The DOODLES, DESIGNS, and aRT of CHRISTOPHER BURDETT: April 2020

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Star Wars Process - Bossk

I have waited a long time to share the process for this painting. At times I considered never sharing it. Four years on, I am comfortable sharing it and talking a little more about this piece. I have talked a LOT about this piece over the past four years, and this will likely be the last time I mention it.

For those that know me, I have a particular love for Star Wars, specifically the monsters and aliens in the Star Wars universe. I watched the original Star Wars movie in the theaters when it was released, and it changed everything for me. I was only three years old, but it had a profound impact on my career and passion as an artist. The cantenna scene specifically had a significant effect on my young mind. I didn't know what I was seeing, but I wanted to make it. I have spent my life making monsters, I continue to make monsters. The work that I have done on the Star Wars games is some of my favorite client work and something I am still proud of to this day. Through the game art, I was able to be a part of Star Wars and create my own little corner of that universe. It is something I will also be thankful for FFG for giving me that opportunity.

Of the monsters and aliens in the Star Wars universe, my favorite character and alien is Bossk. The reptilian Trandoshan bounty hunter instantly caught my eye, and though he only was in the Empire Strikes Back for seconds, I was forever in love. The character has since been fleshed out in cartoons, books, comics, and games, and I have enjoyed every second of it. I perused the opportunity to work on a Bossk piece for some time, but the time was always off. FINALLY, it all came together, and I was able to create an official Bossk painting. Here is the final version of my Bossk painting.

Bossk - Final Version
X-Wing Nationals Tournament Alternate Art
16 x 12 - Traditional with digital edits and finish

The narrative of the painting is that Chewbacca was the prey that got away. Out of all of Bossk's successes, the hunt that never resulted in a kill was his pursuit of Chewbacca. You might think that this narrative is a little hollow in the image, well things have a way of changing along the way. With every piece of art I make, it starts out with reference. Such as this image.

Reference Photo

Photo by Achsa Nute

This is but one of the many images of me making my best Bossk impression. I wanted to make a connection between Bossk and the holo image of Chewbacca. Now that I had reference, it was time to work on some thumbnails.

Bossk - Thumbnails
Digital

These thumbnails were well received, but there were some requests and some issues with templates, cropping, and final card arrangement. I needed to move the composition around a little and make it a little more dynamic. Here is the revised thumbnail.

Bossk - Revised thumbnail
Digital

This updated thumbnail was approved, and I was given the go-ahead to move forward with the final drawing. To this day, this is one of my favorite drawings that I created for the Star Wars games, which is why it is the only drawing that I have kept. Here is the final drawing.

Bossk - Drawing
X-Wing Nationals Tournament Alternate Art
17 x 14 - Pencil on paper

Original - NFS

The drawing was approved, and it was time to paint. I created this piece a little larger than I usually worked at the time. I wanted to give it the size and attention is deserved now that I was finally painting Bossk. Here is an animated process of the painting coming together. As with most of my paintings, I work back to the front, leaving the main elements to the end. There is a rather pronounced jump in the image of the painting at the end, this is a result of the photos of the painting while working on compared to the final scan of the painting.

Bossk - Painting Process

Here is the final scan of my Bossk painting. I was pleased with it, and it was everything I had hoped to do with the painting and the character. The painting was approved, and I moved onto other work.

Bossk - Original
X-Wing Nationals Tournament Alternate Art
16 x 12 - Acrylic and pencil on board

Original - SOLD

Three months after the painting was approved, I was asked to make significant edits to the piece. As a professional, I made these changes. I do not need to agree with the changes, but I need to do the best job I am capable of to ensure that the edits and changes are made to the expectations of the client. This is just the way of things. Here is an image of the parts of the painting that were still approved.

Bossk - Approved elements

Since it was such a profound change to the painting, I started over with thumbnails to ensure that the client and I were on the same page and in agreement with what needed to be done. It was agreed that Bossk needed to be in an interior location, possible in a cantenna without figures in the background, or simply against a wall. Here are the new background thumbnails for the painting.

Bossk - New background thumbnails
Digital

Option C was chosen. While it was a little bland, I went with their choice and moved forward with having Bossk against a wall. Here is the process of the background being added digitally to the painting.

Bossk - Edits Painting Process

While it is far from where it began, I made the requested updates and presented the client with the edits and changes they wanted. Here is the updated Bossk painting with a sterilized background.

