First things first. This is a blog about art (mine and others), with an occasional diversion into the wacky world of global culture. I have an ongoing fascination with the people, things, and places that attain the coveted designation of "popular," as well as those which fall by the wayside.
I've been an illustrator since 1988, and have thousands of images published "out there," mainly in the fantasy and science fiction genres, but I also do wildlife and historical illustration. Lots of RPG's, magazines, books, etc. Early in my career, I worked for Turner Outdoor Advertising in Atlanta, and could truthfully say that my "art" was seen by millions of people everyday as they commuted to and from work, if you count renditions of the latest soda can or automobile as art. Just ask Andy Warhol. Oh, sorry, you can't. He's dead.
I've since moved on to more esoteric material, drawing what I want when I want to. I work primarily in brush and ink, oils, and water-dyes. Although I'm currently learning digital color, I am very much a traditional artist at heart. I love the look and feel of ink on paper and the process of painting with oils. I enjoy the conceptual stage of coming up with new ideas and the satisfaction of watching the finished image evolve.
I've published a few art books over the last couple of years, and am now working on a book of twenty original short stories with accompanying illustration.
I'm an avid photographer, and will shoot anything that moves (or doesn't). Mostly for reference, once and awhile I’ll actually take a picture which stands up on its own merit.
On the right are links to other blogs which you may find interesting from people around the planet that I know. If you want to view more of my work, go by my official website, Sharayah Press Online or my informal hang-out at DeviantART.
So, with all the above being said, in the coming weeks, I'll be spotlighting sketches and finished work, as well as some experimental mediums that I like to delve into once and awhile.
Below is my first offering. Originally brushed in 1998, The Storyteller was done for Imagine Roleplaying's Dungeon Manuel as a black and white full-page illustration. Digital color was added last week.
Cya.
