The band had a clear vision of what they want for the album cover – an enormous size building, long stairway leading to the potential alien species temple… A viewer can already feel being part of the scene because of the perspective and detailed structure revealing as eyes follow each step from the bottom to the top.

While the band had a very clear state about the creative direction for this detailed artwork, I had a lot of room for interpretation and art direction.

My role was to create an architectural style for an alien construction – a mixture of ancient and futuristic vision. A challenging and very exciting project, absolutely one of my favorites. 

I have created few more artworks which were released at the same time. Songs like “You” and “Threat” have unique artworks but there are few more illustrations created to promote new album.

In the following videos, you will see quick breakdown of creation process, a few images revealing how artwork was created from first drafts to the final illustration. 

Find out more about this project in my portfolio.

Visit Zero Theorem for more info about their music and upcoming shows at www.zerotheoremband.com

Caesar from ZT came to me with the idea of making ‚dirty hands’ in front of a temple – this POV was a very interesting direction, where a viewer can almost witness it by similarly holding an album (in reality). Ok, we are all living in the digital streaming era BUT such creativity goes beyond any media!

BECOMING and AREA artworks are set in the same location. You can already see the top of the temple emerging in the background on BECOMING, while AREA represents a burning altar from the cover artwork shot from the top (would say „drone perspective”).

Interesting facts (hopefully

For some of you, interesting facts may be hands itself… well, these are my hands. I took a photo by myself, the camera on a tripod with a shutter button on the floor, released by… feet ;-). But it didn’t work the way I want so I took another round by shooting each hand separately. Then clipping and #digitalpainting in @Photoshop
Temple in the background was designed from scratch, with adding textures and other details along the way. There is some story behind this setting, these are just clues a viewer (and listener) needs to investigate.

Creation process

My techniques are photo manipulation and digital painting. Following work in progress images shows a bit of my creation process.

Final album examples

Check out Zero Theorem website for more info about the music and upcoming shows.

Not saying I like it, not trying to be this type of hero, don’t take me wrong. For some reason, I feel I am just more prepared for such isolation since it’s part of my life for a long while. Not saying I like it, just get used to it. 

I can create, I can focus on my work for most of the day, bring all those crazy ideas to life, share thoughts and processes of my work on live streams and social media. I was always afraid that I have nothing new to say, everybody can see better art online. What’s more, showcasing art became just rushing for likes and if you don’t promote your post, it will just disappear… What happened to this beautiful internet from decade?

This tough moment in our history is really unique. Man people are isolated, many artists may suffer even more because isolation is not helping in getting creative. After all, it will just eat your soul… But I think I have found small cure – fun. Fun in art is all we (creators) need. 

During all those three weeks, so far, while I’m sitting at home (just going outside once a week for grocery) I start to doubt if my art is unpredictable, it may be confusing (I will write about that in another post) as it may cover so many areas.. (at least from my point of view) but I said „No! Just go nuts, don’t think “what if”. Let your inner soul come to the surface, let it breathe and hopefully will inspire others to breathe too.”

Hopefully having fun with art, with creating will help me survive, maybe even grow as an artist. I don’t know. But I believe it’s worth of trying

So for now, let’s have fun with art!

I’m happy to present one of my recent projects for Western Digital. It’s quite unique in my portfolio because it’s printed on a pickup and caravan.

An abstract, colorful artwork produced exclusively for Western Digital’s StreaMachine is a mixture of photo manipulation and digital art. Huge print placed on a long silver vehicle makes it look unique and curved shapes of digital ‘scarfs’ makes vehicle look dynamic, almost liquid, even when it’s not moving.

During 45 day tour that travels through 14 cities WD’s StreaMachine appeared at 24 events, including Comic Con in New York (NY), Red Rocks Amphitheater in Denver (CO), and Eat. See. Hear in Los Angeles (CA) that took place during September and October 2012. The vehicle was accessible for visitors and was showcasing latest streaming WD products – My Net HD Dual-Band Routers with exclusive FasTrack technology.

My role was to deliver graphics used for both sides of the vehicle and for interior prints. I was also working on style frames for official minisite. Project was art directed by Margaret Bornais and realized by R&R Partners agency.

Find out more ComicCon images at WD’s facebook page.

The Poisoned Loaf artwork is my personal interpretation of polish-american opera project holding same name. It’s experimental, very expressive theatre play that says a story about young couple, their dreams and future that becomes way much different…

I want you to get the proper mood based on this artwork, hope your eyes are slightly cheated and things changes from beauty to nasty, from dreams and order to chaos and death.

To gain funds for producing it a lot of artists from Poland participate in an benefit exhibition – opening today! – which takes place in Horton Gallery in New York, USA. I’ve sent 15 unique hand signed pieces so hopefully you can grab one for yourself and help gather funds for the show. Go to hortongallery.com to find out more about the exhibition.

Update 24 May 2013: The exhibition will take place in new location. I’ll post more when the details are confirmed.

