Little Watercolor Trees

Reworking The Conqueror

noreply@blogger.com (Artist Sean Seal) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 11:42:00 +0000

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Ever hear that saying: "If you don't have time to do it right the first time, when will you have time to do it over?"

I'm not totally dissatisfied with how this illustration turned out originally, in fact I think it's one of the better ones for this particular project, however, it still looks rushed and unfinished at best. Today I'm going to be working on this guy, but not him exactly. More like an alternate version of him, but I intend to clean up the first one in the process.

This will all make sense at a later date.

p.s. just found out I spelled "conqueror" wrong on my website. smh

Snow Day

noreply@blogger.com (Artist Sean Seal) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:07:00 +0000

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I miss snow days.

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noreply@blogger.com (Artist Sean Seal) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:45:00 +0000

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10,000 Hours

noreply@blogger.com (Artist Sean Seal) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:03:00 +0000

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Yesterday I heard someone say it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert at anything. That got me to thinking about how many trees I will have to paint before I'm an expert painter of little trees?

It takes me on average (guesstimate) fifteen minutes to paint a little tree.

4 trees per hour (give or take). I have to say that number is both discouraging and encouraging at the same time. Discouraging because... really? I mean... 40,000 trees? Hmm, lets see... one tree per day, 365 days in a year... [tapping buttons on calculator]

So 109 years 215 days from now, I will be an expert at painting little trees.

The encouraging part though is this: That's a lot of opportunities to paint some really fantastic little trees.

Don't Sit Down

noreply@blogger.com (Artist Sean Seal) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:58:00 +0000

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I heard a sound bite on the radio today from an interview with a local high school athlete. He was asked something like how he stays on top of all his after school activities. His response was one I think is great advice for all of us.

He said when he comes home he tries not to sit down for too long, otherwise he doesn't want to get up.

That's just the kind of simple advice that can change a persons life.

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noreply@blogger.com (Artist Sean Seal) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:33:00 +0000

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noreply@blogger.com (Artist Sean Seal) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 22:40:00 +0000

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Your Name Is Worth More Than Your Rate

noreply@blogger.com (Artist Sean Seal) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 12:01:00 +0000

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I think this is one of my better trees. That's good, because this next piece of artwork isn't one I'm particularly proud of, but it does give me the opportunity to share some thoughts and insights other artists might find helpful or at least get me an "Amen Brother".

It occurred to me as I was gathering my thoughts about what I would say in this post that, for some younger artists I might come off as a wise teacher type, but to others, who've maybe been around the block a few times, I might sound like I'm a little full of myself and I don't know half as much as I think I do. I think both points of view are accurate. Try to understand I'm writing this stuff on the fly as it's actually happening. When I write about a lesson I've "learned" it's more accurate to think of what I'm saying in terms of the here and now. (i.e. it's a lesson I'm learning)

Just wanted to get that out there.

The top image is some "artwork" I did three or four years ago for a chemistry game. I have to admit I'm embarrassed by the quality of what actually got published with my name on it. When I did it I was young and stupid. I say that because no matter how tight the deadline or how small the budget, that image should never have left my studio as "finished work". What it is is a rough sketch, and not a very good one at that.

I justified releasing it because both me and my client were venturing into new waters. The budget and the disired deadline really didn't allow for much more than a few hours max to complete the work. In hindsight now I realize that the opportunity costs for letting something that unfinished leave my studio far out way the lack of compensation for what I think my time is worth.

Got some other work to do so I'm just going to get to the point. Refreshing huh?

In the future, I've decided that regardless of the budget, If it's not up to par, I'm not done working on it.

Furthermore, I'm never doing artwork and thinking about a clock ever again. The two just aren't compatible. Original artwork just isn't something you can say: "Well, I've got two (or 40) hours in. I'm done." I told my client I thought most of the changes would take me less than two hours on these reworks. This one took me ten... and it could still use a few more.

Artwork is NEVER done. It's either acceptable or it's not AND it can ALWAYS be better.

So Kids, I'm not saying you have to produce "perfection" every time because that doesn't exist, it wouldn't be practical even if it did and art is subjective anyway. For example: I don't get too excited about Mona. (Sorry Leo. You're still my favorite.)

What I am saying is: One can't settle for poor quality artwork and justify it to one's self based on the deadline and budget. One has to take into consideration that their name is their most valuable asset as an artist. It has to be at least good enough to not be remembered as bad. You never know who might be watching... or remembering.

Now after all that... I think I'm going to tweak that little dragon on the hill because diagonals running directly into a corner are compositional no no's. Then I feel comfortable moving on to some other work for now.

