VIGNALI STUDIO

I just love those little paperback Moleskin sketchbooks. I was going to a fancy banquet and stuffed it into my blazer's inner pocket -- it's so small and flat, no one was the wiser. And, sure enough the moment presented itself and I bagged this beaut! Oh my gosh, I would have kicked myself if I didn't have anything to sketch him with.

The sketch is untouched, other than my added copyright.

Go to Sketchclub to check out my latest memory sketch. I've got the full body posted there.

This was the first image I ever saw by Frank Frazetta, only it was painted on the side of a van in the mid 1970s.

By 1978 I found out who had painted this image when I stumbled across a Betty Ballentine book that featured much of Frank's artwork. I was about 13 years old, and didn't have the eight dollars to buy the books, so I would memorize the subjects and attempt to draw them at home.

Years later I had the privilege of seeing Frank Frazetta at the San Diego Comic book convention, but he was swarmed with fans so I couldn't get close enough to thank him personally for his contribution to Sci Fi art and his influence on me. It was one of those pinch-me moments, and I said to myself, "There he is."

Not only was Frank an amazing storyteller, painter and designer, but he had a tremendous imagination that always provided a unique perspective about the worlds he was envisioning. Most of all I believe was his imagination that set him apart from his contemporaries.

RIP Frank Frazetta.

My buddy Israel Martinez has set up a drawing studio inside Graphaids in Westchester. It's uninstructed, so you just show up and draw.

Manchester Space
7280 Manchester Blvd
Westchester, CA 90045
Thursdays 7pm-10pm
$15.00
Israel Martinez 310/702-7163
imartinezis@aol.com

I drew this image in my usual magic marker, but then used photoshop to place it over this aged paper. I think this was a five minute sketch.

I've been invited to the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo in Canada this weekend. So, if you're in the area, or are making the trip, please come by and say hello.

I'll be at the Expo talking about animation related topics, such as Creating a Portfolio, on Saturday April 24th. And then on Sunday, April 25th, I'll be talking about Character Design for Animation.

Most of all, I'll be walking around enjoying the Expo and meeting all of you.

My longtime friend Paul Wee saw my drawing of Hellboy -- and was inspired enough to do an ink and color. I just had to post it.

Both Paul and I went to art school together, and it was he who turned me onto Mike Mignola. We started collecting a comic book title called Rocket Racoon waaay back in the day, and were impressed by Mignola's design sense -- even before Mignola discovered his distinctive graphic design look that he is now famous for.

Paul is an amazing talent, and he's teaching again after a four year hiatus. If you have a minute, go check out his blog.

On special request I'm posting the sketches from last week's Sketchclub outing.

We went to the dog park in Culver City last week, where the Sketchclub crew laid down a flurry of dog sketches. Kendra really enjoyed my dog page and requested that I go ahead and post it. I hardly ever post my sketches, but on special request here it is in all its glory -- uncut and uncensored -- right out of my sketchbook.

I'm also adding a couple of the sketches blown up so you can see them in a little more detail. I really had fun drawing these little dogs more so than the big ones.

There was the little mean walleyed dog that wanted to pick a fight with all the dogs coming to the park.

And, a small skittish dog that looked like a Weasel.

If you are interested in seeing the "mark" for that day, go to Sketchclub.

OK, I feel terrible about this, but still trying to protect my images with a watermark. It probably won't make that much of a difference to someone with photoshop knowledge -- an easy fix -- but rather a nuisance to would-be bootleg printers.

OK, that disclaimer out of the way, here's an image of a figure done with marker on paper. I like it when the marker starts to dry out just a bit, because then it allows a little bit of modeling. I'm not as bold as Marcos Mateu! who can knock-out his beautiful sketches with a fully loaded marker. If Zorro had a drawing counterpart, it would be Marcos.

Over a year ago I did some packaging art for World of Warcraft. The package was released last summer, but I never got around to posting this. I was flattered that I was asked to do the cover illustration for the packaging art. It was very much like a jacket illustration. I had to accommodate the type, do a front and back cover, and added an image that would show up on the spine.


I ended up seeing the final printing of the package but wasn't that crazy about it, the knight's colors seemed blown out. Maybe it was just my print. That's the thing about printing, unless we're there to supervise it, we never really know how it's going to show up in print. Still, it was fun.

The characters are not my designs, but rather I was given game resolution-images of their existing designs to use as reference and embellished them in this illustration.