Bossk - Background Version 1
X-Wing Nationals Tournament Alternate Art
16 x 12 - Traditional with digital edits and finish

After submitting the new version of the painting, I was told that the background needed to be a spaceship interior with windows showing space in the background. This was news to me, but again, as a professional, I moved forward with making additional changes to this painting. Here is the painting process for turning the wall into a spaceship interior.

Bossk - Contuned Edits Painting Process

For a third time, I submitted a final for this painting, and for a second time, it was accepted.

Bossk - Final Version
X-Wing Nationals Tournament Alternate Art
16 x 12 - Traditional with digital edits and finish

After all of this work, changed, and edits here is the final card produced using the painting.

Final Bossk production card

During the painting of this piece, I stood back and took a photo of my workstation. I was excited about this piece and really happy with how it was turning out. I could not wait to share it when it came out.

The painting on my workstation nearing completion.

And this ends the journey of my Bossk painting. May it now be put to rest, and we can all move on. I have spoken.

That is all for another exciting Wednesday on the blog, see you back here on Friday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Monday, April 27, 2020

D&D Monster Cards Challenge 0-5 - The Return of the Monsters

Back in 2018, a deck of monster cards was released featuring the monsters found in the 5th Edition D&D Monster Manual. That means that a bunch of my monsters got to see use in handy dandy card form. Unlike some other products that saw the reuse of my work, these cards clearly credit me as the artist, which is very much appreacited. I am still very happy with the work I did on the Monster Manual and the concept phase of getting 5th Edition up and going, so it is nice to see this art getting another use. Here is the packing for the cards as well as the cards featuring my art.

D&D Monster Cards Challenge 0-5

Definitely some of my favorite monsters and paintings of monsters that I have done for D&D. Here are better images of all the paintings featured on the cards.

Aarakocra

8x11 - Digital

Ankheg

8x11 - Digital

Fire Snake

8x11 - Digital

Salamander

8x11 - Digital

That is all for another exciting Monday on the blog, see you back here on Wednesday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Friday, April 24, 2020

Kickstarter Roundup - Panakal

Today on the blog, I wanted to point out a current Kickstarter project by my friend Allen Panakal that I think you all might be interested in. Allen is a singular artist with a bold and unique style. His work stands out from the majority of the artists I know, and for me, it was instantly captivating. If you have not already checked him out, you should do so NOW!

Allen Panakal's Ancient Ones: Sacraments of the Lost Ones Kickstarter

Here is some more information about the project in Allen's own words:

"The Ancient Ones is about one man’s discovery of extraterrestrial civilizations that have been manipulating humanity. As he travels the Milky Way, a seemingly chance encounter with an alien cabal makes him realize that he is the key to a galactic world machine. Now, he's tasked with saving Earth or letting it perish along with many other planets.

I've been illustrating the Ancient Ones since 2014, but I've been writing it since 2009. This is Book One of a potential four-book series. I'm slowly creating my own sci-fi world for my characters and stories to live in. I'm asking for your help to make these books a reality."

As a builder of worlds and a teller of stories, I am SO excited about Allen's first book becoming a reality. He needs your help now to get this project over the finish line. As I write this, it is well on its way to being funded.

Book 1: Ancient Ones: Sacraments of the Lost Ones

There are many tiers to support Allen and his work at, as well as a ton of add-ons so that you can get as much of his work as you would like. There are even high-end tiers where you can get large metal prints of his key pieces, AND they are offered at an exclusive discounted price. We are stocking up on the metal bookmarks, you can never have too many bookmarks! Now is the time to support Allen and ensure that his project becomes a reality! Head over the Kickstarter and check out this fantastic project!
That is all for another exciting week on the blog, see you back here next week! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Into The Ultra Interview

I recently had the extreme delight to be interviewed by Brain Stillman for his new series, Into The Ultra! It was a blast to sit and chat with Brian about Magic the Gathering, D&D, Star Wars, and the Grand Bazaar of Ethra VanDalia. I have known Brain for years, and it was so exciting to be a part of his new project. You can watch the interview here or over on YouTube, and be sure to check out the Facebook page.

That is all for another exciting Wednesday on the blog, see you back here on Friday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Monday, April 20, 2020

Arkham Horror: Final Hour - The Return of Unbound!

While I am usually sharing the reuse of my Star Wars work, today I have something a little different. One of the monsters that I originally created for the Call of Cthulhu card game has recently resurfaced in the Arkham Horror expansion, Final Hour. The piece reused was titled Unbound! and features my redesign of the Crawling One that I did for Mansions of Madness games and miniatures way back in 2011. Here is a look at the book art for Final Hour, pretty neat! Now, let's take a look inside.

