Crystal Bridges Figure Drawing Series

Join us at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in January.  I'll be a teaching a figure drawing studio series class on January 9, 16, 23, 30 from 6:30-8:00 pm.  

In this class students will study the figurative  works of artist Thomas Eakins and gain a greater understanding of the basic proportions and anatomical structure of the human form by drawing from both the human skeleton and live model.  Students will render volume and form using tonal and linear methods and create dynamically composed figure drawings within the pictorial space.  

The above skeletal and muscle studies were rendered by one of my students for a project in one of my figure drawing classes.  For more information and to purchase tickets visit them on the web at Crystal Bridges: Figure Drawing from a Thomas Eakins Perspective, Studio Series.

Preliminary Scout Ship Concepts

A few months back I posted some concept renderings of my scout ship design for the upcoming sci-fi TV series now in production entitled Command Magellan by Duane Brunner and Johan Steen along with Leigh James and Paul Bradley.   Here are just some of the original preliminary renderings leading to the final version.  

Thanks to Duane Brunner, Johan Steen, Leon Maki Maki Kitchlew, and everyone involved in this exciting project.  

I'm getting caught up on projects over the break so I'll  post more soon.  

Tree Design

The last couple of months I've been busy drawing and sculpting a tree design to be constructed by Nature Makers in Carlsbad, CA.  Working on interior and exteriors of this massive artificial walk-in oak tree that is proposed to be installed in a children's department.  Here are just a few examples of my designs for this project.  

The enormous tree will stand at 13 ft with a 40 ft canopy.  The tree interior will be about 80 sq. ft accommodating almost 30 kids.  Notice how the tree appears to be busting through the floor and ceiling as if it were taking root in a lower level beneath the children's department.  

I did quite a bit of research on oaks for this project and found that there are over four hundred varieties of oak trees.  Oaks belong to the genus Quercus and members of the beech family.  Oaks consume large amounts of water and mature oaks can absorb more than 50 gallons a day.

Thanks to everyone involved in this exciting project.  

NWA Community Creative Center Holiday Bazaar

Join us this Saturday, December 1, 10-4 and Sunday Dec 2, 12-4 at the NWA Community Center Holiday Bazaar.  I'll have original art, prints, and books available for purchase including the original DVD cover art for the documentary film Up Among the Hills  as well as prints of the cover art and production art.  Hope to see you then.  

For more information visit them on the web at www.nwaccc.org.  

Illinois Central College Exhibit / East Peoria

Be sure to check out my exhibit  at the 305A Gallery at Illinois Central College in East Peoria, IL which starts today.  The exhibition  runs from November 21 thru December 7, 2012.  Thanks to Gallery Curator John Heintzman and the Illinois Central College Art Department for this fantastic opportunity. 

John Brown University Lecture

Yesterday I gave a lecture at John Brown University on graphic novels and narrative art.  Just like to thank professor of visual arts Joel Armstrong for inviting me talk to his art students and the english department.  A fantastic group and look forward to seeing the interdisciplinary student, narrative projects.   

Up Among The Hills Documentary Available On DVD

Recently I contributed time lapse production art and cover illustration for the documentary Up Among The Hills written and directed by Emmy award winning filmmaker and University of Arkansas professor, Larry Foley and narrated by President Bill Clinton. The film is now available on DVD through Amazon.  The film was funded by the Fayetteville Public Library Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Video of the film introduction and my time lapse sample is available here.

The film will also be available on AETN.  For AETN's December broadcast schedule "Up Among the Hill" will be viewed three (3) times by a statewide audience.

Approximately 300,000 households watch AETN weekly. Any one program can
expect to have about 11,600 viewers at each prime time ( 6:00 p.m. to
10:00 p.m.) broadcast. From sign on to sign off, the number of viewers is
about 6,000 at each airing.

The airdates are as follows:
Dec. 3 at 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 9 at 2:00 p.m.
Dec. 30 at 3:00 p.m.

In addition, the program will receive multiple repeats in 2013 and beyond.
Check your local listings each month for the exact dates and times.

Public Screenings of Up Among The Hills Documentary

Public screenings of the film Up Among the Hills will be held on Tuesday, November 6th at 6:00pm, and Sunday, November 11th at 2:00pm in the Walker Community Room at the Fayetteville Public Library in Fayetteville, AR.  I'll be sure and post when the film is available for purchase.  I contributed time lapse production art and cover illustration for this film.  Video of the film introduction and my time lapse sample is available here.  Up Among the Hills is directed by Emmy award winning filmmaker Larry Foley.

