Concept to Creation

Website Update

noreply@blogger.com (Tom McAndrew Jr.) — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 21:02:00 +0000

So it took nearly forever, but I FINALLY updated my website! It's not perfect, but it does precisely what I need it to: display my images and have the ability to be updated on the fly. Hopefully, I'll be able to work with someone to give it the tweaks and adjustments I'd like it to have, but in the meantime it's showing current work and that's exciting! Special thanks to Dan Dos Santos and the guys at Muddy Colors for posting some great tutorials and information!

Please stop by and visit my new website if you haven't already, and if you've been there before, stop by again! Follow the link in the sidebar or just click HERE.
EDIT: updated website address.

Rowan tree sketch

noreply@blogger.com (Tom McAndrew Jr.) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 02:05:00 +0000

WOW, it has been an incredibly l-o-n-g time, since I've been able to get on here and post something. I recently had someone remind me of this fact and here we are.
A recent sketch I completed for someone that actually served as the "inspiration" of a tattoo they had done. We really wanted to capture the feeling of this old, twisted tree and this small family of owls that had decided to perch there. This was the result, leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

Rowan Tree with Barn Owls. c Tom McAndrew Jr. 2012

Bashaw Elementary Special Edition T-shirts

noreply@blogger.com (Tom McAndrew Jr.) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:00:00 +0000

These were my submissions for the 2011 special edition Bashaw Elementary school t-shirts. Each year designs are submitted and the kids vote on their favorite. I don't believe any of mine were chosen this year, but I know that the black chalkboard design was picked as the first 'Teacher's Edition' shirt design. Let me know what you're favorite was in the comment section!
[See previous Bashaw Logo T-shirt design here]

Bursting with Bobcat Pride

Chalkboard

Manuscript Writing

More Screencapture Sketching

noreply@blogger.com (Tom McAndrew Jr.) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 05:28:00 +0000

Here are some additional sketches using screen captures.

The Name of the Rose, ballpoint pen, ink, and marker.

Girl with a Pearl Earring, ballpoint pen.

Girl with a Pearl Earring, graphite.

Erik Tiemens

noreply@blogger.com (Tom McAndrew Jr.) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 17:00:00 +0000

     Just added some new links for one of my favorite painters, Erik Tiemens. If you've never heard of him before, you're really missing out on some amazing work. I first learned of Erik around 2002/2003 when he was a concept designer on Star Wars Episode II (see below). Since then, I've tried to follow his career and I must say I've been a fan ever since.
     As you can see, I've dabbled in gouache and I love to use it to sketch with. Erik has really helped to fuel my interest in continuing to use both gouache and watercolor. He is able to acheive some remarkable effects combining gouache with various other media, including pens, pastels, ink, & watercolor. His paintings always seem to have a real sense of history and time, and can look amazingly like oil. They also evoke a real sense of romantisicm that really sets Erik apart from other painters.
     Erik also teaches workshops about his techniques and methods, his latest one was hosted at the Mendocino Art Center in Mendocino, California (I'd love to be able to attend one). Please check out both his website at WaterSketch and his blog, Virtual Gouache Land. You'll be glad you did.

-Tom

I'll leave you with these, enjoy!

Kamino by Erik Tiemens

Gouache & Watercolor Sketch by Erik Tiemens

Screen Capture Sketches

noreply@blogger.com (Tom McAndrew Jr.) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 02:20:00 +0000

These are a few of the sketches I did while viewing screen captures from various movies. A very nice way to get some figure drawing in if there's no model available; this was taught to me by George Pratt at the Illustration Academy.

