Monday, 17 June 2024

To Be Continued comic convention

I'll be attending the To Be Continued (formerly NICE) comic convention in Bedford on 14th and 15th of September 2024. 

Here's the website with all the info and ticket sales. To Be Continued

As readers of my blog, and followers on Facebook will be aware, I've started working on three year long project, which means I've had to close my commission list for the foreseeable future. However, I will be opening up 5 pre-commission slots for this convention, which are to be picked up and paid for at the convention. Options will be more limited than in previous years due to time constraints. 

Basically, I'll be able to do either A4 watercolour sketches at £90 each, or A3 watercolour sketches at £240. No Copic sketches or sketches on sketchcovers, sorry. I've thought about it since I was invited to the con and I simply won't have time in my schedule to do anything other than the watercolours. Contact me via johnwatsonart@gmail.com or through Facebook if you're interested.

Some examples of A3 watercolours













Examples of A4 watercolours


This will be one of my offerings for this year's sketch roulette.




Another of the pieces I'm submitting for sketch roulette this year




I will be sketching at the con, for free, as usual. But again, I'll be limiting what kind of sketches I'll be drawing. So, no sketchcovers at the con either, sorry, they simply take me too long to do. I'll be doing a mix of pencil, ink and maybe a little wash or marker sketching. No reserving spots on my list before the con, this gives everyone who wants a sketch a chance to get on my list.  

Hopefully I'll also have copies of another book I've been working on with my friend, Russell Payne. It's called Watson & Payne; a collaborative failure, and is about our time working on a project together for several years that ended in, you guessed right, failure. It all depends on whether Russ finishes his part. If he does, it'll be available to buy at the con. And both of us will be happy to sign and sketch copies too, as Russ will be accompanying me to the con. 

I'll also have copies of the two books I've published so far and I'll be sketching and signing those. And I'm happy to sign anything from the world of comics that I've worked on. 

I'm not sure if I'll have any artwork for sale on the weekend. I'm hoping to, but that's only if I find time to draw/paint something beforehand. I may find some stuff hidden away in folders that I've not sold. 

As for the project I'm working on, it's something I still can't talk about or show any work from, but I'm really enjoying it! I can say it involves oil painting. 





Monday, 12 February 2024

Commissions 2024

My commission list will be closed for the foreseeable future. I'm working on a project that's going to take up all my time and I won't be able to take on other work. Can I say what the project is? Not at the moment, it's all under wraps. It's very exciting and I'll post about it as soon as I can, but for now, it'll remain a mystery. If I attend any conventions I will open up a few commission slots for those events. Other than that, I'm going to be pretty busy!



Here's a recent oil painting I did of the X-Men


Wednesday, 1 November 2023

The Generation book two; A New England.

Book two in the Generation series is now available to buy from Lulu and most other online bookshops. Ideally, it'd be great if you could buy it from Lulu instead of Amazon as I have to sell...figuring out the maths...almost 20 books on Amazon for same revenue I make for one copy sold on Lulu.  

Alternatively, you can purchase one directly from me that I'd be happy to sign (or sketch in for a little extra). Contact me at johnwatsonart@gmail.com if you'd like that option.


FRONT COVER OF THE BOOK





THE FULL IMAGE WHICH INCLUDES IMAGES OF ALL TEN CHARACTERS WHO HAVE A POV CHAPTER



I've also begun a series of prints based on the first two books that will be available to buy from Close Encounters in Bedford. Or, for signed ones, contact me!


PRINT ONE: MATTHEW TALBOT 1551





PRINT TWO: FROM THE SECOND PART OF ORIGINS




 

PRINT THREE: DUKE SHERWOOD FROM A NEW ENGLAND. Art after Gil Kane


 Close Encounters also have a few copies of book one left in stock that come with a store exclusive A5 print. 

BOOK ONE WITH A5 PRINT; EXCLUSIVE FROM CLOSE ENCOUNTERS

If you enjoyed the Generation: Origins, then please leave a review on Amazon. The more reviews I get, the more likely people are to buy the book! If you didn't enjoy the book, then skip the review. I'm happy to talk about the book via email whether you enjoyed it or not. 

So, what about the contents of the book? 

The story picks up straight after the events that ended book one in Blackpool on the 24th January 1986. In Origins, the story was told from the POV of four different characters, Matthew Talbot, his brother, Will Talbot, William Cecil - the real-life advisor to Queen Elizabeth the first - and Henry Williams, a teenager from 80s Lancashire. In this next instalment, there are ten different characters who have their own chapters, including the protagonist from book one, Vitelli. 

Origins was a difficult book to categorise, it was a historical fiction, sci-fi, fantasy mix. The sequel, A New England, is more sci-fi/fantasy. It's historically accurate in that, for those who grew up in the 80s, or who've studied the decade, there are events mentioned in the book that are historically accurate. But at the same time, it's a very different decade than the one that actually occurred because of events that took place toward the end of Origins. I don't really want to spoil the book for those who intend to read it, so I'll say no more.

