Sweet Nostalgia Opening Night

Friday night marked the opening night of the Sweet Nostalgia exhibition which was well attended by industry professionals, friends and family who were taken by the amazing standard of work and diversity that each artist presented. The success of these paintings and photographs where clearly illustrated by the red dots that began to line the walls as the night went on. The cosy venue and friendly faces all contributed to a exhibition that could only be described as giving you that feeling of sweet nostalgia.

Sweet Nostalgia is open until the 29th of June at Two8Four Rundle.

Restless Talent: Chloe McGregor

Hey Restless readers, check out the typographic, illustrative styling of Adelaide based illustrator, Chloe McGregor.

Greetings readers, I am Chloe McGregor and I am classed under the creative title as an ‘illustrator’! Residing in the eastern ‘burbs just a stone throw away from town, is where I sit slumped in strange and somewhat uncomfortable postures on the couch painting or drawing, without fail spilling and staining myself with said materials on a daily basis. My earliest memories from day dot include me wasting ridiculous wads of paper with my ‘portraits’, spending 50 times longer on titles of cover pages in school over the actual work, making cards for family and friends, sitting slumped in the position on the couch I still do to this very day; I was lucky enough to be born an illustrator. Not knowing exactly how to execute my love for drawing and painting into a legitimate job other than a graphic designer, I discovered the word ‘illustration’ in a different context other than the stigma of just ‘children’s book illustrations’ whilst searching for university courses.

Self Portrait

Mediums

I’m what you would class as a ‘traditional’ illustrator; I use pencil (lead and coloured), paint (previously oils but have now moved to acrylic) felt tip pen and sometimes marker (particularly for my typography work). Portraits, people, objects, and of course typography are what my illustrations consist of.

Whatever Hippie Bitch

Inspiration

As clichéd/lame it may be, music takes a huge chunk of my inspiration pie chart as such; if I didn’t have arty abilities I would be further pursuing myself into a music realm (particularly with my drumming). I find the music I adore really influences visuals and concepts for me. In an ideal world I would love to be always illustrating for bands, to submerge my two greatest assets/passions. I also heavily draw inspiration from all things nostalgic; having a longing for the past (whether it be memories, people, places, objects) deeply influences my concepts, colour palette etc. I am lucky enough to work in the Red Cross’ concept vintage/retro store on Rundle Street, Two 8 Four Rundle, which is riddled with beautiful patterns/styles/objects from the 50s to 80s, which make me melt with ideas every day. Sexy illustrated typography is a great deal of inspiration for me too. Forever have I been in utter love with type, whether it be from a psychedelic 60s poster, traced Helvetica or even a wall of beautiful street art makes me tick. Other inspirations include humour/irony, slickly designed street/arty magazines, current illustrators who display similar inspiration I have, pop culture, celebs; which all sort of intertwine into one big ball through my work. Even small fleeting things I draw inspiration from, just seeing a certain colour, or a blank page in my hip Moleskine can get my mind all mooshy and dreamy, wanting to start something new.

Here Kitschy Kitschy (for Tin Cat Cafe relaunch)

Achievements

In 2009 I did the entire graphic design/illustrations for band Laura Hill and the Tuesday Bandits' debut album, which was such a learning experience for my first legit job; from working very closely with a client and their ideas, to working with a printer. I have also been a freelancer over the past 2 years every so often for Brisbane based clothing brand Klub Retro; these illustrations incorporate digital elements such as colouring which is’nt my usual style, but invaluable experience nonetheless in being given a brief, to making separations ready for print. Recently in the past 6 months I have also made a few contributions to Adelaide Uni’s student rag, On Dit, which has been exceedingly important experience as editorial illustration is just one of the areas I hope to one day break into.

The Sartorialist 

Influences

As most illustrators have already mentioned below and I am too getting on the Robin Eley bandwagon; being taught such simple yet key techniques through uni such as colour palette, ways to create concepts, even what surfaces to paint on, will undoubtedly forever have an effect on my craft. Also Geert van Keulen and David Blaiklock, my other two lecturers for giving me countless advice and guidance throughout uni, and not to mention (as already mentioned), the ‘illustration family’; our tight knit class who will forever be buddies, always providing each other with feedback, support and advice. Us illustrators have got to stick together, right?