Reworks

noreply@blogger.com (Artist Sean Seal) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:10:00 +0000

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I'm reworking some illustrations I did a few years ago for a client and some of the work that was released as final illustrations I wouldn't even consider a good sketch by my standards today. They were really my first illustrations using digital painting techniques. I didn't even have a wacom tablet at that point. All painted with my mouse. And, to make matters worse, they were cranked out under a really tight deadline.

So now I find myself trying to make amends, but unfortunately, I've not been given much time to rework the images. Luckily my equipment, software and skills are all vastly improved since I did the original "artwork". Still, there is no substitution for time and patience when attempting to produce quality artwork.

Yup! No matter how you slice it... You can't rush art.

Bitter Sweet

noreply@blogger.com (Artist Sean Seal) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:38:00 +0000

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I'm a little bummed that I haven't really had time to "Paint Bigger" like I had planned, however, I'm not bummed about the reason why. I've bee too busy being paid to be an artist. I can't say I won't complain about the situation someday, but, today is not that day.

I'm sure that watercolor paper I ordered won't go bad. It better not anyway. That stuff was stinking expensive!

Ninja In Progress

noreply@blogger.com (Artist Sean Seal) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:43:00 +0000

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Nope. Not just another lame attempt at a clever blog title.

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noreply@blogger.com (Artist Sean Seal) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:09:00 +0000

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noreply@blogger.com (Artist Sean Seal) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:39:00 +0000

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GOT SICK!

noreply@blogger.com (Artist Sean Seal) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

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Note to self: No more blog post titles that turn into self fulfilling prophecies.

GET SICK!

noreply@blogger.com (Artist Sean Seal) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 13:26:00 +0000

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Wow! What a week? I thought I got the beat down last week? I won't deny that I may have let myself feel downtrodden just a touch, but I'm feeling renewed and ready for action now. I have a lot of art-work on my plate this weekend and I'm excited about all of it.

Check out this blog post: http://www.jonacuff.com/blog/big-lessons-from-a-small-rug/

After reading the above (relatively short) post go check out this link: www.SeanSeal.com/littletrees.php (be patient while it loads) Then I would like you to know this: "I don't paint trees because I can. I paint trees because I do."

Jon's point is one I've taken a stab at a few times by illustrating it from my own experiences, because that's what I try to do here, but he has written it in a much more instructional and less "cryptic" way. He doesn't really ramble or dance around his point. I can appreciate that.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go catch some sick air on the half-pipe of creativity.

FREEBEE: "The more you do... the more you can."

The Family Business

noreply@blogger.com (Artist Sean Seal) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:01:00 +0000

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Who doesn't get excited when they get a box in the mail? There is something mysterious about that nondescript brown package that forces one's imagination into action. Even if you have a pretty good idea what's inside it, there is still that disconnect between the eyes and it's contents.

What could be better than having one's imagination fired up and ready to go then opening the box to find art supplies? A match made in heaven.

So yesterday I get a box in the mail, and unlike me, my kids don't know what's inside the box, which means their imaginations are really going full bore.

Well I know what's inside the box. It's some new paint I've been waiting for. As I'm unpacking the box her eyes get really large and I can tell she is very excited. Almost as if the actual contents of the box are even better than what she had imagined.

Then, as if she is speaking the very thoughts in my own head, she says, "Ooo! I could paint a really nice painting with all those colors."

Priceless.

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noreply@blogger.com (Artist Sean Seal) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:10:00 +0000

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Don't Break My Stride

noreply@blogger.com (Artist Sean Seal) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:06:00 +0000

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I really thought my little bought with depression had finally ended. Jus kind of snapped out of it, I thought. Then, a few days ago, I was sitting at home on what was kind of like a vacation day and it let me know it was still there. I couldn't help but observe the similar circumstances to when it was afflicting me before.

The similarities are that I had missed a week of exercising, I received some discouraging news, I was trying to not do anything productive. By not productive I mean I was trying to be like a normal person and take joy in spending time with my kids, playing games, watching movies etc... basically have fun.

I've tried to sop doing the "God's trying to tell me something" thing but I can't help but feel like I'm supposed to keep busy. I'm supposed to work, eat well, exercise, read my bible and I'm supposed to do it EVERY DAY!

See what I'm saying. When I'm doing what is (or should be) clear to me, I'm O.K. but when I stop moving there is an unsettled feeling and (I hate to say it) a sense of hopelessness that falls over me like a heavy blanket. It's almost like I feel if I'm not doing something to change my future there is no future.

