Illustrations by Ashton Gallagher

GALLAGHER TO SHOW AT INAUGURAL KOSART GALLERY EXHIBITION

2011-10-26T10:00:00.003-05:00

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

2011-09-26T17:40:00.001-05:00

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!

CONFIRMED EXHIBITOR FOR SPECTRUM FANTASTIC ART LIVE 2012

2011-07-27T10:57:00.001-05:00

Earlier this year, Spectrum Fantastic Art, publishers of the award winning Spectrum art annuals, announced that in May of 2012 they are hosting the first SPECTRUM LIVE! event. This show has the making of being one of kind, not a Comic Con nor SciFi show but a show for illustrators of this genre to sell their work, promote their art and network. On Tuesday, July 26 - I received confirmation that I am a CONFIRMED EXHIBITOR for this inaugural show and I could not be more thrilled! Check out more info or see the list of confirmed exhibitors here or at either of the above links. More info to follow!

IRA JONES MURAL CROSSES THE FINISH LINE

2011-07-18T13:14:00.034-05:00

Wing tip to wing tip - the complete mural.

A few highlighted details above . . .

. . . and one final touch.

"GEEK FLAG" MAKES PAGES of IMAGINEFX - FULL FEATURE IN UPCOMING ISSUE

2011-06-27T12:46:00.004-05:00

In the July issue of ImagineFX Magazine (USA Issue 72) - Raise Your Pride, also known as the "Geek Flag", accompanied my inquiry letter to the editor. Initially, my letter was sent in hopes of getting more information on their review process. When I received my response, the team over at ImagineFX not only aimed to publish the letter but also wanted one of my pieces to complement, as well. It was during this process, ImagineFX then offered me a greater opportunity. In an upcoming issue, tentatively scheduled for issue 74, my art work will have a FULL FEATURE in their artist spotlight section. Already having completed the interview stage and submitting my pieces - I now eagerly wait to see this issue hit the shelves at Barnes & Noble!

From the editor:

Claire replies Hello Ashton, great work! It looks like you’re already getting yourself known in the industry, but a spot in the pages of ImagineFX will get your art on the desks of art directors across the world, so it’s worth trying. Readers keep an eye out for Ashton’s work in an upcoming issue.

Thanks to all at ImagineFX who made this opportunity possible - AG

NEW IMAGES OF MURAL SURFACE

2011-06-23T12:19:00.001-05:00

The above is first image of the NEW mural at Ira Jones Middle School at approximately 50% complete. The mural itself is 17.5' wide by 7' tall. The mural was temporarily side tracked during a week long stretch of jury duty – which as interesting as it may be, was nothing like Law & Order.

After completing the background American Flag, I began rendering the eagle this past Tuesday. Which would have been further along had my paint time not be inhibited by a power outage due to severe storms in the area. Despite having limited time to paint and several obstacles - the mural is moving along . . . I am hard at work as often as possible.

SPLASHES OF COLOR HIT THE FLAG

2011-05-21T11:45:00.000-05:00

IRA MURAL - DETAIL SHOTS

2011-05-15T11:38:00.006-05:00

Eagle head and flag detail shots.

NEW IRA JONES MURAL GREEN LIT & PRODUCTION BEGINS!

2011-05-09T14:25:00.007-05:00

The above images are the early stages of B&W under painting on the new mural - post transferring the drawing on to the gym wall.

NEW IRA JONES MURAL DESIGN APPROVAL PENDING

2011-05-04T14:52:00.000-05:00

Above is the concept design selected for the second mural at Ira Jones Middle School. The mural proposal and above image goes in front of the school board for approval in late May, 2011! Once green lit - I will immediately begin work on this project. More posts and process pictures to follow soon.

Second Patriotic Mural on the Horizon - Ira Jones Summer 2011

2011-04-16T11:00:00.005-05:00

In 2008, I completed the "Home of the Eagles", pictured below, as mural showcasing not only the school's mascot but a Patriotic theme that captured the spirit of this school, located in Plainfield, IL.

This first mural is approximately 4.5' x 12' and is located directly across from the main office, acting as welcome (see details here)! After a preliminary meeting, the new mural will be approximately 6' x 20 and located in the gymnasium! Early discussions regarding the image can be described as a "piece that lets you know who's house you are in!" Concept images of the new addition to Ira Jones Middle School will be posted soon.

C2E2 2011 - Chaos in Chicago

2011-04-04T23:42:00.001-05:00

C2E2 is my most anticipated event throughout the year! Loads of fun, loads of fans, & worth every minute. There was a massive increase in population this year - tons of people came through artist alley, double the traffic I saw in 2010. A new addition to the marketing materials this year was a retractable banner showcasing my illustration Raise Your Pride. It was beyond effective in grabbing attention and was the catalyst for many laughs and many great conversations.

Thank you Chicagoans for another great show!

Pigs on Parade march ends - Bobby Hawg & Ironham have new homes!

2011-04-01T17:14:00.004-05:00

Saturday, March 18, 2011 marked the final event for the long journey of the Pigs on Parade. The evening gala was host to many great items auctioned for an even greater cause, but none captured the spirit of the Lemont community as the Pigs on Parade. The 10 pigs were the talk of the town for the months leading up to the gala, being seen on CBS and NBC Chicago news, and nothing could prepare us artists when the bidding began. "Ironham", personal favorite of my 2 painted pigs, collected $2,100 and "Bobby Hawg", the highest auctioned pig, was sold for $7,500! Collectively, Bobby Hawg and Ironham raised just under $10k for St.Alphonsus/St. Patrick's Grade School in Lemont, IL. Congrats to all the artists and the families who have given a home to the Pigs on Parade!

Check out this pigs TV Debut on both CBS News Chicago & NBC News Chicago

A special thanks goes out to Lisa Simone-Porter, event coordinator, and all the hard work she put in on behalf of the artists! Great job all.

The "Road to Marvel" Comes to an End - Destination Reached?

2011-03-25T20:40:00.008-05:00

In early spring of 2010, I created the "Road to Marvel Project" as a response to my initial conversations with Talent Development at Marvel Comics and as a medium to reach the most important comic critics of all, the fans! What better venue than C2E2 2010 to unveil the "The Road to Marvel" project to fans. I developed 3 comic cover concepts showcasing some of the most classic Marvel characters including: Spiderman, Wolverine, the Hulk , & Captain America, in which I asked you, the fans, to act as art director to help me decide which cover shot to complete. Once finished, I would submit the winning shot the Talent Development Coordinator at Marvel Comics and with any luck, be one step closer seeing an original Ashton Gallagher cover!

Hands down, my Captain America sketch collected 51% of votes and was clearly the fan favorite! The final went into production shortly thereafter utilizing multiple models and authentic props.

As promised and upon completion, I did submit my final version of Captain America to the Talent Coordinator at Marvel Comics, who for professional reasons will NOT be mentioned by name. Here was the response I received:

"I do think overall the piece feel a bit dark and muted. Cap needs to be a bit brighter and stand out more as it feels like he's being carried along instead of leading the soldiers." - Talent Coordinator Marvel Comics

Though this was not the response I'd hoped, it is still a response that I respect and am thankful for having. Art is always subject to the viewer - "nature of the beast." And so the "Road To Marvel" project comes to an end. For all who took the time to vote and speak their voice regarding these beloved characters - I thank you all very much. Captain America was revealed to the masses for the first time at C2E2 - 2011 and to say the least, was nothing shy of popular!

Though we continue wait to see an Ashton Gallagher cover, it will happen. Now - back to the drawing board!