The Illustration of Doug Draper
  • Blog
  • Illustration
  • Sequential Art
  • About the Artist
  • Contact
  • Prints

Hard Rain | Full Panel "Speeding Ticket"

7/30/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
Whatsup everyone,

This is a panel for the proposed comic, HARD RAIN, from Mr. Matt O'Keefe (writer/creator of Deadless).

Now, with this comic I did something a little unusual from most comics artists.  And that's that I illustrated each panel individually on it's own separate piece of paper, as opposed to drawing the entire comics page on one sheet.

After drawing & inking all the panels for the page I then scan them, import them into photoshop and piece them all together in the lovely sequential format we call "comics".

This panel here, a chase scene of a very dangerous group of rebellious demons, is in reality about 17 x 11 inches - roughly the same size as the average original artwork for a comics page.

Hope you enjoy and I'll talk with you soon!

- D

0 Comments

The William Paca House | Photos

7/27/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
Just thought I'd share a couple on-location pics from the painting I'm working on for the Historic Annapolis Foundation.  As I've mentioned before the painting is not only of The William Paca House but also the very impressive garden that exists outside.

What's interesting about the garden is that prior to the 1960's the garden had completely disappeared. Over the years it simply declined to the where it was all but lost.  Then in the 1960-70's "extensive excavations and other research revealed the original garden's features and led to their re-creation."

Picture
Working onsite such as I'm able to do really lends itself to appreciating the comfort and even serenity of the garden.  Especially considering how much time I'm typically working within the studio.

Though that certainly doesn't mean the garden isn't without it's own version of excitement.  I had a quick photo-opp with this colorful leggy fellow busy at work right behind where I was busy at work.  Cute, right?

Hope you enjoy the pics.  Have a great weekend and I'll talk with you on Monday!

- D

0 Comments

DEADLESS | Cover for Issue #1

7/25/2012

2 Comments

 
Picture
Whatsup everyone, this is the cover I illustrated for issue #1 of DEADLESS, from the masterful mind of Mr. Matt O'Keefe.

For me personally the goal of this cover wasn't just to illustrate a particular scene in the story but to convey a strong sense of contrast.  In one of the more apparent ways I wanted to push the contrast of light and dark with regard to rendering the forms; utilizing the brightness of the bristol board with the darkness of the india ink (Dr. Martins Bombay Black if you're curious).  Then there's the main character, Joseph Montgomery.  Born in the 18th century but still alive because of a deal made with a demon named Azil.  He continues to live yet continues to age.  An "old" man in every sense of the word.  Paired against a character of great significance, a young baby girl.

Joseph, who's life is never in danger of ending looking down upon one whose life is very much just that.  The peace one may feel from their religion versus the fear released by a violent attack.  Even the comfort of a small crib lined in soft cotton against the rough texture a splintering wooden floor.

These are a few ideas that were going through my head while designing the cover that I was hoping to communicate. There's a couple more but, well, I'll step down from the podium and see if they'll speak for themselves.

Hope you enjoy and I'll talk with you soon!

- D


2 Comments

The William Paca House | Drawing

7/23/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
Whatsup everyone,

This is the next stage in the evolution of the William Paca House painting; of which I've been commissioned by the Historic Annapolis Foundation to create.

This, the "drawing" stage, is rendered using charcoal on 22 x 30in. Rives BFK.  Vine charcoal to be specific.  A medium I've much experience with though one whose company I haven't had the pleasure of in some time.  So this project personally has already begun on a high note.  I'd say the phrase "getting your hands dirty" aptly applies.

Now that the composition of the architecture and landscape is in place we, Historic Annapolis and myself, are seeking to determine the best possible way to include the characters of the setting, that being William Paca, his wife Mary and all those involved with the home.  This includes not only who will be present but also the activities they'll be participating in (given the time period), whom they'll be interacting with, along with their specific placement in the composition - and all of these elements circling around the factual information available on the history of the home and those characters within.