Having said that, I can see where non religious folks get agitated with people of faith. I'm not a non religious folk, but I do get frustrated, irritated (whatever) with people who say things like, "The Lord will provide." It's not because I don't believe that, but I feel like there is a balance that needs to be found. Yes, the lord does provide for the birds who have no store houses etc... but those dang birds work their tail feathers off for every scrap of food they get. There up with the sun when the ground is moist so they get the worms, and they fly south when the weather turns. They never stop moving, working, searching and they are always weary of predators.

I'm just sharing and not preaching today. I don't know what this means and I'm not trying to hand out advice because if I were it might sound like I'm saying it's bad to relax and spend time with one's children. I'm definitely not saying that. I'm just saying, right now, I'm feeling compelled to keep moving.

Madonna: Queen Of Pop

noreply@blogger.com (Artist Sean Seal) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:12:00 +0000

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My favorite thing about the Madonna halftime show was watching all the responses to it on Facebook. Basically if you never liked her before you still don't like her and if you loved her before you were excited to see she's still doing her thing, and not looking half bad doing it. Cut me some slack I like older women.

Blowing Off Creative Steam

noreply@blogger.com (Artist Sean Seal) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:43:00 +0000

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I had what, for an illustrator artist type person, amounts to a "rough day at the office" a few days ago. I think I may have alluded to it a couple posts back. Not a complete disaster, just one of those types of days that makes one want to stop by the watering hole at the local space port on the way home. Anyway, I was feeling some pent up frustration and I needed some kind of release. I had just gotten an email from ConceptArt.org letting me know they hadn't seen me around much lately and they missed me. Pretty sure it's an automated form letter kind of thing and not an actual person missing me. In fact I'll bet most of the actual people there are glad I'm not there spamming up the message boards with half finished sketches that I have no idea where I'm going with and have no intention of completing for their structured activities.

It's kind of funny now that I think about it. The whole "We've missed you, Sean" thing. That is exactly what the people at my church say to me when I miss a few Sundays because I'm feeling like I'm falling behind on my work. I suspect that if I were this gritty, changeling, space fighter "guy" the folks at the pub (lets call it something interesting like the "Prancing Minok" or something?) would probably miss me too.

This is going to sound bad, but you know me, I'm not one to shy away from saying whatever crosses my mind; I think most networks of people consider people within their network a commodity. O.k. maybe commodity is not completely accurate (unless it's a baseball team... "Moneyball" was a great flick BTW) I'm sure the people in charge of the establishments, organizations, clubs etc... would rather I use the word "asset" because it's the people that add value to any network.

Well, I'm officially just rambling on at this point. Isn't art great? They say a picture is worth a thousand words and this little character sketch really did stimulate some interesting thinking, huh? So far in just three "paragraphs" I've touched on work, church, alcohol abuse, Si-fi genera (with a clever fantasy reference), human trafficking, sports, movies... the list probably goes on.

What I really wanted to say though was that I really enjoy creating these characters or scenes for the weekly community activities on ConceptArt.org. The best way I can equate it is like having a heavy bag hanging in one's garage. Sometimes you just need to let everything go, throw off your chains and punch the living ... uh... stuff out of something. Even though the idea for this came from CA's activity, I certainly wasn't letting anyone hold me accountable for it, I didn't really do it for them or anyone else, I simply took their idea and did whatever the hell I wanted with it. I shook it until it made me happy you could say. Will I ever finish it? IDK... maybe. For now though, it's served it's purpose.

Super Bowl Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Artist Sean Seal) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 21:29:00 +0000

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I think I want the Giants to win? It's been fun watching all the posts from my Indiana Facebook friends.

I haven't eaten much today and I've been chained to my computer all day mostly trying to solve the issue of properly sorting the little trees on my website. I don't know If I did it the best way, but it seems to be working and I'll take it.

Now I'm going to take a shower and try to reconnect with humanity.

Thick Skin (Like A Frickn Rhino, BABY!)

noreply@blogger.com (Artist Sean Seal) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:01:00 +0000

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Isn't that an odd metaphor. "Thick Skinned" Like... "You have to develop a thick skin." I've just always had an urge to get hung up on that when I hear it. Over active imagination I guess. I do that a lot when people are talking to me. It gives the illusion that I'm not paying attention to them, but really they are just talking way too fast for me to break down and process in minute detail the full measure and deeper meaning of the words that are coming out of their mouth. Basically I don't just babble on my blog, it's an ongoing chatter in my head all day long.

Now back to your regularly scheduled blog post.

Have you ever put countless hours of labor, blood sweat and tears so to speak, into a project only to have someone say, "It needs some work." I have. Happened just the other day in fact. (actually I can count the hours and it's about eighty so far)

It's a good thing I went to school for art, not because of all the "ART" stuff I learned (composition, color theory etc...), but because it prepared me for situations like the one I just alluded to. One just can't make it too personal. We all have jobs to do and in the commercial art world the art directors job is to secure the highest possible quality of work for their client / employer, NOT to care how much time you have into an illustration. If it's not quite up to par... it's not done... period.

