The Art of Mark Reed Blog

2011-09-04T08:05:00.001-05:00

THE ARKENSTONE: DOGGIES NIGHT OUT

Every dog needs to let his tail wag after a long work week, and what better club to wash away troubles in than the Arkenstone. Down a dark alley lined with scattered newspapers, old pallets, broken bottles, and graffiti you'll find a doorway to a place that's free, a place where ears are always up and never down. Inside there's a crowd, yet you'll find privacy here too. Infused with music, lights, smoke, and drinks these two doggies playfully unwind throughout the night.

One is a warrior, a tough guy who totes a gun. He's a fan of the ink, also, having colorful sleeves tattooed down each furry arm of his. And talking to him you might think he's got a big chip on his shoulder, but that's just an act. His bark is worse than his bite … mostly.

A fighter of a different sort, casting magic is his partner's trade. Able to summon magical creatures to do his bidding, he becomes somewhat of a showoff when bar patrons beg for a little supernatural demonstration. He gives them a dragon tonight, but only a small one, and showing it briefly I might add. After all, he didn't come here to entertain all the other “sniffers” or “tail wagers” this evening. His attention is focused on one thing in particular—a certain pooch's tail he's eager to get his fingers wrapped around tonight.

Shirts come off. Boots and socks land onto piles of pants. Though someone still has his barkin' briefs on, but they won't be on for long.

Stay. Enjoy.

Have a drink or two. Sniff your way around. Dance with someone whose tail lifts into a curl when they see you.

It's doggy's night out at the Arkenstone.

It's not just about the blood...

2011-07-04T04:35:00.000-05:00

Shouldn't a man who risks his life get rewarded in the end? I think he should be. In fact, he should be showered in rewards in my opinion. And it's not just the gladiator who deserves such praise from my point of view, but all men who swing a tightly gripped blade in their hand.

In a previous blog I mentioned the Starz show Spartacus (a favorite of mine), and how delicious the drama and eye-candy is. After all, what's not to like about a school of scantly clad warriors getting it on in the arena. But what I enjoy most about the show is that life in the ludus is not exclusively about the spilling of blood. There's a different side to those rough and tough guys, a side that shows a little bit of substance behind the shield, beneath the armor, making the show not just about the blood. It's not just about the hard pecs, strong thighs, powerful shoulders, and rugged looks either. However, I am glad those particular aspects are included in each episode.

So enjoy my latest series, Gladiator.

Mark

Mal'jin Twins: Harosh and Hakkar

2011-05-23T07:16:00.002-05:00

I'm particularly fond of trolls, either in literature, movies, or modern computer games. There's something enticing about them. Maybe it's their pointy ears or their big noses or their three-fingered hands. I'm not really sure which. But recently I had the unexpected pleasure of meeting a pair of twin brothers named Harosh and Hakkar Mal'jin. Now these two "boys" were a breed of troll from a world not too far away from our own, and considering the wide variety of shapes and sizes that trolls come in, the Mal'jin brothers were surprisingly close to resembling humans.

As young trolls, Harosh and Hakkar liked to play with toy guns, grow their hair long, get into trouble, and stay up late, playing videogames in their bedroom until the suns rose to blast a blend of red and yellow beams through the window. As the years passed, they both adopted individual styles, yet kept some childhood habits. Eventually both decided to enter into space service—soon acquiring their very own spaceship after two years of exceptional service.

Even though they're closer than peanut butter and jelly, there is an obvious difference between these brothers. Harosh prefers wearing his hair long, along with silver spike-shaped earrings poked through his earlobes. He is the joker, the prankster of the two, while Hakkar seems to be a bit more reserved. But with a little prick and persuasion, Hakkar quickly reverted to childhood antics once again. In fact, the last two photos in their shoot were his ideas!

So they allowed me to come aboard their ship. They gave me a tour of the steamy engine room that was as warm as a sauna, and making use of their special space camera and space art supplies, the three of us had an interesting "photo shoot" that day.

Enjoy!

Guardians of Alemereen

2011-04-04T10:09:00.002-05:00

For this latest image of mine in the Collectibles series, I wanted to show David (left side) with his partner Doug. They are two of the main characters found in my book, The God Hunters. And through events beyond their control, both of them have to say farewell to Earth and embrace their new home world, Alemereen.

