Blosh Jog

Bird in a Bathing Suit - ON SALE NOW!

2010-04-17T16:33:00.002-04:00

You can now purchase the children's book I did illustration work for.

It's available on Barnes & Noble's website and Amazon.com.

Enjoy!

Ghost Rider Black & White

2010-04-17T16:26:00.004-04:00

Here's a sketch of the Marvel comics character Ghost Rider.

It's done in black ball point pen with some spatters from a tooth brush... and a little bit of black sharpie for the solid black area. You might notice a few "breaks" in the artwork. That's because I made some adjustments to the artwork after I scanned it in. I am currently working on this piece in Photoshop and digitally painting it. Should be fun!

When it's all done, I'll tell you what it's for... but not until then.

Cherry Delight - Dr. Sketchy's

2010-03-09T18:01:00.006-05:00

These are from the latest Dr. Sketchy's South Jersey session. The model was Cherry Delight and it was the first time she had ever posed for an art class. She did a great job! Fun costumes and very expressive.

The first one here is done in red crayon. It was an optional contest they had during the class for this particular pose. I won a sweet art/photography book called "Visions From Within The Mechanism" by Jeffery Scott. It's published by Baby Tattoo Books, which apparently helps artists get their work printed.

The other 2 pieces here are done in ball point pen. It's my favorite. I could say something really artsy here about how "the pen doesn't allow you to erase and it forces you to make decisions", but the truth is it's smooth and you don't have to sharpen it.

Red Sonja Sketch Card

2010-02-01T21:34:00.005-05:00

This is a Red Sonja commission I did. It was my first sketch card and it was fun. The images above are the sketch and then the final inked version. The sketch is the standard non-repro blue pencil and the finished inks were done with brush for the most part. The chain mail and a few other details were done with a tech pen.

The subject matter is a little grim, but hey... she's a barbarian!

Enjoy!

Flora for Laura

2010-01-03T00:15:00.005-05:00

Here's an acrylic painting I did for my girlfriend this Christmas.
I haven't painted in a while, but it was just like riding a bike... kinda dangerous, but worth the risk!
She likes Paris and flowers and these colors, so that's where I started.
I've never been to France so I looked up some photos on the web, selected a few I liked and started scribbling some thumbnail sketches.
I put a couple of coats of gesso on a 16 x 20 canvas board, let it dry and then lightly sanded the surface. I paint kinda thin, so I try to get a smoother surface. From there, I just started painting. I roughed it out in purple first. I knew that was going to be an important color in the end image. That's about it. I work background to foreground (standard stuff) and built up in layers. The end image is made-up. I used reference for the flowers and the Eiffel tower, but as a whole I assembled it.
She was happy with the final piece, which made me happy!

Art for Sale!!!

2009-12-08T00:40:00.002-05:00

What better way to show that special someone you care than to give them an original Josh Will piece?
On sale now at ebay, you can bid on the four pieces above.

The pen & ink Metal Rules! Magazine Girl Art... here.

The painted Striking Dragon (old kung-fu dude) character art for the Fleer/Skybox card game Ophidian... here.

The pencil sketch of Conan the Barbarian... here.

The pencil sketch of an Orc Monk, a concept drawing for the miniature company Magnificent Egos... here.

Happy Holidays!

Bird in a Bathing Suit

2009-11-29T02:15:00.005-05:00

So, I haven't updated this thing in a while, but not because I haven't been working. Quite the contrary, I've been working on illustrations for a children's book titled "Bird in a Bathing Suit". The author, Dawn Mitchell, was kind enough to allow me to share some of the work with everyone. It's just a sneak peak, I'm about half way through the illustrations for the book. I'll let everyone know where and when they can pick up a copy of this awesome project when it's completed.
For those of you that wanna know the process, here's the run down:
After reading the prose for the story, I did an initial illustration to see if Dawn liked the same style I had in mind. She did! So the next thing I did was a series of thumb nail sketches to plan out the book. I sent them to Dawn and she liked that too (she's by far the best client ever!).
Then I started at page 1. I did the rough sketch in blue pencil and then tightened it up with standard HB lead in my Staedtler Mechanical pencil. Sent that to Dawn, after revisions to the sketch, I added color in Photoshop. For most elements I kept things on separate layers (Sky, Ground, Trees, etc.). Once I had all the base colors blocked in, I added tone and texture. For the kids and birds I made a "lights" layer and a "darks" layer. So, if I am adding tone to a bird for instance, I select the bird (and the color), and on the "lights" layer (which is set to a screen layer effect) I'd brush in the light tones of the bird. Then I'd move to the "darks" layer (which is set to a multiply layer effect) I'd add in the dark tones of the bird. Using varying brushes and opacities, thats how I rendered each character.
Stay tuned for the completed book and more projects!

Dr. Sketchy's Miss Rose

2009-10-06T22:01:00.004-04:00

Here is my latest sketch from the latest Dr. Sketchy's South Jersey event.
The model is Miss Rose and this pose was for 20 minutes.
I enjoyed the Halloween theme for this October session... cuz Halloween is the best holiday. It should be a national holiday. Maybe even an international holiday. Probably should be an intergalactic holiday.
Anyway, $10 to draw girls for a few hours...still the best deal in America.