I've never drawn Hellboy before, but have always been a big fan. I had a commission request -- and so I took a crack at it.

I didn't want to do go the Mignola approach, so I thought I would approach it from the aspect of, "What can I add to this character in order to make it recognizable as Hellboy, but my version of Hellboy?"

My good friend David Colman has also put together an iPod App! If you are unfamiliar with Coh's work, you're in for a treat. Best known for his animal character design book, this exclusive App provides a drawing collection of both animals and people. The best thing about this new technology, if you have an iPhone or iTouch, it's all right there at your fingertips.

What's really cool is that David has included a step-by-step "how to" tutorial section where he shows how he does his watercolor field sketches.

Once again, thanks to Bobby Chiu, you can find this App book at: www.artistsketchbooks.com.

The official Marcelo Vignali, SKETCHCLUB, sketchbook is now available as an iPhone/iTouch app. For those of you that have always wanted a peek at my sketchbook to see how I handle the subject of characters, here's your chance.

With this convenient format you can load it up and take it anywhere -- especially when you go sketching. For those that have always wanted to go sketching with our Sketchclub, but live too far away to join us, this is the next best thing because you can load up your iPod with this app and take me with you. These are not studio sketches, these are field sketches. The images in this app were originally drawn from life with a pen, a brush and marker.

Thanks to Bobby Chiu, you can find my book at: www.artistsketchbooks.com. This is the first time my work has been available outside of Disney or Sony making-of books. For only $2.99, you get 30 images from my sketchbook -- that's less than .10¢ per page. I can't imagine a more affordable, or convenient, way to offer this book.

I hope you enjoy it.

As some of you may or may not know, but I had a serious spinal operation on December 11th of 2009. I'm recovering well now, and am looking forward to 2010. As it is I spent a month a way from work trying to build up my strength and heal, and am only now returning to the office.

I had quite a bit of hardware surgically implanted into my back. In total I have seven screws, one titanium plate, cadaver bone, and two titanium rods. Suffice it to say, I was laid out on my back during Christmas and New Year. I did some sketching, and I drew this chap on New Year, imagining those days of yesteryear when men would dress up in Tuxedos to welcome the new year with lots of pomp. Why? I have no idea, it was just fun. I almost filled an entire sketchbook with lots of doodles.

I also got to spend quite a bit of time with my family, which was a tremendous blessing.

Happy New Year everyone!!!

Being that we are on the eve of Christmas, hence a pregnant Mary.
--Marcelo

Joy to the World
Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Click Here to view the recent interview I did with Bobby Chui of Schoolism.com.

It lasts about an hour.

I just wanted to let everyone know that Craig Harris we will be having the last Nomad Gallery art show of the year this Saturday Dec 5th. See my link in the margin.

It will take place from 5-9pm at the
Los Angeles Event and Meeting Center
located in Culver City.

10601 W. Washington Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90232

I'll be there, so come on by and say hello. Let's talk art!

I did a demo on Sunday, and my friends Mark McDonnell and Nicolas Villarreal were kind enough to take some pictures. This shows my initial lay-in when I'm doing a figure drawing. I begin with long flowing lines, and build my shapes up in terms of design and not anatomy.

(I should also note that these drawings were done out of my head, and no model was present for this demonstration.)

I begin to build my shapes by focusing on the rhythm of the pose.

At this point I probably stopped to blather on about something, fortunately long enough for Nicolas to take a picture without my arm being in the way. These drawings don't take more than about five minutes (maybe seven minutes including my talking), so Nicolas had to be quick.

I continue building the shapes, but this time using my understanding of anatomy.



I have to say I was very impressed by the number of people that were interested in my approach to figure drawing. My approach makes sense to me, and it seemed to resonate with the people listening. I was heartened to see such eager minds taking an interest in something seemingly so perfunctory -- but a necessary part of design.

Here's a screen shot from the overhead video camera. It was squashed in perspective, so I had to unsquash it to present it to you here -- hence there is still a little bit of distortion. Now, this isn't the same drawing I was working on in the photos above, but I managed to give three demos during my presentation, and this was one of the other demos.

I'm going to be at the CTN Expo.
On Saturday I'm going to be doing a discussion in a forum called the "Line Kings." And, on Sunday I'm going to be doing a demo. I hope to see you all there.

