Iām excited to be a part of the first Spectrum Fantastic Art LIVE! event this weekend in Kansas City! Iāll be sharing a booth with Arkady Roytman, and weāll both have free postcards and prints for sale.
Muddyās own Arnie Fenner, along with his wife, Cathy, are putting this long envisioned event together by themselves with nothing but the love of the genre to bolster them. That and 200 participating artists, once again coming together to celebrate the vitality of SF&F. Even more than that, schools, galleries, and The Illustration Academy will be in attendance, along with potential clients from movies, publishing, gaming, and comics.
Iām so thrilled with the image quality of the prints from GotPrint, pictured above, that Iād like to offer a free set to a random selection of commenters to this post. Just leave a comment about them, or the event, and by next week, Iāll contact five of you for mailing addresses. Deal? Then get to typing.
And if youāre attending or in Kansas City, come by the booth, #809. Weāll have lots of originals there. Iāll also be giving a lecture about the myth of talent and doing a painting demo over the weekend.
Well, free prints aside, I have nothing but positive vibes and wishes of great fortune to this entire endeavor and everyone involved. I think this is going to be a smash hit, and I'm definitely going to have to make it to next year's somehow…
As for “Something Wicked…”, two things I have always come back to this image for: the woman in white with her hands in the air is exactly the kind of pose I wanted for my numerous attempted paintings of Javanne the witch, and the woman center right has the skin tone I had always hoped for as well (and have yet to achieve). In fact, in my mind I tend to think of that figure of Javanne now. It's definitely her kind of party. š
It's a such a great piece – it really rewards return viewings…
Have a great time, you crazy kids, and post pictures!
Oh I would be very happy to receive a free poster, so sign me in for the randomness! And to save you some postage, I also volunteer to grab the prize up at IMC (if the dice rolls my way that is).
And to not leave a totally meaningless post, a comment:
Hailing from Finland, I am very much envious of all the illustrationary goodness going on over there in the US, I find Europe to be lacking a lot on this front. I guess a major part of the business side is done and settled at different conventions by meeting and getting to know the right people..
I hope that the trend is coming over here as well (Northern Light Workshop being an excellent game opener). Overall, I have noticed a big buzz around illustration in recent years. Maybe it is only that I have started to follow the illustration field closer than before, but still I feel that illustration books, conventions, workshops, interesting blogs (ahem) and such are increasing all the time. And with them, presumably also the illustrators. Good times, perhaps we are on the brink of The Second Golden Age of Illustration..?
But yeah, pick me!
Hah! David Brasgalla, the man behind the Northern Light Workshop – I bet you sensed I was complimenting you and posted right at the time I was typing… š
Best of luck, Greg. I remember years ago seeing a booth at the New York Art Expo at the Javits Center with your winery work on display. The thrill of being part of a new show designed FOR the artist must be thrilling!
Looks fun. I don't think we get anything this cool down in Florida.
Oh I would love to be there to meet you and get a print in person Greg. I wish there were similar conventions to Spectrum Fantastic Art LIVE! in Australia. Above the Timberline will always be my favourite of yours. Will have to get a print of it anyhow one day. Good luck to you and all the other amazing artists there and well done to Cathy & Arnie Fenner. Hope to see more in the coming posts.
Wish I could go to the Spectrum Live event – it sounds like it will be fantastic. I used to exhibit in the art show at the Dragoncon in Atlanta and was always amazed at how generous the big name artists were. They gladly talked with me and gave me great tips – it was so envigorating and really got the creative juices going! Most of us don't get the opportunity to meet our art heroes face to face, so events like this offer a great opportunity to talk to them and expand our horizons.
It took me a moment to realize that it was polar bears in Above the Timberline, which makes the painting even more incredible. Also, I love all the little details in Something Wicked This Way Comes! Glad to hear you're satisfied with the prints, and I hope that Spectrum Live ends up being a blast.
These pieces look hauntingly beautiful. I love the colours, and the polar bears are just brilliant.