And in meanwhile, let me share final image and work in progress versions.
Process

1. Painting Loaf-shaping Head

2. Adding details and making head drilled

3. Bringing in colour and textures

4. Painting bust, enhancing surreal elements and adding more colour

5. Painting rose-shaped brain

6. Detail work with rose

7. Explosion time!

8. Final artwork

]]> http://blog.valpnow.com/2013/02/baking-the-poisoned-loaf/feed/ 0 http://blog.valpnow.com/2013/02/adobe-master-class-photoshop/ http://blog.valpnow.com/2013/02/adobe-master-class-photoshop/#respond Fri, 08 Feb 2013 08:00:18 +0000 http://blog.valpnow.com/?p=1043

Adobe Master Class: Photoshop Inspiring artwork and tutorials by established and emerging artists is newest book written by Ibarionex Parello, a freelance photographer and writer. You may know Ibarionex if you’re reading magazines such as Digital Photo Pro, Rangefinder, Shutterbug or Outdoor Photographer. He is also an instructor of photography at BetterPhoto.com and a producer of popular podcast The Candid Frame.

Follow up to read more about the book.

His newest book is written for photographers who wants create more personal and creative work using Photoshop. The book provides an inspiration perspective on all the things that are possible from Photoshop. As he says “this book challenges people to really think about what they want to express in their own work. When you see the wide range of styles and approaches practiced by these photographers, I think it will allow many to really consider how they too can express their own personal, unique vision.”

ABOUT THE BOOK

This beautiful art showcase book from Adobe Press features 30 established and emerging Photoshop artists, their masterful work, and tutorials demonstrating their techniques for using Adobe Photoshop. Curated by renowned photographer and educator Ibarionex Perello, this book features an inspiring collection of innovative Photoshop artists and their amazing artwork. The images represent a mix of techniques and styles and are field-defining works that demonstrate technical excellence and awe-inspiring aesthetics. Readers will also appreciate the artists’ commentary about their inspiration and philosophy about their art. In addition to the art showcase, this book includes several tutorial projects that teach techniques for working in Photoshop. The how-to content, comprising 25 to 30 percent of the book, is based on general Photoshop features, so this book can be useful for users of recent and future versions of the Photoshop software. 

MY THOUGHTS

For me, being part of this book is an amazing distinction. It also makes me think more about my art and my daily job (which is the same from wider perspective. What it will be like in 3-5 years? Some of my artworks printed in Adobe Master Class were done 6 years ago – and some of them are the most recent pieces. A real cross-section of my works!

If you’re a photographer or digital artist this book may interest you. You can download sample pages includes chapter on Jaclyn Corrado from Peachpit pages. I’m going to write short review as soon as I receive a copy. So if you’re irresolute – stay tuned for more info.

Find out more about an author and idea of the book by reading Interview with Ibarionex Parello at Peachpit.

Let’s have a look!

Find out more images on facebook and flickr.

Project details and close ups in Valp’s showcase.

It’s my third cover for Ania Szarmach and I’m glad to say it’s my best one. I’m honoured to work with such amazing singer as Ania and make her visions become reality.

Album is called “Pozytywka”, which means ‘music box’ – but it’s meant to say ‘positive’. It’s a word play in Polish and idea behind this album is to tell about emotions (not only positive) and graphics should indicate some of them.

As usual, everything starts with an idea. Or an inspiration – follow up to find out more.

Botanical Inspiration

Positive energy and fantasy world are main themes for art direction. I came up with two different styles, one is original cover with bee and flower, and second was royal garden themed illustration, which was finally used in booklet.

The original image for the cover was already chosen – an absolutely great, sensitive and gentle shot of Ania in may beetle costume designed by Halina Mro?ek (I painted abdomen only). A few words of respect goes to photograper Bart?omiej Chaba?owski and make-up artist and stylist Marcin Kulak, guys have done amazing job.

inspiration example © Maria Alice de Rezende

Before I started painting magnolia-like flower I was browsing American Society of Botanical Artists, this website includes outstanding illustrations, each one is photorealistic – done with perfectionism and attention paid on details is overwhelming. And my goal was to give same feeling to the cover art, make it subtle yet detailed so it stands out on the shelf.

Each of five artworks printed in booklet is based on song theme and it’s indicated to reveal some small piece of ‘music box’ world. Royal Garden, Antarctica, “Schizo”, Mirror and Oriental are all about emotions described in lyrics.

Ania Szarmach promoting her 3rd Album – “Pozytywka”
fot. Dariusz Kawka

‘AS’ INITIALS SYMBOL

Another part of whole album is AS initials symbol that appears in the album and video clips. It emerged from previous album cover art and becomes complete logo of an artist. A very subtle and ornamental, almost pattern-like icon is integral part of cover art and make it even more unique and original.