Well, I don't really have many options and even If I did, the right thing to do would still be to set my jaw and get back to work.

Wasn't it just a couple posts ago when I said something about sometimes it takes us being "uncomfortable" to stimulate our growth. I'm not going to lie and say I like being told, "Nice try, but I've seen better. Sorry kid." That stings, but I'm not going to lay on the mat and bleed. I can't afford to.

That's about all I've got time for today, I just heard the bell.

Gone Fishin'

noreply@blogger.com (Artist Sean Seal) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:06:00 +0000

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This morning I thought I would go ahead and make my video knock out tutorial. So I recorded my screen as I went about removing the background on this little tree. No sound of course.

So I thought probably the best way to share my videos for now is YouTube. I didn't really want to just toss any old garbage up there and I think some annotating and maybe a little editing may be in order. Maybe even some credits or something. Not to mention some type of compression or optimizing.

Which led me to open up Adobe After Effects, a program I have never used before... ever. Wow! What a can of worms?

Looks like I will be watching some YouTube vids of other people showing me how to do stuff for awhile before I'm ready to share my own. It will be worth it though because my son really wants to get into making videos for YouTube. (He's hooked on video game walkthroughs)

Sometimes for one to become a better teacher they must once again become the student... grasshopper :)

P.S. My apologies to anyone who thought I might actually be posting something about fishing. Don't rule it out in the future.

Cool Video Tool

noreply@blogger.com (Artist Sean Seal) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:39:00 +0000

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Oooo! I discovered a very nifty little utility last night, and it was FREE! (sort of... no free lunch post for another day)

I needed to demonstrate to a client some of my process for a project and I figured the best way to do it was to create a video. So I googled something like: "record your screen mac", and guess what? The latest version of quicktime player on MacOSX comes with a record your screen feature built right in. How freaking cool is that!? None of this dropping $30-$60 bucks for pro. It's just there man!

So I'm pretty excited about that. It even will export the html complete with css and javascripts prepackaged and organized into folders for you to publish on your website. My head is still spinning from this windfall of coolness.

Anywho, I'm planning my first demo video to share on my site and this blog. Yup! I'm gonna show my process for creating a clean knock out of my little tree everyday.

IDK... maybe a digi-painting demo down the road too. So many secrets I can give away now.... Hmm?

FREE? It's kind of a relative term isn't it.

Complacent Talent

noreply@blogger.com (Artist Sean Seal) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:53:00 +0000

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I heard about a study the other day where they were exploring the reasons behind the lack of success by people who, by most accounts, should be "successful". You know the type? The super geek or the crazy talented musician or visual artist. Well, this will really be a shocker when I tell you what the number one reason is. Give up?

Lack Of Motivation

I know, right? I was just as suppressed as you.

I sometimes get a little down in the dumps because I really am not a "Well Known" artist and that really wouldn't bother me, except, I have been hearing from others that I have talent and that I would be a great, famous, whatever artist someday my entire life.

So here is the deal, IMO: One can't just be motivated "sometimes". I've experienced this not only in my career, but in any and every other aspect of my life. It's just a law of the universe (and a very good argument for creationism) that things are in a constant state of decay. Things don't just spontaneously improve over time. Good design doesn't just "Happen". Without constant purposeful outside influence and upkeep, things will deteriorate, fall into disrepair, stop moving, die etc... etc... Including your dreams.

There is a problem I have found with being content, provided for, fed etc... I have found that it makes one become content. There is nothing wrong with being content. It is a good thing to be thankful for what you have and to live a simple life, but... it's a short trip from content to complacent.

When one is happy with their job (i.e. it's not too stressful, they like the people they work with, the income isn't great but it pays the bills) it's easy to get lulled into a routine of punching the clock and living for those new DVD releases, football, snacks and video games on the weekend. I've done it. Been doing it for awhile. It really wasn't until something happened about a year ago that I snapped out of the artistic coma I've been in for about the last ten years. That's kind of what these little trees are all about; Living my talent and my passion every single day.

Sometimes the only way for us to grow, in any area of our lives, is to be uncomfortable. Something has to happen, be it internal or external, that shoves us out of our comfort zone.

I'm still not "Famous", but at least I'm not being complacent anymore. I don't think it's so important that a person is always doing exactly the right thing at the right time to achieve their goals. I think it's more important that they actually have a goal and that they are doing SOMETHING to move themselves towards it. One can always work out the details along the way.