I'm bummed I won't be able to attend the Spectrum live event this year, it looks like it is going to be a melting pot of incredible must-meet artists, but maybe next year.
Have fun at the event!
Won't be able to attend Spectrum Live, but I'm hoping to see plenty of the same faces at Illuxcon this year! Can't wait to see write ups about the event on here.
I've always been a fan of your work. Thank you for taking the time to share your insights and wisdom. It is much appreciated. I won't make it to Spectrum either, but I am glad it is coming together.
Thanks for being my go to guy Greg. Have a blast.
Whoa so generous, wish I had the money to go to the event!
I just printed business cards from GotPrint — also pleasantly surprised by quality!!! Awesome to have so many great online printers these days for art products.
*proceeds to make something up for a chance to win*
But seriously, I wish I could go. We need more things like this in the UK/Europe !
Wow, if only I could go… It would be fantastic to listen to your lecture and watch your demo I bet
It was fun to notice Hiipi's comment up there. Now I know I'm not the only Finn reading this awesome and always inspirational blog. You Greg, along with all the other guys have been a major factor in my developing interest in an illustration career: I tip my hat!
The prints, they look gorgeous. But I'm wondering what size they are. I have a special fondness for Above the Timberline, having watched (or listened to while painting myself) your painting demo for god knows how many times.
I can't participate in SFAL! but I hope that it will be a great success, and that it will become an annual event. In that case I'll take a little trip to the US sometime and accommodate my travel plans so I can be there!
Also, I created a Blogger account for the express purpose of replying to this post. Keep on rockin'!
Very jealous of all of you that are going, best of luck to all of you!
Will stop by and say hello! Can't wait to see your artwork “Live!”. š
I just moved to Chicago (bare walls, Greg!), which puts me about an 8 hour drive away. I hope I can make it! Incredible work and thanks so much for sharing! Good luck to all!
Thanks for being a great inspiration and resource for aspiring artists by contributing to Muddy Colors. Reading the latest post over my morning coffee is the best part of my daily routine.
For the record, I love the 3-dimensionality of the spine on the backward facing skeleton in “Something Wicked This Way Comes.” The shading is done just right to give the impression of a tightly fitting costume, particularly around the neck and base of skull.
H
Wish that I could come! I loved your lecture at BSU! I hope you can come next semester and give us a demo!!!! I know Bill would like that too:) Melody
looking forward to hearing you speak and stopping by the booth!
I'm sure those prints will be a big hit Greg…..you should have printed more! Looks like it will be quite the show. Have fun!!
Oh, how I wish I could attend. I wish you well with your booth and all the fun goings on there at Spectrum Live.
(BTW, I've made room on my bookshelf for a particular book by Greg Manchess in the future).
Greg, I absolutely LOVE your work, and you have inspired me greatly.
Have fun at the big event, and I hope to see you again soon.
RW (Art Gecko)
Greg, love your work and thanks for giving everyone a chance to win some of the prints. I've already moved my pictures of Jesus, Gandhi, Darth Vader and the President to make room for your prints.
Hey Greg, been following your work and writing here on muddy colors for a long while now, and feel like a schmo that it took the offer of free awesome GM prints for me to finally leave a comment. Hope the event is a rollicking good time and success for artists and attendees alike. And thanks for sharing your wisdom and images.
I wish I could have gone. So many great artists in one building…
I feel fortunate that I was at least able to see “Above the Timberline” in person at the Society of Illustrators, it really was a great piece.
Free stuff?? I'll type to that!
Hi Greg! Thanks for tossing some prints at us Muddy-readers! I hope Spectrum Live does well. The pedigree is certainly there for success, but I wonder if the location might hurt it. It's a bit out-of-the-way, no?
As for your prints…I have your DVD of 'Above The Timberline' and you're right to be proud of that piece. Out of any given handful of paintings maybe one has that 'magic', that 'life' and 'Above the Timberline' is that one (I'm positive you have many others, but this one is featured in your post). I watch the 'Timberline' DVD these days and I don't look for technique or a tutorial. I watch to see that life and joy being put into the painting. It's quite amazing, thank you.