 From a more historic perspective, artists of the Art Nouveau/Art Deco movements intrigue me with their different and bold perceptions of line, which I portray particularly in my typography work.

Rage 3am (for upcoming exhibition Sweet Nostalgia)

What the future holds

Hopefully lots of success in the long term. In the meantime, I’m currently saving for the Illustration Academy in the US for June 2012, until then I’m also having two exhibitions in the shop’s upstairs gallery; ‘Sweet Nostalgia’ for the month of June with fellow illustrator Lauren Graham and jewellery/photography aficionado Sarah Grove. The other being for SALA in August, ‘Sometimes in Technicolour’, with fellow illustrators Gemma Buratto, Daniella Caruso, Brooke Walker, Ned Rogers, photographer Claire Edwards and makeup artist Bec Buratto.

Exciting/stressful/uber busy times ahead!

Advice

Don’t be afraid to try new things; you wont find out what works and what does not. Use every website that showcases illustration; people actually look at them. Accept feedback; it helps you build. Talk to people; people know other people. Give yourself tasks to work towards; not having any can be very unmotivating and uninspiring. Seek the things that drive you; it will help your ideas immensely. Last but not least, don’t ever give up (lameo sounding but very wise).

Email: chloemcgregorillustration@hotmail.com

Ph: 0401 444 772

Web: chloemcgregor.com

Blog: chloemcgregor.blogspot.com

Sweet Nostalgia

Hey Restless Readers, if you have a yearning for the past and a love for art, check out Sweet Nostalgia, a mixed media trip down memory lane, both old and new, by Lauren Graham, Sarah Grove and Chloe McGregor. Places, people, experiences, objects and sayings are the hazy memories portrayed into the mediums of illustration, photography and jewellery.

Sweet Nostalgia is open from June 4th to 29th at Two8Four Rundle, 284 Rundle Street, Adelaide, open all store hours (listed below):

Mon-Thurs: 10-5:30

Fri: 10-9

Sat: 10-5:30        

Sun: 12-5:30

Restless Talent: Justin Lear

Hey Restless Colour Readers, check out the work of Justin Lear, a promising young Adelaide illustrator keeping traditional media alive.  

Hi there, my name is Justin Lear, and I’m an illustrator/ artist living in Torrens Park. I was born in Coonawarra, SA and ever since I was little I have been drawing. This eventuated into moving up to the big smoke to commence studies at UniSA. I discovered a love for painting in my second year of Visual Communication and haven’t looked back. I've been drawing ever since I can remember so from the age of 5 I always knew I wanted to do something involving this.  Looking through career guide books in high school I stumbled across ‘Illustration’ and that was it for me.

John Butler, Acrylic on Masonite

Mediums

Occasionally I’ll use mix media and pencil but the majority of the time I’ll use acrylic paint. I’m a sucker for acrylic, it’s just so easy to use, and the fact that it dries so quickly really lends itself to my loose and somewhat erratic style of painting. It’s awesome that I can just settle down with my palette and a dryer and just be in for a big continuous session at the easel.

Michael Caine, Acrylic on Masonite

Inspiration

I draw inspiration from traditional artwork and media, I tend to avoid digital, partly out of inability to use it, but also I find the use of traditional media more authentic and personal, more human. I’m not hating on digital artists, I have a lot of respect and envy for those who can do it well. I also draw inspiration from pop culture and celebrity, and like to combine that with portraiture, my favorite form of art. I like the idea of trying to capture the likeness (physically and in essence) of a universally recognizable and famous figure. I love editorial illustration, the whole process of brainstorming and combining key ideas to create a single image that acts as a visual narrative is really cool. These are the illustrations that not only call on your illustrative technique and skill, but also your creativity and ideas.

Achievements

There haven’t been a lot yet but it’s still early days... Uh, I’d say completing both an undergrad and postgrad in illustration is up there. Also selling a piece at my first exhibition was a great feeling and achievement. At this stage completing an illustration/artwork I’m happy with is an achievement- cherish the little things!

Dad at Robe, Acrylic on illustration board

Influences

I have to give a shout out to the entirety of my class during my uni course... the lecturers and fellow classmates. David Blaiklock, Robin Eley and Geert van Keulen are brilliant, great illustrators and very passionate about what they do. This came through in the way they taught and was extremely beneficial for us students. My fellow classmates (affectionately known as the illustration family) have influenced my work too. We were (and still are) a close knit group who help each other, give feedback and suggestions regarding our work. It’s really important to have a network of like minded people, who understand what you’re doing. So that’s the people who have influenced my work, as far as the artists go, there’s a pretty extensive list, I’ll just list a few...