Forlorn - graphite

Repose - ink

Horse & Rider - ink

Out of the Shadows - graphite

New Gallery!

noreply@blogger.com (Tom McAndrew Jr.) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 05:32:00 +0000

Welcome back! While you're here you can see some of my oil paintings on my new Gallery page! Just click the "Oil Paintings" link under "Pages" to check it out; this is where I'll be posting samples of my finished work. I'll be adding a few additional galleries as I get images sorted into new and better folders.
-Tom

Time flies . . . as Scarlette arrives!

noreply@blogger.com (Tom McAndrew Jr.) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 01:30:00 +0000

Unrelenting time continues on . . . so, I've had a TON of stuff going on since my last post. My new daughter (Scarlette Rose) has arrived (sounds weird saying that), and I've been in the process of relocating my studio, as well as completing necessary (and frustrating) repairs to my computer. Here we are, studio is about 90% moved and computer has been finally restored to its former glory! I'm going to be working more diligently on completing some of the ongoing posts I've started and reworking my actual website to incorporate some of the web-presence I've managed to build.
Stay tuned, more to come!

Opportunity for Painting and Photography!

noreply@blogger.com (Tom McAndrew Jr.) — Tue, 03 May 2011 02:03:00 +0000

     We're starting a new Affinity Group at my church, Woodland the Community Church. The purpose of this group is to gather together creative people who want to make art together. During the summer, June 5th - July 31st, we'll be traveling to places near and not so far, to get together and either paint en plein aire or take pictures. It's going to be a great time, so if you've ever wanted to learn how to paint/take pictures or if you're an expert, come join us! I hope to see lots of creative people there!

-from the flyer
     Landscape Painting and Photography is for EVERYONE! Whether you're a beginner or an expert, join us for a great time of fellowship and art.

What you will need to bring:
          -A creative spirit
          -Your own supplies of choice (Camera, Watercolors, Pencils, Paper, etc)
          -Childcare and supplies will NOT be provided.
          -Bug spray & sunscreen.

Where we are going (Times subject to change with email notification):
          -~~Marina Jacks Park - June 5th & 12th - 2pm-4pm~~
June 5th -   Coquina Beach - Near the Gulf-Side Pavillion 6pm-8:30pm (Sunset and Picnic Dinner)
June 12th - Coquina Beach - Gulf-Side Pavillion 4pm-8:30pm
                 *Woodland's Beach Baptism and BBQ begins at 4pm. Come and capture a unique
                   experience and stay for the sunset! BBQ will be provided, just bring a side dish to share.
                   Please RSVP if possible at holly@woodlandministries.com.
June 19th - DeSoto National Memorial - Main Parking 2pm-4pm
June 26th - DeSoto National Memorial - Main Parking 2pm-4pm
July 3rd   - NO STUDIO - Happy 4th of July!!!
July 10th -  Emerson Point - Main Parking 2pm-4pm
July 17th - Emerson Point - Main Parking 2pm-4pm
          ~~-Coquina Beach - July 24th & 31st - 6pm-8:30pm (Sunset & Picnic Dinner)~~
July 24th - Marina Jacks Park - Sarasota - Picnic Area 2pm-4pm
July 31st - Marina Jacks Park - Sarasota - Picnic Area 2pm-4pm

August   -   Art Show at Woodland! More details to follow.

Questions? Email Tom at tom@tommcandrewjr.com

-edit, revised dates and location details

Uptown Baptist Painting #1 part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Tom McAndrew Jr.) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 02:00:00 +0000

Welcome back! I hope you've been finding these posts informative and interesting. If you have any questions or comments please let me know, I would be happy to answer any questions you may have. I definately don't have all of the answers, but I really enjoy talking to people about art and am always open to new ideas and techniques! Thanks for stopping by and if you like what you see or if you have any suggestions for posts you would like to see, please just drop me a comment!