Hey Greg. The prints look great. I'll see you at the convention. I'm looking forward to your lecture on the myth of talent also. Can't wait!
a chance at a Gregory Manchess set of prints…get on it readers! I'm coming to SFAL all the way from Australia Greg so hopefully will see you at your booth sometime – good luck with the travel and set up etc and fingers crossed the show is successful for all involved.
for some reason spectrum always seemed like one of those things that was far off in another world. in honesty, i hadn't even heard of it until this year as an arts convention/show. i thought it was just a magazine/organization. :/
learning more about it, and that it's in kansas city (closer than most things to mississippi where i live) i feel slightly ashamed that i didn't get a chance to go. i should get out of the studio more often. i will be there next year, however. count on it.
thanks greg, love your art.
-allen.
sorry for the double post. figured i'd sign in. for some reason spectrum always seemed like one of those things that was far off in another world. in honesty, i hadn't even heard of it until this year as an arts convention/show. i thought it was just a magazine/organization. :/
learning more about it, and that it's in kansas city (closer than most things to mississippi where i live) i feel slightly ashamed that i didn't get a chance to go. i should get out of the studio more often. i will be there next year, however. count on it.
thanks greg, love your art.
-allen.
Greg you rock man, your dvd's have been a huge inspiration and I can't wait to cross the border and experience next years event! Muddy colours keeps me going. Keep it ninja.
-Tony
Have a great time at Spectrum Live, Greg! Wish I was there.
See you soon š
-Mia
I've been in love with Above the Timberline for a while now but wow, Something Wicked This Way Comes is blowing me away, colour, composition, awesomeness. Thanks for continually inspiring.
See you in June!
I wish I could've attended Spectrumm.. so far away, and no money and work to do though >.< : (
Above the Timberline is one of my favorites, but I had not seen “Something Wicked…”, and now I cannot decide which I like more. Of course, once I have them hanging in my studio for inspiration, I'm sure I will, in time, pick a favorite.
Almost done packing, but I still have to put finishing touches on a another painting before I fly out tomorrow. Hope you're having a good time on the road, Greg. Drive safe. See you (and the rest of the Muddies) tomorrow.
This is one chance I can't pass up. Above the Timberline has been one of my favorites since I first saw it. The colors, composition, technique… It's inspiring.
I really love the atmosphere of the second image! Sounds like it will be a awesome event.
absolutely love “Above the Timberline”. Something I suggest to people is to keep scrap books of work you like or that inspires. Fill it with ideas, color matches anything and everything that inspires you to get to work and start producing your own. Don't use your book to steal but to learn and inspire. Above the Timberline is definitely in my book and would be honored to have the real thing. It's an image that I look at and my mind creates a new back story for it every time. Thank you!
If only I didn't live across the pond…Perhaps I shall go see the wizard of Oz and ask for a pair of ruby slippers.
Well i'm speachless about the images, they just punch me in the gut!
Thanks for all the sharing about your experience and knowledge you really turned the voyage on the art pirate ship easier, along with the other muddies abord!
May the winds blow on the direction you wish, and may you find the treasures you hunt! š
Mr. Manchess,
I can't stop staring at that second image.
Your work is always a joy to oogle at. I am grateful I had a chance to see you work your magic in person. Your coloration of the second card is amazing but I love the overall composition of the first one.
Hi Greg! Ever since I discovered your work with the “Above The Timberline” DVD, that painting holds a very special place in my heart. It's the one that, every time I see it, tells me to not be afraid and just paint because deep down that's what makes me happy. Awesome picture…
Any plans for a trip to Japan? haha
Have fun at the convention!
Hi Gregg,
Regardless of wether I win or not, I thought I should let you know that “Timberline” has been an inspiration to me since I first saw the demo video you did for it online. It really struck that nerve in me that said fantastic illustration is what I love and what I want to do.
