2000th Post!?!?!

Somehow, this is my 2000th post here on the blog. I haven't been paying attention, and I was shocked last week when I realized today would make post 2000. While I am not sure I imagined doing this blog this long, once I begin something, I generally stick with it. And so we find ours here today. To honor this achievement, here is a photo of where I make my art these days, my studio. 

The new seat of power for The Grand Bazaar of Ethra VanDalia.

Hitting the 2000th post made me think about when I hit the 1000th post in 2015. It took me February 2009 till April 2015 to hit 1000 posts and April 2015 to July 2023 to hit 2000 posts. That is roughly 137 posts a year for fourteen and a half years. Not too shabby! To see how things have changed, here is the image of my workspace back in 2015. As you can see, I have definitely upgraded!

Where the art was made in 2015.

As a side note, I was looking carefully at what was on my workstation in 2015, and I could see that I was working on the Concussion Rifle piece that I did for the Star Wars card game. Fun memories of being paid very little for a LOT of work. Concussion Rifle painting is one of the few pieces of art I have made for a client that I decided to keep. There are a few Easter eggs in there and some personal connections, so in the end, I could not part with it.

Here is a list of the number of posts that I published each year. Please note that 2023 is not accurate as I took this screen shot prior to a number of posts going live. You can see that my posts have dwindled a bit over the years, starting with 2018. This is because I began stepping away from freelance work and focusing on the Grand Bazaar. I didn't have a constant stream of client art to share and post about. Also, as the year ticked by, I have found myself with less and less time available for big posts about complicated topics - though I plan to continue those as often as possible. I have one or two planned for the near future. I am not sure anyone finds this stuff interesting, but I sure do. And I appreciate everyone that continues to visit the blog - it means the world to me!

14.5 years and 2000 posts later, I am still here!

Do not forget that this week is Gen Con! I will be away at that and will not post again until next week. If you are attending Gen Con or are in the Indianapolis area, I would love to see you at booth 16 in the Gen Con Art Show! That is all for my 2000th post; I wonder how long it will be till I hit 3000!

That is all for another exciting Monday on the blog. See you back here after Gen Con! Until then...

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

GEN CON NEXT WEEK!

Gen Con begins next week! The best days in gaming start on Thursday, August 3rd, and conclude on Sunday, August 6th, in Indianapolis, IN. This is my eleventh year in the Art Show, if my math is correct, and I am thrilled to be returning with all sorts of goodies from The Grand Bazaar of Ethra VanDalia. Chief among the goodies is many new pieces of art slated for book two. I have only shared a few of these new pieces here on the blog and social media, but those that subscribe to my mailing list have already seen them all. Those attending Gen Con will see all the new art in person and hopefully get some of them a forever home. In addition to the art, I will have books, prints, artist proofs, pins, and of course some other surprises. I hope to see you in Indianapolis!  

See you at Gen Con 2023 for the best four days in gaming!

It will be easy to find this year as I am in art show booth 16. If you are facing the front of the Art Show I am one table in the front left corner. Be sure to say hello! I will be at the booth all day, every day, for the length of Gen Con.

Find the Grand Bazaar of Ethra VanDalia at Art Show Booth 16!

Gen Con 2022 was my best year to date. Let's see if we can't do better this year!

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

"Recent" Magic the Gathering Artist Proof Drawings

Today I have "recent" Magic the Gathering artist proofs that I added a drawing to their backs. All available artist proofs and drawing options can be found on my store. These are from March and are part of a larger token commission that I am doing for one of my favorite collectors. They need a lot of Warrior tokens and they all are Star Wars themed. Hard to not be thrilled to be creating so many fun Star Wars portraits. I present a selection of Star Wars token drawings on the back of Magic the Gathering cards.

Commander Cody, execute Order 66...

 

Lapti nek, rat a ran wim joct co jappi qaff
Lapti nek, kiv ba ha top wep jex pi va bep
Lapti nek, rat a ran wim joct co jeppi quaff

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

The Entertainers - The Grand Bazaar of Ethra VanDalia

I am thrilled to share another new piece from The Grand Bazaar of Ethra VanDalia. This illustration is for Book Two: The Completed Circle. This piece will be the third central environmental plate of the book and depicts some of the many thousands of entertainers that line the streets and avenues of the Grand Bazaar working hard to earn some coins. The only problem is that what some species find appealing and pleasant, others find horrible and grating. Woe to those that do not know their audience. Of the three large environmental pieces that I have been working on, this was the one I most wanted to create. I saved it for last - and it was worth it. I have wanted to create this piece since working on book one, and it was everything I was hoping and waiting for. I am over the moon to debut this at Gen Con next week. I present to you with The Entertainers.