Arkham Horror expansion Final Hour

Look at all these tokins. Lots of monsters on them, but one of them looks somewhat familiar.

Ah, yes! Here's one that looks very familiar indeed!

Cropped and stuck on a piece of cardboard, the Crawling One is still looking good after all these years. Too bad, there was not the room for the early artist cameo that appears in the original art. Nine years later, there is so much I would change about this piece, but we live and learn, and that is the whole point.

Unbound!
Call of Cthulhu: Silver Twilight Lodge

9.3 x 6.9 - Digital
© 2011 Fantasy Flight Games

As an added bonus, here is my turnaround for the Crawling One miniature that I created before getting the Unbound! assignment. I was asked to redesign the monster for the miniatures and give it a new spin. With all my miniature work, it was super fun to work on. I kind of miss those miniature designing days.

Crawling One
Mansions of Madness

12 x 9 - Pencil on paper - 3 separate drawings
© 2011 Fantasy Flight Games

That is all for another exciting Monday on the blog, see you back here on Wednesday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Friday, April 17, 2020

From the Vault: Social Norms Campaign

Over a decade ago, I was asked to create some social norms posters for a group that was targeting high school students in the Florida Panhandle. For those unfamiliar with social norms campaigns, it is a strategy to show that the majority of students in a given area do not take part in underage drinking, smoking, illegal drugs, etc. It shows that harmful and unlawful behavior is not as typical as it might appear and should be avoided. This work was done through the day job, and I wanted to approach it by using some of the popular internet memes of the time. What was hot at the time are now blasts from the past. I am not sure whatever happened to this project, I had to leave it to address higher priority assignments and the team that was brought it seemed to flounder in my absence. I do not think that any of my work was ever used, and that might be for the best. Here are some mockups, comps, and final versions for your viewing pleasure.

The owls were a popular meme of the time, and I thought they were fun.

I ended up doing a lot of owl images.

HA! HA! I always like this guy.

This is where we really strayed into dicey territory. The client insisted that we had a lot of flexibility with copyright and trademark due to the nature of the campaign. I was not as well versed with copyright as I am now, but even then, this seems a bit sketchy. Nothing was ever done with them, so hopefully no harm and no foul. I miss Ask a Ninja.

This was most likely my favorite of the ones that I made.

I assured the client that the students would understand this one.

I think this was as close to a completed version of any of my posters as I got. We looped back around to the owls, and that seemed to click with the client.

Maybe one of these made it out into the world, but I really think that none of them did. Oh well. It was a fun distraction at the time and allowed me to do something a little different.

That is all for another exciting week on the blog, see you back here on Monday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Theros Beyond Death Artist Proofs NOW AVAILABLE!

Artist proofs of my Theros Beyond Death cards, Shimmerwing Chimera, Stinging Lionfish, and Nylea's Forerunner, are NOW AVAILABLE on my store! If you are interested in the Shimmerwing Chimera (and FOIL!), Stinging Lionfish (and FOIL!), and Nylea's Forerunner (and FOIL!) artist proofs, now is the time to act! All of my artist proofs come signed and numbered, and the standard APs are limited to 50, and the Foil versions are limited to 30. As always, there is an option to just buy the artist proof or to get a unique, one of a kind sketch on the back of the card.

Theros Beyond Death Artist Proofs are now available!

Don't forget...

All of my Magic the Gathering Artist Proofs for all your Artist Proof needs!

All signed and numbered for your enjoyment!

That's all for another exciting Wednesday on the blog, see you back here on Friday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Monday, April 13, 2020

AradaniCon Wrap Up

This past Friday and Saturday, I was able to take part in AradaniCon, a free online convention hosted by the good folks at Aradani Studios. There were panel, demos, cosplay, artist hangouts, gaming, and a late-night digital dance party. While I could not attend as much as I would have liked (computer failures and unexpected real-world issues), I took part in the artist hang out and Sam Flegal's panel, How to Find Your Voice as an Artist. It was Sam, Allen Panakal, and me talking about art, making art, inspiration, and more. We took questions from those watching live, and I had a blast. It is available in its entirety on YouTube.