Robin Eley- His work and the way he conducts himself is amazing. I was lucky enough to have him as my mentor in my graduate diploma.  I learnt a hell of a lot. Robert Hannaford- His work in portraiture and his loose yet realistic style is one I admire and aspire to. Anita Kunz- Not only the illustrative technique and skill, but also the fantastic concepts behind her works. I’m also inspired by art of the Renaissance, particularly Leonardo.  The work and style of Van Gogh and Edvard Munch is influential as well. There are plenty more illustrators / painters I admire and am influenced by, but we’d be here all day...

Addiction-Excess,  Acrylic on masonite

What the future holds 

Hmm, how deep. I would like to think the future holds success haha. My plan at this stage is to continue to develop my technical skills in illustration whilst saving money for the illustration academy, an intensive course of huge benefit to the career of an illustrator. That boding well, I would be very happy with a life where I can make a comfortable living solely from illustration. I would like to focus on portraiture and editorial illustration. Anything where concept plays a big part is pretty exciting.

Addiction-Secret, Mixed media on illustration board

Advice

Keep at it. Put yourself out there. Lifelong learning. Promote yourself. Build a network. There is nowhere to go but up, you’re only gonna get better at what you do. I think that’s a pretty awesome prospect.

Email: justinlearillustration@hotmail.com
Phone: 0488 773 849
Blog: http://justinlear.blogspot.com/

Watershed Art Prize 2011

Hey Restless Readers, if you have a passion for the environment and a share a love for the brush and canvas then check out the Watershed Art Prize.

The City of Salisbury, along with sponsors ICE WaRM, have created the Watershed Art Prize, an art exhibition that encourages the awareness of issues surrounding wetlands and the sustainability of water as a precious natural resource. Salisbury is home to more than 50 constructed wetlands covering over 300 hectares which provide a rich habitat for native plants and animals as well as a recreational ground for the community and an alternative water supply for the future. To celebrate Salisbury’s sustainable approach to water management, the Watershed Art Prize open’s it’s doors to all South Australian artists, awarding a $5000 first prize for artwork depicting wetlands, biodiversity and/or water sustainability.

Entries into the exhibition close on the 1^st of June and the art prize will be awarded at the exhibition opening night in the John Harvey Gallery at 6:30pm on the 8^th of June.

Entry forms and conditions of entry for the Watershed Art Prize are available online at http://cweb.salisbury.sa.gov.au/manifest/servlet/page?pg=20238

Restless Talent: Anthony McKeown

Hey Restless Colour Readers, check out this months feature profile on Adelaide concept artist and illustrator, Anthony McKeown.

My name is Anthony McKeown and I am an artist living in the Northern Suburbs of Adelaide South Australia. Like most artists, my first attempts at drawing involved fan art of my favourite TV shows like Dragonball Z and Gundam Wing. At the time, it was never really a strong hobby and I almost entirely lost interest in it throughout high school. It wasn't until in 2007 upon finishing first year of studying graphic design at university that I decided graphic design as a career wasn't for me. Rather than quitting University and wasting an entire year of study, I decided to change my major to illustration. Beginning in 2008, going into a class amongst cool and talented people made me realise how hard I needed to work. Although I struggled with illustration at first, it was more rewarding and enjoyable than anything I’d studied before. The class was a fun atmosphere and everyone was encouraging and helped each other out.

Blackbeard

What draws me into illustration (pun intended) is the creative process. I enjoy coming up with a concept and trying new ways to convey a story and to really push myself. I find a finished illustration to be very rewarding as it is something that I have created myself. If it wasn't for illustration I would be lost and would have no bloody idea what I would be doing in my free time.

Mediums

I like to work in HB Pencil and Photoshop. Usually my drawings will start with a pencil sketch (either loose or detailed), where I work out the composition and lighting on paper first. Working on paper allows for much more control and to see the drawing for what it really is. If I start the drawing in Photoshop, I’m more inclined to try and 'save' a drawing rather than just starting a fresh one. 