Hope you enjoy and I'll keep you posted!

- D

0 Comments

3rd Friday's 3rd BIRTHDAY

7/20/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
Whatsup everyone,

Today marks a special birthday here in Salisbury.  It's the 3rd BIRTHDAY of 3rd FRIDAY!  Catchy, no?  And the weather is suppose to be a beautifully sunny, comfortable 82 degrees with birds chirping and... wait, actually it's suppose to rain.  BUT.  The show must go on!  Like any good b'day party mere water from the sky will not slow it down but simply grease the wheels.

Today everyone will be setup indoors at the Powell Building on the Downtown Plaza in Salisbury.  I myself will of course be on display with comics, trade paperbacks and original artwork for sale, my current portfolio will be present as well for any onlooking eyes to peruse and any curious fingers to flip through.  I'll also be sketching from start to finish, so if you'd like an original sketch this is your chance!

Live music will be going on all throughout the day too, brought to you by the talented fellows of THE HOT MEALS and TEST KITCHEN.  Along with this the AI&G's 2012 Abstract Show is having it's opening reception tonight, Plaza Deli (our newest downtown eatery) will be serving up it's tasty gourmet delicacies, the good guys of PLB Comics, Coldstream Studios and Trunk Novel Publishing will be selling comics, books, prints and sketches.  There's also belly dancing from the talented Kostana Sidwell at OC Kabob, cupcake specials at Cake Art, artwork at Gallery 101, and the ‎3rd Friday "Flick on the Riverfront", hosted by Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council will be CAPTAIN AMERICA.  Plus much, much more!


If you'd like to know more just visit the Salisbury 3rd Friday facebook right HERE, or simply click the pic above.  Remember to bring your galoshes and I'll see ya there!

- D

0 Comments

Securityplus FCU Mural | Detail "All Smiles"

7/18/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
Whatsup everyone,

Here we have an additional sneak peek at the mural I've been at work on for the Securityplus Federal Credit Union. As I mentioned in one of the previous posts one of the major themes for the mural is the transition of time from the companies early beginnings in 1938 onto present day, while touching on what it is they bring to the table for their members and how that's grown over the years.  And of course as time moves forward so does do their members.

In an earlier post I had a fellow from the late 30's, early 40's styling with a blue gray fedora (which I can personally appreciate).  Here we have one of our modern present-day members, of course wearing quite the grin (which I can also appreciate).

Hope you all enjoy and I'll talk with you soon!

- D

0 Comments

The William Paca House | Sketch

7/16/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
Good day everyone,

I thought I'd share a sketch with you for a new project I've begun for the Historic Annapolis Foundation, the same kind folks who organized and put on the theatrical performance, Project Run-a-way, last year.

This is the William Paca House & Garden, located in Annapolis, Maryland - a "National Historic Landmark that was restored by Historic Annapolis to its colonial-era splendor".  It was the original home to William Paca, a signatory to the United States Declaration of Independence as a representative of Maryland, who then went on to become Governor of Maryland, as well as a United States federal judge.

Here's a bit more information from the Historic Annapolis website...

"The William Paca House is one of Annapolis’s—and America’s—most impressive restored 18th-century mansions.  When built by Paca in 1763–65, it was one of the first five-part Georgian homes in Annapolis.  Its style evokes the English country villas of the time.

Paca, a young lawyer who became one of four Declaration of Independence signers from Maryland as well as governor of Maryland from 1782-85, sold the house in 1780.  The property changed hands many times in the 19th century, before becoming part of Carvel Hall—one of the city’s most popular hotels for much of the 20th century.  By 1965, however, it faced demolition.

Historic Annapolis worked with other preservationists to purchase and save the property.  Through meticulous restoration, the home has been returned to its distinctive colonial-era state.  Museum-quality period furnishings, including Paca family silver and ceramics fill its rooms."