My good friend Craig Harris has just started an online gallery that also makes periodic (brick and mortar) appearances throughout the Southland -- hence the name Nomad Gallery. He has invited me to participate as one of the featured artists in his gallery, so if you are interested in purchasing some of my artwork or just want to find out when the next show is going to happen (December 5th), please go to the Nomad Gallery.

I am selling a print of this faerie image, so please visit my friend Craig Harris at the Nomad Gallery.

Craig also has a tremendous roster of artists that reads like a who's-who in the animation industry's LA area.

It's been a while, but MAC pestered me and eventually shamed me into posting something -- thanks bud!

I have to admit, I'm so old school I like drawing with the centuries old pen nib and ink. I trained this way years ago, and at one time in my various past lives as a freelance artist I used to do ink drawings for the Los Angeles Times Syndicate -- with my drawings appearing in over 52 newspapers throughout the country. But, that was back when Prince first crashed into the music scene, and Nintendo had just come out with their first games. So, as you can tell that was a long time ago.

But, let's face it, who wants old school illustrations -- right? So, I decided to push this drawing into the technological world of the 20th century and add a little color using my Wacom Tablet and Photoshop 7.0.

I was going through a folder filled with odd sketches and came across this one. I can't remember why I drew this, but it looks like a Planet of the Apes inspired sketch -- or just a samurai ape.

This sketch was drawn on bond with graphite, and obviously from imagination.

I have just posted at Sketchclub. If you would like to see the rest of this image, go to Sketchclub.

Noelle has also posted her version of this mark too. Come and have a look.

I drew this one out at lunch today. You'd never guess this guy was watching the soccer game in an Argentine restaurant. (I'm going to guess his team was losing.)

I have just posted at Sketchclub. If you would like to see the rest of this image, go to Sketchclub

Animation Legend Andy Gaskill is now blogging. Please go and welcome him to the world of bloggers.

Best known for being the writer and art director for Disney's Lion King, here's a list of only some of his film credits I say "only" because he doesn't even have the Fox and the Hound listed in his IMDB credits.

I rarely post my sketchbook drawings during our Sketchclub lunches, rather we typically post our memory drawings at sketchclub.blogspot instead. So, here is a page from my sketchbook during one of these Sketchclub outings.

A whole bunch of us had gone to the local skatepark and drew some of the kids there. Ya gotta draw fast to get these weightless action poses! They're more like gesture drawings.

I just thought I would let you know that I have just posted at Sketchclub.( I know, it's been a while.) If you would like to see the rest of this image, go to Sketchclub!

Next week we're going to draw at a local skatepark.

I was a huge fan of the 1970s television show. So you can imagine two years ago when I found the DVD for all three seasons being offered online, I bought it. My kids and I will often sit and enjoy the show: I reliving my memories; they creating memories.

We would often play LotL with my children and their toys, but it wasn't the same. And, since there are no Land of the Lost games or toys based on the 1970s television show being offered in the stores anymore, I decided to make a game. We found some LotL crystals being offered on eBay, bought them and have made them part of the game. We also use different colored buttons for our characters.

Wanna play? You'll have to be familiar with the show in order to understand who the characters are.

The object of the game is to pick up all four crystals and make it to the end without getting stuck in the circular vortex, or captured by sleestaks. The catch is, no one gets left behind -- we have to move through the game like a family. Having all four crystals allows you to reenter our world.

The dice allows only one of four choices. Move one space ahead, move two spaces ahead, move three spaces ahead, and try again. Three try-agains in a row moves you four spaces forward.

The pylons allow you to move backwards in the game, but not forward. Unless you have the Enik card and happen to land on the red pylon. At which point you can go anywhere in the game. Enik also allows you to escape the sleestaks. Otherwise, you're stuck.

The Pakuni card allows you to take a short cut into the cavern, and gets you unstuck from the vortex -- theoretically by going for help and getting the mirror.

Each time you play the either the Enik, Pakuni, toothpick or torch card, you have to put them back. Unless of course you re-land on that space again that allows you to pick up the card.

The vortex: is like a turnabout. You go round and round unless you can land on the square that allows you to leave the vortex. There is another square that traps you with the vortexes lazer. To escape, you'll need to get the mirror. The mirror reflects the vortexes deadly lazer and allows you to escape, and if a family member is stuck you must retrieve the mirror, and then use one of the pylons to go backwards into the game and attempt to land on their space to rescue them. Once you have the mirror, you keep it.

