Friday, November 20, 2009

Charlie Chaplin's "City Lights"


This film gets me every time. Can you please pass me the cleenex. As with all great art, this film calls us back to our primal need to feel human again, especially in this city where compassion (not politeness) is hard to come by. You know City Lights was made during a time when sound pictures where all ready established. Recognized around the world, Chaplin would have dwarfed his audience significantly had he recorded this film in english. Why have the characters talk when a single gesture is worth a thousand words? This film is a master class in pantomime. You can get over complex emotions by putting it into a simple form. Simplicity is something that Chaplin understood so well. He stages all his gags so masterfully. Any how...

AB FROST 1851-1928






I agree with Peter deSeve that early animators (even today) studied the work of great illustrators like AB Frost who was doing it way before the medium of animation (& comic books) was invented. But what's more, he was doing it before anyone really took the medium of animation seriously. For shame. Lord knows I love Steam Boat Willie and Flip the Frog, but what if 20s animation began with out the rubber hose stuff but rather with the thoughts and ideas of lets say a TS Sullivant, or an AB Frost at the other end of the pencil?

Follow up Notes!!!!





Hey you guys! Peter de Seve updated his web site!!!!
www.peterdeseve.com
Man I'm so happy I got my book signed by Randall and Peter! Plus I got a little sketch too hehehe=) I really love his work. There is a heart beat on every page. I can only hope that some of his talent will rub off on me. Here are some of my notes I cleaned up for those who could not attend the earth shattering event. Any way I hope these notes will help you out on your next assignment. Enjoy!!!!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Peter de Seve


Peter de Seve is perhaps the greatest living American illustrator of our time. At least that's my opinion. I'll be at the Society of Illustrators tonight to learn more about how Mr. Deseve went about putting together his first children's book. Yaye!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Lady Bug Comp Journey


I'm trying to get a sense of involvement and sympathy for this little bug by using only 3 values and composition. Enjoy!

Friday, November 06, 2009

Plan it out!




Here are a few thoughts and suggestions in regards to planning your character animation.

Step 1. Have an idea. Search your memory. Your feelings. What do you want to say? Put a message in your art. Make a statement. Take a stand. Have a point of view. How am I gonna go about it with my animation? Play some footage in your mind of how it could be. Replay the footage over and over. DON"T TRY TO RECREATE STUFF THATS BEEN DONE!!!!! Ever. You have your own life, and your own personal experiences that makes up YOU and who YOU are. That's what people want to see. It's your job to get it out of you. Get some fresh air. Turn the computer off. Turn your cell phone off and take the dog out for a walk.

Step 2. Do it.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

The Blind Pick Pocketer

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Gracie

Friday, October 23, 2009

Mouse Funeral

I think a mouse died in my wall some where.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

CHUCKS!