Recent Lecture

Recently gave a narrative art talk at Hass Hall Academy.  Just like to thank my friend Basil Seymour-Davies for having me talk to his art students and Sabine Schmidt's German class.  A fantastic group and really enjoyed seeing the students' narratives.  Great work!        

Halloween Continued

Recently went to a Halloween party as Abe Lincoln (of the vampire slaying persuasion).  I put together this hat and painted this toy axe and good to go.  Since I'm on the vampire theme, thought I'd share a couple pen and ink drawings of fright film legend Christopher Lee I did quite a while back.  

HALLOWEEN SCREAM!!!!

Wishing everyone a fright filled Halloween!

Documentary Time Lapse Production Art

Preliminary drawings for the documentary film Up Among the Hills and preproduction stills of myself working with director of photography Hayot Tuychiev.  Up Among the Hills is directed by Emmy award winning filmmaker Larry Foley. 

The overhead mounted camera recorded my renderings using stop motion image capture software.  The image then comes to life merging with moving imagery.  The trick was to keep the rendering on registration working fairly quickly until the scene is complete. 


Video of the film introduction and my time lapse sample is available here.

Workshop and Presentation Pics

Here are a couple of pics from the Make Your Own Graphic Novel Teen Workshop and presentation at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.  

Thanks to everyone that made it out and thanks to Sara Segerlin for the images and all her help putting this together and making the presentation and workshop possible.

Up Among The Hills Intro

Here is a video sample of my time lapse production art for the documentary film Up Among The Hills. 

Documentary Film Illustration / Production Art

Samples of my illustration work for Up Among the Hills, a 60 minute documentary film of the history of Fayetteville, was written and directed by Emmy award winning filmmaker and University of Arkansas professor, Larry Foley and narrated by President Bill Clinton. The film was funded by the Fayetteville Public Library Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities, while the library served as the executive producer of the film and will own the rights to the film.

My hand painted DVD cover illustration depicts prominent Fayetteville figures seen throughout the film.  I also worked on time lapse illustrations of the town square for the film's introduction as well as a portion later in the film.  Special thanks to film writer and director Larry Foley, director of photography Hayot Tuychiev, DOXA designer Ryan Sloan, and the rest of the team that contributed to this outstanding film. 

Up Among the Hills: The Story of Fayetteville film premiere to be hosted at the Fayetteville Public Library on Friday, October 19th. Public screenings of the film will be held on Thursday, November 1st and Tuesday, November 6th at 6:00pm, and Sunday, November 11th at 2:00pm in the Walker Community Room.

Following the film premiere, the library will donate copies of the film to Fayetteville K-12 schools, local northwest Arkansas libraries, and provide copies for purchase.

Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival will screen Up Among the Hills at Arlington Hotel on Oct. 20, 5 pm as well. 

For more info visit them on the web at gala.faylib.org. or visit faylibfilminfo.  

Graphic Novel Lecture At Shiloh Museum

Join us Wednesday, 12 PM, October 17 at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History.  I'll be giving a visual presentation and talk on the upcoming documentary graphic novel What Follows Is True...Crescent: The Baker Years.  This book chronicles the Norman Baker years, the darkest years of the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs,  Arkansas.  

The Shiloh Museum is located at 118 W. Johnson Ave. Springdale, AR 72764.  For more information contact the museum at 479-750-8165.   

Thanks!

Just a quick thanks to everyone that made it out for the Make Your Own Graphic Novel presentation and workshops I gave last weekend at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.  Thanks to Sara Segerlin for all her help putting this together and making the presentation and workshop possible.  Also thanks to Andy Shupe for the mention in the newspaper. 

Fall Workshops at NWA Community Creative Center

     This October I'll be teaching kids and adult acrylic painting and drawing workshops at NWA Community Creative Center (Nadine Baum Studios).

      

Acrylic Painting for Kids $7

Instructor: Sean Fitzibbon

Ages 8 and up

4 weeks, 4-6pm
More info at communitycreativecenter.org

Fridays: October 5, 12, (no class October 19), 26, November 2Acrylic paintings can ranges from intense color to light washes. Ease of clean-up and fast drying times make this medium one of the most popular to work with.

This class will give students basic knowledge of working with acrylics, how to start; organize the image, composition, movement, mood, then fishing with detail and personality.  All supplies will be provided. Special art party last day of class.

