Month: October 2010

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Craig Elliott Exhibit at Daniel Maghen Gallery in Paris, France!

© 2010 Craig Elliott
© 2010 Craig Elliott

Craig Elliott will have approximately 45 works on display and for sale at the Daniel Maghen gallery in Paris, France. The exhibit runs from November 3-13. The opening reception will be on Friday, November 5 at 7PM, where you can meet Craig in person. You can visit Craig’s website to view samples of the work that will be available. The Daniel Maghen website has more information.

Craig Elliott is an artist based in Los Angeles, California. He received his education at Art Center College of Design. He studied under artists such as Harry Carmean and Burne Hogarth. In addition to his fine art work, Craig has had a hand in designing many of today’s most popular animated films from studios such as Disney and Dreamworks. A multi-faceted artist, he is also an accomplished landscape architect, sculptor and most recently, jewelry designer.

After attending Art Center College of Design he began illustrating for various clients and started working full time in the animation industry. He has worked primarily for Disney and Dreamworks, designing their animated films such as Hercules, Mulan, The Emperor’s New Groove, Treasure Planet, Shark Tale, Flushed Away, Bee Movie, and Enchanted, as well as other upcoming features. Craig has also done fully painted comic book and cover artwork for Dark Horse Comics, and has done various Illustration work for many different companies. His work can currently be seen in the books “Treasure Planet a Voyage of Discovery” and “Spectrum 10, 11, 12, 13 & 15 and a gold medal in 16 the Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art”, “The World’s Greatest Erotic Art of Today Vol. 2”, “Erotic Fantasy Art”, “Fantasy art Now 2”, Aphrodisia I and his 3 sketchbooks. Several monograph art books are also in the works.

Enjoy,

John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications

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Inspirations by William Stout Hardbound Signed Deluxe Almost Sold Out!

This is a heads-up that the hardbound limited edition of Inspirations by William Stout is almost sold out through Flesk. Today we finished shipping out all of our pre-orders, comp copies, review copies and bookstore orders. I found myself with only 10 copies left of the hardcover.

I am writing a press release to announce the availability of this title and Xenozoic by Mark Schultz, which will be sent out through our email newsletter on November 2. I expect the last few deluxe Inspirations copies to go quickly. Now is your chance!

You can order all of our available titles at our Flesk store here.

John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications

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Flesk APE October 2010 Report!

John Fleskes at the Flesk Booth at APE 2010
John Fleskes at the Flesk Booth at APE 2010

The Alternative Press Expo (APE) has quickly become one of my most anticipated shows. The breadth of artists and creativity in the room was astounding. This show allows for an easily accessible venue for artists and self-publishers to showcase their talent. An affordable entry fee, easy access and parking, and very reasonable table cost, make this a welcome event for those trying to gain exposure. The APE staff and organizers make the show pleasant and easy, which is a welcome experience when compared to some of the more hectic shows I set up at.

We had a busy spot near the front entrance. We were next to our friends at Stuart Ng Books. This show had an obvious increase in attendance compared to last year. There was also an additional growth of 50-tables over the 2009 show. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to learn about us, to see what’s new, and to those who bought a book or two. It all helps so we can continue fueling our passion and making more books.

The Friday before the show, I received copies of both Xenozoic by Mark Schultz and Inspirations by William Stout. We had them available at APE where a lucky few were able to pick up copies prior to their arriving in the stores. Our book distributor has them in the warehouse and is currently shipping them out. They should arrive at your local book and comic book stores soon (first week of November 2010).

The Xenozoic book was the obvious star of the show, garnering the most looks and purchases. Al Williamson Archives also did well for us. Inspirations and The Legend of Steel Bashaw by Petar Meseldžija had a great deal of interest, too. The Legend of Steel Bashaw was perused and purchased mostly by women―an interesting observation I noticed. Before my Franklin Booth: Painter with a Pen book sold out, women were the primary purchasers at shows. It’s good to have a book that appeals to women again.

I broke away from my booth on Sunday to walk around. There were a lot of terrific artists at the show. Some were early in their career, while others were well established with a mature style. I enjoyed seeing a lot of animators there. Many are amazing, but don’t have much name recognition from working in a studio environment. APE is a smart move to build up their name.

I got to see Brett Warnock, publisher of Top Shelf, who along with Chris Staros puts out some of the best graphic novels out there. They have excellent packaging and a nice “feel” to their books. If you haven’t read Blankets by Craig Thompson or Essex County by Jeff Lemire, I highly recommend them. My new favorite title from them is the Johnny Boo line by James Kochalka. I read Johnny Boo to my four year old. So funny!

We’ll be set up again next year. See you there!

John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications
Text and photos © 2010 John Fleskes

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New H.J. Ward Book From The Illustrated Press!