As far as collectibles are concerned, I really wanted to simulate a "light up" base for Guardians of Alemereen. I remember owning some sci-fi statues and busts that had lights on them, and I always thought those were extra special.

If you'd like to see more of David and Doug, then please visit them at http://www.thegodhunters.net/

Enjoy!

Slaves to Rome

2011-03-16T13:36:00.000-05:00

Slaves to Rome

"Although these three are slaves, the young twins must surrender to the gladiator's wishes. His value outweighs theirs considerably, so satisfying him guarantees protection."

Needless to say, I'm a fan of Spartacus and the prequel series Gods of the Arena. With all of the blood, violence, backstabbing, and nudity it's difficult for me not to like the show. They say it's based on historical accounts, so minus the Hollywood flare I like to imagine that ancient Rome wasn't too far off from what we see.

Portraying some of the gladiators as more than just mindless killing machines is nice, too. A few have hearts (whether gay or straight), and it's a real pleasure to see a man behead someone in the arena then return to the ludus where he receives an intimate reward from the young man he keeps exclusively for himself. Call me old fashioned, but that's kind of romantic?

Enjoy!

The Prisoners of Zendar!

2011-03-04T07:30:00.006-06:00

click image to see closeups

You might recognize the title. Anthony Hope wrote a book called, The Prisoner of Zenda. And although my digital image has no relation whatsoever to his story, there is an amusing tale as to why I went with this title.

I'm a huge fan of science fiction and fantasy. Flash Gordon is my "feel good movie." Vultan yelling, "Stand by my hawk men!" brings a smile to face every time. Anyhoo, I heard of Hope's book many years ago, and the title led me to assume that the subject matter was sci-fi. I mean really, The Prisoner of Zenda! It just screams early, campy science fiction.

Now I hate to burst any bubbles out there, especially for those who have not read Hope's book. But it has absolutely nothing to do with science fiction. When I got around to reading it, I remember picking it up, turning it over, and then standing there totally speechless. It is a work of fiction, but there's no aliens from outer space, no laser guns or high-tech bodysuits, and there's no spacecrafts engaged in epic battles.

No hawk men standing by, either ... (sigh)

Tickled by my own ignorance, enamored by the title; one thing led to another, and then poof!

Peace :)

Watch Your Back!

2010-12-13T12:15:00.001-06:00

>>NERD ALERT<<<

The following blog contains the ramblings of a World of Warcraft gamer!

______________________________________________________________________

A Rogue is an assassin. They like to keep their daggers coated with poison so the kill runs even quicker. They’re often invisible (an ability known as stealth), and you never see them coming until your health meter starts to drop faster than the pants off a starving hooker.

Rogues really piss me off. I can’t even begin to list how many times I’ve been shanked, poisoned, incapacitated, eviscerated, and eventually left lying facedown in the dirt by a Rogue. Personally I like to play characters that use magic more than arms, yet, sadly, magical characters are by far a Rogue’s favorite target. Unfortunately, the best kind of ‘armor’ that most magical–wielding characters get to wear is made from cloth, and in case you aren’t aware, cloth armor doesn’t do jackshit when a Rogue strikes you from behind with a blade in each hand.

BAM!

You're stunned!

(Sounds of hacking and slashing)

4 to 6 seconds later … you’re dead.

Disregarding the vicious attacks, a Rogue can be useful, too. They're good at picking pockets or unlocking treasure chests, which can turn up some good loot. Those skills, I’ll admit, are actually cool.

So enjoy “Bloodblade Rogue!”

Watch your back, though, cause that’s where he's gonna hit ya first!

The Lizard Queen!

2010-12-03T09:56:00.001-06:00

No, this is not a reinvention of Cher’s Half–Breed from 1973, but I bet she would look pretty awesome in that feathered headdress. Right! I’ll admit that I’d probably put the thing on too … sans the bikini, of course. I wouldn’t want to send the lizards scampering for the hills.