While I won't be attending SFALive, I do look forward to spending a week learning with you & everyone @ IMC in June. See you then!
Will
Greg, the prints look fantastic. The way you wield a brush is truly inspiring. Saw you last year at Art Out Loud (that portrait of McCartney and 'Along the Timberline' have profoundly changed the way I think through a piece), wish I could make it to Spectrum Live. Have fun and keep doing what you do so well. (the absolute best in my opinion)
-Max
I am new to this site but love the art of illustration. I was first introduced to the Society of Illustrators when I bought a the book on sale through a cataloge and that was it I was hooked. I bought several and look through them again and again never tiring of them.
Your DVD for 'Above the Timberline' is pretty great stuff. Thanks for be such an awesome guy to the art community!
I wish I could make it to Spectrum Live, it sounds like it will be amazing. Those prints are equally amazing, and I wouldn't mind having them gracing my walls if I'm lucky enough to win them. (fingers crossed)
It seems that everyone is going to Spectrum LIVE. Some day I will go over the Atlantic when it's convention season in the US… And go to them all!!
I can't wait to see your booth. This is an exciting week!
Having to work to get a plane-ticke AND the tickets/Tables for individual conventions and happenings across the Atlantic takes time.
In the meanwhile, I am very happy to be able to see images and catch news from those events through Muddy Colors.
Internet Images cannot really give us a clear view on how good the prints are, but if you are that happy with them, that's incentive enough for me to go check the printers out – and they ship to my country, which is a plus!
What type of prints did you get? Size, paper type etc, I'm interested because it will give me a better idea of the quality in general.
You'r giving away prints? -well count me in! Seeing, that it will probably take the continental shift some time before america is next to europe, this is probably my best chance, to see some of your work up close.
'Wish I could make it to Spectrum to check them out in person, but winning prints would be awesome too. Good luck and have a safe trip.
I was always looking for the picture with the polar bears, but I never found any poster prints online – and getting there from Germany is pretty much impossible right now. T_T I would so love to get my hands on one.
Wish I could make it to Spectrum Live! “Above the Timebrline” and “Something Wicked this Way Comes” are two of my favorite images you've done. I still have the “Something Wicked” Spectrum call for entries poster pinned to my wall.
Awesome prints! I'd love to win one.
Just spent a while surfing around your presence in pictures on the web. Awesome stuff even on the screen the oils look cool. Loved the book covers – particularly zero cool – makes me wanna buy the book, I suppoose that's the point!! Cheers..
Watching the tutorial video on the Above the Timberline painting was extremely inspiring and helpful to me. Good luck selling the prints!
Above the Timberline is great and all, but I think you should paint something about a Kentucky Colonel Ninja. I wish I was there. You are a fantastic human being.
These two are both great pieces. I get a really solid sense of place and story with above the timberline. I think it's the tracks in the snow ahead of them making it seem as if the viewer it just ahead looking back at the team. That mixed with the slant of the mountain going diagonally across the canvas gives a perfect sense of upward motion. Also really like how you used the browns on the man and the furthest bear to draw the eye between the group.
The next one I'll be honest is great but not much to my own taste. The composition for some reason reminds me of Picasso's la guernica. The style reminds me of a mix between Goya and Picasso a little bit, but the composition and balance of color and forms is brilliant in this one and I get a great feeling of depth with the painting. Would also really like to know the story on this one seems like something I would like by the feel I get from the painting.
Would really like to know what kind of process you go through when you make your paintings to set all your compositonal elements up before hand or do you keep things a bit looser as you move through the painting and tighten things up as you go, or is it a little of both?
The colors in “Something Wicked This Way Comes” are beautiful!
I just really like the different expressions the bears have, especially that confused one.
The ever modest Mr Manchess has failed to mention that “Something Wicked This Way Comes”–his Call For Entreis poster for Spectrum a few years back–won a Silver Medal from the Society of Illustrators. So…I'm mentiong it for him. š
Aw, shucks…..thanks, Arnie!
You have a sharp memory for 87.
ahem
G