game or film studio? Alot of my friends work at such places, I've tried to find work in this field but there have been a ton of lay-offs lately, and nobody seems to be hiring any artist's.....bleh.

[James Kei]

from a DVD, ...."LA confidential" I think.


http://www.jameskei.com/images/works/3_000012.jpg

[fredflickstone]

Now that is tight...

Ron

[Main Loop]

oh yeah these are dope.. i recognize most of the models heh.. you have a really good sense of where you want your focus.. i can totally see the "Academy"-ness of it.. you're at where a lot of us want to be, as far as drawing goes.. awesome oil pastels too.. what kinda paper do u use? does the oil ruin the paper in the long run?

[stormeffex]

holy cow james, your drawings are incredible. i am in awe. now i'm really inspired to pick up drawing w/ prismacolors. pencil is just so forgiving, which makes my line work suffer a bit. WOW. how long have you been studying art?

[James Kei]

Thanks Storm!

I've always been drawing, but did'nt take it very seriously until about 5 years ago.

Mainloop,

Yeah, I don't know if that is an acomplishment to emulate the "Academy" style, I've been trying to get away from it for the past two years now for the goal of finding my own voice.
My current work looks much different. Most of the evolution of an artist takes place after school.

Oil-stick is great.....Unfortunately, if you don't gesso the paper first it will disolve in about eight years.

Here's a few more from the dusty closet.


http://www.jameskei.com/images/works/2_000005.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/images/works/2_000006.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/images/works/2_000011.jpg

[StylesDavis]

man, your work is awesome! i like them all. some remind me heavily (or heavenly? :) ) on käthe kollwitz, this female german expressionist...

[rambhat]

http://www.jameskei.com/images/works/2_000006.jpg

This piece rocks! Do you like Rick Berry's work?

[James Kei]

Styles,
Thanks!
I just recently learned about Kathe Kollwitz's work, I love her dark drawings.....enough to go out and buy a book of her prints.

Rambhat, Thanks...
I think Rick Berry is one of the most under-rated artists of our time. I love his work,....and, oh yeah...I like that Phil guy too.

[Farin]

very impressiv!

[rambhat]

Phil HALE! He is one of my favorites!

[James Kei]

More Junk.....

http://www.jameskei.com/~james/26.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/27.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/28.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/29.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/30.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/31.jpg

[bonedog]

Awesome work, man. I really dig the handling and mixing of form and value strokes.

-bone

[beet]

uch! - very beautifull stuff, James. Some studies are just great, and I dig the " no eraser" approach to them. I'm looking forward to see what you're doing these days in comics, beyond these.

[mmza]

Hey James!
I haven't posted here in forever, but I had to stop by and say, WOW. Your skills have grown so much since the days when I was still going to the AC workshops. Amazing.

mmza

[James Kei]

-Bone, Thanks!

-Beet, Thanks man.
I checked out your website...amazing work in there, very impresive!

-Thanks Moll,
I am very flattered to hear such compliments from an artist of you caliber. You should post more often, I would love to see what youve been working on.

[loomer]

gorgeous work.
Some of the drawings remind me of Anders Zorn's etchings... maybe it's the way you handle volume and value - either way fantastic.

notify us of the comic when possible--- I'll be sure to pick it up.

[el coro]

really really beautiful stuff man. shame i never got the chance to meet you during my attendance at aac. wecome to our boards, and hope to see you posting more.-c36

[Bojee]

James Kei- Wow, what an awesome find, your work's some of the freshest stuff I've seen in a long time, amazing, thanks so much for posting. Checked out your site...great stuff there as well. So inspiring! Please post again soon. :D

[James Kei]

-loomer, thanks...yeah, I got a chance to see a lot of Zorn's originals while I was in Sweden, and yes, they look better in person... I'm not even close to his level of skill.

-el coro, Thanks man, I remember many moons ago when I first saw you work at the spring show, and it convinced me to go to art school in the first place.....Thank you for your inspiration. I'm still floored every time I see your work at the Upper Playground.
Do you still work with Brandon L.? tell him to post something :)

-Bojee, Thanks man.