This is the second post in the work-in-progress of the Uptown series of paintings. Previously, I had shown how this image was conceived and composed, this post is about the foundation of the painting itself. Through the thumbnail, the skeleton or framework is in place and now begins the process of laying in the underpainting or putting some meat on those bones! Typically this is the thinnest layer of paint and also the flattest. The concern at this stage was not necessarily getting everything to final details but to establish the overall color harmony and remove the white of the canvas. Without the bleaching white of the canvas, it is much easier to determine correct color relationships and values as the painting progresses. The underpainting here consists of mostly washes; washes being very, very thin oil paint. Usually oil paint is thinned using turpinoid (a turpintine substitute) or mineral spirits, either of these is used get the paint to an almost watercolor-like quality and brushed across the canvas. Often times, these washes can acheive wonderful effects that can be maintained through to the final stages of the painting. Of course, the areas where you want the wash to show through must be planned ahead so that you don't cover us the effects with opaque paint. This underpainting stage is also your last opportunity to make any major changes to your composition (should you need to), because it is much easier to wipe away a wash than to scrape off and repaint an area. I, of course, have done my share of both!

This is the stage of the painting where the pieces start to get a bit more solid. The paint starts getting thicker and I am starting to work towards final details in some areas. I started this session out on the part that was the farthest away, the sky. This still holds to be one of my favorite parts of this painting! The montage element is mostly put in and at this point I am looking to boost the contrast there only slightly higher, because I am wanting the words to stand out and be legible from across the room. There is a faint ghost of the people still remaining but since I'm dealing with an opaque paint I can always paint them in on top of the background.

In the next post, I'll be showing the final two stages and I'll do one final post on this painting for the final. I hope you've enjoyed watching this process unfold and I encourage you to get out there and slap some paint around. Anyone and everyone can paint or draw! If you can write, then you can draw! Painting is only drawing with a brush, it is a skill and talent helps but persistance will go a long way towards any goal. Be brave and try something new! Thanks for following along.

Uptown Baptist Painting #1

noreply@blogger.com (Tom McAndrew Jr.) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 02:03:00 +0000

Uptown Baptist Church - thumbnails

This is the first in-process shot of the painting as it progressed from tiny thumbnails to sketched onto the canvas. Thumbnails are amazing little tools that you create yourself. They are a vital step to creating almost any successful painting. Anytime you are conceiving an image in your mind there are always tons of ways that the image can be done, with almost infinite subtle or drastic design changes. The thumbnail stage is your opportunity to really play around with shapes and values without committing a lot of time or wasting any paint.

Pencil sketch of thumbnail onto canvas.

From this point, I decide which composition is going to fit this image the best and ideally this is the point to gather (or preferably) shoot your reference. In this case, I was given some pictures to use as reference. Personally, I wanted to go to Chicago and shoot my own reference, but that sadly wasn't in the budget (maybe next time). I gathered my pictures together and using my thumbnail as a guide I sketched the drawing onto the canvas. This stage can really go one of two ways, very loose or very tight and detailed; for this painting, I was under a tight deadline and needed to get into the paint right away. In hindsight, I should have taken the time to really draw out some of the more detailed areas for clarity when I got to the painting stage, but you live and learn.

So this is where I'll leave off for today. Check back for the next stage - the color block-in and underpainting.

Thanks for following along and as always if there are any questions please leave a comment and I'll do my best to answer them!

Uptown Baptist Mission Project

noreply@blogger.com (Tom McAndrew Jr.) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 02:00:00 +0000

I am currently in the process of a mission project through Woodland the Community Church (Bradenton, Fl.) for Uptown Baptist Church (Chicago, Il.). As of now I have completed 2 of my 4 paintings, all of which are part of a series of 10 paintings that will adorn the lobby of Uptown. The paintings will feature various Chicago landmarks, will be done in oil, and are 4ft X 2ft. This is a very large set of paintings for me, as most of my work is around 16X20 or smaller. I have said that I've wanted to start working on some larger pieces, so here we are! The following posts will be in progress shots of the first 2 paintings that I've completed and are as of this post, hanging in Chicago.
There is a new 'Follow by Email' feature that has been added, fill in your email and stay tuned!

The Sketchbook Project continues . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Tom McAndrew Jr.) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Here is a few from the next batch of sketches. These are all done in an 8x5 Moleskin sketchbook in gouache. Thanks for following along.