The Historic Annapolis Foundation has commissioned me to create a painting of the home and garden.  Throughout it's history there have been a number of paintings created of it, though interpreted with historically inaccurate stylization or exaggerated subject matter regarding wealth, status and so on, depending on the particular era of the painting.

Therefore, one of the unique goals with the painting is, for the first time, to show the home as it truly was in 1773.  Including all those who lived, or were involved, in the home - not only depicting William Paca and his wife Mary but many of the slaves & servants who maintained the home & garden.  Everything that will be included in the painting will be as accurate as possible to what is known of the home, garden & characters at that time.

As you can assume I'm very excited to be on board for this and really look forward to sharing the progress of the painting with you!  Hope you all enjoy this preliminary sketch and I'll talk with you soon.

- D 


0 Comments

Friday, the Thirteenth

7/13/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
In the mood for some jaw-dropping Friday the 13th knowledge?  But of course you are!

  • "According to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, North Carolina, an estimated 17 to 21 million people in the United States are affected by a fear of this day making it the most feared day and date in history."
  • "One author, noting that references [to Friday the 13th] are all but nonexistent before 1907 but frequently seen thereafter, has argued that its popularity derives from the publication that year of Thomas W. Lawson's popular novel 'Friday, the Thirteenth', in which an unscrupulous broker takes advantage of the superstition to create a Wall Street panic on a Friday the 13th."
  • "The fear of Friday the 13th has been called friggatriskaidekaphobia (Frigga being the name of the Norse goddess for whom "Friday" is named and triskaidekaphobia meaning fear of the number thirteen)"
  • "Friday has been considered an unlucky day at least since the 14th century's 'The Canterbury Tales', and many other professions have regarded Friday as an unlucky day to undertake journeys or begin new projects."
  • "Black Sabbath's eponymous debut album was released in the UK on Friday, February 13, 1970."

Happy Friday the Thirteenth and I'll talk with you on Monday!

- D

NOTE: My wonderful grandparents Bill and Mary Draper celebrated their 53th anniversary today.  Happy Anniversary to them!

0 Comments

The Country | First Goose

7/11/2012

1 Comment

 
Picture
Whatsup everyone!

If you've been following my blog here you're probably aware of a series I've been working on with my uncle, Michael Draper.  The series, based on true events, are short stories recalling the memories of my uncle's childhood.  Times of hunting & fishing in a spot on Maryland's Eastern Shore dubbed by he and his brothers as 'The Country'.

This story in particular is of the time when, well,  I'll let you read it.  You can check it out on his site by clicking right HERE.

Hope you enjoy and I'll talk with you soon!

- D

1 Comment

Securityplus FCU Mural | Inner Harbor

7/9/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
Here's another detail from the Securityplus mural I've been working on.

If you're familiar with Baltimore you're probably in the know on the importance of the Inner Harbor - a major seaport in the United States since the 18th century.  This detail here depicts an active scene on the Baltimore City waterfront in the late 1930's, where the first Credit Union branch was located.

Hope you enjoy!

- D

0 Comments
<<Previous
    Douglas E. Draper Jr. is an award-winning artist working out of Philadelphia. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Maryland Institute, College of Art and his work has been exhibited throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Annapolis, Baltimore and various other cities and galleries.  His fine art and illustrative work can be seen from such publishers as Moonstone Books, Top Shelf, Desperado, IDW, and many others.
    Picture

    Blog Categories

    All
    Art Shows & Exhibitions
    Awards & Recognitions
    Childrens Books
    Conventions & Signings
    Film & TV
    Illustration
    Interviews
    Painting
    Panels & Workshops
    Process
    Reviews
    Sequential Art


    Blog Archives

    February 2022
    November 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    March 2016
    February 2016
    December 2015
    October 2015
    October 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    February 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010
    April 2010
    January 2010
    December 2009


    ​© 2022 Douglas E. Draper Jr.
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.