[cotron]

oh man, please post more, this is all so awesome.

:swinging from yer nuts:

[wes9000]

wow, wonderful work, very refreshing
hope to see more in the future

wes

[blankslatejoe]

...inspirational stuff! Is that tishiro mifune i see? (looks like yojimbo to be specific...)

You can tell you've been at this awhile..these are really incredible.

[James Kei]

cotron-Thanks man.

wes 9000- Thanks, checked out your site, amazing stuff you got there!

blankslatejoe-thanks! ...good catch on that Yojimbo. Kurasawa rules!

[Bojee]

More updates please.:D

[2Tone]

Damn you're good. You have a very well trained eye, something I've been working on forever.

Wow, just wow.:thumbsup:

[James Kei]

Thanks guys, I'll try to keep updated.


blah....
http://www.jameskei.com/~james/32.jpg

[Bojee]

James- I dig it. Do you know Ann Gale's work?? I think you might dig it. You guys seem to be on similar paths. Here's a link.
Ann Gale (http://www.realart.com/hfg/html/contemp-html/gale-html/gale_main.html#gale-thumbnails)
Look forward to the next post.:D

[James Kei]

Thanks Bojee, I love Ann Gale....I recently saw a show of hers here in san fran, and it just floored me.
Also if you have never heard of a guy named Alex Kanevsky, run a search, and check him out.

[Bojee]

James- Yeah , a good friend of mine just turned me on to him, cool stuff. Thanks, your lucky you got to see some originals of Ann Gale, she teaches up here but doesn't show up here. Just saw her speak about her work a couple of months ago, great to see the progression. Keep up the great work man.
:D

[Egets]

totally lovely drawing style I love the first image <3 Big schlong :dur:

[davi]

you sir are a gem! Thanks for posting this onslaught of work!

You've inspired me many times in a single thread, keep it up.

[Jason Manley]

you are so welcome here. honestly, this crowd here needs to see your stuff. really man...thanks for posting these.


Jason

[Red_Rook]

wow this is some really really inspiring/amazing work. :perv:

[jdinx]

wow, i missed this thread, solid work ! you have a great sense of design with the use of your values. you really know how to spot your blacks too. excellent james !

jD

[Main Loop]

heh cool that you mention ann gale and alex kanevsky together, i just recently heard about their stuff.. there are no good pictures online that show they greatness of alex kanevsky's technique.. its a real bravura brushwork style with impasto glaze in oils.. i dunno how he does it.. maybe someone out there knows?

[Main Loop]

Thanks guys, I'll try to keep updated.


blah....
http://www.jameskei.com/~james/32.jpg

oh by the way is this lee ballard?

[James Kei]

Wow!, Thanks guys!
I hope to see you all in San Francisco!

Main Loop.... yup, that Lee.

I'll post more soon....

[3bleadpencil]

...it's been a while that I've seen some traditional stuff...very relaxing!
\
Cheers:)

[jetpack42]

damn, it seems like all the cool people are checking this out, how come I wasnt....oh...

Great works man! You're really giving me some ideas and things to work and think about. Can't believe how old some of the people on the boards are for the work they produce...im stunned at everything in this thread. <3

[Denart]

james, I love you <3

Thank you for the inspiration. I gotta get working!

[behemot5]

:dead: I love your work.....really

[Art_Addict]

hi

Those are really impressive drawings!! Great skills!

They made me think about my drawings and the way i observe things.
It's clearer for me now that i need to "look" better. I'm really thankfull for that !!

Keep it up :)

[MindCandyMan]

This work is beautiful James! We need to meet up and talk a bit in San Francisco I would like to pick your brain on a couple things. Look for a guy with a braided goatee and that will be me. Awesome work man.