Sometimes everyone gets stuck in LotL, but usually you can find your way out.

I had the kids draw up the cards. You'll need red, blue, yellow and green crystals, an Enik and Pakuni card, and you'll also need a toothpick, mirror and torch card. You might want to draw up some cards for the crystals too.

The gameboard is watercolor and ink.

(And, yes, I was very disappointed with the new LotL movie. When I saw that Will Ferrel was staring in it, I knew I couldn't take my children to it -- too raunchy and crude for my standards.)

Here is yet another postcard from Argentina...that actually made the journey. This card went out to my friend Richie Chavez.

I had just gotten off the airplane after a 17 hour flight, took a bus ride into BA, walked through the park, and jotted this one down before heading off to my hotel.

I gambled and I lost. I think out of the six hand drawn postcards I mailed from Argentina, only three arrived to their destinations. Even the hand drawn postcard I mailed my daughters never made it.

They're lost into the ether of that great void between memory and imagination...or in some postman's collection.

I only had the sense to take this picture of one. I drew this while in a restaurant in Buenos Aries. I believe it was intended for Paul Wee.

Alas, what can I say, I'm an art adrenaline junky.

Here's another design I did way back when I was doing character design and development work for Disney's Brother Bear.

This sketch was originally drawn on heavyweight vellum with wax pencil.

Here's one I did about ten years ago. The original was drawn on regular 8.5 X 11 bond paper with graphite. Nothing fancy.

I wish I had a better jpg, but this is all I got.

Ric Estrada has passed away. He declined rapidly over the past week as a result of advanced prostate cancer, to which he no longer responded to treatment. This had been an ongoing battle for Ric. Nearly all his children were by his bedside as he crossed over yonder to where the tree of life is in eternal bloom.

I met Ric while living in St. George Utah, and have been living in the riches of having met him. He was truly alive, in every sense of the word, from the sparkle in his eyes to that warm smile he embraced everyone with.

Family Memorial Donation Suggestion
Ric loved every person he ever met and all people. He believed in the possibilities for all of his friends, those he had met and those he hadn't met yet, desiring to help all to improve their circumstances. For any who wishes to do so please donate to the humanitarian fund at http://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/.  100% of the funds go to meet needs worldwide. Be sure to indicate that you are making a donation to the humanitarian fund so that your contribution will be used solely for humanitarian needs. You may also indicate that this a memorial donation for Ric Estrada.

As mentioned before, I like to play the postcard game. This is where I send hand drawn postcards to my artist friends, with the hope they will reciprocate in kind. It's a way to collect art and share art with friends in a fun and playful way. I figured I'm usually doodling anyway when I travel, why not do it on a 4X6 card and mail it.

I guess I'm an art nerd, I have to admit I get exited to see how these little pieces of art travel, to their destinations -- sometimes with smudges and creases. And, sometimes, they just don't make it! (I guess the mail man is playing the postcard game too.)

So, naturally, while I was in Buenos Aries, Argentina, I managed to drop off a few cards to some friends. This card went to my good friend, and talented artist, Noelle Triaureau!

I'll try and post some of the other cards when I get copies.

These images were created for Brother Bear.

I had been charged with the task of creating some concept sketches for the animals in this world, as well as some of the humans. In this case here I've drawn one of the younger human members of a hunting party.


This was interesting because when I drew this image the Disney Studio remarked that they were interested in the graphic nature of the skin cape, as well as the uniqueness of the bone goggles. I was looking forward to seeing something like that in the final film -- but it was not to be.


Part of my job here was to do as much research as possible about the stone age implements, tools and tailored hide clothing. So, in that regard, the clothing, stitching, and crafting of tools was very accurate. But, the Inuit make really elaborate outfits, but I had to actually draw them in a more primitive manner so as to fit the feel the studio was looking for.

When I was doing research the bulkiness of the clothing was one of the things that stood out to me, as well as the way in which the leather skins tended to fold -- being that the fur was kept on the inside of the clothing.


All but the top drawing were drawn with Prisma Pencil on newsprint. It looks to me as though that one may have been drawn on vellum.

Obviously, all of these are drawn without models -- this is where figure drawing and sketching in public really pays off.

Oh, I've been a lousy blogger. I just haven't been going around to see what everyone's been up to, nor have I been posting new images.

I did get an account on Facebook. Not so sure I'm going to keep it, the jury is still out.

Charcoal pencil in an 8x10 sketchbook.