The book won't be available as an Ebook as I'd prefer it if people didn't nick it. It took a while to write. Also, I'm loathe to have anyone use it to train AI. 

I'm currently working on book three. It's had a few false starts as I realised I was writing a story that, while a logical progression, I wasn't enjoying. I also found I was in danger of repeating myself. So, a quick 70,000 word deletion, and I'm back on track. 




Tuesday, 5 September 2023

NICE 2023: Postscript

 


After four years, NICE returned! And it was great. 


Black Panther watercolour, pre con piece.


Former co-pilots were unavailable (I still can't drive), Russ has only just emerged into public life from a three year Covid hibernation so I'd not considered his availability as an option and Scott emigrated to Canada in 2021. So, another good friend, Manny, son of a former communist nation, kindly offered to drive. As the con arrived, the set off time increased as he was dealing with something at work, so I looked at alternative transport, just in case. The trains were a non-starter unless I left by 2020 on Thursday night. I took a chance and went swimming instead, which was awesome - seriously, a great training session. The later start time left me the opportunity to draw another sketch cover and make certain I had everything packed for the con. No art left behind! 

On the way down, I gave Manny a crash course in comics and what the guests at the con were known for as the only comic he'd read was Watchmen and some communist propaganda comics he'd read as a kid. Upon arrival at the hotel, the Swan - usually the con hotel was the one on the opposite side of the river - we were met by Jeff. After Manny experienced Jeff for the first time, we parked up and headed to our room. Alles gut. 


Pre-convention DD commission. A4 watercolour



The hotel bar was also a restaurant and that's where we bumped into Barry Kitson and Caitlin, along with many friends I'd not seen since 2019 or earlier, 2015 at the Baltimore Comic Con in Barry and Caitlin's case. Wetherspoons was the place for a meal of convenience,  shrinkflation the cause of the half empty plate I was offered. Still, it was a chance to catch up, set the Star Wars and MCU universes aright and give Manny a further education about the comic book world. Should've eaten at the Swan, in hindsight. 

Arriving back at the hotel, Barry and Alan Davis were deep in conversation, so I only intended to pop over and say a quick hi. Ended up having a great conversation about Neal Adams, Nick Cardy, Jim Aparo, John Byrne, Blackpool, Aquaman and swimming - this is what I'd really missed about going to cons, the chat about art, comics, the good stuff! I forgot to ask Barry about his appearance on a kids tv show in the 80s, but hey, maybe next time. Then something strange happened, the bar/restaurant, which was in reality a very long, rather thin series of rooms, began to gradually close, everyone moving to the right. Eventually, we were ushered into a lounge with a rather eclectic decor. I decided to get an early night.



Barry and Alan talking. I'm evidently considering something. (photo from Barry's FB group, thanks)


Han and Leia, pre-con watercolour


Manny snores. The next morning, it was warm, a little shockingly so, as we'd left Autumn behind us in Niamos (Cleveleys, see Andor episode 7). The con was all in one hall this year and it was already hot, even without the majority of guests and fans inside, before the doors were open to the public. I was situated next to Barry and there was some kind of cooler behind his table. Manny and I tried to nick it, but the cable was too short. Turned out it did nothing but emit a dim green light anyway.

I'd decided to never attempt likenesses at cons after drawing Prince sketch at Thoughtbubble a few years ago and spending an age on it. Faced with the unusual sight of people everywhere and being a tad disorientated/ nervous about sketching in front of people after a four year break, I forgot my rules and so the first sketch was of Marilyn Monroe. My sketch list filled quickly and I tried to remember how to talk and draw at the same time. I failed. Manny went for a wander and returned hours later. I was still drawing Monroe. 


Saturday at the con, trying to draw while I talk to Peter. Barry and Caitlin in the background. Photo courtesy of Mick Skinner

At some point, I realised there was a sketch missing, a Sandman that I'd done as a commission before the con. It nagged at me and I searched my folder several times, but to no avail. I figured I'd accidentally handed over the sketch when I gave Jeff my sketch roulette pieces.  

Then an A3 Lou Ferrigno Hulk watercolour commission disappeared. Although, I didn't recall seeing that one at any point since I left home, so that wasn't as worrisome. Unlike the Sandman piece, there was a chance I'd simply forgotten to pack it during all the time I'd had to prepare before the con. So, there was an undercurrent of unease in the background throughout the afternoon. Then an envelope full of cash appeared on my table. Had someone given it me? Had they placed it down by accident? That bothered me even more. 


Ben Le Foe, a man who let me use his name for one of the characters in my book, came bearing a gift, a metal Ultra Boy badge. Awesome! (thanks for the bookstand, Julian). I also met someone who'd read my book and really enjoyed it. Thanks, Dave!