The Entertainers
The Grand Bazaar of Ethra Dalia - The Completed Circle
16 x 20 - Pencil, ink, and acrylic paint on paper
Original - Available on my store
© 2023 Christopher Burdett

 

The Entertainers - Drawing 

16 x 20 - Pencil on paper
© 2023 Christopher Burdett

 

This is the last of three larger pieces I had planned for myself. Now that they are completed, I have moved back to several character illustrations. The completion of this piece also marks a milestone! I am currently a third of the way through the art of the second book. Always more to do, but as long as I stay focused, they will all get completed. Here is a look at the sketch for The Entertainers to show where it began.

 

The Entertainers - Sketch 

Digital
© 2023 Christopher Burdett

As a bonus, I have some images of the rendering process of this piece so that you can get a better idea of it taking shape. 

 

The Entertainers - Process

© 2023 Christopher Burdett

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

Preorder MtG Artist Proof Drawings for Gen Con ENDS TONIGHT!

The window to preorder Magic the Gathering Artist Proof commissions and save on shipping ends tonight at midnight (EST). Here are all the details again to take advantage of this deal!

Head to my STORE and place your order. Use code: GenCon at checkout for free shipping. I will complete your order and have it ready for pickup at Gen Con. I will be at table 16 in the Gen Con art show on all four days of the event. 

Why preorder? First, I will not offer color drawings in person at Gen Con. I can only complete black and white drawings at the booth. Second, while I always do my best, you will receive a better drawing if I can complete it at my drawing table. Third, no need to wait! Your order will be at table 16 in the Gen Con art show. Come to my table, give me your name, and you will receive your order.

Here are examples of the drawings you can expect!

Please be aware if you end up not being able to pick up your order at Gen Con, you will need to pay for shipping so that your order can be delivered after the con. 

Again, head to my STORE and place your order. Use code: GenCon at check out for no shipping charges. And pick up your order at table 16 in the Gen Con art show!

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

Gen Con in TWO WEEKS!

See you at Gen Con 2023 for the best four days in gaming!

Two weeks from today, I will be in the midst of setting up my booth at Gen Con. I am thrilled to be returning to the Gen Con Art Show, and you can find me at booth 16! Near an outer corner of the show, I will be easy to locate for all your Grand Bazaar needs. While I will not be in a featured artist spot this year, I do plan to bring as much of the Grand Bazaar with me as possible. I will have books, original art, prints, pins, artist proofs, and plenty of surprises! I will hopefully have more details and information about the show to share next week as we get closer. You can definitely expect some new art next week that will be making its debut at Gen Con this year.

Gen Con 2022 was my best year to date. Let's see if we can't do better this year!

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

Preorder MtG Artist Proof Drawings for Gen Con!

Are you attending Gen Con in a couple of weeks? Are you planning on getting a Magic the Gathering Artist Proof commission done by me at the con? You are in luck! You can preorder your card now, save the shipping cost, and have the card(s) waiting for you at table 16 in the Gen Con Art Show! 

You heard me right! You can now head to my STORE and place your order now (and until midnight Friday) to preorder for Gen Con! Use code: GenCon at checkout to not pay for shipping. I will complete your order prior to Gen Con and have it ready for pickup at the event. 

Why preorder? First, I will not offer color drawings in person at Gen Con. I can only complete black and white drawings at the booth. Second, while I always do my best, you will receive a better drawing if I can complete it at my drawing table. Third, no need to wait! Your order will be at table 16 in the Gen Con art show. Come to my table, give me your name, and you will receive your order. 

Please be aware if you end up not being able to pick up your order at Gen Con, you will need to pay for shipping so that your order can be delivered after the con.

Here are examples of the drawings you can expect!

Again, head to my STORE and place your order. Use code: GenCon at check out for no shipping charges. And pick up your order at table 16 in the Gen Con art show!

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

Sibriex 2D Miniature

Last month, I shared that there are now 2D acrylic versions of some of my Dungeons & Dragons monsters available. Today, I have for you the mighty Sibriex! Sibriex is one of those monsters that I never envisioned them making the first miniature for it, let alone a second. Not that I think it is undeserving of the miniature treatment, it is that Sibriex is a massive ooze-dripping demon chained to the ground. But, as I love nearly all monsters, I love to see that Sibriex is back and has been turned into a new mini. I updated the design and painted Sibriex for Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes, and here is how the final painting turned out.

