M1A1 Tank

While in our training cycle, integrated training offers greater understanding of the MAGTF, an expansion of equipment knowledge, and often new friendships. Here the Battalion Landing Team linked up with CLB's maintenance platoon to conduct power plant (I.e. The engine) maintenance and training. 

This is the raw sketch I did. I was on my way to scout a live fire range and caught this. It took about 20min, with a Sharpie pen layout and tonal markers. They come in handy for quick and large areas of coverage. 

Here's the same piece with some details. Done after the tank left and I had to walk away.

Field Maintenance

Here is a sketch of a Marine working on an MTVR that went down after a 10hr convoy. It was cold this day and I kept to the bay shelter as best I could while the designated maintenance bay took in and worked on this truck for several hours. This sketch was done in the evening hours, when Maintenance Platoon seems usually to be most energetic and productive.

A lot of maintenance is done while in the field and this is only a moment captured of the hard work done that is often not fully appreciated. My trucks wouldn't run if it weren't for these guys.

New Tools: Part 2

A small series I've been messing with. A combination of loose sketching to familiarize myself with the markers, and the practice of subject matter.

Most of these are photographic reference...

My angles/shapes/proportions are a bit off here. Of course error comes with practice...but so does excellence.

Tones and my use of the markers has create a kind of graphic art look. Definitely a new style and take on how I am seeing the subject matter.

For the few of these that have a loose cartoon feel to them, I take as a practice run. I'd hope to find the time to be accurate in value and proportions to then create a final product with these markers. Hopefully that post isn't too far in the future.

New Tools

I recently recieved some art supplies in the mail for the coming anticipation of training exercises and artwork. Shades of Grey is a set of tonal markers made by Faber-Castell. It's a 6 marker pack, with 3 values each for a warm and cool grey. I've attached a small little sample of work with the markers... So far I love them and hope to sharpen my hand, eyes, and work using these markers.

Side Note: I didn't do a preliminary sketch and think that if I lay down proportions with a hard graphite (2H or 4H) it would be all the better.  Similar concept to the pencil markings found under light watercolor washes.. which I also hope to do more of in the field.

Designation Letter

It was a few weeks ago that I posted about my interview with the National Museum of the Marine Corps.  The Art Curator and the Deputy Director have been evaluating the decision to include me into the Combat Artist program, and after discussing it with the Executive Director it was unanimously decided to bring me on the team.  It's an understatement to say I am humbled by this opportunity to be a part of this unique and hidden treasure of the Marine Corps.

 

This letter of delegation from the NMMC is a humble reminder that while I serve my primary billet in the Marine Corps, I have an opportunity to use my gift in a greater way than I could have imagined coming in.

"Taking a Knee"

This is the final product from a piece I started a few months ago.  I was finally able to use the extended weekend to catch up and finish it... And with the focus on the Sgt Weybrew and his weapon, this serves as an unconventional portrait of his time and service over seas.

Illustrator Introduction: Richard Johnson

Some artists hide beneath the flow of mainstream media.  Even with extreme talent, they seem to be hidden in the corners of coffee shops, studios, and galleries. 

Richard Johnson is an artist who deserves to have his work displayed for ALL to see.  This is not to say that his work doesn't get attention, but that it deserves more than it already has.  Richard is the Graphics Editor for The Washington Post (former) and works almost strictly from life.  He was introduced to me by Mike Fay, a former combat artist.  Even with the exceptions of working from life, his work is uniquely simple and masterful all in one.

During some email traffic I had with him, I took advantage of the connection to pick his brain and ask about his perspective and his thinking process during his sketching hours.  His encouragement was simple, Practice..Practice..Practice. Additional tips in his media use and gear choice helped me to navigate the ropes as a young combat artist, and after looking at his work from his tours over seas, you can't help but be drawn to his work and the stories behind the drawing. 

Please check out his work at http://newsillustrator.com/

Combat Art Studio

During my visit to Quantico to shadow the current Combat Artist, Colonel C. Streeter, we studied the Military Working Dog Unit (MWD) and took a studio approach to our references (sketches and photos). This was also my first attempt at the graphite wash pencils, toned paper, and white chalk highlights.

My finished work in the studio. It was presented to the Director, Deputy Director, and Art Curator of the National Museum of the Marine Corps the last day of my visit.

Marine Combat Artist Interview

I was recently blessed with the opportunity to present my portfolio to the Art Curator and Deputy Director of the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, VA.  The experience was humbling and opportunities of future work as a combat artist seem to be on the horizon.

I chose to present my work chronologically so I could show my growth over the years, strengths, weaknesses, and areas of interest.

Critiques, discussion of concepts, and suggestions are always helpful.

I explained my choice of steps in creating artwork.  The Deputy Director of NMMC, Charlie Grow, also a former combat artist, was interested in my design and thought process for color and composition.

Recent Work

Sergeant Adam Weybrew deployed to Afghanistan during the backend of the recent war and was captured by Combat Camera setting up security for a convoy halt caused by a possible IED.  He made the cover of Leatherneck Magazine, August 2012 edition.
                                                                                                                                  

sketch layout

refine layout and establish hard rifle angles

 My focus is to establish the proportions and line angles of the rifle to make is convincing to the viewer.

 The shadows established on the left arm and rifle help compose the upper body, direction of light source, and feel of the heat he's experiencing.

 The drawing is not complete and the shadow cast on the ground hasn't been laid out yet. The final drawing will have a cast shadow, foreground detail, and simple background.

Look for final post...