Ace Frehley Birthday!

2009-09-29T21:24:00.006-04:00

Here's an illustration of Ace Frehley (KISS) I did for my friend Neil's birthday.
You might think it's a cop out to give a drawing as a gift, but I also gave him booze!
So, it was for Neil's 35th b-day, hence the 35 in the illustration. And he's a big KISS fan, hence Ace Frehley in the illustration.

It was sketched in non-repro blue pencil (as usual).
I used a Winsor-Newton round 1 series 707 brush to ink Ace, and some tech pens for the guitar and the 35.

If you'd like a birthday illustration (for you or your friend) send me a message.
An 11x17, Original, Inked illustration could be yours for a low price!!!

The Day of the Dead...in color!

2009-09-14T22:30:00.004-04:00

As promised, here is the color version of the Day of the Dead illustration I did. The color is done in Photoshop using a spatter brush and then painting in tones at about 20% opacity. I wanted it to seem a bit chaotic. Like the viewer is actually in the middle of the parade. Also, if you notice there is only one person in the illustration looking at you... and they don't think you belong! Mwaaaaaaaa Haaaaa haaaaa!

Day of the Dead

2009-09-07T20:41:00.005-04:00

My friends at the Autumn Society of Philadelphia told me about an upcoming show that would feature the Day of the Dead (the festival, not the movie). So, I did this piece. It might not be in the actual gallery/show, but I really wanted to do it anyway.
It's ballpoint pen with a little brush and toothbrush (for the splatter).
Tune in next week for the color version!

My Face in Your Space

2009-08-31T20:21:00.004-04:00

Our lovely receptionist (Sarah) at work sent out an email saying that she was joining in on an art show called "My Face in Your Space". The idea is that artists in the show draw each other. Sarah wanted to know if anyone there wanted to join in the fun.
So, I said, "Only if you make a funny face". She did and I illustrated it.
It's done with Ballpoint Pen (my new favorite) and then scanned in and colored in Photoshop.
In Photoshop I used a spatter brush set at about 20% opacity and then start painting.
I tried not to blend too much, I like the rough look. Keeps the life in the illustration.
If you'd like to see a print of this live and in person, along with other portraits (at least one of me) then go to the Nexus in Philadelphia starting September 10th.

Shadows of a Job

2009-08-10T19:38:00.004-04:00

So, above are 3 illustrations I did for these guys that are pitching a movie. Sounds cool right? Except they ignored emails when my friend and I had questions (the friend got me the gig). Then we find out (we assume really) that they went somewhere else for the illustrations. Since I already finished these I thought I would share them (especially since I didn't sign a Non-Disclosure). The general story is about a serial killer... or something.

The first version was drawn in pencil, then scanned and then colored in Photoshop.
The second version was inked with a brush (except the house that was a tech pen), then scanned, into Photoshop where I cleaned it up a little and added some color.
The third version I drew the shadow outline and some of the elements inside the silhouette with pencil, scanned in the pieces, assembled them in Photoshop with a couple of royalty-free images I found here, and then using a rough brush with the opacity dropped to about 20% I painted over the pieces. Lots of pushing and pulling with this one!
Please to enjoy!

Wolverine Sketch

2009-08-10T19:29:00.004-04:00

Here is a little commission sketch I did of Wolverine. I sketched it in non-photo blue pencil first (which I took out using Photoshop) and then finished with the standard Steadtler mechincal pencil (HB if you were wondering about the graphite). It was fun to draw Logan leaping, as if he's about to bury his claws into something... or someone.
Enjoy!

Books Are GREAT!

2009-07-24T00:23:00.003-04:00

Here's a logo/mailing label I did for a friend/fan. He sells books and stuff. I sketched out the whole thing first and then scanned it in. Then I made some adjustments to the sketch in PhotoShop and saved it. Finally, I brought it into Illustrator to trace it in black (not auto trace mind you) and then added color. Viola! Centurion guy screaming.
If you have design or illustration needs I might know someone that could help you.
I'm also available for banquets!!!!!

The Mighty Ballpoint Pen

2009-07-07T11:32:00.005-04:00

Here is a little illustration I did with ballpoint pen and then brought it into Photoshop to add color and texture. whew! Most of the color is under the Pen Line layer and some of the softer highlights were added on a layer above the Inks. The chic is from some ad I found online.. for hair color or something. I cartoonified her and added some computer magic! Those are all real terms.
On an unrelated note: I have a podcast with some friends where we talk about metal music (one of my favorites) and we talk a lot of randomness. It's definitely more fun than serious. For any of you that's seen my work in Metal Rules Magazine, it's the same bunch of guys. Go to www.metalrulesradio.com and listen. If you like it, you could leave an itunes review... and make us all blush.
Thanks!

Book Signing

2009-05-26T20:48:00.002-04:00

So, the day has finally come. Issue #2 of the League of Extraordinarily Stupid Gentlemen is printed and will be in stores this week. To celebrate Brian (the Penciler/Writer) and I will be at Brave New Worlds Comics in Willow Grove, PA this Saturday signing these things! To make things way cooler, Steve from Preston & Steve will be there from 1pm - 3pm too! Cool huh?
So, what's this drawing of a chic with a sword have to do with all of this?
Nothing.
Just thought I should post a drawing with the news. So what if it doesn't apply? It's something.

Dr. Sketchy's April session

2009-04-10T17:13:00.002-04:00

Here are some sketches from the latest Dr. Sketchy's event in south Jersey. They had two great models, AprilMayI and Jean. The theme was cyberpunk. Awesome right? I posted 2 sketches from the day. The single figure is AprilMayI sitting for a 20 minute pose. The other sketch was both models sitting for 40 minutes and doing this mirror image thing. Good times!

A Very Iron Maiden Birthday

2009-02-18T22:54:00.002-05:00

Here's an illustration I did for your friend and mine Jeff Rappaport. I use to do a lot of this kinda thing for Metal Rules! Magazine (which Jeff founded... if you didn't know), but this was just for Jeff's birthday.

The illo was done on a standard comic book page with non-photo blue pencil (which I took out in Photoshop for this post.) Then inked with mostly a Winsor-Newton series 7 round #1 brush... and some tech pen. If you want to see the original you'll have to go to Jeff's house and ask him real nice. You could also see some photos that Jeff took and posted on his facebook pages. But you probably already know that... he's friends with half the world.
The End.

Dr. Sketchy's

2009-02-02T21:14:00.003-05:00

Finally, a new post! It's been awhile, but here are two sketches to make up for lost months.
So, I went to a Dr. Sketchy's event (www.madcow-designs.com) in South Jersey this past Sunday (Yep, drawing on Super Bowl Sunday) and sketched these two lovely ladies. They were 20 minute sketches (give or take a few). The girl sitting down is Victoria and the Roller Derby girl is Hot Rod Hussy. Awesome time, awesome models. Well worth ten dollars for an afternoon of figure drawing.

Conan

2008-06-20T22:39:00.003-04:00

Here's a sketch of Conan. I was a huge fan of the first movie with Arnold... not so much the second one with Grace Jones. As cool as Wilt the Stilt was, he had a hand in trying to tear down Robert E. Howard's Cimmerian.
But I digress... a little.
The artwork by Tomas Giorello in the newest issues of Conan are brilliant. It inspired me to do this sketch.
Dark Horse comics publishes the comics you should check it out... here

Wizard World Philly

2008-05-29T00:30:00.004-04:00

Hello all. Come visit me at the Wizard World Philly convention this Saturday and Sunday (May 31 & June 1). I'll be hanging out at the 2 Society Studios table representing the League of Extraordinarily Stupid Gentlemen comic book, which features 93.3 WMMR's Preston & Steve. We'll have original artwork from issue 2 and other fun stuff.
We'll also be doing sketches. Not sure if there is a fee for them yet, but if you come to me and give the password "Monkey Bottom" then I'll sketch you something for FREE!

Please enjoy Melvin and Jellybean every week also.
It's good for you!

Ah Hah!

2008-04-16T21:35:00.003-04:00

Well, I've been away for awhile, but here is something I've been... away for awhile for...
Anyway, I present to you, Melvin and Jellybean the website!
It's just a start. We will be adding much more content, but there is plenty enough to amuse you for say 15 minutes.
Check it out here: Melvin and Jellybean

It’s Just that You Look So Nice…

2008-03-19T09:41:00.002-04:00

I am happy to announce that I will be working with 2 Society Studios to produce a comic book for the Philadelphia morning show Preston & Steve. Brian Coates of 2 Society Studios is doing the penciling and I will be doing the inking.
The image above is a 2-panel selection from the book that shows the pencils in the original glory and the after effects of my inks.
Preston & Steve are Philly’s biggest morning program. You can find them every Monday through Friday from 6 am to 10 am on 93.3 WMMR. Podcasts and other fun downloads are available here: WMMR
If you are over 18 there is even more fun here: Preston & Steve
The comic book, The League of Extraordinarily Stupid Gentlemen (LXSG), features the cast of Preston & Steve and their super-heroic alter egos. There will be plenty of comedy for the average reader and that comedy multiplies if you are familiar with the show.
This will be issue 2 in the LXSG series and it will be released this Spring.
Stay tuned for more info on the comic and check out the links above for more info on Preston & Steve.

Yo JOE!

2008-03-01T11:56:00.002-05:00

So, I started reading the cast for the upcoming G.I. Joe live action movie and I got inspired to sketch Snake Eyes. I didn't reference any specific version of him. Just kinda did it out of my head.
I used gray Prisma markers to sketch first. Then went back with darker tones of gray markers. Finally, I used a fine tip pen (0.5 I think) to add in the detail. Recently, I've been going through some of my concept art books (Star Wars I & II mostly) and wanted to try something in that style. Check out Doug Chiang's work... he's awesome.

C'mon. It's Snake Eyes. He's badass!