Sibriex

Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes

11 x 14 - Digital

Art Director - Kate Irwin

© 2018 Wizards of the Coast LLC

If you want to seek out this set, here is an image of the packaging. The 2D Sibriex can be found in Boneyard Set 1 of the D&D Idols of the Realms line of miniatures.

Boneyard Set 1

I find these to be very fun. The minis are very high quality, and the printing is excellent. There are bases for all miniatures, which are arranged by size. Here is the 2D version of Sibriex.

Sibriex 2D Miniature

I find it interesting that the pose of the 2D image is flipped from the 3D miniature. I guess this is an easy way to make them different and unique. You can compare the 3D mini to the 2D. I like them both and would always go for a 3D piece in the end, but the appearance, color, and detail are all superior in the 2D mini. To each their own, and more minis are fine by me. 

Sibriex Miniature

That's 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

"Recent" Magic the Gathering Artist Proof Drawings

Today I have "recent" Magic the Gathering artist proofs that I added a drawing to their backs. All available artist proofs and drawing options can be found on my store. These are from April, as I am still playing catchup with sharing these. I present a selection of monster drawings on the back of Magic the Gathering cards.

I was asked to put a Judoon from Dr. Who on the back of a Bribe Taker.

This is one of my favorites that I have done. I am very happy with how the paint and marker went down and with some of the more painterly effects I achieved.

A sailback on the back of a sailback. RAWR!

And lastly, a proper Bribe Taker on the back of a... Bribe Taker.

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

Inifinity Con 2023 Recap

This past weekend was Infinity Con 2023 in Tallahassee, Fl. As the hometown convention, it was great to take part and share my art with a local crowd. It was an amazing weekend, and it flew by. Saturday was a crazy busy day with huge crowds from open to close, with the typical slump around 4:00 being a little noticeable. Sunday was slower but still a fun day. I had the wonderful opportunity to meet many awesome folks and share my work with them. The convention was bigger, better, and busier than last year. And last year was really great. My sales were up, mainly because of original sales, which is wonderful. Nearly all of the sales were for books and items related to the Grand Bazaar - which is to be expected as that is what I now focus the booth on. It is a true pleasure to share the Grand Bazaar with people and to see some of the excitement I have for the world rub off on others. I did not see much of the show this year, but I did have time to catch up with friends, do a panel, and pick up some vinyl. Here are images and additional thoughts about this past weekend. 

The booth is a little different each time it appears in the wild as each event is a little different and offers different opportunities and (spacial) challenges. This year at Infinity Con, the top banner and podium are new. They were added at Gen Con last year. They really tie the booth together.

Before the booth is all pretty and ready for the convention, it starts as a pile of boxes and totes. I had to set up by myself this year, but it all turned out fine. It took two trips to get the booth to the venue due to only having one car to use. This is one of the many reasons I now use a trailer for conventions.

After the work is all done, the booth is ready for the crowds!

I pose with the booth!

I have been on many panels with Mark Maddox at Pensacon, so it was fun to have just the two of us doing a panel here in our home city. We talked about monsters, making art, and a lot of other slightly related topics. Thank you to all who brought questions to the panel.

As I mentioned, I did sell some originals at Infinity Con. Always nice to know they are going to a wonderful forever home. Thank you, Gail!

I pose with the booth again!

My friend R2 stopped by the booth this weekend to say hi. 

Unfortunately, we don't serve their kind here. All droids must be taken outside :)

Lastly, a vendor was selling an amazing selection of vinyl.

Since it was such a great weekend, I treated myself to some treasures.

A huge thanks go out to David Heringer for having me as a guest and hosting such a fun event, my wife Achsa for all her help over the weekend, and all those that attended Infinity Con 2023 this weekend and stopped by to learn more about the Grand Bazaar!

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

Infinity Con 2023 - TOMORROW!

Infinity Con is this weekend in Tallahassee, Fl. I hope to see you there for two days of monsters, fun, comics, art, games, panels, performance, cosplay, and MORE! I will be there all weekend as a guest with the entirty of the Grand Bazaar of Ethra VanDalia with me. I will also be part of a panel with Mark Maddox as we talk about monsters and making them. See you there!

Come see me and many others at Infinity Con this July 8th and 9th!

Come see Mark Maddox and me as we talk about monsters and our careers in making them!

See you on the main stage at 2 PM on Saturday, July 8th, at Infinity Con!

That is all for another exciting week on the blog. See you back here next week for a recap of Infinity Con! Until then...

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