The Lizard Queen is the second image in my digital series titled The Collectibles. A special kind of gal, she’s my tribute to classical fantasy which was made golden by the breathtaking paintings of Frazetta and Vallejo. However, The Lizard Queen also represents a reflection; a look back to a time when plastic action figures took a significant leap forward in their design.

Take my hand for a moment, and let’s travel back to the year 1994 when the Spawn line of toys were first hitting the shelves. For me, that’s when collectible toys really took a huge leap forward. These new toys were bigger, dripping with copious amounts of detail (in comparison to previous toys), and they offered up what I’ll call ‘some edge’ that other toys just didn’t seem to have. Spawn toys offered us geeks a delicious amount of blood and gore, divine wrath, fear from what lurks in the shadows, and all of that at a very affordable price. What more could you ask for.

A year later, one action figure in particular that I’ll never forget was named Angela—also a bit of inspiration for my Lizard Queen. Angela was a scantly clad warrior with a dagger strapped to her thigh along with a winged headdress partnered with decorative armor that covered her breasts, shoulders, arms, and feet. The geeks back then hadn’t seen toys like this. How bold those boobies seemed! How shocking to see so much skin.

Of course those early figures were simply ‘testing the waters’ in my opinion, because not long after that collectible action figures started to show up everywhere with bulging and vein–covered muscles, honkin’ manly pecs, warrior vixens with cleavage ample enough to make Dolly Parton gasp, and also a strange sense of mild eroticism—an aspect which might only exist in my eyes since my mind tends to jump into the gutter quite frequently. But there ain’t no cure for who you are! Or so momma always said.

Sadly, though, my collecting days are over. Yet, my beloved Lizard Queen, you take me back to a time when the aisles of several local Toys R Us stores ran pale with sunlight deprived geeks and their money–loaded pockets; when classical fantasy took a bold leap from the canvas and onto the shelves where it eventually settled into the hands of those who abhor reality.

Fun times.

“So … thank you, Frank. Thank you, Boris. And thank you, Todd,” graciously spoke the Lizard Queen. “I wouldn’t be here without you.”

No, they're collectibles!

2010-11-29T09:40:00.003-06:00

If I only had a nickel for every time I've heard that...

I once lived inside of the 'collecting realm' in regards to sci-fi/fantasy action figures, statues, busts, maquettes, limited editions, and the endless amount of 'must haves' that will probably always exist in the genre. Although I do still buy a few minor things these days (trading cards showcasing the artwork of my favorite artists), I can't help but to reminisce about the good old days of scouring store after store for that elusive item which haunted me throughout the hours, the days, and the weeks. Occasionally, an unknown item might even present itself on those store shelves; a potential drain on the wallet as you can imagine.

"No, they're collectibles!" That's the phrase I would utter when a 'non-believer' would mock me for buying toys or trinkets they deemed as useless or nothing more than a 'waste of money'.

"Waste of money? Don't you know what this will be worth in twenty years?"

Well, needless to say, I've never found an early retirement fund come from selling any of my beloved items. What pleasure they supplied is now gone, but I occasionally recall their immortal stares with nothing less than a pleasurable smile across my face.

So in this series of images I'm currently working on, I will pour my likes and interests into each collectible. And collecting is not just about the obsession of collecting, either. The design elements and general artistry that goes into each piece is what I hope to capture interests with.

For now, though, enjoy "Woodland Warrior." He's the first one on a large list of ideas! And look at how low the number is beneath his name. He's only number 3 in a limited run of 150 pieces!

Can you imagine what that will be worth in twenty years!

Peace, and have a dumpling :)

What's in a title?

2010-10-24T14:31:00.007-05:00

I've recently posted my latest reduction drawing, "Farewell Apollo." Now I normally don't struggle with titles for finished drawings, and many times I have the title in my head long before I even prep my paper--the title often being my muse. However, this time I found myself working backwards. Before I knew it the drawing was done, I was pulling off the tape, and I still had no name.

I tend to get ideas from odd places. I'm sure many people do. So when I was putting some last touches on the piece (working in some darker values, making the lesser values pop even more), my iTunes played a few tracks from Bear McCreary, and so the title came.