Meanwhile, unlike Russ, who stayed at the table with me and talked to people so I could draw, Manny went wandering around Bedford and bought some fruit. He spent some time looking around the con too, and with no real knowledge of comics, he could look at whatever interested him with no preconception of whether the artist was a big name or just starting out. He simply looked at what he liked and enjoyed himself. I was worried he'd be bored, but he had a great time and spoke to a lot more people than I did. He was offered a free sketch at one point but turned it down, to the surprise of the artist, as he didn't know what he'd do with it. That's amateurish. 


Julie Newmar A4 pre-con pencil sketch


Julie Newmar pre-con marker sketch


Pre-con Nightcrawler watercolour

I still had 4 sketches that I'd yet to start at the end of the day. As usual on the Saturday, I declined the kind offer of the free meal in the evening for all the guests and staff and went to a fine Indian restaurant situated down an alley, or narrow street, a few building to the left of the hotel (Thali and Tandoor) with fellow Legion fans, Rob and Julian (and Manny - we tried to limit the Legion chat, but it was difficult. He now knows about the Cosmic Boy bustier. Not sure how he feels about it, really). Rob is also my book editor, so it was also a work do!

After the rather swift meal - Rob and Julian had to get a certain train back as there was a partial strike on - Manny and me decided to wander over the the Close Encounters shop. Couldn't find it, even with sat nav. We bumped into some friends who were actually heading to the hotel to look for us and they told us where the shop was. Still couldn't find it! 

So, back to the maze-like hotel. Sitting in the lounge, a group of us talked comics, a part of the con experience I really enjoy, and lamented the comics we'd lost, sold, never bought, and then moved onto art and the pages we'd never bought when offered them cheap back in the day - you get the picture. I myself passed up Giant Size X-Men #1 for £15 (ok, it was almost 40 years ago, but still, not that expensive. I bought a Green Bay Packers bomber jacket instead. To be fair, my toddler cousin had an accident on the floor of the comic shop in Bournemouth, while I was deciding if I wanted the comic or not, so it was a little stressful. But...what a fool. 

Turns out that, even though the hotel bar was closed, you could order a bottled drink rom reception, but only if you were sat in the lounge and had filled out multiple pieces of paperwork. Complicated for staff and guests alike. Caught up with Dave Kendall and had a chat with Bob about Spectrum games, which was awesome. Manny failed to turn up to the lounge even though it'd been his idea to go back downstairs. I read his message at 0230 that he wasn't coming. Jeff ordered pizza and I was admonished for not having any. 

The air con in the room worked. I didn't sleep well, trying to figure out where the sketches that were missing had gone,  and what the envelope was about. Waking early, we enjoyed breakfast, love a buffet breakfast, and decided to go to the con early. It was shut. So was Close Encounters - yes we finally found it. Meandering back to the con venue, we stood chatting in the morning sun with fans who were there early to ensure they could get in line for their favourite artists. Jeff, sprightly despite a late night, arrived to insult us all and tell us we still had an hour before the venue would open. Bub said I could go to the store and sketch there, if I liked, so I did. Manny and me were browsing books and comics when Bub called me to say he was watching me on his phone through the security cameras from McDonald's and I'd not even pulled out a pencil. Sussed. Close Encounters is a great store, including the book section on the upper floor.

On Sunday the con was a little quieter, which was ideal for catching up with sketches. Barry was, as on Saturday, in his seat on time. It was the first con for a long time when Barry didn't disappear. Part way through the afternoon, he was suddenly playing an electric guitar. 

Soon after, I signed what I think was a violin. 


Sunday, signing some copies of Silent War. I can't sign and talk either, it seems. Another photo by Mick Skinner

The day was overshadowed a little by the missing sketches and the envelope situation. However, I did finish most of the sketches I was asked to do. Although I still have four to start. And I did have to finish one after the con at Close Encounters. 


The seat of shame at Close Encounters. Must work faster in the future.


It was a great weekend. Jeff and Bub really looks after the guests and puts on what is probably the most laid back, friendly con there is. And it's certainly the most comic orientated one in the UK. Also, the staff and helpers are just that, helpful! I didn't manage to see much of the con at all as I was glued to my desk all weekend. A shame as there were many comic sellers there and people I'd have liked to catch up with.

We got cocky on the journey home, Sunday night, no need to use the toll. The result was that we sat in standing traffic for almost an hour near Birmingham. It's every time. I've been forced to boycott that part of the motorway. It's pathetic. 



Green Goblin pre-con watercolour

The missing sketches were on top of a Kallax unit in my studio. Thing is, I'd seen the Sandman one at the con, I was sure. The envelope of cash? I'd like it to be mine but have no idea if it is. It's now on the desk in my studio. 