Sketchbook Project update . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Tom McAndrew Jr.) — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 20:15:00 +0000

Here are the first few pages of my sketchbook so far. These paintings are all from Sarasota, this is where I basically began as a painter. I had my first painting class and we took several trips to "Marina Jacks," a public park not too far from Ringling. Some of these are paintings that I've been wanting to sketch for years now, so with this book my opportunity has arrived. Anyway, back to book. Thanks for checking these out! Enjoy.

Sketchbook Project Sketches

noreply@blogger.com (Tom McAndrew Jr.) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 12:00:00 +0000

These are the first two sketches for my copy of the Sketchbook Project. I'm planning on filling my book with landscape paintings and sketches, all from places that I've been to, places where I am, and places where I'd like to go. Stay tuned for updates more frequently as I continue to work, filling this book up. Any feedback (and encouragement) as I continue on would be appreciated.

Thanks and enjoy!

Merry Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Tom McAndrew Jr.) — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 22:17:00 +0000

"You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch." Thank you again, Dr. Seuss.

Amazing New(ish) Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Tom McAndrew Jr.) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 17:39:00 +0000

I "discovered" one of the most amazing blogs a few months back. It can be found at Muddy Colors. It features comments and insights from some amazing illustrators and artists. The blog has been up and since August 2009 and since then has gained quite a following. Ever since I stumbled across it's wonderful entries I have been thankful; gaining an insight into the thought and work processes of successful artists is a exciting thing to be a part of. To date, there have been entries on thumbnails, using reference, painting techniques, and portfolio tips. Just a little bit for everyone. So, if you're interested in art or artists, I highly recommend adding some Muddy Colors to your daily palette of inspiration and information. Click the link in the ArtFuel section, follow along, and enjoy. TTYL.

New Book!

noreply@blogger.com (Tom McAndrew Jr.) — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 20:40:00 +0000

I recently received a copy of Color and Light, by James Gurney (thanks to Jennifer Borreson). I am constantly impressed with James' work, his newest book is no exception. This volume is an in depth study on the effects of both color and light, how it works and most importantly how it can be applied to the arts (drawing, painting, photography, etc). I have read through most of his Dinotopia books (which if you haven't read - please go out right now and read them!) and throughly enjoyed each adventure. The stories are well written and the illustrations will have you feeling like you're right there on this strange isolated continent. One day I will own my own copy of the series.

So far, I'm about 60 or so pages into Color and Light and already feel like I am getting a much needed refresher course in color, light, composition, design, and painting technique. If you are unfamiliar with James Gurney please follow the jump to his website or click the link on the sidebar to visit his incredibly informative daily blog at Gurney Journey. I will post a more thorough review once I finish going through it, but so far so ~~good~~ great!

Thanks for reading and let me know what you think. TTYL

Words of Wisdom

noreply@blogger.com (Tom McAndrew Jr.) — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 03:39:00 +0000

Florence from the Boboli Gardens

     "The first two things to study are form and values. For me, these are the bases of what is serious in art. Color and finish put charm into one's work." Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot [ca. 1828]

     I couldn't agree with this more. Values are how we interpret light on objects as well as their material (texture) and relationship to each other; atmospheric perspective, for example. Second, form follows function.  This is essential to understanding the shape of whatever is being drawn or painted. This is the foundation to which most beginning painters often struggle to grasp. Starting simply, with monochromatic colors and simple geometric shapes, will help to ensure a successful time learning how to manipulate paint. This is why artists will usually draw a small black and white "thumbnail" version of the image to test whether or not the values and forms (shapes of value) will work with each other. A gold key to unlocking a great composition.
     One of my past instructors, George Pratt, summed it up very well by saying, "Color is candy," and like Corot, he's right on.