The Illustrated Press publisher, Dan Zimmer, sent me a copy of his recent publication, H.J. Ward by David Saunders. A clean elegant design showcases a massive selection of over 500 illustrations. As is the case with all of Zimmer’s collections (Norman Saunders by David Saunders, and Reynold Brown: A Life in Pictures by Zimmer and David J. Hornung, plus Illustration Magazine) the book is printed with excellent reproduction on thick paper stock in a handsome hardcover with jacket. The book is 272 pages, 9” x 12” on full-color premium glossy stock for only $39.95.

There’s also a Deluxe Edition in slipcase, limited to 100 copies. This version comes signed by David Saunders and also contains a DVD slideshow presenting additional artwork and photographic content not found in the book. This is only $100.00.

For full details, book previews and ordering details, you can visit the Illustrated Press website here.

Enjoy,

John

John Flesk
Flesk Publications

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Al Williamson: A Tribute at Marywood University’s Mahady Gallery on Friday, October 8—A Full Report and Pictures by Mark Schultz!

Judging by the reactions of the attendees with whom I had the pleasure of talking, the opening reception for Al Williamson: A Tribute at Marywood University’s Mahady Gallery on Friday, October 8, was an unqualified success. Based on numbers alone, with over 200 coming out for the event—a mix of comics fans, appreciators of popular art, fellow professionals and old friends—it would have been hard to imagine a more fitting celebration of Al Williamson, the man and the artist.

The exhibit features over 60 pieces of Al’s original art and published material, chosen by Cori Williamson, mounted by Cori and Melissa Restuccia, and hung by curator Bob Schweitzer, who, with Marywood’s gracious permission, arranged for the exhibit by carving out a four-day period (October 8 through 11) from a previously scheduled exhibition.

Bob, who had presented work from Al’s collection at Scranton’s Everhart Museum back in 1986, noted the unfortunately limited number of days available and expressed interest in the possibility of a future exhibition featuring Al’s work with an extended showing. That would be good news for all those who could not arrange to be here this weekend.

Cori and son Victor were on hand to greet the various artists, art teachers, art students, musicians, bookbinders, merchants, Sons of the Desert lodge members and assorted bon vivants who came to celebrate the life and career of a man remembered as both a towering figure in comics and a dear friend. Many a story of Al’s fellowship, good humor and storied talent wafted through the rarified atmosphere, while those unfamiliar with his work were educated with framed examples of his mastery of graphic storytelling.

Cori chose representative pieces from all stages of Al’s 50-year career. Included were early pre-EC works, EC pages, a Classics Illustrated Prehistoric World page, many examples of Al’s Flash Gordon work from throughout his career, a representative showing of his Secret Agent Corrigan strips, Warren pages, Epic Illustrated work, Star Wars adaptations and examples of his Marvel inking over other pencilers.

A number of attendees specifically mentioned how much they enjoyed the many examples of Al’s preliminary work and sketches presented. There absolutely is something magical about the expressive freedom of line and design in the images Al created for his own use.

In addition to all the mounted artwork, Cori and Victor brought Al’s drawing table and an assortment of his working tools for display at the opening. Set in the center of the gallery with an empty chair, the simulated workspace served as the cartoonist equivalent of the aviator’s “missing man” formation—a fitting salute to a master who has moved on to the great beyond.

Mark Schultz
Text and Photographs © 2010 Mark Schultz
All photographed artwork is copyright © the estate of Al Williamson

A special thanks to Mark Schultz for sharing his experience and photographs on the Al Williamson Exhibit!

John Flesk
Flesk Publications

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Spectrum 18 Jury Announced! Call For Entries Poster by Bill Carman!

The jury for Spectrum 18 has been announced. This esteemed group of professionals includes: Julie Bell, Nathan Fox, Gregory Manchess, Brandon Shiflett, Jarrod Shiflett, Boris Vallejo, and Shena Wolf.

Bill Carman illustrated the Call For Entries poster, which will be mailed out at the end of October 2010. The deadline for entries is January 28, 2011.

You can see the step-by-step process of the poster at Bill Carman’s blog. He also offers a witty look into his brain and showcases his latest twisted (in a good way) works. The title of his blog is “My stuff because I’m too stupid to update my website.” You’ll know what he means if you try checking out his website, which he never updates and is entirely blank at the moment. Maybe it’s some sort of artistic statement. Only Bill can tell you. I’m a huge Bill Carman fan, and his art is pretty good, too. (Hi, Bill!)

One more thing. Spectrum 17 is going to be available soon! The Spectrum website has a video preview of the book. Take a look!

Enjoy,

John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications

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Meet Charles Burns at Lee’s Comics, Tuesday October 26, 2010 from 12:00-2:00!

Meet Charles Burns in Person at Lee’s Comics in Mountain View, CA. The event is free and open to the public this Tuesday, October 26 from noon to 2:00pm. For directions visit the Lee’s Comics website here. Lee sent me the following details:

Charles Burns’ new book, X-ed out is now available! It looks fantastic! You can check it out at both of our locations. Make sure to pick up a copy, and make sure to attend our Charles Burns event and get it signed! This is a rare chance to meet one of the most accomplished comics creators of all time. I hope to see you here!