Update: I did the maths. The £140 is mine! The confusion was that I gave Ben Le Foe some cash so he could buy art and he repaid be via Paypal. Sheesh.








Tuesday, 21 March 2023

NICE Comic Sept 2/3 2023

I'll be attending NICE this year on the weekend of 2/3 Sept. It's been four years since my last con appearance, which also happened to be NICE. I'm opening up my list for commissions that can be picked up at the con. If you're interested in having me draw something for you then contact me via email at johnwatsonart@gmail.com or through FaceBook, if you prefer. 

I'll be bringing pre-done artwork with me to sell on the weekend too, A3 and A4 watercolours as well as sketch covers - both comic book and movie/tv based pieces. 

Also, I'll have copies of my first and (the plan is) second novels to sell, which I'll be happy to sign and draw sketches in. Prints based on the book series will be available to buy at the con which I'll draw quick sketches on/sign for anyone purchasing one. There'll also be prints available for sale that are comic book based, but don't infringe copyright. 

I'll be signing and sketching at the con over the course of the weekend and, as usual, I'll be doing that for free. No reserving slots before the con starts on the Saturday morning. That way everyone has the same opportunity to grab one. 

Let's have a look at examples of art and prices!

First up, we have watercolours. The prices are as follows - A4 single figure, torso or headshot with a basic colour in the background are £70. For more than one figure or something with a more detailed background, we're looking at £80-90. A3 prices are £200 which would be for one or two figures and a basic background (real simple, not buildings or anything). See the descriptions under the following pieces of art for more information.



Reeve A4 watercolour, £70



Goblin A4 watercolour, £70

Guiness Obi-Wan A4 watercolour, £70



Adam West Batman, A4 watercolour, £70



Two-Face v Batman, A3 watercolour, £200

Hobgoblin v Spidey, A3 watercolour, £200


Spidey (after Vess) A3 watercolour with background, £225


Spidey v the Goblin, A3 watercolour with background, £225





Pencil Sketches! While drawing the pencil sketches for sketch roulette this year, I thought, why not make pencil sketches an option? So, something like the A4 pieces below would be £40. Also applicable for pencil art on blank sketch covers. 






This sketch is the from the same ref as the Copic Black Cat sketch below. Thought it'd be a handy comparison between the different styles and finish.



Sketch covers! A b/w single figure, torso or likeness of an actor/actress using Copic markers would be £60. A wrap would be £120. If you want a watercolour wash over the b/w art then it'd be £70. And watercolours on sketch covers are £70 too. Again, a wrap would be double. Anything else, multiple figures, detailed backgrounds etc, let's talk! See examples below.



Black Cat, Copic markers, £60



Bat villains, Copics, £75


Keaton and Nicholson, A4 Copics and wash, £75



Fett, Copics and watercolour wash, £70



Deadpool, Copic and wash, £70



Frank Gorshin, Copics, £60




Luke Skywalker, Copics, £60



Posion Ivy, watercolour, $70



Jessica Jones, Copics and watercolour wash with background, £80



Eartha Kitt Catwoman, Copics, £60



Julie Newmar Catwoman, Copics, £60


Spider Gwen, A3 Copics with partial wash, £120


Hobgoblin v Spidey watercolour, £80



West and Ward Copics, £75

With sketchcovers, bear in mind that the blank covers are of differing quality and range from decent (DC are usually the best and can take paint ok) to Dynamite (like trying to draw or paint on ice).


My commission list is open all year round. As a rule, I don't take money upfront for sketchcovers, watercolours or recreations. However, with the bigger jobs, such as oil paintings, that take a long time to create, I do take a deposit. And, as a result of a couple of people who are currently ghosting me, if you're a new client, it'll now be a 50% deposit upfront for oil paintings. 

I usually stick to watercolour and Copic sketches and watercolours for cons, but I'm happy to do the oils and recreations outside of cons, so if you'd like one (See examples below), please contact me using johnwatsonart@gmail.com or message me on Facebook.




Oil on board, 24" by 16" $3000



Oil on canvas panel 24" by 16" $3000



Oil on canvas panel 18" by 13 " $2250



Oil on canvas panel, 24" by 16" $3000



Oil on canvas panel 18" by 13" $2250



Oil on canvas panel 18" by 13" $2250



Oil on canvas panel 18" by 13" $2250



Oil on canvas panel 18" by 13" $2250



Oil on canvas panel 18" by 13" $2250




Recreations: These are £220 ($300) or around that figure. Digital colour or tonal work pieces are £300 ($400)


Linework with digital colours added. $400. With this you'd get the original line art and a print of the coloured piece at original artwork size


Same deal as with the first recreation above


With the amount of detail in this piece, it'd be £235



£220



£235



Here's the previous piece with digital colouring. With these I try and make the colouring as close to the original cover the art is based on as possible. 



£220