TODAY'S FEATURED POST

New Frazetta Book

Arnie Fenner

Over the years Ian & Betty Ballantine produced 5 books with their Peacock Press, Cathy & I created 4 with Underwood Books, and Dian Hanson most recently put together her gigantic collection for Taschen—and that's mentioning only a few. Others have published (and continue to publish) books devoted to Frank Frazetta's art, some good, some bad, some authorized, and some not.  At this point you might think that there's nothing new to be seen or…

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YESTERDAY’S POST

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The Power of Preliminary Studies

Julie Beck

May 16, 2025 - Preliminary studies are crucial to my process. Each artist approaches prep work different but as someone who teaches both technical skills as well as the importance of design and composition, I emphasize the importance of massaging the design before you get into the nitty gritty. Preliminary thumbnails help in a multitude of ways: Planning: Sketches help you organize ideas and create a clear roadmap, saving time and reducing frustration. Problem Solving: They allow you to identify and fix issues early, ensuring a more polished final piece. Creativity: Experimenting in sketches encourages creative exploration and innovative solutions. Confidence: Working through uncertainties in sketches builds confidence for the final execution. Cohesion: Planning ensures all elements work harmoniously, resulting in a unified piece. Efficiency: Resolving issues on paper or digitally saves time AND money. I mean, time IS…

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