Charles Burns will be appearing at Lee’s Comics. Charles is famous for many works including Black Hole, which is widely considered one of the best graphic novels of all time.

Make sure to pick the Metro Newspaper later this week. There will be an article and interview with Burns by noted Bay Area pop culture scholar Richard von Busack.

We will be celebrating the release of Mr. Burns’ brand new hardcover graphic novel from Pantheon Books, X’ed Out. It is all original story and art that has not appeared before in any format.

Meet Charles Burns in Person
Free and open to the public
Tuesday, October 26th
Noon to 2:00pm

Lee’s Comics
1020-F N. Rengstorff Ave.
Mountain View, CA 94043
(650) 965-1800
www.Lcomics.com

I’ll see you there!

John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications

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Help Steve Rude and His Family Save Their House by Buying Some Original Art!

The Rude family is facing a difficult situation as they may lose their home if funds aren’t raised fast. They have made available the entire 100 original art pages for Next Nexus #1-4, published in 1989 by First Comics, which Steve both drew and inked. Your purchase of 100% Dude art will go towards a great cause.

You can visit the Steve Rude art website to see what is available.

John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications

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Mark Schultz Discusses Paper Type for Carbon and Wolff Pencils

A Flesk customer, Peter Taylor, recently wrote to me with a question for Mark Schultz, which I was happy to pass along to Mark. I found both the question and Mark’s answer intriguing, and something I thought would be of interest to others. With both Peter and Mark’s permission I am sharing their dialog here. A couple of Frederic R. Gruger originals supplied by Schultz helps to compliment the dialog. Gruger is regarded as one of the best at using carbon pencil.

Artwork by Frederic R. Gruger.
Artwork by Frederic R. Gruger.

Taylor: I have a technical question regarding Storms at Sea (Schultz’s latest book in development) and what sort of paper the art is being executed on? I’ve been using the carbon pencils quite a bit and trying it out on different surfaces and it doesn’t seem to like many of them, a lot of grainy powder and uneven finish. Oddly cheap newsprint works quite well (Life drawing was where I first started using them). Anyway I’d love to know since I’d like to continue exploring the possibilities of this interesting medium.

Artwork detail by Frederic R. Gruger.
Artwork detail by Frederic R. Gruger.

Schultz: I, too, have struggled to find the right surface for the Wolff pencils. The master of the that media, Fredrico Gruger, used a cheap photograph mounting stock called “railroad board” that gave him the surface quality he wanted, but that’s apparently no longer available. Wolff pencils seem to do best on a relatively soft drawing or pastel paper–Canson Mi-Tientes for instance–but, as I like to put a watercolor base underneath, paper doesn’t have the strength I need to handle the wet.

I have been using Strathmore bristol, plate, 4 ply; or Strathmore illustration board (use either side). The problems I’ve had with these, though, are the same as yours, I suspect–uneven finish as the already hard surface gets burnished by repeated applications. I’ve found that as I build up and get darker with my pencils that the General carbon sketch pencil, or a simple charcoal pencil, lies better, more evenly. So I’ve been experimenting with these to get a better finish. If I were you I’d just pick up a variety of carbon, charcoal or conte pencils to see if any of these give you the effects you want. For me, the solution seems to lie in mixing a variety of carbon media.

Unfortunately, the quality of the tools and surfaces today are not what they were back in the golden age of illustration. I’m still looking to find that perfect surface.

Thanks again to Mark for the tips!

Enjoy,

John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications
©2010 respective writers

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Flesk Fall 2010 Book Updates and Low Stock Books

Here’s an update on the latest Flesk schedule for our four fall 2010 releases.

I have received my sample books for both William Stout: Inspirations and Xenozoic by Mark Schultz. They look great! I expect the bulk shipment to arrive by the end of this month at the distributor, with books showing up in the stores by the first week of November.

Harvey Dunn: Illustrator and Painter of the Pioneer West by Walt Reed is currently being printed and bound. I’m supposed to receive my sample copies by the end of this month. Then the bulk shipment will arrive in our warehouse by the end of November for an early December street date. This will not be available on Amazon or to the book trade.

You can pre-order these books in our new Flesk store. Titles will ship just as soon as they arrive. You get your books a little earlier than the stores when you order direct with Flesk.

Jungle Girls by Jim Silke is in the proofing stage. Once these have meet my requirements, the book will be printed. I expect the street date to be in mid-December. This will be in our Flesk store next month, once the shipping schedule is finalized.

I went through our stock to check the remaining quantities of various books. I am down to less than fifty copies of Al Williamson’s Flash Gordon: A Lifelong Vision of the Heroic. There are no plans to reprint this book. This book will sell out. (Get it soon if you want it!) The deluxe-signed edition of Gary Gianni’s adaptation of Twenty-Thousand Leagues Under the Sea is running low. I am also down to my last fifty copies of the hardbound edition of Joseph Clement Coll: A Legacy in Line. The softbound is already sold out. I don’t have any plans to reprint this book either.

Any questions? Send us an email.

Best,

John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications