SPECTRUM FANTASTIC ART LIVE! WRAP UP

 

5 days have passed since the show floor closed and my mind is still circling the events of the first ever Spectrum Fantastic Art Live!  It was quite an adventure and the only word that comes to mind among all the great memories is WOW! Truly, this show was an incredible experience that takes a top notch in my career.

With that said, the show was humbling and there really is no other way to describe it.  To have my artwork on display next to the top artist in the illustration field - few words can express that feeling.  Even more so, since I consider my career to be at a “launching point” and being selected to exhibit side by side with so many “seen & done it all illustrators” was a huge honor that left me simply humbled. 

Pictured below is my booth layout which included an 8’ tall standee of the “geek flag.”

I was able to connect with several illustrators, whose various artwork/publications are amongst own my library, such as Scott Gustafson, Donato Giancola, and Ian McCaig.  In addition, I was introduced and thoroughly impressed by the work created by Dominick Saponaro and Jason Edminston.  It's really nice to meet the person behind the art - great work all around!  Special thanks go out to Gary Gianni, of whom I first met at C2E2 and also made a special appearance at Spectrum.

By far, the top perk to meeting so many illustrators and seeing tons of amazing work is that this past weekend was a VERY inspiring three days, to put it lightly.  It was shocking, in a good, way to see how much the artwork had an impact on me.  All I could think of on my 9 hour trip home was, “I can’t wait to get back in the studio!”

Despite light foot traffic at times – attendees were quite invested in the work on display and that’s really all that matters.  Overall, it was a completely new experience, filled with in depth conversations and making great connections - which ultimately made this one-of-a-kind show a “whole new ballgame.”  Hats off to both new colleagues and old friends, of whom, made this astonishing event a beyond belief experience.  

I already look forward to next year!

Oh yeah, I almost forgot - if all of that wasn’t enough to make in the record books the Tumbler Tour made a pit stop at SFAL on Sunday.  The pictures below say it all.  However, I must say when the Tumbler gets revved it actually sounds like a jet, it shook the showroom floor.  I don’t care which way you slice it – that prop deserves some major props!

Pictured above is the actual Tumbler & Batpod used in filming both The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises.

C2E2 WRAP UP

How time flies . . . C2E2 is already in the rearview mirror and preparation for SPECTRUM FANTASTIC ART LIVE! has begun!   Before the show becomes the very distant past – here a brief summary of my third go around, exhibiting in Artist Alley, at Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo. 

Despite this being the 3rd year exhibiting - it was a truly a year of firsts. 

It was the first time I revealed a “show exclusive display” of my Captain America Propaganda (below) print series, of which, both were very well received.

It was a first – having a conversation with a legend!

Hands down, the highlight of my show was meeting famed illustrator, Gary Gianni.  Gary is very well known in the illustration world for his amazing pen & ink Prince Valiant work and breathe taking paintings, such as the Tales of Solomon Kane.  I first saw his art on display during my college years and continued to see his beautiful work gracing the pages of the Spectrum annuals.  Though our conversation was on the short side - we spoke on several topics and I grateful for his complements on my work and receiving some great pointers from a legend.

It was a first time - C2E2 was NOT all work . . .   

. . .  (pictured at left) I am holding one of the “hero” shields used by Chris Evans in Captain America: The First Avenger.  The prop itself and many others from Captain America, Thor and Iron Man II were on auction at C2E2 by Profiles In History.  A special thanks goes out to the staff members who let me hold the shield – I later found out that the shield wasn’t supposed to be handled by anyone outside of Profiles prior to the auction.  As it turns out, the director in charge of the auction, though not upset by the chance this fan had to hold this particular piece of movie memorabilia, informed me that I was probably the only individual outside of their staff that held the shield at all  C2E2.  Pretty lucky opportunity!  Even more so when you consider that all the lots offered sold for 1.1 million dollars collectively!  Meaning, this picture, sadly, is the closest I will get to own this particular “hero” shield – or is it?

Also at C2E2 on behalf of Profiles In History was Sean Astin.  Amazingly enough, when this picture was taken, he was about 5 feet away from me and I didn’t even realize he was there.  Later, I did shake hands with Samwise Gamgee – perk to being on the show floor during professional hours! 

To the individuals who have made the effort to keep connected and shown continued interest in my work – I cannot thank you enough.  The stress of my freelance career seems a million miles away when I am approached by familiar faces stop by my table and have so every year!  You all make my shows a worthwhile experience.

To all the new people who fought the endless crowds of C2E2 and were able to stop at my table - I am grateful for the opportunity to speak with you.  Some of the highlights to my career have begun talking, just talking to the many people who show interest in my work. 

On a final C2E2 note - I am looking forward to next year.  Keep in contact and keep an eye out for all NEW work on display at ASHTONGALLAGHER.COM.

ASHTON GALLAGHER SHOWING AT C2E2 APRIL 13 - 15, 2012

C2E2 is finally here!  Returning for the third year in a row - I will be exhibiting at Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo, McCormick Place, April 13 - 15, 2012.   I am located in Artist Alley TABLE H10 - be sure to stop by and check out my NEW WORK & SHOW EXCLUSIVES! 

Captain America II - The Avenging Vow

11" x 17" Acrylic on Board/Digital

Above is the second in my WW2 Captain America illustrations.  While the previous illustration showcased Cap in the midst of battle, The Avenging Vow presents Captain America in a quiet moment reflecting on the great costs of war.  Though the weight of battle is present, he silently vows to ensure that the sacrifices made, while defending freedom, will not have been made in vain. 

Wow – it feels like I sat down in January to launch my “First of the Year” post and in the blink of an eye it is now mid-March with April fast approaching. 

Being busy is putting it lightly. 

Currently, I have been dedicating a significant amount of time prepping for the events that are starting 2012 - in which, I am hoping will also have a major impact on my illustration career, being C2E2 and SPECTRUM FANTASTIC ART LIVE!.  ICON7 and San Diego are also on the potential docket for this spring/summer but as of yet are unconfirmed. 

On top of all activity for shows, I was recently approached and am now taking on a “top secret” project of which I am not able to disclose any information at this time.  What I can tell you – I am super excited to be embarking on this adventure!  Details WILL follow when they can be safely revealed, so stay tuned.   

In efforts to increase the effectiveness of this blog, you can expect many new “posting categories” regarding sketches, developing projects, and “breaking” news.   Below are some graphics that will accompany those categories respectively.

Thanks for staying interested and if the start to 2012 is any indicator to the pace of the rest of the year – buckle up because this is going to be one hell of a ride!   

GALLAGHER TO SHOW AT INAUGURAL KOSART GALLERY EXHIBITION

Colleague and FX/sculpture artist,  J. Anthony Kosar opened the doors to KOSART EFFECT Studio, in Westmont, IL, earlier this year.   Designating a part of his studio to FX/Make-Up Classes and the other part for Gallery space, Kosar set in motion a full schedule of events!  Which includes KOSART EFFECT GALLERY's First Annual Maleficium - Dark Art Exhibition.

From October 29, 2011 - December 2, 2011, both Little Red Riding Hood and The Escape (formerly Odd Job Icon) will be on display in the KOSART Gallery. The Exhibit Opening and Artist Reception is Saturday, October 29, 2011 from 6pm - Midnight.  Addition Reception details and other exhibiting artists information can be found at the Gallery's link listed above.

IMAGINEFX FEATURES ASHTON GALLAGHER ILLUSTRATIONS

Issue 74 has finally arrived!  To great surprise, my feature in ImagineFX Magazine made it in the STAR WARS Special Edition issue.  It was a huge honor to have my work shown alongside other Star Wars Art greats such as concept artist Iain McCaig, illustrator Greg Hildebrant, and original trilogy legend Ralph McQuarrie. 

Once again Editor Claire Howlett comments on my work saying:"Ashton uses colour and gesture wonderfully to guide the viewer around his paintings. None better than in his depiction of Captain America framed in a sea of khaki, being pushed on into battle."

ImagineFX Issue 74 can be found on newsstands today! Make sure you get your copy soon - they fly off shelves!