Check out Sean’s website: seanfitzgibbonart.com

     Acrylic Class in the evening.  $79

     Instructor: Sean Fitzgibbon

     Adults 16 and up.

     4 weeks, 7-9pm

     Friday, Oct 5, 12, (no class Oct 19), 26, Nov 2
     More info at communitycreativecenter.org

Sean will work with beginners and intermediates to give basic instruction in the use of acrylics: how to start, organize the image and put on the finishing touches. Sean’s website: seanfitzgibbonart.com  All supplies except brushes will be provided. Please feel free to buy your own supplies to enjoy working at home.

·Brushes- #2 round, #6 round, #10 round, #10 flat

·Liquitex Acrylics- White, Black, Cadmium Red, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Ultramarine Blue, Thalo Blue

·Paper Towels

·Jars

·Table Top Easels (optional)

·Plastic or Plexiglass (palettes)

Basic Drawing 

Instructor: Sean Fitzgibbon

     All Ages

     4 weeks, 6:30-8:30pm

     Mondays Oct 8, 15, 22, 29th 

     More info at communitycreativecenter.org

Come learn basic drawing skills in perspective, quality of line, Laying out the image. See your drawing develop depth, and movement. Good class for all levels. All Suppliesincluded.

Tickets for the class can be purchased at Walton Arts Center or by phone at (479)443-5600.  For more information please visit www.nwaccc.org.


The NWA Community Creative Center is supported by grants from the AR. Arts Council, local foundations like the Jim Blair Foundation, the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, the Starr Foundation as well as the generosity of business and patrons.  

http://communitycreativecenter.org/child/acrylic-kids/

Crystal Bridges Workshop: Make Your Own Graphic Novel

Join me at Crystal Bridges of American Art on Saturday, October 6,from 1-5 pm for an Adult workshops entitled Make Your Own Graphic Novel and Sunday, October 7 from 1-5 pm.  I'll be teaching a teen Make Your Own Graphic Novel workshop.  These will be hands-on workshop where you will be exploring the art of graphic novel making and creating your own narrative.  I will be giving a presentation as well as demonstrations.  This is in conjunction with the Crystal Bridges Graphic Novel Book Club.

Adult Workshop

Saturday, October 6, Adults can explore the art of graphic novel-making in a hands-on workshop with graphic artist Sean Fitzgibbons. Amplify your visualization of a story through scene sketching and developing your sequence of images.  Work one-on-one with Fitzgibbon to learn about his art-making process and see examples of his work.

Space is limited and pre-registration and pre-payment are required.  Click here for more information.
Purchase Tickets: $45 for non-Members | 10% discount for Members.

Youth Workshop ages 12-18

Teens can explore the art of graphic novel-making in a hands-on workshop with graphic artist Sean Fitzgibbon. Amplify your visualization of a story through scene sketching and developing your sequence of images. Work one-on-one with Fitzgibbon to learn about his art-making process and see examples of his work.

Space is limited, order your ticket online or at Guest Services.  Click here for more information.

Purchase Tickets Cost: $45 for non-Members | 10% discount for Members.

Art D'Vine 2012

The annual Art D'Vine (NWA's Annual Celebration of the Arts will be Saturday, September 29 from 6-10 PM.  I'll be donating work to this Community Creative Center Event.

An evening of art, food, music and more.  Tickets are $50 and all proceeds benefit the Community Creative Center.  To purchace tickets, contact Walton Arts Center at 479.442.5600 or buy online at www.waltonartscenter.org.  

ArtWalk Longmont CO

I hope you were able to check out the ArtWalk Longmont in downtown Longmont, CO last Friday, September 21.  My work is being featured at Firehouse Art Center and will be up until October 14.  

Thanks So Much!

Thanks to everyone that made it out last Thursday and Friday night to my presentation and reception at Fire House Art Center in historic downtown Longmont, CO.  It was a great turnout and I really appreciate it!  The work will be up until October 14.  

Thanks to Jessica, Judy, Kayti, Vern, Natasha, and everyone that helped make the event a success.  

The Firehouse Art Center is located at 667 4th Avenue, Longmont, Colorado.  For more information, visit them on the web at firehouseart.org.

Artist Talk by Sean Fitzgibbon

Thu, September 13, 2012

7:00 - 9:00 PM

Firehouse Art Center, 667 4th Ave. Longmont, CO 80501.

