The Initiative was conceived as a book cover. It was done digitally using Photoshop and Painter. These types of pieces are usually done at 300 DPI at 12x17.5 inches in size.

 

Book covers are without a doubt the truest expression of who I am as an artist. The process of creating them is quite different from the process of doing concept painting for a film which are conceived in relationship with certain technical aspects, cost or functionality and are less about your artistic style. A book cover allows a great deal of artistic freedom and IS about your style as an artist. It is about creating one compelling image that captures a story with all its mood, drama and scope. To put it in a film context, it would be about creating the first image a producer or director would want to have to sell their film idea to the studio. It needs to be the wow!

 

I always try to surprise myself when doing book covers. My sketches are very loose to allow me to explore while painting. It gives me an opportunity to be more adventurous than in any of the other entertainment fields. I love layering with light and color in a painting to create dynamic emotional pieces. Over the years book covers have allowed me to grow and explore different techniques and ultimately find a unique artistic voice.