A cross? Apollo? Farewell? No, this piece is not a comment on polytheism versus monotheism. Nor is it suggesting that one is greater than the other. In fact, the closest thing to Apollo in this image would be the man's physique--Kouros. Other than that, the drawing's name comes simply from auditory pleasure. It just happened to be in the right place at the strangest of times.

Book review

2010-10-06T09:20:00.002-05:00

Here's a link to a review of my book, "The God Hunters"

Carolyn's Book Reviews

Enjoy!

A long awaited day.

2010-09-09T09:34:00.004-05:00

Well, I finally have my first book published. The God Hunters was officially given the greenlight this week. It's a science-fiction, fantasy adventure that centers around a young man named David and his incredible adventure into an alien universe. The book is loaded with descriptive places, and it offers a little bit of mystery, some romance between David and his partner, and a good amount of action taking place in wonderful sci-fi settings.

Over the course of the past year, I've also produced artwork related to the book. You can see all of the images (purchase them, too) and read more about The God Hunters at thegodhunters.net

Peace, and thanks for reading!

Mark

In the works...

2010-06-19T14:57:00.002-05:00

Hi hi,

Well, it's been awhile since I've posted any new artwork. In case some of you may not know, I'm in the process of having my first book published. I've just finished the editing stage and now I'm in the design process (cover, back, dust jacket, biography).

I do have several new pieces, all digital, so far, but I'm saving those for the release of my book. I've created an official website that will 'go live' for my books release, and I'll be offering Giclee prints and hopefully a few hand-drawn originals portraying the characters and places from the story.

Thanks for reading, and take care :)

Mark

Some recent things...

2010-04-07T18:58:00.008-05:00

Wow, I haven't posted anything for quite some time. I've been sidetracked lately. About a year and a half ago I started to write my first work of fiction, and it's currently in the editing process. Hopefully, it should be published and available for purchase later this year. My fingers are crossed.

A couple of new digital works I've recently added to the website are:

"Faun's Rest"

__________

"The Fauns of Capua"

"Faun's Rest" was inspired by a favorite composer of mine who does a lot of 'tavern' music for a popular online video game I enjoy.

As for "The Fauns of Capua," I simply wanted to relate them to a Roman city since the term 'faun' stems from Roman mythology. Although, I took some creative license and applied hoofed feet to these fauns. Greek satyrs actually had hooves and fauns were noted for having human legs. I personally like the hooves, and the name 'faun' so there you have it.

If you would like to see a classic example of a faun carved in marble, click here: Barberini Faun.

Peace,

Mark

New work, "Champions Stance"

2009-12-15T12:20:00.005-06:00

"For the Horde!"
Yes, believe it or not, Orcs can do more than swing and smash.

Enjoy,

Mark

One headache gone...

2009-11-15T10:46:00.003-06:00

Woot! Finally conquered my new emailing program. It's the little things in life ^^ Now I'll be able to send out a better looking newsletter/update/email. If you haven't subscribed yet....

http://www.studio-h112.com/newsletter.shtml

Peace,

Mark

New work added...

2009-11-13T13:22:00.006-06:00

Howdy!

Added "Lobotomize" to website today. It's my first official piece showing blood and fantasy-styled violence. I'm not sure why I've never tried blood splatter and spray before now, it can be very artistic. Or maybe it's from watching Dexter on Sunday nights.

Peace,

Mark

What I'm working on...

2009-11-11T08:33:00.003-06:00

Hi hi,

Started a new project yesterday. I'm attempting a triptych. It will be three digital panels using Setharin as the main figure in an action scene. I'm crossing my fingers!

Peace,

Mark

New work added to website today.

2009-11-10T09:05:00.002-06:00

Howdy!

I've been working on three related images with the character seen below. Setharin, a tracker, hunter, warrior-type of fantasy character that I am really enjoying.

If only the warriors in WOW looked this good. On second thought, if they did I'd never stop to get anything else done...hehe :)

You can see closeups of the image here: Setharin

Peace,

Mark

A haunting in Saint Louis

2009-11-09T09:45:00.000-06:00

No, this is not a cheap imitation of the movie. Instead, it's a memory I'm sharing that recalls a day in college that still affects me to this day, and I'm not sure why I let it influence me so much.