Sean will discuss the origins and processes of his latest series featured in Traces and also share upcoming projects such time-lapse illustrations for a historical documentary film and creating, research and illustrating his documentary-styled graphic novel, What Follows Is True.

For more info, check them out on the web at Firehouse Art Center.

Sean Fitzgibbon Traces Exhibition in Longmont, Colorado

I'm posting a day early this week.  From September 12 - October 13 I'll be exhibiting work at the Firehouse Art Center in Longmont, Colorado (20 minutes north of Boulder).  This exhibit is entitled Traces with an opening reception on Friday, September 14, 7:00-9:00 PM and an artist talk on Thursday, September 13 at 7:00 PM.  Original works, prints and books will be available for purchase.  Firehouse Art Center is located in historic downtown Longmont, CO at 667 4th Avenue.

The mission of the Firehouse Art Center is to raise cultural awareness and understanding of the arts in the regional community through classes for all ages, lectures, events, and visual art exhibits of regional and national artists.

The Firehouse Art Center curates six unique exhibitions a year mixing solo and group shows. Their exhibitions are a diverse blend of traditional and contemporary styles that intersperse the work of local, regional and national artists.

Thanks so much to Jessica and Judy.  If you can't make it to the show, please 'like' them on Facebook.

Artful Vagabond

Greetings cultural adventurers!  Recently my work was featured in Artful Vagabond the creative place for Artists, Vagabonds and Cultural Adventurers by sculptor, curator and cultural project developer, Serena Kovalosky.  Thanks Serena!  This is a fantastic site that features artists from around the world and offers a sneak peak inside the lives of creative professionals.  Check it out on the web at ArtfulVagabond.com.

More Concept Art / Visual Development

Here are a few more concept illustrations and storyboards I've been working on for the up and coming science fiction TV series Command Magellan.  These hand drawn storyboard images were featured at the official Star Trek Con in Las Vegas and depict how a pilot boards their scout ship and takes off from the Magellan.  Command Magellan is in pre-production now. 

I've been working on lots of film production art projects recently.  I'll be sure and post more concept renderings and video soon.  

Icebook

Recently I was told to check out The Icebook.  If you've never seen this, I recommend checking it out.  This is a miniature theater show made of paper and light, cutouts, and video projections.       

I'm always looking for experimental storytelling approaches.  Looking at projects like The Icebook definitely influences and inspires me when I'm putting I'm putting together a narrative.   What Follows is True is my documentary graphic novel that is in development now is also going to be a different kind of experience than any of my previous projects.  This book will be more interactive and immersive.  

Magellan at Star Trek Con

Many thanks to everyone that visited the Magellan booth at Star Trek Con Las Vegas.  It was indeed a success.  

These are exciting times with the production steadily moving forward filming in Thailand, Greece and the US and building massive momentum as we move towards 2013.

Command Magellan is the brainchild creation of Duane Bruner.

Joe Kubert 1926-2012

Remembering legendary comic artist Joe Kubert.  Kubert's work has influenced many and will continue to do so.  I studied at Joe Kubert's school in the mid 1990's and found the experience to be extremely educational and enlightening.  His work continues to inspire me.      

MAGELLAN Posters Continued

Here are a couple more examples of promotional material I illustrated for the Magellan (TV series) display at the official Star Trek Convention Las Vegas 2012 from Thursday, August 9 - Sunday, August 12.  Once again special thanks to Duane Brunner, Leigh James, Johan Steen, and Paul Bradley and the rest of the team involved in this exciting project.  I hope you'll be able to make it out August 9th to Star Trek Convention Las Vegas 2012 to learn more about this upcoming series and view more of my work for this fantastic project. 

Aside from the promo material illustration, I've also been doing lots of concept development for this series.  The spherical alien creature seen in these posters was designed by yours truly.  I'll be sure and post more images showing the process that went into the development of this creature from original concept to fully rendered CG animation by the very talented Johan Steen.

MAGELLAN at Star Trek Con Las Vegas

Recently I illustrated a series of posters for the upcoming sci-fi TV series Magellan to be featured at the world's largest official Star Trek Convention Las Vegas 2012 from Thursday, August 9 - Sunday, August 12.   This series will be filmed in Thailand, Greece, and the US in 2013.  Special thanks to Duane Brunner, Leigh James, Johan Steen, Ulf, Leon Kitchlew, Paul Bradley, Warrie, Fern, Lalita and the rest of the team involved in this exciting project.  


