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Open Plaza Design

The design challenge as with most large scale open plazas, is to figure out what 'happens' in it. I was charged with populating this plaza with lots of energy and some sort of projected light show. This image was all based off of blue lighting for the base 3d image in order to convey the sense of evening without looking overly dark and ominous.

The Ballet

I recently completed several illustrations for a new performance center. The project consisted of both interior and exterior images. The technical definition of ballet reads; in part, as being 'characterized by light' - something we aspired to capture. This image was part of a three way collaboration between: myself, Post Architects and HMS Architects. The test; for me, was to balance depicting a traditional art form with the artistic tools of the present - the computer.

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Tower Illustration

I had an opportunity to lend a hand in creating some portfolio pieces for an architect on the west coast. The design had been established. The goal was an evocative rendering that would set the tower apart from imagery that is sometimes overly photo-realistic and 'distant'. I tried to experiment with NC Wyeth inspired color palette.

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KHP

A recent competition overseas titled The Korean Horse Park. I was part of an international team that participated in the exercise. I was commissioned to create several sketches that would help tell a story. The narrative depicted a series of events that a guest would experience during there visit. This particular image was of the 'conclusion'. A rare opportunity to get a glimpse of the white horse. An almost mystical creature that provides both a climax to the journey and a deeper appreciation of nature.

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Before and After

Sometimes people ask what it is I actually do. The answer is somewhat difficult to verbalize in a comprehensive way (especially given my writing skills or lack thereof) . So I often send along a series of 'before and after' images. The 'before' images are what a client might send me to evaluate a new project. Often times my studio is tasked with both adding design input as well as providing a final full color perspective. The 'after' image shows the resulting illustration created by the studio. These comparative examples are a quick visual way for me to communicate what it is my studio actually provides.

Water View

I don't often work on landscapes but I was recently commissioned to do a series of landscape illustrations for a project in the continental US. I was given photo references and some design direction in the form of sketches. Scenic illustrations done in traditional media inspired me to pursue a similar natural aesthetic. These images, although simple looking, were rather challenging to create digitally. I think the results were reasonably good and I am feeling a bit more confident with this subject matter moving forward.

Into the Altar

I had an idea to continue the 'lost explorers' theme from the cover of my website. This is supposed to be an architectonic structure emitting from the base of an older architectural vernacular. Coincidentally the dead trees in the foreground also have 'new' vegetation growing around them. I struggled with the layering effect while maintaining the spherical nature of the Apps. I thought the abandoned pack mules came out well and added scale.

The Squid

This aerial was part of a recent project that I had contributed both design and illustrative content towards. The 'squid' in the center of the project along with some of the additional surrounding massing was provided by the client. The goal was to emphasize a multitude of exciting performances that would support the central 'island' program. Relating hotel functions to these performances and attractions was also an important part of the projects overall concept.

Elysia

I had produced this design/illustration a couple years back for a hotel/casino project. The idea was to create a whimsical garden landscape to serve as the entrance forecourt to a more modern architectural expression beyond. I am not particularly good at landscapes but I was pretty happy with this one. It seems as though the less time I have on something the less time I have to screw it up.

Jugar

I recently had an opportunity to work on a resort/entertainment concept. Collaborating along side Forrec to develop the design; I was tasked with bringing vision to a place of: imagination, energy and wonder.

Art Deco Study

I had recently submitted three illustrations into the Architecture in Perspective 30 International Competition and was thrilled to find out I had received a Jurors award. One of only three such honors recognized per year. Thanks to the entire jury and especially Don Schmidt for selecting my image.

Bridge 101

Here is a new image I recently worked on. Not sure if I can ever consider these finished but I had taken this about as far as I could go. It was originally going to be about the archway design of a police department building. I later began playing around with bridge designs and then later started to scab onto the bridge 'new housing' inspired by Leb Woods.

Holy Sun City

I recently collaborated with Qing Lu of AUL Creative in China on the Holy Sun City mixed use project. The image below was also selected for a Award of Excellence and published in last years AIP29 publication. The design was already established and my studio was tasked with creating an image that conveyed a sense of entry and spirituality.

2024 Boston Olympic Bid

Its been quite some time since my last post and my new years resolution is to take better advantage of my blog and other various social media outlets... Recently I was invited to be part of a local team to work on the 2024 Boston Olympic bid. I was thrilled that our city was chosen to represent the USA for the upcoming international  competition against some of the most iconic cities in the world. My roll was to bring vision and conceptual design to what a Boston Olympics could look like. Below is one of the first studies I had done...

Alden B Dow Museum

Lots going on here at the studio. I was recently invited to submit work along with 15 other artists for a new exhibition, The Architecture of an Idea: Illustrations and Concepts. The show will be from May 11th  - September 8th. 'The selected invited artists range from architects, illustrators, model makers and fine artists working in a variety of media from traditional drawing, painting, and sculpture, to digital work.  The works are conceptions for built and un-built structures, while others are purely artistic expressions'. 

Winter Walk

It has been reasonably busy these past few months so I have not had much time to blog. Here is an image I worked on that was a rarely requested winter scene. I researched a bunch of real photography and tried to use a grey/pink color pallet.

Detail

Finally, here is a detail of the existing structure. Several other illustrations for this project had been commissioned after this first piece. Great project and the clients where very interested in capturing both the design intent and the atmosphere of the space.  Not sure how close I got to achieving the desired atmosphere but the available photography of the existing space proved invaluable in trying to approach the volume and character of the structural mosaic.