How to Find Your Voice as an Artist

For the time being, I think this may be the way of things, and I see more of this happening in general in the future. It was fun, easy, costs only time, and was a way to connect with people all around the country and world nearly seamlessly. A HUGE thanks to all the Bielaczycs and all of their work done to get things up and working, inviting me to take part, and making it all happen. Really good times!

That's all for another exciting Monday on the blog, see you back here on Wednesday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Friday, April 10, 2020

AradaniCon - A FREE Online Convention Starts TODAY!

In a few hours from when I am typing this, the FREE online convention, AradaniCon, will begin. Events run through midnight tonight (central time) and will start again tomorrow at noon and will continue till...? with the late-night digital dance party. All of the details are below! I will be taking part in an artist hangout tonight and an artist panel discussion tomorrow. Hope to see you there!

FB Event

Website

Discord (the Convention Lobby for us)

AradaniCon is a FREE online convention that started in 2020. We all know why we have to have it online, but why do it?

• Social interaction. Conventions are being canceled, and we need a way to connect with each other.

• Helping artists. Artists and makers are having a rough time during this time, and we all need to band together and help out!

• Helping fandom. Patrons of conventions and festivals are having a rough time missing out on their social interactions at these events. This is a way for us to all come together.

Where do we start?

The main “Lobby” for the convention will be the Aradani Discord channel. We will be posting the schedule there, as well as just having a general chat. We can also subdivide if the lobby gets too crowded.

What will be at AradaniCon?

• Panels: We will have a full schedule of panels, hosted by the best in the industry. These will last from 1 to 2 hours, with extended discussions in Discord. Panels will be streaming on Youtube and/or Twitch.
• Dealer’s Hall: Our panelists will be selling their wares online, and some with discounts!
• Gaming: We hope to have a full schedule of gaming online, but at minimum, Mike will host a SagaBorn game or two that weekend!
• Costume Masquerade: We will have a panel or webpage showcasing costumes, with awards given!
• Late Night Digital Dance Party: That’s right, we can still enjoy music and dancing like no one's watching.
I hope to see you there!

That's all for another exciting week on the blog, see you back here on Monday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

AradaniCon - A FREE Online Convention THIS WEEKEND!

I am happy to share with you the details of a very cool event happening this weekend. An event that I will be a part of! This weekend, starting Friday, April, 10th the fantastic folks at Aradani Studios will be hosting a FREE online convention, AradaniCon. I will take part in two of the MANY panels and events they have planned. All of the links, details, and information you will need to take part is just below on this page. Be sure to stop by the A Drink at the Artist’s Bar panel Friday night and the How to find your voice as an artist panel on Saturday afternoon. I will be paneling with some fantastic folks, and it should be a fun time for all with plenty of opportunities to talk to the artists and ask questions.

FB Event

Website

Discord (the Convention Lobby for us)

Where do we start?

What will be at AradaniCon?

• Panels: We will have a full schedule of panels, hosted by the best in the industry. These will last from 1 to 2 hours, with extended discussions in Discord. Panels will be streaming on Youtube and/or Twitch.
• Dealer’s Hall: Our panelists will be selling their wares online, and some with discounts!
• Gaming: We hope to have a full schedule of gaming online, but at minimum, Mike will host a SagaBorn game or two that weekend!
• Costume Masquerade: We will have a panel or webpage showcasing costumes, with awards given!
• Late Night Digital Dance Party: That’s right, we can still enjoy music and dancing like no one's watching.
I hope to see you there!

That's all for another exciting Wednesday on the blog, see you back here on Friday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Monday, April 6, 2020

Smuggler Gambler Specialization Deck - The Return of the Arcona Rumor Monger... AGAIN

I have for you today another instance of my Star Wars work being reused on various other Star Wars products. This time around, I have for you the Smuggler Gambler Specialization Deck from 2015. This one totally slipped under my radar until last year when I ran across it. I hadn't the time to share it until now. The Smuggler Gambler Specialization Deck sees the return of the Arcona Rumor Monger that I originally painted in 2013 for the Balance of the Force expansion to the Star Wars Card Game. Here is a look at the much-repeated incarnation of the art as the Convincing Demeanor.

Convincing Demeanor

Smuggler Gambler Specialization Deck

This piece has made the rounds before having been used in the RPG and in another specialization decks. It seems to continue to be popular and may well be my most reused piece from Star Wars, if not all my client work. If for some reason you are hunting down the Smuggler Gambler Specialization Deck to complete your collection of my work, here is an image of the front of the packaging so that you can get the correct one.

