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links
Links to my favorite artists, toy sites, and more
Artists that have influenced me
All the artists listed on this page have one thing in common and thats they can draw...period. If you don't have this foundation than you will never be able to raise to the levels these artists have. They all have influenced me in many direct and indirect ways.
I studied under Kazu, and to this day still draw upon his teachings. His use of color and montage are the best in the profession. He's done it all from Star Wars posters and postage stamps to hundreds of paperback book covers. If you get a chance to see one of his originals, you'll marvel at all the layers of subtle color, which are lost in reproductions.
Although not a fully functional site this is presently Blackshears official homepage. Blackshear remains one of my all time favorite artists. His use of dramatic lighting harks back to the golden age of illustration. From postage stamps to movie posters, Blackshear excels at it all.
No, not the director ! Rodriquez has been an early and steady influence on my art. His ability to paint with stylized strokes continues to amaze me. His art deco influenced paintings are truely breathtaking. I couldn't find a web site devoted solely to him , but have linked to one of his art reps.
Absolutely stunning artwork , period. Check out his site and pick up his current art book. You have to see one his huge paintings up close to really appreciate the craftsmanship. Makes me want to quit painting.. :-P or try even harder !
Shigeru Komatsuzaki produced over a thousand pieces of art during the golden age (1960-70's ) of japanese toys and models. Komatsuzaki's career spanned from the 40's thru the 90's , and his dynamic images graced Bullmark packaging, picture books and model kit boxes. Not many of his original paintings survive, as a massive fire consumed nearly all his classic paintings...but we at least have all the wonderful box art to drool over. I look to his work for it's dramatic use of colors and movement..giving life to these toys.
Noritsuna Maemura
Like Komatsuzaki , Maemura illustrated hundreds of classic japanese toy header and backing cards during the 1970's. Chances are if you own a Bullmark toy than you've seen his amazing work first hand. It was only recently that I discovered who this artist was and realizing that he illustrated many of the classic toy packaging I have in my collection. I prefer Maemuras technique over that of Komatsuzaki, perhaps because he uses the airbrush...but obviously both have a great impact on my art.
Best know for his album covers for Earth, Wind and Fire, ELO among many others. Probably my first exposure to the airbrush used on these album covers.
I look at several Japanese books I have on Nagaoka for inspiration all the time for both technique and colors.
San Francisco Society Of Illustrators
Professional illustrators of San Francisco association.
Other influences on my art
Ultimate Ultraman Toy Collection
My collection of ultraman figures and toys. The largest collection , featuring toys from the 60's thru present time, as well as many rare stage prop masks, and store displays.
My toy company , featuring licensed Japanese toys and unique Artists Toys.