I was in figure drawing class, and we were given a homework assignment to produce a figurative work for next week's class. I drew a nude male posed with a sword. It wasn't the greatest of drawings, but I put time and effort into it, which made it satisfying at the time.

Next class, all the students turned in their drawings. A week later, all pieces were returned to each student. I didn't receive a grade, but I did get a rather loud critiquing by the teacher as he handed my drawing back to me.

"I DO NOT WANT TO SEE WORK LIKE THIS IN MY CLASS EVER AGAIN!"

I was crushed, mortified, and so horribly embarrassed. Everyone was looking at me; the resident freak it seemed.

I understand the whole "my classroom" thing, and how professors get very possessive about their enlightened place and their deserved respect, but it was only an assignment, without any guidelines. I simply drew what I felt, what inspired me.

So why does it haunt me to this day. I can only guess. Maybe, it's because I held a great deal of respect for that teacher, and I actually still do. He's quite skilled, and very knowledgeable in his field. I would exercise more tack than what he did. I wouldn't incinerate a student in the center of a classroom, and more to the point, that's probably what scarred me the most. Recalling it makes me second guess my artistic endeavors, worrying about what the audience will think, and I dwell on that too, too much.

So, today I'm working on a digital piece of a nude male posed with a sword. I really don't give a shit anymore. I should follow Dr. Seuss' advice and words of wisdom:

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

Thanks, Dr.

p.s. I luv'd Green Eggs and Ham

New work coming to main page, soon.

2009-08-21T10:51:00.000-05:00

Howdy, here's a peak of some stuff I'm hoping to get on the main site sometime later today, or tomorrow.

Enjoy :)

Mark

"Caduceus"
digital painting, 2009

__________

"Doug and David"
digital painting, 2009

__________

"Kraig's Favorite"
reduction drawing, conte and charcoal on paper, 2005

__________

"Number 8 from Nine Gifts of Bone"
reduction drawing, conte and charcoal on paper, 2009

__________

"Number 5 from Nine Gifts of Bone"
reduction drawing, conte and charcoal on paper, 2009

Added Pinup Series

2009-07-27T07:25:00.001-05:00

Hello, I just added the Pinup Series to my website. http://www.studio-h112.com/series_1.shtml This one was extremely time consuming, but was a load of fun to make, too.

I was inspired to create the series after watching some documentary, wherein, this girl was cutting pictures out of a magazine and sticking them up on her bedroom wall. Everyone probably remembers doing that when they were a teen; like posters, album covers, collectible goodies and more.

Peace, and enjoy :)

Mark

On the drawing board, and book covers

2009-07-23T12:17:00.000-05:00

For awhile now, I've wanted to translate one of my digital images, named "17", into a reduction drawing. I'm getting close to finishing it, and the picture below shows it still taped to the board.

Also, I've but together two samples of book-cover designs that I've done, and both are shown at the end of this post. Hopefully, I will have the complete Pinup Series uploaded to my website later today, too.

Peace,

Mark

Sneak peak at "Pinup Series"

2009-07-14T05:50:00.000-05:00

It's not quite ready yet, but here's a little sample of a new digital piece I'm gettin' together. I wanted to do something with the Colt brother's again, so I went with a pinup-style exhibit. Enjoy Doug, Bryan and James.

Peace,

Mark

Some new organization to site.

2009-07-05T11:06:00.000-05:00

Recently, I noticed that the digital art section to my site was seeming a little clumped, per se, so I decided to group things into categories, which I hope makes it a little easier to navigate.

See the new digital main page here http://www.studio-h112.com/cg_art_categories.shtml

The sections I created may not perfectly adhere to all the images that I've made so far, but it will definitely work for all the new pieces I have on the drawing board.

And sadly, I have semi-retired a few images in hopes of bringing them back, and making them better, with improved knowledge I have learned concerning the digital media.

Anyhoo, enjoy and thanks for viewing.

New work around the corner.

2009-05-31T10:23:00.000-05:00

I've got some new things coming up in the month of June. I'm excited to be wrappin up a new digital collection titled "Nine Gifts Of Bone." Also, I've got a reduction drawing of my digital piece called "17." I've been bad about pursuing charcoal drawing lately, and I really need to get back into it. My love affair with my Wacom 19"x12" drawing tablet has become all consuming. It's amazing. If I wasn't so camera shy I'd have a shot of me using it...ha!