Today, 27th of January 2013, Where the River Runs Black goes on sale – let’s see preview, before we go any further:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3iezI1ye-M?rel=0]

Let’s focus on the project which started almost year ago with logo and Bloodlust EP artwork design. This artwork is quite simple, rather logo treatment with textures and painting but it was important to present this brand new identity in a gentle way. Logo and whole graphic identity relies on same rules as KillSonik‘s music: inspired by vintage horror movies and electronic music logo is bold, geometric and nasty. One of my inspirations were classic DooM and Metallica logotypes. I really loved 3D extrude style and wanted to mix it with 80’s electronic so it has a bit of retro style.

Doom and Metallica logo inspirations

Where the River Runs Black

Album artwork allows to present style with actual illustration. Inspired by such movie posters like The Woman in Black, The Crater Lake Monster or Creature From Black Lake. These artworks are perfect references for KillSonik‘s graphic style and makes this work absolutely enjoyable.

   

Inspirations for album artwork includes movies like The Crater Lake Monster, Creature From Black Lake and The Woman in Black.

I can’t say how light and sophisticated they are in real but at least I can share some of these pics I took in my yard. Hope you like it!

Follow up to see close ups.

Even more photos are on my Flickr pages – take a look.

As a pure blood digital arts lover I’m being inspired everyday and by almost everything and digital art is on top of everything. One of my personal passions in art is surrealism so I was going to create grotesque artwork with some fantasy attributes. I’m also fan of Zdzislaw Beksinski, which inspires me like no one else and I was trying to achieve similar mysterious mood and experiment with imagination.

So I wrote a short story that’s behind this artwork, something I want to tell but more than that it’s something I want you, as a viewer, can discover.

He was walking forty three days, searching for something who nobody has found, a new chapter in his life; time, future, maybe… He knew it, he felt it, he sniffed it… He knew it’s somewhere here, in a place when nothing happens twice… A place where Tomorrow Never Happened…

With this workshop I’m going to write a bit of “idea evolution” in digital art. I had general idea for this artwork but many parts of it, like eyes and organic brain-thing came to me rather spontaneously.

I was using photo manipulation and matte painting techniques. With this artwork I want to build surreal world and give viewers a chance to dive into every part of this detailed image.  Read on to find out more.

1. The first thing I was working on was overall composition and grotesque, sinister scene with really giant skull as a main theme. At this point I’ve set up empty studio background with ground texture, added some light to eye sockets and cut out big hole on the left side of skull. I have also added tattoos all over the skull.

2. From the early beginning I was going to emphasize three dimensional feel of the artwork by more space inside of the skull and adding perspective later on. And I got that idea of filling skull with some octopus tentacles. Image was still slightly too dark.

3. At this point I’ve focused on skull texture by adding more details, cracks and grain; lightened up areas around eye sockets and “mouth”; formed main hole shape and worked on tentacle texture inside. They are made of few images combined into one huge texture, wrapping whole skull surface inside.

4. Experimenting with some opposite theme – beauty flower inside skull. But I felt like it was ‘melting’ with tentacles, they both were too organic. I moved it elsewhere later on and focused on background: added perspective into scenario and worked on ground/earth/outland texture. Also want to indicate giant size of the skull by adding small wolf, birds around nose and dry tree. I like how wolf is howling up to the skull. Note all tentacles are covered by mucus.

5. Huge, shiny crystal inside of the skull is reflecting tentacles and ground. It’s shattered, mysterious and has sharp edges which looks like gathering some energy. That’s it! I’ve been also trying out simple desert background, but decided it’s less interesting.

6. This final stage is all about color correction, lightning and polishing details: warmed color tone, adjusted contrast and saturation inside skull, added bloody details into eye sockets, painted cracks on forehead and lightened up edges all over the place, blurried edges among some other minor tweaks. At the very final stage I’ve been working on the ground again. Added few more stages in the horizon, faded all textures, introduced subtle light and skull shadow in the bottom part of the image.

Image featuring freestyle skier Torin Yater-Wallace.

It’s January and it’s snowing, finally! When I lived in my hometown Bielsko-Biala I had beautiful view to the mountains, so even if there were no snow in the city I saw some peeks covered with snow (or not) during the winter. At that time I also used to ski as well, it’s a big fun so I totally understand why some guys wants to be, and become, professional skier.

And they jumps almost to the space, especially with new gear from Armada – Alpha 1. That’s why new model has outer space themed design, with a bit of robots, moons, energetic lightning and some splatters here and there.

Designing an artwork for product like this one is tricky – there is a lot of canvas but it’s basically very narrow and tall. And it should stand out from the crowd right? That’s challenging but also very enjoyable. Saying this I’m happy to present most recent Alpha 1 with my work. It’s my second design for Armada, first one (also Alpha 1) was done in 2008 and released in 2010, new one was done also two years back – in 2010. That sounds wicked but two years is a lot and some graphics are outdating really fast but I’m happy to see it in action. I’m proud of the artwork and I don’t regret I’m not a pro skier