After the initial pencil sketch, I will scan it into the computer and begin rendering it up in colour using Photoshop. Photoshop allows for experimentation of colour and lighting, and essentially you can change the mood of your entire drawing by just playing with the colour balance and hue/saturation controls. There is less risk involved than if you're working with acrylic or oil paints.

Although saying that, I do love working with oils - even though it is so damn messy to work with!

Blackbeard Character Design

Inspiration

I draw my inspiration from a range of different creative mediums including film and music. I find the Sergio Leone western films such as the Dollars Trilogy and Once Upon a Time in the West to be some of the strongest influences in regards to my character and story development. The films are driven entirely on character development, with simple plots. I like to bring this idea into my work. It's not the scale of an epic story which is important, but the characters and the challenges they face. Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef both have amazing characteristics, and are kings when it comes to playing the 'anti-hero'.

I also find music inspiring. Listening to work by Tchaikovsky can be a really good source of inspiration with the range of different instruments and the emotion and mood in each of the pieces. It enhances the imagination! Other than that, I just listen to Kiss, Phil Collins or MJ.

"His name is Manco"

Achievements

My greatest achievement in my work is the amount of improvement I’ve made in just three years. Being able to complete an illustration without being embarrassed or disappointed is a really good feeling. While it is not healthy to be entirely satisfied with your work, I have learnt that it is important to be satisfied in the context of where you are in your learning development. Developing confidence in being able to explore different styles and techniques is something that I have achieved recently. Going into a picture and not caring about ruining the piece is very difficult, but I’ve learnt that if you can draw it once, you can draw it again. I now don't mind showing my work to my friends, or submitting on online forums such as conceptart.org. I think the greatest achievement an artist can have is being proud of your own work ethic, and feeling satisfied that you have created something that is special to you, while at the same time, having a passion to get better.

Untitled

Influences

The artists which have personally influenced me in my work are Robin Eely and Simon Scales. I had Robin as a tutor in first year of studying illustration. As I was relatively new to drawing and painting, I took his advice on many things in regards to the process of developing a painting. Even now I still use the same colour palette that I was introduced to when first painting in 2008. Simon Scales who works as a children’s book illustrator and concept artist first introduced me to digital techniques when I attended his four week concept art workshop in early 2009. Many of these layer and concept development techniques i still use in most of my work.

What the future holds

Hopefully I will continue to develop my technical skills and score a position as a concept artist/illustrator in a games or animation studio. At the moment I’m doing a four month internship at a studio in Adelaide which has really helped me to improve my concept development and to move out of my comfort zone.

In the future I hope to finish writing a script for an animated series my brother and I have been writing for the last year.

If work and money wasn't a concern in the future, I'd love to attend the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan and spend all my time drawing and writing.

The Prisoner

Advice

Keep all your sketchbooks, and number them. I've kept all my sketchbooks from 2008 and when I’m feeling really crappy about my work, I pull them all out of my shed and have a look at them. It’s encouraging to see how much you have improved over the course of 6 months or a year. On a day to day basis it is hard to see the improvement, but over the course of a year, while you may not be happy with your progress, there is bound to be some improvement somewhere.

Another piece of advice - Don't use moleskins. They are expensive rubbish.

Email: amck89@gmail.com

http://anthonymckeown.blogspot.com

Comic Cover Art Exhibition

Adelaide based Pulp Fiction Comics presents Instantaneous 7, a comic cover art exhibition. Each year Pulp Fiction Comics provides young artists, illustrators and comic enthusiasts with the chance to exhibit their work as part of the Instantaneous exhibition held at The Grace Emily. This year is no exception with the 7^th instalment of Instantaneous showcasing outstanding artwork by a wide range of South Australian artists in all fields.

The previous 6 exhibitions have seen 150 artists submit 270 pieces of art which have collectively raised over $20,000 for the Magdalene and Vincentian Centres in Adelaide.

This time around, Instantaneous will showcase original comic book covers created especially for the exhibition that will be professionally auctioned on stage, with all profits going to animal shelters in South Australia. So head down to the Grace Emily Hotel from May 3-17 and show your support for these local artists.  

Opening Night: Tuesday May 3rd 2011, from 6:30pm.
Location: Upstairs at the Grace Emily Hotel, 232 Waymouth St Adelaide.
Auction Night: Tuesday May 17th at 8pm

The exhibition will then be running for two weeks from May 3-17, opening each night from 5pm-8pm.

www.pulpfictioncomics.com.au