Life and Death

noreply@blogger.com (Tom McAndrew Jr.) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Life and Death, c 2010

This is a painting from our Open Studio Sessions @ Woodland. This was completed in the final two sessions and is done in oil on a piece of wood I had laying around. This brought about the end of the current semester of studios, the next session will begin January 9th for anyone interested. We will be working with live models and drawing from life. The forthcoming session will also feature several demos by myself as well as Ron & Jennifer Borreson.

Thanks and I hope to see you there!

True Love @ Woodland

noreply@blogger.com (Tom McAndrew Jr.) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 16:43:00 +0000

This was a great thing to be a part of. I've received a lot of feedback that people were really moved by the experience, so the Visual Arts team at Woodland is working on several other ideas to keep the momentum going.
The paintings were a live onstage worship experience during the October 16th & 17th services. The song is "True Love" written by Phil Wickham and performed by Andy Botts. A very cool version of the song and some amazing artwork to go with it! The original paintings will be on display at Woodland very soon, I'll post pics as soon as I can.

Enjoy the video (courtesy of Woodland, the Community Church)

New Open Studio Sessions

noreply@blogger.com (Tom McAndrew Jr.) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:00:00 +0000

Just wanted to let everyone know that beginning Sunday, August 15, from 2pm-4pm the Visual Arts Ministry will be starting open studio sessions hosted at Woodland the Community Church here in Bradenton, Fl. These sessions will be hosted by myself and 2 other Ringling grads namely, Ron & Jen Borreson. You can check out their work by clicking on their names in the "links" section. The format is going to be fairly open, starting with some still lifes and possibly moving on to some figurative and/or en plein aire opportunites. There will be individual instruction available if needed; so come on down and bring whatever media you're comfortable with or want to experiment with. The point is just to get some artists together and have fun creating art. I hope to see you there!

Sailboat teaser

noreply@blogger.com (Tom McAndrew Jr.) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 18:42:00 +0000

Haven't made to time to post anything on here recently. Got promoted at work and have been working longer and harder than I have in the last few years or so. Anyway, here I am trying to get back into the swing of things.

This is a sketch I started a little while ago, that I should be wrapping up soon.

Bashaw Elementary T-shirt design

noreply@blogger.com (Tom McAndrew Jr.) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 03:00:00 +0000

Here's a late post from the archives. I was asked to design a new school logo t-shirt for my son's school, Bashaw Elementary. After several different versions, we landed on one that was simple enough to be worn by everyone, could be put on any color, and still be an interesting design. I wasn't interested in drawing a Bobcat this time around, but I definitly wanted to incorporate "Bob the Bobcat" into the design somewhere. Pawprints seemed the most natural way to accomplish both.

Bashaw Elementary School T-shirt Logo c 2010

New book . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Tom McAndrew Jr.) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:37:00 +0000

     I received a pair of amazing books for Christmas this (past) year. The first is The Frank Reilly School of Art by Doug Higgins. Frank Reilly was an incredible teacher who taught at the Art Student's League in New York for about 29 years among other very prestigious art schools during the 1960's. Doug was a student of Frank Reilly's during the sixties and the book is an account of notes taken by himself as well as other students of Frank's throughout the years. The content of the book is a wonderful journey about the fundementals of art, drawing, and painting. It's simplicity and approachibility is wonderful and very easy to understand and apply.
     The second book is The Practice and Science of Drawing by Harold Speed. I'm currently about half-way through it so far, but I must say that this is one of the most informative books on drawing I've ever read. It really breaks down how we see and interpret images and particularly how to translate that knowledge into drawing. It was written by Harold Speed in 1917, which is interesting because this is right after the main Impressionist movement so painters like Corot and Monet were very fresh on the artistic scene.
     I highly recommend both of these books, if you are at all interested in learning about drawing and general art techniques. I wish I had read these before (or at least the beginning) of art school. Of course, saying that I wouldn't have really appreciated what was being shared at the time. So, I am thankful for the opportunity to have read them now.
-Tom