For these particular posters I painted some of the major characters featured in this series along with the Magellan's scout ships.  I'll post more soon.  I hope you'll be able to make it out August 9th to Star Trek Convention Las Vegas to learn more about this upcoming series and view more of the work for this fantastic project.  

Narrative Art Drawing Workshop at ESSA

Narrative Art Drawing Workshop  

at Eureka Springs School of the Arts

Monday, Aug. 6th - Friday, Aug. 10th 

       

This week-long class I'm teaching is designed to give an overview of basic drawing and the narrative art medium. We will work in industry sizes and specs, covering a wide variety of narrative approaches from documentary to slice of life stories. Students will work in a variety of media as well. Set-ups, timing, props, choice of shot, and character development are all emphasized.

This is a unique experience to be teaching a class in the town that is the setting for my upcoming documentary graphic novel What Follows Is True...Crescent: The Baker Years.  I will be discussing  the production of this book and showing examples as well.  For more information about ESSA, visit them on the web at essaart.org.  

Basic Acrylics: Adult Class At NWA Community Creative Center

To purchase tickets for this class, click on the Purchase links, or contact Walton Arts Center by phone at (479) 443-5600 or by email at tickets@waltonartscenter.org.

This class is for beginners and intermediates to receive instruction in the use of acrylics: how to start, organize the composition and put on the finishing touches. Students will work with a variety of techniques and subject matter. Instructor will provide technical demonstrations as well as offer technical advice, constructive criticism and encouragement.

For more information, visit them on the web at www.nwaccc.org.

All supplies included

Instructor: Sean Fitzgibbon
July 27 August 3, 10
Fridays
10 am – 12pm
Adult 16 and up
Cost: $70

Art Central Summer Classes

Art Central Summer Classes For Kids

Basic Drawing 101:  This class will explore basic fundamentals of drawing through a series of fun and informative drawing exercises. All supplies provides

Monday, July 23

Scratchboard Drawing: This class will explore scratchboard drawing techniques.

Tuesday, July 24

Cariacture Class: Learn the art of drawing caricatures in this fun and exciting class.  

Wednesday, July 25

Acrylics for Kids: I will work with kids to give basic instruction in the use of acrylics: how to start, organize the image and put on the finishing touches.

Thursday, July 26

Art Central is located at 1110 East 13th Street, Carthage, MO 64836.  For more information call (417)358-4404 or visit them on the web.

From The Carroll County News

Novel focuses on Crescent, Baker

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

By Tina Parker, Carroll County News

EUREKA SPRINGS -- A documentary-style graphic novel that depicts the history of Crescent Hotel and its famous Dr. Baker is gaining some attention as it nears completion.

The novel, "What Follows Is True... Crescent: The Baker Years," tells the life of Norman Baker, the famed "doctor" who turned the Crescent Hotel into a cancer treatment facility in the 1930s.

Using paint and mixed media, illustrator Sean Fitzgibbon, alongside writer Kevin Brown, tell the story of the fraudulent doctor and his dark history in Eureka Springs. While the novel chronicles the life of Baker, the main focus is his time at the hotel.

Baker claimed to have the cure for cancer and lured several patients to the facility on promises of a treatment and healing waters.

"Baker's time in Eureka Springs are the darkest years for the Crescent Hotel," said Fitzgibbon.

Fitzgibbon and Brown first heard of Baker on a ghost tour provided by the Crescent Hotel, during which their fascination about Baker grew.

The next day, Fitzgibbon visited the Carnegie Library in Eureka Springs to find as much as he could about Baker.

"It didn't seem real, so I wanted to research it; come to find out it was real and it made me want to know more about him," explained Fitzgibbon. "Turns out, sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction."

After extensive research, Fitzgibbon and Brown began constructing the graphic novel, which took five years to compile. Though the novel it is not yet complete, the duo is planning for a Spring 2013 release of the book.

Despite the fact that Baker's time at the Crescent Hotel was short-lived, the stories of his time in Eureka Springs, and the lives he claimed, is that of large and storied legend.

The Fayetteville Public Library held an artist's reception on Thursday featuring a sneak peek at pages from Fitzgibbon's novel.

Fitzgibbon exhibits work in galleries and art centers throughout the United States, and he teaches at Northwest Arkansas Community College in Rogers.

In August, Fitzgibbon will teach a graphic illustration class at Eureka Springs School of the Arts.