Here's a little preview of "Nine Gifts Of Bone." It was a fun project.

Peace,

Mark

boo hoo... :(

2009-05-31T10:15:00.000-05:00

One of many issues to deal with as an aspiring artist is the mounds of rejection you may receive concerning your work. I was really shooting for this show coming up in September, but I just got a letter in the mail letting me know that I wasn't accepted. And of all things, it was about display space, and not content for a change. They really loved my pieces I sent, but the allotted spaces were already filled. They did, however, encourage me to reapply for next year. I was hoping to be 'both buddies' with my friend, and fellow artist, Denise.

On the flip-side, I did recently get four pieces reviewed by a small erotic gallery in New York.

Small steps, they say.

"Yeah, I know," I think to myself... :)

Mark

Erotic Signature website.

2009-04-09T13:08:00.000-05:00

Well, as usual, I seem to be behind the times. I just discovered the Erotic Signature website which showcases tons and tons of artists showing off their incredible talent with erotic fine art, photography, yummy digital work, sculpture and more.

If you haven't experienced this visual gem of a website then you're missing out. There's truly amazing pieces to look at.

You may have to register to see many of the photos so please take a moment and do so, you won't be disappointed with the variety of works.

ES main page: http://eroticsignature.com/jcms/

Enjoy, and peace :)

Mark

9 Moments Of Ecstasy

2009-03-17T09:48:00.001-05:00

I recently added a collection to my website titled 9 Moments Of Ecstasy. As I find myself questioning artwork that I look at, it felt like an idle time to say a few things about my development process behind the set of images it contains.

I'm inspired a great deal by music. Sometimes, it's not really about the sounds but the titles themselves that suggest images to me. I like "play on words" and phrases that make you stop for a second and give a moments thought about what you just read. Sadly, I can't relay the sounds I enjoy along with the images that I create. So, I can only do my best to convey those emotions through these pictures.

At first, it seemed a lot of 'spiritual' qualities were going to go into 9 Moments Of Ecstasy. I had a few designs involving the winged main character and the non-winged figure together in various poses. The ones that stood out the most showed a tender emotional side and something beyond mere carnal pleasure. Those were the ideas that set the tone for the rest of the collection. So, as the following pieces came about I wanted more contemplative and ambiguous scenes.

At that moment, I asked myself what ecstasy really could be for a person. Does it only have to be a pivotal or climatic moment? Or, could it be something that conveys a sense of memory bordering on timelessness and longing. I spend occasional time sitting back and remembering 'good times' from youth and more recent days, and that's what I tried to capture with the collection.

Whether it's a day at the beach, two men playing cowboys, a son loved by his dads, a fantasy setting on some far away world, a personal love of the spirit, or an individual alone remembering his heart's desire: it's all ecstasy. It's about degree, I discovered. It's about those singular moments that are embedded in each of our minds and give us a sense of pleasure as we recall them.

So, I hope that's what gets conveyed with the images. For these people, 9 Moments Of Ecstasy goes beyond a simple definition of any word or cliched suggestion.

Peace, and enjoy.

Mark

New website that includes my work.

2009-01-05T17:49:00.001-06:00

Click on the above street lamp to see me and lots of other great artists at the Main Street Missouri Artists Gallery. Located along the scenic Missouri river, the historic main street avenue is a collection of historic architecture, museums, galleries, food and dining, and seasonal public events.

Many thanks to Denise Smith at OptiMax Design, LC.

New digital pieces added to website.

2008-12-19T10:52:00.001-06:00

Uploaded 15 digital works to website, http://www.studio-h112.com/cg_art.shtml

Peace,

Mark.

On the drawing board...

2008-10-30T09:08:00.000-05:00

Howdy all.. here's a little taste of whats coming up as soon as I clean them up and finish details and so forth...

Peace,

Mark

__________

"Red Sky"

I do love a troll... woot..!

__________

"Will's Favorite"

A continuation of my belt buckle appreciation and the guys who wear them.