Smuggler Gambler Specialization Deck - For all your smuggler gambler needs

Lastly, here is the original illustration for the Arcona Rumor Monger. You can have a look at the entire scene of me sitting at the kitchen table with a tub of cat food speaking to the camera.

Arcona Rumor Monger

Balance of the Force - Star Wars Card Game expansion

9.8 x 7.6 - Digital

That is all for another exciting Monday on the blog, see you back here on Wednesday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Friday, April 3, 2020

Kickstarter Roundup - Ellis

Today on the blog, I wanted to point out a current Kickstarter project by my friend Steve Ellis that I think you all might be interested in. Steve is an amazing artist spanning several styles and genres, and if you have not already checked him out, you should do so NOW!

Steve Ellis's Thornclaw Manor Illustrated Poker Deck and Art Book Kickstarter

Steve Ellis has a vast and varied resume, and he is currently building his own family and world of monsters because ALL the cool kids are doing this now! Steve is working on a new lavishly illustrated poker deck and art book featuring brand new members of The Thornclaw Manor Monster Family. You may remember his previously released deck form a couple years ago featuring the family, we those decks are sold out, and he has created a brand new deck. If you missed out on the first deck, FEAR NAUGHT! The original deck is getting reprinted and available as part of this Kickstarter. Here is a glimpse of what you can expect.

The New Thornclaw Manor Monster Family Poker Deck!

What I am most excited about...

The Art Book! A hundred pages of character art, sketches and designs, and process pics!

And much more, including an enamel pin! Head over to the Kickstarter and check it all out. Steve is fully funded, has nine days to go, and is closing in on his first stretch goal! Now is the time to get on board and check it all out!

That is all for another exciting week on the blog, see you back here next week! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Pensacon 2020 Recap - A Month Late

A month ago, I enjoyed an amazing Pensacon, one of the best yet. Then things got crazy. Now, a month later, things are still pretty crazy for a lot of reasons, but I now have time to share some thoughts and images from Pensacon 2020.

It was a tremendous show for so many reasons. Chief among them being that the Kickstarter for The Grand Bazaar of Ethra VanDalia launched during the show, and was funded in five hours. That is enough to make for an exciting weekend, but there was so much more. So many friends attend Pensacon that there is a familiar face wherever you turn, and that makes for a super fun convention. The guest list was top-notch, and there were several that I was eager to, and did, meet. I try to keep some semblance of a cool demeanor around celebrities, but in the presence of Wierd Al, I lost it. I am a strong human, but not fanboying out to Wierd Al strong. The panels that I was on were a ton of fun, and I really enjoyed the interaction with my fellow guests and those in attendance. I also had a really good show financially as well, and that does not hurt. Lastly, it was great to see so many in attendance having a lot of fun. A HUGE thanks go to Mike Ensley for continuing to have me back and for creating such an amazing and fun convention.

Here are some images from throughout the weekend.

Since we are only three hours from the convention, we head over the day before to get set up and to have some downtime leading up to the doors opening on Friday afternoon. I made sure to load the car up with everything I could since Pensacon will be the final show as I have done them. Here on out, The Grand Bazaar will take over my convention presence and will be what I am promoting.

The calm before the storm. Soon there will be a teaming throng eager to get in... oh! We can see the water this year.

The vendors have begun load in as I prepare to get set up.

And just like that, my table is ready to go. Lots of deals, sales, and bargains to be had at Pensacon 2020! Everything MUST go!

They are getting the band back together.

Now THAT is the Pensacon I am used to. It was SO busy this year. There was no way for photos to really depict how crowded it got at times.

My view from for the monster makers panel.

Oh, there were some monsters on the stage talking about monsters.

I was a blathering fool.

Now this was AWESOME. I had a lovely chat...

...and got this signed.

I also got to meet Evil and Sark all at once. David Warner was a genuinely nice man, and I got to tell him how much his performance as Evil in Time Bandits really affected me in a good way.

I am not packing up to leave, we just had an excellent weekend, and at the end, there was nothing for the wall. This was a first for me, and if there was going to be a weekend and a show for it to happen, I am so glad it was at Pensacon 2020.

As we have for the past several years, we stay an extra day and head to the beach with Mike, Laura, and Paul Bielaczyc for a breather after the con. Silliness and fun were had, and it is the perfect way to end any convention.

I am already excited about Pensacon 2021 and I hope that we are all there, healthy, and ready for fun!

That is all for another exciting Wednesday on the blog, see you back here on Friday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com