[el coro]

UPDATE!!!!! UPDATE!!!! c'mon dood, i know you gotta have more shit in your closet!-c36

[James Kei]

Oh alright, alright already. sheesh.
Serioisly, I don't want to go down into the dusty basement and dig through that stuff, the spiders will eat me.
I've been meaning to go to a workshop lately to do some life drawing again, I'll post whatever crap I can come up with.

I can offer this in the meantime, I'ts a page from comic book I self-published years ago.

http://www.jameskei.com/~james/page 9.jpg

[Bojee]

More paints when you get a chance too please. I love your paintings. :bashful:

Nice drama in this one by the way. ;)

[bRyaN]

Unbelievable....

May you please do some gestures for my viewing pleasure...

cheers

[nil]

awesome! man, i cant get enough of your stuff! you have such a fantastic sense of form and shade etc. i have a lot to learn from your work! :bashful:

[James Kei]

Thanks all for the replys, it really means a lot to me....
I hope to see you all at the workshop!

More junk from the depths of the unknown....
most are from life, some are from photo ref.

I shot a couple of these with my digital camera and they came out pretty bad. sorry.


I think I posted this one ages ago, I post it again anyways...

http://www.jameskei.com/~james/1b.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/2b.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/3b.jpg

the smoke here is digital.....

http://www.jameskei.com/~james/4b.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/5b.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/6b.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/7b.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/8b.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/9b.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/10b.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/11b.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/12b.jpg


http://www.jameskei.com/~james/13b.jpg

[jetpack42]

oh man, awesome update. what is the name of the comic you self-published? where would i go about looking at/buying a copy of it, and any info on self-publishing your own work like that?

[Bojee]

James- Thank you for posting some more of your paintings, I love them all but the first 2 are my favorites......Chunky. Please keep them coming. :)

[Lim]

yeah, AWESOME new pics.. like them all, especially the one with the cigarette.
great technique and style. are ya all self-taught or did you go to some sort of academy?

[quietadrian]

these just knock me down everytime i see them. i hope i get a chance to see you paint at the SF workshop.

these are incredibly inspiring. you have a confidence and spontaneity that i'd love to achieve in my own work down the road.

thank you! keep them coming!

[dadamafia]

this thread is so good its unbelievable. really reeeally nice.

[down]

well, I can't say nothing that wasn't already said (does this sentense make sense??... English as a 3rd lenguage, hahhaha)... So, just say: BEAUTIFUL WORK!... thanks for sharing

[James Kei]

THanks guys!

Jetpack- I'll bring a stack of them to the workshop. are you going?

Lim- I did about 4 years training at various places.

I just learned about the sharpen filter right after I posted these. Damn.

More to come. maybe....

[Blackhawk]

James, these are really top notch. I was wondering if you had any more figure work to show. Stellar stuff.

[Crunch]

freaking orgasmic stuff here man and i really want to say thank you for posting. ive learned alot from looking at your work and studying it. i would love to see more full figure work. keep being amazing.

crunch

[flex mathews]

wow, amazing updates
these are so inspirational, i need to draw now.

keep posting.

[jdinx]

james...just beautiful!

nothing like non electronic REAL paint to warm the soul.

jD

[WillSchnevel]

Man, these are just sooooooo fabulous! <3

[Groover McNab]

Tasty stuff. Man, sign me up for one of your comic books, however much you're charging for em!

Hope to meet you in SF!

[ExeCute]

wow.... lovely paintings! i'm glad i took a look :)

[clogik]

im diggin it!

[draw]

UPDATE!!!!! UPDATE!!!! c'mon dood, i know you gotta have more shit in your closet!-c36


I concur.

[pushav]

Nice clean work. I like this a lot.

[Bojee]

If you got anymore paints hanging around we'd love to see them. :P

[Bojee]

Or Life Drawings from the Massive Black Session?? :teeth:

[draw]

If we start chanting then we may get an encore performance. Join n ppl.

[quietadrian]

I'll second (third?) that. I'd love to see more of those paintings!

[maxetormer]

MY Lord this stuff is good!

[Justin.]

Max, noramlly I'd be all over you about reviving this post- but... I can let it slide this time :D