__________

"Essence Of Evil"

I use to make 3d models out of clay. Didn't work that well. But this one does.

__________

"Essence Of Good"

Again, much better than clay...

Divided lines... (no pun intended)

2008-10-30T07:31:00.000-05:00

I'm amazed by the different people that email me and express their likes and dislikes concerning my artwork. It seems there is always a line drawn between those who like one style and dislike the other. People either like the fine art drawing that I do or the commercialized art of the fantasy genre you would find in comics or trading cards. And that's alright. Nobody wants something they don't like. I can see that. "Infinite diversity in infinite combinations". So I guess I'm just becoming educated a little more. And I thank you all.. :) I've always considered art is art. Bottom line. I learn equally from De Goya's black paintings, 17th and 18th century chiaroscuro techniques, or even modern illustrators like Joe Phillips. The content may become extreme or controversial, or even whimsical and mundane but I feel like I can take something away from the work and learn from it.

So, as I sit here, I'm realizing it's a good thing that I swing both ways.. (get your minds out of the gutter kids, i'm talkin' in an artistic sense....) And this realization may not mean much to others but for me it's a confirmation to continue with both sides of that proverbial coin. Lately, I considered doing only one form of art but, unlike Janice Dickinson, I would feel really bad to just abandon the other side... (sorry Janice, I do still love you.. call me...)

In the end, too much has been done already. My hands are filthy. Friends have been made. Enemies have been smitten. Dishes have been washed. Dogs have been fed. The Deathstar was destroyed. We are the sum of our parts. How could I abandon one for the other.

New work on the finishing board...

2008-08-15T15:42:00.001-05:00

I've been wanting to do a piece to celebrate my blogs title. So, soon to come is "Spear and Magic Helmet".

Peace,

Mark

Disturbia...

2008-08-15T15:06:00.000-05:00

No, not the actual song.. ^^ Just a couple of concerns about me and my work.

I'm always surprised by peoples reactions when they see my artwork for the first time or for those who haven't seen it in long time also. Sadly, I work a mundane torturious day job that sucks my creative life from the very bone and it is here that I usually find interests in what I "do" with myself and such. I know exactly where this sleigh ride goes and so the other day I was picking up an order from my printer and decided to show some people from work what it is I make. The response was predictable and disturbing. Although everyone "likes" per se what they see, the first direction everyone takes is... "you know what you should do..." and then wave after wave of suggestions come forth. I've been told I should focus on bath soaps arranged nicely in a towel for hanging in someones bathroom. Then there's puppies with peoples children for a portrait of course... and so on and so on. While I give these subjects merit I just don't give them my interest. For me the images that I work with come from within. They're an expression of the artist. They are of my personal likes, beliefs, understandings, realizations, interpretations, pleasures, and so much much more. If I was going to draw sad kittens crying in the rain that's probably what I would be making. Doesn't that make sense... My co-workers don't get that. Scary, I know.

Now granted not everyone says such things to me and I'm thankful. I just get whacked out by the suggestions of subject matter and those are the comments that tend to stick with me the longest. Critique me by all means. Oh, sweet mother of God judge me. Shred the work to pieces like an early morning teacher with a bad hangover. Make me recoil into the fetal position in fear like lice in a burnin' wig. But Jesus almighty... kittens..... bath soaps.... I don't' have the strength.

Update to images: sizes and more for sale

2008-07-30T10:40:00.000-05:00

Hello,

A few more images are now for sale, as well as a smaller 14" height size for the digital works that are all available.

Now available are:

Hiro: The Warbirds
Servant of the Mountain
Cover Series: Chris Fury
Hero Series: David
Cover Series: Dex and Brutus
Michael: Reaching Forever
Cover Series: Jake Reno
Hero Series: James Colt
Michael and David to Makara Beach

Enjoy,

Mark

Updated items now for sale...

2008-07-20T16:00:00.001-05:00

The below items are now available for purchase on the site:

Fine art:

"Untitled" 2nd place winner of Tom Of Finland emerging erotic artists contest, 2005

Digital pieces:

"Katsuro: Big Action Mob"

"Sky Series: The Tower of Heaven"

"Villain Series: Blix"

"Coreanis"

"David Studio Pose 3" and "David Studio Pose 4"

"Elite Series: Gruun The Hungerer"

"Jake Reno at Makara Beach"

"Michael and David at Makara Beach"

"Three Sisters"

Hope you enjoy all the pieces.

