Reference Informs and Inspires: I Love Cemeteries, Part I

October is my favorite month out of the year, not only because it's my birthday month, but more importantly for Halloween. I've always loved Halloween and loved the autumn season. Living in the Bay Area means there really isn't the fall seasonal weather I'm used to, but there are still plenty of great places to adventure.

Last year I took these reference photos at the Oakland Mountain View Cemetery on Piedmont. I've always loved cemeteries and graveyards and have been immensely happy having this splendid cemetery so nearby.

This chapel/church is at the front of the cemetery. I love walking by it each and every time.

These magical, mysterious pillars ensnared in vines and leaves has been a constant inspiration. I have at least 20-30 photos just of this structure from a bajillion angles.

close up on the pillars and their vines

wonderful cracks in the walkway create a beautiful texture

follow the path ever deeper into the beyond...

There will be a part two of Mountain View Cemetery just because I have so many wonderful references from my visits there. If you're in the Bay Area, I wildly recommend checking out this cemetery, ideally with some lunch or snack break to appreciate the gorgeous views.

Reference Informs and Inspires: Roses Are Perty

I had an idea to start a series of posts dedicated to sharing some of my reference photos. Reference is so important for illustrators, and most artists in general. Not only is reference great to inform on details, but I've found it to be mighty inspiring too. Oftentimes I'll refer back to reference photo shoots when I get bored or need a visual stimulus. Sometimes I already have the composition in mind when I go to shoot reference, but when locations and nature are involved I often like to just have a theme or looser idea and allow my photo shoot adventures to be more open and exciting.

This post is from my shoot at Oakland's The Morcom Amphitheater of Roses. It's located between Oakland Ave. and Grand Ave. It's a brisk walk from my apartment and I went May of last year with some friends to enjoy the roses. 

The view from atop one of the many hills in the neighborhood.

I was really drawn to the texture of the color on this kind. I was so amazed to see so many variations of roses all in one beautiful place.

If you're near Oakland, I highly recommend checking out The Morcom Amphitheater of Roses. It's very peaceful and free and open to the public. I'm sure the roses are in pretty bloom now, so if you can check it out. I hope these photos help to inspire you as much as they do me.

Well, Holy @!#*

Hark! Yes, time sure has swept us by now, hasn't it? Prepare for a lengthy post, friends.

Firstly, I have made the trek cross country with the boy and friends to Oakland, CA!!! The road trip was "hella" fun and an experience I won't forget.

The latter part of Wyoming, Nevada, and California were the funnest parts of the drive simply due to the gorgeous landscapes.

Now that I'm finally feeling settled in (somewhat) to my new environment, it's time to get back to drawing! Here are a couple new sketches. More work to be posted in the future!

I haven't forgotten about my Catholic grammar school comic. Here is a sketch of my previous principal of that time... the scariest nun of them all.

This started as a sketch of a window and chair in my living room. I'm still playing around with the concept and may develop it further into an actual illustration.

Until next time!