Thanks for taking some time to look..

Mark

Some recent updates.

2008-07-05T16:55:00.000-05:00

Well. all of the drawings on the page are currently available. Digital links to buy items are coming soon. Also, I would like to thank everyone who has shared in the webpage links page. Lots of great art out there and I'm proud to be listed on these sites so if you can please take some time and check them out.

Digital works in progress and coming to the site shortly are:

"Paladin"

"Jamie 1"

"Jamie 2"

"The Axe of Burning Retribution"

"The Axe of Ethereal Splendor"

currently untitled

What's with the website name?

2008-02-24T12:00:00.000-06:00

Well, first of all it's "H" "one" "twelve". Not studio "1" "1" "2"... It's a room number from my college days. Why a room you ask...? Well, I've studied a few different subjects in college as I was trying to find my direction in life and H112 was one of several rooms where I studied music for a few years. This was a really fun time for me. I made a lot of friends and had a great instructor who was both a friend and teacher to me. It was here that I felt like I was growing up and becoming something so much better than before. I was accomplishing in areas that were so completely foreign to me. Finally, I felt like I had purpose and direction. But as they say... all good things do come to an end. I'm a firm believer that everyone experiences a moment when they exceed at their own abilities. I call that moment "in the light". I was in the light for several times while being in the music program. Ultimately, it gave me a new foundation of understanding that I don't think I would have had without it. And just recently, I've realized that the light is always there... you just have to step back into it.

And time flies...

2008-02-24T11:48:00.000-06:00

Wow, I never expected to be so behind in getting a website together. The task has truly been daunting. One minute I'm feeling overwhelmed concerning making actual artwork and then I'm freaking out because I'm not getting the website together. In addition, to all of that, there's getting supplies and affordable outsourced work to help get things produced. So, to make a long story even longer... I've managed to get quite a few digital works added to the page. Next, I'm having all my current reduction drawings re-photographed and should have them added in the next day or so. And soon (crossing fingers) all the purchase links will be active and the official launch of the website will happen. I'm bad about blogging on a regular basis so I also would like to leave more comments and updates as needed.

More than I expected...

2007-06-06T13:18:00.000-05:00

Yikes! Double yikes... I must have been way ahead of myself. There has been tons and tons of stuff to get ready and proof before I really can get this site up and running fully. The past months have shown me more that I need to learn about having something framed, about getting things proofed and ready for giclee prints, and not to mention selling via a website also. But, I have prevailed and I am so very close to cutting the proverbial ribbon on the site. In addition to all this work stuff and learning I have still managed to keep my nose to the grinding wheel. I have an upcoming gallery which will feature only framed versions of originals and prints. I think that's important to let viewers see what the finished product can do for a naked wall. Also, I've got two very nice reduction drawings coming up titled "Dex" and "Gotta Get Dirty". And I bet it's not what you're thinking. Also, I'm slipping in these little shots of some digital work I'm about to wrap up. So please enjoy, and thanks for spending some time here.

"City's Hero: Day"

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"The Sunken Temple"

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"Cover Series: Dex and Brutus"

___________

"Sky Series: Heaven's Tower"

Still behind....

2007-02-21T09:30:00.000-06:00

Grrrr, still behind in gettin' the page up to snuff. Lots to do in real life mixed with the hated "real" job and so forth. Spending the day drawing, so maybe tonight I'll have my head out of my butt and get more completed on the site.

Thanks for peekin'...... :)

Mark

Welcome..! And the site so far.....

2007-02-13T12:12:00.000-06:00

Well, it's been a long time coming but the website for Studio H112 is here. I still have a lot of glitches and bugs to work out so things aren't exactly for sale yet. But, at least everyone can have a look see at what I'm about and what I have to offer. I'm hoping that this blog space allows me to present new and exciting works to everyone and eventually have some people comment on my work, or any other related events or news concerning all types of topics.

So, again, welcome to my website. Enjoy...!